What Are My Chances and Other General Questions

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Lotus,

I think that the biggest problem is the slide in your MCAT scores. A repeat test with lower scores across the board suggests that the first test, not the second, was a fluke. An improvement on your third try would be indicative of testing effects, unless the rise in scores was dramatic. Take a prep class with either Princeton or Kaplan and really nail it - the sooner, the better if you're planning on applying again this summer.

Also, your success in the upcoming application cycle will probably depend to a varying degree on what you are doing in the upcoming year. Stay relevant and keep your application fresh. Keep up your extracurriculars/volunteering. Find a job in a health care, service, or research related field. Update your letters of recommendation. As a reapplicant, you have to show the adcoms that you have grown and matured between last year and this year.

Definitely go DO over Caribbean. My conversations with adcoms (and the Dean of Wash U med school) strongly suggest that Caribbean schools are a liability when applying for residency. Their opinion, by and large, is that the class sizes are larger and the standards of admission are a lot looser, resulting in a noticeable difference in the quality of education which is reflected in the Step 1 scores for those schools. I'm sorry for bashing, but that's just what I've been told by people who would probably know.

Good luck - that MCAT score is probably the only thing holding you back.
 
I'm a post bacc student who graduated from the University of Michigan. My overall GPA from Michigan was a 3.2. But here's the kicker; I had a shameful BCPM of 2.7. After I graduated, I went to work for a reserach and development lab in a pharmaceutical company as a chemical analyst for two and a half years and realized that while I was being productive everyday, I truly didn't feel that effective. I used that as a jumping point to re-kindle a medical career. So I'm at a post bacc program now and earning my 4.0 with full class loads per semester. Does anyone have an outlook/suggestion on my status?

My E.C.'s include, besides the pharmaceutical lab, publishing and presenting microbiological research under the P.I. that I have now. I've also been a full time EMT for my local V.A.C. (volunteer Ambulance Corps) for two summers straight, E.R. volunteer for about 5-8 hours per week for two years and will be working on cancer research at Einstein Medical center on metastatic melanoma. I'm also in a Biological Honor's society (just for that little cherry on top hehe.)

Another aspect (which some would argue is important hehe) is that my MCAT scores have been surprisingly good. My diagnostic was a 28 and after taking three other diagnostics, I'm consistently hitting a 31-33 N.

My biggest concern would be my GPA and I am truly wondering what other experienced people have to say about what my chances of getting into ANY medical school is like. I humbly ask for your advice to those out there.
 
For some reason no one is answering amwatts question. I am not really that qualified since I know very little about the early decision process. However, you have good numbers, and your instate. If it doesn't detract from your chances (I am under the impression that you need to be extra amzing for early decision programs), then go for it. especially if it is your first choice. Just my 2 cents.
 
Amwatts,

If you are certain that you would take Wake Forest over all others, applying ED could definitely give you a leg up. However, you should know that you might not be allowed to submit primaries to anyone else until you find out about Wake Forest, sometime around October. It is a risky move, as I'm sure you know. It's probably better to apply regular decision to a broad list, then send a letter of intent post-interview to Wake Forest if you're still sure you want to go.
 
CrepesofWrath said:
Amwatts,

If you are certain that you would take Wake Forest over all others, applying ED could definitely give you a leg up. However, you should know that you might not be allowed to submit primaries to anyone else until you find out about Wake Forest, sometime around October. It is a risky move, as I'm sure you know. It's probably better to apply regular decision to broad list, then send a letter of intent post-interview to Wake Forest if you're still sure you want to go.
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ahhh such a hard decision. I talked to the Dean and he encouraged me to go ahead and apply EDP, but obviously I havent visited every school so im not sure, its quite possible I could go on an interview to another school and fall in love.
 
I am not going for the top tier schoolshere's my stuff:

  • 3.55 cumulative gpa 3.6 BCPM, with good upward trend (2.8 freshman year) and biology major
  • 29P (PS8, VR10, BS11)
  • clinical volunteering and shadowing (500 hrs+)
  • AIDS network volunteer (1 yr) certified AIDS educator
  • started free tutoring program (2 yrs)
  • Officer of 2 campus clubs (VP and secretary, participated all 4 yrs of college, officer senior year)
  • TA/Lab assistant for intro and upper level biology classes (2 yrs)
  • research with presentations at 2 national conferences (2 yrs), hopefully will get published this year
  • Miller lite beer promoter :laugh: (6 months)
  • Study abroad South Africa and San Salvador
  • year off as consultant for medical software company (40-100 hrs per week...seriously...)
Whaddya think?
 
