Interview Question- Explaining Poor MCAT or a Bad Grade?

[FuturePharm21]

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Hey,


What's the best way to explain a low MCAT or poor grade like a C?

Right now, I was thinking of explaining how I was trying to do too many things at once and ultimately my grade suffered and took the exam underprepared without pre-requistes completed. However, both situations improved my study habits teaching me to study using a variety of methods, doing a lot more practice problems, and ultimately I seeked out help getting a tutor to improve weak areas.

Is that good? What else do you guys recommend?

I know there's a very good chance it will be asked...

Thanks!

 

[DrWily]

Some schools interview closed file, or semi-closed (meaning they won't see your numbers, but will see your PS, primary and secondary essay questions). Not every school is open file... I've also heard that many people don't get asked about these things because if you got an interview, it means they are ok with your stats and want to see your personality.

Just to prepare though, what you said should be fine. Immaturity can play a big part, being distracted by family issues, etc. Show improvement and they should be satisfied with your answer. Just be confident that now, you are ready to handle medical school course load.

 

[Iliketoytles]

Everything sounds good except the "without prerequisites completed". Take that part out, since many people take the MCAT without having taken organic II or physics II. It's a lot more difficult, but people do it.

I hope you aren't memorizing that paragraph though... since obviousley it would sound way to scripted. Just be like...

Interview: "Can you explain your low MCAT score?"

You: "Well, with all the responsibilities I had at the time like my volunteer work, classes, and leadership duties... I felt a bit overwhelmed so studying for the MCAT became difficult, and I ended up taking it without preparing for it properly. But I've learned a lot from the experience. I've been modifying my study habits, learning how to manage my time, and even invested in a private tutor when necessary." blah blah.

I just made that up as I typed it to prevent it from sounding scripted. Just go with the flow, yo. 😎

 

[AlabamaPop]

Everything sounds good except the "without prerequisites completed". Take that part out, since many people take the MCAT without having taken organic II or physics II. It's a lot more difficult, but people do it.

I hope you aren't memorizing that paragraph though... since obviousley it would sound way to scripted. Just be like...

Interview: "Can you explain your low MCAT score?"

You: "Well, with all the responsibilities I had at the time like my volunteer work, classes, and leadership duties... I felt a bit overwhelmed so studying for the MCAT became difficult, and I ended up taking it without preparing for it properly. But I've learned a lot from the experience. I've been modifying my study habits, learning how to manage my time, and even invested in a private tutor when necessary." blah blah.

I just made that up as I typed it to prevent it from sounding scripted. Just go with the flow, yo. 😎

Was LECOM open file?

 

[Iliketoytles]

Was LECOM open file?

Haven't had my lecom interview yet, but i hear it's open file.

 

[LUCPM]

Was LECOM open file?

The interview at LECOM-Erie was actually closed file.

 

[Iliketoytles]

I stand corrected! 😳

 

[DrWily]

yes, closed file. The interviewers don't know crap about you, only what you tell them. They typically start off the interview with "Tell me about yourself" which roughly encompasses where you went to undergrad, some of your extracurricular activities, why you want to be a physician, why you want to be a DO, and maybe some hobbies you enjoy.

 

[Gilligan26]

I think its best to be completely honest about it. I have a couple of questionable grades that I fully expect to be questioned about in an open file interview. In all honesty, I had way too many extracurricular things going on. I was in college marching band, which took up 15 hours of my week (more if we had to travel to away games). Not only was I in marching band, I did pep band for the basketball team which meant a lot of traveling during tournament season. (My last year of undergrad, I missed 3 weeks of school in the spring semester because of this). I was also involved with 3 other music ensembles which had rehearsals and performances. Not to mention some of the volunteer stuff I was a part of as well.

I could also say that in my early years of undergrad, I don't think I was ready for college and it was a huge growing experience for me. I had some maturing to do, but the more I realized what I wanted to do with my education, the more dedicated to my studies I became. Also, in any class I struggled with, it taught me more and more about how to study and how to budget my time for studying.

Not everyone who gets an A in a class retains the information. Not everyone that does poorly in a class got nothing out of it.

 

[TwinsFan]

Not everyone who gets an A in a class retains the information. Not everyone that does poorly in a class got nothing out of it.

This is an excellent point and should not be forgotten come interview time.

 

[Iliketoytles]

This is an excellent point and should not be forgotten come interview time.

👍

 

[jso89]

As long as you can say what you learned from the experience so that you'll do better in the future you should be ok. The important thing is to not sound like you're making an excuse but that you understand what you could/will do differently in the future.

 

[Goro]

Just tell the truth

Hey,


What's the best way to explain a low MCAT or poor grade like a C?

Right now, I was thinking of explaining how I was trying to do too many things at once and ultimately my grade suffered and took the exam underprepared without pre-requistes completed. However, both situations improved my study habits teaching me to study using a variety of methods, doing a lot more practice problems, and ultimately I seeked out help getting a tutor to improve weak areas.

Is that good? What else do you guys recommend?

I know there's a very good chance it will be asked...

Thanks!