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So we can talk about all things MCAT 2015.
Just registered too!
Just registered too!
The Official June 2015 MCAT Thread
- Thread starter Abraxas305
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To say that they are screwed suggests that, faced with otherwise comparable applicants, a committee would take the 2014 MCAT of 95% instead of the 2015 MCAT of 93%. More significant (to me) is the change in content (biochem, psych/soc, etc), apparent change in style, change in length, etc... There are a hundred variables that make it difficult to compare the tests. The apparent 2% difference of a top MCAT would be a laughable excuse to dismiss an applicant. You could argue they would appreciate the top score even more on the new MCAT because it was an unknown, whereas the old test had lots of practice exams, etc.
If someone is at the tippy top and doesn't get in somewhere specific, I'd bet money it isn't the 2% versus a 2014 examinee: it's the interview, experiences, GPA, etc and the usual crapshoot that is the admissions game.
If someone is at the tippy top and doesn't get in somewhere specific, I'd bet money it isn't the 2% versus a 2014 examinee: it's the interview, experiences, GPA, etc and the usual crapshoot that is the admissions game.
M
mitrieD
Man that really disappoints me. If I can't even get a 23 I don't know if I'm cut out for this. I studied for like 6 months. sigh
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don't give up. i studied for 4 weeks and i got bored of the mcat fast 68-78% but i feel bad after seeing the 85-100% people here . my point is you and i both know if you can study for that long and dedicated, YOU ARE INDEED CUT OUT FOR THIS. this is my passion and i couldnt even go longer than 5 weeks prepping for it (albeit i work too). you get my respect for sticking with it that long. maybe try some other resources? towards the end i focused on khan academy.
i also had a buddy that didnt do well the first time and is studying again, so i studied with him, and since i was close to my exam date, i HELPED HIM STUDY BY EXPLAINING WHAT I KNEW . in that way sometimes he teaches me, sometimes i teach him, but we both learn.
sorry for the caps. TLDR; find a study buddy if you can. it works wonders
I think that a percentage gap disadvantage may occur when using only overall percentile rankings to compare old MCATs to new MCATs in certain situations. On the new MCAT, if you get a '10' on the new section, and a combined 35 on the 3 comparable sections, that would equate to a 513 (89%). If you just look at the combined 35 and compare it to an old 35, you're looking at a 96%. A 7% gap is certainly a lot more noticeable than a 2% gap when using only an overall percentile rankings comparison. I just don't believe admissions committees are going to simplify the scores like that. I think it's more likely that they compare the 3 comparable sections, and then have the 4th section as a potential tiebreaker.
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Never give up! I had trouble juggling my old job with my first MCAT and got a 24. I'm 29 years old now, going into my 3rd application cycle (with a 33+...previous 2 cycles had a 30). If you really want to go into medicine, you will fight until the end. If I had listened to the doubters around me, or the doubts inside my head, I would have given up a long, long time ago.
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In the past year, I initially put in 5.5 months full-time (only to get hammered on the verbal in January..even tho I did well on the other 2 sections..95th and 89th percentiles..and had been scoring 35-36 on AAMC practice tests)...and then another 4-4.5 months fulltime before the June exam. I will note that I studied alone the entire time, though.
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Sure, you're right. No one is really being screwed. My point was just that this discrepancy exists, and comparing percentiles is not that simple. I think we agree on that
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piii, Thanks for the response! Thought that was the case, but still confused by the difference.. Overall is lower at the low end than the lowest sum of each individual range.. Is that meaning one can actually be lower than percentile shown? I know there is a 10% chance of that occurring... individual sum was 50.5-66.6 and overall was 48-58...
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You may well be right, but that's A LOT of speculation regarding how adcoms use these numbers
Yes, but likewise, the AAMC itself is also speculating about how the adcoms will use the numbers with their emphasis on a straight overall percentile rankings comparison. This completely ignores the obvious similarities that the new P/C, CARS, and Bio/BC sections have with the old P/C, Verbal, and Bio/Orgo sections. There's a ton of overlap there that the admissions committees may take note of when it comes to comparisons between a new MCAT and an old MCAT score. If one were to tell me that you couldn't compare the scores on those first 3 sections, I'd certainly disagree. Biology, Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Physics, reading comprehension all overlap. Granted, there's also Biochemistry on the new MCAT, but that is a related field to already-tested material. It's not entirely different as most of the new section is. Many of the current MCAT comparison charts are based off of a straight percentile rankings comparison between the old MCAT score percentiles and the new MCAT score percentiles--and these are speculative at best.
