Minimum MCAT

[j306c954]

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So I know that DO programs place more of an emphasis on an application in its entirety, but is there still a minimum MCAT requirement for most? My application is very strong (3.9 GPA, lots of research including a thesis, lots of EC's, clinical volunteering, etc) EXCEPT for my MCAT score.

 

[deleted480308]

So I know that DO programs place more of an emphasis on an application in its entirety, but is there still a minimum MCAT requirement for most? My application is very strong (3.9 GPA, lots of research including a thesis, lots of EC's, clinical volunteering, etc) EXCEPT for my MCAT score.

I'm going to state what should be obvious here.....list your mcat if you really want helpful advice

 

[j306c954]

I'm going to state what should be obvious here.....list your mcat if you really want helpful advice

Sorry, I meant to but forgot. 497.

 

[deleted407021]

You might get some attention ... maybe.

What did you do to prepare for the MCAT? Do you know why you performed better than less than half of test takers?

 

[j306c954]

You might get some attention ... maybe.

What did you do to prepare for the MCAT? Do you know why you performed better than less than half of test takers?

I can't write a lot right now, but in a nutshell...test anxiety. Which I have never had until the MCAT. Put too much pressure on myself during the exam, lose track of timing, panic...yup...

I had been really working on it by simulating exam conditions, but unfortunately it just wasn't enough.

 

[DanniD]

Sorry, I meant to but forgot. 497.

what is your scores break down? and your score is probably 25 on the old scale?

 

[swollcat]

what is your scores break down? and your score is probably 25 on the old scale?

I'm pretty sure 497 is 40 percentile. That's 23 on the old test.

OP if you apply broadly and to the newest schools you might have a shot. It's getting late in the cycle, are you at least verified by AACOMAS?

 

[DanniD]

I can't write a lot right now, but in a nutshell...test anxiety. Which I have never had until the MCAT. Put too much pressure on myself during the exam, lose track of timing, panic...yup...

I had been really working on it by simulating exam conditions, but unfortunately it just wasn't enough.

I was in the same situation as u last year where anxiety got the better of me and I got 17 for that reason, this time around I did meditation a lot and went to the test knowing that worst case scenario I will retake and I was pretty relaxed and calm so I got a much better score, although not a stellar score, but I did improve alot

you have to find a way to face your anxiety before you start medical school. there will be USMLEs that are much harder and stressful than the MCAT, so practice to overcome your anxiety before you think of med school

 

[j306c954]

I'm pretty sure 497 is 40 percentile. That's 23 on the old test.

OP if you apply broadly and to the newest schools you might have a shot. It's getting late in the cycle, are you at least verified by AACOMAS?

Nope :\ Filling

I'm pretty sure 497 is 40 percentile. That's 23 on the old test.

OP if you apply broadly and to the newest schools you might have a shot. It's getting late in the cycle, are you at least verified by AACOMAS?

No, but I just finished my application other than sending in my transcripts (which I just sent requests for and also paid extra so they could be expedited). I was worried about that though :\

 

[j306c954]

23 on the old scale. Blech I don't even want to say my score breakdown. But...

2nd attempt (old scale): 7/8/8
Most recent attempt: 124/123/124/126 🙁

 

[swollcat]

Sorry to hear that, are you URM by the way?

 

[j306c954]

Sorry to hear that, are you URM by the way?

Nope -_-

 

[Gandyy]

You have a shot at newer DO schools like BCOM.

 

[Giovanotto]

You have a shot at newer DO schools like BCOM.

It's gotten really late in the cycle at BCOM. I would not be applying there if I was the OP. He might have an easier time at the other new schools that did not start their cycle as early as BCOM did.

 

[Gandyy]

It's gotten really late in the cycle at BCOM. I would not be applying there if I was the OP. He might have an easier time at the other new schools that did not start their cycle as early as BCOM did.

I dont think applying in October is late for any DO school bar like KCU because their class legit fills up by the end of december.

 

[swollcat]

It's gotten really late in the cycle at BCOM. I would not be applying there if I was the OP. He might have an easier time at the other new schools that did not start their cycle as early as BCOM did.

