Omg I Failed! What Do I Do?

[chilon85]

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OMG I just checked my MCAT SCORES, this is my first time taking it, and I got a 23 O. I took it without having taken physics or organic chem (long story...explained in a post later on this page) and know that my MCAT is not truly indicative of my abilities so although I am dissapointed, I will have taken all of the classes needed and will take the MCAT again next April. I just wonder if there is a chance for me this year!

9 VR
5 PS
9 BS
O WS
23 Total

My Science GPA= 3.4, AO= 3.98, and Cumm. GPA is 3.69. I have volunteered in a hospital for 2 years, did research/volunteered overseas, shadowed a doctor, etc etc.

WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE A CHANCE AT EVEN A DO SCHOOL?

 

[Faraaz23]

OMG I just checked my MCAT SCORES, this is my first time taking it, and I got a 23 O

9 VR
5 PS
9 BS
O WS

WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE A CHANCE AT EVEN A DO SCHOOL?

apply early, apply broadly, and retake it in august

 

[Dotsero]

apply early, apply broadly, and retake it in august

I agree, apply early, apply broadly and retake it AFTER you study your ass off for it. Try the Exam Crackers CDs. I used them and boosted my composite score significantly. Good luck.

 

[mj1878]

RETAKE IT.

23 is pretty low, and the REALLY low PS exacerbates the score.

 

[chilon85]

So with a 23 I probably won't have a chance with any DO School? I just spoke to my parents and I don't feel comfortable taking it this August since I will only have like a month and a half to study for it and am taking classes over the summer. I am planning on just applying as is and then seeing what happens and then taking it APRIL 2007 when I am a senior. I might loose a year in between but this is what I really want to do and I am just so devestated!

What do you guys think about me just applying and seeing what happens and then taking it in April 2007 instead?

 

[jellibelli]

OMG I just checked my MCAT SCORES, this is my first time taking it, and I got a 23 O

9 VR
5 PS
9 BS
O WS

WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE A CHANCE AT EVEN A DO SCHOOL?

Your PS score is going to hold you back. Re-take it in August, and apply broadly and to many schools.

 

[jellibelli]

So with a 23 I probably won't have a chance with any DO School? I just spoke to my parents and I don't feel comfortable taking it this August since I will only have like a month and a half to study for it and am taking classes over the summer. I am planning on just applying as is and then seeing what happens and then taking it APRIL 2007 when I am a senior. I might loose a year in between but this is what I really want to do and I am just so devestated!

What do you guys think about me just applying and seeing what happens and then taking it in April 2007 instead?

A month and a half of hardcore studying and doing practice problems can definitely increase your score for the Aug mcat. However, if you don't feel comfortable, and since you're only a junior and don't mind having a year off in between... your plan doesn't sound bad at all.

 

[NewNick]

MCAT are lower than the average. If you have a great GPA, > 3.5, you may have a good shot. Otherwise, retaking the MCAT is the best option. Well, you should try to apply as many as you can. Good luck.

 

[DrWiggles]

.

 

[USArmyDoc]

A 5 in the PS is not going to get you in anywhere I believe...You are going to have to take it again.

 

[Raven Feather]

So with a 23 I probably won't have a chance with any DO School? I just spoke to my parents and I don't feel comfortable taking it this August since I will only have like a month and a half to study for it and am taking classes over the summer. I am planning on just applying as is and then seeing what happens and then taking it APRIL 2007 when I am a senior. I might loose a year in between but this is what I really want to do and I am just so devestated!

What do you guys think about me just applying and seeing what happens and then taking it in April 2007 instead?

What is your GPA?

 

[rack]

OMG I just checked my MCAT SCORES, this is my first time taking it, and I got a 23 O

9 VR
5 PS
9 BS
O WS

WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE A CHANCE AT EVEN A DO SCHOOL?

OMG NOPE NO CHANCE AT EEEVENN A DO SCHOOl!!

 

[CCEMTP2DOC]

OMG I just checked my MCAT SCORES, this is my first time taking it, and I got a 23 O

9 VR
5 PS
9 BS
O WS

WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE A CHANCE AT EVEN A DO SCHOOL?

