I have tried to think of ways around the MCAT, and I came up with none, so I took it for a second time and 6 months of hard studies gave me almost nothing. I was rather disappointed. Any more infor I can get would be helpful. Would it even be worth it to e-mail Dr. Meyer?
Are you re-taking the MCAT? What about volunteer, clinical and work experiance? Do you think they count for anything or does it all come down to the numbers?
I don't think it would hurt to try to call Dr. Meyer, but my bigger concern would be your MCAT issue. As stated by Banjo64dd and myself, such programs want people who will have a high chance of getting in. In addition to that, you will complete with people with high GPA/MCAT. Given your two tries at taking the MCAT, and as you put it, the dissappointing results both times, I would suggest that you rethink how you study for the MCAT, or consider alternatives. Even if you get into the EVMS program, you will still have to have a good MCAT score to get into med school. Based on my experience with our med schools here in CA, and various post-bacc programs, the GPA/MCAT issue is HUGE.
Extracurriculars are SECONDARY given that a person can volunteer their lives to humanitarian aid, but still have non-competative GPA/MCAT scores. This tells adcoms that you are at high risk for not surviving the first two years of med school and/or not passing standardized exams (e.g., the USMLE). The same applies to post-bacc, grad programs, and SMPs. I've stated this in previous threads, such programs, including med schools want to see results rather than unrelated factors and empty promises. We can all understand that someone who has good grades and good MCAT scores has a higher chance of surviving med school or SMPs. There are certainly exceptions, but here one must draw the line between your grades not showing your true abilities vs. just hoping that you will "do well" when you're in the program.
I've known people that had some other issue that prevented them from doing well in school or on the MCAT. Upon resolution, they excelled in whatever they did. Conversely, I've known people who said they just need to get into some program, say med school, or a post-bacc program, to motivate themselves to do well. Sadly, they end up failing out of the program. Two years ago one such person failed out of a med school, and that is quite embarassing..and for the most part, no US med school would accept him if he reapplies. Therefore, although I encourage you to seek more info about what to do (e.g., call Dr. Meyer if need be), I also recommend doing some soul searching about WHY your MCAT score has not improved despite taking it twice.