I think you have lots of good experience. Solid mCAT in terms of in state. If you aren't a total #$$-hole I don't think you should have a problem with the mid-tier schools. Good luck in the app. process. I wish the best for ya. 😀
 
Nom said:
I am not going for the top tier schoolshere's my stuff:
  • 3.55 cumulative gpa 3.6 BCPM, with good upward trend (2.8 freshman year) and biology major
  • 29P (PS8, VR10, BS11)
  • clinical volunteering and shadowing (500 hrs+)
  • AIDS network volunteer (1 yr) certified AIDS educator
  • started free tutoring program (2 yrs)
  • Officer of 2 campus clubs (VP and secretary, participated all 4 yrs of college, officer senior year)
  • TA/Lab assistant for intro and upper level biology classes (2 yrs)
  • research with presentations at 2 national conferences (2 yrs), hopefully will get published this year
  • Miller lite beer promoter :laugh: (6 months)
  • Study abroad South Africa and San Salvador
  • year off as consultant for medical software company (40-100 hrs per week...seriously...)
Whaddya think?
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We need your state of residence, bc if you have a friendly state then I think you will get in, if not you better apply broadly and early.
 
Hey all, I'm a canadian and was wondering what my stats were. I know they aren't GREAT for top tier, but was hoping to apply to some lower tier schools like SUNY Upstate, RFU, NYMC and such.

GPA 3.32
MCAT 35T (11v/13p/11b)

Lets see interms of non academic
2 years of developping policies and making new patient pre transplant assessment forms that are automated for a hematology clinic at a big hospital in toronto.
3 years of clinical research with 3 poster presentations and 1 major publication coming in Blood with me as second author, follow up pending
50 hours of piano playing at a seniors home to entertain the old ladies
100 volunteer hours at random places

One LOR from a former transplant program director(knows me 3 years), one from a nurse(1 year), two profs(only two courses each, don't know me too ewll, using them for jsut academic reference).

What are my chances? We don't have premed advisors here in canada.

Shoot it to me straight boys and girls, what are my chances in america?
 
angelkitty23 said:
Am hoping to apply to med school for Class of 2013. What's your thoughts and/or school suggestions?

Below is a link to my profile.
http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?id=9897

GPA is low in my first two years, due to some personal and family matters. Residence in MA.
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Angelkitty,

You have excellent ECs, but the fact of the matter is that a lot of adcoms won't even look at your file unless you meet their GPA minimums. I'm sorry to say that a 2.7 BCPM just isn't going to cut it for the list of schools to which you are applying. I'm also assuming that your lower scoring science classes are the science prereqs, which is also a liability.

You'll probably want a second/third/fourth opinion, but I wouldn't apply in the upcoming application cycle. I would take a science heavy course load during my last undergrad year and really nail them to bring up the science GPA, then apply in the summer of 2009. I would also apply to a much broader range of schools if your projected MCAT score is going to be below 32. Remember that the average GPA for matriculants is 3.6, MCAT 34.

Good luck! You and I are in much the same boat (though your ECs are definitely far superior to mine). Do something interesting during your year off, and you should be fine.
 
CrepesofWrath said:
Angelkitty,

You have excellent ECs, but the fact of the matter is that a lot of adcoms won't even look at your file unless you meet their GPA minimums. I'm sorry to say that a 2.7 BCPM just isn't going to cut it for the list of schools to which you are applying. I'm also assuming that your lower scoring science classes are the science prereqs, which is also a liability.

You'll probably want a second/third/fourth opinion, but I wouldn't apply in the upcoming application cycle. I would take a science heavy course load during my last undergrad year and really nail them to bring up the science GPA, then apply in the summer of 2009. I would also apply to a much broader range of schools if your projected MCAT score is going to be below 32. Remember that the average GPA for matriculants is 3.6, MCAT 34.

Good luck! You and I are in much the same boat (though your ECs are definitely far superior to mine). Do something interesting during your year off, and you should be fine.
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Not quite MCAT 34, Yet lol. More like a 31, but I agree with you hold off on applying this year.
 
amwatts0322 said:
We need your state of residence, bc if you have a friendly state then I think you will get in, if not you better apply broadly and early.
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I am a MN resident
 
Nom said:
I am a MN resident
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Not the best state, but not too shabby either. Eventhough you are slightly below their averages You have some good ECS, so use them to your advantage and find some good LORs and have great interviews.

