Guidance from the gallery?

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fisher

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Thanks to all for making this forum informative.

I guess I am fishing for some comments based on my profile. My August03 MCAT scores were V7 P10 B12 Q. I took the April 04 test to bring up the low verbal score. Those results are V8, P8, B12 M. I was miffed about the noticable decreases. I received a 3.5 gpa from a molecular biology program at a smaller school. My gpa started off low but I received 3.8-3.9s in my junior and senior years. During school, I worked full-time for 2 years working with developmentally disabled adults. It paid the bills as my wife and I went to school but it also shaped and confirmed my motivations for medicine. Previously, I worked full-time in a residential psychiatric treatment center for youth as I went to school. This job created great experiences which taught me about behavioral medicine and other stuff I won't bore you with. Plus, I have hospital volunteer hours and shadowing experiences. Currently, I am doing some protein research with good potential for publication. I am a little bit older because I dedicated some time to my church. I am grateful for my experiences so far and I feel I am prepared to receive a medical education but I am concerned for my low verbal score. Will the verbal score be that detrimental and any suggestions on schools that might like my profile and will provide a excellent start for a future primary care provider? Thanks
 
dhoonlee said:
You look like a good candidate for some mid-tier schools as long as you emphasize your life experiences and motivation to become a doctor. If you are a URM your chances are significantly better at top schools. You should really base your decision to apply to a particular school on its location, style of teaching, price and to a lesser extent, reputation (though some of your stats limit you).
Are you an Under Represented Minority? Thats African American, Hispanic (puerto rican, mexican...) or Native American.
If so, you stand a pretty good chance. A friend of mine, african american w/ a 3.6 GPA and a 24 MCAT (I beleive the split was - 7V 8B 9P), got into 4 schools. Granted they weren't top tier, but as the saying goes....if its a med school, its a good school (as long as its accredited by LCME of course 🙂 )

Even if you aren't a URM, if you write a killer PS in which you show your passion for medicine and have decent letters of recommendation.......I think you have a chance. Like dnoonlee said, it may not be at harvard, but you should def try for the mid to low tier schools.

Also, what state are you from? That also plays a significant part.

Good Luck
 
Ditto the other posters.

I'd say it was even borderline for the retake from Aug, but what's done is done.

Apply, be honest like you've been with us, and good luck!

dc
 
whenever ppl post lower mcats, how come everyone uses it as a podium to bring up the black or mexican thing (URM)
 
jhk43 said:
whenever ppl post lower mcats, how come everyone uses it as a podium to bring up the black or mexican thing (URM)

I think mostly because URM status makes low MCAT less of a negative factor in admissions.
 
I am a white guy from washington. But I have a tan from standing in a river casting for trout. And I am composing a nice PS as we chat.
 
fisher said:
I am a white guy from washington. But I have a tan from standing in a river casting for trout. And I am composing a nice PS as we chat.

snag any 14 inchers?

<<insert c*ck joke here>>
 
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