Low Verbal score

[toto2006]

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Does anyone know of medical schools that accept students with verbal score of 6 (P10, B10)? English is not my first language and I don't seem to be able to get higher score. My GPA is not bad, though (close to 3.8). Should I bother applying? Any advice?

 

[MadHopsMD]

Does anyone know of medical schools that accept students with verbal score of 6 (P10, B10)? English is not my first language and I don't seem to be able to get higher score. My GPA is not bad, though (close to 3.8). Should I bother applying? Any advice?

having a high GPA and only getting a 10 on Biology is a big NO-NO. if you had VR 6 and PS and BS 12-13, maybe you have a chance, but that's only if you applied really really early (june-july). But i am sorry, this late in the cycle, you will HAVE TO TAKE THE MCAT Again.

Save the money and the hassel of applying and just write the mcat in jan.

good luck

I presume you are not a URM. I think you are competitive at DO schools though.

 

[inside_edition]

Does anyone know of medical schools that accept students with verbal score of 6 (P10, B10)? English is not my first language and I don't seem to be able to get higher score. My GPA is not bad, though (close to 3.8). Should I bother applying? Any advice?

lol, i was born in the US and my verbal score is lower than yours. Use the MSAR book and apply to the schools that have accepted students with low verbal scores.

 

[inside_edition]

having a high GPA and only getting a 10 on Biology is a big NO-NO. if you had VR 6 and PS and BS 12-13, maybe you have a chance, but that's only if you applied really really early (june-july). But i am sorry, this late in the cycle, you will HAVE TO TAKE THE MCAT Again.

Save the money and the hassel of applying and just write the mcat in jan.

good luck

I presume you are not a URM. I think you are competitive at DO schools though.

Don't let SDN or its users discourage you. If you are not completely broke then it's worth a try at some of the low tier schools. the people on SDN always think that they are not good enough to get into medschool.

 

[MadHopsMD]

Don't let SDN or its users discourage you. If you are not completely broke then it's worth a try at some of the low tier schools. the people on SDN always think that they are not good enough to get into medschool.

Dude I speak from experience. This late in the cycle...the person is wasting their time...

If you have money to spend, apply to State schools...that is your best bet. unless you have invented the wheel or have like 2-3 publication, there is very little hope appying to even low-teired OOS schools...that 3.8 and ONLY 10 on BS looks bad.

Plus, if you have 30+ on the mcat you will open up many many doors...

BTW which state are you from?

 

[somemaybedoc]

having a high GPA and only getting a 10 on Biology is a big NO-NO. if you had VR 6 and PS and BS 12-13, maybe you have a chance, but that's only if you applied really really early (june-july). But i am sorry, this late in the cycle, you will HAVE TO TAKE THE MCAT Again.

Save the money and the hassel of applying and just write the mcat in jan.

good luck

I presume you are not a URM. I think you are competitive at DO schools though.

I have an 11 on BS and 3.8 and have interviews, doesn't seem that odd for a nonscience major.

 

[deleted106503]

I have an 11 on BS and 3.8 and have interviews, doesn't seem that odd for a nonscience major.

I'm a non-science major, too, and got a 10 in BS. I was getting 12-13 in practice, but once I saw the amount of genetics on my form, I expected the drop. I only took the core bio classes and couldn't care less with my 10. Stay confident OP.

Edit: OP, the MSAR will give details on acceptances extended to people with the various MCAT sub-scores. I don't own one so I can't give you all the details, but I know USF, UF, and UNC have accepted people with a VR of 6. The MCAT is just once piece of the application process. Only for schools that screen and have certain minimum subscore requirements could screen you out.

 

[MadHopsMD]

I have an 11 on BS and 3.8 and have interviews, doesn't seem that odd for a nonscience major.

what is your total average though? I think if your verbal is below 8, and you accept to get in, you better heck have very high BS and PS scores along with a good gpa...I think this is a general pattern I have seen over the 4 years of applying.

