help from my SDN FAMILY, now what!

[DrOwen]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I got my mcat scores last night. And this is my profile, but i really have no clue, what's next. I am really down because of my mcat scores. my scores are hampering my ability to decide what's next. I really appreciate all the help that i can get. SDN is the only place where people can understand and give a sound advice.

Undergrad: State school (IL)

GPA: 3.95/4.0
BCPM: 3.91/4.0
MCAT: 26N ( Ps 10, Bs 9, Vr 7 ) yes, english is my second language.
Research 2 years
EMT volunteer
Leadership pos.
decent Lor.
Science tutor
I will be happy with any US allopathic med school.
so any advice?
Thanks.

 

[efex101]

With your high gpa your mcat needs to validate your gpa. I also had a 4.0 and was determined that if I did not get a 29 or above I would retake the mcat. High gpa is good and it can help but the mcat needs to reflect this. I would retake and not apply sorry...

 

[DrOwen]

So should I submit my application and retake in august. & indicate on my app. that I will be retaking.

 

[efex101]

Yes IF you know that you will be able to study hard core and increase your score by August.

 

[DrOwen]

Although this was lower than my practice tests (29-32), I am really worried about the verbal section. I feel that 85 minutes are killing my chances to get into med school. I can find the time to study hardcore but would it make a difference for VR. I did a lot of practice, but I also don't have the best test taking skills, Standardized testing are killers for me.
Thanks for all the help.
P.s What is the min. score i need to have on vr, to get in.

 

[DrMom]

The high GPA can balance out the lower MCAT. You've got good ECs, too.

That said, I'd go with re-taking, but I'd definitely go ahead with your app in the meantime.

 

[snowhite]

I think your scores are pretty good and will serve you well to apply to schools (unless you want to get into the very top med schools). Don't be so hard on yourself. You can apply and mention on your application that you will be retaking the MCAT. I know people with scores much lower than yourself (which aren't really that low) including myself that have gotten into medical school. Good luck with whatever you decide, but either way, it'll be okay.

 

[efex101]

Because English is your second language it is not like you have to blow the VR out of the water...if you can get an 9 that would be great also if you can bring up the other scores by a point or two then it will be even better. Although yes a high gpa CAN balance a lower MCAT some adcoms (I was told this by some adcoms prior to applying) will "expect" a solid MCAT from someone with a very high GPA. So in my eyes a 26 would be on the lower range, I would shoot for a 28 and above.