Is MCAT really that important?

[quantum]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Is a top score (35+) on the MCAT really that important?

I know that, with colleges, the SAT are not that important, especially at top colleges. It seems to me that colleges just use the SAT to check that you are academically qualified and that they pay more attention to extracurricular activities and awards. I know many people who were accepted with scores of 1300 - 1400 on the SAT while many people with scores of 1550+ were rejected by their top choices.

Is this the same with MCATs? Do top medical schools routinely reject 40+s while favoring the more well-rounded 30 - 35?

The reason that I am asking is that people have always told me in high school how important the SAT is, but, at most Ivies, they simply want to see that you are in the ballpark. Now, I am hearing that the MCAT is the new "most important test of your life," and I want to know if this is really the case or not.

 

[jjjj2]

Generally, the way I see it is that if you want to be accepted at a top medical school, you have to have all your bases covered. Good MCAT, good GPA, good ECs, good clinical xp, good LORs, good ps, good interview. And by good I mean extraordinarily spectacular.

However, I do think that an extremely high MCAT (40+) grants you some leniency if you are somewhat deficient in other areas.

 

[DrBowtie]

I dunno about you but the 1550's I knew generally got where they wanted with cash in hand. Yes the MCAT is important. Thats why the higher ranked schools have higher average MCAT scores. I also do agree, that to get into a top school you need excellence in all aspects of the application.

 

[luckymd01]

is a high MCAT score really that important?
well... for all of those who think you can't be doctors with a low MCAT score, well, this is good news for you!

HERE'S A LITTLE STORY I'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU:

I'M ONLY 21YRS OLD, WORKING ON MY 2ND DEGREE AND I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR. I HAVE A 3.94 GPA, LOTS OF E.C. ACTIVITIES. SOME RESEARCH AND I'VE WORKED AT A CLINIC FOR 5 YRS.

I ALWAYS ASKED MYSELF IF A GOOD MCAT SCORE WAS NECESSARY, B/C I DON'T BELIEVE ONE TEST CAN DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT YOU WILL MAKE A GOOD PHYSICIAN. I MEAN, WE HAVE GENIUSES WHO CAN TELL YOU EVERYTHING THERE'S TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICINE,BUT WHO HAVE NO SOCIAL SKILLS AND WOULD STINK AS DOCTORS.

SO, THIS PAST APRIL, I TOOK THE MCAT AND PRETTY MUCH SCREWED IT UP ON PURPOSE AND I SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION ON MAY 15TH JUST TO SEE IF I WOULD EVEN BE CONSIDERED. I ONLY APPLIED TO 3 SCHOOLS BUT IT WAS WITH AN 11P MCAT SCORE AND SO FAR, I'VE BEEN OFFERED 1 INTERVIEW WHICH I HAVE ON JULY 25TH.
THERE'S HOPE FOR EVERYONE GUYS!

JUST IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING, YES, I'M PLANNING ON RE-TAKING THE MCAT NEXT APRIL IF NOT ACCEPTED THIS YEAR. I TOOK A PRACTICE MCAT IN JANUARY AND GOT A 28, SO I THINK I'LL BE ABLE TO SCORE HIGHER THAN AN 11. (HOPEFULLY) 🙂

MY ADVICE TO ALL IS: APPLY EITHER WAY (WITH A LOW OR HIGH SCORE) I MEAN, THEY GET TO SEE YOUR LAST 6 MCAT SCORES ANYWAY, SO THEY MIGHT AS WELL SEE THE SCORE YOU GOT NOW. WHO KNOWS, MAYBE YOU'LL GET AN INTERVIEW.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

 

[MaDe in Cali]

You screwed up your MCAT on PURPOSE?! Well that's certainly a fresh approach to applying to med school! I'm impressed you got an interview, espeically so early! I thought schools start interviewing earliest in September. Good luck with it!

As for you, quantum: No, MCAT is not everything. Different schools weigh the MCAT differently. I got well above the 35 threshold and got an interview at U. Wash St. Louis but not even a secondary at UCSF (that hurt!). However, there is a lower limit under which acceptance drops off sharply, so try your best. But yes, your app, personal statement, ECs, recs, and interview also matter a lot! Good luck!

