Really Bad Mcat First Time

[gyngyn]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 120
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 118
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 120
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 119

Those were your FL's?

 

[Goro]

I will gladly take any advice. I just shot myself in the foot and am trying to figure something out. Any input is appreciated.

It really is time for Plan B

 

[BombsAway]

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 120
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 118
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 120
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 119

As a case study, would you be willing to apply to SGU with this MCAT and report back to us?

 

[new_dood_don't_be_rude]

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 120
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 118
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 120
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 119

Studying will easily bring up the the psych and science sections, but it's kind of bad that your CARS was that low, as that section really does not require any studying and it's kind of hard to improve

 

[bears1992]

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 120
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 118
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 120
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 119

My guess is your CARS is below the cutoff for most schools.

 

[Lawpy]

It really is time for Plan B

As a case study, would you be willing to apply to SGU with this MCAT and report back to us?

Studying will easily bring up the the psych and science sections, but it's kind of bad that your CARS was that low, as that section really does not require any studying and it's kind of hard to improve

This is what OP said:

So I took the mcat my first time around and I got like a 472. I had the flu on the day of the exam and took the exam just for the hell of it. I guessed for most questions and I decided to score it.

Anyways. I plan on retaking it but was wondering if it would hurt my application.

Getting a 477 is no surprise if you're just going to click randomly and score the exam. Totally bad judgement though but that doesn't mean OP can't break 510+ with serious prep. Although if schools blindly average all scores, OP is sunk since a 528 won't save him (average = roughly 503).

 

[gyngyn]

Getting a 477 is no surprise if you're just going to click randomly and score the exam. Totally bad judgement though but that doesn't mean OP can't break 510+ with serious prep. Although if schools blindly average all scores, OP is sunk since a 528 won't save him (average = roughly 503).

His second score, with no flu, a previous experience with the test and all the time needed to study raised OP from the 0 to 1st percentile. Even with a 528, the average is 492!

 

[Lawpy]

His second score, with no flu, a previous experience with the test and all the time needed to study raised OP from the 0 to 1st percentile. Even with a 528, the average is 492!

I thought 477 was OP's first and only score so far?

I am not a troll! Lol
The thing is. I didn't get a 472 yet. I took the mcat and the scores haven't come out yet. Is there any way I can have them voided still? I assumed not and hence the original post.

I scored a 477 on the mcat. I am taking it again on the 9th of september. I know I will do much better. Looking to score a 510. Fingers crossed some schools will look at me. I'm a South Carolina resident as of now.

I didn't see what OP's second score was

 

[BombsAway]

I thought 477 was OP's first and only score so far?
I didn't see what OP's second score was

If i'm following correctly, OP posted that he/she probably got a 472, then later reported getting the score back as a 477 (an impressive prediction). So I only count one score.

OP, please consider my case study request. Apply to SGU or Ross with the 477 just to see what they say.

 

[mwsapphire]

His second score, with no flu, a previous experience with the test and all the time needed to study raised OP from the 0 to 1st percentile. Even with a 528, the average is 492!

When OP said "like a 472" , it was the first and only time they took the exam and it was with the flu. They just got the score back and it was a 477, so they guessed closely but it was one score of a 477, just one take.
I know they talked like they already had the score I was initially confused, too.

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Blexxer]

EODguy I will give those a shot but I have already registered for the MCAT on 9/9. So I will be reposting here in October with my new score.

Some people on this post are saying that its hopeless because even with a perfect second score, my average comes out well.. average.

There is another post I found that states each medical school's policy on MCAT retakes.
This is the link: Multiple MCAT Score Policy School List

Almost half of the medical schools listed take either the most recent or the highest score.
Since AAMC sends all scores regardless (which is what I did not know) what I am curious to know is if the admissions will look at the horrendous first score and note it regardless of policy.
I don't know if anyone here has worked with or is part of an admissions committee but if you do I would appreciate some input.

 

[candbgirl]

Several people are ADCOMS. Including @gyngyn and @Goro. As to your question of whether reviewers will note your 477 I don't know but I bet they tell others about it. Your decision to take and score will be questioned by some ADCOM members. It's just kind of human nature to file that score in your head. I mean a 477!!! Coupled with a low GPA @Goro might be right.
I wonder if anyone with a 477 has ever applied to Med school.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

 

[Goro]

EODguy I will give those a shot but I have already registered for the MCAT on 9/9. So I will be reposting here in October with my new score.

Some people on this post are saying that its hopeless because even with a perfect second score, my average comes out well.. average.

