Interview: How to defend a low MCAT score?

[nikoness]

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What are your experiences explaining a low MCAT score during an interview? How did you defend it? What do you think is a good way of approaching it? Please post anything you have to add, it might help some of us.

I'm going to be honest about my specific struggles, and I'd suggest everyone does the same, but I'm trying to come up with ways to frame honest answers such that it can be still be seen in a positive light.

For example, I've taken the test twice now. Its obviously not desireable to score low again on the second try, however, I could point out positives in that I did improve from the first attempt, and that my scores are even.

 

[nikoness]

Some other random questions..

Is it a good or bad idea to point out a weakness you might have (slow reader) that may have contributed to the score?

Is it better to just avoid specific struggles you've had and just focus on how you plan to improve? Or would that seem like you're dodging the question?

 

[CRCprofessional]

Some other random questions..

Is it a good or bad idea to point out a weakness you might have (slow reader) that may have contributed to the score?

Is it better to just avoid specific struggles you've had and just focus on how you plan to improve? Or would that seem like you're dodging the question?

In my experience, I explained my progression of MCAT studying. I explained how I initially studied for it and where I went wrong (I focused too much on content review, less practice, too much anxiety, etc.). I also discussed how I realized my weaknesses and improved on them over time. I took the MCAT 3x and my score improved 3/4 points every time. If you discuss weaknesses, just explain how you overcame those and improved.

 

[Bnmakr1]

Some other random questions..

Is it a good or bad idea to point out a weakness you might have (slow reader) that may have contributed to the score?

Is it better to just avoid specific struggles you've had and just focus on how you plan to improve? Or would that seem like you're dodging the question?

I wouldn't suggest that you say you are a slow reader. I have read on these forums that slow readers are more likely to fail out of or do poorly in medical school.

 

[Night Hawk]

.

 

[MedPR]

What are your experiences explaining a low MCAT score during an interview? How did you defend it? What do you think is a good way of approaching it? Please post anything you have to add, it might help some of us.

I'm going to be honest about my specific struggles, and I'd suggest everyone does the same, but I'm trying to come up with ways to frame honest answers such that it can be still be seen in a positive light.

For example, I've taken the test twice now. Its obviously not desireable to score low again on the second try, however, I could point out positives in that I did improve from the first attempt, and that my scores are even.

How low are we talking? What are your two scores?

 

[Goro]

There's an art form to this for sure, but I think it's always best to be up front about your weaknesses. Sometime you just have to take it on the chin. If you sound like you're making excuses, you're gone. So, just be honest.

There's an interview trick (and please don't overdo or be too obvious about it) of taking a weakness and then segueing it into your strengths.


What are your experiences explaining a low MCAT score during an interview? How did you defend it? What do you think is a good way of approaching it?


That one good way of doing it. Also remember to never bring up a weakness..but be prepared to talk about it if asked.

For example, I've taken the test twice now. Its obviously not desireable to score low again on the second try, however, I could point out positives in that I did improve from the first attempt, and that my scores are even.

Be honest, and live with talking about it. Honestly, I get VERY nervous if I hear something like this or the more common "I have trouble with standardized tests". Unfortunately, we're addicted to standardized testing, so you have to do well on them. Keep in mind that many Adcom memebrs often go out on a limb for an interviewee they like. Sometimes you have to take a chance on people


Is it a good or bad idea to point out a weakness you might have (slow reader) that may have contributed to the score?

It's always good to discuss about how you're going to solve a problem!

Is it better to just avoid specific struggles you've had and just focus on how you plan to improve?

 

[FrkyBgStok]

do you have a couple low scores and you have an interview you are prepping for? or do you have low scores and you are hoping like mad people give you an interview anyway?

 

[racerwad]

do you have a couple low scores and you have an interview you are prepping for? or do you have low scores and you are hoping like mad people give you an interview anyway?

This is the key point because if you're in the position to "defend" your low score, you've got it made because obviously they weren't so concerned about it that they didn't grant you an interview.

In an interview, just addresses it directly but succinctly and don't go into florid detail about how you turned things around, etc. Just focus on the strengths of your application that got you an invite despite your low score. Never say you're a bad test taker (or similar) because that's all medical school is.

Good luck.

 

[coolingglasses]

You should bring a poop hot dog to your interview and impress any adcoms who are on sdn by eating it.

Shows dedication.

 

[Columbia09]

If I get a low MCAT score I'll just say that I studied content instead of practicing using practice tests.

 

[MedPR]

If I get a low MCAT score I'll just say that I studied content instead of practicing using practice tests.

Better plan is don't get a low MCAT score. It really isn't terribly difficult to get a not-low score.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[Cuongoff]

Whenever you have to talk about your weaknesses always speak of weaknesses that aren't really weaknesses but are actually strengths in disguise.

 

[MedPR]

Whenever you have to talk about your weaknesses always speak of weaknesses that aren't really weaknesses but are actually strengths in disguise.

Yea, but avoid the cliche ones like being a perfectionist.

 

[CRCprofessional]

There's an art form to this for sure, but I think it's always best to be up front about your weaknesses. Sometime you just have to take it on the chin. If you sound like you're making excuses, you're gone. So, just be honest.

There's an interview trick (and please don't overdo or be too obvious about it) of taking a weakness and then segueing it into your strengths.


What are your experiences explaining a low MCAT score during an interview? How did you defend it? What do you think is a good way of approaching it?


That one good way of doing it. Also remember to never bring up a weakness..but be prepared to talk about it if asked.

For example, I've taken the test twice now. Its obviously not desireable to score low again on the second try, however, I could point out positives in that I did improve from the first attempt, and that my scores are even.

Be honest, and live with talking about it. Honestly, I get VERY nervous if I hear something like this or the more common "I have trouble with standardized tests". Unfortunately, we're addicted to standardized testing, so you have to do well on them. Keep in mind that many Adcom memebrs often go out on a limb for an interviewee they like. Sometimes you have to take a chance on people


Is it a good or bad idea to point out a weakness you might have (slow reader) that may have contributed to the score?

It's always good to discuss about how you're going to solve a problem!

Is it better to just avoid specific struggles you've had and just focus on how you plan to improve?

Yes, but I've also heard that if they ask a general question about weaknesses (ie, What are your weaknesses?) then you can transition into talking about your scores and spinning it into a learning experience.

 

[Mosonik]

I think the answer to your question only requires
some serious and honest self reflection. My conclusion was similar to many
others above who also focused too much on content review/study rather than practice. The
MCAT, much like organic chemistry, can only be improved through actual practice and I realized that too late into my study unfortunately. Also, I made it clear the score didn't reflect my abilities
(In fact my final score was even below my practice exams).
Also, it's okay to say you underestimated the test. Many do, you wouldn't be the first or last

 

[Mehd School]

I think it's easier to defend a low gpa (with upward trend) than it is a low MCAT. Obviously, don't put yourself in this position if at all possible.

Secondly, whatever you do, don't make excuses. There isn't a single excuse you can make (sick that day, computer froze etc) that will leave the adcom saying "Oh, that explains it.". Own up to it and say that you will improve your score if necessary, but the score was high enough to gain interest from the school in question. Be confident of your academic ability.