Getting in fall 05

[trackstarjr]

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Which schools are best to apply to in a case such as mine??
3.71 sci gpa w/ good shadowing and research experience.
Took the mcat in Aug. 8VR 5PS 3BS M and retaking this april

LECOM has told me to apply and I could quite possibly get an interview and acceptance would be pending my april mcat scores released in June

What other schools are like this? Is there others I should take my chances with while I study my rear off for April? Thanks for your imput.

 

[robo77]

LECOM -Florida, LECOM-ERIE, Pikeville, VCOM...all these are newer schools and would probably give you a break on the mcat score, some of these may even accept you with the current one.

 

[docbill]

16 on the MCAT. WOrst being Biology. Hmmm difficult.
LECOM is just hurting itself if it takes such cases.

--> more importantly. Is there a reason you did bad. where you sick... distracted becasue of testing site... etc... etc... did you write AAMC with an complain (if prob with testing site). If you do that within 60 days they will respond in writing.. and you would be able to use that to suport your application.

But low PS... okay fine... but BIO... did you major in Bio? What happen.. did you just lose concentration at the end of the day or what.

Best of luck
BA

 

[robo77]

whatever happened, it does not matter and will not be considered at this point. what will be considered is that you have a good GPA and hopefully some desire to become a DO. Truth is some DO schools will overlook a very poor mcat and some will not. I believe that LECOM is one of the schools that will overlook it, give it a shot.

 

[vimal98]

Truth is some DO schools will overlook a very poor mcat and some will not. I believe that LECOM is one of the schools that will overlook it, give it a shot.

Honestly, when I got 5 in my VR I thought I had worst score in the world and I could explain that I grew up in India, went to school which taught me in our state language and never spoke english until I came here in 2001.

But how could you explain 3 in Bio ?? That's the minimum score you can get right ? Even I graduated with Chemical Engineering, in my first biotest I had 6 without any preparation.

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

whatever happened, it does not matter and will not be considered at this point. what will be considered is that you have a good GPA and hopefully some desire to become a DO. Truth is some DO schools will overlook a very poor mcat and some will not. I believe that LECOM is one of the schools that will overlook it, give it a shot.

Yeah, I seriously doubt you can overlook a 3 in any section....

 

[pjc199]

I don't think we even need to think over this. A 6 in a section...fine. A 5 in a section, possibly ok if it's in verbal and the applicant is not a native of the US. A 4...Have never heard of someone getting accepted with it. A 3...time to retake the MCAT. Honestly, Adcoms cannot allow someone with a 3 sit next to another student who scored a 13 in a medical school classroom. It's not only unfair, but they want you to succeed too, and showing a 3 in a section may show some incompetency.

 

[medic170]

Which schools are best to apply to in a case such as mine??
.

Honestly, NONE!



Yeah, don't waste your money applying. retake it in April, and if you do well, apply next round.

 

[medic170]

I don't think we even need to think over this. A 6 in a section...fine. A 5 in a section, possibly ok if it's in verbal and the applicant is not a native of the US. A 4...Have never heard of someone getting accepted with it. A 3...time to retake the MCAT. Honestly, Adcoms cannot allow someone with a 3 sit next to another student who scored a 13 in a medical school classroom. It's not only unfair, but they want you to succeed too, and showing a 3 in a section may show some incompetency.

I totally agree.

 

[EReze]

Try NYCOM. I know someone accepted there with an 18. But if they accept you they will definitely place you in their summer enrichment program starting the june before they let you in. Also you must pass their classes during the summer before you're formally accepted. But you would definitely pass and so anything is possible. It doesn't hurt to try applying. As a high GPA low MCATer myself, I understand how you feel, Definitely re-take the MCAT and practice more by taking the test. Also brush up on your biology. Good Luck!

