I think I'm underestimating the MCAT…

[700003]

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Does a great, higher-than-average MCAT score trump other activities like study abroad, MPH, traveling for "life experience," NIH IRTA, joining an interesting hobby, and other things that add to an applicant's "uniqueness"?

I ask because these are some things I have to miss in order to study and score to my maximum potential on the MCAT. I'm wondering if it might be beneficial in any way to reduce my MCAT studying hours to pursue some of these interesting activities and whether that would benefit my app more…

Basically, how important is it to get a great MCAT score (515+) and how much can it help me? I feel like I'm underestimating this exam…I'm starting to think other application components might be more helpful in getting me into med school (such as being unique with the above).

 

[mw18]

I've always looked at it like you need the requisite scores for that level of school. 29-31 (or equivalent) and 3.6-3.7 for most state schools. And then up the more competitive the school. Then after you fit in that pool they start looking at activities. That's probably not how they actually do it, it's just the way I've seen it. People with outstanding ECs can obviously get in with lesser stats but I wouldn't count on anything that can fit into your study time window being as much of a gamechanger as the mcat is.

But if your practice tests are good, then have your cake and eat it too. I just don't think you can overprepare. It's a beast.

 

[Ismet]

A good MCAT gets your foot in the door, but it's not what gets you accepted. The whole package is important.

 

[tartrate]

The difficult thing is that most name brand schools will want both; high scores AND unique/in-depth involvement with "other" activities. It's usually not one or the other. One thing to consider is that it's easier to bolster your activities than try to finagle your way into medical school with poor academic marks (grades/test scores).

 

[700003]

I've always looked at it like you need the requisite scores for that level of school. 29-31 (or equivalent) and 3.6-3.7 for most state schools. And then up the more competitive the school. Then after you fit in that pool they start looking at activities. That's probably not how they actually do it, it's just the way I've seen it. People with outstanding ECs can obviously get in with lesser stats but I wouldn't count on anything that can fit into your study time window being as much of a gamechanger as the mcat is.

But if your practice tests are good, then have your cake and eat it too. I just don't think you can overprepare. It's a beast.

A good MCAT gets your foot in the door, but it's not what gets you accepted. The whole package is important.

The difficult thing is that most name brand schools will want both; high scores AND unique/in-depth involvement with "other" activities. It's usually not one or the other. One thing to consider is that it's easier to bolster your activities than try to finagle your way into medical school with poor academic marks (grades/test scores).

So far, I have done the following:

1. volunteered with disabled kids
2. hospice
3. TA'ed twice and did well - have posters that were presented at regional conferences; taught underprivileged kids for a semester; also privately tutored
4. have good research (clinical and lab) - presented at national conference and won several grants
5. student ambassador leader for my school
6. habitat for humanity e-board for a semester
7. lots of shadowing - including a short internship abroad in a rural area

I am applying this upcoming June and by then, I plan to volunteer scribe, take part in mobile clinics, and start a new hobby. My MCAT is this April. In the summer, I want to travel abroad and then will apply for gap year opportunities (this is where NIH IRTA comes in, if I can get in!).

Based on the info above, do you think I still need (or even have time?) to beef up the "uniqueness part of my app?" Do my EC's need some serious refining? Or am I good with my activities so that I can focus fully on my MCAT coming up soon?

I just want to know if these EC's are good enough… if I can get a great MCAT score and apply with these EC's, will top schools consider me?? Btw, my GPA is ~3.84, with a slightly lower BCPM

 

[Ismet]

EC's look good, just make sure you can write and speak well about them. Many applicants underestimate the importance of their essays and activity descriptions.

 

[piii]

What's the point of this thread? The best applicants are able to put in the commitment needed to score high, and manage their time well enough to enjoy life and build extracurriculars. These exams won't end after the MCAT.

 

[Ismet]

These exams won't end after the MCAT.

Sadly 🙁

Although...pretty much every school gives students time off for dedicated Step 1 study time, and everyone crawls in a hole to study for those 4-6 weeks.

