lost on what to do

[crackacokecan]

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Hello SDN forum members',

I have read many forums but this is the first time I have posted. This is my predicament (and swallowing much pride writing about this) and need advice:


My uGPA is 3.34. It was higher before I transferred schools, unfortunately. After I graduated, I started working full time at a clinical laboratory as a technician specifically in hematology (differential reading, coagulation, respiratory gas tests, etcetera) and still am. While working, I took a microbiology and medical terminology class at a community college. Then I was accepted into a biology graduate program. I did well (only 3 B's, the one class was 6 credits) while working and going to school full time, which on a side note I highly do NOT recommend. I have kept in touch with a couple of my undergrad and grad professors so I know I will recieve strong LOR's from them, my leads and supervisor.

Volunteer/Internship:

I have volunteered overseas for a couple weeks, at a hospital as an operating room transport help, and in an emergency and surgical triage volunteer. I interned at a medical examiner office for three months and did the medical technology rotation (40 hrs/week) for three months, working full time (40+/week) and taking a couple courses on top of the rotation. I recently started assisting one of the leads in his continuing education program, so I make up new articles and tests with it, grade, and file for 100+ employees.

This is where I fall extremely short..I can't result high on the MCAT like can't get past a 20. I have taken it multiple times and used different strageties before each test. With that being said, what are my chances? Should I retake it for the last time and stop? At this point, the message would be loud and clear if I didn't do well the next time around. I just have this smidgen of hope something "miraculous" will happen.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Instatewaiter]

What strategies have you used?

I think take it again and if you get above a 22 apply to DO schools. If you get in great. If not move on

 

[crackacokecan]

I tried a Kaplan course, reading sections of the subject and taking a follow up subject test, note cards, listening to lectures, taking as many practice tests, and bought 3 different subject review sets (but used the ones I felt conveyed the material simpler). I don't know what else to do to prepare.

 

[crackacokecan]

Goniif-- Yes, I have taken it 3 times 3-4 years ago and once this year. Is the candidate written off after taking the test 3 times in one year?

 

[Goro]

I've interviewed many people who took the test 4 times; and I think my all time record was 7 tries.

Are you ESL? If not, that's even more of a problem.

Do you have test taking anxiety issues? If so, seek out a therapist or counselor for that. But keep in mind that many schools average MCAT scores, so eventually, you'll have to do your homework and find those schools that take only the best score, the most recent, or the best composite.

Goniif-- Yes, I have taken it 3 times 3-4 years ago and once this year. Is the candidate written off after taking the test 3 times in one year?