Opinion on acknowledging low MCAT in secondary?

[907030]

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[gyngyn]

No good can come from it.

 

[a5ie5lavida]

I'm no adcom but I don't think this is a great idea. It doesn't really mean anything to say "I could have done better" when they don't really have any way of knowing that. It is what it is at this point, IMO.

 

[Catalystik]

For this particular secondary, it's an optional prompt, but I understand where you're coming from—probably best to let it go.

Why focus a spotlight on a flaw you'd rather have forgotten.

 

[Catalystik]

That's why I never talk about about that tattoo I got one drunken night......

And thank goodness you never write about it. 😳

 

[Goro]

Hi again. I was hoping some of the more experienced SDN users, faculty, and adcoms could help me out with this one. What is your opinion on acknowledging a low MCAT score in a secondary application? I've been told that it could be helpful by some while others have suggested that I avoid mentioning anything that could paint me in a negative light. Personally, I feel like acknowledging it would be helpful; I'm not perfect and want to be honest about my shortcomings, but then again what do I know?

Background: my MCAT score is a 507 and my CARS section score is a 124, which falls below the median. My other section scores fall within what's generally considered competitive range. In my explanation, I'd basically be saying that my CARS score on the MCAT was a fluke. I took multiple practice exams where my CARS was a 126, 127, or 128. The other section scores aligned with what I got on the practice exams. I don't really have any better explanation for what happened; something just went terribly wrong for me in CARS on exam day.

What do you think?

Why bring attention to a negative?

Why do pre-meds have this need to do this?????

There are no flukes with MCAT taking. It's like saying that when you are trying to juggle five balls, and one lands on your foot, that it's a fluke. The MCAT is a competency exam.

 

[aldol16]

I wouldn't draw attention to it unless you had a very good reason, like someone set off a stink bomb in your test room during your CARS section. Everyone can claim to have an off day, so it doesn't hold much weight. Better to focus on your strengths and let them speak for themselves.