Please help, extremely nervous!

[yake63]

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I just got my MCAT score back today and I received a 20Q (6 verbal, 6 physics, 8 bio). This was my second time taking the MCAT and the first time I got a 20M (8 verbal, 7 physics, 5 bio). Needless to say I was extremely upset. I studied even harder the second time and I am extremely frustrated. MCAT aside, I had a 3.43 science GPA and a 3.34 overall GPA in my undergrad institution. I am about to finish a post-bac at the university of penn, and currently have a 3.17 GPA in all higher level science courses (histology, adv. cells/biochem, etc.) and in my remaining two classes I expect an A and a B+. I have decent EC's/volunteer experience working with the homeless and in the emergency room to name a few, and about 100 hours of shadowing between prison psychiatrist, trauma surgeon, and a breast cancer surgeon. I was hoping to apply for both MD/DO programs, but I feel as if my MCAT score has basically eliminated me from getting past initial screenings for MD. I really enjoy the holistic approach of DO schools and was equally open to osteopathic as I was allopathic at the start of applying.

I am really at a loss for options right now. I don't know whether to apply to only a few MD schools, one of which is new (Rowan University in NJ), with lower average MCAT scores? Do I even have a shot at DO schools as well? I want to know whether applying now will hurt me if I decide to go ahead with these applications, or if I need to take a step back, retake the MCATs next year, and apply next summer. I really don't know what to do and any help is much appreciated, thank you so much.

 

[Catalystik]

I just got my MCAT score back today and I received a 20Q (6 verbal, 6 physics, 8 bio). This was my second time taking the MCAT and the first time I got a 20M (8 verbal, 7 physics, 5 bio). Needless to say I was extremely upset. I studied even harder the second time and I am extremely frustrated. MCAT aside, I had a 3.43 science GPA and a 3.34 overall GPA in my undergrad institution. I am about to finish a post-bac at the university of penn, and currently have a 3.17 GPA in all higher level science courses (histology, adv. cells/biochem, etc.) and in my remaining two classes I expect an A and a B+. I have decent EC's/volunteer experience working with the homeless and in the emergency room to name a few, and about 100 hours of shadowing between prison psychiatrist, trauma surgeon, and a breast cancer surgeon. I was hoping to apply for both MD/DO programs, but I feel as if my MCAT score has basically eliminated me from getting past initial screenings for MD. I really enjoy the holistic approach of DO schools and was equally open to osteopathic as I was allopathic at the start of applying.

I am really at a loss for options right now. I don't know whether to apply to only a few MD schools, one of which is new (Rowan University in NJ), with lower average MCAT scores? Do I even have a shot at DO schools as well? I want to know whether applying now will hurt me if I decide to go ahead with these applications, or if I need to take a step back, retake the MCATs next year, and apply next summer. I really don't know what to do and any help is much appreciated, thank you so much.

I suggest you avoid the MD application process. DO may not be hopeless, if your sights aren't set on a certain school. An MCAT of 20 is too low for DO schools, but if you can find one that is less-selective and will consider your best set of subscores, which gives you a 23, you might have a shot. I'm not saying it's a great shot, but it's a chance, as I've heard an occasional report of someone with a 22 getting in somewhere. So do some research, call some schools, maybe Search or post in PreMedOsteo looking for those schools that consider "underdogs."

If you want your best chance at an MD school, or a more selective DO school, then plan to retake the MCAT. Read this:
Noshie’s Hope for those trying to get past an MCAT score in the teens or low 20's:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=774396

 

[gmcguitar4]

You are doing something wrong with your studying. How did you study for the first and second test?

Here is the thing. The GPA you graduated with was just fine for DO schools. Your post-bac work is what worries me. You did sub-par in my opinion and it will definitely be looked down upon by an adcom. It is crucial to pull straight A's during them even with tough science courses.

Do not apply to any school as it will be a complete waste of money at this point for both DO and MD. Talk to other people who scored 30+ on the test and ask how they studied for the test and pull at least a 27 the next time you take it.

As of now, you are showing adcoms that you really won't be able to handle med school.

 

[coolingglasses]

If you're going to hang on to that MCAT, don't apply MD... maybe even DO. I have to agree that your PB GPA will not reflect well either, though your MCAT will stick out much more.

I don't know what your plans are for the coming cycle and the year after, but you might consider steering the boat down another career path. Perhaps podiatry? I don't say that to be condescending, that's something I'm currently investigating as well.

And that's not to say you're out of the running for med school, if you can fix your MCAT (I'd guess you should get no lower than a 24, but obviously higher would be much better) things will look a lot better.

 

[yake63]

I have my heart set on medical school, and I think based on these posts I will take some time off, regroup, and then switch up my studying for the MCAT. I know I can do better, I just have to pinpoint what I did wrong. The first time I took the test I was taking a prep course while trying to squeeze the rest of my required sciences courses in at the same time. I really didn't get the most out of the class because reviewing was new material to me, and it was a review class instead of a teaching class, which is normal. The second time I used ExamKrackers and studied for 2 months before about 5-6 hours a day, was getting around 30's on my practice tests. I just feel like when I go in and sit for the MCAT everything I learned about timing etc. leaves me for some reason.

I really appreciate these relies from all of you. After I finish up my last two classes, I will apply for a job this year and start studying for the MCATs well in advance. I really need to shoot for the stars on it the next time. Thank you for you help, I really do greatly appreciate.

 

[coolingglasses]

The first time I took the test I was taking a prep course while trying to squeeze the rest of my required sciences courses in at the same time. I really didn't get the most out of the class because reviewing was new material to me, and it was a review class instead of a teaching class, which is normal.

I did that too (Kaplan)... that's only for the hard-minded. I think smashing the PS/Orgo review books in the weeks between graduation and test day saved me.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

If you're going to hang on to that MCAT, don't apply MD... maybe even DO. I have to agree that your PB GPA will not reflect well either, though your MCAT will stick out much more.

I don't know what your plans are for the coming cycle and the year after, but you might consider steering the boat down another career path. Perhaps podiatry? I don't say that to be condescending, that's something I'm currently investigating as well.

And that's not to say you're out of the running for med school, if you can fix your MCAT (I'd guess you should get no lower than a 24, but obviously higher would be much better) things will look a lot better.

I wanna say the same thing to OP as well but he/she can try to take the mcat one more time. If OP cant get 24+ in his/her last attempt at the mcat. Podiatry, PA and pharmacy might be good alternative because I will advise someone to go to the caribbean.