Is a low MCAT score enough to “auto-waitlist” me? Or should I assume my stats are fine if I got IIs?

[Jjdoctor18]

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I have been fortunate enough to receive 2 MD IIs, in state, with a 505 MCAT. I feel my application is very strong outside of my MCAT. Good writing, LORs, and ECs, GPA 3.9x. Very strong mission fit for both of these schools and one is where I am graduating from undergrad this year. My interview performance has gotten me 4 As at 4 DO schools so far, and I believe my MD interviews went well too. As we approach 10/15, I’m very anxious that, at least in the beginning of the acceptance window, my MCAT score makes me an auto waitlist. To what extent is this true? I feel like I have to be in the bottom 10-20% of MCAT scores interviewed. Although it is worth noting that I am at the 25th percentile matriculant MCAT for one of these schools and above it for the other.

I understand none of what I’m told here will change the outcome, I’m just curious about the thought process of admissions when re-reviewing my application and interview to make a primary decision on A/WL/R.

 

[LizzyM]

At my school, we don't interview applicants who we would not consider admitting -- except a few applicants who get "courtesy interviews" because they are well connected to a VIP.

Hang on, you'll know the outcome of those interviews by sometime in the spring at the latest. Meanwhile, find a hobby. 😉

 

[chilly_md]

Although it is worth noting that I am at the 25th percentile matriculant MCAT for one of these schools and above it for the other.

I understand none of what I’m told here will change the outcome, I’m just curious about the thought process of admissions when re-reviewing my application and interview to make a primary decision on A/WL/R.

That shows you are certainly within the range of who they admit. Those schools may not necessarily make a decision by 10/15 for all the earlier interviewees, so it is best to focus your attention elsewhere.

 

[Butalbusaur]

I have been fortunate enough to receive 2 MD IIs, in state, with a 505 MCAT. I feel my application is very strong outside of my MCAT. Good writing, LORs, and ECs, GPA 3.9x. Very strong mission fit for both of these schools and one is where I am graduating from undergrad this year. My interview performance has gotten me 4 As at 4 DO schools so far, and I believe my MD interviews went well too. As we approach 10/15, I’m very anxious that, at least in the beginning of the acceptance window, my MCAT score makes me an auto waitlist. To what extent is this true? I feel like I have to be in the bottom 10-20% of MCAT scores interviewed. Although it is worth noting that I am at the 25th percentile matriculant MCAT for one of these schools and above it for the other.

I understand none of what I’m told here will change the outcome, I’m just curious about the thought process of admissions when re-reviewing my application and interview to make a primary decision on A/WL/R.

Man, I feel you on this. I’m also waiting on 10/15 and it’s GUT-WRENCHING. I have been telling myself that interviewing early always gives you the best odds. Maybe it’s copium, maybe it makes sense? I agree with you that early IIs means that they liked something about you enough to end you an interview early on.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Are you back to your natural state of anxious overthinking?

You sit on 4 A's. Trust the process.

 

[CDaFutureDocMan]

I think a little reflection would help calm your nerves and provide a mini reality check. You have four acceptances; you WILL be going to medical school. You have already had two early MD interviews; you are obviously someone they are considering for acceptance.

The majority of people won't have either of these assurances (some of whom may have an MCAT in the 100th percentile). Trust your app, trust the process, try to distract yourself.

 

[polymerization]

I'm currently on a break interviewing at a T20 with an MCAT that will probably make history as the lowest they've ever matriculated (I'm pretty sure I'm far below 10th percentile). Keep the faith!

Put on the suit, listen to The Life of a Showgirl, and remember they picked you out of all of the other applicants they could have invited for a reason. Loud singing and the most embarrassing dancing in your room all by yourself is my recommendation.

 

[Jjdoctor18]

Are you back to your natural state of anxious overthinking?

You sit on 4 A's. Trust the process.

But of course, yes I am. The process is consuming me just a little bit so every few weeks I get on here knowing that I will be told to relax. I appreciate all of you, and see you in 3-6 weeks time! 🙂

 

[Goro]

I have been fortunate enough to receive 2 MD IIs, in state, with a 505 MCAT. I feel my application is very strong outside of my MCAT. Good writing, LORs, and ECs, GPA 3.9x. Very strong mission fit for both of these schools and one is where I am graduating from undergrad this year. My interview performance has gotten me 4 As at 4 DO schools so far, and I believe my MD interviews went well too. As we approach 10/15, I’m very anxious that, at least in the beginning of the acceptance window, my MCAT score makes me an auto waitlist. To what extent is this true? I feel like I have to be in the bottom 10-20% of MCAT scores interviewed. Although it is worth noting that I am at the 25th percentile matriculant MCAT for one of these schools and above it for the other.

I understand none of what I’m told here will change the outcome, I’m just curious about the thought process of admissions when re-reviewing my application and interview to make a primary decision on A/WL/R.

There's always the risk that even with a good interview performance, you failed to seal the deal.