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Hmm my earlier post wasn't double posted after all. Anyway the discrepancy comes from the fact that you can't equate a 132 to a 15, a 131 to a 14, etc. AAMC intentionally increased the standard deviation of each section score to make 1 and 15 more relevant (by being more common) and therefore increase resolution between test takers. 129s are easier to get now than 12s, so a score of all 129s is a lower percentile than a score of all 12s.
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Ya, this exactly. I know that one SDN user (can't remember the name, maybe efle?) had posted a conversion chart that showed the comparison of scores from the old to new exam (using percentiles). Goro confirmed that it was similar to the chart that his/her school was using. It definitely followed something similar to what you're describing here.
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This makes complete sense. I just assumed the standard deviations were identical. They increased it by a whole 20%, I guess this is implicit in having more questions.
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For your secondaries, what if the school asks the same question......such as what is your most meaningful community service to date?.....Do you just state the same one you put in the initial app?
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Hey guys - longtime lurker, first time poster, would like an idea of exactly how good my scores look (looking at some top-tier schools)
AAMC Practice Test:
P/C: 82%
CARS: 92%
B: 82%
Psyc/Soc: 84%
Actual Percentiles
P/C: 85-100%
CARS: 85-100%
B: 82-97%
Psyc/Soc: 85-100%
Makes sense, thought the actual test (6/20) was easier than the practice test. I understand from this thread that it seems it's somewhat abnormal to have a higher CARS and a lower Bio...
AAMC Practice Test:
P/C: 82%
CARS: 92%
B: 82%
Psyc/Soc: 84%
Actual Percentiles
P/C: 85-100%
CARS: 85-100%
B: 82-97%
Psyc/Soc: 85-100%
Makes sense, thought the actual test (6/20) was easier than the practice test. I understand from this thread that it seems it's somewhat abnormal to have a higher CARS and a lower Bio...
hey guys! been reading this for a while and was wondering if someone would be able to give me an estimate on my real score. also some insight regarding wether or not this is a solid enough score to not retake the test.
My percentiles are as follows:
Chem/phys: 62%-77%
CARS: 76%-91%
Bio: 85%-100%
Psych/Soc: 85%-100%
Total: 84%-94%
Thanks in advance!!
My percentiles are as follows:
Chem/phys: 62%-77%
CARS: 76%-91%
Bio: 85%-100%
Psych/Soc: 85%-100%
Total: 84%-94%
Thanks in advance!!
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Looks like you've got a min of 515. You have a good shot if you have an otherwise really solid app.
Great score! You should be proud. Definitely don't retake. That'd be like retaking a 31-33. Unless you want to go to Stanford and think you can get 99% MCAT.
Great score! You should be proud. Definitely don't retake. That'd be like retaking a 31-33. Unless you want to go to Stanford and think you can get 99% MCAT.
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CP: 126
Cars: 127
BB: 129-132
PS: 129-132
Overall: 511- 517 (85th to 96th)
32-35 on old scale
Don't retake the test with this score. Adcoms on these forums have said that applicants that retake good scores appear neurotic/perfectionistic, which is not attractive to medical schools.
These threads have helped me a great deal so I'd like to contribute my data points to the pool. Mismanaged my time in the first two sections, but can't complain given the bottom line.
