Studied 2 days for the MCAT..chance that doesn't mean that I bombed it?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Perhaps OP doesn't wanna embarrass herself by posting a subpar score and having all of us tell her we told her so. We should leave her alone. If you did well, good job OP. If you did poorly, now you know what you gotta do to bring your score up.
 
Uafl112 said:
Perhaps OP doesn't wanna embarrass herself by posting a subpar score and having all of us tell her we told her so. We should leave her alone. If you did well, good job OP. If you did poorly, now you know what you gotta do to bring your score up.
Click to expand...


OFCOURSE OP got a terrible score. Best case scenario is 26.
 
I didn't study for the MCAT at all and I didn't "bomb it" (I hadn't even taken physics.) So I completely disagree.
 
Last edited:
keels99 said:
I didn't study for the MCAT at all and I didn't "bomb it" (I hadn't even taken physics.) So I completely disagree.
Click to expand...

N=1. No one is saying it's impossible. But the majority of ppl don't do well on this test without preparation. It's just not a smart idea. Why cut yourself short when it limits your options if you could be unlucky enough to be in the majority? I understand OP had extenuating circumstances, most of us are wishing them the best, but it simply wasn't the smartest choice to gamble.
 
LilEngineThatCould said:
N=1. No one is saying it's impossible. But the majority of ppl don't do well on this test without preparation. It's just not a smart idea. Why cut yourself short when it limits your options if you could be unlucky enough to be in the majority? I understand OP had extenuating circumstances, most of us are wishing them the best, but it simply wasn't the smartest choice to gamble.
Click to expand...
They can retake it. It's a learning experience in that sense. Not everyone can contribute 5+ study hours a day like some people I know. Yes, I could have had a higher score with studying. Obviously, it didn't matter. I'm glad I didn't waste my free time studying for a test that does nothing to test my aptitude as a future physician.
 
Last edited:
keels99 said:
They can retake it. It's a learning experience in that sense. Not everyone can contribute 5+ study hours a day like some people I know. Yes, I could have had a higher score with studying. Obviously, it didn't matter. I'm glad I didn't waste my free time studying for a test that does nothing to test my aptitude as a future physician.
Click to expand...

Well yes, I worked 2 jobs while full-time in college so I definitely understand. I'm glad ppl like you didn't have to study, I (and most ppl) wasn't lucky like that. So I'd rather advise ppl that they do study for a test that doesn't determine your aptitude as a physician but is important to get the chance to get trained to be one. Anyway, you're right, it is a learning experience either way. I really do wish OP the best and she's lucky in that she knows what to do next.
 
LilEngineThatCould said:
Well yes, I worked 2 jobs while full-time in college so I definitely understand. I'm glad ppl like you didn't have to study, I (and most ppl) wasn't lucky like that. So I'd rather advise ppl that they do study for a test that doesn't determine your aptitude as a physician but is important to get the chance to get trained to be one. Anyway, you're right, it is a learning experience either way. I really do wish OP the best and she's lucky in that she knows what to do next.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Doing something like this (not studying for the MCAT) is preparing you for disaster in medical school. You move into a comfort zone if you say "oh I didn't study that hard and did well/okay on the MCAT, I can do the same thing for Step I". Sure enough you do that and get 2 points above the passing, poof goes your aspirations of ever entering a neurological surgery program since you can't retake the test unlike the MCAT

Either way it's not a good way to start even if the OP does score well.
 
emagavin said:
Agreed. Doing something like this (not studying for the MCAT) is preparing you for disaster in medical school. You move into a comfort zone if you say "oh I didn't study that hard and did well/okay on the MCAT, I can do the same thing for Step I". Sure enough you do that and get 2 points above the passing, poof goes your aspirations of ever entering a neurological surgery program since you can't retake the test unlike the MCAT

Either way it's not a good way to start even if the OP does score well.
Click to expand...
I disagree. Step I is a lot more important and a retake is looked down upon much more than a MCAT retake. I don't think I "prepared myself for disaster" in any sense.
 
emagavin said:
Agreed. Doing something like this (not studying for the MCAT) is preparing you for disaster in medical school. You move into a comfort zone if you say "oh I didn't study that hard and did well/okay on the MCAT, I can do the same thing for Step I". Sure enough you do that and get 2 points above the passing, poof goes your aspirations of ever entering a neurological surgery program since you can't retake the test unlike the MCAT

Either way it's not a good way to start even if the OP does score well.
Click to expand...

If someone can do well on the MCAT without preparation, this is a VERY good sign for step. It means the person retained the info. over a long period of time which would be extremely valuable in med school, since you will only have a few weeks to get ready for step anyway.
 
keels99 said:
I disagree. Step I is a lot more important and a retake is looked down upon much more than a MCAT retake. I don't think I "prepared myself for disaster" in any sense.
Click to expand...