 

[TAKEANMDPILL]

😀

is a high MCAT score really that important?
well... for all of those who think you can't be doctors with a low MCAT score, well, this is good news for you!

HERE'S A LITTLE STORY I'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU:

I'M ONLY 21YRS OLD, WORKING ON MY 2ND DEGREE AND I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR. I HAVE A 3.94 GPA, LOTS OF E.C. ACTIVITIES. SOME RESEARCH AND I'VE WORKED AT A CLINIC FOR 5 YRS.

I ALWAYS ASKED MYSELF IF A GOOD MCAT SCORE WAS NECESSARY, B/C I DON'T BELIEVE ONE TEST CAN DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT YOU WILL MAKE A GOOD PHYSICIAN. I MEAN, WE HAVE GENIUSES WHO CAN TELL YOU EVERYTHING THERE'S TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICINE,BUT WHO HAVE NO SOCIAL SKILLS AND WOULD STINK AS DOCTORS.

SO, THIS PAST APRIL, I TOOK THE MCAT AND PRETTY MUCH SCREWED IT UP ON PURPOSE AND I SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION ON MAY 15TH JUST TO SEE IF I WOULD EVEN BE CONSIDERED. I ONLY APPLIED TO 3 SCHOOLS BUT IT WAS WITH AN 11P MCAT SCORE AND SO FAR, I'VE BEEN OFFERED 1 INTERVIEW WHICH I HAVE ON JULY 25TH.
THERE'S HOPE FOR EVERYONE GUYS!

JUST IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING, YES, I'M PLANNING ON RE-TAKING THE MCAT NEXT APRIL IF NOT ACCEPTED THIS YEAR. I TOOK A PRACTICE MCAT IN JANUARY AND GOT A 28, SO I THINK I'LL BE ABLE TO SCORE HIGHER THAN AN 11. (HOPEFULLY) 🙂

MY ADVICE TO ALL IS: APPLY EITHER WAY (WITH A LOW OR HIGH SCORE) I MEAN, THEY GET TO SEE YOUR LAST 6 MCAT SCORES ANYWAY, SO THEY MIGHT AS WELL SEE THE SCORE YOU GOT NOW. WHO KNOWS, MAYBE YOU'LL GET AN INTERVIEW.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

I stopped reading this when I saw 'genius' and everything written in caps.

 

[willthatsall]

is a high MCAT score really that important?
well... for all of those who think you can't be doctors with a low MCAT score, well, this is good news for you!

HERE'S A LITTLE STORY I'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU:

I'M ONLY 21YRS OLD, WORKING ON MY 2ND DEGREE AND I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR. I HAVE A 3.94 GPA, LOTS OF E.C. ACTIVITIES. SOME RESEARCH AND I'VE WORKED AT A CLINIC FOR 5 YRS.

I ALWAYS ASKED MYSELF IF A GOOD MCAT SCORE WAS NECESSARY, B/C I DON'T BELIEVE ONE TEST CAN DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT YOU WILL MAKE A GOOD PHYSICIAN. I MEAN, WE HAVE GENIUSES WHO CAN TELL YOU EVERYTHING THERE'S TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICINE,BUT WHO HAVE NO SOCIAL SKILLS AND WOULD STINK AS DOCTORS.

SO, THIS PAST APRIL, I TOOK THE MCAT AND PRETTY MUCH SCREWED IT UP ON PURPOSE AND I SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION ON MAY 15TH JUST TO SEE IF I WOULD EVEN BE CONSIDERED. I ONLY APPLIED TO 3 SCHOOLS BUT IT WAS WITH AN 11P MCAT SCORE AND SO FAR, I'VE BEEN OFFERED 1 INTERVIEW WHICH I HAVE ON JULY 25TH.
THERE'S HOPE FOR EVERYONE GUYS!

JUST IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING, YES, I'M PLANNING ON RE-TAKING THE MCAT NEXT APRIL IF NOT ACCEPTED THIS YEAR. I TOOK A PRACTICE MCAT IN JANUARY AND GOT A 28, SO I THINK I'LL BE ABLE TO SCORE HIGHER THAN AN 11. (HOPEFULLY) 🙂

MY ADVICE TO ALL IS: APPLY EITHER WAY (WITH A LOW OR HIGH SCORE) I MEAN, THEY GET TO SEE YOUR LAST 6 MCAT SCORES ANYWAY, SO THEY MIGHT AS WELL SEE THE SCORE YOU GOT NOW. WHO KNOWS, MAYBE YOU'LL GET AN INTERVIEW.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Haha.

