Unbalanced MCAT, non-trad URM, should I apply to top 20?

[baguettes]

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Hello all, I am a non-trad student with an unbalanced MCAT score (515: CP 126, CARS 132, BB 127, PS 130) and I could use some advice.

About me: I am an URM (Hispanic female), 28 year old non-traditional student. I didn't grow up speaking Spanish at home but I am proficient and have volunteered 16 hours at a vaccine site occasionally doing medical translation. I went to a top 10 university for undergrad and partied so much that my major GPA (stats major) is weak (some Cs and a D). My prior career was in data science, so my grades didn't matter as much as my skills.

I would be very happy to attend my state school for cost reasons, but I am interested in bioinformatics research, in which my state school does not have a department. I am wondering if I should apply to Duke, UNC, Emory, Vanderbilt, Case, WashU as reaches given my score and URM status. I am looking at urban campuses in the South, Midwest, and East Coast for family reasons. I would not hesitate to pay tuition for a private/ out of state school if I could get into a top 20.

Other factors: For ECs and research, I have 30+ hours physician shadowing. I have 40+ hours volunteering weekly in a soup kitchen working closely with the guests. For research, I worked on a meta analysis that's currently under review, and I am currently working on a research project as a statistician on a hot public health topic.

On test day, I hadn't taken Physics I or II or Biochem, so C/P was understandably my weakest section. My confidence bands were right on target to my practice test performance the other sections, but wish I had seen a 128 on B/B. Re: CARS -- I am a speed reader and reading comp has always come naturally to me.

The questions: I freaked out during C/P on test day. I think I can get to 128 on C/P and B/B with 4-5 weeks of intensive studying, but I don't want to risk losing my CARS and P/S score on a reattempt this late in the 2022 cycle. I still will not have taken Physics II or Biochem if I retake in August so I will still be teaching myself those topics. I'll most likely get into my state school with this score if my C/P is not a problem. However, I wouldn't mind returning to a research school on the tier of my undergrad, since I'm interested in bioinformatics research. Is my score so unbalanced that I should consider a retake, if I'm interested in those top 20 schools? Or should I just adjust my school list?

I appreciate any input, thanks!

 

[Dral]

I'm not sure you need a retake of MCAT. That's a fairly strong score. However, to answer your question, it would help to know your GPA. If it's a 3.6 or 3.7, that might not change your plans too much and it might be worth it applying to a top 20 school. If your GPA is a 3.1, that could change things.

You've proven you can take a standardized test (ie pass the steps and board exams). It needs to be 'proven' that you can handle med school curriculum (a bunch of difficult course information thrown at you at the same time), and be able to integrate it and apply it (or parts of it).

You might look for programs that offer students a Masters degree either in bioinformatics or with a masters degree that you could tailor to that type of thing. You want to look for programs that let you get the degree in a year's time (between 3rd and 4th year). My school has MPH, MBA, and Master of science (clinical research) options. I'm not sure how bioinformatics is there though.

 

[GreenDuck12]

The questions: I freaked out during C/P on test day. I think I can get to 128 on C/P and B/B with 4-5 weeks of intensive studying, but I don't want to risk losing my CARS and P/S score on a reattempt this late in the 2022 cycle. I still will not have taken Physics II or Biochem if I retake in August so I will still be teaching myself those topics.

I would not recommend retaking the MCAT for multiple reasons: you already have a top 6% MCAT score (with a 100%ile cars and 98%ile in BB), any potential gains in CP may be offset by declines elsewhere (particularly BB as it is really hard to repeat a 132 section score), and you have not completed all prereqs. Simply put, the risk is far to great for any potential upside.

 

[Faha]

What are your cGPA and sGPA ? Where is your state of residence ? Do you have any clinical volunteering or employment hours with patient contact ?

 

[gyngyn]

Which Hispanic community do you represent?

 

[deleted1103055]

I did, and my post did not comment on the merits of applying to those programs as that is outside my wheelhouse. My post only commented on retaking the MCAT, which for the reasons outlined above, would be a risky endeavor…

Not sure what was confusing about that?

the person we are trying to help is OP. As it is we have created a sidbar that was not necessary. I will delete my comments to get the thread back on subject to OP’s concern about being competitive at schools like Duke

best

 

[Goro]

Hello all, I am a non-trad student with an unbalanced MCAT score (515: CP 126, CARS 132, BB 127, PS 130) and I could use some advice.

