Hello, wonderful SDN staffs!
First of all, I would like to take a moment to thank you for everything you do for SDN families!
I just found out my MCAT score from June 29 testing and I am not sure if I should withdraw my application for MD programs entirely.
As a nontraditional student, I had big gaps in between pursuing higher education.
High school graduation -> worked to support family finance for 4 years -> enrolled community college to continue education -> transferred to university -> worked for 4 years to support family finance -> enrolled DIY-postbac program -> applying to both MD/DO this cycle
As an undergrad, I maintained good academic performance but it went downhill starting Junior year, due to a family member being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and I had to take on the role as a caregiver. Thankfully, the family member is now cancer-free but my grades took a great toll, made me almost give up even thinking about medical school after being told so by different people (my college advisor, counselors, peers, etc).
My cumulative GPA for baccalaureate is 2.96 with a science GPA of 2.46.
I looked for different options, such as post-bac programs and special masters program but because it was not financially feasible for me, I opted to take courses through an extension program.
My Post-bac cumulative GPA is 3.55 with a science GPA of 3.45
I was hoping to raise my science GPA above 2.8 but I ended up with a cumulative GPA of 3.08 and a science GPA of 2.69
When I first took MCAT 2015, I scored a total score of 488 (122 C/P; 120 CARS; 120 B/B; 126 P/S). On the second try, I improved to 498 (123 C/P; 123 CARS; 126 B/B; 126 P/S). Knowing I needed to do well on the third one, I put in as much time as I could and having scored consistently above 500, I felt confident and scored the exam. To my dismay, I received another 498 (124 C/P; 123 CARS; 123 B/B; 128 P/S).
Aside from work experience, I have over 1000 hours of clinical experience (mainly volunteering in the hospital but also from leadership role) and other ECs that I slowly but surely accumulated through many years while trying to repair my academic performance.
As I have already submitted D.O. primary applications, I plan on continuing the process until the end but I really don't see even getting past screening phase for MD programs.
Is getting into medical school in the U.S. an impossible dream for me?
Thank you very much for reading!