 

[somemaybedoc]

what is your total average though? I think if your verbal is below 8, and you accept to get in, you better heck have very high BS and PS scores along with a good gpa...I think this is a general pattern I have seen over the 4 years of applying.

Never mind, my overall is pretty high (36). I misunderstood your meaning.

 

[somemaybedoc]

I'm a non-science major, too, and got a 10 in BS. I was getting 12-13 in practice, but once I saw the amount of genetics on my form, I expected the drop. I only took the core bio classes and couldn't care less with my 10. Stay confident OP.

I had only taken the core classes when I took the MCAT and expected it to be my weakest section since I was competing with a lot of bio majors, since then I've finally gotten some upper levels down though.

 

[mintendo]

A 6 in VR is a no-no, especially for non-native speakers. Sorry🙁

 

[rajad10]

i just got in with a 14, 7, 11

Have hope and write exceptional PS and secondary essays

 

[MadHopsMD]

Does anyone know of medical schools that accept students with verbal score of 6 (P10, B10)? English is not my first language and I don't seem to be able to get higher score. My GPA is not bad, though (close to 3.8). Should I bother applying? Any advice?

again, i dont want to tell you NOT to apply. I would apply in-state and few OOS schools.

But, keep in mind that your chances are not that great, especially now that you are late.... Consider: you have to write a PS statement, send it to AMCAS (4 weeks), send secondaries and LORs (another 4 weeks), but the time you are all done you will be complete at most schools in dec/jan. Once your file is reviewed it will be in feb. Most spots are fill by then. You will be fighting for a waitlist spot, which usually go to other students who applied as late has you...

there is of course a chance, just not a really high one. If you apply, also concentrate on getting a good mark at school...dont sacrifice your current marks, because believe me you will need them. 🙂

 

[deleted106503]

A 6 in VR is a no-no, especially for non-native speakers. Sorry🙁

How is it a no-no for non-native speakers? I think it would be expected.

 

[MadHopsMD]

i just got in with a 14, 7, 11

Have hope and write exceptional PS and secondary essays

Yes expect for the fact that you submitted your amcas in june. 😀 Plus, your EC make you an allstar dude...it's hard to compare you to anyone 😎

Also: 26 is like 60%tile and 32 is like 85%tile

 

[toto2006]

Thank you all for your advice. I will get MSAR book. I'm from California, by the way.

 

[MadHopsMD]

Thank you all for your advice. I will get MSAR book. I'm from California, by the way.

...That's the worst state out of them all....


...in terms of applying to medicine

 

[deleted106503]

...in terms of applying to medicine

...and vehicle ownership.

...and home ownership.

...and cost of living.

😀

 

[somemaybedoc]

Thank you all for your advice. I will get MSAR book. I'm from California, by the way.

If you want something to do in the next year, if you decide to wait on applying I have some advice: MOVE, establish residency somewhere else.

 

[deleted106503]

If you want something to do in the next year, if you decide to wait on applying I have some advice: MOVE, establish residency somewhere else.

I'd say Texas. Maybe Florida because UCF should be opening up a med school for Fall 2008. It will be the 5th MD school in FL. UF, USF, FSU, and Miami being the other 4 and Miami being the only private.

 

[MedStudentWanna]

If you want something to do in the next year, if you decide to wait on applying I have some advice: MOVE, establish residency somewhere else.

Do you realize what you're asking? In many states, you have to live there for 12 months without going to school in order to establish residency. So you want the OP to pick up and move to another state and sit around for a year to wait for state residency?

that 3.8 and ONLY 10 on BS looks bad.

This is a false statement. I would urge the OP to retake the MCAT and try to get a 9-10 in Verbal, but the 10 in BS is fine.

I'd say Texas. Maybe Florida because UCF should be opening up a med school for Fall 2008. It will be the 5th MD school in FL. UF, USF, FSU, and Miami being the other 4 and Miami being the only private.