There is another post I found that states each medical school's policy on MCAT retakes.
This is the link: Multiple MCAT Score Policy School List

Almost half of the medical schools listed take either the most recent or the highest score.
Since AAMC sends all scores regardless (which is what I did not know) what I am curious to know is if the admissions will look at the horrendous first score and note it regardless of policy.
I don't know if anyone here has worked with or is part of an admissions committee but if you do I would appreciate some input.

Blexxer, can you please clarify...have you taken the MCAT 1x or 2x? My impression was the latter. If the former, then you are still alive!

 

[Goro]

Several people are ADCOMS. Including @gyngyn and @Goro. As to your question of whether reviewers will note your 477 I don't know but I bet they tell others about it. Your decision to take and score will be questioned by some ADCOM members. It's just kind of human nature to file that score in your head. I mean a 477!!! Coupled with a low GPA @Goro might be right.
I wonder if anyone with a 477 has ever applied to Med school.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

The wise @gyngyn has reported that he had an applicant with an MCAT score (the old exam) in the single digits! No, not one category,...for the entire exam. This was a person with an organic neurological deficit.

 

[gyngyn]

I thought 477 was OP's first and only score so far?





I didn't see what OP's second score was

You may be right. For OP's sake, I hope you are.

 

[candbgirl]

Wow! Thanks! And I think OP has only taken the MCAT once.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

 

[Blexxer]

I repeat. I have only taken it once!

 

[gyngyn]

I repeat. I have only taken it once!

Excellent. Don't take it again until your AAMC FL indicates that you are likely to get a score consistent with success.

 

[Lawpy]

EODguy I will give those a shot but I have already registered for the MCAT on 9/9. So I will be reposting here in October with my new score.

Some people on this post are saying that its hopeless because even with a perfect second score, my average comes out well.. average.

There is another post I found that states each medical school's policy on MCAT retakes.
This is the link: Multiple MCAT Score Policy School List

Almost half of the medical schools listed take either the most recent or the highest score.
Since AAMC sends all scores regardless (which is what I did not know) what I am curious to know is if the admissions will look at the horrendous first score and note it regardless of policy.
I don't know if anyone here has worked with or is part of an admissions committee but if you do I would appreciate some input.

What schools say regarding retakes and what they actually do may be significantly different. No one knows how each evaluator at a school views multiple scores, and studies that AAMC has referenced repeatedly show averaging is the best predictor of long-term academic success in medicine.

A 477 --> 510 is a 33-point improvement. That is a very significant accomplishment but I have no idea how schools would view them.

 

[Blexxer]

I was looking through some of the accounts that we posting on my thread and some of you are faculty members! so I value what you say very much and appreciate your input.
I am going to be locked up these next two months studying day and night.

Wish me luck.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

So I took the mcat my first time around and I got like a 472. I had the flu on the day of the exam and took the exam just for the hell of it. I guessed for most questions and I decided to score it.

Anyways. I plan on retaking it but was wondering if it would hurt my application.

OP one of the biggest issues is a less than desirable MCAT score. If you retake and excel (say 512+) maybe some low-tier MD schools will forgive you. This is assuming you have an incredible GPA and otherwise spotless application. The issue isn't you or the score; its the system. In a time when medical schools literally get 1000s of applications from all top quality applicants, students such as yourself as passed up on.

Study and retake for a 512+, maintain a 4.0 GPA and you should be able to hopefully fix this situation.

Also - if you get the flu on your mcat RETAKE, don't take it that day dude. Just chill and take it at a later date. I'd rather take a late MCAT and miss an application cycle, then get a non-desirable score and apply "early" cause that won't get the student accepted anywhere. DO schools want a 503-509ish score, so they aren't going to give you the time of the day either mate! Sorry op.

 

[mwsapphire]

OP one of the biggest issues is a less than desirable MCAT score. If you retake and excel (say 512+) maybe some low-tier MD schools will forgive you. This is assuming you have an incredible GPA and otherwise spotless application. The issue isn't you or the score; its the system. In a time when medical schools literally get 1000s of applications from all top quality applicants, students such as yourself as passed up on.

Study and retake for a 512+, maintain a 4.0 GPA and you should be able to hopefully fix this situation.

Also - if you get the flu on your mcat RETAKE, don't take it that day dude. Just chill and take it at a later date. I'd rather take a late MCAT and miss an application cycle, then get a non-desirable score and apply "early" cause that won't get the student accepted anywhere. DO schools want a 503-509ish score, so they aren't going to give you the time of the day either mate! Sorry op.

His GPA is also on the weaker side, but he's from JHU, so he may still be okay in that department.

