mcats for md/phd

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just curious, is it possible to get into an md/phd program with a subpar mcat (<30 due to unstellar verbal scores) but with excellent research experience and grades? Thanks.

 

[Maebea]

just curious, is it possible to get into an md/phd program with a subpar mcat (<30 due to unstellar verbal scores) but with excellent research experience and grades? Thanks.

Yes. I have seen individuals with <30 MCATs get into MSTPs (even at Top 5 ranked schools) in the past. (Before anyone asks: No, these were not underrepresented minority students.) The odds are stacked against you, but an applicant who is outstanding in every way except for MCATs does have a chance of getting into an MSTP. The lowest MCAT I have seen for an accepted student was a 23 for an individual that went to a NIH-funded MSTP at a state university.

However, you should be realistic about your chances and not overload your list of schools with those at the top of the rankings. It would be fair to contact schools and ask if they would even consider applicants with your MCAT score. They might even be willing to tell you what the lowest score has been of those admitted to their program in the last few years.

You do not make it clear what your situation is, but you should consider taking a year off to retake the MCAT. Some individuals improve their scores on a retake.

Good luck.

 

[solitude]

This is great advice. Try at all costs to raise that score, even if you have to take a year off. But, if you absolutely cannot climb your way out of the upper 20's then you have an outside shot at getting into an MSTP. Check out the MCAT forum for specific MCAT questions--it's really helpful.

Yes. I have seen individuals with <30 MCATs get into MSTPs (even at Top 5 ranked schools) in the past. (Before anyone asks: No, these were not underrepresented minority students.) The odds are stacked against you, but an applicant who is outstanding in every way except for MCATs does have a chance of getting into an MSTP. The lowest MCAT I have seen for an accepted student was a 23 for an individual that went to a NIH-funded MSTP at a state university.

However, you should be realistic about your chances and not overload your list of schools with those at the top of the rankings. It would be fair to contact schools and ask if they would even consider applicants with your MCAT score. They might even be willing to tell you what the lowest score has been of those admitted to their program in the last few years.

You do not make it clear what your situation is, but you should consider taking a year off to retake the MCAT. Some individuals improve their scores on a retake.

Good luck.

 

[RxnMan]

I know that the average entering MSTP'er at U Colorado was a 35 for the entering '05 year. This has held pretty constant in that program over the years, and is representative of programs at other schools. While the MSTP/MD, PhD ADCOMs will be focusing on your research experience more than other things in your application, the rest of it still needs to be there. Getting advice from the program heads yourself is the first, best step you can take.

 

[QofQuimica]

just curious, is it possible to get into an md/phd program with a subpar mcat (<30 due to unstellar verbal scores) but with excellent research experience and grades? Thanks.

You should check with the schools where you want to apply and find out what their requirements are. It also helps to establish a relationship with someone in the admissions office, IMO. My state schools, for example, set a minimum of 30, but they will consider people with lower scores on a case by case basis.

 

[dave613]

Very true. I think MD/PhD programs will be looking mostly at the research we're doing or have done. My guess is when it comes to numbers, they want to see if we've done good work in school and decent enough on the MCAT. I don't think have a high gpa/mcat will push you over the edge for any program.

My guess: it's all in your research.

good luck to all of us during this cycle

 

[relentless11]

You should check with the schools where you want to apply and find out what their requirements are. It also helps to establish a relationship with someone in the admissions office, IMO. My state schools, for example, set a minimum of 30, but they will consider people with lower scores on a case by case basis.

I agree, like with the MD program its case-by-case. The difference with MD/PhD is they add in the variable of research experience. However at the UC schools, the way it goes is:

(1) must be accepted into the MD program first

(2) then accepted into the MSTP.

Therefore you have to jump through two hoops. I wouldn't say that MCAT scores are less important if applying as an MSTP, but in fact just as important, or MORE important given you have to get into the MD program first, and the fact that you are competing for "free medical school".

About 3-4 years ago, when UCSF posted their applicant profile and included the MSTP. The mean GPA was 3.8, and the mean MCAT was 34. Considering there's only 7-12 people in the program, that would highly suggest most of these people were at the mean...but without other descriptive statistics its still hard to say. GPA will certainly help though, and research experience. But I would push to get an MCAT above 30, given MCAT scores for non-MSTPs are heading in that direction too!

 

[Jorje286]

I'm not an expert here, but I think it depends a lot on your college grades. If your MCAT scores are low but you were in a top uni with excellent grades, I would think they would spare you with the MCATs.