UCF will be more competitive than the other state schools in its first few years because they'll only be accepting a handful of students.

 

[MadHopsMD]

This is a false statement. I would urge the OP to retake the MCAT and try to get a 9-10 in Verbal, but the 10 in BS is fine.

Ok let me clarify. 10 in bs "looks bad" if you have 3.8 in science AND a MCAT as low as 26. I am sorry, but this just shows you went to a grade inflated school....TO THE ADCOM.

If you have 10 in BS and your mcat is 40, of course no will judge you 😀

Even if you get 10 and your total score is 30, thats fine...

 

[MedStudentWanna]

Ok let me clarify. 10 in bs "looks bad" if you have 3.8 in science AND a MCAT as low as 26. I am sorry, but this just shows you went to a grade inflated school....TO THE ADCOM.

I think what it's more likely to show to adcoms is that you need help with the verbal reasoning section of the MCAT and the fact that English isn't your native language may have something to do with it. I get what you're saying about the low overall score, but I don't buy that a balanced BS and PS score with VR being substantially lower will imply you went to a grade-inflated school. Now had the VR and PS been a 10 and the BS been a 6, I'd agree with you, but VR really has nothing to do with the bio this person learned in school.

 

[MadHopsMD]

I think what it's more likely to show to adcoms is that you need help with the verbal reasoning section of the MCAT and the fact that English isn't your native language may have something to do with it. I get what you're saying about the low overall score, but I don't buy that a balanced BS and PS score with VR being substantially lower will imply you went to a grade-inflated school. Now had the VR and PS been a 10 and the BS been a 6, I'd agree with you, but VR really has nothing to do with the bio this person learned in school.

Yes thats also true. sorry, i forgot about that...

I would like to add this from my own experience. It's hard to get a 3.8 at a good school without having a strong science background.

But I understand, the problem of the OP is probably that she/he is a bad standardize tester, a problem only magnified if english is his/her second language.

But even if you cant improve your verbal, concentrate on improving your BS and PS. Because I know TONS of ppl who have 7 in VR and 12+ in both BS and PS and have gotten accepted at multiple schools with your GPA.

Point is: concetrate on BS and PS equally if not more. Improving in verbal is very difficult (check out re-testers AMCAS data)...but with a 3.8, i think you can rock the sciences and get an acceptance.

 

[p9142]

I'd say Texas. Maybe Florida because UCF should be opening up a med school for Fall 2008. It will be the 5th MD school in FL. UF, USF, FSU, and Miami being the other 4 and Miami being the only private.

This is an excellend idea. OP, if you move to the southern states, you will have an excellent shot at getting in as long as you apply early. California is a killer, and you have virtueally no shot there. Also, if you aren't afraid of going DO you would probably get in this year that way.

 

[somemaybedoc]

Do you realize what you're asking? In many states, you have to live there for 12 months without going to school in order to establish residency. So you want the OP to pick up and move to another state and sit around for a year to wait for state residency?

Yes, I believe he has little chance right now. However he will need to do something for the next year, no need for postbac since his grades are good.

He'll have to investigate for states that consider you a resident for admissions purposes if you will matriculate as resident, texas requires you to apply as a resident, which means you need to have worked here for one year by Oct 15. The OP will probably end up working for the next year, he might as well do so in a way that at least gives him resident status elsewhere if that is at all possible.

 

[mintendo]

How is it a no-no for non-native speakers? I think it would be expected.

For a non-native speaker getting a low VR score, it's easier to assume that he/she has not become proficient in the language (as opposed to other possible reasons for scoring poorly on the VR section).

At least I think that's how the brains of adcomms operate. I could be totally wrong though 🙂 .

 

[Schaden Freud]

Dude that avatar is vile. Some people may be eating while reading these things...

Yes thats also true. sorry, i forgot about that...

I would like to add this from my own experience. It's hard to get a 3.8 at a good school without having a strong science background.

