Publications?

[sup3rnova]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

So, does having a strong application overall, more so in research, make up for a mediocre MCAT score?

I have 8 publications, 2 first authors (in high impact journals, IF 5+), however a 26 MCAT score. I understand the two are different measures of different things, but do they balance each other out?

Thanks!!!

 

[gyngyn]

So, does having a strong application overall, more so in research, make up for a mediocre MCAT score?

I have 8 publications, 2 first authors (in high impact journals, IF 5+), however a 26 MCAT score. I understand the two are different measures of different things, but do they balance each other out?

Thanks!!!

Not below a certain point. Stats are the basis of screening to move to the level where other scholarship will have an effect.

 

[sup3rnova]

I applied to schools where my MCAT score falls within is near the 10th percentile, just curious whether or not to spend the money and complete the secondaries and proceed with this score.

 

[Lamel]

Maybe. But the schools that value publications most (research powerhouses) have 10th percentile MCATs at 30+, so I don't know.

 

[gyngyn]

Maybe. But the schools that value publications most (research powerhouses) have 10th percentile MCATs at 30+, so I don't know.

You have hit upon OP's problem. Research in MD programs is most valued at places where his stats will not pass screening.

 

[ridethecliche]

Yeah, those schools have median MCAT scores that are 35+.

You can't wow the committee and interviewers with your research if you can't even convince them to invite you to interview.

What was your GPA and why did you do so poorly on the MCAT?

 

[sup3rnova]

My cGPA is a 3.96 and my sGPA is a 3.99; I would like to think my application has some other strong points, too.

It is hard to diagnosis why I did poorly on the MCAT, I am planning on retaking soon. Just hoping I don't score similarly and wondering I still have a shot at getting into medical school with where things stand now.

 

[gyngyn]

I am planning on retaking soon. Just hoping I don't score similarly and wondering I still have a shot at getting into medical school with where things stand now.

I strongly advise not to take the MCAT until you are scoring at or above your target. A pattern of under-performance is far more damning than a single low score.

 

[mimelim]

My cGPA is a 3.96 and my sGPA is a 3.99; I would like to think my application has some other strong points, too.

It is hard to diagnosis why I did poorly on the MCAT, I am planning on retaking soon. Just hoping I don't score similarly and wondering I still have a shot at getting into medical school with where things stand now.

If this application came across my desk (if it made it that far), huge warning bells would be going off.

You have to understand the purpose of the things that adcoms care about. It isn't an arbitrary process or a magic formula that people use.

MCAT/GPA: Medical school is hard. Residency is hard. Practicing medicine is hard. Your GPA/MCAT are the best metrics to figure out if you can handle the academic workload to get from MS1 to practicing physician. 3.9+/26 is extremely asymmetric.

 

[Catalystik]

So, does having a strong application overall, more so in research, make up for a mediocre MCAT score?

I have 8 publications, 2 first authors (in high impact journals, IF 5+), however a 26 MCAT score. I understand the two are different measures of different things, but do they balance each other out?

Some public allopathic state schools (like those in my state) will accept candidates with lower MCAT scores if everything else is terrific (GPA, ECS, LORs), so it is possible for a mediocre MCAT score to be trumped by other factors. Hopefully, you're not from, say, California, where this far less likely to be true, or a state without public med schools. Regardless, retaking the MCAT and scoring very well is still your best course of action.

 

[GypsyHummus]

Some public allopathic state schools (like those in my state) will accept candidates with lower MCAT scores if everything else is terrific (GPA, ECS, LORs), so it is possible for a mediocre MCAT score to be trumped by other factors. Hopefully, you're not from, say, California, where this far less likely to be true, or a state without public med schools. Regardless, retaking the MCAT and scoring very well is still your best course of action.

How far would you say ADCOM members would give slack to state students? Where many times anything less than a 3.6 and less than a 30MCAT means rejection, could people get into medical school with 3.4 and 28 MCAT?

I know there are lots of n=1 stories out there, but coming from this state school perspective, how much leeway are ADCOMs at state schools willing to give to non URM applicants of the state?

 

[Catalystik]

how much leeway are ADCOMs at state schools willing to give to non URM applicants of the state?

I can only speak for my own state though I've heard of it happening elsewhere. I can witness to non-URMs with MCATs of 25 getting acceptances, but they had near-4.0 GPAs from competitive schools (not Ivies) and substantial, comprehensive ECs. I remember one 24 getting in, but she had a PhD in a hard science. As to lower GPAs: due to availability of multiple GPA boosting programs (SMP or Biomedical Masters) within the state, but acceptances being reported out by uGPA, I can't give you reliable information.

 

[GypsyHummus]

I can only speak for my own state though I've heard of it happening elsewhere. I can witness to non-URMs with MCATs of 25 getting acceptances, but they had near-4.0 GPAs from competitive schools (not Ivies) and substantial, comprehensive ECs. I remember one 24 getting in, but she had a PhD in a hard science. As to lower GPAs: due to availability of multiple GPA boosting programs (SMP or Biomedical Masters) within the state, but acceptances being reported out by uGPA, I can't give you reliable information.

Thank you for the response.

Do PhDs in other fields, such as econ or sociology help out an applicant?

I know many factors play into this, such as MCAT and ECs, but where would you say the breaking point is for someone in undergrad s/cGPA where you would advise someone to take an SMP or go ahead and apply for a state MD school that the applicant is a resident of, generally speaking. Anything below 3.4, do SMP? I would assume state leniency only goes so far.

 

[Catalystik]

GypsyHummus, Why not repost this in your WAMC thread so as to not further distract from the OP's concerns.