First MD interview coming up but MCAT score is a big red flag

[Tapepsi]

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So I have my first MD interview coming up at the end of this month at PSU 🙂thumbup🙂 which strikes me as odd b/c I was told by my premed advisor that my chances of an invitation there were extremely low given my mcat score which is 27P (VR: 9, PS: 8, BS: 10). According to MSAR, PSU's MCAT range (10-90%) is 28-36 so I clearly fall below the 10%.

Now some people say that if you get an invite the school has seen your stats as adequate and now just want to get to know you. But I know for a fact that if anything is below average, they will ask you about it. This is what I am planning on saying (which is the truth). Do you think this is acceptable to say? That I had planned on studying for the MCAT the spring semester of my junior year but that I also was taking 7 classes, each of which were very demanding (especially my research class and physiology class). By the time finals came around in may, I had little studying done even though I was enrolled in an online class (which I admit was a mistake doing since I never kept up with any of the courses). Anyway I really only had 1 month of preparation for my mcat. At that time though I was also had a summer internship shadowing surgeons which took up a fair amount of time. So I took the mcat and thought that I did decent, but I registered for a 2nd one in august "just in case" and focused on my internship. After receiving a score of 24P (VR: 6, PS: 9, BS: 9) I realized I needed to retake it and studied for 2 weeks in order to have a new score out there early so that med schools would still get my apps at a decent time in this cycle.

Now I realize that this is not an excuse and I know that I have made bad decisions (including studying for only 2 weeks and retaking the mcat). But is this a valid response to this question? I would hate for them to reject me because of my mcat score and I know that I could do so much better had I given myself more prep time. I also feel like I'm a good fit for their school after putting a lot of time and effort into researching PSU and I want to make sure they know that I'd go there in a second if I was accepted.

So any thoughts? I realize this is really long. Sorry about that. Ha ha

 

[DaisyBuchanan]

I too have academic skeletons in the closet, and will have to explain them in interviews. I think the important thing is to explain what you learned from the experience (i.e. how to prioritize and not take on too many things) and maybe give an example of how you got through a comparable situation more recently.

I clearly do not have the knowledge of an adcom, but that's my advice. Good luck on your interview! 👍

 

[rhesuspieces]

Excuses are never a good idea. No offense, but you weren't dealing with any circumstances beyond what the average student experiences. I'd be surprised if you're asked about it, but if you are just say you had less time to study than you expected and you did your best given the circumstances. Leave it at that.

 

[Tapepsi]

I too have academic skeletons in the closet, and will have to explain them in interviews. I think the important thing is to explain what you learned from the experience (i.e. how to prioritize and not take on too many things) and maybe give an example of how you got through a comparable situation more recently.

I clearly do not have the knowledge of an adcom, but that's my advice. Good luck on your interview! 👍

Thanks I'm excited for the interview. And yes I think you're right take the negative and turn it into a learning experience.

Excuses are never a good idea. No offense, but you weren't dealing with any circumstances beyond what the average student experiences. I'd be surprised if you're asked about it, but if you are just say you had less time to study than you expected and you did your best given the circumstances. Leave it at that.

Good idea yeah someone else told me this. Don't go into too much detail and then move on. Also you make a good point as all premed students have a heavy course load. Thanks! 👍

 

[Musclemass]

If I follow what you've said, you've taken the MCAT twice and scored 27 and 24?

I wouldn't spend any time at all talking about why you twice had poor results, doing so won't make a positive impression. You may be asked to do some 'splainin, but I would stay far away from trying to rationalize the results. Try instead to get by with just a brief comment, like "I was disappointed with my scores, I think I am capable of doing much better work" and leave it at that.

 

[wanderer]

Odds are pretty good that they will ask you about it, so prepare a good answer.

 

[Tapepsi]

If I follow what you've said, you've taken the MCAT twice and scored 27 and 24?

I wouldn't spend any time at all talking about why you twice had poor results, doing so won't make a positive impression. You may be asked to do some 'splainin, but I would stay far away from trying to rationalize the results. Try instead to get by with just a brief comment, like "I was disappointed with my scores, I think I am capable of doing much better work" and leave it at that.

Yeah I got a 24 the first time and then a 27 the second time. And yeah I agree trying to rationalize the results will probably hurt me.

 

[Tapepsi]

Also even if I had an awesome interview could my MCAT score still lead them to rejecting me? I also forgot to include the rest of my stats:
3.93 cGPA/sGPA, EC's (I won't list them all) but they include activities such as 200+ hours volunteering at my local hospital and building houses w/ habitat 4 humanity, clinical experience w/ both pediatrics and surgery (both of my interests), and good LOR's (including one who is an alumni from PSU's MD school).