 

[JonnyG]

You really have to consider the fact that the MCATs in some ways reflect our abilities to pass the COMLEXs. If you had this much trouble with the sciences you may not be able to pass the level 1. If it had been only in verbal I would say apply, but the COMLEX is science. I feel bad saying it but you REALLY need to consider if you have the ability to become a doctor. Standardized tests are on the road and you do not get an unlimited amount of chances to take the level 1 and 2s.

 

[mcandy]

I think a # of schools have a minimum MCAT score of 18...might want to check that out before you waste your time.

 

[drtongue_danger]

I think your best bet is to look at schools web sites and see what the mean MCAT score is. What is your science GPA? i See you have a high GPA (3.7) but how did you do in your pre-med class's. If you got really good grades in biology but just bombed the MCAT maybe some schools will overlook it. I got a 20M on the MCAT and I got in but I had a 3.6 GPA in all my pre-med class's. Also remember the MCAT is just a standanrdized test and there are many studies comeing out showing that the MCAT is not the best admission tool.!!
good luck

 

[indebt]

Your GPA is great and offers you many opportinities, however, most schools place a lower limit of 5 on any section for interviews. As for NYCOM, one of my friend got a interview hold with a 5 on Verbal and 9 and 10 in BS and Physical with 3.5 GPA and lots of EC. I would hold off, applying is expensive and tedious. Good luck with the next MCAT, don't worry we've all been there.

 

[bgreet]

Honestly, when I got 5 in my VR I thought I had worst score in the world and I could explain that I grew up in India, went to school which taught me in our state language and never spoke english until I came here in 2001.

But how could you explain 3 in Bio ?? That's the minimum score you can get right ? Even I graduated with Chemical Engineering, in my first biotest I had 6 without any preparation.

For some reason when I first read this I thought you originally said you grew up in Indiana.

 

[medic170]

I think your best bet is to look at schools web sites and see what the mean MCAT score is. What is your science GPA? i See you have a high GPA (3.7) but how did you do in your pre-med class's. If you got really good grades in biology but just bombed the MCAT maybe some schools will overlook it. I got a 20M on the MCAT and I got in but I had a 3.6 GPA in all my pre-med class's. Also remember the MCAT is just a standanrdized test and there are many studies comeing out showing that the MCAT is not the best admission tool.!!
good luck

Stop fluffing this guy. NOBODY is going to interview him with a 16 and a 3 in bio. No reason to give flase hope, tell him the truth so he can concentrate on fixing the problem.

Also, I would like to see one of these studies if you have a link. I have nevr heard of the MCAT not being a good admissions tool, I think it is a good one, it puts everyone on an equal playing field. Now,please please please don't flame me, but honestly, it seems like the only people from whom I hear "the MCAT is not a good admissions tool" are people who scored poorly on it. This case proves it is useful, since this person has a very competitive GPA, yet his MCAT proves he is clearly not ready for medical school.

 

[bigbassinbob]

Someone else said that when he took a Kaplan course, the administrators put his test through the key on a different form and he came out with a 14. I don't see getting a 3 as even possible. That's actually worse than guessing randomly... which could happen I suppose if you have no idea what biology is. But if the OP is telling the truth, then don't apply anywhere, because 1) you don't deserve to be there with that score; and 2) adcoms (hopefully) know you don't deserve to be there so you will be wasting your money applying. Retake and study next time.

 

[gsrimport]

Is bio and phy science weighed more to admissions committee?

 

[medic170]

Is bio and phy science weighed more to admissions committee?

Not necessarily, but obviusly you need to have a good understanding of these sciences, especially biology, in order to succeed in med school, and the VR section is important becasue it measures analytical ability, also important for med school and being a doc. With me, my Phy science was low, but my bio and VR were high, and I had no problem getting interviews.

 

[bigbassinbob]

Also, I would like to see one of these studies if you have a link. I have nevr heard of the MCAT not being a good admissions tool, I think it is a good one, it puts everyone on an equal playing field. Now,please please please don't flame me, but honestly, it seems like the only people from whom I hear "the MCAT is not a good admissions tool" are people who scored poorly on it. This case proves it is useful, since this person has a very competitive GPA, yet his MCAT proves he is clearly not ready for medical school.