Preliminary Percentiles:
Chem/Phys: 74-89
CARS: 76-91
Bio: 85-100
Psyc/soc: 85-100
Total: 90-100
Practice tests (% correct)
Test | CP | CARS | Bio | Psyc | Total
TPR Course test 1: 54% 75% 64% 68% 65%
TPR Course test 2: 64% 74% 64% 80% 71%
TPR Course test 3: 61% 85% 71% 73% 73%
TPR Course test 4: 75% 81% 81% 83% 80%
TPR Course test 5: 75% 89% 75% 78% 79%
TPR Complete test 1: 73% [skipped] 83% 93% 83%
EK 1: 63% 75% 69% 78% 71%
EK 2: 63% 70% 85% 88% 77%
EK 3: 63% [skipped] 75% 81% 73%
AAMC FL 68% 91% 75% 92% 82%
AAMC Official Guide 90% 87% 80% 77% 83%
AAMC Question packs (% correct)
CARS I, #1-60: 75%
CARS I, #61-120: 93%
Chem, #1-59: 83%
Preliminary Percentiles:
Chem/Phys: 74-89
CARS: 76-91
Bio: 85-100
Psyc/soc: 85-100
Total: 90-100
Practice tests (% correct)
Test | CP | CARS | Bio | Psyc | Total
TPR Course test 1: 54% 75% 64% 68% 65%
TPR Course test 2: 64% 74% 64% 80% 71%
TPR Course test 3: 61% 85% 71% 73% 73%
TPR Course test 4: 75% 81% 81% 83% 80%
TPR Course test 5: 75% 89% 75% 78% 79%
TPR Complete test 1: 73% [skipped] 83% 93% 83%
EK 1: 63% 75% 69% 78% 71%
EK 2: 63% 70% 85% 88% 77%
EK 3: 63% [skipped] 75% 81% 73%
AAMC FL 68% 91% 75% 92% 82%
AAMC Official Guide 90% 87% 80% 77% 83%
AAMC Question packs (% correct)
CARS I, #1-60: 75%
CARS I, #61-120: 93%
Chem, #1-59: 83%
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Man, I'm banking on CARS and Psych/Soc being my best sections...I'm taking the exam next friday; do you have any tips regarding how you would've prepared for it in hindsight?
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So I just singed up to retake the MCAT in September (blew the cars section in June), and I wanted to know which practice tests you all found most helpful (TPR, Kaplan, EK, etc.)
I used Kaplan to prepare for the last one, but I really felt like their full lengths could have been better.
Right now I'm leaning towards TPR but any input would be much appreciated.
thanks
I used Kaplan to prepare for the last one, but I really felt like their full lengths could have been better.
Right now I'm leaning towards TPR but any input would be much appreciated.
thanks
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I am planning on retaking this exam, and I was wondering if any of you guys used the AAMC old CBT tests and if they helped in preparation/were similar to the test we had?
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EK FLs for sure, best test day simulation. Harder than the real ones. If you haven't, comb through every answer on AAMC packs and write down info you didn't know and make sure you know it.
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Chem/Phys: 127
CARS: 129-132
Bio: 125
Psych/Soc: 128
Total: 509-512, or 30-32 on the old scale. Nice! It's hard to tell you your chances without knowing more about you, but I suggest using the MSAR.
Phys/Chem: 127
CARS: 124-125
Bio: 127
Psych/Soc: 124
Total: 502-503, or 26-27 on the old MCAT.
AAMC data show that URM applicants with your stats have an acceptance rate of over 50% (see data here: https://www.aamc.org/download/321520/data/factstable25-5.pdf). Advice that I've read on SDN suggests that being a varsity athlete (particularly D1) is great, because it shows that you can maintain good grades while being very busy, and it is something interesting to talk about in interviews. I'd normally suggest retaking a 26/27, but with your particular situation, a carefully crafted school list could yield a successful cycle. Consider adding some DO schools. That being said, if you are sure you can significantly improve your score, a retake would help.
Phys/Chem: ~124
CARS: 126
Bio/Biochem: 129-132
Psych: 127
Total: 506-509, or 29-31. Plenty of people get into med school with an MCAT score in that range, but it is really hard to tell you if you need a retake without knowing more about you (GPA, ECs, etc.). If you get 508+ (30+), I wouldn't retake. 506-507 is iffy and would depend on your other stats, state of residence, and other factors.
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I used the Old AAMC tests for prep. I did every single one of them under timed conditions. I think it paid of for me considering my total percentiles are in the 90-100 range which means 33<score. I would say use them, but I might be in the minority. I also did all the TPR 11 and 3 Kaplan. The new questions packs that are 700+ questions come from the old exams so it might be redundant. I would definately augment any old aamc done with biochem and AA structures. Similarity wise I cant vouch since i remember very little from the test itself. Part of that was due to the mechanical nature answering these questions had become. my two cents.