But I understand, the problem of the OP is probably that she/he is a bad standardize tester, a problem only magnified if english is his/her second language.

But even if you cant improve your verbal, concentrate on improving your BS and PS. Because I know TONS of ppl who have 7 in VR and 12+ in both BS and PS and have gotten accepted at multiple schools with your GPA.

Point is: concetrate on BS and PS equally if not more. Improving in verbal is very difficult (check out re-testers AMCAS data)...but with a 3.8, i think you can rock the sciences and get an acceptance.

 

[R-35]

Ok let me clarify. 10 in bs "looks bad" if you have 3.8 in science AND a MCAT as low as 26. I am sorry, but this just shows you went to a grade inflated school....TO THE ADCOM.

If you have 10 in BS and your mcat is 40, of course no will judge you 😀

Even if you get 10 and your total score is 30, thats fine...

10 is more than fine, look at me with a 10 on the PS section. He does need to improve his Verbal score but everything else seems fine.

 

[MadHopsMD]

10 is more than fine, look at me with a 10 on the PS section. He does need to improve his Verbal score but everything else seems fine.

Of course, VR should be improved. It's easier said then done however.

HISTORICALLY, its hard to improve verbal. yes its possible, and i hope the OP does, but its hard. Check the AMCAS re-takers data...http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/examineedata/tables.htm

However, I can assure you that getting a 7 on VR and getting 12-13s in other sections, will increase the OP chances dramatically. especially with his high GPA. That was my point!

 

[desout777]

most of you are basing your comments only on opinion.

look at the MSAR and you'll see the range for verbal scores at many schools is very wide.

OP - Just make sure that you note on your application somewhere that English is not your first language. Also, 10s aren't bad... they're not exceptional, but they're definitely good enough.

 

[mintendo]

most of you are basing your comments only on opinion.

look at the MSAR and you'll see the range for verbal scores at many schools is very wide.

OP - Just make sure that you note on your application somewhere that English is not your first language. Also, 10s aren't bad... they're not exceptional, but they're definitely good enough.

Opinions is all we got. No one knows how this process really works.

 

[MedStudentWanna]

However, I can assure you that getting a 7 on VR and getting 12-13s in other sections, will increase the OP chances dramatically. especially with his high GPA. That was my point!

Well, duh! Any one of us could have told you that. I can also assure you that if the OP got an 8 in VR and a 15 in BS and PS, he/she will increase his/her chances dramatically. That's common sense!

What I think many of us were responding to was your assertion that getting a 10 in BS with a 3.8 screams of grade inflation. It does not.

 

[deleted106503]

What I think many of us were responding to was your assertion that getting a 10 in BS with a 3.8 screams of grade inflation. It does not.

Depends on a few factors. What was the student's major? If it was non-science, especially non-bio, I wouldn't expect much of a high BS grade even with a high GPA. Also depends on how the student studied. Sometimes people take these classes years before the MCAT and can't remember the details. MCAT study books don't always have everything you need to know. Somtimes people have full time jobs and more and can't devote the time to study for the MCAT over summer.

 

[MadHopsMD]

Well, duh! Any one of us could have told you that. I can also assure you that if the OP got an 8 in VR and a 15 in BS and PS, he/she will increase his/her chances dramatically. That's common sense!

What I think many of us were responding to was your assertion that getting a 10 in BS with a 3.8 screams of grade inflation. It does not.

I didnt think that last statement would be such a big deal. I dont think that the correlation is non-existant though. Anyways, that comment was not the main point of my discussion.

My story:

First time I wrote the MCAT, I got: VR 6, PS 10, BS 13. Everyone told me to improve the verbal score. So the next 2 times I wrote it I didnt even study Biology or Physics. Second time: VR 6, PS 10, BS 10. Third Time VR:7 PS: 10 BS: 11. Notice how my science scores suffered.