 

[NontradICUdoc]

is a high MCAT score really that important?
well... for all of those who think you can't be doctors with a low MCAT score, well, this is good news for you!

HERE'S A LITTLE STORY I'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU:

I'M ONLY 21YRS OLD, WORKING ON MY 2ND DEGREE AND I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR. I HAVE A 3.94 GPA, LOTS OF E.C. ACTIVITIES. SOME RESEARCH AND I'VE WORKED AT A CLINIC FOR 5 YRS.

I ALWAYS ASKED MYSELF IF A GOOD MCAT SCORE WAS NECESSARY, B/C I DON'T BELIEVE ONE TEST CAN DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT YOU WILL MAKE A GOOD PHYSICIAN. I MEAN, WE HAVE GENIUSES WHO CAN TELL YOU EVERYTHING THERE'S TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICINE,BUT WHO HAVE NO SOCIAL SKILLS AND WOULD STINK AS DOCTORS.

SO, THIS PAST APRIL, I TOOK THE MCAT AND PRETTY MUCH SCREWED IT UP ON PURPOSE AND I SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION ON MAY 15TH JUST TO SEE IF I WOULD EVEN BE CONSIDERED. I ONLY APPLIED TO 3 SCHOOLS BUT IT WAS WITH AN 11P MCAT SCORE AND SO FAR, I'VE BEEN OFFERED 1 INTERVIEW WHICH I HAVE ON JULY 25TH.
THERE'S HOPE FOR EVERYONE GUYS!

JUST IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING, YES, I'M PLANNING ON RE-TAKING THE MCAT NEXT APRIL IF NOT ACCEPTED THIS YEAR. I TOOK A PRACTICE MCAT IN JANUARY AND GOT A 28, SO I THINK I'LL BE ABLE TO SCORE HIGHER THAN AN 11. (HOPEFULLY) 🙂

MY ADVICE TO ALL IS: APPLY EITHER WAY (WITH A LOW OR HIGH SCORE) I MEAN, THEY GET TO SEE YOUR LAST 6 MCAT SCORES ANYWAY, SO THEY MIGHT AS WELL SEE THE SCORE YOU GOT NOW. WHO KNOWS, MAYBE YOU'LL GET AN INTERVIEW.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

I think I applied to the same schools that you did:

1) University of Neverland, School of Fairy Medicine
2) Far Far Away College of Medicine
3) University of Integral Animated Murine Medicine, TomorrowLand Campus, Orlando.

My Stats:

GPA: 5.0
ECs: Future XXX film critic society, McDonald's QuarterPounder with cheese fan club President, Blogger
Clinical Experience: Pimp (I see it as a sexual therapist and banker rolled into one).
MCAT: 2VR, 2PS, 10BS (because I am so full of s**t), T writing
Interviewed: all 3
Accepted: Harvard.

 

[RayhanS1282]

is a high MCAT score really that important?
well... for all of those who think you can't be doctors with a low MCAT score, well, this is good news for you!

HERE'S A LITTLE STORY I'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU:

I'M ONLY 21YRS OLD, WORKING ON MY 2ND DEGREE AND I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR. I HAVE A 3.94 GPA, LOTS OF E.C. ACTIVITIES. SOME RESEARCH AND I'VE WORKED AT A CLINIC FOR 5 YRS.

I ALWAYS ASKED MYSELF IF A GOOD MCAT SCORE WAS NECESSARY, B/C I DON'T BELIEVE ONE TEST CAN DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT YOU WILL MAKE A GOOD PHYSICIAN. I MEAN, WE HAVE GENIUSES WHO CAN TELL YOU EVERYTHING THERE'S TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICINE,BUT WHO HAVE NO SOCIAL SKILLS AND WOULD STINK AS DOCTORS.

