need some encouragement for a friend from people who have gone through the same

[cardsurgguy]

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one of the people in my kaplan class this past summer got a 24
I felt bad for her when she wondered into the kaplan mcat class I'm now teaching a couple weeks ago since she's doing the class over for april's test, even though she still is applying this year

I'm looking for some encouragment for her that she may get in with a 24 someplace, or any encouragement from people who have gotten a score around a 24 and did much better (30+) on their 2nd time taking it

I truly believe she can do better-she was very unconfident, and also had an acute medical problem about 10 days before the test involving vision, which was cleared up by test day but it still took study time away; the main thing was her lack of confidence

I also really want to see her succeed b/c she really has passion for medicine and wants to be in the profession and I think she'd make a good physician
I'm sick and tired of people with 3.9 GPA and 36 MCAT's who are going into medicine for wrong reasons such as b/c daddy or mommy wants you to be a doctor, or for the money, or for the power trip they want to feel b/c they think they will be a big shot doctor; people who have real passion for medicine should be the ones who are doctors

so if anybody has an inspiring and encouraging story to boost her morale a bit that I could relay to her I'd appreciate it!

 

[dr.z]

Will she consider DO schools? If so that is the sure way. My MCAT score slightly higher than hers, and I have been applying to DO schools as well. They have been very welcoming so far.

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

There is a current thread in the MCAT forum that covers this very topic and others related, with inspiring stories of people overcoming low scores and others making significant gains in their scores with hard work. In case you don't get many responses here, you should do a quick search for it.

 

[tmarsh]

My first attempt was a 25. Studied hard all summer for the Aug MCAT and got a 33. I was just not prepared the first time I took it. If she puts the hours in 30 is definately achievable.

 

[PublicEnemy]

i think its definitely possible to make a significant jump in your score. if you just think about it: an 8-8-8 is a 24, without even talking about making significant strides, 2-3 more questions right per section could potentially make that score increase 1-2 pts per section and then you're right around 30. its definitely doable. 2-3 questions per section can even just be a confidence issue. confidence is extremely important so tell your friend not to worry. especially with the amount of time between now and the april test, there's plenty of time to get in gear and build confidence. kaplan has so many practice tests and materials, its definitely possible to even make much bigger strides than just 1-2 pts for section, particularly in the science sections, but it all boils down to how much time and effort a person is willing to invest and their confidence going into the test.

the reality is that most people don't do what it takes, and the mcat re-testers data that the aamc puts out each time seems to indicate that generally people don't improve that much, most people are within +/-1 of their original score, but if you talk to people on here, myself included (5pt increase), you'll see its totally possible.

 

[saildawg]

I made a 24 the first time I took it, and a 29 the second time. I put forth great effort both times, the only difference is that I think Kaplan sucks especially here in Athens. I used examkrackers the second time (home study not the class), it is by far superior in material than kaplan and the verbal strategy is a ton better (whent from an 8 using Kaplan strategy to a 10 using EK). I am sure as a Kaplan employe that you cant advise her to use other materials, but be sure that she uses the AAMC practice tests online, especially #7. Also let her know that it will be helpful to ascess her knowledge and what she needs to work on.

 

[Khenon]

I don't know if this is encouraging or not, but I wanted to say I'm in the same boat (only with a 23 instead of a 24), and I plan on taking the test again in April (did I mention I've already taken it twice?). It helps me to analyze where I went wrong with the first two tests (1st one - naive; 2nd one - not enough time to study), and rectify those issues for next April. I need to have a plan, so if I don't get in this year, it's not the end of the world. I have something to look forward to, and I know I can make my application better for next year. Tell your friend not to dwell on how poorly she did . . . that's a REAL confidence drain! Make a plan and see it through. If her attention is diverted to her plan, it will hopefully help in the confidence arena. I wish her the best. Remind her she's NOT alone! 🙂

 

[0099900]

one of the people in my kaplan class this past summer got a 24
I felt bad for her when she wondered into the kaplan mcat class I'm now teaching a couple weeks ago since she's doing the class over for april's test, even though she still is applying this year

I'm looking for some encouragment for her that she may get in with a 24 someplace, or any encouragement from people who have gotten a score around a 24 and did much better (30+) on their 2nd time taking it

I truly believe she can do better-she was very unconfident, and also had an acute medical problem about 10 days before the test involving vision, which was cleared up by test day but it still took study time away; the main thing was her lack of confidence

I also really want to see her succeed b/c she really has passion for medicine and wants to be in the profession and I think she'd make a good physician
I'm sick and tired of people with 3.9 GPA and 36 MCAT's who are going into medicine for wrong reasons such as b/c daddy or mommy wants you to be a doctor, or for the money, or for the power trip they want to feel b/c they think they will be a big shot doctor; people who have real passion for medicine should be the ones who are doctors

so if anybody has an inspiring and encouraging story to boost her morale a bit that I could relay to her I'd appreciate it!

I got a 22M the first time I wrote my MCAT and since then I've been able to pull it up to a 33Q and I got my first acceptance 7 days ago !!!

I've also been withdrawing and declining interview invites from schools so others will have a shot in this "game" like admissions' process to meds.

All the Best!

 

[cardsurgguy]

bump

figured I could get a few more responses

thanks so far, everything is very encouraging

 

[PreMedAdAG]

hey.. more good news.. i got a 23 the first time I took it and a 30 the second time. I received an acceptance on Oct. 15th of this year.. no one ever asked about my previous MCAT nor did they seem interested in it.

The way I think I improved my score was by READING! and then making sure that I new my facts for the sciences down pat, so I didn't question the little things (ie. the number where the arrow is pointing is a. the atomic number b. the molecular weight....etc... you get the idea)

anyway.. I hope this is helpful.. it's not that big of a deal to F up the first time you take the MCAT

 

[cardsurgguy]

that's great, congrads AG

where did you get accepted to?

 

[drguy22]

i had a 25M the first time i took the MCAT ( 7 9 9 ) and when i took it again in august....i got a (10 10 10 P) 30P...so its not so hard🙂 just work! 😀 and im goin to med skool. 😀 😀

 

[PreMedAdAG]

that's great, congrads AG

where did you get accepted to?

UC Davis SOM 🙂