How to explain low VR score in interviews

[woodhorse22]

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Hello,
My verbal score on the MCAT is on the low side, but my GPA is like a 3.95. I am pretty sure I will be asked about my lower verbal score during interviews. English is my second language that I learned at age fourteen. How will I explain it though? If I say that it was a second language to me, wouldnt that sound like an excuse? Please help. I have interviews coming up in a few days.

 

[Pansit]

Hello,
My verbal score on the MCAT is on the low side, but my GPA is like a 3.95. I am pretty sure I will be asked about my lower verbal score during interviews. English is my second language that I learned at age fourteen. How will I explain it though? If I say that it was a second language to me, wouldnt that sound like an excuse? Please help. I have interviews coming up in a few days.

Say that in retrospect you felt that the way you studied for the test was not the most suitable for you and how it is not a true indicator of your verbal reasoning skills seeing as my gpa is...blah blah blah

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I think that english being your second language is a pretty decent reason. On the VR section, not only do you have to be accurate, but you have to be fast. On the other hand, you will have to be very proficient in communicating in english to practice medicine in this country, so if that's a little shaky with you, you should take steps to correct it.

 

[Pansit]

I think that english being your second language is a pretty decent reason. On the VR section, not only do you have to be accurate, but you have to be fast. On the other hand, you will have to be very proficient in communicating in english to practice medicine in this country, so if that's a little shaky with you, you should take steps to correct it.

Verbal Reasoning does not test your proficiency to communicate in English...it tests how long you can pay attention while reading a passage about rocks...or statues...or whatever it is that no have no absolute interest in.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Of course, but if you can't communicate in english, you are unlikely to do well on the verbal reasoning section of the mcat

 

[Pansit]

Of course, but if you can't communicate in english, you are unlikely to do well on the verbal reasoning section of the mcat

unlikely...it's more like definitely wont do well...

 

[Hkoser]

I hate VR- English is my first language and I still didn't do that well in that section. I think if you can communicate with ease at an interview that should be impressive enough (in an ideal world).

 

[DiverDoc]

I didnt do well on VR. The mcrap hasnt been mentioned once in my interviews so far, plus I have an acceptance. Dont sweat it, unless you got like a 4 or something. If you get the interview, they just want to meet you. Remember that !

 

[Buckeye4life]

I got a 6 in VR and am Asian, so at the interview when I spoke without a trace of an accent, the admissions people were probably like, "What the heck's going on here?" Seriously, as long as you present yourself well, as in look professional, act courteously, sound somewhat articulate, the low score may not even come up. If it does, tell them the truth why you think it is low. Most people can tell if you're trying to make excuses, but honesty is the best policy, IMO. Good luck.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I found that the VR section was all about practice. I took my first Princeton Review practice MCAT and got a 6. I got a few books of practice VR passages, did a full-length VR test almost every day for a couple months, and got an 11 on the real thing.

I have a friend who read a new book every week for pleasure reading, and she got a 14.

You have to get fast, and you have to learn how to focus. If you are a fluent english speaker and you don't have a learning disability, you should be able to kill the VR section, simply by practicing.

 

[MJB]

If you define "lower", it might be easier to help you.

Odds are, it won't come up...considering English is your second language...especially if it's a reasonable score (ie, not a 1 or 2).

 

[Ilikescience]

Hello,
My verbal score on the MCAT is on the low side, but my GPA is like a 3.95. I am pretty sure I will be asked about my lower verbal score during interviews. English is my second language that I learned at age fourteen. How will I explain it though? If I say that it was a second language to me, wouldnt that sound like an excuse? Please help. I have interviews coming up in a few days.

I doubt they will ask, since I'm sure you stated in your AACOMAS about English being your second language and your 3.95 GPA. If they do ask, just let them know you believe it is a terrible reflection of your potential and go into your struggles and triumph to achieve your high GPA. Just remember to sell yourself. If their are flaws in your app. then emphasize your strengths and how you overcame your struggles. They want to see maturity and growth in a way that will express your ability to accomplish medical school. Good luck