MD Application Question

[texasmed112]

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Hi all, quick summary:

Attending a tier 1 college, will be applying in state (Texas) with a 3.52-3.56 GPA.

Excellent EC's (published biomed research with BCM/UTH, public health research abroad, v. strong letters of rec, held a job all throughout college, shadowed same physician team since high school, good on campus involvement, professor recently spoke to me about applying for a Fulbright, etc.). Can send more info on ec's/job if necessary.

Took my first MCAT a year ago (early 2012), scored a 29. Thought it would be wise to re-take, in order to offset my average GPA. Studied very hard May-August, was averaging around a 34 before taking it again. When my August score came back, it was a 26. Needless to say, very disappointed/drained. Particularly because I thought test day went incredibly well. Even got the exam re-graded, but of course, no change.

It seems as though my only option at this point is to retake the test and get the score that is truly indicative of my aptitude. I have been studying for it for the past month and will continue to do so, but going through these threads has me a bit disheartened. Will the 3 attempts render my application weak? Even if the 3rd score is closer to where I'm scoring on practice tests (33-35 range)?

Appreciate the help in advance.

 

[Catalystik]

Hi all, quick summary:

Attending a tier 1 college, will be applying in state (Texas) with a 3.52-3.56 GPA.

Excellent EC's (published biomed research with BCM/UTH, public health research abroad, v. strong letters of rec, held a job all throughout college, shadowed same physician team since high school, good on campus involvement, professor recently spoke to me about applying for a Fulbright, etc.). Can send more info on ec's/job if necessary.

Took my first MCAT a year ago (early 2012), scored a 29. Thought it would be wise to re-take, in order to offset my average GPA. Studied very hard May-August, was averaging around a 34 before taking it again. When my August score came back, it was a 26. Needless to say, very disappointed/drained. Particularly because I thought test day went incredibly well. Even got the exam re-graded, but of course, no change.

It seems as though my only option at this point is to retake the test and get the score that is truly indicative of my aptitude. I have been studying for it for the past month and will continue to do so, but going through these threads has me a bit disheartened. Will the 3 attempts render my application weak? Even if the 3rd score is closer to where I'm scoring on practice tests (33-35 range)?

Appreciate the help in advance.

School policies vary in regards to how they consider multiple scores. It will be important for you to know the approach taken by schools you plan to target.

Here is an old list that needs updating, but it is a starting point for you. How schools consider multiple MCAT scores: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=7187293 You will need to call admissions' offices or check websites for newer information.

Also, important to be aware of since it will slowly change the list provided above: Why more schools will begin using the averaging method starting in 2011: (see quoted, cited article in the post provided) http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=11159086

 

[texasmed112]

since i'm applying to most instate schools (texas), they either use your best set of scores or your most recent. i haven't heard of a school in texas using the average method yet. given this info, what would be your advice? i know the question will come up in the interview as to why i had to sit for the mcat a 3rd time, but i honestly don't know what happened on the second sitting. i was ready, well-coached and no red flags arose during my practice rounds for that test.

for schools that take most recent or bets into account, is a 3rd test an application killer?

 

[gyngyn]

The reason that it's hard to get a clear answer is that, although the school may have an semi-official position on how it views MCAT scores, the individual screeners and evaluators are inevitably influenced by the scores themselves. It is well recognized that humans will see patterns even when no pattern exists. It is also true that we like to see a "story" or at least have things make sense.

Taking all this into account the school may nevertheless choose to include your highest score in its aggregate (class) score since that tends to reflect more favorably upon the school.

 

[texasmed112]

The reason that it's hard to get a clear answer is that, although the school may have an semi-official position on how it views MCAT scores, the individual screeners and evaluators are inevitably influenced by the scores themselves. It is well recognized that humans will see patterns even when no pattern exists. It is also true that we like to see a "story" or at least have things make sense.

Taking all this into account the school may nevertheless choose to include your highest score in its aggregate (class) score since that tends to reflect more favorably upon the school.

given this, i would think my best chance at pitching a story the admissions committee likes is to take the test again and do my best to replicate my practice scores, which are consistently in the mid 30's.

in either case, the august dip reflects negatively, so i would think i'm pretty much zeroed in on having to fight this battle again. i just have to hope and pray that the admissions folk empathize with the 3 takes.

 

[Catalystik]

1) It seems as though my only option at this point is to retake the test and get the score that is truly indicative of my aptitude.

2) Will the 3 attempts render my application weak? Even if the 3rd score is closer to where I'm scoring on practice tests (33-35 range)?

1) I agree.

2) Not necessarily. if your ECs are as excellent as you feel they are, then adcomms would want you for their school. Getting a strong score will get you past automatic computer-driven cutoffs and give them the excuse they need to snatch you up, considering your lower cGPA (hopefully, you have a strong upward grade trend to counter any concerns of academic ability).

We've seen applicants take the MCAT more than three times and eventually gain an acceptance to an MD school.

 

[CjOz]

The drop in MCAT score is definitely a red flag to ADCOMS. However, if you were to pull a 33-35 out of your hat on your next attempt then I think you have a pretty good shot and will have to answer some tough questions to answer on your interviews.

Side note - I too scored in the 32-33 range on the AAMC practice tests but only got a 28 on MCAT day. Luckily I still received an acceptance. Make sure you take your practice tests under strict conditions like you would on the actual MCAT. I tried my best to duplicate the real conditions of the MCAT test but I found myself taking a 5 minute break during the middle of a section and my real score was a reflection of my actions. Best of luck