SO, THIS PAST APRIL, I TOOK THE MCAT AND PRETTY MUCH SCREWED IT UP ON PURPOSE AND I SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION ON MAY 15TH JUST TO SEE IF I WOULD EVEN BE CONSIDERED. I ONLY APPLIED TO 3 SCHOOLS BUT IT WAS WITH AN 11P MCAT SCORE AND SO FAR, I'VE BEEN OFFERED 1 INTERVIEW WHICH I HAVE ON JULY 25TH.
THERE'S HOPE FOR EVERYONE GUYS!

JUST IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING, YES, I'M PLANNING ON RE-TAKING THE MCAT NEXT APRIL IF NOT ACCEPTED THIS YEAR. I TOOK A PRACTICE MCAT IN JANUARY AND GOT A 28, SO I THINK I'LL BE ABLE TO SCORE HIGHER THAN AN 11. (HOPEFULLY) 🙂

MY ADVICE TO ALL IS: APPLY EITHER WAY (WITH A LOW OR HIGH SCORE) I MEAN, THEY GET TO SEE YOUR LAST 6 MCAT SCORES ANYWAY, SO THEY MIGHT AS WELL SEE THE SCORE YOU GOT NOW. WHO KNOWS, MAYBE YOU'LL GET AN INTERVIEW.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Okay given the fact that your story has holes large enough to drive a Hummer through...I'll entertain you. All I have to say is that with your approach, you better be as good as your SDN ID in order to get in, "luckyMD".

 

[Jezzielin]

11P? I don't think that would happen... 😕

 

[Goran]

I think I applied to the same schools that you did:

1) University of Neverland, School of Fairy Medicine
2) Far Far Away College of Medicine
3) University of Integral Animated Murine Medicine, TomorrowLand Campus, Orlando.

My Stats:

GPA: 5.0
ECs: Future XXX film critic society, McDonald's QuarterPounder with cheese fan club President, Blogger
Clinical Experience: Pimp (I see it as a sexual therapist and banker rolled into one).
MCAT: 2VR, 2PS, 10BS (because I am so full of s**t), T writing
Interviewed: all 3
Accepted: Harvard.

Although University of Neverland sounds like somewhere I would wanna go. And wouldn't it be awesome if that how the BS score really worked?

 

[luckymd01]

okay, fine, no caps...

and here's my response to your conclusion:

a. well, apparently your stats are wrong about cutoffs... since i was offered an interview
b. in texas, you can submit your TMDSAS application on may 1st, so there...
c. my interview is not in early july, but late july
d. if you do your research, you'll see that you can take the MCAT 6 times and you need written permission after that. so there....

nice chatting with you.

First off, stop using all CAPS. Second off, you are a troll.

Here is my reasoning for coming to this conclusion:

a. no school would allow anyone in with a 11p MCAT score because that is well below the cutoffs at most schools.

b. You can't have submitted on May 15th, because the first day of allowed submission for an application is June 1st. So nice try there, buddy.

c. The only people that have gotten interviews that early in July are EDP applicants at some schools like NJMS which require you to have very very stellar stats.

d. Last 6 scores??????? umm let's see here...........no!! Unless you have special permission, you are not allowed to take it more then 3 times.

 

[luckymd01]

GOOD LUCK IN HARVARD!

Although University of Neverland sounds like somewhere I would wanna go. And wouldn't it be awesome if that how the BS score really worked?

 

[luckymd01]

Don't listen to that bull crap. The person is a troll. Plain and simple.

i respect everyone's opinion... it's okay if you think i'm a troll... i could say the same thing about you, but i respect everyone....

and as far as whether or not i'll get in, well... i'm in my early 20's, i already got offered an interview and if i get in, fine... if not, then i'll apply in a few more years when i'm ready for a committment this big...
this year was just a "try" and apparently getting an interview is not so hard as long as you got other things going on and you know the right people...

but, good luck to you!

