Realistic chances for admission

[pippip]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am passionate about pursuing an MD/PhD degree, but am unsure if admissions committees will give me a chance to do so. I graduated from the University of Texas in Austin last December, and am currently coordinating clinical trials at Columbia University. I think I have what it takes to get in, but I am very worried about my MCAT verbal score. The science MCAT scores were fine, but the verbal was very low (6). I know I can think critically, reason and comprehend (as evidenced by my GPA and research experience). My score is not a good indicator of my ability, so how do I let adcoms know this? I have done a lot of research on admissions statistics, and I don't know if I even have a chance of getting in with my score. So many schools don't even give you a chance if you have a low MCAT, which really frustrates me. I would like to know how to increase my chances of getting a secondary, because I know my recommendation letters from my research advisors will pull me through. I know I can do this and I am not giving up. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.

 

[Neuronix]

Why was your verbal so low? Is English your first language? If not, you have a valid excuse and you can try to explain it away that way. Of course, English fluency will help at interviews. If English is your first language, that score seems very strange. What I'd like to know is what your total score is. If it's 6-12-12, you have a decent shot. If it's 6-10-10, you're screwed. Let me know, and I will try to come up with better advice for you.

Nevertheless, just because you didn't do so hot on the MCAT the first time doesn't mean you can't retake and do better. I was talking to a Penn MD/PhD the other day who took the MCAT three times before getting a good score. I wonder if your verbal score was due to a lack of preparation or was a fluke and will be corrected if you retake.

Remember, the problem is not really with the admissions committees. The problem lies in there being only around a dozen spots at any given school and there being 10 - 40x that number of applicants. They have to cut people somehow.

 

[pippip]

Unfortunately, english is my first language, so I really have no excuse for perfoming so badly. I think it was a fluke; I did a lot better on all my practice tests, but I just flopped on the real one. My other scores were PS10 and BS12. I was hesitant to take the MCAT again because I didn't know if I could do much better on the verbal, and I wasn't sure I could repeat or beat my BS score. But looking back, I probably should have tried. Do you think I should save my time, effort and money and apply next year?

 

[Neuronix]

It's up to you what you want to do. You have a 28. It's not unheard of for someone with a 28 to get into a MD/PhD, but it's not very common. If you want to invest your time and money and risk it, I'd say go ahead and give it a shot. You're going to get rejected without an interview at most places, but some might look over a low MCAT score for a strong research background. So, you may get a few interviews, but of course it's very difficult to predict where since you're well under the average at any MSTP. If you want some hints, IM me sometime (AIM: Neuronix2). By next April you should have a pretty good idea of where you stand, so you could sign up for the April MCAT 2004 and pull out if you get accepted. If you're going to apply for 2004 matriculation, DO IT NOW! For you to apply late would sink you, and it's already getting into the application season.

Otherwise, retake the MCAT. Practice, practice, practice! Making a verbal strategy and practicing that strategy is key for performance on the VR section. For some, that part comes naturally. For others, including myself, it does not.

Good luck!

 

[saco]

I was able to get in with an 8 verbal, 32 total. But english is my second language so I had a reasonable excuse. (actually I don't believe in this type of excuse, but maybe the schools do). With your 6 you might have trouble getting your foot in the door (getting interviews) at most places. I don't know if you are interested in going simply to any Md/PhD, or to a reasonable school with a good program. I think it would be reasonable to retake and improve since the rest of your application is very good. If you decide to retake, make a valid effort to improve on all the sections, not just verbal. If you improve the verbal, and by some "fluke" drop one of your sciences below 10, then you end up in trouble again.

 

[psyuk]

unless you're dyslexic, your verbal shouldn't be that low. plus the verbal is the best indicator of how well you are going to do in med school. you have no idea how much you have to read, comprehend and memorize in such a short period of time. i would retake the mcat and try to get at least an 8.

 

[chief wiggum]

Did you score at a similar level on practice tests? Just wondering why you don't think you could do better.

You can take a free test on the AAMC website. Just take the verbal and see if you score on the same level.

Did you have problems with running out of time?

 

[pippip]

I did score a bit higher (an 8) on the practice tests. I also did really well on the passages I practiced at home. My problem was that I ran out of time, even though I practiced with a timer. I am capable of reading a lot and comprehending what I read, but I don't know how to prove that to the adcoms. I've already taken a year off, so I don't really want to wait another year to re-take the MCAT. I think I am going to take my chances and apply this year. I'll just have to work extra hard to get interviews. Thanks for all your help everyone!

 

[calebho501]

Originally posted by psyuk
unless you're dyslexic, your verbal shouldn't be that low. plus the verbal is the best indicator of how well you are going to do in med school. you have no idea how much you have to read, comprehend and memorize in such a short period of time. i would retake the mcat and try to get at least an 8.

Just to add to the discussion, English is my second language and I got an 8 in MCAT verbal last summer. I did fine in my English classes at UCLA (A- for 3 quarters), but sometimes it's the time component in the MCAT that hurts me (Even many native speakers can barely finish the verbal section within the time limit)

If a person has problem reading, it'll also show in the PS and BS sections, because these sections involve some reading as well. I've heard of strong science people who got low MCAT science scores b/c of lack of good reading abilities.

Finally, to the original poster, give yourself a chance and retake the test! The BS 12 may drop, but I don't think it'll drop below 10. The PS 10, however, may become a 11 or 12, and of course, hopefully the verbal will raise to an 8 or above.

 

[wgu]

It may be worthwhile to retake the MCAT after raising your score more on practice tests. If time is a major barrier then the new MCAT format with 60 questions, as opposed to 65 before, would work in your favor. There are also md/phds which don't average your score but rather take your highest score (Umich is one).