Really High GPA, Really low MCAT

[pepo2525]

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I know this question has been asked many times in this forum but I would a like an opinion in regards to my situation.

I have a science GPA of 3.95 (quite a lot of hard science courses, I wasn't milking the system). I am also a non-traditional applicant, having worked as an Advanced Medical Assistant for two years and a ton of clinical volunteer hours (2000+). However, I was greatly affected due to some family problems (parents divorce, needing to move and stepdad contracting leukemia) and ended up with an MCAT of 499. I panicked and retook the exam again a few weeks later in a different state, which was a stupid decision for I then scored 498.

I know the MCAT is the greatest decisive factor in a medical school application so I have applied to 16 med schools (some highly ranked and many lower ranked schools). What do you guys think my chances of getting into one is? Would my being so affected by family problems reflect badly on me?

P.S.: I know that I should have delayed and retake my MCAT the next year, but I really wanted to get into one this year while my stepdad is still living. Any input is appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[ZPakEffect]

Whether or not you will get into medical school this year depends on how many DO schools you applied to.

 

[pepo2525]

Unfortunately, I didn't apply to any DO schools. I worked in a clinic affiliated with my state's allopathic medical school. All my letters of recommendation are from MDs, thus offing my chances with a DO school.

 

[ZPakEffect]

Then be prepared to reapply to DO schools next year.

What is your cumulative GPA, by the way?

 

[GrapesofRath]

Two sub 500 scores on your record and I think your time is best spent focusing on DO applications.

 

[piii]

https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/factstable24.pdf

 

[Lawpy]

Two sub 500 scores on your record and I think your time is best spent focusing on DO applications unless you can make a major improvement on a 3rd attempt(rather unlikely). The only marginal shot you might have at an MD program is your state program and that's if you live in a rather lucky state

Alas, i don't think even DO schools will be forgiving with a downward trend...

OP, my condolences. Take some time off. Relax. Do something fun and productive. When you are ready and recovered, attack the MCAT with complete focus and aim for a 510+ score. With a good reason, your prior sub-500 scores can be viewed as a fluke under extenuating/irrational/tragic circumstances. Keep in mind they may backfire on you if you give a subpar reason. Medical schools are wary of applicants with history of poor decision making

 

[lalex]

How did you do on Verbal?

 

[lyana]

You have a shot at the DO school if you apply smart, early, and broadly in the next cycle. I was in the similar situation scoring lower on my 2nd attempt. ( and the scores were in lowers 20s)
However, I also recommend retaking MCAT, do not take until you are 100000% ready both material wise and emotionally wise.

 

[Silence in ER]

Only another applicant so YMMV, however, since i have taken the MCAT multiple times I think I might have some insight into this that others do not.

1) Apply to D.O Schools, it's not too late to throw three apps or so in. Look for schools that are quite local and you might have a good shot at getting in.

2) Two bad MCAT scores does not doom you to a third.I was in a similar position, I had two 29 MCAT scores before I got a 515. To be honest, taking the mcat when crazy things are happening or you do not have the best time to study is the worst thing to do. I did it. I regret it. I took my first mcat while working full time, and my second in the midst of school when I was upset about something else. I was stupid. I wouldn't do it again if I could.
Sit down and give yourself a sold 3 months+, find out where you went wrong, fix your issues and take practice tests in which you score in the 30-33 range. With your gpa, there is absolutely no reason you cannot do it. You probably can make the mcat you want, you've just been taking it in the wrong frame of mind.

3) Don't be afraid to wait another year. I have immigrant parents, they begged me to apply to med school junior year when my mcat was a 29, my stats were awful ( like 3.4/3.15sci gpa) and I had no real research experience to say much of. After much fighting and begging, I bucked them and did what I wanted to do. I took a year off, my stats are higher and now I have 2! II's which I am very happy about. Sometimes you need to wait, make yourself a stronger applicant and strike when the iron is hot. and when the time is right.

