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[throwawaypremed143]

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[gyngyn]

Hello! I wanted to get some advice on answering this question on secondaries:
Please explain any inconsistencies in your university, graduate, or professional school academic performance and/or MCAT scores. (1,000 characters)

I had a 514 (128, 127, 129, 130) MCAT and decided to retake it because my FL average was 519. 3 days before my retake, my grandmother passed away, which definitely impacted my performance and I scored a 511 (127, 128, 127, 129). I'm not sure if I should explain this discrepancy or not. Any advice is appreciated.

I generally advise against pointing out weaknesses in the application, but they asked for it...
If the 514 was less than 3 years old, there may be those who question the choice to take an unneccessary risk in the face of of such a recent loss.

 

[throwawaypremed143]

Do you think I should mention it and explain what happened? Due to personal circumstances with scheduling, I would not have been able to take the exam again anyway and I couldn't afford to reschedule and let the money go to waste.

 

[gyngyn]

Do you think I should mention it and explain what happened? Due to personal circumstances with scheduling, I would not have been able to take the exam again anyway and I couldn't afford to reschedule and let the money go to waste.

I can't recommend this as an explanation!

 

[throwawaypremed143]

Not an explanation that I will tell them, that was just to explain to you lol

 

[Rachapkis]

I would be guided by the old adage: “first, do no harm“. That means staying mum if what you’re about to say could harm you (which it could).

 

[throwawaypremed143]

Thanks for your response! I guess I'm just worried about them questioning why I didn't mention the discrepancy if they have a question about it.

 

[Rachapkis]

Thanks for your response! I guess I'm just worried about them questioning why I didn't mention the discrepancy if they have a question about it.I discrepancy between a 511 and 514.

The difference between a 511 and 514 is not sufficiently material to warrant explanation. Moreover, highlighting that you had a perfectly acceptable MCAT score and decided to retake it will not do you any favors.

 

[throwawaypremed143]

That makes sense, thanks for your help!

 

[chilly_md]

Do note that it is fair game for an interviewer to ask. So you should certainly prepare an answer in case it comes up then (either at this school or a different one).

 

[deleted1065184]

I retook an MCAT score from over 3 years prior. At a school that did not accept MCAT scores that old, I was still asked about the significant score increase. I'd be very surprised if at least a couple of interviewers don't ask about it, tbh.

 

[LizzyM]

I would ask for sure if I were to interview someone who had a 3 point drop over time. You might say, "I underestimated how much my grandmother's death, just 3 days before the exam, would affect me. In hindsight, I should have taken it off of my calendar or voided it." then shrug. Hope they see the shrug on zoom.

 

[throwawaypremed143]

I am expecting them to ask, I just wasn't sure if I should bring it up myself during secondaries or wait for them to ask about it

 

[deleted1163682]

Have an explanation, but do not put it into writing! In general, if you are trying to explain away something because you think it's going to be an issue (unless it's glaringly obvious and something that really needs to be addressed like failing of out of one class during your sophomore year), less is more. It's kind of like when you get arrested, lawyers always say don't say anything, keep your mouth shut because less is more, etc. In some ways, admissions is similar as you have to tell them enough information, but you don't want to ramble or seem like you are over-explaining.

 

[throwawaypremed143]

Have an explanation, but do not put it into writing! In general, if you are trying to explain away something because you think it's going to be an issue (unless it's glaringly obvious and something that really needs to be addressed like failing of out of one class during your sophomore year), less is more. It's kind of like when you get arrested, lawyers always say don't say anything, keep your mouth shut because less is more, etc. In some ways, admissions is similar as you have to tell them enough information, but you don't want to ramble or seem like you are over-explaining.

This is great advice, thank you so much!