Interview MCAT Question

[stickgirl390]

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At all of my interviews this cycle, I was asked how I prepared to take the MCAT. What is the purpose in asking this question? What information about me as a candidate is my interviewer trying to deduce? Is there a "right" way to answer it?

Thanks!

 

[moggat]

Did you score crazy high? The only questions I got about MCAT preparation seemed more like genuine curiosity than any sort of diagnostic interview question.

 

[stickgirl390]

Did you score crazy high? The only questions I got about MCAT preparation seemed more like genuine curiosity than any sort of diagnostic interview question.

505. My cGPA was 3.8, but my med-school prerequisite GPA is 4.0 (Bs in world history and astronomy)

This was also asked on some of my secondaries as well, if that's worth noting.

 

[stickgirl390]

I'd love to hear if @Goro has any insight

 

[aldol16]

My guess is that they want to know how you deal with studying for a high-stakes test and whether you have good study habits? Since for the foreseeable future, you'll be taking many high-stakes tests!

 

[Goro]

What the wise gonnif said.

At all of my interviews this cycle, I was asked how I prepared to take the MCAT. What is the purpose in asking this question? What information about me as a candidate is my interviewer trying to deduce? Is there a "right" way to answer it?

Thanks!

 

[Hospitalized]

Despite the MCAT being "the great equalizer", there's still many factors that contribute to a score... Your interviewer is probably trying to understand some of those. Consider:

1.) An individual's ability to focus completely on the MCAT
2.) Ability to take a course, get a private tutor, etc. (these things can cost $1000-$5000+)
3.) Having other life commitments like kids or homeownership interfering with your MCAT studying
4.) Employment commitments

It's well documented that a higher SES correlates to a higher MCAT score. From a previous thread here:

-Applicants who are most socioeconomically disadvantaged (SES A) have a significantly lower average MCAT score (23.4) than those with the least disadvantage (SES D, 28.3)

 

[stickgirl390]

Thank you, that's something I was curious about. I could never afford a tutor/class, so I had to do everything on my own.

 

[freak7]

-Applicants who are most socioeconomically disadvantaged (SES A) have a significantly lower average MCAT score (23.4) than those with the least disadvantage (SES D, 28.3)

I am suddenly much more proud of my MCAT score.

 

[flip_08]

Considering that you will have many high stakes standardized exams as a medical student they want to make sure you are up to the task.