Do not rush into making any hasty decisions, study the aamc stats for people with your gpa/mcat and try to figure out how good your chances are.

Good luck!

 

[Spinach Dip]

1. Anything is possible.

2. But you should plan on taking the MCAT again... and hopefully doing good on it this time.

 

[Goro]

Your scores are lethal for MD schools, and on top of that, your explanations will lead to the thought of "Makes poor choices" (like taking and then retaking a career-deciding, high stakes exam when not at his/her best.

You're OK for some DO schools, especially the newest ones. But you're reject bait at mine, the coastal Touros, Western, KCUMB, CCOM and AZCOM.

Do NOT retake the MCAT until you are 100% ready.

EDIT: you CAN apply to DO schools with an MD LOR. Just skip the ones that require the a DO LOR.

I know this question has been asked many times in this forum but I would a like an opinion in regards to my situation.

I have a science GPA of 3.95 (quite a lot of hard science courses, I wasn't milking the system). I am also a non-traditional applicant, having worked as an Advanced Medical Assistant for two years and a ton of clinical volunteer hours (2000+). However, I was greatly affected due to some family problems (parents divorce, needing to move and stepdad contracting leukemia) and ended up with an MCAT of 499. I panicked and retook the exam again a few weeks later in a different state, which was a stupid decision for I then scored 498.

I know the MCAT is the greatest decisive factor in a medical school application so I have applied to 16 med schools (some highly ranked and many lower ranked schools). What do you guys think my chances of getting into one is? Would my being so affected by family problems reflect badly on me?

P.S.: I know that I should have delayed and retake my MCAT the next year, but I really wanted to get into one this year while my stepdad is still living. Any input is appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[willowyone]

I know this question has been asked many times in this forum but I would a like an opinion in regards to my situation.

I have a science GPA of 3.95 (quite a lot of hard science courses, I wasn't milking the system). I am also a non-traditional applicant, having worked as an Advanced Medical Assistant for two years and a ton of clinical volunteer hours (2000+). However, I was greatly affected due to some family problems (parents divorce, needing to move and stepdad contracting leukemia) and ended up with an MCAT of 499. I panicked and retook the exam again a few weeks later in a different state, which was a stupid decision for I then scored 498.

I know the MCAT is the greatest decisive factor in a medical school application so I have applied to 16 med schools (some highly ranked and many lower ranked schools). What do you guys think my chances of getting into one is? Would my being so affected by family problems reflect badly on me?

P.S.: I know that I should have delayed and retake my MCAT the next year, but I really wanted to get into one this year while my stepdad is still living. Any input is appreciated.

Cheers!

I'm interested in hearing the outcome to your situation, because this is nearly identical to my situation. I have almost the same stats as you and just received my MCAT score today. Applied to a mix of MD and DO schools but am now pretty much panicking about what my chances are. Did you get interview invites/acceptances?

 

[physgal]

I'm interested in hearing the outcome to your situation, because this is nearly identical to my situation. I have almost the same stats as you and just received my MCAT score today. Applied to a mix of MD and DO schools but am now pretty much panicking about what my chances are. Did you get interview invites/acceptances?

What was your outcome? I am in graduate school with a 3.95 science (which includes my undergrad) and a 499 MCAT. Was taking care of a sick family member when I took the MCAT. I interviewed at one MD school last cycle. This cycle I am thinking of only applying DO.

 

[physgal]

Have you thought about preparing and retaking the MCAT? It may increase your chances immensely. Additionally, what are your GPAs with out graduate

I went to school for economics at UNC Chapel Hill and am non trad (31 yo), 8000 hours in the legal field, 500 hours in fam medicine.. Took no science classes at UNC and graduated with a 3.65, top 35 students in economics. Have always had high GPA. Took all the prereqs and finishing up a masters at NC State. Have kept a 4.0 throughout that second stage. Am scheduled to retake the MCAT in June but may postpone. Interviewed at 1 MD school last cycle but applied in Oct....

