July 24th MCATers...Score Count Down

[Nikki07]

Are you guys nervous about the score? :=)

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[Terna]

I think if it is the case that I don't get 30+, there are several choices: take DO route, give this year a shot anyway, or MD next application cycle. September seats are pretty much booked. Most schools don't accept late test scores anyway. Yeah it will be Spring time if that's the case.

I still can't get over the fact why the July test was so difficult.

Yeah, that sounds like my plan... I think depending on how bad my score is (heh) I may apply to some DO schools, but based on the fact that I already submitted my primary and also 8 out of 17 of my secondaries (I think if you add all that up you get about $1400, maybe) no way would I withdraw this cycle. Unless I wind up with something really terrible, like a 20 or something. Let's hope that doesn't happen though.

So what time tomorrow will they be posted, does anyone know?

 

[FurmanJon]

The schedule says after 5 pm ET. How closely have past score releases (with the exception of the July 13 MCAT) followed that time? Anyone?

It's so close....

 

[soccerpunk60]

you guys are all forgetting may 11 we had a score delay as well, it came out a day late because of "technical difficulties" ... soo yea july 13 isn't the only one. so no surprises if we get scores friday instead

 

[DiscoDoc]

you guys are all forgetting may 11 we had a score delay as well, it came out a day late because of "technical difficulties" ... soo yea july 13 isn't the only one. so no surprises if we get scores friday instead

Yeah, I wouldn't go by those timeanddate.com counters religiously.

 

[Polynikes]

I have a bad feeling that there is going to be hardly any curve because there are probably some book-worm tools out there who thought it was a fair test and did well on it and did not void. Added to that, I think there were a considerable amount of voided tests which will means that those who are holding onto hope (like myself) will be screwed in the end. I'm done with this crap.... screw the MCAT, AAMC, and Thompson Prometrisuck... I've gone through hell for the past year and to get a test like the on the 24th was like being in a dogfight funded by Micheal vick.... and yes I'm comparing AAMC to micheal vick.

Hilarious post by the way.

I'm with you brother.

I am so unbelievably pissed right now. That test was so inconsistant with the AAMC practice tests.

I don't know what I'm going to do if I get a 21 or something. What is BS is that my GPA shows that I know my ****, but that MCAT had nothing to do with anything that I learned as a premed student.

While taking that test, I was picturing some dickhead in a suit creating it. Then I pictured myself shoving his face and head into a fountain in a manner consistent with the movie "The Outsiders," all the while screaming at him, "How about this for an astronaut in a pool? Eh? You wanna talk about astronauts in a pool now? Look at the little moonwalker!!! Everyone look at the big, bad astronaut now!!!! "

 

[Nikki07]

Yeah, that sounds like my plan... I think depending on how bad my score is (heh) I may apply to some DO schools, but based on the fact that I already submitted my primary and also 8 out of 17 of my secondaries (I think if you add all that up you get about $1400, maybe) no way would I withdraw this cycle. Unless I wind up with something really terrible, like a 20 or something. Let's hope that doesn't happen though.

So what time tomorrow will they be posted, does anyone know?

I ran into an interesting article about five or six months ago about physician shortage in the US. The trend now is that either (not sure) AAMC or the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME) has recommended an increase in the number of medical graduates by roughly 20-30% by 2015. I think the original recommended percentage was close to 50% but got shot down because med schools thought it was an aggressive number. I am really seeing the changes to address this shortage problem. One big example is how MCAT is offered 22 times per year now versus 2-3 (?) times previously. I'm hoping that as med schools are looking for ways to increase supply (future physicians), they would either give a little more weight to and/or consider other factors outside of MCAT and GPA. Being a non-traditional applicant myself, that's my selling point on all my applications. I mean I really think now is a good time to apply to med school.