Do you know which schools started their cycles later relative to BCOM?

 

[deleted407021]

23 on the old scale. Blech I don't even want to say my score breakdown. But...

2nd attempt (old scale): 7/8/8
Most recent attempt: 124/123/124/126 🙁

That's not a good trend. You really need to accurately identify what your deficits are and address them. Improvement is something adcoms will need to see if they're to put any stock in your abilities.

 

[j306c954]

That's not a good trend. You really need to accurately identify what your deficits are and address them. Improvement is something adcoms will need to see if they're to put any stock in your abilities.

I agree. That's why I'm so bummed :\

 

[deleted407021]

I agree. That's why I'm so bummed :\

So you really need to stahp taking the MCAT before you're ready. As in demonstrating that you're capable of scoring 500+ as evidenced by multiple full length practice exams.

Right now, you're indicating that -- while you can do well academically -- you have deficits in your critical thinking and ability to prepare/self-awareness. While I'm sure this is untrue, that's nonetheless what you're demonstrating. You can do better!

 

[j306c954]

So you really need to stahp taking the MCAT before you're ready. As in demonstrating that you're capable of scoring 500+ as evidenced by multiple full length practice exams.

Right now, you're indicating that -- while you can do well academically -- you have deficits in your critical thinking and ability to prepare/self-awareness. While I'm sure this is untrue, that's nonetheless what you're demonstrating. You can do better!

That's the thing...every full length I took was over 500. I thought I figured out the issue, but I guess I haven't identified it yet.

 

[deleted407021]

That's the thing...every full length I took was over 500. I thought I figured out the issue, but I guess I haven't identified it yet.

Hmm, that's tricky, but I'm not one of those MCAT specialist premeds. I didn't do anything fancy for my prep, but let me know if you'd like some additional pointers ... otherwise I'm stumped. :|

 

[j306c954]

Hmm, that's tricky, but I'm not one of those MCAT specialist premeds. I didn't do anything fancy for my prep, but let me know if you'd like some additional pointers ... otherwise I'm stumped. :|

I know it's all in my head. The problem is how to fix that...

 

[deleted407021]

I know it's all in my head. The problem is how to fix that...

I'd think practice, practice, practice might be a good treatment. That and looking to your school's academic success center. While they might not be of any specific help regarding the MCAT, some of their test taking tips may be useful. After all, it's conceivable that you learned some behaviors which are leading to your lack of success -- so you should be able to "unlearn" them.

 

[RurouniKarly]

I dont think applying in October is late for any DO school bar like KCU because their class legit fills up by the end of december.

People coming back from the most recent BCOM interviews say that about 150 out of 162 acceptances have been offered, and about 111 deposits have been put down. BCOM was the first school to start giving acceptances this cycle, so they're almost full and already have a substantial waitlist.

 

[Gandyy]

People coming back from the most recent BCOM interviews say that about 150 out of 162 acceptances have been offered, and about 111 deposits have been put down. BCOM was the first school to start giving acceptances this cycle, so they're almost full and already have a substantial waitlist.

Most schools give out 2 to 3 times of acceptances than the number of seats they actually have. So BCOM would be an outlier if they only give as many acceptances as they have seats.

 

[edgerock24]

So I know that DO programs place more of an emphasis on an application in its entirety, but is there still a minimum MCAT requirement for most? My application is very strong (3.9 GPA, lots of research including a thesis, lots of EC's, clinical volunteering, etc) EXCEPT for my MCAT score.

Your best bet is to retake the MCAT. The good thing about your situation is that test taking anxiety can be fixed. You're obviously smart (a 3.9 GPA is difficult to achieve no matter where you go to school).

However, as is, you have a shot at a fair share of schools. @Goro and @Faha might be able to offer more advice, but I'd recommend applying NEXT cycle to:
All three VCOM's
BCOM
WVSOM
KYCOM
WCUCOM
ACOM
LUCOM
And the new schools that will likely be open to apply to next cycle:
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of the Incarnate Word College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

[RurouniKarly]

Most schools give out 2 to 3 times of acceptances than the number of seats they actually have. So BCOM would be an outlier if they only give as many acceptances as they have seats.