 

[physgal]

Is the masters an SMP? how did you do the prereqs? Just as DIY postbacc?

The first year I came back I did all the prereqs as a post bac then I applied and was accepted into a 2 years Masters in Physiology. I prepped for the MCAT before I started Masters. I don't mind retaking MCAT but I had a few DO schools tell me that I didn't need to...but then I hear from some students on here that LECOM, etc is interviewing around a 506.

 

[physgal]

Is the masters an SMP? how did you do the prereqs? Just as DIY postbacc? Unfortunately, the impressive background may not be enough to overcome a poor MCAT as medicine is essentially a series of exams punctuated by occasional lectures and clinical rotations leading up to USMLE

I guess I am little perplexed why Admissions is telling me not in my best interest to retake if that is the case..I am really new to this process. Do you know if grad school students are treated differently when it comes to this? I am trying to figure out why I am hearing different info from different people about a retake..

 

[Afp0731]

Pepo,
I hope things are getting better with you and your family. Those are tremendously difficult circumstances to deal with and I'm certain there will be plenty of adcom folks who will empathize with your experiences.
SDN tends to have extreme opinions on this topic so please don't be dismayed.

Your accomplishments outside the mcat illustrate an applicant who is determined and capable. I personally think your mcat history is very much explainable and not a serious inhibitory factor. Although it hurts to have a lower score on the second try, your motivations to take it early are admirable in my opinion. If you can openly acknowledge the "objective mistake" of doing so, I really don't believe it will kill your shot at MD schools. Even MD adcoms are human... Study diligently for a few months and don't take the exam until you are confident that you can get a great score.

You have plenty to be confident about. Don't lose hope or build mental roadblocks. As someone who had to reinvent himself before becoming competitive enough to even get an interview, I can assure you that there are more open doors than some would lead you to believe.

 

[Lawpy]

What was your outcome? I am in graduate school with a 3.95 science (which includes my undergrad) and a 499 MCAT. Was taking care of a sick family member when I took the MCAT. I interviewed at one MD school last cycle. This cycle I am thinking of only applying DO.

I went to school for economics at UNC Chapel Hill and am non trad (31 yo), 8000 hours in the legal field, 500 hours in fam medicine.. Took no science classes at UNC and graduated with a 3.65, top 35 students in economics. Have always had high GPA. Took all the prereqs and finishing up a masters at NC State. Have kept a 4.0 throughout that second stage. Am scheduled to retake the MCAT in June but may postpone. Interviewed at 1 MD school last cycle but applied in Oct....

The first year I came back I did all the prereqs as a post bac then I applied and was accepted into a 2 years Masters in Physiology. I prepped for the MCAT before I started Masters. I don't mind retaking MCAT but I had a few DO schools tell me that I didn't need to...but then I hear from some students on here that LECOM, etc is interviewing around a 506.

I guess I am little perplexed why Admissions is telling me not in my best interest to retake if that is the case..I am really new to this process. Do you know if grad school students are treated differently when it comes to this? I am trying to figure out why I am hearing different info from different people about a retake..

Having an MD interview despite applying late with a 499 is pretty good. It means something about your background impressed them enough to interview you. I don't know what few DO schools want and I wouldn't focus my attention to them.

Your best bet is to retake the MCAT and work really hard to do well on it. You can improve your chances significantly with a 510+ retake and even more so with 515+. Prior experience in economics and legal field should help you read and analyze through dense passages and help you score well on CARS. A thorough content review using Khan Academy videos and a lot of solid practice will help you dominate the science sections.

I personally would not apply this cycle. Take the time you need to crush the MCAT and prepare for a very strong reapplication cycle to convince medical schools how much you improved.

 

[Goro]

What was your outcome? I am in graduate school with a 3.95 science (which includes my undergrad) and a 499 MCAT. Was taking care of a sick family member when I took the MCAT. I interviewed at one MD school last cycle. This cycle I am thinking of only applying DO.

Retake the MCAT. Period

 

[Thienyl15]

Retake.

