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[membernamehere]

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I got my MCAT scores back and they were really disappointing: 11 BS, 9 VR, 10 PS; 30P. I was averaging 35 on the practices but just tanked it during the actual exam.

I already submitted my application before I got my score and my primary application has been verified. I have a 3.85 overall GPA, 3.86 science GPA, 4th author Science publication, and a 4th author Nature Methods publication. I've been working in a lab for 2 years since graduating and didn't want to make it 4 years before matriculating so I was stupid and paid for the following schools (all MD/PhD) already before I got my MCAT results back:

UCD, UCI, UCSD, UCLA, UCSF, Stanford
Case Western, Tufts, Albert Einstein, University of Chicago, University of Wisconsin, UPitt, UPenn, U of Washington

Are my chances completely shot at any MSTP program? I'm going to double my school list with non-MSTP MD/PhD programs, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as well for MD/PhD programs that may be more forgiving of low MCAT scores?

 

[sanktank7]

Hey, Im a repplicant this yr after being in almost the exact same predicament last year. Got a 30 after averaging around 35-36 on practice, didnt have time to retake. That being said, a lot of schools will accept Sept MCAT so you may have a chance to retake this cycle.

I got an interview last year with a 30 at Einstein, you might consider stony brook, their average is 32 and theyre an MSTP. Look into some of the state schools that offer MD/PhD, even if they have crap research they often have ways for you to do your research at other good schools in the state or may offer GPP with NIH. Good luck!

 

[LadyLightning20]

If I remember correctly, MUSC has a 32 average as well and they're MSTP so if you don't mind moving, you could still graduate debt free.

 

[membernamehere]

Thanks for the responses. I actually added Stony Brook a few hours after I made that initial post.

I'll definitely look into the research going on at MUSC. I'm a little scared about moving to the south, but beggars can't be choosers right?

 

[LadyLightning20]

I've lived in NC for 7 years...granted, I live in a pretty liberal region and if you drive about an hour out in any direction there are some pretty scarily ignorant people. If you're a verbal and militant atheist or you HAVE to argue if someone tells you the world is 6,000 years old then skip MUSC, lol...but honestly, if you're willing to not argue those points all the time most people are pretty nice and very hospitable. Basically: when you think of the deep south, think of that nice couple from Harold and Kumar escape from Guantanamo as opposed to the KKK kegger that they attended. A caricature, yes, but with a decent amount of truth (minus the cyclops!)

 

[bd4727]

Keep in mind that MCAT is really used as a screen for interviews (mostly), so retaking in Sept may or may not help you if you do better.

If you apply broadly enough, it is likely you will get a few offers. So you need to decide how much you want to try and dictate what school you end up at versus taking whatever you can get.

Regarding MUSC/ "The South" comment that you made, I would suggest that is a very ignorant view to have and it will seriously limit you to some great schools. I originally grew up in the north but have lived all over the country and I would argue there is hardly any place that is much different from any other, especially when you are around academic environments. People just tend to stereotype things they don't know anything about. But just my 2cents.