I agree that your PS is probably going to slow you down. Although your BS and Verbal are solid and depending on what your GPA is you might be able to get in somewhere if you apply very broadly. I would apply everywhere, study and take the MCAT in August. Good Luck.

Rob

 

[ineedhelp85]

I got a 25 (9 in bs and ps, 7 in vs). What are my chances of getting into a DO school considering i have research experience etc. plus my gpa is 3.7(science-3.72). Thanks

 

[ladpm]

I've got similar stats as well with 26P...here's advice I was given from people who graduated from med-school at USC, UCSD and Western med. Its a numbers game for just an INTERVIEW. Yes some schools filter out based on these numbers, but med schools are now increasing their class size. (thus scores less than the national matriculated average in 2005 of 31 will be considered more) Some people in their graduating class of 2005 had scores less than a 27 and lower GPA's.

The application process is a crap-shoot. People with awesome numbers won't get an interview for a 2nd tier school, but get in a 1st tier school... and people with sub-par scores get interviews at top schools and not for bottom tier schools. There's no consistancy or magic formulas...just a law of averages. Adcoms will take people above and below their supposed averages. Some schools work on a fratnerity basis...knowing someone at the school will get you in even with a lower score. I've also been told about URM (under-represented minorities...sorry Asians are not considered URM) Don't be offended with this, but affirmative action can play a role

I was recommended to find who sits at the adcoms of your specific med school and find their research papers...read them...then try to find a research position with them...hopefully you can get a LOR and he/she can bat for your on your interview.

In general, if you're numbers are 25-28 with a decent GPA, it'll be good enough for a DO interview. If you're 27-30, go for the allopathic route. Remember DO schools like the older applicant because they bring in life experiences, maturity, and diversity. Also look at the numbers for age, ethnicity, gender, and graduate degrees of matriculants. It'll show you their admission history that'll help. I know the MSAR for MD schools are out there, but for DO schools, you might have to check their respective website or even email the students at those schools

Numbers can only get your foot in the door, its what else you bring to the table that can open your future career as a physician. Now how hungry are you for this? Remember why you want to be a doctor in the first place. I've met awesome doctors who become chief of departments at hospitals who didn't score well on the MCAT so there is hope for all!

With that said for the first post...retake your MCATs...you'll do better next time around...its never too late and you have other options...nursing, PA, podiatry, MD schools in the carribean

 

[jnsimpex]

Just go ahead.


With a retake.

 

[YML]

Your PS score is going to hold you back. Re-take it in August, and apply broadly and to many schools.

I thought broadly meant many schools. 😕

 

[Khenon]

I got in with a 23 MCAT score. Granted my application was strong otherwise, so I guess they were willing to overlook my score a little. See my profile if you're interested.

 

[chilon85]

Thanks for all of your replies and insight. I actually took the MCAT without having taken Physics or Organic Chemistry in College (because I transferred into my junior year in USA this year after going to a university for 2 years in England). I am taking physics right now, over the summer, and will be taking organic chemistry my senior year so I know that my MCAT score was not truly indicative of my abilities. That being said, I tried to work as hard as I could and go over physics and organic chemistry on my own and took it hoping that I would be fine. I know that that may sound silly or even downright stupid, but I wanted to give it a try so although I didn't do well, I have no problem with studying hard, finishing up these classes, and taking it next year in April. However, because I did take it, and because my GPA, EC's, and LOR's are all very strong, I thought that I would apply and see what happens because at the end of the day I have nothing to loose.

I am dissapointed with myself, but looking at it after a long, tear filled night, I realize that I still have options and that I am not a 100% screwed; which is what I felt lastnight!!!! Anyways, I guess I will hope for the best and see what happens. Thank you again for all of your advice and good luck to everyone.

By the way, for the people that wanted to know, my Science GPA= 3.4, AO= 3.98, and Cumm. GPA is 3.69. I have volunteered in a hospital for 2 years, did research/volunteered overseas, shadowed a doctor, etc etc.

 

[Amy B]

First off you did not fail the MCAT. There is no failing score.

I got into med school with a 6 in the PS. I HATED physics.