 

[Turkishking]

Retake

 

[willowyone]

What was your outcome? I am in graduate school with a 3.95 science (which includes my undergrad) and a 499 MCAT. Was taking care of a sick family member when I took the MCAT. I interviewed at one MD school last cycle. This cycle I am thinking of only applying DO.

I got an interview invite in September and was accepted in October just a few weeks later to Rowan SOM!! 🙂 🙂 As long as your app has enough unique points so that it stands out, you still have a shot! I applied to a bunch of MD programs prior to getting my MCAT score back. Had I known I had scored <500 I would have only applied DO. If you're up for it, apply to Rowan SOM. I know of at least 1 other person with a 499 MCAT and 4.0 cGPA/3.9 sGPA who was accepted.

 

[physgal]

I got an interview invite in September and was accepted in October just a few weeks later to Rowan SOM!! 🙂 🙂 As long as your app has enough unique points so that it stands out, you still have a shot! I applied to a bunch of MD programs prior to getting my MCAT score back. Had I known I had scored <500 I would have only applied DO. If you're up for it, apply to Rowan SOM. I know of at least 1 other person with a 499 MCAT and 4.0 cGPA/3.9 sGPA who was accepted.

I added them to my list! Thank you for the update! Super helpful!

 

[cloudstrife2054]

This is how I see it. If anyone has contradictory input, please do so because I want to see others' views.

A bad MCAT score with a high GPA is worse than vice versa because a lot of factors can impact GPA, but MCAT is more standardized, so it's fair game for everyone. If you have a low GPA but high MCAT, you can downplay it by saying you developed the proper study techniques later on in your undergrad life. An adcom told me she interviewed someone with a high GPA, low MCAT and asked him about it and he said "I don't like science." You can imagine how that ended.

I am not saying it will rule you out automatically. I am just saying if an adcom asks you that, you may have a hard time downplaying it.

 

[Dox4lyfe]

So lets break this down GPA
uGPA
Post Bacc GPA
then add those for total GPA

grad GPA separate (is it an SMP?)

Your background seems impressive and with a decent MCAT you could be a excellent candidate for mid to top MD schools. DO tend to be a little more forgiving so you may make it to one. But I think it would be in your best interest in retaking MCAT and not submitting applications except a single schol for verification until you have MCAT back. You can see on below picture a very good outline of the factors and their weight for admission. Additionally you should spend time on the AMCAS tools and tutorial page on this all works

View attachment 218875

What does it mean if something is private vs. Public on the outline.

 

[JB50]

Retake the MCAT, then apply again with that MCAT score, then apply DO schools the following cycle lol.

 

[TexasSurgeon]

I know this question has been asked many times in this forum but I would a like an opinion in regards to my situation.

I have a science GPA of 3.95 (quite a lot of hard science courses, I wasn't milking the system). I am also a non-traditional applicant, having worked as an Advanced Medical Assistant for two years and a ton of clinical volunteer hours (2000+). However, I was greatly affected due to some family problems (parents divorce, needing to move and stepdad contracting leukemia) and ended up with an MCAT of 499. I panicked and retook the exam again a few weeks later in a different state, which was a stupid decision for I then scored 498.

I know the MCAT is the greatest decisive factor in a medical school application so I have applied to 16 med schools (some highly ranked and many lower ranked schools). What do you guys think my chances of getting into one is? Would my being so affected by family problems reflect badly on me?

P.S.: I know that I should have delayed and retake my MCAT the next year, but I really wanted to get into one this year while my stepdad is still living. Any input is appreciated.

Cheers!

Don't listen to those who say you are "doomed" to DO schools and have no shot at an MD school. You likely might not get in this year. I think you seem to know the science, but don't know how to study for the test. So that is what you should focus on. Get the methods right- do lots of passages only. Stop reading the review books. Take tons of tests. Sign up for it again but not until you are scoring at least a 508 or even higher.

So in short, focus on your methods for MCAT and retake it