Need Genuine Help with decisions

[drval111]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I have a good GPA, lots of service and a really bad MCAT score that just came out today. I have been basically crying all day and need help on my next decisions. I would love to go to DO school, but I am worried about my MCAT score.
1. Do I retake the MCAT in August and apply late?
2. Are there any post-bac 1 year programs that guarantee you into a medical/DO school?
3. Do I submit my applications now and retake the MCAT ?
My last option is taking a gap year because I just personally do not want to.
Please send me your suggestions.
God bless.

 

[Faha]

What was your MCAT score ? What is your cGPA and sGPA ? Where is your state of residence ? Do you have and physician shadowing or clinical volunteering hours ?

 

[drval111]

What was your MCAT score ? What is your cGPA and sGPA ? Where is your state of residence ? Do you have and physician shadowing or clinical volunteering hours ?

496, it has been lower than any practice test i have ever taken.

FL1 : 508

5L2: 510
cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.5
PA
over 500 shadowing and volunteer hours

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

I'm sorry this has happened to you. Definitely not what you expected and threw off your plan. If you are dead set against the year off I think your best option is to take a couple of months to prepare for the MCAT and take it in August. You wouldn't be able to apply MD but you wouldn't be too late for the DO cycle. But I think, even though it is your last option in order of preference, you should take a year off and I'll explain why:
Your option 2 is effectively a more expensive year off. Those programs cost quite a bit and have very high standards. Even then I believe many require you to take the MCAT again before granting entrance to the medical school.
Your option 3 is similarly an expensive plan that has no guarantee of success.
Taking a year off lets you prepare your application and retake the test without the pressure/being under the gun. Don't be in a rush- its a marathon, not a sprint.

 

[Faha]

A MCAT retake in August is a good idea since your practice scores are much higher than your actual score. You would receive your scores in September which is not too late to apply to DO schools. If your new score is 500 or higher you could receive interviews at several DO schools. Post your new score here if you decide to retake.

 

[drval111]

A MCAT retake in August is a good idea since your practice scores are much higher than your actual score. You would receive your scores in September which is not too late to apply to DO schools. If your new score is 500 or higher you could receive interviews at several DO schools. Post your new score here if you decide to retake.

Do you know if I can submit my application for DO now without and MCAT score, and then send both scores to them (the old and retake) when I get the retake in?

 

[Faha]

I believe the schools will receive your current score of 496. @Goro @gyngyn ?

 

[gyngyn]

I believe the schools will receive your current score of 496. @Goro @gyngyn ?

You are right.
All scores are visible in the AMCAS application as soon as they are graded and cannot be removed.

 

[Goro]

1. Do I retake the MCAT in August and apply late?

Yes. But August is NOT late for DO


2. Are there any post-bac 1 year programs that guarantee you into a medical/DO school?
LECOM, I believe. But you do NOT need a post-bac! Just a better MCAT


3. Do I submit my applications now and retake the MCAT ?

No. You'll get screened out on the current score.