I need a shoulder

[Joshua]

I have worked my entire life to some day become an osteopathic physician, and I think I blew everything that I have worked so hard for in 8 easy hours this past saturday. I had a double ear infection, and was unable to comcentrate on the MCAT. So all of the experience, good grades, awards, just motives for pursuing medicine.... all lost. The worst part of it is, I already applied to a few schools. Now what? Do I withdraw my applications?
Advice from successful applicants such as yourselves would mean a lot to me. 8 hours. Unbelievable. I studied for six months. I did all that I could. I know I did well on the science sections, but I don't feel comfortable about verbal. I was running a fever in the morning when I took it. Sigh....the horror.

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[justwannabadoc]

Kind of silly to withdraw your applications before you even find out your score. Even afterwards, it would not benefit you. Schools are going to find out what you got on the MCAT if you reaaply so you might leave your applications active and hope for the best. If your score turns out poorly and you don't get in, just try again next year. If the rest of your file is good, you still might get the opportunity to explain your performance.

 

[Jim Henderson]

I studied for the MCAT for a year. After I took the MCAT, I KNEW I failed... I did fine.

I studied for the USMLE Step 1 for 1 month. After I took the USMLE step 1, I THOUGHT I failed... I did fine.

I studied for the USMLE Step 2 for 1 week. After I took it, I THOUGHT I passed... and did fine.

I studied for the USMLE Step 3 for 1 day. After I took it I KNEW I passed... and did fine.

It's so easy to ruminate over and over again about the questions missed, the questions you didn't have a clue about, the section not finished, the should haves and would haves... the problem is, it is a fact that people generally only remember the bad parts of tests... you can't tell how you did until you get the scores.

Give it time, let the MCATs come back, and then re-evaluate the situation.

Waiting is hell. Enjoy your senior year, have an ice cream cone, and every time you feel that darn test coming back to your head envision a big STOP sign and think of something else... it's the only way to survive a medical school career.

And I know, it's easier said than done.


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Jim Henderson, MD of MedicalStudent.net

[This message has been edited by medicalstudent.net (edited August 24, 1999).]

 

[Henry]

Relax, the worst thing can happen is to retake the MCAT, which a lot of people did.
I also agree that you should keep your application active until you receive the MCAT score. Don't panic. Think positive. If you give up so easily, you will never get to your destination. Remember, getting into medical school also require endurance.

 

[Paul's Boutique]

(see below)

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-PB (Western Univ./COMP '04)

"Never give in, never give in,
never, never, never, never..."
-Sir Winston Churchill, 1944

 

[Brad]

Welcome to a long and tortuous road. That's tough about the MCAT, but you truly can make this work in your favor. Apply this year. Don't even consider withdrawing your apps... however you may want to "add" a few schools with "lower" applicant expectations. If you did indeed blow the MCAT, then you already have the stage set for next year. You retake the MCAT, Rock The MCAT, apply all over again and play up your great improvement. Schools love to see significant improvement. As long as everything else is in order, you will be fine.

Brad

 

[crackheadbob]

The test is over and there is nothing you can do about that. I agree 100% with wannabadoc.......don't withdraw your application. If the grades are that bad, you can conact the school, explain what happened, and if need be, write a letter to the school explaining your predicament and ask for it to be put in you application folder. If the m-cats are the only thing thatr is hurting your chances, NYCOM may be an option. I know for a fact that in the case of certain students who they feel will make outstanding osteopaths, they will make exceptions and except them. If there is anything i can do just let me know.

 

[E Cartman]

Hey Joshua,

Don't worry about it now. I have heard countless stories of people who almost voided their tests at the end, only to learn 60 days later they had scored well. My personal experience is similar. I almost left during lunch this April. After feeling great about Verbal, I was certain I had made a 3 on Physics. It kicked my ass, and I was drained. A classmate of mine actually talked me into staying for the remainder of the test. Not only did I not make a 3 (made a 10 on PS), but my composite score was >30.

Don't worry about. You may receive a wonderful surprise in October. I hope you do. Good luck, and keep working on those applications.

 

[8404]

dont fret over the MCAT. the test blows, but ya gotta take it. i gained acceptance with a 6 (a six for the love of God!) in the verbal section (which really blows) and marginally average scored in all other sections. as long as you are interesting enough to spark their interest, THEY WILL CALL.