 

[Nikki07]

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[dcowboys22]

I ran into an interesting article about five or six months ago about physician shortage in the US. The trend now is that either (not sure) AAMC or the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME) has recommended an increase in the number of medical graduates by roughly 20-30% by 2015. I think the original recommended percentage was close to 50% but got shot down because med schools thought it was an aggressive number. I am really seeing the changes to address this shortage problem. One big example is how MCAT is offered 22 times per year now versus 2-3 (?) times previously. I'm hoping that as med schools are looking for ways to increase supply (future physicians), they would either give a little more weight to and/or consider other factors outside of MCAT and GPA. Being a non-traditional applicant myself, that's my selling point on all my applications. I mean I really think now is a good time to apply to med school.

I have heard the roughly the same news regarding increasing enrollment because there is a physician shortage. Most schools are not increasing by 50% - that is a large amount to increase class size by. However, many schools have added about 15% more seats for the entry class recently. More schools are likely to implement this and increase their enrollment too. In regards to increasing enrollment by 50% that might be too much, because then a shortage could possibly be turned into a surplus of physicians. MCAT was also changed in order to get scores back to students in a timely manner, and the new format allows the test to be offered more frequently. We all hope that schools consider factors outside of MCAT and GPA, and many schools say that they look at other criteria besides these 2 factors when deciding who to invite for interviews. But, when it comes down to it, majority of them look at MCAT and GPA and then they move on to read personal statements and the rest of the application.

thats just my 2 cents. I don't like how they put all their emphasis on MCAT and GPA either. One med student told me that it takes a lot of hard work and persistence to earn a good gpa, however a good MCAT score can be earned by getting lucky or just one good day. I thought that was a good accurate statement.

 

[Bibbed]

One med student told me that it takes a lot of hard work and persistence to earn a good gpa, however a good MCAT score can be earned by getting lucky or just one good day. I thought that was a good accurate statement.

Conversely, relatively un-intelligent people can get a great GPA depending on their major, class selection, and institution. Study habits also factor into GPA. I know a few people I wouldn't consider super-smart, but have great GPAs, because they study all hours of the day.

Like you said, a good GPA does take hard work and persistence, but I would also say the MCAT measures your ability to apply what you've learned, not just regurgitate (i.e. most college educations). Plus, not many people are getting lucky on the MCAT and getting great scores. I imagine a "good day" would only affect +/- a point or two.

 

[jheredia]

I imagine a "good day" would only affect +/- a point or two.

i completely disagree and if u took the july 24th exam i have no idea how u can be saying that

all the results of that exam are going to show is who the better guessers are because it was so exceedingly difficult. While taking an MCAT on an easier day may make the curve more strict, it will at least show how is indeed "smarter"

 

[Bibbed]

I didn't take this particular MCAT. However, I don't feel that anyone would claim their examination wasn't exceedingly difficult. I remember walking out of mine feeling terrible and hoping I had guessed well, because mine was dissimilar to the practice tests as well. I feel like that is status quo for any examination.

Frankly, if you, or anyone, thinks that all an MCAT is going to tell you is who guessed better, then I would venture to say that person didn't know their 'stuff'. I guarantee the smartest people will get the highest scores and the stupidest will get the lowest. No different than any other MCAT administration.


Edit -- Also, the reason I am on this thread is because my girlfriend took this administration. She says she "feels good about it." Here's to hoping for 30+.

 

[scdocusc]

wow That is a rediculous statement about the MCAT. Dumb people will get a lower score and smart people will get a higher score???? if you really believe this then you are not only arrogant but misinformed about the whole education system as a whole. I didnt score high on the MCAT at all but I can assure you that I am no idiot. In additon, because you score low on a hard test like the 24th test doesnt mean you dont know the material.

 

[scdocusc]

I

 

[Bibbed]

I didnt score high on the MCAT at all but I can assure you that I am no idiot.

First, I said dumb people will get low scores, not people with low scores are dumb. So I wasn't calling you an idiot.

Also, I didn't state that scoring low means you didn't know the material. It's far more likely someone who knows the material chokes and gets a low score, than someone who doesn't know much gets lucky and gets a high one. What I was saying is that I didn't agree with the above poster's statement that your MCAT administration would only test someone's ability to guess or get lucky.

And if you're getting pissed off because of my post on this thread, which wasn't even directed at you, then that's your problem.