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Ugh. Read faster? I'd say be prepared for longer sections. I consistently scored well in verbal and was expecting it to be my highest but it ended up being by far my lowest.
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Hey guys, for those of you who used the AAMC Official Guide questions, how did they compare to your actual MCAT? Harder, easier, on-par? Thanks!!
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IIRC the guide questions were on par or maybe slightly harder than the AAMC FL, which was on par with my test.
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Thanks! Do you mind sharing what you scored on the Guide Questions and the actual mcat?
The guide questions are really, really easy comparatively in my opinion. Scored in the 90th-100th but I just felt like they were underwhelming and seemed more like a content refresher. I think everyone's best bet is to do as many full length tests as possible and to really analyze the questions and explanations afterwards. Not only for the right answers, but why the wrong ones were wrong, and understand them thoroughly.
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So I think I may have messed up...
I submitted my AMCAS application yesterday with almost all of the medical schools that I wanted to apply to attached. However, my application doesn't have my official MCAT score yet and I'm still waiting on a few recommendation letters to assign to the schools. I didn't think AMCAS would send it until they had finished their review but it appears that it was sent immediately (without recommendation letters and official MCAT) based on receiving some automatic secondary applications. Do you guys think it will hurt me not having it complete with recommendation letters for another 2 weeks, as my school won't hold my committee interview and until I have my official MCAT score?
I wish I would have submitted to just one school, and the rest after it was all put together.
I submitted my AMCAS application yesterday with almost all of the medical schools that I wanted to apply to attached. However, my application doesn't have my official MCAT score yet and I'm still waiting on a few recommendation letters to assign to the schools. I didn't think AMCAS would send it until they had finished their review but it appears that it was sent immediately (without recommendation letters and official MCAT) based on receiving some automatic secondary applications. Do you guys think it will hurt me not having it complete with recommendation letters for another 2 weeks, as my school won't hold my committee interview and until I have my official MCAT score?
I wish I would have submitted to just one school, and the rest after it was all put together.
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AFAIK there's no problem with your situation, they just will not review your app until you have the MCAT/Letters complete. Now you can start the official secondary apps and when the rest of your application is complete, you'll be 'complete' with the school. I'd say that's better than having waited, which would likely have delayed completion of secondaries, etc.
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Thanks, I hope so. Either way, it's what I'm doing now. I was just a little caught of guard by all the responses knowing that it wasn't really ready.
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My prelim scores are as follows:
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 82% - 97% Expected score 128
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 76% - 91% Expected score 127
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 82% - 97% Expected score 128
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 70% - 85% Expected score 127
MCAT Total Score 80% - 90% Expected score 510
I have a Overall 3.7 and 3.6 science GPA
What schools would you suggest I apply too ?
Also, do you feel that the 510 may be a strong 510 since my lower percentile was in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior instead of the other sectors.... i.e. the other 3 sections more comparable to the old MCAT scores ?
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 82% - 97% Expected score 128
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 76% - 91% Expected score 127
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 82% - 97% Expected score 128
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 70% - 85% Expected score 127
MCAT Total Score 80% - 90% Expected score 510
I have a Overall 3.7 and 3.6 science GPA
What schools would you suggest I apply too ?
Also, do you feel that the 510 may be a strong 510 since my lower percentile was in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior instead of the other sectors.... i.e. the other 3 sections more comparable to the old MCAT scores ?
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That just means the school doesn't pre-screen for secondaries. They will just look at your app when all parts have been completed. You are fine 🙂
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Hey guys! Been following this thread for a while now but this is my first time posting. I really appreciate everyone who contributes to this thread and sdn in general! I have a quick question that I will preface with some of my data.
MCAT prelim percentiles: all 85-100 with 90-100 overall
GPA: 3.95, 3.98 science GPA
Pretty solid extra curriculars (lots of volunteering, shadowing, clubs, ect), however, I have no research experience.
When I originally chose which med schools to apply to, I didn't choose many high-end schools because 1. I don't have research experience and 2. I didn't expect to do as well as it seems I have done on the MCAT. Do you guys think that lack of undergraduate research specifically will screw my chances of getting interviews with higher-end med schools that recommend research? Thanks again!
