Lowest MD MCAT?

[wally223]

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anyone heard of someone ever getting an MD interview/accepted with the following stats:

23 MCAT (7p, 8v, 8b, 9). 3.5-3.6 sci gpa, 3.7 gpa (undergrad), master's program (social science field) 3.86? Strong lor, tons of volunteer/shadow/research etc.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

That's the perfect candidate for a retake!

 

[DoctorPardi]

anyone heard of someone ever getting an MD interview/accepted with the following stats:

23 MCAT (7p, 8v, 8b, 9). 3.5-3.6 sci gpa, 3.7 gpa (undergrad), master's program (social science field) 3.86? Strong lor, tons of volunteer/shadow/research etc.

Yeah retake the MCAT, you should be a good candidate if you apply broadly and can get your score in the 28-32 range.

 

[Law2Doc]

anyone heard of someone ever getting an MD interview/accepted with the following stats:

23 MCAT (7p, 8v, 8b, 9). 3.5-3.6 sci gpa, 3.7 gpa (undergrad), master's program (social science field) 3.86? Strong lor, tons of volunteer/shadow/research etc.

It is statistically quite unlikely -- unless your research is getting you a Nobel, your odds of getting into a US allo school with that score are really not very strong. Plan on a retake, as the others have said.

 

[chewsnuffles]

anyone heard of someone ever getting an MD interview/accepted with the following stats:

23 MCAT (7p, 8v, 8b, 9). 3.5-3.6 sci gpa, 3.7 gpa (undergrad), master's program (social science field) 3.86? Strong lor, tons of volunteer/shadow/research etc.

There are a couple schools like Meharry and Moorehouse that have MCAT averages that wouldn't exclude you. They take primarily URM's so you may have a shot if you fall into that catagory. Sad to say 24 is a bit of a cutoff I hear (like a 3.0 GPA)
If you even got a 24 or 25 you'd be back in the realm of "maybe", but a 23 is pretty much a "no way" area.

 

[NYMC MD 2B]

Personally, I think that GPA should be the single most important factor in determining admission. However, the committies do not agree. The MCAT is critical, and usually counts for 40-50% of their decision. You have no chance with a 23. It can be tough even with a 30 or a 31! You will not get into an MD school, and you might even have trouble witht he DO schools with such a low score. Retake, or reconsider your plans

 

[xanthomondo]

Personally, I think that GPA should be the single most important factor in determining admission. However, the committies do not agree.

GPA should be the least important factor in admissions.

All you have to do is jump through the professors' BS hoops and they'll love you and give you a good grade...the people who do poorly on the standardized testing usually take classes to get a good grade, not to learn the material

so you want people in med school who only retain the information only long enough to get a good grade on the test?

when would we ever need this info down the road?

 

[Law2Doc]

Sad to say 24 is a bit of a cutoff I hear (like a 3.0 GPA).

I don't know that there is a "cut-off" per se, but the odds for allo drop off precipitously once you get below really about 27. Most med schools have a pretty tight grouping around their average matriculant MCAT scores.

 

[Haemulon]

Agreed. Unless you have some other circumstances that would help (URM? maybe?). Even still, re-take.

 

[chewsnuffles]

I don't know that there is a "cut-off" per se, but the odds for allo drop off precipitously once you get below really about 27. Most med schools have a pretty tight grouping around their average matriculant MCAT scores.

Yeah, thats about what I meant.
Its the same way people say once you get 36 or 37 on the MCAT, anything more doesn't matter really because, yeah, your really smart as far as the MCAT goes, so it's onto the rest of your app. At 23 or lower, you're grouped into "Well below average matriculant status."
At a 24-27, you're a "bad test taker" or something like that...
OK, if you didn't understand anything else that I said, just think of it this way, 23 or lower = Big red light, 24 = a smaller red light.
Sub 3.0 = Big red light. 3.0 - 3.3 = a smaller red light
Terrible annalogy, I know. I just think there are some numbers that move you from being "considered" to insta-trashed...
FEEDBACK though is welcome on this theory. It probably depends on the school though.