This is exactly how I feel. From what I've read and heard, it's obvious that the MCAT is an excellent predictor of success during the first 2 years of med school -- obviously nothing can predict success in the last two years. An admissions dean at my state school told me that once a person averages a 10 in each section of the MCAT, that person has a 99.999something% chance of passing the USMLE step I the first time. Now that sounds like a pretty good predictor to me. That's why adcoms place a lot of emphasis on the "Medical College Admissions Test" - it's specifically designed to predict success in a medical college.

 

[superflyDO]

First off all, that MCAT is not only low, it is UNACCEPTABLE...

FYI, the OP said he/she is going to retake, not apply with it and was wondering which schools would defer his/her admission until the APRIL 2005 MCAT score is released...

*** I think it should be made clear that NO ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE would accept at 3 in ANY section... it takes a majority vote in the adcomm and trust me, a 3 won't cut it, ANYWHERE. It shouldn't even be a debate here.

Like another poster said, only a low verbal (I think 5 in MINIMUM) if they are non-native and everything else is strong in the application.

 

[docbill]

Wow... I Kan't believe it. This is the first time I saw you write such beastly language!

 

[gsrimport]

What if someone scored a 10 on both science sections and a 4 on verbal but has a good gpa?

 

[docquaker]

i just don't understand how someone with a 3.71 can get a 3 on BS.

 

[NYCDawg81]

My friend who has a 4 in verbal and 20 overall MCAT, got an interview at NYCOM. His GPA was like 3.6ish and 3.2ish science gpa i think. So apply.

I personally dont like the MCAT that much as a "predictor." My friend is very bright and was my study buddy in college. No way in hell will he not do well in future classes and boards. He probably will be amongst the higher rankings actually. Then again, the schools have got to use something to measure abilities and the MCAT is that.

Long story short dont be discouraged. DO schools are into personality, motivation, and gpa.

You may have a low chance due to the 3 in bio...but you will zero chance if you dont apply at all.

Good luck.

 

[Ypo.]

What if someone scored a 10 on both science sections and a 4 on verbal but has a good gpa?

If English is his second language, and he can speak it pretty well, but just has a hard time with the VR, then I would say he might as well apply, he could show his ability to understand English in the interview. As people have been saying around here, the general consensus is that it needs to be at least a 5. One guy recently got accepted with high BS and PS scores, but a 5 on VR (English was his 2nd language).

 

[Docgeorge]

The thing is if you have a low verbal and you are not a native speaker, we'll give you a chance. Infact I was on a interview comitee that did this. This person had recently immigrated form SE asia, she had rock solid grades, the MCAT was golden with the exception of her VR. Her spoken english was hard to understand, but she was actively takeing calsses and putting her self in situations that forced her to speak english. We felt that if she contiued to practice her english she should'nt have much of a problem by the time she started 3rd year and we let her in.

The VR section tests critical thinking. If you have good critical thinking skills you'll probally make a good physician. If you are a native speaker and your VR is below 6 maby even 7 you will get no sympathy from me. While not neseserally a deal breaker, definately means that I'll looking at you more carefully.

Medical School applicats for the first time since 1994 have increased, and not only that the qualifactions of the applicants are also higher. The OP really needs to retake the MCAT again if he wants a reasonable shot at a school.

 

[kalix]

I advise retaking the MCAT. Next time, when you get to the biological sciences section, use one of two test taking strategies-
1) circle C for every answer, or
2) use a blindfold when filling out the bubble sheet.

You should be able to score higher than a 3 using either of those strategies 😀

OK, addressing your concerns seriously, has it been 15 years since your last science class? Or did you walk out in the middle of that section with diarrhea? Something is going on here. If you are not willing to retake the test, decide to do something else with your life. If any medical school accepts anyone with a 3 (which they wouldn't), it is just scary. Even if they have a 4.0 GPA, they need to be able to do well on standardized tests to get through medical school.