You can get in with a 23. DO schools do not just focus on one aspect of your application. However, what is your GPA and what have you done in terms of volunteer ECs??? How is your personal essay? Those are the things that have to carry you now. You should if those other areas are strong. You should definitly have a GPA >3.2., but again.. it is the overall package and how you present yourself. Dont throw in the towel now though. Apply and see what happens. Good luck. It is not the end of the world yet for ya 🙂

 

[chilon85]

First off you did not fail the MCAT. There is no failing score.

I got into med school with a 6 in the PS. I HATED physics.

You can get in with a 23. DO schools do not just focus on one aspect of your application. However, what is your GPA and what have you done in terms of volunteer ECs??? How is your personal essay? Those are the things that have to carry you now. You should if those other areas are strong. You should definitly have a GPA >3.2., but again.. it is the overall package and how you present yourself. Dont throw in the towel now though. Apply and see what happens. Good luck. It is not the end of the world yet for ya 🙂

Thanks for your reply. My Science GPA= 3.4, AO= 3.98, and Cumm. GPA is 3.69. I have volunteered in a hospital for 2 years, did research/volunteered overseas, shadowed a doctor, etc and am a 100% confident about my personal statement.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

Thanks for all of your replies and insight. I actually took the MCAT without having taken Physics or Organic Chemistry in College (because I transferred into my junior year in USA this year after going to a university for 2 years in England). I am taking physics right now, over the summer, and will be taking organic chemistry my senior year so I know that my MCAT score was not truly indicative of my abilities. That being said, I tried to work as hard as I could and go over physics and organic chemistry on my own and took it hoping that I would be fine. I know that that may sound silly or even downright stupid, but I wanted to give it a try so although I didn't do well, I have no problem with studying hard, finishing up these classes, and taking it next year in April. However, because I did take it, and because my GPA, EC's, and LOR's are all very strong, I thought that I would apply and see what happens because at the end of the day I have nothing to loose.

I am dissapointed with myself, but looking at it after a long, tear filled night, I realize that I still have options and that I am not a 100% screwed; which is what I felt lastnight!!!! Anyways, I guess I will hope for the best and see what happens. Thank you again for all of your advice and good luck to everyone.

By the way, for the people that wanted to know, my Science GPA= 3.4, AO= 3.98, and Cumm. GPA is 3.69. I have volunteered in a hospital for 2 years, did research/volunteered overseas, shadowed a doctor, etc etc.

Well, now that you would have taken Physics and Organic Chemistry, take the MCAT over and hope that it will be your last time. The rest of your application seems fine. Best of luck.

 

[Amy B]

Thanks for your reply. My Science GPA= 3.4, AO= 3.98, and Cumm. GPA is 3.69. I have volunteered in a hospital for 2 years, did research/volunteered overseas, shadowed a doctor, etc and am a 100% confident about my personal statement.

Then I would say go ahead and apply. If youthink you can improve your score sign up for the August exam and take it while you are applying to schools. Good luck.

 

[OSUdoc08]

OMG I just checked my MCAT SCORES, this is my first time taking it, and I got a 23 O. I took it without having taken physics or organic chem (long story...explained in a post later on this page) and know that my MCAT is not truly indicative of my abilities so although I am dissapointed, I will have taken all of the classes needed and will take the MCAT again next April. I just wonder if there is a chance for me this year!

9 VR
5 PS
9 BS
O WS
23 Total

My Science GPA= 3.4, AO= 3.98, and Cumm. GPA is 3.69. I have volunteered in a hospital for 2 years, did research/volunteered overseas, shadowed a doctor, etc etc.

WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE A CHANCE AT EVEN A DO SCHOOL?

1. Take some Xanax.
2. I was accepted to KCOM & AZCOM with a 24 and 3.4 overall (science was 3.0.) I brought my MCAT up to 28 and was accepted to more.
3. Apply to as many schools as possible.
4. Take the August MCAT.

 

[OnMyWayThere]

WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE A CHANCE AT EVEN A DO SCHOOL?

Nope, not EVEN at a D.O. school. Maybe if it were a 7-8-8 but I don't think you will get in with that 5 in PS.