So your interviewers might be saying something like "very nice candidate, but I'm worried about that MCAT score."

Nothing you could do now, and congrats on the interviews and acceptances. So stay busy

 

[J_doc1]

I have been fortunate enough to receive 2 MD IIs, in state, with a 505 MCAT. I feel my application is very strong outside of my MCAT. Good writing, LORs, and ECs, GPA 3.9x. Very strong mission fit for both of these schools and one is where I am graduating from undergrad this year. My interview performance has gotten me 4 As at 4 DO schools so far, and I believe my MD interviews went well too. As we approach 10/15, I’m very anxious that, at least in the beginning of the acceptance window, my MCAT score makes me an auto waitlist. To what extent is this true? I feel like I have to be in the bottom 10-20% of MCAT scores interviewed. Although it is worth noting that I am at the 25th percentile matriculant MCAT for one of these schools and above it for the other.

I understand none of what I’m told here will change the outcome, I’m just curious about the thought process of admissions when re-reviewing my application and interview to make a primary decision on A/WL/R.

Are you a re-applicant? If so, then you will need to demonstrate that:
1. Your app is WAY stronger than it was the first time
2. You did something productive and worthwhile with your time since you last applied, and
3. You have some kind of hook that differentiates you

There is a whole forum for this--if this applies to you. If not, then I'm not really sure that I understand your question. It may be better suited for the WAMC forum.

There is a ton of stuff that you can do to get off a waitlist. Talk to your school's pre-med advising office if they have one. Update letters, publications, a new job, etc. Good luck with everything.

 

[Obnoxious Dad]

I have been fortunate enough to receive 2 MD IIs, in state, with a 505 MCAT. I feel my application is very strong outside of my MCAT. Good writing, LORs, and ECs, GPA 3.9x. Very strong mission fit for both of these schools and one is where I am graduating from undergrad this year. My interview performance has gotten me 4 As at 4 DO schools so far, and I believe my MD interviews went well too. As we approach 10/15, I’m very anxious that, at least in the beginning of the acceptance window, my MCAT score makes me an auto waitlist. To what extent is this true? I feel like I have to be in the bottom 10-20% of MCAT scores interviewed. Although it is worth noting that I am at the 25th percentile matriculant MCAT for one of these schools and above it for the other.

I understand none of what I’m told here will change the outcome, I’m just curious about the thought process of admissions when re-reviewing my application and interview to make a primary decision on A/WL/R.

In which state do you reside?

 

[Jjdoctor18]

In which state do you reside?

The Great Lake state where I hope to stay forever😆may allow you to reach a conclusion of which schools they are given some MSAR use, but 505 ish is 25th %ile for all of the schools here besides WMed and UMich if I recall correctly

 

[CDaFutureDocMan]

The Great Lake state where I hope to stay forever😆may allow you to reach a conclusion of which schools they are given some MSAR use, but 505 ish is 25th %ile for all of the schools here besides WMed and UMich if I recall correctly

Did you apply MSU COM?

 

[polymerization]

The Great Lake state where I hope to stay forever😆may allow you to reach a conclusion of which schools they are given some MSAR use, but 505 ish is 25th %ile for all of the schools here besides WMed and UMich if I recall correctly

Wayne sent me an OOS II with a 506.

 

[Jjdoctor18]

Did you apply MSU COM?

Yes and would be delighted to attend

 

[Obnoxious Dad]

The Great Lake state where I hope to stay forever😆may allow you to reach a conclusion of which schools they are given some MSAR use, but 505 ish is 25th %ile for all of the schools here besides WMed and UMich if I recall correctly

Go to this link and look at Table A20.

2024 FACTS: Applicants and Matriculants Data

These FACTS tables present data on U.S. medical school applicants and matriculants.

www.aamc.org

You will see that the average MCAT score among matriculants who reside in Michigan is 511.2 and the Standard Deviation is 6.8. My statistics courses are 50 years old 🙁 but it seems to me that you are within the first standard deviation below the mean. Your grades are way above average among Michigan matriculants. I would bet that MSU, Wayne, or Oakland will at least accept you off a waitlist. If you graduated from a high school north of Lansing, I would bet that you get accepted at Central Michigan.

 

[Jjdoctor18]

Go to this link and look at Table A20.

2024 FACTS: Applicants and Matriculants Data

These FACTS tables present data on U.S. medical school applicants and matriculants.

www.aamc.org

You will see that the average MCAT score among matriculants who reside in Michigan is 511.2 and the Standard Deviation is 6.8. My statistics courses are 50 years old 🙁 but it seems to me that you are within the first standard deviation below the mean. Your grades are way above average among Michigan matriculants. I would bet that MSU, Wayne, or Oakland will at least accept you off a waitlist. If you graduated from a high school north of Lansing, I would bet that you get accepted at Central Michigan.

I appreciate the valuable input and sincerely hope you are correct 🙂