What I should have been doing was focusing my entire effort on PS and BS. Because I was capable of getting 12-14 on each section of those sections. especially PS (the easiest to improve). with a 3.8 science average, OP you are also capable.

Thus the fourth time I took it, I got: VR 9, PS: 13, BS: 12. I didnt even study for verbal (i did take couple advance level english lit courses though and thats why I improved).

Anyways, the worst ADVICE i ever got, was FOCUS on verbal section! Trust me, its hard to improve the verbal score...just like that! Instead concentrate on BS and PS. I know so many friends who had low verbal scores but high science scores who are in medicine now...

Just my advice, that's all...take it for what it's worth.

 

[MadHopsMD]

Dude that avatar is vile. Some people may be eating while reading these things...

I apologize. But the whole AMCAS process is vile....😀

 

[deleted106503]

Anyways, the worst ADVICE i ever got, was FOCUS on verbal section! Trust me, its hard to improve the verbal score...just like that! Instead concentrate on BS and PS. I know so many friends who had low verbal scores but high science scores who are in medicine now...

Just my advice, that's all...take it for what it's worth.

I must've been giving out the best advice in that case! 😀 I was telling people in the MCAT subforum to put a lot of effort into PS and BS (especially PS) because those are "easy" points compared to VR. It's something you can actually practice and expect on the MCAT. VR was just a crapshoot everytime for me. I got really nervous during the real thing and fell a couple points because of that. Didn't get nervous at all for PS and BS and it showed in my scores.

 

[cal_girl]

Does anyone know of medical schools that accept students with verbal score of 6 (P10, B10)? English is not my first language and I don't seem to be able to get higher score. My GPA is not bad, though (close to 3.8). Should I bother applying? Any advice?

I can totally feel your pain. I'm not a native either, I got low VR as well, I'm getting interviews. Apply as a disadvantaged status. U'll get in... My friends have the same stats like you as well. She got lots of interviews... 👍 ok! If you need help choosing schools, let me know...

 

[MadHopsMD]

I can totally feel your pain. I'm not a native either, I got VR 6 as well, I'm getting interviews. Apply as a disadvantaged status. U'll get in... My friends have the same stats like you as well. She got lots of interviews... 👍 ok! If you need help choosing schools, let me know...

dont you have to qualify for this...? She got interviews @ MD schools? in California? and she wasnt a URM?

 

[cal_girl]

dont you have to qualify for this...? She got interviews @ MD schools? in California? and she wasnt a URM?

I got interview at University of Wisconsin... the school which says... don't apply if u have lower than 7 on each section of the MCAT. But i do get into this stage so far. If we can prove well in other parts of the application, we all will be fine... 😉

 

[socal78]

I didnt think that last statement would be such a big deal. I dont think that the correlation is non-existant though. Anyways, that comment was not the main point of my discussion.

My story:

First time I wrote the MCAT, I got: VR 6, PS 10, BS 13. Everyone told me to improve the verbal score. So the next 2 times I wrote it I didnt even study Biology or Physics. Second time: VR 6, PS 10, BS 10. Third Time VR:7 PS: 10 BS: 11. Notice how my science scores suffered.

What I should have been doing was focusing my entire effort on PS and BS. Because I was capable of getting 12-14 on each section of those sections. especially PS (the easiest to improve). with a 3.8 science average, OP you are also capable.

Thus the fourth time I took it, I got: VR 9, PS: 13, BS: 12. I didnt even study for verbal (i did take couple advance level english lit courses though and thats why I improved).

Anyways, the worst ADVICE i ever got, was FOCUS on verbal section! Trust me, its hard to improve the verbal score...just like that! Instead concentrate on BS and PS. I know so many friends who had low verbal scores but high science scores who are in medicine now...

Just my advice, that's all...take it for what it's worth.

after taking the mcat 4 times u deserve to be accepted into med school

 

[KurdishMD]

Dear fellow applicant toto2006,

Listen to your instinct and apply , people with high MCAT act like pros. Its all about you and know body can tell you the formula.