 

[BombsAway]

Alright fellow pre-meds. Maybe don't preach with such grandiosity when your only qualification was failing to get accepted last cycle, or just repeating what you see other people post.

OP didn't know the rules to the game. Now s/he does, and they can handle it from here.

 

[Dr.Cut.em.up]

Troll, it would be literally almost impossible to just guess and get the minimum score. You would at least get a few right. Come on guys, this is fake news

(Just saw the was exaggerated)

 

[Dr. Stalker]

His GPA is also on the weaker side, but he's from JHU, so he may still be okay in that department.

I'm not sure if the name can remediate the MCAT situation for OP. JHU will certainly win points, but I know, off hand, at least 3 HYP students with low 500s and significantly higher GPAs that couldn't get by :/

 

[Neuro244]

Hey, guys so I would love to get some feedback/opinions as I'm feeling pretty low right now. I finally took my MCAT exam 2 days ago after postponing it 4 times due to not being ready. I felt much more prepared although I knew I didn't know everything going in. I was studying pretty much for over 8 months and took 10 practice exams and got burnt out quite a while ago. I pushed through my low exam scores (all below 500) and changed the way I studied and everything. My AAMC FL 1 was a 490, FL 2 was a 494, and FL 3 was a 497. Having said that, however, FL's 2 and 3 were not under timed conditions as my tutor wanted me to improve on my method without the pressure to see how I do versus force myself to move fast while sacrificing accuracy. I had many tutors as well and wanted to finally take the test. I ended up getting there and wasn't able to think the way I normally thought during an exam (nerves, brain fog, a bit tired half way through-didn't have enough coffee). I ended up running out of time and had to Blind Guess on the last 15 questions for the C/P section. I then told myself its okay I'll make sure to finish every single question on the next sections, but the same thing happened on CARS and B/B. I ended up blind guessing on a total of about 45 ?'s and the questions that I did look at with enough time I felt shaky on them. By the time I got to Psych, I kind of gave up and stopped caring as much. I ended up deciding to have it scored as I postponed so many times so I WOULDN'T HAVE TO VOID and didn't want to take an MCAT beyond July as I have already submitted my primary application. I decided to have it scored so I could be done and still be on a good timeline but looks like I may have to most likely retake it and wanted some good feedback (no negative comments, trolling, or r.e.t.a.r.d.e.d responses please).

I honestly I think I probably scored like a 490 or lower so I've been pretty depressed considering I spent literally over 1100 hours studying for this test for a solid 8-9 months of my life. What would you guys recommend doing at this point? Latest I can retake it this year would be September but the closest is in Vegas and I'm in California, which mean's I would have to go all the way out there for the closest site. At this point, my application is going to be verified in a few days and I've only added one school for verification purposes. I'm willing to take it in September, but I don't want to wait another year as I've already put off applying for the past 2 years. My cGPA based on my calculation is a 3.78 (maintained over 10 years), and a science GPA of 3.74-3.76. Solid letters of rec, lots of volunteer work at 2 different hospitals, a hospice, homeless shelter. 35 hours of shadowing physicians. 9 months of undergraduate research with a poster presentation. The only thing I'm doubting is my MCAT score, other than that I'm not worried. I'm looking for MD only and no Caribbean schools and debating what to do at this point. Should I start working on secondaries regardless of what happens, or what? I haven't added any other schools to my application and am hesitant at this point since I know I scored very low. Thank you guys in advance.

 

[Cranjis McBasketball]

Hey, guys so I would love to get some feedback/opinions as I'm feeling pretty low right now. I finally took my MCAT exam 2 days ago after postponing it 4 times due to not being ready. I felt much more prepared although I knew I didn't know everything going in. I was studying pretty much for over 8 months and took 10 practice exams and got burnt out quite a while ago. I pushed through my low exam scores (all below 500) and changed the way I studied and everything. My AAMC FL 1 was a 490, FL 2 was a 494, and FL 3 was a 497. Having said that, however, FL's 2 and 3 were not under timed conditions as my tutor wanted me to improve on my method without the pressure to see how I do versus force myself to move fast while sacrificing accuracy. I had many tutors as well and wanted to finally take the test. I ended up getting there and wasn't able to think the way I normally thought during an exam (nerves, brain fog, a bit tired half way through-didn't have enough coffee). I ended up running out of time and had to Blind Guess on the last 15 questions for the C/P section. I then told myself its okay I'll make sure to finish every single question on the next sections, but the same thing happened on CARS and B/B. I ended up blind guessing on a total of about 45 ?'s and the questions that I did look at with enough time I felt shaky on them. By the time I got to Psych, I kind of gave up and stopped caring as much. I ended up deciding to have it scored as I postponed so many times so I WOULDN'T HAVE TO VOID and didn't want to take an MCAT beyond July as I have already submitted my primary application. I decided to have it scored so I could be done and still be on a good timeline but looks like I may have to most likely retake it and wanted some good feedback (no negative comments, trolling, or r.e.t.a.r.d.e.d responses please).

