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[zeeMD]

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I took the MCAT in August and got a score of 23P. My GPA is 3.6
I am not too keen on DO .. and evaluating chances for a state school that has a average of 28-29 on MCAT. Also will consider Rosalind Franklin(Finch). Also am a non trad.
Can anyone out there comment on what my options could be? Is it a good idea to email the admissions advisor of my state school (I have met her a few times).

 

[cfdavid]

Not sure why you are biased against DO's. Check out the non-trad forum. I've recently posted about an experience I had that you may find interesting. It's under "income to debt". I am not biased for, or against DO's. (I'm from Michigan, and we have 1 state DO school, and 3 state MD schools, and I'll apply to all this summer.)

Also, go read the U.S. News article that someone posted in pre-allo, just today. It seems that the role of non-MD healthcare workers will only be increasing. It's a trend that only seems to be gaining momentum.

 

[beep]

one option is to retake the mcat.

 

[zeeMD]

HI,
Thanks for the reply. I looked up the link.. some really nice info.
I am considering retaking in august but trying to see what can be done with this score in between.. not so sure just yet...
Amy

 

[dbutz02]

I've heard of people applying knowing that they won't get in and then reapplying because they'll have better chances the second time around...a rumor anyone feel free to slam it...obviously use the time to build your application as far as research and vol.

 

[MWillie]

Chances for anything are slim to none with a 23. Study up, and take another shot.

 

[zeeMD]

Hi dbutz02,
I am kind of leaning towards that as well.. Is there any particular advantage to doing so.. and if so would you do that at ur top school.. maybe early decision.. (am i getting too bold here!!).
Feel free to PM
Bye
Amy

 

[liverotcod]

(3.6 x 10) + 23 = 59. As a very general rule, you need 65 by this calculation to be competitive at US allopathic med schools. To be sure a few 62s and 63s get in, but it's unlikely. Applying with that 23 will, I expect, be an exercise in frustration. A 28 or 29 would be fine.

How did you prepare for your first attempt? Can you get ready in time for the April sitting this year? You don't want to disadvantage yourself further by being a late applicant.

By all means email the admissions advisor! You always do right by getting as many diverse opinions as possible, and she has a much better scoop than we.

 

[Nittany Lion]

I also got a 23 on my first try on the MCAT.... studied much harder and got a 29 the second time around (which I know is still not a stellar score in some people's eyes, but it was good enough for me!). Anyway, with my 29, I got a handful of interviews and a few acceptances so far at allopathic schools in my state... and no one has even batted an eye at my previous 23 in any of my interviews. I'd say definitely take it again! I feel pretty strongly that I probably wouldn't have been a competitive applicant AT ALL if I would have stuck with the 23.

 

[Law2Doc]

I've heard of people applying knowing that they won't get in and then reapplying because they'll have better chances the second time around...a rumor anyone feel free to slam it...obviously use the time to build your application as far as research and vol.

I'll slam that rumor... Actually I was told by an admissions person (even prior to my taking an MCAT) at a highly ranked med school that it's always better to have all your scores in order before applying than to be a reapplicant.

 

[BeatArmy]

I'll slam that rumor... Actually I was told by an admissions person (even prior to my taking an MCAT) at a highly ranked med school that it's always better to have all your scores in order before applying than to be a reapplicant.

Agreed. The stats on reapplicant acceptance rates can be misleading because there is a lot of self-screening going on between the two cycles. Only people who were close to getting in the first time tend to have the desire to go through the hell again. They also usually know exactly what hurt them and secifically improve on it. It's not like they get any points with the adcom for being a reapplicant.

In this case, the OP knows what will keep her out. So save the money and pain. Fix it before you apply the first time. Spend the money you save by not applying the first time and use it on a prep course for the MCAT, if you think it will help you. Either way, study hardcore for the MCAT. If your score doesn't come up much next time, then you may want to rethink your opinions on DO or Caribbean schools.