"Lower" MCAT, but interview invite at a stat-loving school?

[premed_1234]

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Hey everyone! I recently received my second II of the cycle. To my surprise, this one is for my dream school, which happens to be a T10 with a reputation for prioritizing high stats. I have a good MCAT score (517), but it is around the 10th percentile of accepted students there. I was under the impression that the early II's at such schools are given to the 4.0/525+ star students.

I've heard the staircase analogy brought up on this website. Does the timing of receiving an interview invite mean anything, or are early invites ever sent to students at the bottom of this staircase? Not to sound neurotic — I am going to prepare a ton for this interview, but I am a little apprehensive that my MCAT will hold me back lol.

 

[CDaFutureDocMan]

“Oh no my steak is too juicy”. Jokes aside, enjoy it and be confident knowing you got an interview invite. They are interested in your application and are impressed by you. The 10th percentile only exists because of the 10% of students that matriculated with the same stats as you. Congrats!

 

[premed_1234]

Thank you! I don’t mean to complain — it just seemed way too good to be true.

At first, I genuinely thought this was one of those glitches where the school sends everyone an II by mistake 😂

 

[wysdoc]

Hey everyone! I recently received my second II of the cycle. To my surprise, this one is for my dream school, which happens to be a T10 with a reputation for prioritizing high stats. I have a good MCAT score (517), but it is around the 10th percentile of accepted students there. I was under the impression that the early II's at such schools are given to the 4.0/525+ star students.

I've heard the staircase analogy brought up on this website. Does the timing of receiving an interview invite mean anything, or are early invites ever sent to students at the bottom of this staircase? Not to sound neurotic — I am going to prepare a ton for this interview, but I am a little apprehensive that my MCAT will hold me back lol.

Somebody’s in the bottom 10%tile, why not you?
Get ready to meet your interviewers, and don’t bring this “I’m not worthy” attitude along with you.

 

[Goro]

Hey everyone! I recently received my second II of the cycle. To my surprise, this one is for my dream school, which happens to be a T10 with a reputation for prioritizing high stats. I have a good MCAT score (517), but it is around the 10th percentile of accepted students there. I was under the impression that the early II's at such schools are given to the 4.0/525+ star students.

I've heard the staircase analogy brought up on this website. Does the timing of receiving an interview invite mean anything, or are early invites ever sent to students at the bottom of this staircase? Not to sound neurotic — I am going to prepare a ton for this interview, but I am a little apprehensive that my MCAT will hold me back lol.

Have some faith in yourself! Somebody has to be in the 10th%, so why not you!?!?!

The II is NOT just about stats,but about your app.

Now go read my guide to interviews, and knock 'em dead!

 

[PickaGodnPray]

Honestly complaining about 10% MCAT that is a 517 is wild.

 

[wysdoc]

Honestly complaining about 10% MCAT that is a 517 is wild.

Yeah I missed that detail the first time I read it

 

[premed_1234]

Honestly complaining about 10% MCAT that is a 517 is wild.

That’s why I put “lower” in quotes — it seems to be fairly low for this particular school.

Of course, I’m happy to be in range for lots of great schools. Did not mean to come off as arrogant.

I appreciate everyone’s feedback.

 

[PickaGodnPray]

Nah no excuses. Score is great and that is pretty obvious by all standards. You also received an incredibly early interview invite compared to so many others. Lock in on your interview and you’ll be fine, but stop acting like an underdog.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Previously,

P

Thread 'WAMC/School List - 4.00 GPA, 517 MCAT, ORM'

Jul 1, 2025

Hey everyone! I just got my MCAT back. I got a good score, but in all honesty it was several points below what I was expecting (and only 1 point above my diagnostic). I'm thinking about restructuring my school list and wanted your advice.

For context, I am applying this cycle and am expecting my application to be verified by the end of next week. Please try not to quote this! Thank you!

1. cGPA and sGPA: 4.00 cGPA, 4.00 sGPA

2. MCAT: 517 (130/127/129/131)

3. State of residence or country of citizenship (if non-US): New York

4. Ethnicity and/or race: ORM...

• premed_1234
• Replies: 6
• Forum: What Are My Chances? WAMC Medical

Nah no excuses. Score is great and that is pretty obvious by all standards. You also received an incredibly early interview invite compared to so many others. Lock in on your interview and you’ll be fine, but stop acting like an underdog.

Yes, don't let your imposter syndrome doom your shot. You have a Fulbright after all.