About me: I am an URM (Hispanic female), 28 year old non-traditional student. I didn't grow up speaking Spanish at home but I am proficient and have volunteered 16 hours at a vaccine site occasionally doing medical translation. I went to a top 10 university for undergrad and partied so much that my major GPA (stats major) is weak (some Cs and a D). My prior career was in data science, so my grades didn't matter as much as my skills.

I would be very happy to attend my state school for cost reasons, but I am interested in bioinformatics research, in which my state school does not have a department. I am wondering if I should apply to Duke, UNC, Emory, Vanderbilt, Case, WashU as reaches given my score and URM status. I am looking at urban campuses in the South, Midwest, and East Coast for family reasons. I would not hesitate to pay tuition for a private/ out of state school if I could get into a top 20.

Other factors: For ECs and research, I have 30+ hours physician shadowing. I have 40+ hours volunteering weekly in a soup kitchen working closely with the guests. For research, I worked on a meta analysis that's currently under review, and I am currently working on a research project as a statistician on a hot public health topic.

On test day, I hadn't taken Physics I or II or Biochem, so C/P was understandably my weakest section. My confidence bands were right on target to my practice test performance the other sections, but wish I had seen a 128 on B/B. Re: CARS -- I am a speed reader and reading comp has always come naturally to me.

The questions: I freaked out during C/P on test day. I think I can get to 128 on C/P and B/B with 4-5 weeks of intensive studying, but I don't want to risk losing my CARS and P/S score on a reattempt this late in the 2022 cycle. I still will not have taken Physics II or Biochem if I retake in August so I will still be teaching myself those topics. I'll most likely get into my state school with this score if my C/P is not a problem. However, I wouldn't mind returning to a research school on the tier of my undergrad, since I'm interested in bioinformatics research. Is my score so unbalanced that I should consider a retake, if I'm interested in those top 20 schools? Or should I just adjust my school list?

I appreciate any input, thanks!

Chill, you're fine

 

[baguettes]

I'm not sure you need a retake of MCAT. That's a fairly strong score. However, to answer your question, it would help to know your GPA. If it's a 3.6 or 3.7, that might not change your plans too much and it might be worth it applying to a top 20 school. If your GPA is a 3.1, that could change things.

Thanks for your reply -- my ugrad GPA was 3.23. I completed 2 semesters in a grad data science program before dropping out to pursue my career, and my GPA was 4.0 (only 2 semesters though). My post-bacc GPA (all prereqs except math) is 3.94 to date, and I still have to take Physics II and an advanced bio course in the fall.

You might look for programs that offer students a Masters degree either in bioinformatics or with a masters degree that you could tailor to that type of thing. You want to look for programs that let you get the degree in a year's time (between 3rd and 4th year). My school has MPH, MBA, and Master of science (clinical research) options. I'm not sure how bioinformatics is there though.

Vandy is a strong pull for this reason. I'm more interested in working on projects with faculty there than completing the degree requirements for the MS, however, since I will be in my 30s.

 

[baguettes]

I would not recommend retaking the MCAT for multiple reasons: you already have a top 6% MCAT score (with a 100%ile cars and 98%ile in BB), any potential gains in CP may be offset by declines elsewhere (particularly BB as it is really hard to repeat a 132 section score), and you have not completed all prereqs. Simply put, the risk is far to great for any potential upside.

Thanks for your reply. I think you may have mistaken my P/S score for my B/B score, but still I agree that it would be hard to replicate. My score report indicates 90th %ile overall.

 

[baguettes]

What are your cGPA and sGPA ? Where is your state of residence ? Do you have any clinical volunteering or employment hours with patient contact ?

Thanks for responding -- Please see my above reply to Dral -- basically my post bacc GPA is my sGPA minus math, and unfortunately I haven't done the math yet (ha) to add math back in. My only clinical experience is the shadowing I mentioned. I'd like to keep my state private.