 

[playmaker_90]

Well Hello getting into medical school is a little random however with higher scores it becomes less random to say the least i am aware of four people who were not URMs that got into medical schools with 3.4 gpa and 23 MCAT dont be to discouraged apply and see what happen also if you apply with your history of doing well in school i am sure they will consider that. Quote a well known medical school usually asks would you want a doctor who is drunk all the time and can save your life one day out of four years or a doctor who can save everyday for four years except that one day(MCAT).

 

[xanthomondo]

Well Hello getting into medical school is a little random however with higher scores it becomes less random to say the least i am aware of four people who were not URMs that got into medical schools with 3.4 gpa and 23 MCAT dont be to discouraged apply and see what happen also if you apply with your history of doing well in school i am sure they will consider that. Quote a well known medical school usually asks would you want a doctor who is drunk all the time and can save your life one day out of four years or a doctor who can save everyday for four years except that one day(MCAT).

equate a low gpa with being an alcoholic....EXCELLENT analogy

 

[Haemulon]

Well Hello getting into medical school is a little random however with higher scores it becomes less random to say the least i am aware of four people who were not URMs that got into medical schools with 3.4 gpa and 23 MCAT dont be to discouraged apply and see what happen also if you apply with your history of doing well in school i am sure they will consider that. Quote a well known medical school usually asks would you want a doctor who is drunk all the time and can save your life one day out of four years or a doctor who can save everyday for four years except that one day(MCAT).

That is definitely a long sentence. 👍

 

[chewsnuffles]

Well Hello getting into medical school is a little random however with higher scores it becomes less random to say the least i am aware of four people who were not URMs that got into medical schools with 3.4 gpa and 23 MCAT dont be to discouraged apply and see what happen also if you apply with your history of doing well in school i am sure they will consider that. Quote a well known medical school usually asks would you want a doctor who is drunk all the time and can save your life one day out of four years or a doctor who can save everyday for four years except that one day(MCAT).

Thats what I hate about the stigma of a low GPA. I swear I've worked harder than almost all the people out there with 3.5's and a bio major, OR BIO-psychology or enviromental science and pre-med prereq's.
THE MCAT EXSISTS because it is an equalizer for majors and schools, I think more weight should be given to it personally. (ok, I have some personal interest in here too)

Oh yeah, and the alchoholic comparison is interesting too...

 

[GujuMD]

How about a 31 L- 11-7-13? i know that 7 is going to be a problem..but is it possible to get in a MD program? GPA around 3.7. Research, volunteer, tutor, job, awards, clubs...no leadership

 

[Depakote]

Well Hello getting into medical school is a little random however with higher scores it becomes less random to say the least i am aware of four people who were not URMs that got into medical schools with 3.4 gpa and 23 MCAT dont be to discouraged apply and see what happen also if you apply with your history of doing well in school i am sure they will consider that. Quote a well known medical school usually asks would you want a doctor who is drunk all the time and can save your life one day out of four years or a doctor who can save everyday for four years except that one day(MCAT).

sooooo, show up drunk to the interview?

 

[notdeadyet]

I think GPA should be a stronger factor in the decision of medical schools. Because my GPA is pretty solid and I haven't been doing great on the MCAT practice tests. After I take the MCAT this weekend, if I do well, I may decide that the MCAT should be a bigger factor.

 

[Suaveness]

What are the chances of someone with a 3.5ish gpa with around a 27 or so Mcat?

 

[TakingBakSunday]

What are the chances of someone with a 3.5ish gpa with around a 27 or so Mcat?

Need more info to tell you that. like ECs, which schools, GPA trends etc.

 

[NoktorNoL]

GPA should be the least important factor in admissions.

All you have to do is jump through the professors' BS hoops and they'll love you and give you a good grade...the people who do poorly on the standardized testing usually take classes to get a good grade, not to learn the material

so you want people in med school who only retain the information only long enough to get a good grade on the test?

when would we ever need this info down the road?

totally agree - besides being able to suck up, a lot of schools (like Ivies) have a lot of grade inflation (33% or higher getting A's in a class) whereas at my school, at least in my major, only around 20-25% get A's. Of course that is where the standardized testing comes in....