Easier said then done, I know.
 
I'll be done with my prereqs this semester. I'm planning on taking my MCAT on August 26, and the way things are going I'm hoping for a 35+ (God willing). Come application time, my AMCAS GPA will be: 3.549 overall and 3.346 BCPM (if I get A's this semester--doable). I have great EC's (college of sciences senator, premed club president, black belt in TKD and brown belt in judo, teaching inner city kids science and reading, ER volunteer, peer advisor, lots of shadowing, lots of research + probable publication, etc.). The biggest drawbacks will be my GPA and the earliest I'll be complete is September 26 (it takes a month to get scores back, right?).

I WANT to save a year. I want (so bad) to get out of this crappy city and away from my parents. I don't CARE if I don't get into a big name school--I'm happy with my state school. I just want to be a doctor. My state school's accepted averages are 3.67 Overall, 3.57 BCPM and a 28 MCAT. I've had tons of contact with the school through the years (they know my name). Should I do it? Will I be at a disadvantage if I don't get in anywhere and have to reapply next year? With my stats and late application (complete by late September), do I have any chance whatsoever of getting in somewhere? IS IT WORTH THE GAMBLE!?!?

Thanks!
 
You left out a critical piece of info. Will you have your degree in hand by the end of next year? If so, you have a decent shot. If not, it's not a very good chance. If you try and fail, it might harm your chances the following year some, but it won't tank them.
 
Yes, apply assuming a bachelors degree. You certainly have a chance. Make sure to get some great LORs and write a good personal statement. I am assuming you have an upward trend as well? Rock the MCAT and you will be have a good shot at getting into medical school.
 
If you take the mcats earlier the better Aug is very late since you won't hear until late sept and will still have to write secondary's then they have to look at your app an then give you an interview.... I would take my mcat's May maybe June no later GL
 
HumidBeing said:
You left out a critical piece of info. Will you have your degree in hand by the end of next year? If so, you have a decent shot. If not, it's not a very good chance. If you try and fail, it might harm your chances the following year some, but it won't tank them.
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foreverLaur said:
Yes, apply assuming a bachelors degree. You certainly have a chance. Make sure to get some great LORs and write a good personal statement. I am assuming you have an upward trend as well? Rock the MCAT and you will be have a good shot at getting into medical school.
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What about the late application? That's what concerns me the most. I should have the degree in hand (because otherwise I'd be taking 5 years to graduate...). Do people actually get accepted when applying this late?
 
HumidBeing said:
You left out a critical piece of info. Will you have your degree in hand by the end of next year? If so, you have a decent shot. If not, it's not a very good chance. If you try and fail, it might harm your chances the following year some, but it won't tank them.
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How much does reapp status harm my application? If it harms my chances too much maybe I shouldn't take the gamble.

And just in case I don't have a bachelors come med school time, will they allow me to defer?
 
Virgil said:
What about the late application? That's what concerns me the most. I should have the degree in hand (because otherwise I'd be taking 5 years to graduate...). Do people actually get accepted when applying this late?
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Okay, now I gottcha.

Yes, people do get accepted with the late MCAT, but that August one is about the latest possible to take and still have a chance. Is there are reason that you can't take in by at least June? The problem with the late test date is that they don't even consider you until you are complete in the school files. By the time they get around to getting the test reports, there are piles of applicants ahead of you, and you wind up being considered the same as a late applicant. Late applicants DO make it in - I think Alwaysaangel and MaxPrime are two examples - but there are many who WOULD have made it if they had been early applicants, but didn't make it as late ones.

Yes, you WOULD have a chance. The chance would improve if you could submit an earlier MCAT score.
 
LucidSplash said:
NO. Your acceptances are almost always dependent on you finishing your degree (and not bombing that last semester of grades).
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OK, cool! Glad I cleared that up. 😳
 
Do you have an urgent need to head straight into medical school (especially since you aren't sure you will finish your degree)? There are a lot of great things you can do during a year off and really boost that application, better yourself, and learn a lot.

Being a reapplicant can be a bad thing or a good thing. If you take that rejection, seek out your weak points, work very hard to overcome them, and then reapply, it won't be a bad thing. If you don't really do much to better your application, then it is a bad thing.

What prerequisites do you have left? It is very possible to do well on the MCAT without finishing prerequisites, especially the second half of orgo and I have heard some people have done it without finishing physics. You'll just have to work extra hard on those prep areas.
 