 

[baguettes]

Chill, you're fine

Thank you for the response. Makes me feel much better.

 

[baguettes]

Which Hispanic community do you represent?

Interesting question -- how does this factor in? I am Mexican.

 

[Goro]

Interesting question -- how does this factor in? I am Mexican.

Not all Latinos are URM

 

[gyngyn]

Interesting question -- how does this factor in? I am Mexican.

Mexican Americans are seriously UiM.
Your are a candidate for the best schools in the country, but don't forget your state public(s).

 

[Faha]

Thanks for responding -- Please see my above reply to Dral -- basically my post bacc GPA is my sGPA minus math, and unfortunately I haven't done the math yet (ha) to add math back in. My only clinical experience is the shadowing I mentioned. I'd like to keep my state private.

Your lack of clinical exposure hours will limit your chances for interviews. Accumulate 200+ hours of clinical volunteering with patient contact in the coming year and another 20 hours of physician shadowing. That will increase your chances for interviews when you apply a year from now.

 

[baguettes]

Your lack of clinical exposure hours will limit your chances for interviews. Accumulate 200+ hours of clinical volunteering with patient contact in the coming year and another 20 hours of physician shadowing. That will increase your chances for interviews when you apply a year from now.

Thank you for the feedback. I still plan to apply this cycle. I have planned another 16 hours for physician shadowing this month with potential to increase, but I recognize clinical hours will still be a weak point. I had been working full time (as a data scientist) while in school part time for my post-bacc, until I resigned earlier this summer. Do you think adcoms will appreciate my circumstances? I suspect I am not that unique among other career changers so maybe I do not have a great excuse.

 

[baguettes]

Not all Latinos are URM

Mexican Americans are seriously UiM.
Your are a candidate for the best schools in the country, but don't forget your state public(s).

Noted, thank you both! I feel silly for learning this now. I would be 90% satisfied with my state school. I just don't want to leave Duke or Vandy on the table if I have a shot at them.

 

[Faha]

Thank you for the feedback. I still plan to apply this cycle. I have planned another 16 hours for physician shadowing this month with potential to increase, but I recognize clinical hours will still be a weak point. I had been working full time (as a data scientist) while in school part time for my post-bacc, until I resigned earlier this summer. Do you think adcoms will appreciate my circumstances? I suspect I am not that unique among other career changers so maybe I do not have a great excuse.

When are you planning to submit your application ? Which schools are you applying to ?

 

[baguettes]

When are you planning to submit your application ? Which schools are you applying to ?

By the end of the month. My state school is included on this list.

Emory
Duke
Vanderbilt
Case Western
Feinberg
Pritzker
WashU
LSU
MCG
MUSC
OSU
UAB
UNC
UTHSC
USF
VCU

 

[Faha]

LSU, MCG, MUSC, UAB, UNC admit few non residents with no connection to the state (unless one of those is your state school). I suggest adding more schools that are not reaches and consider these:
Miami
George Washington
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Seton Hall
Hofstra
Einstein
Vermont
Dartmouth
Boston University
Tufts
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State
Medical College Wisconsin
Arizona (Tucson and Phoenix)
California University
Kaiser
USC Keck

 

[baguettes]

LSU, MCG, MUSC, UAB, UNC admit few non residents with no connection to the state (unless one of those is your state school). I suggest adding more schools that are not reaches and consider these:
Miami
George Washington
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Seton Hall
Hofstra
Einstein
Vermont
Dartmouth
Boston University
Tufts
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State
Medical College Wisconsin
Arizona (Tucson and Phoenix)
California University
Kaiser
USC Keck

Thanks very much for this list -- I really appreciate it. I didn't realize Miami offered some scholarships -- good to know! It will take me a bit to research the rest. Thanks again.

 

[Dral]

Noted, thank you both! I feel silly for learning this now. I would be 90% satisfied with my state school. I just don't want to leave Duke or Vandy on the table if I have a shot at them.

No need to feel silly about it. It's a concept people don't always stop to think about.

Latino/Lantina/LatinX is an ethnic designation opposed to a race designation. Thus those of African descent can identify as latinX as can someone who has caucasian race background.