I honestly I think I probably scored like a 490 or lower so I've been pretty depressed considering I spent literally over 1100 hours studying for this test for a solid 8-9 months of my life. What would you guys recommend doing at this point? Latest I can retake it this year would be September but the closest is in Vegas and I'm in California, which mean's I would have to go all the way out there for the closest site. At this point, my application is going to be verified in a few days and I've only added one school for verification purposes. I'm willing to take it in September, but I don't want to wait another year as I've already put off applying for the past 2 years. My cGPA based on my calculation is a 3.78 (maintained over 10 years), and a science GPA of 3.74-3.76. Solid letters of rec, lots of volunteer work at 2 different hospitals, a hospice, homeless shelter. 35 hours of shadowing physicians. 9 months of undergraduate research with a poster presentation. The only thing I'm doubting is my MCAT score, other than that I'm not worried. I'm looking for MD only and no Caribbean schools and debating what to do at this point. Should I start working on secondaries regardless of what happens, or what? I haven't added any other schools to my application and am hesitant at this point since I know I scored very low. Thank you guys in advance.

Why did you take it when your practice scores were all below 500, even while not being timed..?

 

[Neuro244]

Well, I didn't take it right after, so that's why I kept postponing the exam, because I wasn't ready. I took about 10 FL exams all under timed conditions, the only ones that weren't under timed conditions were AAMC FL 2 and FL 3. For all those exams the same thing happened where I could never finish on time and had to blind guess on roughly 45 ?'s or so. I got to the point where I saw improvement from exam to exam (last 2 were under non-timed conditions as my tutor wanted me to improve my technique for reading passages and answering questions without the pressure on) so I decided it was time because if I was to wait any longer, then my application would be severely delayed and it would lower my chances of admission. Getting your MCAT scores, later on, will delay your application by a lot, which is also why I postponed so many times because I wasn't ready. In retrospect, I should've taken the exam in May, most likely voided in order to get the experience as well as get rid of the nerves. That way I could've retaken it in July and felt better. However, I didn't think of it that way in the past. After studying for so long and postponing so many times you get tired of it and you get burnt out. I had to pick myself back up after constantly getting below 500 on my exams which was the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life.

Anyways, at this point, I'm thinking of retaking in September but I don't know how I can time manage that while writing all of my 2ndary applications. I'm confused a bit at this point. There's no way I'm going to wait another year so it seems like my only options are let's say if I got a 500 by some miracle, then I might just be able to get into an MD program somewhere considering the rest of my application is robust. Having said that, I don't know whether I should start studying though as to retake it, and again how can I manage that while having to write 20 secondary essays. I'm very overwhelmed right now and would like some solid advice from people who are well experienced with these kinds of issues/scenarios. Thanks

 

[efle]

Well, I didn't take it right after, so that's why I kept postponing the exam, because I wasn't ready. I took about 10 FL exams all under timed conditions, the only ones that weren't under timed conditions were AAMC FL 2 and FL 3. For all those exams the same thing happened where I could never finish on time and had to blind guess on roughly 45 ?'s or so. I got to the point where I saw improvement from exam to exam (last 2 were under non-timed conditions as my tutor wanted me to improve my technique for reading passages and answering questions without the pressure on) so I decided it was time because if I was to wait any longer, then my application would be severely delayed and it would lower my chances of admission. Getting your MCAT scores, later on, will delay your application by a lot, which is also why I postponed so many times because I wasn't ready. In retrospect, I should've taken the exam in May, most likely voided in order to get the experience as well as get rid of the nerves. That way I could've retaken it in July and felt better. However, I didn't think of it that way in the past. After studying for so long and postponing so many times you get tired of it and you get burnt out. I had to pick myself back up after constantly getting below 500 on my exams which was the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life.

Anyways, at this point, I'm thinking of retaking in September but I don't know how I can time manage that while writing all of my 2ndary applications. I'm confused a bit at this point. There's no way I'm going to wait another year so it seems like my only options are let's say if I got a 500 by some miracle, then I might just be able to get into an MD program somewhere considering the rest of my application is robust. Having said that, I don't know whether I should start studying though as to retake it, and again how can I manage that while having to write 20 secondary essays. I'm very overwhelmed right now and would like some solid advice from people who are well experienced with these kinds of issues/scenarios. Thanks

I apologize if this sounds harsh -

It is not possible that you hit 500 on the real thing, when you recently scored in the mid 490s with unlimited time on the AAMC full length practice exams. You likely scored 490 or lower, and any secondary you submit right now is as good as lighting cash on fire. Participating in this cycle is no longer an option for you. Use the next year to hit a 500 or as close to that as possible, apply to mostly DO programs in 2019, and begin considering what your plan B is (e.g. podiatry, CRNA, etc).

