How to explain low biology subscore to interviewer?

[radioactive15]

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How do I explain my 126 (67 percentile) in B/B on my MCAT to my interviewer? (514 overall- 91 percentile)

The truth is that it was a fluke, and that it does not represent my true biology knowledge. I was just uncharacteristically off on that section that particular day.

If I say that, the interviewer will likely follow up by saying that I did not take many biology courses in undergrad (my major is in the social sciences area, so I only the took minimal hard science classes) While my performance in these few hard science courses I took is very high, they may say that I simply did not take enough, and that the 126 may be an accurate representation.

I know this isn't the case, and that I am very good in biology and especially biochem. So what should I say to an interviewer when asked to explain my 126 in B/B?

Should I just tell them that it was an off day, and if so, how do I elaborate that? Would they accept this answer or would they continue to nitpick about that?

 

[NotASerialKiller]

A low MCAT score can make getting an interview more difficult, but if they see it and invite you anyway they're probably not going to be demanding a justification for it during the interview.

 

[bearintraining]

How do I explain my 126 (67 percentile) in B/B on my MCAT to my interviewer? (514 overall- 91 percentile)

The truth is that it was a fluke, and that it does not represent my true biology knowledge. I was just uncharacteristically off on that section that particular day.

If I say that, the interviewer will likely follow up by saying that I did not take many biology courses in undergrad (my major is in the social sciences area, so I only the took minimal hard science classes) While my performance in these few hard science courses I took is very high, they may say that I simply did not take enough, and that the 126 may be an accurate representation.

I know this isn't the case, and that I am very good in biology and especially biochem. So what should I say to an interviewer when asked to explain my 126 in B/B?

Should I just tell them that it was an off day, and if so, how do I elaborate that? Would they accept this answer or would they continue to nitpick about that?

I would probably just own it if I was you. It may very well not be brought up at all. In my case I have a weaker psych/soc score and I owned it when a discussion about my MCATs came up. It had to do with the change in the exam and the poor section review in the first edition of EK. It may cost you at a school that seeks perfection, otherwise I think it actually points out that you're Human and you can admit faults when they occur. I don't know the final decision in my case, but you can ask me once WashU finally gets around to it.🙂

 

[Lannister]

I was not asked about my MCAT (low chem/phys score) in any of my interviews.

 

[thatwouldbeanarchy]

I was asked about my score (low overall and unbalanced) in one interview. Still got accepted, though! It may not come up, but I would definitely be prepared to answer in case it does. Just be honest. IMO, it's much more believable that you just had an off day if you got good grades in your bio classes.

 

[mrpeduncle]

I got asked about my score at 1 interview. Interviewer asked "do you think you could have done better?" I said yes and admitted that I should have started studying earlier for physical sciences. Given my circumstances (took the old mcat on the last day it was offered, couldn't get a seat until 2 weeks before the test and therefore only studied for 2 weeks, flew across the country to take test, hadnt opened a physics book in 5 years), I felt I did OK. Interviewer agreed. Still got accepted.

 

[radioactive15]

Thanks for the positivity, I'll try to keep a brighter outlook.

When selecting for schools to apply, should I selectively apply to schools with 9-10 bio scores as the 10th percentile of accepted students, or can I go about applying to mid and low tiers regularly?

How should I approach my school list formation process considering the 126 (67th percentile) B/B subscore?

 

[Goro]

Haven't a clue, and I don't think that this is something we really can tell you. That score is probably going to be lethal.

How do I explain my 126 (67 percentile) in B/B on my MCAT to my interviewer? (514 overall- 91 percentile)

The truth is that it was a fluke, and that it does not represent my true biology knowledge. I was just uncharacteristically off on that section that particular day.

If I say that, the interviewer will likely follow up by saying that I did not take many biology courses in undergrad (my major is in the social sciences area, so I only the took minimal hard science classes) While my performance in these few hard science courses I took is very high, they may say that I simply did not take enough, and that the 126 may be an accurate representation.

I know this isn't the case, and that I am very good in biology and especially biochem. So what should I say to an interviewer when asked to explain my 126 in B/B?

Should I just tell them that it was an off day, and if so, how do I elaborate that? Would they accept this answer or would they continue to nitpick about that?

 

[radioactive15]

Haven't a clue, and I don't think that this is something we really can tell you. That score is probably going to be lethal.

So are you recommending a retake?

 

[FutureD.O]

So are you recommending a retake?

You achieved a 91%ile..I'm definitely sensing sarcasm by Goro and you'd be insane to think you have to retake based on receiving the equivalent of a "9" in a single subsection! (Unless you're a super gunner aiming for the harvards and such)

 

[radioactive15]

'm definitely sensing sarcasm by Goro

I thought so too at first, but then became unsure. I guess I'm seeking to confirm an internal belief that my score won't be good enough

 

[FutureD.O]

I thought so too at first, but then became unsure. I guess I'm seeking to confirm an internal belief that my score won't be good enough

Pre-allo is the worst place to go for external validation lol. You did very well, I'd stop thinking about it!

 

[Goro]

Alas, sarcasm doesn't travel well on the internet!

OP is fine. Chill!

You achieved a 91%ile..I'm definitely sensing sarcasm by Goro and you'd be insane to think you have to retake based on receiving the equivalent of a "9" in a single subsection! (Unless you're a super gunner aiming for the harvards and such)

 

[JustAPhD]

Alas, sarcasm doesn't travel well on the internet!

OP is fine. Chill!

One negative of the Internet, those darned electrons don't do your sarcasm justice.




Get it? Negative? Electrons? Eh? Ehhh?




Edit: Sorry everyone, it's Friday! 😀

 

[Goro]

One negative of the Internet, those darned electrons don't do your sarcasm justice.
Get it? Negative? Electrons? Eh? Ehhh?

 

[taylorloche]

I had a low PS score on the old MCAT (PS score of 8, 33 overall). I had an explanation in case it was brought up at my interviews, but it never was. As long as your answer is honest and genuine, I can't imagine it'll be a problem since at that point they've already evaluated your score and decided it was good enough to offer an interview.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

My buddy has the exact same overall score as you and the exact same B/B score. He has had 6 MD interviews to date with one more in the next couple of weeks. You will be fine.