 

[Styrene]

Not necessarily. I know someone who scored a 44 on the old MCAT but didn't have tons of clinical and volunteer hours, and ADCOMs apparently weren't "dying to meet" the person with the 44.

Does a great, higher-than-average MCAT score trump other activities like study abroad, MPH, traveling for "life experience," NIH IRTA, joining an interesting hobby, and other things that add to an applicant's "uniqueness"?

 

[MerYangBey]

Do you guys think that more MCAT study time= a higher score? As in if someone studied for six months instead of two they would get a 39 instead of a 32.

I think there is a limit that people reach because of their natural ability (intelligence). And that chances are more studying won't raise the score significantly. I think 2 months of moderate study effort is enough to reach that point.

 

[DrHart]

"Maybe next time you should estimate it."

 

[piii]

Do you guys think that more MCAT study time= a higher score? As in if someone studied for six months instead of two they would get a 39 instead of a 32.

I think there is a limit that people reach because of their natural ability (intelligence). And that chances are more studying won't raise the score significantly. I think 2 months of moderate study effort is enough to reach that point.

I think everyone has a limit for a high score, a limit for how long they need and how well they need to study to reach that limit. One deficit in the equation limits your score.

 

[DoReMiFaSo]

Sorry to sidetrack this convo, but man I'm jealous of people like @piii 's signature! That "Class of 2020" looks sharp!! Too bad I'm 2019 T.T

 

[hailbate]

Sorry to sidetrack this convo, but man I'm jealous of people like @piii 's signature! That "Class of 2020" looks sharp!! Too bad I'm 2019 T.T

You ought to blame your parents for that one. Hindsight is 2020!

*Ba dum tss*

 

[BeachBaby]

My mcat was significantly lower and I think my activities helped

 

[Lucca]

While the MCAT isn't everything, it is very important so you should not underestimate it. You don't need a 528, but a 528 would really help lol.

Think about going to the car dealership to pick a new car. You are the car, medical schools are the shopper. One car has the best interior you have ever seen. It's gorgeous, imported leather, one of a kind. The tech is marvelous and responsive and intuitive. But the only problem is: it's not a car. It's the waiting room area inside the dealership. Your MCAT and GPA are what make you a car. If those areas are not strong, you are just a bunch of shiny bells and whistles. The buyer needs to know that you can drive; the buyer needs to know you are going to get her those dank AF step 1 scores -- I mean track times -- so that she can show off to all of her friends.

 

[tavokeri9]

Not necessarily. I know someone who scored a 44 on the old MCAT but didn't have tons of clinical and volunteer hours, and ADCOMs apparently weren't "dying to meet" the person with the 44.

Wow…did this person get in that cycle at all?

I can't imagine being in such a situation where none of the low or top tiers want you 😕 because your MCAT is either too high or your EC's are too "cookie-cutter" I'm starting to think this process is really messed up…

 

[Styrene]

Wow…did this person get in that cycle at all?

I can't imagine being in such a situation where none of the low or top tiers want you 😕 because your MCAT is either too high or your EC's are too "cookie-cutter" I'm starting to think this process is really messed up…

Yes, he got in.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Lost in Translation]

While the MCAT isn't everything, it is very important so you should not underestimate it. You don't need a 528, but a 528 would really help lol.

Think about going to the car dealership to pick a new car. You are the car, medical schools are the shopper. One car has the best interior you have ever seen. It's gorgeous, imported leather, one of a kind. The tech is marvelous and responsive and intuitive. But the only problem is: it's not a car. It's the waiting room area inside the dealership. Your MCAT and GPA are what make you a car. If those areas are not strong, you are just a bunch of shiny bells and whistles. The buyer needs to know that you can drive; the buyer needs to know you are going to get her those dank AF step 1 scores -- I mean track times -- so that she can show off to all of her friends.

So med schools are benchracers? Then who are the ones that truly know the thrill of driving is not limited to 0-62 times and how fast the car can go around the 'ring?