 

[rhesuspieces]

Also even if I had an awesome interview could my MCAT score still lead them to rejecting me? I also forgot to include the rest of my stats:
3.93 cGPA/sGPA, EC's (I won't list them all) but they include activities such as 200+ hours volunteering at my local hospital and building houses w/ habitat 4 humanity, clinical experience w/ both pediatrics and surgery (both of my interests), and good LOR's (including one who is an alumni from PSU's MD school).

I'm no expert, of course, since I'm still in the application process myself, but obviously since you were offered an interview they saw something in your application that they liked. Sounds like you have solid ECs and a good head on your shoulders. Your MCAT puts you at a disadvantage compared to other students, but I don't think that alone will be grounds for rejection. You'll have to check with an advisor, but I'm pretty sure your MCAT doesn't matter so much after you've interviewed.

 

[startswithb]

I just want to address a common myth that has been mentioned here and other places a few times.

Last year I received an MD interview at my state school with a 24 MCAT. I knew it was low, but I thought, "hey! Since I got an interview, they must have looked past the score." I walked into interview day so confident that my personality and experiences would be all I needed to seal the deal.

Then I meet my interviewer. She asks me about my MCAT and I stated that I was working full-time while preparing, and that I do not belive it reflected my abilities. Then she says, "well....if you don't get in this year...and I'm not saying you won't!...I would suggest taking it again. If we get another applicant like you but with 10's, they will be accepted before you."

I was blindsided. She basically told me I had no chance. I suddenly lost all confidence and seriously wondered why I was even there. I then spent the next hour and a half until my next interview crying in the hospital waiting room. I knew it was over.

It was. REJECTED.*

So my advice is, don't get your hopes up. My experience is obviously not indicative of every school, but I am sure I am not the only one who has experienced this.

*I believe my interview was sort of an in-state courtesy interview. The admissions director was very nice to let me ask him questions about how to improve my application. I am interviewing again this year in a few weeks (MCAT +7).

 

[coup de chance]

Yeah, 27 is on the low side. But I know people who get in with the same or lower. To US MD. So don't give up hope.

Prepare the hell out out of this interview.

Think of a good answer to questions about your MCAT. Run it by several trusted advisers and mentors (family, friends, etc, also if you want).

You evidently had something the school wanted. That's why you got the interview. Focus on all your positive points.

REALLY sell yourself. Refer to my previous posts about how not to be an annoying infomercial. And...

Go beat the interview to a pulp. Good luck

 

[isuckatverbal]

Honestly, find out if the interviews are open or closed file. (I didn't read through all the posts, so I might have missed it.) Sometimes interviewers don't even see your GPA or MCAT, only the essays. They will NEVER know whether you had a 45 or 27 MCAT.

Its a different story if they ask you what you got on the MCAT...

 

[princessBP]

I am have a 28S MCAT (9PS, 9VR, 10BS). I applied to 7 MD schools and 1 DO school (all in Texas!) BUT i have gotten 5 MD interviews and the 1 DO interview. My MCAT is on the very low side for all the schools (except maybe TCOM but idk their stats off the top of my head) point being NONE of them said a thing about MCAT. None asked why it was low or why i haven't retaken or if I plan to retake. No one said anything. In fact, the only thing even mentioned about my stats at all was "wow, it looks like you did great in Ochem!!!"

so I would think of a good answer if they do ask you....but i wouldn't stress out about it =)

 

[Tapepsi]

I just want to address a common myth that has been mentioned here and other places a few times.

Last year I received an MD interview at my state school with a 24 MCAT.

Okay I completely understand your point and it makes sense, but it is very rare (<1%) to get into med school with a 24. Not that I'm saying that a 27 is much better.

REALLY sell yourself. Refer to my previous posts about how not to be an annoying infomercial. And...

Go beat the interview to a pulp. Good luck

Ha ha thanks. That post is very helpful. 👍

Honestly, find out if the interviews are open or closed file.

It is open file, and from what I've been told, many applicants are shocked by how well the interviewers know the applications. Which means: they will without a doubt know my MCAT score and will ask me about it.

