MCAT scores

[I'm No Superman]

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So I've been browsing the pre-allo section of SDN, mostly out of boredom, but also just to learn more about the admission process and the MCAT. I was wondering how the scores are graded. I know that the number is based off of verbal reasoning, physical and biological sciences, and is out of a possible 45. The question I have is: what do the letters mean (N Q J etc.)? I assume it has something to do with the written part, kind of like the writing part of the ACT, which is a separate score.

 

[FieryEmbers]

The letters are indeed representative of an individual's score on the writing portion of the MCAT. J represents the lowest score, T the higest. I am not sure how the score plays into admissions and such, however. 🙂

 

[I'm No Superman]

The letters are indeed representative of an individual's score on the writing portion of the MCAT. J represents the lowest score, T the higest. I am not sure how the score plays into admissions and such, however. 🙂

Thanks for the quick response 🙂. Could someone explain how adcoms look at the writing score? Thanks😀.

 

[Copernicium]

From what I've read on here, adcoms don't give a flying fudge about it, as long as you don't completely bomb it.

 

[SirGecko]

Thanks for the quick response 🙂. Could someone explain how adcoms look at the writing score? Thanks😀.

Writing score means little unless you bomb it. (like get a J) It isn't going to keep anyone out of medical school. It also can't be used to "balance" a bad verbal score. (so getting a high score on it isn't going to do a ton for you either)

 

[loveoforganic]

It matters if you're applying Canadian. About it

 

[Druggernaut]

Some schools look at it more than others. For example, the Medical College of Wisconsin's admissions director said that they consider your writing sample just as important as your numeric score in any other section.

 

[getdown]

yeah whatever, those writing scores don't mean jack ****. Anyone with half a brain and a semester of college English should be able to write something coherent about a topic. Any admin that says they care about the writing score is either a liar or an idiot.

 

[SteveJMarist]

To echo another post, it only matters if you bomb it (J-L).

 

[NickNaylor]

It matters if you're applying Canadian. About it

*Aboot it.

 

[loveoforganic]

Touche

 

[deleted357625]

the higher the letter in the alphabet the better.

 

[shaggy alfresco]

Thanks for the quick response 🙂. Could someone explain how adcoms look at the writing score? Thanks😀.

If you bomb it, it matters. If you get a 'T' it may help you slightly. If you do bomb it, they'll pay more attention to your college transcript English type courses, your personal statement, and probably ask about it at interviews.

 

[Glazebrook]

Given that the AAMC is eliminating the writing section in the new MCAT which will be implemented in 2015, there's no need to really worry about the writing section in your case.

 

[Whatyousay]

Given that the AAMC is eliminating the writing section in the new MCAT which will be implemented in 2015, there's no need to really worry about the writing section in your case.

This. I would start brushing up on the humanities / social sciences.

 

[Truzzi]

This. I would start brushing up on the humanities / social sciences.

Thank god I miss that new MCAT by a year.
a) There will be little to no study material/FLs with which to gain invaluable experience prior to the real thing, and
b) It sounds ****ing hard.

Good luck class of 2020!

 

[I'm No Superman]

Thank god I miss that new MCAT by a year.
a) There will be little to no study material/FLs with which to gain invaluable experience prior to the real thing, and
b) It sounds ****ing hard.

Good luck class of 2020!

Would it be possible to take the MCAT sophomore year? 😀

 

[Glazebrook]

Would it be possible to take the MCAT sophomore year? 😀

You can take it the summer after your sophomore year but that means you have to apply the summer after your junior year/during your senior year. Since your MCAT score is only valid for 3 years (prior to matriculation), taking a gap year means that your MCAT score will expire. Also, don't underestimate the value of taking a gap year!

 

[I'm No Superman]

I see, thanks for the information everyone. I probably shouldn't be worrying about this now, since I still have a year of high school, but I guess that's what I do. 🙂

Anyways, Thanks everyone.