Interview Advice, MCAT<10%

[Consuela]

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Hi SDN!

I just received my first II from one of my reach schools where my MCAT score is 1 pt less than the school's 10%. Slightly less than average GPA. Not URM. Pretty extraordinary ECs (not the typical pre-med stuff in any way). Obviously, elated that I received a II but also now a bit terrified to have to answer "Why such a low MCAT score, etc.?" My question to anyone who may have been in this situation before is how do I answer that question without making it sound like excuses? I think that since my MCAT is low, my Interview will be especially important to nail. Thanks for any advice in advance!

 

[ridethecliche]

Well why didn't you do that well? Clearly they think you might be worth admitting, so I wouldn't bring it up if the interviewer doesn't.

 

[Doug Underhill]

They wouldn't interview you if they didn't think your MCAT was high enough. However, you should have an answer planned out.

 

[LizzyM]

You aren't URM but do you have some connection to the school (or have a family member who has a connection)? You could be interviewed as a courtesy to your PI or someone in your extended family.

Be prepared to explain how you prepared for the MCAT, what you felt you did well and what you could have done better. Knowing what you know now about a high stakes test of this sort, if given the opportunity, how would you prepare for the Step 1 exam at the end of 2nd year of med school? Don't write down & rehearse an answer but think this over. How would you prepare for a retake of the MCAT if you have to retake? How did what you learned about your prep & test taking skills inform you and change what you'll do going forward?

 

[Goro]

You tell the truth and make the rest of the interview shine in case your rationale is a bad one, like "I wasn't ready" or "My parents made me take it".

Obviously, elated that I received a II but also now a bit terrified to have to answer "Why such a low MCAT score, etc.?" My question to anyone who may have been in this situation before is how do I answer that question without making it sound like excuses? I think that since my MCAT is low, my Interview will be especially important to nail.