I Don't Know What To Do!!!!

[MedGrl@2022]

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Okay so here is my situation. I am going into my senior year of college. I am a Biochemistry major with a psychology minor. I currently have a 3.76 GPA. Hoping it will go up to a 3.8 again. I think I have lots of experience with research, shadowing, volunteer, etc. I think I have a great PS and will have good LORs. My only weak area is the MCATs, it is bad, and I am afraid they will never improve. I was studying with Kaplan since October, took the course twice the first time I did all the assigned homework and the second time I attempted to but things got too much with research, schoolwork, and work. Normally I had a 24 on the Kaplan practice exams but the last one before I took the exam was a 19 and that was AAMC practice 9. I think I know at least 85-90% of the content. I pretty much know the flash cards, read all the chapters, and did all the homework. I cannot retake Kaplan without paying more money.

I sent out 13 applications. Nine MD before I took the application and four D.O. applications yesterday. I really prefer D.O. and UNECOM is actually my number one choice. I am afraid my MCAT scores are going to come back low and I am nervous. I have already gotten three secondaries from M.D. schools but all the M.D. schools that I applied to are pretty much Ivy League schools because I live in CT and I want to stay in the New England area.

I just don't know how I should go about this. I have already spent at least $880 on applications plus the $1500 for the Kaplan course. I don't want to keep on wasting money but I really want to get into a school. I hoped that one school that I really wanted to go to would accept me before I had to send out all of the secondaries. I am paying for Medical School all on my own (as I am sure most of you all are), I am also in debt right now. Is there any smart way to go about the secondary applications? Should I wait to see what my MCAT scores are before I send them out? If my MCAT scores are really bad should I not even bother to send out the majority of secondary applications? Will not submitting my secondary application look bad to the Medical Schools if I wanted to reapply if I (God forbid) am not accepted the first time? Should I start studying for the January MCAT on my own? Will some schools accept January MCAT scores for this application group? If not should I just wait a year until I finish my senior year of college (then I will have completed Cell Biology, Genetics, A&P I and II, and Biochemistry)? And what advice do you guys have for studying for MCATs. This exam seems to be the death of me. I can't even seem to bubble correctly (I get a bunch of answers wrong because I somehow can't manage to bubble correctly, it is SOOO frustrating).

PS. I also have a learning disability and technically I could get extra time for future exams. How will having extra time on the MCATs effect my application? I didn't get extra time on the SATs and I don't use it on any college exams. I never used my learning disability before.

PPS. I am also of Hispanic decent. I think this will be to my benefit I know this is also frustrating to a lot of you because of affirmative action, etc. But I just want to give everyone as much information about me as possible so people can give me the best advice possible.

Thank you for everyone who took time to read this and answer!!!

 

[Hoberto]

I'd go ahead and send out secondaries for the DO schools , for sure. If you are certain that your MCAT is going to be ~25 or so I would reconsider sending out MD secondaries except if you have a state school. After you get your scores you will be in a much better position to decide about the MD schools.

I don't see how not sending in secondaries would hurt you, should you decide to reapply next cycle.

If you weren't able to get extra time for the SAT you are very unlikely to get extra time for the MCAT. They are extremely strict about extra time or the MCAT people who get extra time for other standardized tests frequently do not get extra time for the MCAT.

Mostly we would need to see your MCAT to give any concrete advice.

I would suggest a learning specialist to help with study skills adn test taking over Kaplan. You can find one at your school and it will likely be free.

 

[doc G]

Okay so here is my situation. I am going into my senior year of college. I am a Biochemistry major with a psychology minor. I currently have a 3.76 GPA. Hoping it will go up to a 3.8 again. I think I have lots of experience with research, shadowing, volunteer, etc. I think I have a great PS and will have good LORs. My only weak area is the MCATs, it is bad, and I am afraid they will never improve. I was studying with Kaplan since October, took the course twice the first time I did all the assigned homework and the second time I attempted to but things got too much with research, schoolwork, and work. Normally I had a 24 on the Kaplan practice exams but the last one before I took the exam was a 19 and that was AAMC practice 9. I think I know at least 85-90% of the content. I pretty much know the flash cards, read all the chapters, and did all the homework. I cannot retake Kaplan without paying more money.

I sent out 13 applications. Nine MD before I took the application and four D.O. applications yesterday. I really prefer D.O. and UNECOM is actually my number one choice. I am afraid my MCAT scores are going to come back low and I am nervous. I have already gotten three secondaries from M.D. schools but all the M.D. schools that I applied to are pretty much Ivy League schools because I live in CT and I want to stay in the New England area.

I just don't know how I should go about this. I have already spent at least $880 on applications plus the $1500 for the Kaplan course. I don't want to keep on wasting money but I really want to get into a school. I hoped that one school that I really wanted to go to would accept me before I had to send out all of the secondaries. I am paying for Medical School all on my own (as I am sure most of you all are), I am also in debt right now. Is there any smart way to go about the secondary applications? Should I wait to see what my MCAT scores are before I send them out? If my MCAT scores are really bad should I not even bother to send out the majority of secondary applications? Will not submitting my secondary application look bad to the Medical Schools if I wanted to reapply if I (God forbid) am not accepted the first time? Should I start studying for the January MCAT on my own? Will some schools accept January MCAT scores for this application group? If not should I just wait a year until I finish my senior year of college (then I will have completed Cell Biology, Genetics, A&P I and II, and Biochemistry)? And what advice do you guys have for studying for MCATs. This exam seems to be the death of me. I can't even seem to bubble correctly (I get a bunch of answers wrong because I somehow can't manage to bubble correctly, it is SOOO frustrating).

PS. I also have a learning disability and technically I could get extra time for future exams. How will having extra time on the MCATs effect my application? I didn't get extra time on the SATs and I don't use it on any college exams. I never used my learning disability before.

PPS. I am also of Hispanic decent. I think this will be to my benefit I know this is also frustrating to a lot of you because of affirmative action, etc. But I just want to give everyone as much information about me as possible so people can give me the best advice possible.

Thank you for everyone who took time to read this and answer!!!

There are a couple of issues that need addressing here:
- Should you continue you applications
- Retake MCAT with more time ( non-standard conditions)
- When to try a retake for MCAT

I feel strongly that if your applying D.O., I would continue with these applications, with a focus on schools you REALLY want to attend. This will save you money in the long run. The MCAT is important but it is not everything. What else are you bringing to the table for your apps?? Experiences?? This, along with a strong D.O. letter of rec will go a long ways. The Ivy League schools would be a stretch....(sorry)....my opinion.
Retaking the MCAT with more time I feel will not significantly help your situation. With your scores, you need to focus moore on the content( not a slam on you by any means). I am sure if you ask anyone who has taken the MCAT " if you had 15 extra minutes for each section would you do better?" YES....would be your answer from the majority. However the hard truth is that this test is desgned to be completed in the time given for each section. If you have more time you MAY OR MAY NOT do alot better. A better solution to your problem is to find out why you are working so slow on a section.....and fix that problem without going non standard conditions. The reason I suggest this is because I dont think they will give extra time on you board exams and the adcoms know this......I am not sure.....( this is just an opinion 👍 )
Finally, I think by waiting until you have taken all the classes you listed, you will see a dramatic improvement in you BS score.....But again there is PS and VR to worry about.
So......That is my opinion on your situation.......good luck

 

[TerpDO]

I've been through the application process enough times (more than once) to have some experience and maybe here are some suggestions that can help.

1)To study for the MCAT and pretty much to study for any hard exam (for me anyways) is to do lots of practice problems. You may be a genius in physics and can remember all the equations or maybe you can memorize the entire periodic table but that info is hard to apply on a timed exam such as the MCAT. The MCAT is an exam where they often test you on how you approach a problem as often as how familiar you are with the subject. If you have been studying by reading chemistry and physics textbooks you won't get that far. My suggestion is to get the EXAMKRACKERS review books from Amazon.com (or anywhere (god they should be paying me for how often I refer ppl to their books)) and for you I would get all the 1001 Questions for EVERY SECTION on the MCAT. You will need 2-3 FREE months to get through everything or 3-4 months if you are taking classes or working while you are studying. But if you can get through everything or at least more than 75% of the questions I am sure you can score above a 25 on MCAT easily. If bubbling is your downfall the books actually have suggestions on how to keep that organized so you can focus on the material. I hope you can take this advice if you decide to retake the beast!