Right. This isn't to say that there are only 12 seats left and then they're gone, but usually schools get to this point later in the season. Once all 162 acceptances are out they'll have to start waiting for people to reject them before they offer more, and they'll likely turn to their waitlist to fill remaining slots sooner than other schools. For the purposes of planning or comparison, BCOM should be considered to be "December" or possibly "January" right now as far as where they are in their admissions cycle. I.e. there's still a shot if you apply immediately, but it's getting late.

 

[OrdinaryDO]

I dont think applying in October is late for any DO school bar like KCU because their class legit fills up by the end of december.

Right. This isn't to say that there are only 12 seats left and then they're gone, but usually schools get to this point later in the season. Once all 162 acceptances are out they'll have to start waiting for people to reject them before they offer more, and they'll likely turn to their waitlist to fill remaining slots sooner than other schools. For the purposes of planning or comparison, BCOM should be considered to be "December" or possibly "January" right now as far as where they are in their admissions cycle. I.e. there's still a shot if you apply immediately, but it's getting late.

BCOM's deposit is $3,000 so you have to factor that in. But, I would still apply.

 

[mathnerd88]

I dont think applying in October is late for any DO school bar like KCU because their class legit fills up by the end of december.

I believe it might be late applying because the interviews are offered usually a month before the actual interview, and schools have a lot of applicants to go through before an interview is offered...

Factor in that decisions can take up to three weeks after the interview, I'm afraid applying in October is too late unless you were complete by then.

 

[mathnerd88]

Most schools give out 2 to 3 times of acceptances than the number of seats they actually have. So BCOM would be an outlier if they only give as many acceptances as they have seats.

I believe it is one of the conditions of being a newly provisionally accredited school. You can't accept more than the seats you have. CUSOM does the same thing.

 

[Gandyy]

I believe it is one of the conditions of being a newly provisionally accredited school. You can't accept more than the seats you have. CUSOM does the same thing.

Ah, that would make sense.

But Goro says applying in November is not too late for the DO cycle as far as other schools are concerned.

 

[mathnerd88]

Ah, that would make sense.

But Goro says applying in November is not too late for the DO cycle as far as other schools are concerned.

I mean I feel like at that stage, you're going to need to have good stats to get an interview. As seats fill up, the schools will be more picky. I think it might be risky applying that late.

 

[Giovanotto]

I mean I feel like at that stage, you're going to need to have good stats to get an interview. As seats fill up, the schools will be more picky. I think it might be risky applying that late.

Never mind the surge of MD-oh-crap-no-interviews-yet that apply later in the cycle to DO schools. Not sure how much this actually happens though.

 

[Gandyy]

Never mind the surge of MD-oh-crap-no-interviews-yet that apply later in the cycle to DO schools. Not sure how much this actually happens though.

From what I understand this happens a LOT.

Its tough to get MD interviews nowadays. This isnt 10 years ago when MCAT average for many MD schools was a 28 (lol).

 

[IslandStyle808]

BCOM's deposit is $3,000 so you have to factor that in. But, I would still apply.

So are the Touros, WVSOM, WCU....

the only difference is the speed at which you pay. The deposit fee should not be thought of, unless one has an acceptance or multiple interviews (like 5+).

 

[IslandStyle808]

Ah, that would make sense.

But Goro says applying in November is not too late for the DO cycle as far as other schools are concerned.

It depends on the application also. Goro's advice only applies to those that are somewhat competitive or better. For the non-competitive people, a applicaiton should be submitted no later than late September and secondaries complete no later than early November. Even then that is not a good idea either.

 

[Gandyy]

It depends on the application also. Goro's advice only applies to those that are somewhat competitive or better. For the non-competitive people, a applicaiton should be submitted no later than late September and secondaries complete no later than early November. Even then that is not a good idea either.

Yea true.

 

[asdf123g]

So are the Touros, WVSOM, WCU....

the only difference is the speed at which you pay. The deposit fee should not be thought of, unless one has an acceptance or multiple interviews (like 5+).

however those are more well established school. This is BCOM's first year and most people will have that as back up and they probably know this too. Most stronger applicants will go elsewhere. The 3k is a way, imo, to lock people in.