 

[Haemulon]

How about a 31 L- 11-7-13? i know that 7 is going to be a problem..but is it possible to get in a MD program? GPA around 3.7. Research, volunteer, tutor, job, awards, clubs...no leadership

I'm with you: 30R 13-7-10. Don't worry. Lower GPA (3.48) but also straight A's for my M.S. and super EC's. The 7 sucks, but it is an anomaly in an otherwise solid application. Be prepared to discuss during interviews.

 

[rajad10]

I'm with you: 30R 13-7-10. Lower GPA (3.48) but also straight A's for my M.S. and super EC's. Don't worry. The 7 sucks, but it is an anomaly in an otherwise solid application. Be prepared to discuss during interviews.

i'm right here with you guys: 32Q = 14-7-11, 3.92 Science and total GPA
am i worried? yes, yes, yes, yes, yes

 

[Hkoser]

anyone heard of someone ever getting an MD interview/accepted with the following stats:

23 MCAT (7p, 8v, 8b, 9). 3.5-3.6 sci gpa, 3.7 gpa (undergrad), master's program (social science field) 3.86? Strong lor, tons of volunteer/shadow/research etc.

apply to DO- you'd have a decent shot. otherwise retake the MCAT if you're set on MD

 

[ANCAdoc]

I got in with only a 24. The rest of my app was solid, though. I think IU doesnt accept anything below 24. Some schools might take a 23, but you should have something that sets you apart from others. In my case, I had a few first author publications in medical journals.

Below a 27 is unlikely, but I am living proof it can happen.

By the way, the MCAT doesn't predict anything. It only shows a correlation. We all know correlation does not equal causation. Based on my MCAT, I should have been scoring at the low end of the class, but have been able to get High Passes in my coursework.

 

[JimmyG]

I just talked to a guy 2 weeks ago that got off the waitlist with a 22 to attend a state school. He is also a white male. Must of had something else going for him but, hey, it was the best news I had heard all night! I drank a margarita to that!

 

[45408]

sooooo, show up drunk to the interview?

I think I've discovered your problem...

 

[GujuMD]

i'm right here with you guys: 32Q = 14-7-11, 3.92 Science and total GPA
am i worried? yes, yes, yes, yes, yes

I am also worried about the L. will a lot of school mind the L....I worked a lot on my personal statement. I had so many people go through it..do you guuys think my personal statement could make up for the L?

 

[notdeadyet]

I am also worried about the L. will a lot of school mind the L....I worked a lot on my personal statement. I had so many people go through it..do you guuys think my personal statement could make up for the L?

An L isn't great, but I have never heard of someone with a great GPA, great MCAT, great ECs being denied because of an L on writing.

 

[drjewel]

I am also worried about the L. will a lot of school mind the L....I worked a lot on my personal statement. I had so many people go through it..do you guuys think my personal statement could make up for the L?

I've always heard that a T can't get you into med school, but a J could keep you out. The L, as well as the 7, would be a good reason to retake the MCAT. Just my 2 cents. 🙄

 

[GujuMD]

I've always heard that a T can't get you into med school, but a J could keep you out. The L, as well as the 7, would be a good reason to retake the MCAT. Just my 2 cents. 🙄

I took MCAT twice. The first time I had 6 in VR, and L in WS. I am planning to take them in April but I am planning to go through this application cycle.

 

[etf]

people say once you get 36 or 37 on the MCAT, anything more doesn't matter really because, yeah, your really smart as far as the MCAT goes, so it's onto the rest of your app.

i know from experience that this is not true - if it was, one of the 4 waitlists i was on would have came through...

 

[jozloo]

totally agree - besides being able to suck up, a lot of schools (like Ivies) have a lot of grade inflation (33% or higher getting A's in a class) whereas at my school, at least in my major, only around 20-25% get A's. Of course that is where the standardized testing comes in....

only 20% - 25%? o,o at my school, university of california, irvine...only 17% get A's (1/3 of that 17% get A-)

 

[kelvin81]

The curve is pretty cut-throat at UC Irvine. some classes only 10% can get A, especially the lab like 100LW. Argh!