2)If you have a learning disability be sure to let schools know, either in essays or interviews (preferably interviews) how even though that affected your MCAT score, it does not affect your performance in school and will not affect your performance as a physician. Based on your GPA (which is mountains higher than mine) and your writing in your question, I am pretty sure that you can articulate your situation well. And if the admissions can get past your MCAT score you should be fine otherwise.

3) I definitely would go ahead with D.O. applications if you are just as interested in it as M.D. schools. Not only do they cost less, $40-$75 average for most schools (as compared to $50-$100 for MD schools) but they are more likely to look at your entire application and not rule you out based on numbers alone. If your essays, experiences, GPA and LOR's are all consistent and only the MCAT is low, you could still be a strong candidate if you do very well at your interviews.

I hope this helps, don't let the MCAT discourage you as I believe MOST people who apply to medical school take it more than once, and if I remember correctly, most people who apply to med school get in after 2.5 attempts (i didn't make that up I swear). Good luck and keep us updated on your progress!

 

[chrisv]

Okay so here is my situation. I am going into my senior year of college. I am a Biochemistry major with a psychology minor. I currently have a 3.76 GPA. Hoping it will go up to a 3.8 again. I think I have lots of experience with research, shadowing, volunteer, etc. I think I have a great PS and will have good LORs. My only weak area is the MCATs, it is bad, and I am afraid they will never improve. I was studying with Kaplan since October, took the course twice the first time I did all the assigned homework and the second time I attempted to but things got too much with research, schoolwork, and work. Normally I had a 24 on the Kaplan practice exams but the last one before I took the exam was a 19 and that was AAMC practice 9. I think I know at least 85-90% of the content. I pretty much know the flash cards, read all the chapters, and did all the homework. I cannot retake Kaplan without paying more money.

I sent out 13 applications. Nine MD before I took the application and four D.O. applications yesterday. I really prefer D.O. and UNECOM is actually my number one choice. I am afraid my MCAT scores are going to come back low and I am nervous. I have already gotten three secondaries from M.D. schools but all the M.D. schools that I applied to are pretty much Ivy League schools because I live in CT and I want to stay in the New England area.

I just don't know how I should go about this. I have already spent at least $880 on applications plus the $1500 for the Kaplan course. I don't want to keep on wasting money but I really want to get into a school. I hoped that one school that I really wanted to go to would accept me before I had to send out all of the secondaries. I am paying for Medical School all on my own (as I am sure most of you all are), I am also in debt right now. Is there any smart way to go about the secondary applications? Should I wait to see what my MCAT scores are before I send them out? If my MCAT scores are really bad should I not even bother to send out the majority of secondary applications? Will not submitting my secondary application look bad to the Medical Schools if I wanted to reapply if I (God forbid) am not accepted the first time? Should I start studying for the January MCAT on my own? Will some schools accept January MCAT scores for this application group? If not should I just wait a year until I finish my senior year of college (then I will have completed Cell Biology, Genetics, A&P I and II, and Biochemistry)? And what advice do you guys have for studying for MCATs. This exam seems to be the death of me. I can't even seem to bubble correctly (I get a bunch of answers wrong because I somehow can't manage to bubble correctly, it is SOOO frustrating).

PS. I also have a learning disability and technically I could get extra time for future exams. How will having extra time on the MCATs effect my application? I didn't get extra time on the SATs and I don't use it on any college exams. I never used my learning disability before.

PPS. I am also of Hispanic decent. I think this will be to my benefit I know this is also frustrating to a lot of you because of affirmative action, etc. But I just want to give everyone as much information about me as possible so people can give me the best advice possible.

Thank you for everyone who took time to read this and answer!!!

Honestly, I was in the same boat as you're, so I understand it's tough. Then I took the April MCAT plunge, got my 25Q, and asked bunch of ppl. about re-taking it and what I've heard from most people is that if you're applying DO, and you get something above 22-23, you're fine. And I've known of 3 people (one of whom sat on Hopkins committee) who have told me that although re-taking the MCAT isn't fun, the ADCOMs look very favorably if you 1) either stay at the same score, or 2) improve by a few points. They admire the fact that you want it soooooooooo bad, and you're willing to do it all over again. That shows determination & passion. So, I would say, if you have to, yes, RETAKE IT.
The other thing with August MCATers is that they have the entire summer to prepare for it, so everyone gets more questions right, and hence it's tougher to score. January, or next Spring should be an easier one. Since this is the firts year they're offering January MCATs, I would talk to the ADCOMS to find out whether they'll take that score for the entering class of fall 2007.
Lastly, consider the Carribean schools. I know someone who goes to St. George, and he tells me that, yeah, it sucks to live on an island, but their 3rd & 4th year rotations will bring you back to the States, with limited residency options, of course.
Good luck! I totally relate to you...I've got exact same major, GPA etc.