I think applying to BCOM is a wise choice.

Again, apply to a few 'bottom' tier schools. If you get in, fantastic. If not, youll have a better MCAT next cycle, you can reuse your app, and you can apply the first day.

 

[IslandStyle808]

however those are more well established school. This is BCOM's first year and most people will have that as back up and they probably know this too. Most stronger applicants will go elsewhere. The 3k is a way, imo, to lock people in.

I think applying to BCOM is a wise choice.

Again, apply to a few 'bottom' tier schools. If you get in, fantastic. If not, youll have a better MCAT next cycle, you can reuse your app, and you can apply the first day.

It's no different for those schools. It locks in Touro accepted students from possibly going MD and it locks in WVSOM and WCU students from going to more established schools.

 

[asdf123g]

It's no different for those schools. It locks in Touro accepted students from possibly going MD and it locks in WVSOM and WCU students from going to more established schools.

I get that, however the point i was trying to make was those are more established schools. A person who lays down the deposit for those schools feel more secure about attending. A person will be hesisitant to lay down a 3k deposit for BCOM early on unless they have the money to play with (more power to them) or thats the only school they think they can get into with their given stats. Sorry, I wasn't more clear in my previous post on what i was trying to say! 🙁

 

[OrdinaryDO]

So are the Touros, WVSOM, WCU....

the only difference is the speed at which you pay. The deposit fee should not be thought of, unless one has an acceptance or multiple interviews (like 5+).

however those are more well established school. This is BCOM's first year and most people will have that as back up and they probably know this too. Most stronger applicants will go elsewhere. The 3k is a way, imo, to lock people in.

I think applying to BCOM is a wise choice.

Again, apply to a few 'bottom' tier schools. If you get in, fantastic. If not, youll have a better MCAT next cycle, you can reuse your app, and you can apply the first day.

I get that, however the point i was trying to make was those are more established schools. A person who lays down the deposit for those schools feel more secure about attending. A person will be hesisitant to lay down a 3k deposit for BCOM early on unless they have the money to play with (more power to them) or thats the only school they think they can get into with their given stats. Sorry, I wasn't more clear in my previous post on what i was trying to say! 🙁

The main reason I even mentioned BCOM's 3k deposit is because of how fast they have given out acceptance offers and how many people have put a deposit down already. Last time numbers were posted on this subject, BCOM has given 150/163 acceptance offers with 115 deposits already put down and interviews booked well past this month, also they have a pretty big wait-list as of right now. I do not think putting your eggs in this basket is a wise idea. BCOM started accepting students much earlier than the other programs have.

 

[deleted480308]

The main reason I even mentioned BCOM's 3k deposit is because of how fast they have given out acceptance offers and how many people have put a deposit down already. Last time numbers were posted on this subject, BCOM has given 150/163 acceptance offers with 115 deposits already put down and interviews booked well past this month, also they have a pretty big wait-list as of right now. I do not think putting your eggs in this basket is a wise idea. BCOM started accepting students much earlier than the other programs have.

it's good cash flow for them....almost half a million so far and some of that will be "free" money as students inevitably drop them when they get other acceptances.

 

[asdf123g]

The main reason I even mentioned BCOM's 3k deposit is because of how fast they have given out acceptance offers and how many people have put a deposit down already. Last time numbers were posted on this subject, BCOM has given 150/163 acceptance offers with 115 deposits already put down and interviews booked well past this month, also they have a pretty big wait-list as of right now. I do not think putting your eggs in this basket is a wise idea. BCOM started accepting students much earlier than the other programs have.

assuming your #'s are correct, damn people got money to play with lol

 

[OrdinaryDO]

assuming your #'s are correct, damn people got money to play with lol

Well, BCOM has a very nice idea for how it is structured and what the building is going to look like, but they started accepting applicants very early on and I feel like most of them maybe jumped on ship just to secure a spot somewhere. They are now offering a $200 refund to give up your spot if you have another acceptance somewhere else. Not sure what to make of this, but I still love the university.

 

[RurouniKarly]

it's good cash flow for them....almost half a million so far and some of that will be "free" money as students inevitably drop them when they get other acceptances.