IF English is not your first language, medical school understand it, You are fine in Science and have a great GPA. Write a different PS and answer secondary according to the school mission.

Call the school around you and stop by people in admission ( ask around and see who in on committee)

You know your weakness and strenght, focus mainly on how to present yourself. Apply to medical school who care about accpeting Out-state students and minorities and people with diverse backround.

English is my fourth lanuage i study in , i had to move due to my refugee status between three countries and i always started from zero with languages. I have been here only five years and MCAT is a challenge if english is not your language. My VR is 7 and i am confident by time the Step tests come i will be ready.

Many American do not understand how to put themself in the situation. But medical school are professional and look at people's situation and performace.

 

[KurdishMD]

Plus speaking another language takes people years to master it. It is as new skill and field.

Focus on your strenght, in the interview be ready for your weakness.

Believe in yourself, people here are very competitve, and remember " less people apply, better chances"

Finally its all in god's hand, if it meant to be , it will happen. My past did not tell me that will be at this level

 

[kquad]

I just got a 39 on my mcat, here's what i did. First time i tried to read through all the books but thats just a waste of time, too much detail and you get caught up in the forest. The thing is with your classes is that they give you all the mechanisms in Ochem and Biochem, MoBio etc.. but all that crap isnt important. You gotta look at the big picture which i wish someone woulda told me.

So basically, bought the Gold standard and Visual Aid DVD's from http://www.usmletestcenter.com like 125usd a piece and just watched the lectures. Absorbed it and re-read the stuff and it made a lot more sense.

 

[MadHopsMD]

To KurdishMD: sadly though, unless you apply as an disadvantage student, your "refugee status" will not matter for the adcoms. I think my 34 on MCAT opened up A LOT of doors for me (I had 28 and <7 before)...and almost everyone asked me why I did so poorly previous times. My answer was a combination of "not being on the same wavelength has American test writers" and english not being my first language (I too traveled numerous countries when I was little). My interviewers on the most part were satisfied with my response...however, my 34 opened the doors not my 28.

To OP: as a californian, forget state schools with that 6. You have a "decent" shot applying to lower tiered private schools EARLY NEXT YEAR. But I would still consider re-taking the MCAT, because your options will be larger with a higher score 😀

 

[KurdishMD]

you talk like you know it. Medical school told , specially committee member told that helps.

 

[MadHopsMD]

you talk like you know it. Medical school told , specially committee member told that helps.

How about lived it? RE-applicant here. Applied last year: VR 7, BS 10, PS 10. I think if I had a BS and PS higher, that would have gotten me in last year...

This year: VR 9, BS: 12, PS: 13. SAME ESSAY (Didnt change a thing). Got 1 acceptance, 7 interviews and counting, including a top 20.

P.S I am international student. So my numbers had to be high.

EDIT: I am a perfect example of what happens if everything was held constant accept: date of application (I applied early) and MCAT scores (34 versus 27) 🙂

 

[MadHopsMD]

you talk like you know it. Medical school told , specially committee member told that helps.

what are your stats like? if you need any help pm me...

 

[dr_90210]

Does anyone know of medical schools that accept students with verbal score of 6 (P10, B10)? English is not my first language and I don't seem to be able to get higher score. My GPA is not bad, though (close to 3.8). Should I bother applying? Any advice?

when you say that english is not your first language, i was wondering what is your first language? because there is a big difference if your first language were spanish or ethiopian (in that case, apply to harvard med school) or if your first language were chinese (think about another profession)

 

[deleted106503]

P.S I am international student. So my numbers had to be high.

You should've stated this from the beginning so now your opinion doesn't hold as much water. Like you just said, international students are held to higher standards.

There are people who have gotten into Michigan, UNC, Maryland, UF, etc with a 6 in VR. Miami had a student with a 5 and Rosalind Franklin with a 3 so you never know.