Edit -- And the whole point of me posting on this thread in the first place was because I disagreed when someone was insinuating GPA should be more heavily weighted than MCAT.

Anyways, I hope everyone that took this test receives the score they are hoping for.

 

[dcowboys22]

I am not saying that gpa should be weighted more heavily.
I agree with the comments made that GPA could be skewed depending on courses taken, chosen major and the difficulty of the University attended. That should also be taken into account.

Many MCAT examinations are tough and in the end many people do better than expected. Some people don't do well on a particular examination for various reasons. The test could be relatively easier that day compared to another examination and subject matter tested could be unfamiliar to the individual just to name a few.

 

[ashal]

Well I disagree with you
I think GPA should carry a lot of weight. Like you mentioned people who are not super smart but work all day and get high GPA. What is wrong about that? That shows hardwork and dedication. If they are not gifted by God, they are atleast trying to make their life better instead of doing other things.

 

[PreMD86]

i completely disagree and if u took the july 24th exam i have no idea how u can be saying that

all the results of that exam are going to show is who the better guessers are because it was so exceedingly difficult. While taking an MCAT on an easier day may make the curve more strict, it will at least show how is indeed "smarter"

I've heard this statement made several times by different people, and I am still baffled by how anyone could reach that conclusion, or what that even means.
The definition of guessing entails randomality. If two people guess on 8 questions, chances are that both will get 6 wrong. While it is possible for someone to get lucky and get 3 or 4 right instead of 2, the chance of someone scoring more than a point higher on each section because of luck is statistically insignificant (assuming 2 questions right=1 point).

You could respond by arguing that if a student has no clue what the answer is, but is able to eliminate one or two answers, they will have a better chance of guessing, and thus a higher score. However, eliminating wrong answers requires as much intelligence as picking the correct one- so in the end, the smarter person wins.

 

[jamilla_w]

I've heard this statement made several times by different people, and I am still baffled by how anyone could reach that conclusion, or what that even means.
The definition of guessing entails randomality. If two people guess on 8 questions, chances are that both will get 6 wrong. While it is possible for someone to get lucky and get 3 or 4 right instead of 2, the chance of someone scoring more than a point higher on each section because of luck is statistically insignificant (assuming 2 questions right=1 point).

You could respond by arguing that if a student has no clue what the answer is, but is able to eliminate one or two answers, they will have a better chance of guessing, and thus a higher score. However, eliminating wrong answers requires as much intelligence as picking the correct one- so in the end, the smarter person wins.

You mean the smarter person *usually* wins since luck plays a role in guessing between even 2 answer choices. Which validates the other poster's point.

 

[PreMD86]

Well I disagree with you
I think GPA should carry a lot of weight. Like you mentioned people who are not super smart but work all day and get high GPA. What is wrong about that? That shows hardwork and dedication. If they are not gifted by God, they are atleast trying to make their life better instead of doing other things.

Hard work and dedication are great qualities, but frankly, they are needed for every other profession as well. MCAT tests for skills of comprehension and ability to reason and stay calm under pressure. These qualities distinguish a physician from most other college grad jobs.
Personal statement and LOR's vouche for one's soft qualities such as integrity and compassion. As much as it may suck, GPA, while representing a larger part of your life, is not nearly as important as one's MCAT.

 

[malta97]

ALMOST HERE, only 1 day left, then we don't have to speculate.

My 2 cents about GPA vs. MCAT. GPA widely varies depending on institution, teacher, etc etc. MCAT is standardized, so no matter if you are a Harvard grad or a grad from a community college in a town that nobody except the 300 people that live there have heard of, you will be on the same playing field the day you take the test. Whether it is a hard test or an easy test is immaterial, as both people use their own knowledge set to answer the same questions.

I would wager that the MCAT would be given more preference than GPA. Unfair, perhaps, but reality.

Another caveat is that if you have a 4.0, and bomb the MCAT, not good. Vice Versa would be the same.

 

[PreMD86]

You mean the smarter person *usually* wins since luck plays a role in guessing between even 2 answer choices. Which validates the other poster's point.