Well, the only additional money they will have will be the deposits from the people who drop their seats. The deposits from the students who keep their seats goes towards their tuition, so that money isn't extra, just part of their budgeted tuition income.

 

[deleted480308]

Well, the only additional money they will have will be the deposits from the people who drop their seats. The deposits from the students who keep their seats goes towards their tuition, so that money isn't extra, just part of their budgeted tuition income.

which is exactly what I just said...

 

[RurouniKarly]

which is exactly what I just said...

Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you were saying that they're making bank on the accepted students and the ones who drop are just the cherry on top.

 

[mathnerd88]

The main reason I even mentioned BCOM's 3k deposit is because of how fast they have given out acceptance offers and how many people have put a deposit down already. Last time numbers were posted on this subject, BCOM has given 150/163 acceptance offers with 115 deposits already put down and interviews booked well past this month, also they have a pretty big wait-list as of right now. I do not think putting your eggs in this basket is a wise idea. BCOM started accepting students much earlier than the other programs have.

assuming your #'s are correct, damn people got money to play with lol

By this, you can tell why BCOM did this early. All they see is $ and went for it. They know lots of people may withdraw. They offered a measly $200 refund if you withdraw before Jan 15 (and only because they want more people to withdraw so they can keep the other $2800 and then accept more waitlist candidates for another extra $3000.)

115 students put down the deposit because they were accepted super early, and without any other schools giving acceptances, were forced to put down this deposit because BCOM gave you 30 days to pay the deposit or lose the seat. They started accepting students in end of June. There's no reason whatsoever why they needed to secure seats this early. If they REALLY wanted students who wanted to go to this school, why not be in the regular application cycle like everyone else? Their school doesn't even have a finished building to show.

BCOM trying to take advantage of candidates financially like that makes me avoid it. BCOM may come out to be a great school, but I dislike the way they operate.

 

[RurouniKarly]

By this, you can tell why BCOM did this early. All they see is $ and went for it. They know lots of people may withdraw. They offered a measly $200 refund if you withdraw before Jan 15.

115 students put down the deposit because they were accepted super early, and without any other schools giving acceptances, were forced to put down this deposit.

Perhaps, but there were a lot of people who were accepted in the beginning who probably won't get in anywhere else. If this was truly a money making scheme they'd have handed out spots like candy to people with higher stats while they had a captive audience. As it is, they were only ahead of some of the other schools by a couple weeks, and most schools by about a month. And the staff have said they were really surprised by the number of people who put down deposits. I think they really thought that the $3000 would be more of a deterrent, and since they've now discovered it's not quite the deterrent they thought it would be, they're trying to free up some of those seats by offering a partial refund. In the end though, students are using BCOM as nothing more than a safety net until they get into the schools they really want, and I really don't blame BCOM for using them in turn to raise more money for the school.

 

[OrdinaryDO]

Perhaps, but there were a lot of people who were accepted in the beginning who probably won't get in anywhere else. If this was truly a money making scheme they'd have handed out spots like candy to people with higher stats while they had a captive audience. As it is, they were only ahead of some of the other schools by a couple weeks, and most schools by about a month. And the staff have said they were really surprised by the number of people who put down deposits. I think they really thought that the $3000 would be more of a deterrent, and since they've now discovered it's not quite the deterrent they thought it would be, they're trying to free up some of those seats by offering a partial refund. In the end though, students are using BCOM as nothing more than a safety net until they get into the schools they really want, and I really don't blame BCOM for using them in turn to raise more money for the school.

I don't agree with this, not fully, atleast. If BCOM started accepting people in June (not sure if this is accurate, but) then we are talking about a school that started accepting students the same month applications were released to the public. Most schools don't start interviewing until August-October. I have nothing against BCOM, but I don't agree with anyone who says it is okay to use someone for financial gain because they are ASSUMING they are being used in return. No amount of that is okay. If BCOM was legitamtely accepting many applicants on the basis that they felt the turnover rate would be high, then by all means that is perfectly fine, but if they did so to exploit the early securing of a seat then I have no respect for that decision. Again, I am not saying this is what they are doing, I am only replying to the above poster.