 

[OnMyWayThere]

I had a similar post to the OP two years ago when I found out my score of 24 (completely freaking out) and Amy B responded with something similar and said I should apply... I was accepted and invited to interviews at many schools and just finished first year. I was only going for D.O. though, not settling like you're asking about. It's great to know Amy is still doing that for pre-meds - it made a HUGE difference for me as I was about to register to retake the MCAT! 😀

 

[Doctor Bagel]

What's your money situation? If it's financially okay for you to apply two years in a row (worst case scenario), then I'd go ahead and apply. I think your chances are okay at the less selective DO schools and maybe you'll get lucky at one of the more selection schools.

 

[chilon85]

I had a similar post to the OP two years ago when I found out my score of 24 (completely freaking out) and Amy B responded with something similar and said I should apply... I was accepted and invited to interviews at many schools and just finished first year. I was only going for D.O. though, not settling like you're asking about. It's great to know Amy is still doing that for pre-meds - it made a HUGE difference for me as I was about to register to retake the MCAT! 😀

I am not "settling" for DO. I just read my initial post and I suppose that it sounds like that, but I have always been interested in both MD and DO and I just thought that my score was so low that I would not get accepted to either one! I am shadowing an orthopedic surgeon right now who is a DO and I absolutely love it, so honestly, if I get into a DO school I would be incredibly happy!

 

[OceanPotion]

I had a similar post to the OP two years ago when I found out my score of 24 (completely freaking out) and Amy B responded with something similar and said I should apply... I was accepted and invited to interviews at many schools and just finished first year. I was only going for D.O. though, not settling like you're asking about. It's great to know Amy is still doing that for pre-meds - it made a HUGE difference for me as I was about to register to retake the MCAT! 😀

what were your stats? and where did you get accepted? interviews? thanks

 

[momgracea]

First off you did not fail the MCAT. There is no failing score.

I got into med school with a 6 in the PS. I HATED physics.

You can get in with a 23. DO schools do not just focus on one aspect of your application. However, what is your GPA and what have you done in terms of volunteer ECs??? How is your personal essay? Those are the things that have to carry you now. You should if those other areas are strong. You should definitly have a GPA >3.2., but again.. it is the overall package and how you present yourself. Dont throw in the towel now though. Apply and see what happens. Good luck. It is not the end of the world yet for ya 🙂

Amy - Just curious, how did you do in the other sections? I suck at PS too. Got a 6 like you -- but I got an 11 in VR and 9 in BS -- so 26 overall. I actually think I have a good shot since I am an older, working mom with 3.5+ GPA.

 

[OnMyWayThere]

I am not "settling" for DO. I just read my initial post and I suppose that it sounds like that, but I have always been interested in both MD and DO and I just thought that my score was so low that I would not get accepted to either one! I am shadowing an orthopedic surgeon right now who is a DO and I absolutely love it, so honestly, if I get into a DO school I would be incredibly happy!

👍 They do have a lot to offer. Good luck - hopefully applying early will get you in somewhere. Just rock the rest of the application like Amy suggested and the applying early is really key. I think the new osteopathic schools are the best bet if they're accepting application for your year.

 

[OnMyWayThere]

what were your stats? and where did you get accepted? interviews? thanks

I had a few really bad semesters about 8 years before I returned to school (I'm talking many D's, W's and a couple F's). When I returned though, I had 2 and 1/2 years full time of straight A's as a Psych major + prereqs... my overall AACOM GPA was around 3.4 after retakes and a ton of experience in the real world (mostly non-medical related but a lot of D.O. shadowing as well) and stellar letter of recommendations from 2 D.O.'s. I got accepted to COMP, Touro, VCOM, DMU-COM and turned down interviews at like 5 or 6 other schools. They really do look beyond your #s.

 

[vmgopal]

THanks so much for the hope some of you have given

I also just got a 23 for my first try on the MCAT: 10 on BS, 7 PS, 6 VR and O on Writing. My GPA is 3.5 and sci gpa around 3.2 from UNIV Wisc Madison.

Should I apply as early within the next few weeks as I am nearly ready to submit or will the verbal just get me rejected??? Then should I put that I will take the Aug 2006 exam on the application and submit?

