MCAT 22, GPA 3.5 Chances to get in?

[texasrattlesnak]

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Hey ya'll.
I am thinking of applying for fall 2014 class and would like to know what are my chances. below is a description of my portfolio.

MCAT 22Q (definitely retaking it in May)
GPA 3.56
A year and half of research experience.
One paper publication
First author on a scientific book chapter in Springer series (internationally renowned journal)
100+ hours of shadow work
50+ hours of volunteer work (community work)
named on Deans list throughout my undergraduate studies.(3 years)
several other scholarships.

Now here's another drawback, I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT. but I have the finances to pay for the tuition.

I am kinda lost right now. I already have three acceptances from Caribbean med schools but after researching I am kinda not wanting to go to any offshore medical school. So do you guys think I have a shot at getting into any med school here in US? :-(

 

[Snowdon48]

There is a section for "what are my chances" threads. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=418

What is your MCAT score breakdown?

 

[MilMD01]

I don't think you have any chances with a 22Q. Instead of wasting money on the application cycle, I'd take a prep course and then retake the MCAT.

 

[mwall003]

I don't think you have any chances with a 22Q. Instead of wasting money on the application cycle, I'd take a prep course and then retake the MCAT.

I second this. Take a year off and get some clinical experience while studying for the MCAT. You seem to have a great academic background, and excellent research experiences. Just strengthen your MCAT score and apply broadly!

 

[McNCheese]

I second this. Take a year off and get some clinical experience while studying for the MCAT. You seem to have a great academic background, and excellent research experiences. Just strengthen your MCAT score and apply broadly!

Agreed. Don't try to fit in an MCAT retake with clinical experience in time to apply for 2014. Make this a gap year to focus on these things.

 

[sinombre]

The fact that you have a 22 and are an international student probably make it impossible. International students generally have to compensate with higher than average scores, and the average matriculant score is about 10 points higher than what you have.

 

[Snegopady]

The fact that you have a 22 and are an international student probably make it impossible. International students generally have to compensate with higher than average scores, and the average matriculant score is about 10 points higher than what you have.

TRUE ^^ I am also an international with MCAT 36, GPA 3.7 and am still waiting for a single acceptance. I suggest you break the 35 barrier first and even then it's a long shot. Best of luck

 

[AdrianVeidt]

https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/2012factstable24.pdf

15%. So a little more than 3 coin flips being heads in a row.

 

[sinombre]

https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/2012factstable24.pdf

15%. So a little more than 3 coin flips being heads in a row.

That's for all applicants, most of which are US citizens. I would be willing to bet the percentage of successful international students with stats similar to the OP's would be closer to 0%.

 

[mcloaf]

That's for all applicants, most of which are US citizens. I would be willing to bet the percentage of successful international students with stats similar to the OP's would be closer to 0%.

Strongly concur.

 

[Lollygag]

The fact that you have a 22 and are an international student probably make it impossible. International students generally have to compensate with higher than average scores, and the average matriculant score is about 10 points higher than what you have.

Agreed I highly suggest that you take a gap year and not only dominate the MCAT and get clinical experience but also try to take more classes and raise that gpa to at least a 3.6, 3.7+ would be ideal

 

[Pattycake25]

https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/2012factstable24.pdf

15%. So a little more than 3 coin flips being heads in a row.

That actually seems really high to me, although I don't doubt the source. =/

 

[Eternalfighter]

That actually seems really high to me, although I don't doubt the source. =/

I think I fall in the same category!!although am a resident, but foreigner..and English is like my 5th language!!I've been in the U.S. for about 4 years, and has been excelling in my studies as a Bio major gpa>3.5, but I took the mcat and that exam seemed impossible. By the time I took the exam, I felt pretty confident about the material especially in the science but having to read all those passages destroyed me. So now, am just focusing on improving my reading and skills and comprehension in general, and after I will study again for the sciences and retake the mcat. I was so sad after getting my score back but I've been telling myself that I can do better on the mcat.

 

[Tots]

Moved to the "What are my chances?" subform. Good luck OP.

 

[nysegop]

Retake MCAT
Given Your GPA:
20-24 (Neither MD nor DO)
24-28 (DO average chances)
28-30 (DO good chances)
30+ (Possibly MD, certainly DO)
35+ (Likely MD, easy DO)

 

[MedWonk]

Retake MCAT
Given Your GPA:
20-24 (Neither MD nor DO)
24-28 (DO average chances)
28-30 (DO good chances)
30+ (Possibly MD, certainly DO)
35+ (Likely MD, easy DO)

Pretty much this. A 22 can easily kill any app.

Hey ya'll.
I am thinking of applying for fall 2014 class and would like to know what are my chances. below is a description of my portfolio.

MCAT 22Q (definitely retaking it in May)
GPA 3.56
A year and half of research experience.
One paper publication
First author on a scientific book chapter in Springer series (internationally renowned journal)
100+ hours of shadow work
50+ hours of volunteer work (community work)
named on Deans list throughout my undergraduate studies.(3 years)
several other scholarships.

Now here's another drawback, I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT. but I have the finances to pay for the tuition.

I am kinda lost right now. I already have three acceptances from Caribbean med schools but after researching I am kinda not wanting to go to any offshore medical school. So do you guys think I have a shot at getting into any med school here in US? :-(

Being an IMG pretty much makes it a no-go. You'll need to pull that MCAT way up to beat out native US candidates. I would recommend avoiding Caribbean schools. The attrition rate is very high, and there are lots of students who never make it and end up on the hook with six figures in debt. You can find several threads on SDN detailing why going Caribbean is generally a bad idea.

I would say wait until next year, unless you're hitting 30+ on your practice tests. Take the January 2014 MCAT. Take a look at SN2ed's study schedule in the MCAT forum if you would like to have an idea of a good structured study schedule. Get more clinical experience in the meantime. It doesn't have to be anything crazy. It could be something you do once/week for a few hours. Start studying for the MCAT sometime around beginning of October, and make it the focus of your life. It will suck, but you can do it.

 

[Pons Asinorum]

...but I have the finances to pay for the tuition.

I already have three acceptances from Caribbean med schools...

Quote #1 explains Quote #2. Students like you are the reason that Carib schools fail out so many. They will take that tuition for two or three years and then drop you before you ruin their residency placement or USMLE Step 1 numbers. Please don't go carib; spend some of that notional tuition money on MCAT test prep services and get your score >35. It is doable.

 

[Snegopady]

That's for all applicants, most of which are US citizens. I would be willing to bet the percentage of successful international students with stats similar to the OP's would be closer to 0%.

Among all internationals who applied, only 12% matriculated. This includes high stats applicants so what you said is spot on.