Need a little support :/

[DOpremed2015]

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Hey everyone, this is my first time posting on SDN, and I'm just looking for some honest advice from people who can actually relate to me. I'm a senior, 3.8 cGPA, 3.6 sGPA, will grad with BS, currently in honors in the major research, and have thousands of hrs volunteering (from literally 5 leadership positions, 1 national, 3 executive board), have all of my LOR's including one from a DO. I'm retaking my MCAT this June, took it last cycle and got a 23, which was way below my comps (~27) but I'm actually looking into test taking anxiety counseling (I though it was just nerves and normal to get sick before and after every test...). I applied last year as soon as aacomas opened to my dream school (for which I met all req's) only to get brutally rejected by the second week in aug.
I guess I'm just feeling really depressed with no-one who can give me first hand experience advice on how to get back to hard core MCAT studying. I know it was stupid to only apply to one school, and I'm definitely rectifying that next year. I just still have that rejection weighing on me and keep having this voice telling me I'm not smart enough.
Thanks in advanced.

 

[1badz]

You could probably get into some programs with your current score, although I highly advise (if you have the time and resources) to re-take the MCAT and get into your "dream school". Just apply broadly and keep in mind the saying "beggars can't be choosers" - and I mean that in the least condescending way possible. Just saying you should do your research on matriculant averages (which I am sure you have already) and apply to schools you could be competitive in. Or if you have the funds and time, apply to all!! You will be fine, just keep your head in the game. Good luck!

 

[Ogmora]

You'll be fine, seriously.

I know it's upsetting, but you are still in a great position to be accepted to many DO schools. I applied to 15 schools last year and got rejected by all of them, so imagine your feeling of rejection and multiply it by 15. My problem was a low GPA, which is arguably much more difficult to fix than an MCAT score. In many ways, I would have much rather been in your position than what mine was.

Spend some more time studying for the MCAT and put yourself in "test taking" mode when you do your practice tests. Practice tests are the best way to prepare for the real thing, especially if you get test anxiety. Everything else on your application seems stellar so as long as you are able to get your MCAT score up, you'll be an acceptable candidate for most, if not all, DO schools.

Worst case scenario, even if you can't get your MCAT score up, a 23 will still get you interviews at a number of schools, especially because you have great a GPA and great EC's. Apply broadly and you will see results. If you still need more encouragement, check the underdawg thread, there are plenty of people with lower/same MCAT scores who have been accepted

Where did you apply, if you don't mind me asking?

Hey everyone, this is my first time posting on SDN, and I'm just looking for some honest advice from people who can actually relate to me. I'm a senior, 3.8 cGPA, 3.6 sGPA, will grad with BS, currently in honors in the major research, and have thousands of hrs volunteering (from literally 5 leadership positions, 1 national, 3 executive board), have all of my LOR's including one from a DO. I'm retaking my MCAT this June, took it last cycle and got a 23, which was way below my comps (~27) but I'm actually looking into test taking anxiety counseling (I though it was just nerves and normal to get sick before and after every test...). I applied last year as soon as aacomas opened to my dream school (for which I met all req's) only to get brutally rejected by the second week in aug.
I guess I'm just feeling really depressed with no-one who can give me first hand experience advice on how to get back to hard core MCAT studying. I know it was stupid to only apply to one school, and I'm definitely rectifying that next year. I just still have that rejection weighing on me and keep having this voice telling me I'm not smart enough.
Thanks in advanced.

 

[Goro]

Great numbers and ECs

I'm a senior, 3.8 cGPA, 3.6 sGPA, will grad with BS, currently in honors in the major research, and have thousands of hrs volunteering (from literally 5 leadership positions, 1 national, 3 executive board), have all of my LOR's including one from a DO.


Retaking is a good idea. Score >25 and you'll be competetive at most schools.

I'm retaking my MCAT this June, took it last cycle and got a 23, which was way below my comps (~27) but I'm actually looking into test taking anxiety counseling (I though it was just nerves and normal to get sick before and after every test...). I applied last year as soon as aacomas opened to my dream school (for which I met all req's) only to get brutally rejected by the second week in aug.

Go to your school's counseling and learning centers for help with the test-taking anxiety issues (something that needs to be mastered for success in medical school) and your MCAT studying habits.

I guess I'm just feeling really depressed with no-one who can give me first hand experience advice on how to get back to hard core MCAT studying.

No, you're smart enough, you just need to make better choices. Have the counseling center work on the self-esteem as well.

I know it was stupid to only apply to one school, and I'm definitely rectifying that next year. I just still have that rejection weighing on me and keep having this voice telling me I'm not smart enough.

 

[GM2006]

You have a great GPA and I'm sure if you put in the effort, you WILL be able to increase your MCAT score up. Anxiety can be a killer, so if can get that resolved before your next test you'll do great. Maybe your doctor could prescribe some anti-anxiety medication/beta blockers that you could take on test day to ease your fears? Also, don't worry about being a re-applicant. I reapplied and got accepted to a school where I was rejected last year. I know it sucks to have to study for the MCAT all over again, but if a few months of misery can help you reach your goal of getting into your dream school then it's worth it, right?

Anyways, good luck! Don't worry, you ARE smart enough (just look at your GPA)! This whole process is such a crap shoot so you can't let medical school rejections get you down. Apply to more schools next year and I'm sure you'll get it.

 

[DOpremed2015]

Thank you all for your replies! This has helped tremendously! SDN is my new life saver 🙂

 

[kp11]

Sounds like a great foundation, honestly. I received a sub par score the first time, and trust me I know that there are stages of MCAT-dreams-being-crushed grief. I used the same studying materials (Kaplan for me, but to each their own), but there was one big difference the second time I took the test: I got angry at the MCAT for getting in my way. My philosophy became "Don't ever let a test stand between you and your dreams and intimidate you." Let that feeling of disrespect fuel you!