MCAT prelim percentiles: all 85-100 with 90-100 overall
GPA: 3.95, 3.98 science GPA
Pretty solid extra curriculars (lots of volunteering, shadowing, clubs, ect), however, I have no research experience.
When I originally chose which med schools to apply to, I didn't choose many high-end schools because 1. I don't have research experience and 2. I didn't expect to do as well as it seems I have done on the MCAT. Do you guys think that lack of undergraduate research specifically will screw my chances of getting interviews with higher-end med schools that recommend research? Thanks again!
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Apply to schools you want to go to.
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Easier but similar question style
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i screwed up with not using my school committee letters. now im getting individual letters. do you guys rate INTERFOLIO? i just paid for it. i dont know how easy it is as im hoping to make everything as easy as possible for my authors.
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am i just the only one that wants to go to a maximum of 2 states off the map outside my home state? like i dont want to live in the south and then go to washington.
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Honestly, since you have the numbers, make sure to apply to your state schools, no matter what. Research experience isn't mandatory, I just think that it compliments and helps people if they have something lagging on their app (for me, my MCAT from the June test is looking to be around a 26/27 on the old scale, so because I have a good deal of research and a 3.95 GPA, it should help me for my state schools, but I'd have to retake if I want to go more competitive schools as a URM). But I would encourage you to find things that shine on your application and pump that up. Or since the interview process will be in the fall, try to so more things until then that you can talk about (maybe get into a research lab or a hospital, or something else that shows leadership. But number wise, you are straight. Just play up the person behind them. 😉
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It seemed really doable for my writers, who were all over the place so I just used the e-mail option. If they are near you, there's also an option to print out a sheet that they can include when mailing the letter, I believe. If they already have an AMCAS ID, that may be easier.
I've used Interfolio for many years, and it is awesome. I'm actually going to send my recommendations over from Interfolio to AMCAS once I add the rest of my schools. I put the slots for each recommendation on my primary application, so I don't have to add them. I just have to send the recommendations to AMCAS.
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C/P: 62-77%
CARS: 76-91%
BIO: 62-77%
PSYCH: 85-100%
Overall: 74-84%
Overall GPA: 3.80
sGPA: 3.77
M.S. Degree
Could someone give me a projected score and any thoughts of my chances on state M.D. programs?
Thanks.
CARS: 76-91%
BIO: 62-77%
PSYCH: 85-100%
Overall: 74-84%
Overall GPA: 3.80
sGPA: 3.77
M.S. Degree
Could someone give me a projected score and any thoughts of my chances on state M.D. programs?
Thanks.
Hi everyone,
I'm not happy with my June prelim percentiles and planning to retake in January and apply next year (summer exams won't work for me as I'm moving and it'll be too hectic for me to study).
I did Kaplan review and will be asking for them to extend my access but I want different full lengths such as TPR and EK. Anyone know how to go about getting these without paying an arm and a leg? I don't plan to enroll in any other official review or program, just looking for full lengths other than Kaplan. I know I can individually purchase EK FLs but I couldn't find anything for TPR (other than a physical book, which i was really hoping for some type of online test to simulate test day).
Any other recommendations for FLs and where to purchase them would be appreciated!
Thanks!!
I'm not happy with my June prelim percentiles and planning to retake in January and apply next year (summer exams won't work for me as I'm moving and it'll be too hectic for me to study).
I did Kaplan review and will be asking for them to extend my access but I want different full lengths such as TPR and EK. Anyone know how to go about getting these without paying an arm and a leg? I don't plan to enroll in any other official review or program, just looking for full lengths other than Kaplan. I know I can individually purchase EK FLs but I couldn't find anything for TPR (other than a physical book, which i was really hoping for some type of online test to simulate test day).
Any other recommendations for FLs and where to purchase them would be appreciated!
Thanks!!
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liberty, did you find that the aamc old cbt's verbal were similar to the CARS?
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my bio was 72-87%, my psych was 61-76% and my overall was 68-78 but the rest are similar to yours. damn psych really screwed me over. i think you'll be about 509. im guessing im 507
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Of course!
80-85 % ish on all guide sections.
Low 90% on all aamc fl sections.
132/131/132/131 for a total score of 526.
