I'm depressed!

[jbag]

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After taking the MCAT for the third time, I think I bombed this exam just like the first two times; the first two times, I got mcat< 26. I studied so hard and just am not a great test taker since my reading comprhension is not the greatest. Anyway, my GPA isn't the best, overall GPA 3.35. I have taken 4 grad courses which med takes and have an overall grad GPA 3.68. My recommendations are great and in depth; also, I have spent 3 years in research and have co-authored in 3 respectable journals.

What should I do if my mcat comes back with almost the same scores? I sometimes feel that I should just give up, but I have come so far. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[dynamic02]

hey jbag,
don't be depressed dude. 🙂 I would say relax a bit and take a deep breath...-- you just finished the MCATs a week ago and it will be at least a month or so before you find out the results. So don't sweat it even before you have gotten your results back.
Are you thinking about applying this year? I would say if medicine something that you REALLY want to do, and it's your passion, then go for it! =-) Remember, admissions committees look at more than your GPA and MCATs; they look at who you are as a person, why you want to go into this field, and what impact you hope to make. Hope that helps! 🙂

 

[shorrin]

Go for it!!! but apply to some DO's just in case. I took the MCAT 3 times, 25, 25 and 30.

I have faith 🙂 third times a charm and I just got in with a 3.31. 🙂

 

[ckent]

If you really studied hard, and just couldn't get above a 26, you might have symptoms of ADHD. That might be something to look into when you have time. Go ahead and apply with whatever your score is, three times is pretty much the maximum number of times you should take the MCAT, and be sure to apply to a good number of DO schools too. Good luck.

 

[wolferman]

jbag,

First you must realize that people have gotten into medical school before with below average MCAT scores. From the looks of things, your grad GPA seems to be on the right track, and the fact that you're continuing your education demonstrates your dedication to medicine. My only suggestion is this: You can't do anything about your MCAT score, so don't worry about it. From here on out, don't give the medical schools ANY other reasons not to accept you. Throw your self into your final exams this semester and hit a home run. Also, polish up your interviewing skills, because when you do get an interview (and it will happen) you'll need to make them wonder how a great applicant like you could've done poorly on the MCAT. You want them convinced that your MCAT score is your only fault.

 

[oneironaut]

For what its worth, I went home from the MCAT and wanted to cry. I think I might have. Thought I bombed it. -got a 32 and I'm accepted. My gpa isn't even as good as yours.

Everyone thinks they bombed it. Subjective opinions are useless in my opinion. ;-)

It's just one facet of a picture friend.

 

[BlackPuma]

have u ever thought about osteopathic medicine!

they do basically the exact same thing as doctors and they are also called doctors as well!!!

 

[gmendese]

For what it's worth, I took the MCAT four times, and applied three times. This year (my third time) I got into four schools. And the first time I took the MCAT, I got a 25 and I studied SO much at Kaplan that I lost 20 pounds and didn't notice it until my friends said something. I never broke 27, but my individual scores ranged quite a bit, and I was told my some of the schools I applied to that they add the highest individual scores (and then some schools average them in some way), so my composite was a 29. I got into Jefferson, Tufts, UMass, and Temple. Bottom line...it took a while, but I got there. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND KEEP TRYING! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN!

 

[rpames]

I feel your pain, I was up until 3am lying in bed worring about not getting in last night. I haven't taken the MCAT yet (this summer) but I can relate to what you are going through, I bet most of us can. I finally came to the conclusion that if I want it, it will come someday. No matter what people try and tell you, it doesn't help. Just keep trying.

 

[jbag]

Thanks for all your responses; I knew every since I was little that I wanted to be a doctor. Growing up in a low income family, I hope one day to help the people who can't afford medical treatment. This is what I find the most rewarding. And now it seems like my dream is not going to come true. I just friggin don't know why I can't do well on this friggin exam.

 

[C U in MD school]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by jbag:
•Thanks for all your responses; I knew every since I was little that I wanted to be a doctor. Growing up in a low income family, I hope one day to help the people who can't afford medical treatment. This is what I find the most rewarding. And now it seems like my dream is not going to come true. I just friggin don't know why I can't do well on this friggin exam.•••••hey man,
DONT GIVE UP!!! i have walked in your shoes and i know how hard it is to keep on walking when all you want to do is sit down. i have watched people who have no business of being in medical school get in the top places. i too took the mcat couple of times, but each time that damn verbal got me. i finally applied and prayed that schools would just give me a interview, and they did. at my interviews my low verbal came up several times and i just told them the truth; that i just need to learn to read faster. and every time my interviewer made comments like "yeah, i dont know why we even have that section on the mcat" those word were like music to my ears. anyways, i got into a school this year and im still waiting to hear from couple of others. dont give up and when you get that first acceptance letter it will all make sense as you cry (trust me, you will cry).

 

[Zeffer]

Don't be depressed. You don't even know what your score is yet. If it is the same as the other two you have serveral options

1) Retake the test again. I don't know if this would be very productive considering the fact that you studied hard for the previous tests.

2) Apply to the schools and hope all of your other strengths appeal to the Ad Com enough to accept you.

3) Apply to the other fields of Medicine such as Podiatry, Chiropractic, Osteopathic. These schools generally weight the MCAT less in the admissions process.

4) Consider working in a field other than medicine. There are many other occupations out there.

Each of these options are expensive in either time, money or both, so you should really consider all of the pros and cons and dedide which road is for you.

 

[Dr. Scandinavia]

Hang in there! Don't draw any conclusions before you get your score. The adcoms look at you overall package, not the MCAT score alone. By taking grad classes and excelling in them, you have shown that you are capable of advanced coursework. In addition your papers will prove your interest in research, which will work for you. Add some volunteer experience, and you will have a shot :wink: