Top Schools with 30 MCAT?

[sfwtboy88]

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cGPA: 3.91
sGPA: 3.92
MCAT: 30

Volunteer in Emergency Room 2.5 years (100+ hours)
Shadowed various surgeons (30 Hours)
Done research at every stage of my Undergrad career, included published research at an Ivy League School (500+ hours)
Have presented research at 3 national research conferences
TA for a Anatomy Class
Tutor for 3 years
Double Major in Biology and Classics
Been an Resident assistant and President of Student Gov

Just wondering what schools would be considered "reach" for me now. I used to be looking at top 10 schools because I felt my EC and GPA were competitive there, but I'm worried about my average MCAT scores. How much do you think they'll hold me back?

 

[MedPR]

cGPA: 3.91
sGPA: 3.92
MCAT: 30

Volunteer in Emergency Room 2.5 years (100+ hours)
Shadowed various surgeons (30 Hours)
Done research at every stage of my Undergrad career, included published research at an Ivy League School (500+ hours)
Have presented research at 3 national research conferences
TA for a Anatomy Class
Tutor for 3 years
Double Major in Biology and Classics
Been an Resident assistant and President of Student Gov

Just wondering what schools would be considered "reach" for me now. I used to be looking at top 10 schools because I felt my EC and GPA were competitive there, but I'm worried about my average MCAT scores. How much do you think they'll hold me back?

No chance at top 10 with a 30. Chances are slim even for top 25.

 

[sfwtboy88]

No chance at top 10 with a 30. Chances are slim even for top 25.

Would you think top 25-50 then? Are any of the upper med schools known to emphasize the MCAT less?

 

[sliceofbread136]

Very slim man sorry :/ Be sure to apply broadly.

 

[MedPR]

Would you think top 25-50 then? Are any of the upper med schools known to emphasize the MCAT less?

Even if there are schools that emphasize the MCAT less, we'd still be talking about the mid 30's range. I'm sure you can get into a top 50 program. Your ECs are solid, MCAT is still good, and obviously your GPA is great.

 

[BigBlueBear]

I'd recommend you not fall into the mindset of "top 25 or bust"

Every single med school in the U.S. will pretty much get you the same education. They're all good. Some may offer more research opportunities or something (or make them more readily available) but matching into residencies really comes down to you, not the school. There's nothing wrong with a mid tier school.

 

[Catalystik]

If you think the score was a fluke, you have the option of retaking. What did your most recent practice scores look like?

 

[sfwtboy88]

If you think the score was a fluke, you have the option of retaking. What did your most recent practice scores look like?

I took 11 practice tests with an AAMC average of 33 and scores ranging from 30-37 about 5 of those being 35+

I studied for three months over the summer, I'm just worried that I'll never be as studied as I was for that one exam.

 

[sfwtboy88]

Also Usually at 30+ people recommend not to retake the test because the chances your score will drop are high, which I can't afford at this point :/

 

[MedPR]

I took 11 practice tests with an AAMC average of 33 and scores ranging from 30-37 about 5 of those being 35+

I studied for three months over the summer, I'm just worried that I'll never be as studied as I was for that one exam.

Also Usually at 30+ people recommend not to retake the test because the chances your score will drop are high, which I can't afford at this point :/

If you know you worked hard and studied a lot for that MCAT, then I don't think you should retake.

 

[basedbear]

yes you can afford to retake it. I retook a 31 and improved to 37. you have to believe and man up

 

[biotechpharma]

cGPA: 3.91
sGPA: 3.92
MCAT: 30

Volunteer in Emergency Room 2.5 years (100+ hours)
Shadowed various surgeons (30 Hours)
Done research at every stage of my Undergrad career, included published research at an Ivy League School (500+ hours)
Have presented research at 3 national research conferences
TA for a Anatomy Class
Tutor for 3 years
Double Major in Biology and Classics
Been an Resident assistant and President of Student Gov

Just wondering what schools would be considered "reach" for me now. I used to be looking at top 10 schools because I felt my EC and GPA were competitive there, but I'm worried about my average MCAT scores. How much do you think they'll hold me back?

This is sad. I have very similar stats as you except with a 32 --> 31 drop on retake. Everything else EC wise stand out for sure. Only response on SDN has been "that's impossible for top 25." Maybe it's true according to stats of the 10 and 90% of acceptance/matriculants.

If you don't mind me asking, how did everything go for you? I hope the best for you