 

[candbgirl]

I was looking through some of the accounts that we posting on my thread and some of you are faculty members! so I value what you say very much and appreciate your input.
I am going to be locked up these next two months studying day and night.

Wish me luck.

So since this thread was bumped-OP what was your score on the September 2017 retake?

 

[gyngyn]

It appears that you are unlikely to have a score consistent with success.
A hurried re-take only compounds what is likely to be a bad situation.

 

[candbgirl]

Well, I didn't take it right after, so that's why I kept postponing the exam, because I wasn't ready. I took about 10 FL exams all under timed conditions, the only ones that weren't under timed conditions were AAMC FL 2 and FL 3. For all those exams the same thing happened where I could never finish on time and had to blind guess on roughly 45 ?'s or so. I got to the point where I saw improvement from exam to exam (last 2 were under non-timed conditions as my tutor wanted me to improve my technique for reading passages and answering questions without the pressure on) so I decided it was time because if I was to wait any longer, then my application would be severely delayed and it would lower my chances of admission. Getting your MCAT scores, later on, will delay your application by a lot, which is also why I postponed so many times because I wasn't ready. In retrospect, I should've taken the exam in May, most likely voided in order to get the experience as well as get rid of the nerves. That way I could've retaken it in July and felt better. However, I didn't think of it that way in the past. After studying for so long and postponing so many times you get tired of it and you get burnt out. I had to pick myself back up after constantly getting below 500 on my exams which was the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life.

Anyways, at this point, I'm thinking of retaking in September but I don't know how I can time manage that while writing all of my 2ndary applications. I'm confused a bit at this point. There's no way I'm going to wait another year so it seems like my only options are let's say if I got a 500 by some miracle, then I might just be able to get into an MD program somewhere considering the rest of my application is robust. Having said that, I don't know whether I should start studying though as to retake it, and again how can I manage that while having to write 20 secondary essays. I'm very overwhelmed right now and would like some solid advice from people who are well experienced with these kinds of issues/scenarios. Thanks

So what makes you think you’ll do any better on a retake in just a few weeks? If you are serious about changing this trajectory, do not retake in September. Go to your college and find the Academic Assistance Office or whatever Office helps students figure out what they are doing wrong in their study techniques. You obviously need help in this area. After you find better study methods you can start from
scratch and figure out how to study for the MCAT. All of that will take awhile don’t even think about retaking until next Spring at the earliest.

 

[deleted314957]

Yes, it will hurt. In my experience, the reasons you took the test are worse than the actual score. This is a high stakes, career deciding exam, and you took it while you were deathly ill, and took it" just for the hell of it"?????

I haven Adcom colleague who would reject you outright for making bad choices.

You're going to have to retake, but do NOT do this unless you are 100% ready.

And a note to other SDNers...if you're sick on exam day, don't take the exam. If you take it and get sick, void it.

Also be prepared to discuss what you did an why you did it in interviews.

Rejected outright for making bad choices?! I am considered a
hard nose but after 40 years as an MD I sure made some bad
choices. I’m sure I probably even killed some folks as a result.
I’d look at WHY the “bad choice” was made.

 

[Goro]

Rejected outright for making bad choices?! I am considered a
hard nose but after 40 years as an MD I sure made some bad
choices. I’m sure I probably even killed some folks as a result.
I’d look at WHY the “bad choice” was made.

We're the only thing between them and patients. Having had too many students fucj up by making bad choices , including fail out, we run from bad judgement.

 

[Walter Raleigh]

Two full-length AAMC practice tests. Taken under conditions that approximate Test Day. Score 510+ on both, and you can call yourself ready for the real thing. And you'll need a year of DIY postbacc in upper level science classes with 3.7+, preferably 3.8+. Good luck, you'll need it.

 

[Neuro244]

So what makes you think you’ll do any better on a retake in just a few weeks? If you are serious about changing this trajectory, do not retake in September. Go to your college and find the Academic Assistance Office or whatever Office helps students figure out what they are doing wrong in their study techniques. You obviously need help in this area. After you find better study methods you can start from
scratch and figure out how to study for the MCAT. All of that will take awhile don’t even think about retaking until next Spring at the earliest.

