Verbal Reasoning Emphasis

[defrunner]

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Is there any truth to a rumor I've heard somewhere that med schools place a slightly greater weight on VR than either BS or PS? The reasoning behind this is supposedly that med schools figure that you can always be taught the sciences but you can't be taught as well how to comprehend and think through what you're reading? So, if you're weak in a certain area on the MCAT or GPA, then a high VR will be beneficial? I mean, if you get an 8 or 9 on VR, then you're obviously not excluded, as long as you have a solid overall background (not the crazy-solid background that some people on this website seem to be too neurotic about, but like a normal one). My question applies to a score of like 11-12 or above on VR.

 

[pnklytnyng]

^^bump^^

 

[defrunner]

^^bump^^

bump indeed

 

[ADeadLois]

Is there any truth to a rumor I've heard somewhere that med schools place a slightly greater weight on VR than either BS or PS? The reasoning behind this is supposedly that med schools figure that you can always be taught the sciences but you can't be taught as well how to comprehend and think through what you're reading? So, if you're weak in a certain area on the MCAT or GPA, then a high VR will be beneficial? I mean, if you get an 8 or 9 on VR, then you're obviously not excluded, as long as you have a solid overall background (not the crazy-solid background that some people on this website seem to be too neurotic about, but like a normal one). My question applies to a score of like 11-12 or above on VR.

I think it depends on the med school. My Kaplan teacher told us that VR was the most important section for two reasons. First, it typically has the toughest curve. Second, it tests your ability to take in completely new information and draw inferences and conclusions. Of the sections on the MCAT, I would understand how it would be the most applicable to diagnostic medicine as far as the thought process is concerned. (I mean, when are you going to have to know the gravitational force down an incline plane again?)

I doubt you'll get a straight answer to the question, since it likely varies by ADCOM. Also, any emphasis on verbal wouldn't be that much greater than BS or PS.

 

[sentry]

I doubt you'll get a straight answer to the question, since it likely varies by ADCOM. Also, any emphasis on verbal wouldn't be that much greater than BS or PS.[/QUOTE]

I don't think it is weighted anymore, but if you look at the top medical schools, the average VR score is usually a little lower than the PS or BS score. I think a solid VR might help set you apart if you do well on the other sections -- but I agree that there probably isn't a straight answer to this question