My chances? Back-up plan advice/recommendations?

[socal93]

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Like many I am worried about my current medical MD and DO application cycle. I just submitted my application and my transcripts are waiting to be reviewed. My concerns are due to my low MCAT score (which I took only once due to taking it August 28th) and the "late" submission of my application, since some schools won't review the primary app until everything is in.

I will list some of my stats and experiences, and would love to hear some of your advice on my chances, and recommendations on my back up plans. Note, that if I get into medical school this year, I wish to pursue either an MBA, MPH, or some sort of law affiliated masters along with my MD. Thank you for your input.

California State University graduate - graduated in 4 years
California resident
Multicultural ethnic background
Cumulative GPA: 3.867 - summa cum laude
Science GPA: 3.791
MCAT: 488/528
Breakdown of MCAT:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems - 122 (21% percentile)
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills - 121 (14% percentile)
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems - 122 (21% percentile)
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior - 123 (32% percentile)

Applied to 35 MD's and will be applying to 10 DO's - includes all California schools

Hospital volunteer experience since sophomore year - 2012-2014
Shadowing orthopedic surgeon on college breaks - 2013-present
Research experience and submitted and accepted abstracts in cardiology, started research since sophomore year - 2012-present
Summer medical program, summer of 2012 - conducted research project on diabetes mellitus
Summer medical international program experience summer of 2013 (3rd world country, public hospital in province)
Public policy and leadership summer of 2014
Student body president - 2014/2015
Student body college senator - 2013/2014
Founder of college's surf organization - 2013/2014
President of Pre-Health group, 2013/2013
Math and Science teacher for a Saturday science academy (7th and 8th grade) - 2013 (two sessions)
Volunteering as a surf instructor for therapeutic therapy on college breaks since 2013
Worked as a basketball coach at a basketball academy since 2012
Great letter of recommendations from mentors and professors (total of 8)

Thank you again for your input, your advice will help me forward to what I plan to do next. Best of luck to everybody.

 

[chemguy79]

Given your MCAT score, I would immediately pull my applications for this cycle and prepare to retake the MCAT after adequate exam preparation.

 

[GrapesofRath]

You aren't getting into a medical school in the US with an MCAT score around the 15th percentile. And the types of schools that might take you with that kind of MCAT score are not the ones you want to go to.

You have a strong GPA but that MCAT score just isn't gonna fly. For DO schools I think 40th percentile MIGHT get you into one of the newer schools(emphasis on might). Really want to aim for 50th+ percentile. MD schools 80th+ percentile has to be the goal, particularly given this score that will already be on your record.

 

[candbgirl]

IMO you have no chance at MD or DO school and that is too bad with your list of activities and your GPAs. I agree with chemguy. Either don't submit that primary or if you have already done it pull it before it is verified. If you don't all of those 35 schools will consider you a reapplicant next time you apply with a better MCAT score. Oh and start studying for a retake but first find out what happened to cause you to do so poorly. You understand your 488 ~18 on the old test right?

 

[studentdocftw]

Your score is equivalent to an 18 on the old MCAT. (Historically, a 24 and 30 were competitive for DO and MD respectively, now more like 26 for DO and 32 for MD) Save money, withdraw app, and retake.

 

[LuluLovesMe]

With that MCAT, you have a 50% chance of getting into Pod school, <5% chance of getting into DO school and 0% chance at MD.

 

[gyngyn]

I am so sorry that you have already applied to so many schools.
If you have not yet paid for secondaries, save yourself (and us) the time and expense.
You will need to seriously re-work your strategy before you retake the MCAT and do not take it again until you are scoring above what you need for acceptance.