I get my score in 15 days so I'm waiting on that in the meantime. I don't think I'll retake in September, instead, I'm going to work on secondaries without actually submitting them. Regardless of whether I apply this year or next year, my plan is to pre-write these secondaries since they don't really change from year to year so I have them done nonetheless. However, I REALLY REALLY REALLY don't want to wait another year before applying as I've already put off applying for the past 2 years, so waiting isn't an option. Let's say that I scored anywhere between a 490-495, would someone please be able to help me devise a school list to apply to? I want to start working on secondaries for low tier schools starting today as I have to get back to the grind.

Moreover, I'm planning on applying to 20 schools, and am looking for MD only. If DO is something I have to apply for as well then that means I have to fill out a completely different application and that means it will take them forever to verify that as well which I don't want to wait on either. What would be some DO schools within that range as a backup? In addition, AMCAS verified my application over a week ago, and my Overall GPA is a 3.80, and my sGPA is a 3.76 (both maintained over a period of 10+ years).

Thanks in advance

 

[candbgirl]

No sense in anyone rec schools until you get the MCAT score back. Hopefully you will score 510+. I’m not aware of any MD that will consider a second MCAT of 490-495. I’m not sure if DO schools would either.

 

[Neuro244]

No sense in anyone rec schools until you get the MCAT score back. Hopefully you will score 510+. I’m not aware of any MD that will consider a second MCAT of 490-495. I’m not sure if DO schools would either.

I'm not saying a second MCAT of 490-495. I'm saying if I apply with that score as a first time MCAT taker. I'm 99% confident that I scored below a 500, and I want to start pre-writing secondaries now for the low-tier MD programs.

 

[candbgirl]

Sorry, I thought you were OP, but even so I don’t know of any MD school
who would consider you with a MCAT between 490-495. Hopefully you did much better, like 508-510+. Do you have the MSAR? If so search for average MCATS between 490-495. See what pops up. Maybe there is a school.


From Princeton Review
A "good" MCAT score is one that puts you near or above the average percentile for matriculants at your target medical schools. For comparison, the average MCAT score for students admitted to an MD program in the United States in 2017–2018 is between 510 and 511, with an average GPA of 3.71. (Source: AAMC ).

 

[efle]

There are no MD programs for which a 3.8/490-495 makes sense to apply to. Do not submit an AMCAS application this cycle.

 

[Neuro244]

There are no MD programs for which a 3.8/490-495 makes sense to apply to. Do not submit an AMCAS application this cycle.

I already got verified and everything, but only added one school for verification purposes, so no other schools have been added. Does anyone have access to the MSAR for DO applicants so I can see where I can apply for DO as a backup? I honestly don't want to pursue a DO, however. On the flipside, I think I should start writing secondaries for low-tier MD programs just in case by some miracle I scored above a 495. I don't want to wait until 8-23 to see my score and then start writing secondaries as it will be extremely late at that point. Any advice?

 

[efle]

I already got verified and everything, but only added one school for verification purposes, so no other schools have been added. Does anyone have access to the MSAR for DO applicants so I can see where I can apply for DO as a backup? I honestly don't want to pursue a DO, however. On the flipside, I think I should start writing secondaries for low-tier MD programs just in case by some miracle I scored above a 495. I don't want to wait until 8-23 to see my score and then start writing secondaries as it will be extremely late at that point. Any advice?

There's no MSAR equivalent for DO, unfortunately. You have to look up on each website.

Even with a 495-498 it wouldn't make sense to apply this cycle. The obstacle to focus on right now is preparing to score as high as possible on MCAT retake. You also absolutely need to make peace with DO being your likely target if you are certain you want to be a physician.

 

[premed4747]

I already got verified and everything, but only added one school for verification purposes, so no other schools have been added. Does anyone have access to the MSAR for DO applicants so I can see where I can apply for DO as a backup? I honestly don't want to pursue a DO, however. On the flipside, I think I should start writing secondaries for low-tier MD programs just in case by some miracle I scored above a 495. I don't want to wait until 8-23 to see my score and then start writing secondaries as it will be extremely late at that point. Any advice?

Since people aren’t giving it to you straight I will. With an MCAT around 490 or even 495, you are not getting into a single MD school. Don’t even waste your money applying I don’t care how hard you worked to get here or how badly you don’t want another gap year. It’s not gonna happen. Rushing this process will just waste your money. Next, you seem to think there are DO schools that could be your backups. Getting a DO acceptance with a 490ish MCAT also is not happening. DO schools are not your backup schools they are your dream schools right now. Stop rushing the process, study hard for your MCAT, do not retake it until you are scoring well on full lengths, and apply when you have a solid MCAT. Until then, don’t waste your time and money with continuing this application. Goodluck man.

