Wow thanks for the advice! I'm afraid to do a couple of things. One thing I dont want to do is to blame the MCAT though (telling them that there are only 40 questions, although that is true). The second thing is that I dont want to sound like I'm making up excuses or tell the ADCOMs that I should have retaken it. If I said that English is not my native language (although on my AMCAS I said that it is my primary language) would that work?
You are absolutely right, don't blame the MCAT. The truth is I would try best not to put forth ANY excuse, even 'english isn't my first language'. IMO, the best thing you can do is say that you prepared as well as you could for the test and be confident in your answers. I really think if they ask you anything about your MCAT it will be to see what type of reaction they can get out of you. Take all the wind out of their sails by acknowledging your shortcomings and direct them toward your writing sample score or any good grades you have received in English/Rhetoric/Writing coursework you have received.
They think you are worth an interview which means they are interested in you. In the end, as long as you avoid the jaw dropping, dear in the headlights look when they ask you about your verbal score, and you have a solid response you should be fine.
I would also explore the school specific thread to see if the interview is open or closed file to see if your interviewers will even have that information.
Sell yourself with the inevitable why medicine/why this program/tell me about yourself questions they are bound to ask and you should be fine!
Just to reiterate, my response included all of these bullets:
It was that my goal was to achieve a 10 in each subsection.
I practiced until I was able to reach this goal consistently on practice examinations.
I scheduled my test date at an opportune time.
Although I was upset with my ultimate score, I did maintain a 10 in both of the science sections and I had a solid writing score.
I have received an A in all liberal arts and writing intensive coursework (at the time of my interviews).
I forgot, an interviewer asked me shortly after why I thought I would make a good doctor. Basically, I spoke of my ECs and the fact that being a doctor extends beyond the MCAT score. At any rate, they must have thought it was a good enough answer.
Sorry for the rambling, good luck!