Statistically, the smartest person *always* wins. Guessing on 8 questions in PS will statistically result in 2 right answers. While you may be lucky and get 4 right, you are just as likely to be unlucky the next section and get 0 right.
Flip a quarter 4 times, and you might get 3 or 4 tails. Flip a quarter 144 times, and you'll rarely get anything outside of 70-74 tails.
If you are a "lucky" guesser, you shouldn't be taking MCATs. You should be playing the lotto all day long.

 

[Bibbed]

Hard work and dedication are great qualities, but frankly, they are needed for every other profession as well. MCAT tests for skills of comprehension and ability to reason and stay calm under pressure. These qualities distinguish a physician from most other college grad jobs.

This is a great point and, unfortunately for some, it's true. Anyone who wants to can work hard, but it should require something more than that to get into medical school (and become a doctor). I honestly wouldn't want anyone but the best and brightest overseeing my health care. I think we should all agree not just anyone should be a doctor, but anyone can work hard. There has to be something else that distinguishes the best from the rest.

 

[voirlesetoiles]

I honestly want to cry right now.... but I suppose I'll save my tears until I actually see my score and hope I won't have to call on them at that time

 

[kanaktime]

Statistically, the smartest person *always* wins. Guessing on 8 questions in PS will statistically result in 2 right answers. While you may be lucky and get 4 right, you are just as likely to be unlucky the next section and get 0 right.
Flip a quarter 4 times, and you might get 3 or 4 tails. Flip a quarter 144 times, and you'll rarely get anything outside of 70-74 tails.
If you are a "lucky" guesser, you shouldn't be taking MCATs. You should be playing the lotto all day long.

Thats a good point. Here is another good way to think about it. Take roulette for instance. If a "lucky guessers" existed they could go to a roulette table with 2 dollars and win a million by guessing red or black correctly 19 times in a row(doesn't sound too hard, does it...?). and thats a ~50-50 chance...think about how hard it is for a 1 out of 4 chance (ie MCAT).

 

[evoviiigsr]

Jesus I Want My Score Now

 

[soccerpunk60]

Jesus I Want My Score Now

me too, i keep checking. ugh, this one month wait has seriously been brutal.

 

[kanaktime]

Seriously, give it to me straight guys.... are there any chance that we will get our scores tonight? I keep checking!!!!

 

[mils617]

i honestly feel ill right now and can't think about anything else...i have this horrible feeling

 

[ashal]

Hard work and dedication are great qualities, but frankly, they are needed for every other profession as well. MCAT tests for skills of comprehension and ability to reason and stay calm under pressure. These qualities distinguish a physician from most other college grad jobs.
Personal statement and LOR's vouche for one's soft qualities such as integrity and compassion. As much as it may suck, GPA, while representing a larger part of your life, is not nearly as important as one's MCAT.

I dont mean that GPA is more important than MCAT. But I do think strongly that hard work and dedication are more important for physicians. I have many physicians and engineers in my family and I know that the physicians work require much much more hard work as compared to engineers.
Sorry if I am being offensive.. I normally keep my views to myself but I guess anxiety over scores is driving me insane. So plz ignore this post if you dont like it.

 

[Decicco]

Is the MCAT score sent to us as well, or is it internet only?

 

[kanaktime]

Scores for the July 13, 2007 exams are now available.

MCAT Scores

You have no scores yet.

 

[soccerpunk60]

scores are just released online...

i'm def going to bed reaaally late tonight so when i wake up tomorrow (around 2pm) i dont have too much waiting

 

[surfstarj]

Edit -- And the whole point of me posting on this thread in the first place was because I disagreed when someone was insinuating GPA should be more heavily weighted than MCAT.

I agree to your objection up there. The MCAT is largely considered to be by schools an equilizer. Since GPAs can hardly be compared due to the difference in difficulties of the schools and selected majors from applicant to applicant. A good way to overcome a mediocre GPA? Destroy the MCAT.

I will probably be kicked in the ass for this, but standardized tests are long from over for those of us who go on to medical school and become physicians.

(And really good luck to everyone getting their scores back, i just got nervous posting this! )

 

[RoadRunner17]

Well then, good luck to everyone getting their scores today!