-the troll

 

[luckymd01]

To anyone out there who feels offended or thinks I'm BS-ing,

I received a lot of responses to my story, and I was quite impressed because people actually read these things. I say that, because I had never heard of this website until last night and I really felt bad when I read some of the stories about people wanting to give up because of their low MCAT scores and all sorts of things. And by low, I mean something like a 22... which is not low compared to what I got. 😎
I decided to share my story just to give those people some hope... and apparently some of you all found me to be a BS-er or as some of you put it, a "troll" and that's fine, really... it's your opinion... I respect it. 🙂

Well, I'm sorry you all feel that way and I'm sorry I shared my story with you all. I don't care if I don't get in this year. I'll admit it, I'm not ready!
I screwed up my MCAT because I know I have the capability of doing way better the second time and because I wanted to know if a good MCAT score was really that important. And I applied because I wanted to know what it was all about.

I don't know if the people that got upset have great MCAT scores and have never been offered an interview or what, but I wish you all luck and you all can have my interview if you all want because I'M NOT READY for this committment! If you come to TX, you can have the dumb interview!

THE JEALOUSY IS UNBELIEVABLE!

good day! 🙂

-Your friend

 

[luckymd01]

here in TX,
-applications can be submitted as early as may 1st (that goes for secondaries also)
-interviews are offered as early as june 1st

good luck on your interview. hope you get in! 👍

You screwed up your MCAT on PURPOSE?! Well that's certainly a fresh approach to applying to med school! I'm impressed you got an interview, espeically so early! I thought schools start interviewing earliest in September. Good luck with it!

As for you, quantum: No, MCAT is not everything. Different schools weigh the MCAT differently. I got well above the 35 threshold and got an interview at U. Wash St. Louis but not even a secondary at UCSF (that hurt!). However, there is a lower limit under which acceptance drops off sharply, so try your best. But yes, your app, personal statement, ECs, recs, and interview also matter a lot! Good luck!

 

[faluri]

I hate to get involved in something like this but I just wanted to say that, personally, I don't really give two craps whether you are a troll or not, getting interviews, whatever. To each his own.

Rather, I can't help but think what a waste of money that whole process must have been for you: MCATs, apps, and then interview transp.[if out of your local area] if you are pretty much just 'checking out the scene.' pretty ridiculous IMHO unless you can afford to waste all that money or got waivers. 👎 i can thnk of a bunch of other things I would rather blow my money on. 😀

 

[MoosePilot]

here in TX,
-applications can be submitted as early as may 1st (that goes for secondaries also)
-interviews are offered as early as june 1st

good luck on your interview. hope you get in! 👍

Great, it's Texas. Texas is a big state and you're not the only one to apply there early. Nobody else has mentioned getting an interview. I applied early with a 36 MCAT and don't have interview invites yet.

Anyone else?

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

NO not 35+ is NOT that important
but 29+ is

Is a top score (35+) on the MCAT really that important?

I know that, with colleges, the SAT are not that important, especially at top colleges. It seems to me that colleges just use the SAT to check that you are academically qualified and that they pay more attention to extracurricular activities and awards. I know many people who were accepted with scores of 1300 - 1400 on the SAT while many people with scores of 1550+ were rejected by their top choices.

Is this the same with MCATs? Do top medical schools routinely reject 40+s while favoring the more well-rounded 30 - 35?

The reason that I am asking is that people have always told me in high school how important the SAT is, but, at most Ivies, they simply want to see that you are in the ballpark. Now, I am hearing that the MCAT is the new "most important test of your life," and I want to know if this is really the case or not.

 

[bwells46]

SO, THIS PAST APRIL, I TOOK THE MCAT AND PRETTY MUCH SCREWED IT UP ON PURPOSE AND I SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION ON MAY 15TH JUST TO SEE IF I WOULD EVEN BE CONSIDERED. I ONLY APPLIED TO 3 SCHOOLS BUT IT WAS WITH AN 11P MCAT SCORE AND SO FAR, I'VE BEEN OFFERED 1 INTERVIEW WHICH I HAVE ON JULY 25TH.
THERE'S HOPE FOR EVERYONE GUYS!

11P? Can you even hold a stethoscope without dribbling out the side of your mouth?

I sincerely hope you're telling the truth - otherwise, you have a lot of studying to do!

 

[lexrageorge]

To the OP: If you look in the MSAR, you will see the distribution of MCAT scores for students who were accepted into at least one medical school and for those who did not secure an acceptance. The stats below are from the MSAR (2005-06 edition).

