Overcoming the Screening Process

[kgrotic]

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Hey All,

I'm looking for information about screening processes at medical schools (namely MCAT screening) and advice about how former and current applicants have overcome them, if that's ever even happened. My MCAT (32) is significantly below the medians of a handful of schools for which I think I'd be a good fit, and my GPA is nothing special if not low (3.64 cGPA, 3.76 sGPA). Basically, I'm asking if there are ways to increase the likelihood of your application being reviewed by the admissions staff. I've heard stories of applicants meeting admissions directors at conferences or what have you and having a great conversation that calls their application into review. Given that that isn't a likely scenario, what else, if anything, can one do?

Thanks!

P.S. While the recommendation of retaking the MCAT seems obvious, I've already taken it twice and scored 5 and 6 points below my average from the 8 official practice tests. I've firmly decided not to retake again.

 

[brooklynblunder]

Hey All,

I'm looking for information about screening processes at medical schools (namely MCAT screening) and advice about how former and current applicants have overcome them, if that's ever even happened. My MCAT (32) is significantly below the medians of a handful of schools for which I think I'd be a good fit, and my GPA is nothing special if not low (3.64 cGPA, 3.76 sGPA). Basically, I'm asking if there are ways to increase the likelihood of your application being reviewed by the admissions staff. I've heard stories of applicants meeting admissions directors at conferences or what have you and having a great conversation that calls their application into review. Given that that isn't a likely scenario, what else, if anything, can one do?

Thanks!

P.S. While the recommendation of retaking the MCAT seems obvious, I've already taken it twice and scored 5 and 6 points below my average from the 8 official practice tests. I've firmly decided not to retake again.

Your stats are more than fine, in my opinion. The problem is the way you think about where you feel like you would fit in.

 

[kgrotic]

Your stats are more than fine, in my opinion. The problem is the way you think about where you feel like you would fit in.

Let's say "fit best" rather than "fit in."

 

[red10]

A 32 isn't a bad score. It should get you past most initial screens. Most use numbers to weed out the people who have an ice cube's chance in hell of getting in and as long as you're decent you will get the secondary and they'll check out what you have to say.
If you're not a ridiculously omg amazing applicant all around, then you may have a hard time getting into "the best of the best, sir...with honors" type schools, no matter how much you THINK you're a great fit for hopkins or where ever. But if you have competitive numbers (you do) you'll have a shot at good schools. Those numbers aren't going to open every door for you and get you auto interviews but they aren't going to be a red flag either.

 

[dd128]

A 32 isn't a bad score.

Ugh, give me a break. 32 is a good score. The guy will get through just about any screening as long as his PS and extracurrics are with it.

Don't fall into the SDN stigma!

I know you decided not to take it again, make sure you stay with that! Most people drop on 2nd attempts.

 

[NickNaylor]

Never forget, SDN =/= the average applicant for the most part it seems.

 

[7starmantis]

If you're not a ridiculously omg amazing applicant all around, then you may have a hard time getting into "the best of the best, sir...with honors" type schools, no matter how much you THINK you're a great fit for hopkins or where ever. But if you have competitive numbers (you do) you'll have a shot at good schools. Those numbers aren't going to open every door for you and get you auto interviews but they aren't going to be a red flag either.

👍 I say that all the time and few ever get it.

Bottom line is you have a decent MCAT and a decision not to take it again. To turn that into an acceptance means your going to have to go to the schools that admit students like you....that might not be Hopkins. That doesn't mean being disadvantaged after med school, you can (contrary to SDN belief) be a very successful and great physician having not attended a top 10 med school.

 

[Gifted Hands]

apply smartly (good number in your range, a few reach) and you should be fine. The screen is all about mcat, gpa, and personal statement.

 

[kgrotic]

Hey All,

I appreciate the comments. I will be applying smartly, and I would love to go to all of the schools on my list. It sounds like you all have a lot of faith in the admissions process' ability to act like a Sorting Hat, so I'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks!

 

[Alwaysbehopeful]

Hey All,

I appreciate the comments. I will be applying smartly, and I would love to go to all of the schools on my list. It sounds like you all have a lot of faith in the admissions process' ability to act like a Sorting Hat, so I'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks!

Lol it is like the Sorting Hat! Except sometimes it tells you sorry, nothing for you 🙁

 

[CapnCrunch]

Lol it is like the Sorting Hat! Except sometimes it tells you sorry, nothing for you 🙁

How tragic...

Harry Potter eagerly awaits his turn... The time finally comes and he puts the Sorting Hat on... "Hmmmm. You would do well in Slytherin. Hmmmm... Maybe Hufflepuff? Hmmmm..." Harry become even more nervous and then the Sorting Hat spouted it's decision with, "NONE! You do not have the adequate MCAT or cGPA/sciGPA. Reapply next year!"

With this, Harry became extremely distraught and sought admission to one of the dozens of Caribbean wizard schools.