I am a Wisc resident these are schools I have marked for applying but i am scouting for opiions on more schools I can apply to an why?
I have on AACOMAS now: AZCOM,CCOM,PCOM,DMU
Which other ones for my stats and residency status: NOVA? NYCOM? suugestions Thanks again! 😍

 

[medschool22]

OMG I just checked my MCAT SCORES, this is my first time taking it, and I got a 23 O. I took it without having taken physics or organic chem (long story...explained in a post later on this page) and know that my MCAT is not truly indicative of my abilities so although I am dissapointed, I will have taken all of the classes needed and will take the MCAT again next April. I just wonder if there is a chance for me this year!

9 VR
5 PS
9 BS
O WS
23 Total

My Science GPA= 3.4, AO= 3.98, and Cumm. GPA is 3.69. I have volunteered in a hospital for 2 years, did research/volunteered overseas, shadowed a doctor, etc etc.

WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE A CHANCE AT EVEN A DO SCHOOL?

Don't listen to these people. Of course you have a chance. Apply now and study for the August MCAT, even if you don't really want to, don't quit. A 23 is a good score, and even though you got a 5 in PS, you did get a 9 in VR, which is great. The 9 in BS helps, and shows that you only lacked material knowledge and not Reasoning ability (which is the key).

Apply Apply Apply

Don't listen to the haters...they don't want the competition

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

THanks so much for the hope some of you have given

I also just got a 23 for my first try on the MCAT: 10 on BS, 7 PS, 6 VR and O on Writing. My GPA is 3.5 and sci gpa around 3.2 from UNIV Wisc Madison.

Should I apply as early within the next few weeks as I am nearly ready to submit or will the verbal just get me rejected??? Then should I put that I will take the Aug 2006 exam on the application and submit?

I am a Wisc resident these are schools I have marked for applying but i am scouting for opiions on more schools I can apply to an why?
I have on AACOMAS now: AZCOM,CCOM,PCOM,DMU
Which other ones for my stats and residency status: NOVA? NYCOM? suugestions Thanks again! 😍

I thought I had seen this somewhere else? Same post, two different names. Refer to the other one for my comment...

 

[chilon85]

Hey,

Thanks again to everyone for their input. I have two quick questions....

I have almost all of my application done, I am just wating for one of my physics classes to end before sending in my transcripts (it ends on July 3rd). It will not only boost my GPA but show that I am taking physics now and did not take it before taking the MCAT. Do you think that waiting for a week or two will be THAT bad? I just don't want my GPA etc to be effected and waiting a week will def. help me because AMCAS and ACOMAS calculate classes being taken this summer as part of my "senior year," so if I get an A then my GPA will be a 4.0, which will be directly added into the science gpa average (if that makes sense?) and will be averaged with my first, second, and third years in college. Besides, I have all of the other transcripts in and everything. Also, can you submit the application before they officially get your transcripts or do I have to wait until after I send them and I get an email or notice on my account that they received them?

Thanks and good luck to everyone that is applying!

 

[CuttinEmUp]

also, can you submit the application before they officially get your transcripts or do I have to wait until after I send them and I get an email or notice on my account that they received them?

Thanks and good luck to everyone that is applying!

Thanks for the good luck wish, im also applying this year.

My word of advice is to NOT WAIT FOR TRANSCRIPTS to be received. while its true that they can not process your app. until they received all required transcripts, you want to have it already submitted and paid before they even get the transcripts. my advice is to finish it, polish it up (quickly!) and submit!!

 

[chilon85]

Thanks for the good luck wish, im also applying this year.

My word of advice is to NOT WAIT FOR TRANSCRIPTS to be received. while its true that they can not process your app. until they received all required transcripts, you want to have it already submitted and paid before they even get the transcripts. my advice is to finish it, polish it up (quickly!) and submit!!

Oh okay, I will do that then. I just did not know that you could submit it without having your transcripts in because at the end of the day, if they don't have all your transcripts, will they still review the ones that they do have or just wait on your account until you send everything in? If they don't process the application until everything is in, then what is the point of submitting it?

 

[jsmittyund03]

Hey,

Thanks again to everyone for their input. I have two quick questions....

