MCAT or GRE

[number77]

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I've considered applying to both graduate school and md-phd programs. My question is, how many of you that appied for the md-phd programs took both the gre and mcat? The reason I ask is because I want to apply to UTMB md-phd program. This requires the MCAT, however their grad school requires the GRE. I either put all my eggs in one basket and study for the MCAT, or I can take time away from that to study for the GRE also (and enroll in the grad program as a back up). Any advice?

 

[Neuronix]

The questions I would ask to their MD/PhD program are:

1) Is the GRE a formality for MD/PhD students. i.e. Is the MCAT what really counts for getting me in and can I take the GRE after I enter? I've seen cases where the grad school just "needs it for their records" (ridiculous!).

2) What is the average GRE score for the program I'm looking at. Often times, the graduate programs aren't very competitive on their own. Many times you won't need a great GRE score.

The MCAT is usually the real make or break part of the application for MD/PhD students, with GPA and research experience. That being said, if you're going to apply PhD only also, you'll need both. Make up your mind which you want more IMO and go for it. Whatever you do, don't take the MCAT when you're not fully prepared for it. A bad score will haunt you like a ghost.

 

[Hohenheim]

The questions I would ask to their MD/PhD program are:

1) Is the GRE a formality for MD/PhD students. i.e. Is the MCAT what really counts for getting me in and can I take the GRE after I enter? I've seen cases where the grad school just "needs it for their records" (ridiculous!).

2) What is the average GRE score for the program I'm looking at. Often times, the graduate programs aren't very competitive on their own. Many times you won't need a great GRE score.

The MCAT is usually the real make or break part of the application for MD/PhD students, with GPA and research experience. That being said, if you're going to apply PhD only also, you'll need both. Make up your mind which you want more IMO and go for it. Whatever you do, don't take the MCAT when you're not fully prepared for it. A bad score will haunt you like a ghost.

I think what is really a key question for me here is: If you have an non competitive MCAT score (for MDPhD) - will the GREs do anything to help your application? If so - what kind of score range are we looking at? I am considering taking the GRE but dont want to plunk down $130 if it really isnt going to help.

 

[Hohenheim]

BTW - Is that Black Hayate?

 

[number77]

Well, what I'm seeing is that Md/PhD is intended for researchers. An MD, Phd, and MD/PhD can all do research. If you don't make the MD/PhD program, you can still apply for the MD program (but not the Phd). But for someone who is seeking a PhD, and considering the MD/PhD, you can't reasonable apply to both.
That is why I'm asking if anyone is aware of schools that allow GRE scores to replace the MCAT score.

 

[GoinBack2Cali?]

I think what is really a key question for me here is: If you have an non competitive MCAT score (for MDPhD) - will the GREs do anything to help your application? If so - what kind of score range are we looking at? I am considering taking the GRE but dont want to plunk down $130 if it really isnt going to help.

MCAT score really isn't everything for MDPhD apps, its all about the research. Taking the time study for the GRE or MCAT just to bump your score a couple points is useless, get your butt in the lab.

 

[Circumflex]

Well, what I'm seeing is that Md/PhD is intended for researchers. An MD, Phd, and MD/PhD can all do research. If you don't make the MD/PhD program, you can still apply for the MD program (but not the Phd). But for someone who is seeking a PhD, and considering the MD/PhD, you can't reasonable apply to both.
That is why I'm asking if anyone is aware of schools that allow GRE scores to replace the MCAT score.

If you apply for MD only or MD/PhD, you MUST take the MCAT and there is no need to take the GRE. No school will substitute the GRE for the MCAT and taking the GRE will do nothing for your application to med school. To be a competitive MD/PhD candidate, you must do well on the MCAT - no exceptions.

 

[GoinBack2Cali?]

To be a competitive MD/PhD candidate, you must do well on the MCAT - no exceptions.

Always exceptions to the rule, I wouldn't trade pubs for a couple MCAT points.