Sorry to put one more nail in your coffin. I really do wish you the best of luck. 🙂

Hmmm, so when you have a patient one day(scary thought), and they're diagnosed as terminally ill, will you beat them into the ground further and be a big ball of sarcastic negativity? Let's hope not. Did you even think about the affect this might have on the OP before posting? Try and be considerate of others, because you are in fact trying to become a doctor.

Your post was in very poor taste imo, and honestly, if you answered similarly during an interview after being presented with this hypothetical situation; I'm sure you would get the X.

 

[Ypo.]

Your post was in very poor taste imo, and honestly, if you answered similarly during an interview after being presented with this hypothetical situation; I'm sure you would get the X.

I already apologized. I agree that my joke was not tactful. I did think twice, but unfortunately decided to post it in the end. I will erase it now.

I doubt very much that if an adcom asked me what a medical student should do if he scored a 3 and I responded that he should retake, that I would get axed, even if I said that you could score better just using the test-taking strategy of marking all Cs. This is better advice than randomly guessing, which is the only way I can possibly imagine someone could score a 3, assuming they didn't get sick during the test. 🙄

 

[Docgeorge]

kalix, sometimes people have a knee jerk reaction to things. More importantly he was'nt talking to a patient with terminal disease, he was talking to a colluge (both being pre meds applying to med school). Sure yops post was a little harsh, but perhaps it might serve a purpose. It might serve to better highlight that his MCAT score needs work.

Moreover if something such as this post really hurts the OP's feeling or yours for that matter wait till you get pimped or even worse present at a M&M confrence. Having a tough hide is part of being a physician. You need to be able to take critisism, both constructive and not so constructive, realize what went wrong and take corrective action.

 

[Ypo.]

I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings or shoot down their dreams.

Thanks for sticking up for me, DocGeorge. 👍

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

Hmmm, so when you have a patient one day(scary thought), and they're diagnosed as terminally ill, will you beat them into the ground further and be a big ball of sarcastic negativity? Let's hope not. Did you even think about the affect this might have on the OP before posting? Try and be considerate of others, because you are in fact trying to become a doctor.

Your post was in very poor taste imo, and honestly, if you answered similarly during an interview after being presented with this hypothetical situation; I'm sure you would get the X.

Oh please. I am sure yposhelley would be dumb enough to behave/answer like this in an interview. Ypo's posts are generally encouraging and positive. Don't come in here with 10 posts and start busting people's balls.


Back to the topic at hand, where is the OP?

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

Hmmm, so when you have a patient one day(scary thought), and they're diagnosed as terminally ill, will you beat them into the ground further and be a big ball of sarcastic negativity? Let's hope not. Did you even think about the affect this might have on the OP before posting? Try and be considerate of others, because you are in fact trying to become a doctor.

Your post was in very poor taste imo, and honestly, if you answered similarly during an interview after being presented with this hypothetical situation; I'm sure you would get the X.

May I refer you to this post:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=2009369#post2009369


Heaven forbid you act like this around your patients...

 

[Doc 2b]

You guys are hilarious arguing about this. The guy ain't gettin' in. And you guys want to spare his/her feelings about a 3. You get a freakin' 3 if you show up. I honestly don't think this thread is truthful, if it is...Well I'm sorry but medicine may just not be your thing.

 

[medic170]

I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings or shoot down their dreams.

Thanks for sticking up for me, DocGeorge. 👍

What was so bad about her comments. The fact is, statistically, the OP likely would have done better by guessing or circling C for every answer. You did not shoot down anyone's dreams shelley, getting a 3 in Bio requires truth, not fluff, if the OP really wants to be a doc.

 

[JonnyG]

The OP asked for honet answers and recieved them. It does no one a favor trying to sugar coat everything. I also do not think anything offensive was said in the postings.