You can do it- just get determined

 

[tripl3s3v3n]

You should be ok if you apply on day 1 to multiple schools. As for your MCAT since you have already taken it you know what to expect. Identify where you struggled and performed poorly and address those weakness. Take as many practice tests as you can in a test like environment. Good luck.

 

[DoctorKrieger]

Hey everyone, this is my first time posting on SDN, and I'm just looking for some honest advice from people who can actually relate to me. I'm a senior, 3.8 cGPA, 3.6 sGPA, will grad with BS, currently in honors in the major research, and have thousands of hrs volunteering (from literally 5 leadership positions, 1 national, 3 executive board), have all of my LOR's including one from a DO. I'm retaking my MCAT this June, took it last cycle and got a 23, which was way below my comps (~27) but I'm actually looking into test taking anxiety counseling (I though it was just nerves and normal to get sick before and after every test...). I applied last year as soon as aacomas opened to my dream school (for which I met all req's) only to get brutally rejected by the second week in aug.
I guess I'm just feeling really depressed with no-one who can give me first hand experience advice on how to get back to hard core MCAT studying. I know it was stupid to only apply to one school, and I'm definitely rectifying that next year. I just still have that rejection weighing on me and keep having this voice telling me I'm not smart enough.
Thanks in advanced.

Check out the MCAT subforum for studying tips and strategies from those who have crushed it, you obviously have the capability to do better. Apply to OSUCOM next time (among many others), you sound like a great candidate. Best of luck!

 

[touchpause13]

OP- you are smart enough, your GPA proves that. Retake the MCAT and get at least a 25 and you should be golden. Also make sure you are applying to at least 10/15 schools the first day. You have got this.

Also getting some counseling to help with the anxiety and self esteem issues is a very good idea

 

[mhord]

Hey everyone, this is my first time posting on SDN, and I'm just looking for some honest advice from people who can actually relate to me. I'm a senior, 3.8 cGPA, 3.6 sGPA, will grad with BS, currently in honors in the major research, and have thousands of hrs volunteering (from literally 5 leadership positions, 1 national, 3 executive board), have all of my LOR's including one from a DO. I'm retaking my MCAT this June, took it last cycle and got a 23, which was way below my comps (~27) but I'm actually looking into test taking anxiety counseling (I though it was just nerves and normal to get sick before and after every test...). I applied last year as soon as aacomas opened to my dream school (for which I met all req's) only to get brutally rejected by the second week in aug.
I guess I'm just feeling really depressed with no-one who can give me first hand experience advice on how to get back to hard core MCAT studying. I know it was stupid to only apply to one school, and I'm definitely rectifying that next year. I just still have that rejection weighing on me and keep having this voice telling me I'm not smart enough.
Thanks in advanced.

Wow...a 23? Sorry to burst your bubble but you won't ever be a physician-you should probably swallow that pill right now and admit to yourself you don't have what it takes...I hear gas station attendees make a decent living.

I made a 24 so I know what I'm talking about...hahaha-you are going to be perfectly fine. I felt like an idiot with my horrid mcat score too-the interesting part though, I knew more about most subjects than the majority of those in my prep course, or in general during core courses-just couldn't focus on the passages as well which is the name of the game! Message me and we will talk this through-sounds very similar to what I went through, and I'm proof that getting into medschool is more than just your mcat score (accepted after all of the interviews I chose to attend DO and MD). Just have the confidence that you will get through this-hard work and positive attitude will bring you success!

 

[StraightDave]

Just prep hardcore and don't give the mcat more credit than it deserves... It's an annoying test but your abilities will allow you to destroy it if you keep your nerves in check. Don't stress about the stress itself... You will do completely fine if you prep and take TONS of practice tests. Attack it when you begin, don't sit there and freak out for 5 minutes like I did (slept 45 min night before mcat and thought I failed out but did just fine, would have done great if not for the freak out). Just be aggressive and place it into submission immediately, no time for self reflection during the test. Move quickly and don't second guess yourself

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Hey everyone, this is my first time posting on SDN, and I'm just looking for some honest advice from people who can actually relate to me. I'm a senior, 3.8 cGPA, 3.6 sGPA, will grad with BS, currently in honors in the major research, and have thousands of hrs volunteering (from literally 5 leadership positions, 1 national, 3 executive board), have all of my LOR's including one from a DO. I'm retaking my MCAT this June, took it last cycle and got a 23, which was way below my comps (~27) but I'm actually looking into test taking anxiety counseling (I though it was just nerves and normal to get sick before and after every test...). I applied last year as soon as aacomas opened to my dream school (for which I met all req's) only to get brutally rejected by the second week in aug.
I guess I'm just feeling really depressed with no-one who can give me first hand experience advice on how to get back to hard core MCAT studying. I know it was stupid to only apply to one school, and I'm definitely rectifying that next year. I just still have that rejection weighing on me and keep having this voice telling me I'm not smart enough.
Thanks in advanced.

3.6 GPA here and my first MCAT was similar to yours. I felt horrible when I got it back. Retook the MCAT (got 27 because VR held me back) and was accepted this year. It happens to quite a few people so don't stress it. About 60-70% of the people I know retook the MCAT, they just don't admit it.

Narrow down your weak points and what causes the anxiety.

What I personally did was 1.) Practice problems around the same time I would be taking the test 2.) Did as many practice problems as I could to get familiar with the format 3.) Review and analysis after each practice test to see what I got wrong. Get counseling if you have really bad test anxiety.

A 23 isn't too terrible. There is a thread by Hvilledoc who got into LMU with a 22.