 

[candbgirl]

You specifically said you have no interest in DO so don’t apply to any DO schools. It’s a waste of your time and money and a waste for the schools. Leave DO schools for those who want to be a doctor. Do let us know how you did when your score arrives. Keep hoping for the best.

 

[Neuro244]

So I ended up getting my MCAT score, and I bombed worse than I thought. I attribute it to many blind guesses. Had it not been for those, my score would've been 5-7 points higher. Anyways, I got a 488 which a monkey can do better than that. I studied for 8 1/2 months and the nerves and lack of endurance/timing got the better of me. I've been upset/down ever since I got my score. I have been looking at podiatry as a backup and started shadowing one, but I don't have an interest in it based on my experience. The podiatrist is one of the best, but the subject doesn't interest me.

At this point, my only option is to either go to the Caribbeans, possibly apply for DO, or wait another year. In regards to option 2 however, would I have a chance at any DO school with a score that low? I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY DON'T WANT TO WAIT ANOTHER YEAR TO RETAKE THE MCAT. That's like hell on earth all over again and I'm not putting myself through that again. I also don't want to go to the Caribbean's so I'm wondering if anybody has some solid advice (someone w/experience in particular-ideally). Are there any DO schools I can apply to with this score?

Score breakdown: 122/121/120/125. It's the lowest I've ever scored in the Bio section, I usually score 124 or higher on that section, the exam was freaking brutal to say the least.

I would really appreciate the feedback as I've been depressed ever since seeing my score. Thanks in advance.

 

[efle]

You could try to retake immediately and apply a little late to DOs after getting new score. Definitely can't apply with an MCAT in the 480s. Best option is unfortunately to retake when convenient/prepared in the next few months and then apply DO right away in summer 2019

 

[Fall_of_Dorian_Gray]

So I ended up getting my MCAT score, and I bombed worse than I thought. I attribute it to many blind guesses. Had it not been for those, my score would've been 5-7 points higher. Anyways, I got a 488 which a monkey can do better than that. I studied for 8 1/2 months and the nerves and lack of endurance/timing got the better of me. I've been upset/down ever since I got my score. I have been looking at podiatry as a backup and started shadowing one, but I don't have an interest in it based on my experience. The podiatrist is one of the best, but the subject doesn't interest me.

At this point, my only option is to either go to the Caribbeans, possibly apply for DO, or wait another year. In regards to option 2 however, would I have a chance at any DO school with a score that low? I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY DON'T WANT TO WAIT ANOTHER YEAR TO RETAKE THE MCAT. That's like hell on earth all over again and I'm not putting myself through that again. I also don't want to go to the Caribbean's so I'm wondering if anybody has some solid advice (someone w/experience in particular-ideally). Are there any DO schools I can apply to with this score?

Score breakdown: 122/121/120/125. It's the lowest I've ever scored in the Bio section, I usually score 124 or higher on that section, the exam was freaking brutal to say the least.

I would really appreciate the feedback as I've been depressed ever since seeing my score. Thanks in advance.

First off, let me say that I understand you don't want to wait another year. However, as I've told others on sdn. A year or two is a small price to pay when you think about a lifetime of medical practice. I think you said something about studying for 10 years? well... I commend your determination but how badly do you want to become a physician?

It's alarming that it seems you have a very sour view of DOs and makes me wonder if you're just chasing the prestige of an MD and don't really care about actually being a physician. (unless of course, you're trying to get into academia or going for a competitive residency).

I know those past years were long but if you can't handle your nerves and score well on something like the MCAT, how do you expect to do well on more difficult exams in medical school and ultimately the USMLE? I know it's agonizing, but it's actually a good thing that this is happening to you now instead of when you're in medical school and you can't pass the STEP 1(this happens sometimes too and has much more dire consequences).

The way I see it, you can try again in September but, seeing your practice scores, you are highly unlikely to be successful. Getting another bad MCAT will just dig you deeper into the hole you're in. Why not bite the bullet and consider a Plan B or suck it up and do another year? Many applicants would kill to have your GPA and application. I would hate to see it shot down because of poor decisions.

Sorry if it sounds cruel but just trying to lay it straight. Best of luck and hang in there.

 

[Neuro244]

First off, let me say that I understand you don't want to wait another year. However, as I've told others on sdn. A year or two is a small price to pay when you think about a lifetime of medical practice. I think you said something about studying for 10 years? well... I commend your determination but how badly do you want to become a physician?