I have almost all of my application done, I am just wating for one of my physics classes to end before sending in my transcripts (it ends on July 3rd). It will not only boost my GPA but show that I am taking physics now and did not take it before taking the MCAT. Do you think that waiting for a week or two will be THAT bad? I just don't want my GPA etc to be effected and waiting a week will def. help me because AMCAS and ACOMAS calculate classes being taken this summer as part of my "senior year," so if I get an A then my GPA will be a 4.0, which will be directly added into the science gpa average (if that makes sense?) and will be averaged with my first, second, and third years in college. Besides, I have all of the other transcripts in and everything. Also, can you submit the application before they officially get your transcripts or do I have to wait until after I send them and I get an email or notice on my account that they received them?

Thanks and good luck to everyone that is applying!

Waiting till July 3rd won't really affect you too much. It takes a while for them to process your application, but schools don't start interviewing till August at the earliest (if I remember correctly). It's good that you're getting it in early, and July is still early. Remember, some people don't even get their applications in until after the Christmas season, and they still get accepted. It's true, earlier is better, but I would wait until your Physics class is finished if it's only two more weeks.

J

 

[scpod]

Do you think that waiting for a week or two will be THAT bad? I just don't want my GPA etc to be effected and waiting a week will def. help me because AMCAS and ACOMAS calculate classes being taken this summer as part of my "senior year," so if I get an A then my GPA will be a 4.0, which will be directly added into the science gpa average (if that makes sense?) and will be averaged with my first, second, and third years in college.

Wow! That was a pretty long sentence🙂 Actually, waiting isn't necessarily bad if you have pretty good scores. I didn't even apply to my final choice until January, but keep in mind that my GPA and MCAT were a good bit above the average scores. If your GPA isn't bad, the easiest thing you can do is improve your MCAT. It really doesn't take a whole lot, but it does take dedication. There were a lot of people who interviewed in February with me. The ones who didn't get in were, for the most part, the ones with lower MCAT scores. Make that a goal and you'll be OK.

 

[alphapenguin]

This is one thing I can tell you, I know people who had similar scores (or lower) who did get in, and I have friends who have MUCH higher scores and still didnt get in. If you are eager to apply this year, as everyone else says, apply early, apply broadly and write one hell of a statement, and do well on the interview. It's not all about the scores, but they do help. Also plan on retaking the MCAT again. You may do so much better that you may be eligible for scholarships or what not.
Medschool admissions is a piece of $#%^@, very arbitrary. You'll never know what will happen.

My 2cents.
Alex

OMG I just checked my MCAT SCORES, this is my first time taking it, and I got a 23 O. I took it without having taken physics or organic chem (long story...explained in a post later on this page) and know that my MCAT is not truly indicative of my abilities so although I am dissapointed, I will have taken all of the classes needed and will take the MCAT again next April. I just wonder if there is a chance for me this year!

9 VR
5 PS
9 BS
O WS
23 Total

My Science GPA= 3.4, AO= 3.98, and Cumm. GPA is 3.69. I have volunteered in a hospital for 2 years, did research/volunteered overseas, shadowed a doctor, etc etc.

WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE A CHANCE AT EVEN A DO SCHOOL?

 

[chilon85]

This is one thing I can tell you, I know people who had similar scores (or lower) who did get in, and I have friends who have MUCH higher scores and still didnt get in. If you are eager to apply this year, as everyone else says, apply early, apply broadly and write one hell of a statement, and do well on the interview. It's not all about the scores, but they do help. Also plan on retaking the MCAT again. You may do so much better that you may be eligible for scholarships or what not.
Medschool admissions is a piece of $#%^@, very arbitrary. You'll never know what will happen.

My 2cents.
Alex

LOL! Thanks for your post. I appreciate and cannot help but agree with your analysis of the medical school application process. There are so many factors that are out of my control and probably even depend on a bit of luck, and I think that that is the hardest part about all of this. Besides, I guess I was hoping for too much of a miracle when taking the MCAT without having taken physics and organic chemistry. I am happy with the rest of my application however and hopefully schools can see past my MCAT scores. If they can't, I am definitely prepared to take it next April as I will have finished everything by then. I guess I am still hoping that I will get in this year somehow and that I do not have to go through all of this again. Oh well, I suppose I will just have to wait and see how it goes! Anyways, good luck to everyone.