High GPA, but lower MCAT

[Daddy07]

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I have a 3.95 GPA, but got a 26M on the MCAT. I had an extenuating circumstance right before I took the test and don't feel that the test is very indicative of my capabilities. I think that GPA is a better indicator of how people perform over time. I just want to know if there are others in a similar situation and how you all are doing with the application process.
I've had 2 interviews so far and 1 more coming up. I'm not sure how strong of a candidate I am with a poorer MCAT and so would like to hear from others about what they think bears greater weight.

 

[UCLA KoreanDude]

I have a 3.95 GPA, but got a 26M on the MCAT. I had an extenuating circumstance right before I took the test and don't feel that the test is very indicative of my capabilities. I think that GPA is a better indicator of how people perform over time. I just want to know if there are others in a similar situation and how you all are doing with the application process.
I've had 2 interviews so far and 1 more coming up. I'm not sure how strong of a candidate I am with a poorer MCAT and so would like to hear from others about what they think bears greater weight.

Usually, people don't get interviews with 26. I think that some med schools are willing to overlook your sub-par MCAT due to the fact that you are a non-trad with good extracurriculars and past life experiences. And 3.9+ GPA helps, esp if it is from a top 25.

 

[IceMan0824]

Usually, people don't get interviews with 26. I think that some med schools are willing to overlook your sub-par MCAT due to the fact that you are a non-trad with good extracurriculars and past life experiences. And 3.9+ GPA helps, esp if it is from a top 25.

Unless he had a MDApps that he took down. How the hell did you know he was a non-trad with good ecs.

 

[KurdishMD]

Daddy 07,

I will recommend you to apply early.


1. Work on your personal statement and make it so good that they will be remember you.

2. Finish all the AMCAS items. It is available around may to fill.

3. Submit your AMCAS on the first day when its available to submit ( begin of June).

4. Apply to all schools that have average acceptance of 30 in MCAT. ( you could buy the MSAR and find these data). Then of course apply to all your state schools and also focus on neighboring states. Depend on your financial situation, apply to more than 20 schools. The more the better.

5. You will get secondaries. Fill them out and real focus on answering their questions specific to the schools and make them unique. While you working on the questions, right away have your LORs send to them. This way you will be completed as soon as you complete the secondaries.

6. Call and make sure you complete. You should mention to who ever you talk to, that you are really interest in their schools. Sometimes they do take notes.

7. Start contacting anyone you know who might has any connection to medical school or knows someone who can help. ( tip: every time you ask someone for help or advise, make sure you show and talk about your passion to be a doctor)

8. You will get interviews and then you will prepare to shine at them and convince who ever meets you that you are the perfect students who will be a great doctor.


Trust me if you do this and with god's blessings and help, you will get in.
Let me know if you have any questions

 

[Bcblazer]

Daddy07, yeah I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I have a 3.9+ GPA and I got a 28 on the MCAT. However, I'm definitely going to retake it since my practice tests were a good deal higher and there were extenuating circumstances in my case that contributed to my low score.

If you think you are capable of scoring higher, I would suggest you retake it. If you were to go into an interview and tell them you could have or should have scored higher on the MCAT, and you did not retake it, that will not look good at all. You will come across as lazy. There are so many people out there who want it so bad and are willing to take the test 3 or 4 times. I respect that tremendously. I didn't think I could take it more than once, but now the prospect of retaking it does not seem so daunting for some reason...

 

[BrokenGlass]

Daddy 07,

I will recommend you to apply early.


1. Work on your personal statement and make it so good that they will be remember you.

2. Finish all the AMCAS items. It is available around may to fill.

3. Submit your AMCAS on the first day when its available to submit ( begin of June).

4. Apply to all schools that have average acceptance of 30 in MCAT. ( you could buy the MSAR and find these data). Then of course apply to all your state schools and also focus on neighboring states. Depend on your financial situation, apply to more than 20 schools. The more the better.

5. You will get secondaries. Fill them out and real focus on answering their questions specific to the schools and make them unique. While you working on the questions, right away have your LORs send to them. This way you will be completed as soon as you complete the secondaries.

6. Call and make sure you complete. You should mention to who ever you talk to, that you are really interest in their schools. Sometimes they do take notes.

7. Start contacting anyone you know who might has any connection to medical school or knows someone who can help. ( tip: every time you ask someone for help or advise, make sure you show and talk about your passion to be a doctor)

8. You will get interviews and then you will prepare to shine at them and convince who ever meets you that you are the perfect students who will be a great doctor.


Trust me if you do this and with god's blessings and help, you will get in.
Let me know if you have any questions

KurdishMD, do you mind sharing which school accepted you? Also, did you apply as a disadvantaged applicant?

 

[KurdishMD]

I had similar scores you guys. I went to several interviews and they never asked about MCAT.

Trust me, once they invite you they do not care that much about MCAT.

Still, I will suggest following the steps above. I am telling you from my personal experience. Look I am accepted and have still several interviews in line-up.

 

[Sir Buckethead]

I kind of figured people in this thread would be chorusing "retake! retake!"

OP: If you can do better, you've answered your own question already.

Unless you get an acceptance, in which case you should run with it.

 

[silverlining1]

It seems that the situation is a bit odd because the OP has already begun the application process and already has interviews. So he should still retake the MCAT?

It's great that you already have interviews - be prepared to address the score in your interviews if it is brought up. My inkling is that you should retake the exam (even though you're already in the cycle) to show them that you're doing something about your low score.

 

[Daddy07]

Thanks all for the advice! I might just go ahead and retake the test then. I hadn't already b/c of financial constraints, (supporting wife, self, and a child while in college). I guess I've just been trying to avoid another $200 to take the test again if it ends up not being necessary.