Virgil said:
How much does reapp status harm my application? If it harms my chances too much maybe I shouldn't take the gamble.

And just in case I don't have a bachelors come med school time, will they allow me to defer?
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Being a reapplicant hurts mainly in the aspect that you are expected to show considerable improvements have been made since the previous application. You just have to fill the downtime with appropriate activities, classes, volunteerism - whatever it is that adds to your preparation.

Yeah, you do need that degree. The acceptance is contingent on that.
 
My boyfriend won't take the MCAT until August - he's taking Orgo II this summer. Is that really too late? He's been doing Teach for America and will not be able to finish his pre-reqs til then. He has a 3.8 GPA from Penn and good extracurriculars.

Would it be better for him to take Orgo II later and take the MCAT earlier?

Thanks!
 
curiosteph said:
My boyfriend won't take the MCAT until August - he's taking Orgo II this summer. Is that really too late? He's been doing Teach for America and will not be able to finish his pre-reqs til then. He has a 3.8 GPA from Penn and good extracurriculars.

Would it be better for him to take Orgo II later and take the MCAT earlier?

Thanks!
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He would most likely be fine taking the MCAT earlier while taking Orgo II. From other responses I have gotten to a similar question myself, a fair number of people do so and do quite well. It is not a large portion of the MCAT. Just make sure to study extra in the orgo area.
 
I know...actually I am not 100% on my residency b/c I have working in Wisconsin for 7 months now and I will have been here a year in July.

I'd rather go to the U of MN though...if I don't get in, I will be a WI resident next time, haha.

I have pretty good interviewing skills, so I think if I made it that far I would have a good interview. I just put together my list of schools to research more, its 25 long (i.e., $2900) so I definitely have to cut that down
 
foreverLaur said:
Do you have an urgent need to head straight into medical school (especially since you aren't sure you will finish your degree)? There are a lot of great things you can do during a year off and really boost that application, better yourself, and learn a lot.

Being a reapplicant can be a bad thing or a good thing. If you take that rejection, seek out your weak points, work very hard to overcome them, and then reapply, it won't be a bad thing. If you don't really do much to better your application, then it is a bad thing.

What prerequisites do you have left? It is very possible to do well on the MCAT without finishing prerequisites, especially the second half of orgo and I have heard some people have done it without finishing physics. You'll just have to work extra hard on those prep areas.
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I'm taking the last of my prereqs (physics 2) this semester while concurrently (and casually) studying for the MCAT (EK materials). I'm signed up for a course over the summer and will dedicate myself to studying for the MCAT full-time. It's a lot of preparation, so I'm looking into taking the MCAT at an earlier date than August 26...but probably no sooner than early August.

Taking an extra year would definitely boost my application--my GPA would probably break 3.6 and I can really solidify my EC's and research (as well as apply early). However, I don't know if the extra year is worth it, especially if there is a chance of me getting accepted this year! I'm finding little enjoyment in undergrad besides what I do with my free time (in terms of hobbies and volunteer work). The thought of medicine invigorates me, and so does the challenge of medical school. I feeling fairly unmotivated in what I'm studying now and it's pretty boring--I think the intense pace of med school curriculum would suit me better. I think the best way to better myself is to put myself in a challenging and dynamic environment where I'm literally forced to better myself in order to survive (hope that made sense). Living at home, where my only concern is doing well in classes I find boring (parents provide everything), does little to help in that sense. Also, I can't wait to move on with my life...I hate that I'm living at home with parents (and have been my entire life) who don't put forth any effort in understanding or respecting me (why are you taking 5 years to graduate? just go to nursing school!) and 4 constantly fighting siblings.

In defense of my parents, they really do care for me and have given me everything, even though they could be frustrating at times. I'm eternally thankful for that. I guess I'm just bored of living in paradise. Sorry for the rant.
 
hey virgil,

your gpa is ok, science is a little low but a strong mcat will compensate. August seems a bit late, but if you're sure you can get 30+ and everything else like your PS and Ec's are in order then I think you have a good shot. I'm in a similar situation to you and am waiting till senior year to apply for a number of reasons. Pm me if you'd like to discuss further.
 
You could still graduate and do some sort of volunteer work for a year or do research or something of that nature. Are there any international medically related volunteer things that do shorter term assignments?
 
foreverLaur said:
You could still graduate and do some sort of volunteer work for a year or do research or something of that nature. Are there any international medically related volunteer things that do shorter term assignments?
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I've thought about that, but my parents (who have the keys to the coffer) will not allow me to volunteer internationally. I tried. All the more reason I want to get out and be my own person ASAP...