 

[Cali Anteater]

only 20% - 25%? o,o at my school, university of california, irvine...only 17% get A's (1/3 of that 17% get A-)

Yup so true...perhaps UCI's GPA will be the most legit out there

 

[dopaminesurge]

Come on.... UCI doesn't come close to UCLA or Berkerly. Did you guys read the world's top 100 Universities released from the World NEWs? UC Berkerly and UCLA were #5 and 12 respetively. Not surprisingly, Harvard came in #1...

Berkeley's overrated.

But it's not easy to gain high scores. So yes, I do think the MCAT is a great equalizer. The one year I did at Columbia, my GPA was 3.86. At Berkeley, 3.72.

As for the question of the thread, no, you will not get in with a 23. If you're going to spend $$$ on an application cycle then a reapplication cycle, save yourself some money and spend the $1000 on the MCAT prepcourse, and only have to apply one.

 

[Orthodoc40]

GPA should be the least important factor in admissions.

All you have to do is jump through the professors' BS hoops and they'll love you and give you a good grade...the people who do poorly on the standardized testing usually take classes to get a good grade, not to learn the material
so you want people in med school who only retain the information only long enough to get a good grade on the test?

when would we ever need this info down the road?

Actually that's a total contradiction. People who can do well on a test ONE DAY didn't have to retain anything. People that get good GPA's usually spent the semester working for it.

 

[jstuds_66]

I took MCAT twice. The first time I had 6 in VR, and L in WS. I am planning to take them in April but I am planning to go through this application cycle.

Read a couple books like the classics, and read the opinions section of a newspaper. That is definitely the best way to improve your writing sample and VR.

Although those scores are not the most important, medical schools want students that can write competantly and understand what they read.

 

[ssquared]

Come on.... UCI doesn't come close to UCLA or Berkerly. Did you guys read the world's top 100 Universities released from the World NEWs? UC Berkerly and UCLA were #5 and 12 respetively. Not surprisingly, Harvard came in #1...

I would take those ratings with a grain of salt. And they mean nothing when it comes to grade inflation. Just because Harvard has a $10 billion endowment doesn't mean they're immune (and those ratings are based on things such as endowment). I believe something like 90% of their senior class graduates with honors of some sort. People who go to top 10 schools are smart, but it's hard for me to believe that they're so gosh darn smart they they always get A's in their classes.

Just a thought from a girl who's school requires the professors to fail 20% of every class.....

 

[chewsnuffles]

i know from experience that this is not true - if it was, one of the 4 waitlists i was on would have came through...

... thats exactly why I said "get a 35 or a 36, and its on to the rest of the app." i.e. you still gotta have the total package

 

[Haemulon]

Read a couple books like the classics, and read the opinions section of a newspaper. That is definitely the best way to improve your writing sample and VR.

Although those scores are not the most important, medical schools want students that can write competantly and understand what they read.

Good advice about the reading. However, some schools do actually view the verbal as the most important score. Others view all scores equally or maybe weight the sciences. But it would makes sense to need excellent verbal reasoning to rapidly absorb the flood of information you get hosed with in M1 and M2.

 

[Guile]

I just talked to a guy 2 weeks ago that got off the waitlist with a 22 to attend a state school. He is also a white male. Must of had something else going for him but, hey, it was the best news I had heard all night! I drank a margarita to that!

Which state school?

 

[phisigman03]

anyone heard of someone ever getting an MD interview/accepted with the following stats:

23 MCAT (7p, 8v, 8b, 9). 3.5-3.6 sci gpa, 3.7 gpa (undergrad), master's program (social science field) 3.86? Strong lor, tons of volunteer/shadow/research etc.

Yes I have and even lower but that was becasue there is only 1 medical school in the state. The majority of the people I know with GPA like that got accepted with MCAT 24-21.