For those 1100 examinees that scored 34, 900 were able to secure at least one acceptance (note that these could be off by 50 in either direction). That's an 82% acceptance rate, far better than the 48% acceptance rate for all applicants. Those whose score exceeded this threshold did even better. From the MSAR graph, the number of applicants who scored 39+ that did not get at least one acceptance is vanishingly small.

On the other end, of the 1900 applicants who scored 24, only about 600 were accepted (32%). Score less than 22 and your chances drop dramatically.

So, the MCAT is very important. Yes, it is true that you can get a 40 and rejected by Harvard. The top schools will look at everything. But, get a 40 and you will get in somewhere unless there is something elsewhere in your application that screams "REJECT ME".

OTOH, if your score is in the lower half of the range (i.e., <25), there is certainly hope, especially if you can strengthen your application in other areas. Also, these numbers include allopathic schools only. Osteopathic schools do rely less on the MCAT, so their inclusion would change this distribution slightly.

 

[HarveyCushing]

I really don't believe you. There are many legit Texans out here and many of them could probably verify when past records for the earliest interviews started. I seriously doubt it was as early as you state.

Secondly, it specifically states that you need special permission after the 3rd time taking the MCAT on the AAMC website. So that shoots down your theory.

Last but not least, unless you are going to the Carribbean, I highly doubt that any MD school, let alone DO school would allow someone to enter with a 11p on the MCAT. The lowest I've ever heard of a person getting into either MD or DO school is with a 17 on the MCAT. but even that school is now upping their standards. And that was a DO school that did that.

That said.....I highly doubt you will get into any MD school with that low of a score, even if you had a 3.8+ GPA.

just curious what school it was that accepted the 17.

 

[pistachio]

Lexrageorge,

Would you mind posting the exact percentage from the MSAR for those with a 39+ who did not get at least one acceptance?

 

[luckymd01]

actually, yes, i can hold a stethoscope without dribbling, it's really not that hard, but don't worry, they'll show YOU how to use one when you get into med school... okay?

11P? Can you even hold a stethoscope without dribbling out the side of your mouth?

I sincerely hope you're telling the truth - otherwise, you have a lot of studying to do!

 

[luckymd01]

your choice, you can believe me or not, I don't care!
and no, I'm not going to an Caribbean school. I'm not going anywhere, it's just an interview. I'll also be surprised if I get accepted, I'm not debating that, all I'm saying is that I was offered an interview. so, just chill it! geez!

I really don't believe you. There are many legit Texans out here and many of them could probably verify when past records for the earliest interviews started. I seriously doubt it was as early as you state.

Secondly, it specifically states that you need special permission after the 3rd time taking the MCAT on the AAMC website. So that shoots down your theory.

Last but not least, unless you are going to the Carribbean, I highly doubt that any MD school, let alone DO school would allow someone to enter with a 11p on the MCAT. The lowest I've ever heard of a person getting into either MD or DO school is with a 17 on the MCAT. but even that school is now upping their standards. And that was a DO school that did that.

That said.....I highly doubt you will get into any MD school with that low of a score, even if you had a 3.8+ GPA.

 

[luckymd01]

I hope I'm not the only one applying here early...
You must not know many med school applicants from Texas, huh?
I know 5 of my friends already have interviews lined up. One at AT&M, UT-Houston, 2 at UTHSCSA, and Galveston. One of them actually has their interview 3 days before I do.
Sorry you haven't been invited for an interview, are you even from Texas? they interview TX residents before anyone else ... or maybe you're not what they're looking for... it happens.... good luck though!

Great, it's Texas. Texas is a big state and you're not the only one to apply there early. Nobody else has mentioned getting an interview. I applied early with a 36 MCAT and don't have interview invites yet.

Anyone else?

 

[luckymd01]

it wasn't that expensive... i only applied to 3 schools, it was only $75...
and the interview is about 10 miles from my house, not a big deal...
it was worth every penny...
thanks for your concern

I hate to get involved in something like this but I just wanted to say that, personally, I don't really give two craps whether you are a troll or not, getting interviews, whatever. To each his own.

