Looking for advice

[hihihihi]

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I just received my score and it wasn't up to par. I was thinking about retaking it for this cycle, but due to my current schedule, it would be too rush for me.

I was thinking all day today and was leaning towards applying for the following cycle. If I were to pursue this option, I was planning on also enrolling in a post bac program or taking extension courses to boost my GPA further and give me a chance to put more studying time.

Would any recommend post-bacc program over extension courses? Are extension courses counted according to ADCOMS? Thanks, all.

 

[ceasefire]

It'll help if you post your stats. For instance, post-baccs are typically for low GPA's (below 3.4) with highish MCAT scores if I understand them correctly. Posting your stats will help others suggest the best option for you.

 

[hihihihi]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have a splitting headache atm and think I'm coming down with a flu, but I did a few searches and found the answers. I have 3.2 and <24 MCAT.

 

[swamprat]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have a splitting headache atm and think I'm coming down with a flu, but I did a few searches and found the answers. I have 3.2 and <24 MCAT.

Your GPA is low for MD and even DO, wats yout sGPA. More than likely if your going DO, retake some of the classes you got below a B in, and MD idk you might be screwed alrdy idk how much a postbac would help. Def must retake the mcat if under a 24, too low for md and do

 

[Slowpoke]

Try not to rush your application if you can help it. There is a lot of money, time and energy invested into the cycle and if you don't feel 100% confident in your stats/ECs/LORs, what is the rush?

If you feel inclined to want to be gong-ho and apply this cycle know that you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. Look at the bigger picture and make your application as strong as you can so that you only have to go through 1 application cycle, have a fair chance and have made sure you thought about a career in medicine.

There is no rush, take your time - retake your MCAT either this cycle and apply, but it might be best to strengthen your application this following year and apply next cycle.

 

[kansaskid]

Your GPA is low for MD and even DO, wats yout sGPA. More than likely if your going DO, retake some of the classes you got below a B in, and MD idk you might be screwed alrdy idk how much a postbac would help. Def must retake the mcat if under a 24, too low for md and do

Try not to rush your application if you can help it. There is a lot of money, time and energy invested into the cycle and if you don't feel 100% confident in your stats/ECs/LORs, what is the rush?

If you feel inclined to want to be gong-ho and apply this cycle know that you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. Look at the bigger picture and make your application as strong as you can so that you only have to go through 1 application cycle, have a fair chance and have made sure you thought about a career in medicine.

There is no rush, take your time - retake your MCAT either this cycle and apply, but it might be best to strengthen your application this following year and apply next cycle.

This. Really think about why you want to go into medicine and then definitely retake the MCAT. I think waiting until next cycle is your best bet. You want to be bringing your A game early on in the cycle, not scrambling at the end of it. It's a long and expensive process so do it right the first time!

 

[Iso4ane]

i agree with everything that has been said. and take a look at this for MD schools.

https://www.aamc.org/download/157450/data/table24-mcatgpagridall2008-10.pdf.pdf

you have a less than 13% chance getting in. But, if you can bring that MCAT up to 30-32 it jumps up to 38% and if you you can get it between 33-35 it is greater than 50% chance you get into at least one school (assuming you apply broadly and within reasonable range (e.g. not Harvard)).

And think it about this way too, a 24 (8/section) is approximately average score for those who take the MCAT, but for those who apply and get in its closer the 30.

Btw, going from a 24 to a 30 is a lot easier than going for a 30 to a 36. SO bunker down study harder (take a class with the princeton review) and take the MCAT again. The class may cost a lot but if it helps you get in, it will be worth it right?

 

[glasshalfMD]

i agree with everything that has been said. and take a look at this for MD schools.

https://www.aamc.org/download/157450/data/table24-mcatgpagridall2008-10.pdf.pdf

you have a less than 13% chance getting in. But, if you can bring that MCAT up to 30-32 it jumps up to 38% and if you you can get it between 33-35 it is greater than 50% chance you get into at least one school (assuming you apply broadly and within reasonable range (e.g. not Harvard)).

And think it about this way too, a 28 is approximately average score for those who take the MCAT, but for those who apply and get in its closer the 30.

Btw, going from a 24 to a 30 is a lot easier than going for a 30 to a 36. SO bunker down study harder (take a class with the princeton review) and take the MCAT again. The class may cost a lot but if it helps you get in, it will be worth it right?

erm, try ~25.5 is avg for all test takers? idk where you got this 28 number - that's ridonkulous.

see evidence here.

EDIT: but you ARE correct that the avg for accepted applicants is around a 30-31.

 

[Iso4ane]

you're right i got my two ideas mixed up i was thinking of an the total average is 24 with an average of 8/section =>28 average

erm, try ~25.5 is avg for all test takers? idk where you got this 28 number - that's ridonkulous.

see evidence here.

EDIT: but you ARE correct that the avg for accepted applicants is around a 30-31.