You can't retake the STEP I once you pass it. That's why I feel proper prep is better. But to each their own.

radkat101 said:
If someone can do well on the MCAT without preparation, this is a VERY good sign for step. It means the person retained the info. over a long period of time which would be extremely valuable in med school, since you will only have a few weeks to get ready for step anyway.
Click to expand...

Hmm, I guess so. I feel like that is such a rare breed of student and that most of us need the preparation to do well.
 
emagavin said:
Hahaha well good luck. You'll knock it out of the park 🙂

I might be guessing this wrong, but does your username show an interest in radiology?
Click to expand...

No, it's just a username I've used for years. Never really thought about that. :laugh:
 
Wow, I didn't realize how much suspense there was on this thread! I checked my scores on my phone as soon as they came out, but haven't been on the computer since to update and I hate typing on my phone.
I didn't do awful but certainly not great. My overall score was a 24 with 6PS/10VR/8BS. Obviously the PS section really brought me down, and it drives me crazy to think that if I hadn't missed the questions at the end, maybe it would have been a 7. I double majored in chemistry and biology, so I expected to do a little better, considering. And I legitimately thought I might get a 13+ in verbal (lol), but it is what it is.

However, I don't think I am going to retake, as I was accepted into the post-bac program I applied to the very next day after submitting my scores and it satisfies their MCAT score requirement for acceptance into their DO program next fall pending successful completion of the post-bac (with the required GPA). So, that's my plan, and I'm starting classes there in just a few weeks. Life is good.

Thanks for the good wishes, advice, constructive criticism, etc. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors.
 
wow, you are naturally good at Verbal. Score a 10 in VR without study much for it. I envy your reading skill though. The first time I took MCAT, I did not study anything on VR and only get a 6. Even with a lot of study, only score a 9 the next time (that is also the most I score on VR on the practice test anyway). If you have maybe 1.5 month to study, I am sure you can get at least 10 both on PS and BS (that within MD school range right there). It is little waste since you can do lot better with more prepare, but good lucks anyway.
 
wingnit said:
Wow, I didn't realize how much suspense there was on this thread! I checked my scores on my phone as soon as they came out, but haven't been on the computer since to update and I hate typing on my phone.
I didn't do awful but certainly not great. My overall score was a 24 with 6PS/10VR/8BS. Obviously the PS section really brought me down, and it drives me crazy to think that if I hadn't missed the questions at the end, maybe it would have been a 7. I double majored in chemistry and biology, so I expected to do a little better, considering. And I legitimately thought I might get a 13+ in verbal (lol), but it is what it is.

However, I don't think I am going to retake, as I was accepted into the post-bac program I applied to the very next day after submitting my scores and it satisfies their MCAT score requirement for acceptance into their DO program next fall pending successful completion of the post-bac (with the required GPA). So, that's my plan, and I'm starting classes there in just a few weeks. Life is good.

Thanks for the good wishes, advice, constructive criticism, etc. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors.
Click to expand...
Not bad for not studying much. Btw, verbal is one of those that really makes you feel like you'll score perfect and then you get the score back and you're like wth lol Oh and if you're gonna have a low score, it's best to have it in PS and not VS or BS. Glad your plan worked out for you well! Good luck!
 
wingnit said:
Wow, I didn't realize how much suspense there was on this thread! I checked my scores on my phone as soon as they came out, but haven't been on the computer since to update and I hate typing on my phone.
I didn't do awful but certainly not great. My overall score was a 24 with 6PS/10VR/8BS. Obviously the PS section really brought me down, and it drives me crazy to think that if I hadn't missed the questions at the end, maybe it would have been a 7. I double majored in chemistry and biology, so I expected to do a little better, considering. And I legitimately thought I might get a 13+ in verbal (lol), but it is what it is.

However, I don't think I am going to retake, as I was accepted into the post-bac program I applied to the very next day after submitting my scores and it satisfies their MCAT score requirement for acceptance into their DO program next fall pending successful completion of the post-bac (with the required GPA). So, that's my plan, and I'm starting classes there in just a few weeks. Life is good.

Thanks for the good wishes, advice, constructive criticism, etc. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors.
Click to expand...


Bravo! Congrats on the score and being accepted into the SMP program!
 
keels99 said:
I disagree. Step I is a lot more important and a retake is looked down upon much more than a MCAT retake. I don't think I "prepared myself for disaster" in any sense.
Click to expand...
See I was under the distinct impression from people on here (including adcoms) as well as my own pre-med advisor that MCAT retakes are not a positive thing. Yes if you happen to go from a 22 to a 29 then that is looked upon favorably, but not like just nailing the 29 the first time around...
 
