How Much Does the MCAT Actually Matter in the App Review Process?

[SickDinosaur]

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I've been hearing conflicting info about how much weight the MCAT carries in med school applications. Some people say you can offset a lower score with strong essays, while others mention pre-screens that might filter you out before your app even gets looked at.

So, I’m wondering—how much does the MCAT really factor into admissions at:

1. T20 schools – Is it a strict cutoff, or is there more flexibility?
2. State schools – Do they emphasize in-state preference over MCAT scores?
3. Most schools in general – Is there a threshold where your app gets overlooked no matter what?

I’d really appreciate any insight from those who’ve gone through the process or have solid data on this.
Just trying to get a straight answer on where the MCAT stands in the bigger picture. Thanks!

 

[LizzyM]

Buy access to the MSAR. Understand that the bottom 10% might be bringing something really important to the table, like a family member on the board of trustees of the university. 😉

It is clear based on average and range for some state schools that they favor in-state applicants over high MCATs. And it can become a self-fulfilling prophesy as smart, high MCAT applicants from OOS forgo applications to those schools as a waste of money.

There is a threshold where you should be overlooked. Somewhere around 490, I think. But between 491 and 500, there is are slim (very slim) chance of slipping past the screen for some justifiable reason. The "average" MCAT is 500 but the "average" applicant doesn't get admitted -- only 41% get admitted so being at the 50th percentile is not good enough -- usually. YMMV

 

[SickDinosaur]

Buy access to the MSAR. Understand that the bottom 10% might be bringing something really important to the table, like a family member on the board of trustees of the university. 😉

It is clear based on average and range for some state schools that they favor in-state applicants over high MCATs. And it can become a self-fulfilling prophesy as smart, high MCAT applicants from OOS forgo applications to those schools as a waste of money.

There is a threshold where you should be overlooked. Somewhere around 490, I think. But between 491 and 500, there is are slim (very slim) chance of slipping past the screen for some justifiable reason. The "average" MCAT is 500 but the "average" applicant doesn't get admitted -- only 41% get admitted so being at the 50th percentile is not good enough -- usually. YMMV

Ohhh ok thank you so much!
Ihave access to MSAR so when applying to schools if I'm at their what percentile and below should I not apply?

If it makes a difference I'm a Texas resident.

 

[LizzyM]

Go with schools where your MCAT and GPA are close to the average for that school. Not sure if you have worst chances at schools outside of TX because everyone knows you'll choose a TX school over an OOS school if given the chance.

 

[LizzyM]

Look up WARS. It replaced the famous LizzyM score which averaged your MCAT and GPA and made it possible to compare the composite of those two figures against the average of the composite from med schools to find your targets.

The problem with high GPA/low MCAT is that it raises questions about how you managed that GPA.... did you take really easy courses and/or attend a school with grade inflation or with zero competition that bent the curve down... or do you know your stuff but psych yourself out when taking high stakes exams which is worrisome given that med school and med practice is one high stakes exam after another for as long as you are licensed and board certified.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Remember you have near 200 medical schools if you combine US MD and DO programs. There will be some variability, and I consider 50 schools to be "top 20." Regardless, IMO, MCAT score remains a significant gateway for consideration, but it's not sufficient for "top 20" schools to grab an interview. In the Experience-Attributes-Metrics model of holistic review espoused by and promoted by those in the AAMC, metrics is still the center of the bullseye. It is the responsibility of the admissions team to look at the context surrounding the metrics, so while there doesn't need to be a hard threshold, adcoms remain flexible provided their preferences are consistent with their stated mission and vision for their incoming class.

 

[AJS59]

I've been hearing conflicting info about how much weight the MCAT carries in med school applications. Some people say you can offset a lower score with strong essays, while others mention pre-screens that might filter you out before your app even gets looked at.

So, I’m wondering—how much does the MCAT really factor into admissions at:

1. T20 schools – Is it a strict cutoff, or is there more flexibility?
2. State schools – Do they emphasize in-state preference over MCAT scores?
3. Most schools in general – Is there a threshold where your app gets overlooked no matter what?

I’d really appreciate any insight from those who’ve gone through the process or have solid data on this.
Just trying to get a straight answer on where the MCAT stands in the bigger picture. Thanks!

As someone with a strong MCAT (and who had a frankly average to subpar application in most other parts of my application...) I can confirm that the MCAT is not an end all be all. It, along with GPA, might get your foot in the door, but if you don't have everything else schools simply will not give you light of day (I did still get in though at the end of the day, and I'm happy with it)

 

[Adiemus]

Also a Texas resident, but finishing up this cycle. Take my advice with a grain of salt, but at least for Texas schools I took a crack at every school (and was considerably more conservative for OOS schools obviously). Ended up getting interviews at Texas schools way above my MCAT/GPA threshold, so take that as you will.

 

[pedneuro6894]

If you're a bread and butter applicant (checked all the boxes, no X factor, have a standard story like a loved one got sick), a great MCAT will help you stand out since 80+% of applicants are literally the same person as you. A sub-par MCAT will make you stand out in the opposite way. However, if you have an X factor (huge research production/recognition, professional athlete, etc.), the MCAT will matter less because you now have something else that will wow admissions. Same thing goes with having a unique background/story, admissions teams love that kind of stuff, so they'll be willing to look past a sub-par MCAT.

That being said, some schools, particularly the T20, almost always have either a cut-off or a pretty standard threshold that you need to hit to have a chance. Being in the bottom 10% doesn't make it impossible though, just unlikely.

A 512 is by all means is a good score. You'll be able to get into medical school as long as your writing and LORs are good, but you just may not get into the big names with high mean MCAT's, and that's okay. You'll still have the MD or DO at the end of your name!

 

[Isoval]

It is notoriously difficult to gain OOS admission as a Texas resident as opposed to most other states. Texas has excellent medical schools and we have quite a few of them via the TMDSAS common application. If applying OOS, the common theme will be either 1) Texas schools don't want this guy if he's coming to us or 2) this guy isn't coming to us.

Texas schools are (massively) cheaper, generally well-regarded, and a majority of them are within major cities.

As for your other questions, it's always a mix. Once you pass a certain point, it doesn't really matter. For example, a 510 MCAT interviewing at UTSW would not be weird despite their average being significantly higher. A "bad" MCAT is going to get dragged no matter whether it's in-state, out-of-state, or wherever. Ultimately, it doesn't really matter. You should apply to all Texas schools regardless of your scores and maybe pick a handful of AMCAS/AACOMAS schools depending on your desires, competitiveness, and location preferences - there really is no other way to apply as a Texas resident unless you forego AMCAS/AACOMAS which is a reasonable thing to do as a Texas resident.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Since X factors are mentioned

Finding Your Greatest Common Factors with Successful Students | Student Doctor Network (SDN)

The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) between two numbers is the largest positive integer that can divide both numbers evenly (without remainders). Prime

www.studentdoctor.net