Help Please!

[Confused&Dazed]

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Sorry, that this is another help me thread, but I already tried this thread in the pre-allo forum, and thought i'd try my luck and see if i get more responses here (though thanks medikit and efex!).

Hey all. First I'd like to congratulate those that kicked arse on the April MCAT, and wish those that have to take it in August (possibly with me ) luck.

I just checked my MCAT score and got a 27O (10, 8, 9). This was a bit lower than what I expected, especially in the PS section. I am debating whether I should retake it in August. I know this is a very average score, and it definitely needs to be raised to increase my chances to going to an allopathic school. Only problem is, I just graduated from UF, and am moving to TX to start a job very soon. I am afraid I won't have time to study like I need to for the August MCAT (having to pack, move there, etc.) and can't afford to screw up the second time as well. I will also be working 50-60 hrs at this new job (I REALLY need the money!). I don't want to say yes to Aug. MCAT on AMCAS and then opt out cause i don't feel confident, or put down no and have schools ignore me cause they think I don't want to improve the score. I was scoring between 30-34 on the practice tests, just screwed up royally on the real thing (didn't finish some passages). But i don't know how much i retained and how much time i will have to recoup all the stuff i forgot! Also, i'm kinda burnt out...I've been in school a while in a somewhat tough programme (my senior project was ~ 200 pgs!) and I'm tired. I am trying to stay lively on the home stretch but am stressing out. Man I feel like an idiot after that showing on the MCAT.

Anyway, my stats are as follows:
BCPM: > 3.6
Overall: 3.594
Chemical Engineering degree (Chemistry minor-not that this means much ) I know, I know what the heck happened in the PS section haha. I'm an enginner and until the real thing it was me strongest section. That's life i guess.

I am caucasian male who's currently a FL resident but may have to switch to TX cause of job (I have a friend in the same situation but he was lucky enough to score decent on the dreaded test).

Good EC's, great diverse background, research (but not medically related-more R&D engineering stuff), 2 languages (fluent-that's including english though!), 3 major internships with a multibillion dollar company where I contributed quite a bit (no grabbing coffee, stapling here!), piano, black belts in karate and tae kwon do etc. I anticipate v. good LOR's and have a pretty good PS. I know that many, many premed people have these credentials and more, and a much better MCAT, but i just wanted to tell you all a little about myself so you get an overall picture of what i'm working with.

I'm going insane trying to figure out what i should do. I'm definitely going to apply to A LOT of schools (thank God for the job-i'm running close to empty on funds), but that bloody MCAT screwed me over.

Any suggestions, no matter how brutally honest will be greatly appreciated and I wish everyone applying, and those in med school (or going to attend in the fall) luck with everything.

Cheers,
C&D

PS. sorry for the long first post. I only found out about this place through a friend (same one that's moving to TX as well) a couple days ago and am already addicted.

 

[elephunt]

I'm not sure about the schools in FL, but in my state (IN) there's only one med school and about 97% of the people they let in are IN residents, which means that you can have a bit lower MCAT score if you're a resident and still get in. Your GPA, etc. sound good (especially since you were an engineering major), so what's the harm in at least applying to FL state schools? That way, you haven't wasted much money if you don't get in. If I remember right from paging through the directory of med schools, the FL schools are pretty biased towards residents too, so they might have less stringent admissions requirements than other schools you might be considering. If you aren't interested in any of the FL state schools, you might also consider waiting a year to get your TX residency (you have to live and work there for 12 months, and you can't have moved there just to get residency for school--although how they can tell that, I'm not sure.) I've heard that TX residents have an even easier time getting into TX state schools because there are like six of them and all except Baylor are skewed above 90% to TX residents. Honestly, though (I'm not trying to be mean, so please don't be mad!!!) if you're not wanting to go to a state school at all, I'd say you'd have to retake the MCAT. 🙁 I know it sucks but between the 27 and your GPA, state schools are probably your best bet. I still think you should go for it now and at least apply to those FL schools--you never know until you try! And I'll be rooting for you!

 

[liverotcod]

One possibility: wait until you have established Texas residency before applying, which would mean not this cycle. Texas residents have excellent opportunities at in-state med schools. Then you can consider retaking in August, although I shouldn't think it necessary, especially if you apply as a Texas resident.

 

[Confused&Dazed]

elephunt and liverotcod,

Thanks for your input. Yeah I have a lot to decide in the next couple of days.

Also question to anyone that knows, since I'm going to be living in TX and working in TX, and I don't become a TX resident until 12 months have passed, I'm still considered a FL resident? I'm a wee bit confused because once i move there i'm going to have to change driver's license, tags, voter registration etc.

Anyway thanks for everyone's support and good luck all!