Should I even bother taking the MCAT's?

[jotfinos]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Ok, So ive been dead set on going to Temple for some time now. Visited the school and loved it (my current university is also in the ghetto 🙂).

Temple, for whatever reason, accepts the GRE as well. I took it on a whim as a bet with my friend and scored a 520 verbal and 640 quantitative (1160), according to my sources they like an average of around 1100. So i feel as if my score is sufficient.

So I am wondering if I should even bother spending all the time studying for the MCATs if I can gain entrance with my GRE score. It would take a burden off me for my senior year and I could focus more on my course load/research as opposed to the exam. At the same time I would like to know where I stand against other students...so it would be nice to have a score.

If for some reason I do get denied entry to Temple, I should have the MCAT score to apply elsewhere...


*I have a 3.75 GPA and 3.65 Science GPA.
*I worked in a lab under a Ecologist for about 6 months and am co-author on a presentation given on the research at the 2010 SSE Convention.
*I am currently working under a Toxicologist working with SCE(sister chromatid exchange) and presenting the findings at a Convention in DC in a few months.
*I have done over 500 patient care hours working as a Patient Care Associate for a local Chiropractor.
*President of the Biology Club, The ARC Biology Tutor..ect..

Ive spent the last 3 years working relentlessly to make myself a competitive applicant. It would be a blessing to not have to take the MCAT's, but If I dont get into Temple I am screwed.

So should I take the exam or not?

 

[itswiggles]

- It sounds like you are already golden for Temple. Your GPA is well above the average I am sure. I still see how the MCAT would help you. I think it reflects better if you take it. MCAT > GRE (harder). Also, if you don't get into Temple having an MCAT would help. My guess would be to just apply to Temple, and if they reject you sign up for the MCAT, or just take the MCAT so you can apply to "safety" schools

 

[dtrack22]

...so you can apply to "safety" schools

lol, podiatry, the only profession where every school is a safety school

 

[Paulywog]

If I were in your position, I would not take the MCAT. You look like a strong applicant on paper. Since you know you want to go to Temple and you have completed all of the prerequisites, you are done. Apply to Temple and see what they say. If you don't get in, then do what is necessary. I don't see the point of stressing over the MCAT when they would have taken your GRE score. Then you could enjoy your time more before starting the rigorous Podiatry program. Good luck

 

[347932]

lol, podiatry, the only profession where every school is a safety school

LOL...troll is a troll is a troll...

 

[UW66]

You're golden, as long as you decide you dont want to apply elsewhere.

make sure during your interview you come up with a better story for the "why did you take the GRE instead of the MCAT" question. 🙂

good luck!

 

[jotfinos]

thanks for all the advice. i think im going to pass on the MCATs for time being and focus elsewhere.

to make things even better, i got an internship at one of the largest pod. practices in the state this week. 🙂