It's alarming that it seems you have a very sour view of DOs and makes me wonder if you're just chasing the prestige of an MD and don't really care about actually being a physician. (unless of course, you're trying to get into academia or going for a competitive residency).

I know those past years were long but if you can't handle your nerves and score well on something like the MCAT, how do you expect to do well on more difficult exams in medical school and ultimately the USMLE? I know it's agonizing, but it's actually a good thing that this is happening to you now instead of when you're in medical school and you can't pass the STEP 1(this happens sometimes too and has much more dire consequences).

The way I see it, you can try again in September but, seeing your practice scores, you are highly unlikely to be successful. Getting another bad MCAT will just dig you deeper into the hole you're in. Why not bite the bullet and consider a Plan B or suck it up and do another year? Many applicants would kill to have your GPA and application. I would hate to see it shot down because of poor decisions.

Sorry if it sounds cruel but just trying to lay it straight. Best of luck and hang in there.

I don't have a sour view of DOs, I just don't like that path for a few reasons. 1. The older generation of people don't know what a DO is and think MD is a doctor, whereas, in reality, both are physicians. The younger generation is more familiar with it, but you get the idea. I'm not looking to go into academia and specialty wise, probably radiology or neurology. 2. Another reason is that I've researched/heard that on top of taking the Step 1 and Step 2 exams, you ALSO have to take 2 equivalent exams as a DO student. So, a total of 4 huge exams vs 2. 3. Another reason is that I'm not too interested in learning osteopathic manipulative medicine in DO school. These to me are all barriers to success vs the MD route which doesn't have any of these issues. You may agree or disagree. If I'm wrong on one of these points, please let me know.

I really appreciate your kind words. Yeah, the rest of my app is solid, but this MCAT score is what's killing me. I know I can do better if I retake, but I can't see myself waiting another year. I'm already 30, going on 31 in November, I'm not in my 20's any more to waste any more time. I know you may have anecdotes about people going back in their 40's, but that's not something I can do/want to do. That's not my mentality when it comes to that. The younger/sooner you finish, the better. You need to make a salary to live off of and eventually build a family/life for yourself. You're not going to do that as a student. I already put off med school the past 2 years to beef up my resume and shadow other healthcare professionals. I've ruled out pretty much every other possibility, with podiatry being the most recent one.

At this point, I can't take it in September as I haven't been studying for it. I wanted to take in September right after taking the exam in July but 3 different people including my tutor told me to retake the exam in January. I feel that I should've retaken it, but I would've needed to jump by at least 10 points (or perfect my timing) to get a 498 in a matter of slightly under 2 months. Let's say I retake and get a 500-501, I'd be better off yes, but still limited for an MD school. So you're saying there's no chance for a DO school at all at this point? Thanks

 

[Goro]

So I ended up getting my MCAT score, and I bombed worse than I thought. I attribute it to many blind guesses. Had it not been for those, my score would've been 5-7 points higher. Anyways, I got a 488 which a monkey can do better than that. I studied for 8 1/2 months and the nerves and lack of endurance/timing got the better of me. I've been upset/down ever since I got my score. I have been looking at podiatry as a backup and started shadowing one, but I don't have an interest in it based on my experience. The podiatrist is one of the best, but the subject doesn't interest me.

At this point, my only option is to either go to the Caribbeans, possibly apply for DO, or wait another year. In regards to option 2 however, would I have a chance at any DO school with a score that low? I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY DON'T WANT TO WAIT ANOTHER YEAR TO RETAKE THE MCAT. That's like hell on earth all over again and I'm not putting myself through that again. I also don't want to go to the Caribbean's so I'm wondering if anybody has some solid advice (someone w/experience in particular-ideally). Are there any DO schools I can apply to with this score?

Score breakdown: 122/121/120/125. It's the lowest I've ever scored in the Bio section, I usually score 124 or higher on that section, the exam was freaking brutal to say the least.

I would really appreciate the feedback as I've been depressed ever since seeing my score. Thanks in advance.

Your scores are in the red zone for failing out of medical school and/or failing Boards. There is published data on this. No medical school is going to do you any favors by admitting you when you're at such a high risk.

But the matter is already settled. You're DOA at my school, and NO DO school, not even ICOM, WCU, ACOM, KYCOM, or the two AR schools will take you. Even they are not that desperate for warm bodies.

And to be frank, your immature attitude says to me that you don't belong in med school. I can't even recommend an SMP until you do some growing up.

 

[btuck]

I'm sorry to break it to you, but you are not going to be a doctor. If you are still interested, become a PA.