low verbal

[deleted9493]

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I really don't know what happened on this past April's mcat...the verbal section didn't seem too terrible. Nonetheless, I ended up with a whopping 5 (I was scoring 9's and 10's on practice exams)--to go with a 9 in physical and a 10 in biological. I had been planning on applying to osteopathic schools...now I'm wondering whether or not that's a viable option.
I only found a few people on www.mdapplicants.com who had scored lower than 6 in verbal and been accepted to osteopathic schools. I really don't want to go through this mcat stuff again. Comments? Suggestions?

 

[H0mersimps0n]

I'm going to be an MS-I in the fall and thought I'd chime in a bit here.

First, a 5,10,9 (24) is only "that bad" if the rest of your app is shaky. If you went to a good undergrad, and have a decient GPA (3.2 or higher), and you've had your hands bloodied in some clinical experiences, write EXCELLENT (well proof-read) essay's your chances are probably pretty good.

If your GPA is lower than a 3.2, you haven't done much in a clinic, you already submitted essay's that you didn't have proof-read, your recommenders are so-so... Then I would say take it again.

Make sure you look at the big picture. DO schools tend to be more forgiving for a single dip in your app if all the other areas are well covered.

Lets not forget to factor in Luck...

I've never done this before, but these were my stats:

GPA: 3.01 (BS in Neuroscience)
MCAT: 1.) 6V 7P 9B [22] 2.) 3V 9P 9B [21] (F-ing verbal)
Clinical Exp: EMT at urban EMS agency, I saw more than 300 patients last summer.
Essay: re-written more than 10 times and heavily proof-read, finished with something I was extremely pleased with
Recommendations: one DO, barely knew me, probably a great committee letter
Luck: definitely

good luck!


P.S. don't underestimate the importance of submitting that primary the FIRST DAY you can, timing is absolutely everything in the app process, trust me.

 

[friedcfood]

This question is for H0mersimps0n...what school did you get into? I too have a low verbal score, ok GPA, research experience, some clinical experience, and pretty good letters of rec. I'm applying this year and just a bit nervous about the not getting in.


hudsontc : If you KNOW you can do better, I would retake the MCAT. Still go along with the med aps process and update your Aug scores when available. I've apply twice and retaken the MCAT 3 times. Good luck!

 

[niceguydoc]

i'd also like to reiterate what homersimpson said. do schools tend to look at the whole picture rather than just looking at #'s. I bombed my mcats, especially the verbal section, and i even had a minor in english too! my gpa was a 3.29 in biochem, no research, volunteer in hospital/school volunteer ambulance corp, excellent recommendation from DO, and a kickass essay. i cannot stress the importance of the essay. this is really your chance to shine. i really believe it was my essay that landed me so many interviews, even though everything else was just mediocre. and definitely send in your applications in ASAP. good to everyone.

 

[ramsestiger]

My verbal score started out around a 5 or a 6 and went to double digits after a ton of passages. I think timing is the most important aspect of MCAT Verbal. If you do a few practice passages every day for at least a month leading up to the MCAT, I think your score will improve - just be sure to understand EXACTLY why you missed the questions you did and even go over the right answers if you have the time.

Don't fall into the "natural talent" krap that we sometimes start to believe. My SAT score started in the low 1200s and went all the way up to a 1560 because I really cared. MCAT Verbal used to scare the krap out of me until I really got into my little zone after practicing it regularly. If I took a practice MCAT now, I seriously doubt that I would get a double digit score because I'm not "in the zone" any more. Just work hard and you'll hopefully get better.

A trick that helped me personally: barely read the passage on your first read (skim at super-duper-ramming speed!) and spend about 1 minute on each question, answering as carefully as you can after skimming over the relevant parts of the passage again. I hope that helps you, too. As for the biological sciences parts, I was always like a deer in front of headlights...

 

[futuredo32]

I was in a very similar situation. I took a prep course twice and my score improved by three points on the verbal reasoning section the second time around. Practicing, reading dense and boring materials at 8:30 each morning and the strategy of the prep-course I took really helped.
I will be attending MSUCOM this fall, my first choice.
If I were you, I'd really work hard this summer and improve by August.
Good Luck!🙂 🙂

 

[rescuerdave]

I got a 5 on the verbal section and was accepted. I was alos getting nines and tens on the practice tests. Some of it is just nerves. Verbal is difficult for a lot of people. Even the most intelligent individuals struggle with it. I think if the rest of your application is competitive you'll be fine. I would'nt retake the MCAT. Most Do schools will look past this. Just apply early if I were you and I think you will get accepted if the rest of your app is good.

 

[drchris33]

I figured I should give my two cents worth as well. I received a 5 on my verbal as well. I am getting ready to start my second year at the University of Health Sciences; so getting a 5 may seem crappy to you, but as everyone else has said, if the rest of your app is decent, then you do have a shot. I was feeling the same way when I received my scores. My first thought was I have to take that damn test again!! I just decided to apply to some schools and see what happens.

Hang in there!!! Never give up.

If you have other questions, feel free to email me or post on UHS Class of 2006 or UHS Internet Ambassador thread!!

Chris Morrissey MSII