 

[dopaminesurge]

I would take those ratings with a grain of salt. And they mean nothing when it comes to grade inflation. Just because Harvard has a $10 billion endowment doesn't mean they're immune (and those ratings are based on things such as endowment). I believe something like 90% of their senior class graduates with honors of some sort. People who go to top 10 schools are smart, but it's hard for me to believe that they're so gosh darn smart they they always get A's in their classes.

Just a thought from a girl who's school requires the professors to fail 20% of every class.....

whose. And that's a terrible policy... Sorry about it.

Also, I've never bought that argument. If you made it into Harvard, you probably ARE that gosh darn smart. Or if not smart, at least hard working. And yes, I know there are people there due to legacy or sports, but even they were studious enough to pass some minimum. If a person's capable of studying, there's a good chance he'll attain a B, at least.

 

[Guile]

Also, I've never bought that argument. If you made it into Harvard, you probably ARE that gosh darn smart. Or if not smart, at least hard working. And yes, I know there are people there due to legacy or sports, but even they were studious enough to pass some minimum. If a person's capable of studying, there's a good chance he'll attain a B, at least.

Whoa, are you questioning Harvard's grade inflation? People who go to Harvard are clearly bright--no doubt. However, their grade inflation is out of control and well-documented. The only two explanations are that Harvard's students have gotten incredibly smarter in the past twenty years or there's grade inflation.

Have you heard about the well-publicized story of the Harvard professor who gave students an "actual" grade and an "ironic" grade. On every assignment, you got those two grades with the ironic grade the one reflecting inflation--and the one on your transcript. Only you knew whether you deserved it or not.

 

[dopaminesurge]

Whoa, are you questioning Harvard's grade inflation? People who go to Harvard are clearly bright--no doubt. However, their grade inflation is out of control and well-documented. The only two explanations are that Harvard's students have gotten incredibly smarter in the past twenty years or there's grade inflation.

Have you heard about the well-publicized story of the Harvard professor who gave students an "actual" grade and an "ironic" grade. On every assignment, you got those two grades with the ironic grade the one reflecting inflation--and the one on your transcript. Only you knew whether you deserved it or not.

Yes, I am definitely questioning Harvard's grade inflation. A "B" student at Harvard would probably easily pull all As at an average state school. Harvard students are at Harvard for a reason. They're hardworking. If they were the top of their class in high school, there's no reason they shouldn't succeed in college. I'm not saying there's no range at Harvard, but I'm pretty sure most of those people produce A quality work regularly. I'm not positive that there's necessary benefit in creating a grade system that only relates students to one another, if they're all producing exceptional work. Like, there are better and worse members on every NBA team, but they're all grade A basketball players, I think we'd all agree. This is the point where personal evaluations start carrying more weight.

 

[Guile]

Yes, I am definitely questioning Harvard's grade inflation.

I'm sorry, but you're mistaken. It's a fact. You can look at the percentage of students who got A's twenty years ago, and can look at it now. The comparison is ridiculous. 49% of Harvard students got A's in 2001. That's up from 23% in 1986. That's grade inflation, sweetheart. I have friends who go there. They tell me it's not a really hard school. Like they say, it's a lot harder getting in than getting out.

Citation - Doubling of A's

 

[Guile]

And here's that Harvard professor I referred to in an earlier post, writing in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Grade Inflation: It's Time to Face the Facts

 

[xanthomondo]

Actually that's a total contradiction. People who can do well on a test ONE DAY didn't have to retain anything. People that get good GPA's usually spent the semester working for it.

thats not true

what do you think they have the boards for? to make sure you learned what you were supposed to

the people who do not learn the info are forced to cram majorly (even taking prep classes) before taking the test

its kinda like a person who got perfect scores in med school but couldnt remember anything (or perform when it was time) for the open heart surgery

the doc screwed up your heart...it doesnt matter though, because he worked hard all througout med school

you need to be able to perform with the knowledge you are supposed to get from these classes

 

[TwinsFan34]

I have heard that many medical schools look for individual scores to be all 8 and above, and some may actually use this standard in screening. Anyone else hear something similar?

 

[MSTP?]

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