Rather, I can't help but think what a waste of money that whole process must have been for you: MCATs, apps, and then interview transp.[if out of your local area] if you are pretty much just 'checking out the scene.' pretty ridiculous IMHO unless you can afford to waste all that money or got waivers. 👎 i can thnk of a bunch of other things I would rather blow my money on. 😀

 

[MoosePilot]

Unless those were non AMCAS schools, that would be absolutely impossible.

The price to pay for AMCAS is $160 for the first school and $30 for each additional school.

That would mean the cost of applying to 3 schools is $220 plus secondary fees. And all schools have secondaries.

So again, I really doubt there is any truth to what you are saying.

The cost is right for a Texas resident applying to 3 schools.

 

[Turkeyman]

MCAT: 2VR, 2PS, 10BS (because I am so full of s**t), T writing

HAHA that BS reference is priceless!

I also love how you got accepted to a place you didn't even apply! eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

[lexrageorge]

Lexrageorge,

Would you mind posting the exact percentage from the MSAR for those with a 39+ who did not get at least one acceptance?

It's not quite so easy. The MSAR graph is small, and the 39+ range is fairly far down the distribution tail. Remember, this is only about 0.7% of about 30,000 examinees. This only applies to about 200 or so applicants. I doubt that the number of such applicants who did not secure an admission is greater than 10.

 

[happydays]

According to the MSAR2006, someone with as low as a 7 combined MCAT has gotten in somewhere. No joke. The chance of someone getting in with a 7 is very low, but I bet this person is a super-human in every other way, which makes up for it. Who knows...

 

[45408]

Is this the same with MCATs? Do top medical schools routinely reject 40+s while favoring the more well-rounded 30 - 35?

No. They might reject a higher score and take someone with a lower (as in, still a 35) score with more research experience though.

According to the MSAR2006, someone with as low as a 7 combined MCAT has gotten in somewhere. No joke. The chance of someone getting in with a 7 is very low, but I bet this person is a super-human in every other way, which makes up for it. Who knows...

page number?

 

[Zong117]

you know, with a score that low, though, as an adcom if i saw a decent remainder of the application i would think that somehow the scoring got messed up somehow. could be why you could swing an interview with a 10 or so...

 

[gotgame83]

pg 27 msar 2006-2007 " accepted applicants achieved total scores from 10-43; the number of accepted applicants with total scores of 17 and below was about 45"

 

[luckymd01]

The cost is right for a Texas resident applying to 3 schools.

Thanks, apparently "gujuDoc" doesn't know his info very well...

 

[luckymd01]

Yes, TX has the match system and the school I got the interview from is 3rd on my list. But, once again, I DON'T expect to get in this year. I'm not ready yet. I'd like to wait 2 more years. I'm just going to the interview for the heck of it. I want the experience, it's a very valuable tool. Thanks for the support though, I hope you get in soon. 👍

Ok so that may account for the cost, but even if this person has an interview I doubt they'd get in especially since Tx has the match system.

 

[quasigenius]

good God, I'm glad that no one has anything better to do on here than berate one another. If you are able to get an interview with an 11P then I think that that is amazing and you must have had an awesome essay and other traits. And for those of you that think the story is made up, is it really necessary to keep flogging the same dead horse? If this is all you have to worry about in your lives, congratulations you must have a great life.

 

[luckymd01]

for anyone who cared to read the story i posted in mid july, here's the update: had my interview on the 25th and it was good...
i know some of you showed some hostility and disbelief, like "Mr. EMT2ER-DOC" but like i said, i'm cool with everyone's comments, but just thought you all should know that it all went good. who knows.... i might be going to med school next year... i was very impressed with the school...

so, like i said before, there's hope for everyone out there, even if your MCATs are not the best.

it was great being part of this forum. take care everyone and good luck! 👍

-luckyMD

I think I applied to the same schools that you did:

1) University of Neverland, School of Fairy Medicine
2) Far Far Away College of Medicine
3) University of Integral Animated Murine Medicine, TomorrowLand Campus, Orlando.

My Stats:

GPA: 5.0
ECs: Future XXX film critic society, McDonald's QuarterPounder with cheese fan club President, Blogger
Clinical Experience: Pimp (I see it as a sexual therapist and banker rolled into one).
MCAT: 2VR, 2PS, 10BS (because I am so full of s**t), T writing
Interviewed: all 3
Accepted: Harvard.