 

[Chemist0157]

So when do they release exactly? Is it in the middle of the night or afternoon or late evening? Should I stay up for it?

 

[soccerpunk60]

So when do they release exactly? Is it in the middle of the night or afternoon or late evening? Should I stay up for it?

i think the trend has been afternoon time, around 3-4pm or so. so yea i would definitely not stay up, go to bed and start checking when you wake up tomorrow, whatever time that is

 

[FutureeMD]

good luck guys...i rly wish all u guyz the very best. I took the aug 20th exam, which has been voted as a massacre. Your scores will serve as an indicator of what the next 27 days hold for all aug 20 takers....Please post honest scores. Thanx alot peeps

 

[LuckBALady]

According to the score release chart from AAMC, it should be after 5 pm (I'm assuming eastern time) but I pray it is earlier b/c I can't stand the wait any longer.

 

[ashal]

So how do you really see a score.. I mean you go to aamc.org, click MCAT, click scores, then what?..I mean I just dont want to see my score suddenly.

 

[dcowboys22]

scores show up when u login to mcat thx.
I wish that they told you if the scores were up or not before you logged in. This way you dont have to keep logging in to check.
How are you guys going to check your scores? Cover the screen then slowly uncover it?

Good luck to everyone!

 

[sawood]

Is anyone else trying desperately to convince their loved ones that the test was impossible, they had to guess on half of the questions, and that they did terrible...... and keep getting the reply "You always say that, I know you did awesome." ????

No one understands the horror that was the July 24th MCAT.

I keep saying nooooo I know I always think I did bad on tests, but this time I REALLY did bad on a test!!!!! I'm the girl who cried wolf, and now I'm going to be eaten alive and no one believes me

I am soooooo glad I am not the only one who is frustrated by the "I'm sure you did fine" comment. I know people mean well, but the 24th sucked. AND, I am glad I'm not the only one who thought PS was from another planet.

I've lost count of the number of times I logon to view my non-existent scores....

 

[ashal]

What is mcat thx ?
Ya I am going to cover my eyes..dont have enough guts

 

[jheredia]

uh oh

 

[chad5871]

What is mcat thx ?
Ya I am going to cover my eyes..dont have enough guts

https://services.aamc.org/mcatthx/

 

[Phoenix.]

i think the trend has been afternoon time, around 3-4pm or so. so yea i would definitely not stay up, go to bed and start checking when you wake up tomorrow, whatever time that is

I took it on 6/15 and our scores were set to come out on 7/18. They did, at 4pm CST. So all that checking during the day was for naught, and just put us all in a frenzy by the time scores came out. Do yourself a favor and try not to be near a computer all day hitting refresh.... Good luck!

 

[soccerpunk60]

I took it on 6/15 and our scores were set to come out on 7/18. They did, at 4pm CST. So all that checking during the day was for naught, and just put us all in a frenzy by the time scores came out. Do yourself a favor and try not to be near a computer all day hitting refresh.... Good luck!

haha well its easier said than done to "not be near the comp and not check all day" but yeaa ill try

 

[dcowboys22]

I don't see the point of checking all day. They stated that scores would be released at approx 5pm est. So why not just check after that? Try to keep occupied all day doing stuff...

Good Luck to all of You!

 

[Phoenix.]

haha well its easier said than done to "not be near the comp and not check all day" but yeaa ill try

Absolutely. But at least if you get it in your mind that scores probably won't be out until 5pm EST, it might help lessen the manic refresh rate....

 

[Decicco]

Is the MCAT score sent to us as well, or is it internet only?

anyone?? is there a snail-mail result sent to us too??

 

[Cladbolg]

"How about this for an astronaut in a pool? Eh? You wanna talk about astronauts in a pool now? Look at the little moonwalker!!! Everyone look at the big, bad astronaut now!!!! "

lol that astronaut question screwed me in ways I cannot mention on public boards.

I cannot sleep HELP! Its like the night before the test.. fell asleep...woke up after like 4 hours, then couldn't fall back asleep. Please someone tell me how to pass time, cause the only way coming to my brain is playing Russian Roulette...