Awesome Sauceome said:
See I was under the distinct impression from people on here (including adcoms) as well as my own pre-med advisor that MCAT retakes are not a positive thing. Yes if you happen to go from a 22 to a 29 then that is looked upon favorably, but not like just nailing the 29 the first time around...
Click to expand...
I've seen people have several retakes who got into pretty good schools (SLU, Mizzou, KU). It's not whether or not you had to retake, rather what you learned from having to retake and if you improved or not.
 
keels99 said:
I've seen people have several retakes who got into pretty good schools (SLU, Mizzou, KU). It's not whether or not you had to retake, rather what you learned from having to retake and if you improved or not.
Click to expand...
My friend was accepted to mizzou off wait list going from 26 to 29 and 6 in verbal second time.

N=1
 
baha finally, the thrilling story comes ot an end. not too shabby ending too!
 
and all of you thought she was gonna fail miserably. Mah dawg got dis
 
AlteredScale said:
Agreed. Doing something like this (not studying for the MCAT) is preparing you for disaster in medical school. You move into a comfort zone if you say "oh I didn't study that hard and did well/okay on the MCAT, I can do the same thing for Step I". Sure enough you do that and get 2 points above the passing, poof goes your aspirations of ever entering a neurological surgery program since you can't retake the test unlike the MCAT

Either way it's not a good way to start even if the OP does score well.
Click to expand...

Even good test takers fail the Step if they don't study. Most people who don't study (or only study for 2 days) have practice Step 1 scores around 160. If they studied well in med school and retained the info incredibly well, they may pass, but more likley than not they are closer to 180. And to be clear, I'm talking about MD students, not just DO.

keels99 said:
I disagree. Step I is a lot more important and a retake is looked down upon much more than a MCAT retake. I don't think I "prepared myself for disaster" in any sense.
Click to expand...

You can't retake Step 1 if you pass, only if you fail. Its a toss up whether barely passing is worse than barely failing. Getting a 193 on the step pretty much means you better have planned to do FM or psych in a small community hospital (if that).

radkat101 said:
If someone can do well on the MCAT without preparation, this is a VERY good sign for step. It means the person retained the info. over a long period of time which would be extremely valuable in med school, since you will only have a few weeks to get ready for step anyway.
Click to expand...

I did very well on the MCAT without prep (the first time around). It meant I was a good test taker. If I were to do the same for Step 1, I can pretty much guarantee I will fail. Fortunately, you can study throughout 2nd year, so you don't walk in cold like that.

wingnit said:
Wow, I didn't realize how much suspense there was on this thread! I checked my scores on my phone as soon as they came out, but haven't been on the computer since to update and I hate typing on my phone.
I didn't do awful but certainly not great. My overall score was a 24 with 6PS/10VR/8BS. Obviously the PS section really brought me down, and it drives me crazy to think that if I hadn't missed the questions at the end, maybe it would have been a 7. I double majored in chemistry and biology, so I expected to do a little better, considering. And I legitimately thought I might get a 13+ in verbal (lol), but it is what it is.

However, I don't think I am going to retake, as I was accepted into the post-bac program I applied to the very next day after submitting my scores and it satisfies their MCAT score requirement for acceptance into their DO program next fall pending successful completion of the post-bac (with the required GPA). So, that's my plan, and I'm starting classes there in just a few weeks. Life is good.

Thanks for the good wishes, advice, constructive criticism, etc. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors.
Click to expand...

LECOM post-bac? Be sure you get above a 3.0. Getting below it will pretty much guarantee you won't get into a US med school without years of additional repair. Either way though, unless you have your heart set on LECOM (if that's the post-bac you're in), I would retake the MCAT if you could (with actual preparation this time).

Awesome Sauceome said:
See I was under the distinct impression from people on here (including adcoms) as well as my own pre-med advisor that MCAT retakes are not a positive thing. Yes if you happen to go from a 22 to a 29 then that is looked upon favorably, but not like just nailing the 29 the first time around...
Click to expand...

They aren't a positive thing (that is true). But like you said, getting a 24, then retaking and getting a 27+ is better than just having the 24, but of course, getting a 27+ off the bat is better.

kelminak said:
Uafl112 said:
and all of you thought she was gonna fail miserably. Mah dawg got dis
Click to expand...
Depends on your definition of failure I suppose...
Click to expand...

Pretty much.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
  • Locked
Is it a red flag that my LORs include my AAMC ID?
Replies
5
Views
957
minst
M
unc_jack_of_A
Does an professor that is an MD count for the Physician letter for DO schools?
Replies
5
Views
1K
Goro
Goro
unc_jack_of_A
To use the DO LOR or not to use, that is the question...
Replies
5
Views
1K
unc_jack_of_A
unc_jack_of_A
2026PreMed
Is there any truth in the statement that DO applicants can't match into most specialties ? - Nerve Racking Convo I had
Replies
24
Views
3K
ShaquilleOatmeal135
S
W
  • Locked
Bombed, school list help?
Replies
17
Views
3K
waspmachine
W
Top