 

[redsoxfan]

your GPA is great. i wouldn't rush things. if u really don't want to waste money, hold off on secondaries, or take your chances. some schools overlook poor mcat if your GPA is high. if your heart is set on a top school, then take a year off. improve your credentials (ie clinical/research) and use a different approach to taking the mcat. good luck either way.

 

[clc8503]

Okay so here is my situation. I am going into my senior year of college. I am a Biochemistry major with a psychology minor. I currently have a 3.76 GPA. Hoping it will go up to a 3.8 again. I think I have lots of experience with research, shadowing, volunteer, etc. I think I have a great PS and will have good LORs. My only weak area is the MCATs, it is bad, and I am afraid they will never improve. I was studying with Kaplan since October, took the course twice the first time I did all the assigned homework and the second time I attempted to but things got too much with research, schoolwork, and work. Normally I had a 24 on the Kaplan practice exams but the last one before I took the exam was a 19 and that was AAMC practice 9. I think I know at least 85-90% of the content. I pretty much know the flash cards, read all the chapters, and did all the homework. I cannot retake Kaplan without paying more money.

I sent out 13 applications. Nine MD before I took the application and four D.O. applications yesterday. I really prefer D.O. and UNECOM is actually my number one choice. I am afraid my MCAT scores are going to come back low and I am nervous. I have already gotten three secondaries from M.D. schools but all the M.D. schools that I applied to are pretty much Ivy League schools because I live in CT and I want to stay in the New England area.

I just don't know how I should go about this. I have already spent at least $880 on applications plus the $1500 for the Kaplan course. I don't want to keep on wasting money but I really want to get into a school. I hoped that one school that I really wanted to go to would accept me before I had to send out all of the secondaries. I am paying for Medical School all on my own (as I am sure most of you all are), I am also in debt right now. Is there any smart way to go about the secondary applications? Should I wait to see what my MCAT scores are before I send them out? If my MCAT scores are really bad should I not even bother to send out the majority of secondary applications? Will not submitting my secondary application look bad to the Medical Schools if I wanted to reapply if I (God forbid) am not accepted the first time? Should I start studying for the January MCAT on my own? Will some schools accept January MCAT scores for this application group? If not should I just wait a year until I finish my senior year of college (then I will have completed Cell Biology, Genetics, A&P I and II, and Biochemistry)? And what advice do you guys have for studying for MCATs. This exam seems to be the death of me. I can't even seem to bubble correctly (I get a bunch of answers wrong because I somehow can't manage to bubble correctly, it is SOOO frustrating).

PS. I also have a learning disability and technically I could get extra time for future exams. How will having extra time on the MCATs effect my application? I didn't get extra time on the SATs and I don't use it on any college exams. I never used my learning disability before.

PPS. I am also of Hispanic decent. I think this will be to my benefit I know this is also frustrating to a lot of you because of affirmative action, etc. But I just want to give everyone as much information about me as possible so people can give me the best advice possible.

Thank you for everyone who took time to read this and answer!!!

I think extra time can only help you. For instance I have 7 practice exams on paper and 2 exams for computer, so I’m always tinkering with them. I normally get around a 10 on the verbal reasoning, but today I decided to take a new exam that I haven't taken yet, without being timed. I spent an extra 20 minutes on the VR and busted out a 12 on that section alone. Time can be the killer on the MCAT! Are you just slow at reading? If you ask me, at least 75% of the MCAT is reading comprehension. It is important to have a background in science because this will allow you to comprehend the material with more ease. This can cut into your time, but on the VR and biology section I skim though and read the first sentence of every paragraph in a reading section, as well as the conclusion sentence. Then I read all my questions. It takes about 30-45 seconds for me to do this. Then I have an idea of what the topic is about as well as what I need to look for in the reading section, to answer the questions that are given. I'm sure they coved all this in the Kaplan course. It is possible to improve your score. I thought Kaplan guaranteed at least a 10-point boost or your money back! Looks like you need to ask for your money back. I wish you the best of luck. Hang in there.