Hoping for some answers. :)

[Tasteestuff]

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Hello my fellow non-trads,

I was hoping that ones that have been accepted to MD schools, could answer some of my questions.

1. How long have u been away from undergrad.?
2. What was undergrad. GPA
3. What MCAT scores did you have?
4. Any particular schools that look favourably to non-trad applicants?
5. Do you have any advanced degree? Masters, other health care degree

I am planning to take MCAT this summer, I just wanted to have an idea what score I need to aim for. Also, I have heard that April examination is better (less students taking it) percentile score may be less challenging. Any truth to that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tasteestuff]

Anyone?

 

[Law2Doc]

Hello my fellow non-trads,

I was hoping that ones that have been accepted to MD schools, could answer some of my questions.

1. How long have u been away from undergrad.?
2. What was undergrad. GPA
3. What MCAT scores did you have?
4. Any particular schools that look favourably to non-trad applicants?
5. Do you have any advanced degree? Masters, other health care degree

I am planning to take MCAT this summer, I just wanted to have an idea what score I need to aim for. Also, I have heard that April examination is better (less students taking it) percentile score may be less challenging. Any truth to that?

Thanks in advance.

Not sure that others' info will give you any idea of what MCAT score to "aim for"; I suggest aiming for a perfect 45 and seeing how you do. Generally a balanced 30 MCAT is considered "competitive" for allopathic med school. People get in with a few points lower, and better ranked schools tend to desire a few points higher. If you have a lower than average GPA, a higher MCAT can sometimes help you get looked at.
The April exam is advised but not for the reasons you cite. People tend to advise taking April because it allows them to get their applications totally complete earlier in the summer (June), and earlier is a benefit in a rolling admissions process where applications are reviewed, and interviews doled out as they become complete. As far as I know there are a similar number of people taking it in April (I'm sure the AAMC publishes these stats), and the grading is very comparable, so it certainly isn't easier to do well in April.

 

[njbmd]

Hello my fellow non-trads,

I was hoping that ones that have been accepted to MD schools, could answer some of my questions.

1. How long have u been away from undergrad.?
2. What was undergrad. GPA
3. What MCAT scores did you have?
4. Any particular schools that look favourably to non-trad applicants?
5. Do you have any advanced degree? Masters, other health care degree

I am planning to take MCAT this summer, I just wanted to have an idea what score I need to aim for. Also, I have heard that April examination is better (less students taking it) percentile score may be less challenging. Any truth to that?

Thanks in advance.

Hi there,

There are more students taking the April MCAT as it allows you to get your applications in early. The August MCAT means that you application will not be complete until around October 15th when those scores come back in. If you are a marginial candidate, you can put yourself at a disadvantage by applying late. If you are a competitive candidate, the time that you apply is not going to make much of a difference. Interviewing in October, November or December is not late at all. If you take the August MCAT, you cannot apply for Early Decision if you wanted to participate in that process.

The important points about taking the MCAT is to: 1. Study and be ready for this exam & 2. Plan on taking this exam once and only once. A mediocre score next to a stellar score still looks mediocre. Find out as much as you can about this exam, take plenty of practice exams and make sure that you knowledge base is up to date. The method of testing on the MCAT is very difference from your undergraduate course testing so make sure you have plenty of practice in answering the types of questions found on the MCAT.

You should aim for the highest score possible. It just doesn't get any simplier than that. Aim high and know what you are doing. There is no "magical score" that will guarantee admission to medical school but there are not too many folks with 25s getting in.

Good luck!
njbmd 🙂