I am have a 28S MCAT (9PS, 9VR, 10BS). I applied to 7 MD schools and 1 DO school (all in Texas!) BUT i have gotten 5 MD interviews and the 1 DO interview. My MCAT is on the very low side for all the schools (except maybe TCOM but idk their stats off the top of my head) point being NONE of them said a thing about MCAT. None asked why it was low or why i haven't retaken or if I plan to retake. No one said anything. In fact, the only thing even mentioned about my stats at all was "wow, it looks like you did great in Ochem!!!"

so I would think of a good answer if they do ask you....but i wouldn't stress out about it =)

Thanks that gives me some hope then. 🙂 Have you gotten any acceptances yet?

 

[princessBP]

Thanks that gives me some hope then. 🙂 Have you gotten any acceptances yet?[/QUOTE]

Well I am a Texas resident so I don't know if you know how that works for TMDSAS applicatns but of course we do it differently than the rest of the country (So annoying!) SO the earliest I will know if I got in anywhere is November 15th....the first day of pre-match offers!!! ahhh I can't wait!

 

[Tapepsi]

Well I am a Texas resident so I don't know if you know how that works for TMDSAS applicatns but of course we do it differently than the rest of the country (So annoying!) SO the earliest I will know if I got in anywhere is November 15th....the first day of pre-match offers!!! ahhh I can't wait!

That is odd that Texas does it differently. But hey I'm sure you got accepted to multiple schools. Good luck!

 

[ssahjm]

If it helps, know that the stats in the MSAR are slightly elevated. The MCAT score they provide is the average of all accepted applicants, not the average of matriculants. In many cases, applicants with extremely good MCAT scores are more likely to be accepted at several schools, so their stats drive the MCAT range in the MSAR up. You might be able to find the average MCAT score for matriculating students at the school's website. Your score may be below the average, but maybe not as far as you originally thought. Good luck at the interview. 👍

 

[Geekchick921]

If it helps, know that the stats in the MSAR are slightly elevated. The MCAT score they provide is the average of all accepted applicants, not the average of matriculants. In many cases, applicants with extremely good MCAT scores are more likely to be accepted at several schools, so their stats drive the MCAT range in the MSAR up. You might be able to find the average MCAT score for matriculating students at the school's website. Your score may be below the average, but maybe not as far as you originally thought. Good luck at the interview. 👍

What ssahjm says is true. And...

BADOW! Entering class of 2009 at an average MCAT of 29!
http://www.pennstatehershey.org/web/md/admissions/overview/profile

Good luck at the interview, OP!

 

[Tapepsi]

If it helps, know that the stats in the MSAR are slightly elevated. The MCAT score they provide is the average of all accepted applicants, not the average of matriculants. In many cases, applicants with extremely good MCAT scores are more likely to be accepted at several schools, so their stats drive the MCAT range in the MSAR up. You might be able to find the average MCAT score for matriculating students at the school's website. Your score may be below the average, but maybe not as far as you originally thought. Good luck at the interview. 👍

Thanks! Yeah I think you're right the averages are probably lower.

What ssahjm says is true. And...

BADOW! Entering class of 2009 at an average MCAT of 29!
http://www.pennstatehershey.org/web/md/admissions/overview/profile

Good luck at the interview, OP!

Awesome! 🙂 Ha ha. Thank you for lifting my spirits a little. I realize knowing this doesn't change anything including my chances of acceptance but at least I have a little more hope now.

 

[Nuckles]

My advice is to go in on the offensive. You need to feel confident that they're actually interested in accepting you to their class. Sometimes, there are diamonds in the rough (obviously, like that 10% that are under 28), and they're interviewing you because they think you might be one of them. So show them that you are more than an so-so MCAT score - acknowledge that you didn't do as well as you would have liked but at the same time you don't want to come off as a sore loser or someone who will be making a lot of excuses. My thinking is that it's better to focus on your strengths - which you alluded to with shadowing, internships, experience in the field - rather than the relatively weak score. Good luck and go get em.

 

[Tapepsi]

My advice is to go in on the offensive. You need to feel confident that they're actually interested in accepting you to their class. Sometimes, there are diamonds in the rough (obviously, like that 10% that are under 28), and they're interviewing you because they think you might be one of them. So show them that you are more than an so-so MCAT score - acknowledge that you didn't do as well as you would have liked but at the same time you don't want to come off as a sore loser or someone who will be making a lot of excuses. My thinking is that it's better to focus on your strengths - which you alluded to with shadowing, internships, experience in the field - rather than the relatively weak score. Good luck and go get em.

👍 Solid advice man. I will do and thank you. And you brought up a good point. While 10% (which may be a little higher now given that new statistic found by Geekchick) get in with >28, people are still getting in nevertheless.

All of you guys/gals are awesome! Thanks for all of this feedback I was feeling pretty bad before I asked this question and now I'm feeling pretty pumped.