I know if I take the extra year I'll have a ton of stuff to do and I could seriously beef up my app, but I'd rather just dive into medical school instead (if at all possible).

BTW, foreverLaur (and everyone else), thanks for all your thoughtful replies!
 
I took the MCAT in July and most of my applications weren't complete until September or October and I have had a bunch of interviews (10+ at top schools). My GPA wasn't too far off from yours though my science was a bit higher. Nevertheless, good ECs, LORs and a personal statement have certainly faired well. In fact, my advisor has a theory that applying slightly later in the process can be better. Instead of being compared to the gunner pre-meds that apply right in the beginning during your application review, you're compared to those who have waited (and probably have lower statistics) so you can stand out more.
 
If you feel confident that you will have great LORs and then you can write a great personal statement and that you will get a high MCAT score, then go for it. Just be willing to work hard for a year to improve your weak areas should you not get in.

You certainly have a shot at getting accepted this year though. I'd say go for it and apply broadly.
 
so i am not sure if anyone has the problems that i have right now. I am currently at a 2.505 GPA...and basically the grades are as follows:
BIO I AND II: C+
CHEM I: B+
CHEM II: GOTTA TAKE OVER
PHYSICS I: C
PHYSICS: TAKING NOW
ORGO: B
ORGO II: TAKING NOW

basically with me..my major is psych..and i just picked up both bio and chem as a minor to help bring up my GPA...I will grad in May 2009. so i have some semesters left. I just have repeated classes a lot. In total, i have either failed or have gotten an D in about 7 classes...and 6 of them i am replacing...and on that list above FOUR...this is bad and i am not sure how medical schools will look at this. So I do want to apply to a post-bac but am not sure how they will look at all of that too. I do have a lot of EC activities and volunteer work. it might not be that bad..but i do repeat some of those classes..my GPA will be respectable again...it is just so embarrassing sometimes...any words of wisdom..message me post it on this site...Thanks for the brave soul to break the news to me...lol 🙂
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so i am not sure if anyone has the problems that i have right now. I am currently at a 2.505 GPA...and basically the grades are as follows:
BIO I AND II: C+
CHEM I: B+
CHEM II: GOTTA TAKE OVER
PHYSICS I: C
PHYSICS: TAKING NOW
ORGO: B
ORGO II: TAKING NOW

basically with me..my major is psych..and i just picked up both bio and chem as a minor to help bring up my GPA...I will grad in May 2009. so i have some semesters left. I just have repeated classes a lot. In total, i have either failed or have gotten an D in about 7 classes...and 6 of them i am replacing...and on that list above FOUR...this is bad and i am not sure how medical schools will look at this. So I do want to apply to a post-bac but am not sure how they will look at all of that too. I do have a lot of EC activities and volunteer work. it might not be that bad..but i do repeat some of those classes..my GPA will be respectable again...it is just so embarrassing sometimes...any words of wisdom..message me post it on this site...Thanks for the brave soul to break the news to me...lol 🙂
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You are definitely going to need to improve that GPA. Thinking postbacc. And remember, with amcas they see the both grades, before and after the retaking of a class, and then they average them. So a 5 units of 2.0 GPA (c) and after getting an A in the class is like having 10 units of a b.
 
I was just wondering if people had any experience/knew friends who were not permanent residents... or if there were and statistics online.. I couldn't find any

Thing is, green card is under processing for me. I will probably obtain it after I apply (this summer) in December of this year or so. But before the summer, I will have a proper work permit, Social Security number etc...

I'm afraid they will not even consider the above if I don't have a green card with me at the time of applying. If I was a U.S resident, I wouldn't even be ASKING the question below. I know that many schools only accept like 2-6 international students every year... and those are the schools such as the Ivies and top 20. Other schools don't even accept applications from non-greencard holders

I've been living in the U.S for the last 6 years... my dad works here etc..

My numbers are:

gpa: 3.7, mcat 37 ... no "outstanding" ECs.. just typical premed stuff.. research, volunteering, katrina relief trip, etc..

I know I would have a very good shot if I waited to actually become a perm. resident and apply NEXT YEAR. Unfortunately, my state school frowns upon "international" students.. and from talking to people, the ones that are actually "friendly" are places like Harvard, Yale, Hopkins etc... other less known private schools apparently are not international-friendly. There is no way I am even considering applying to such places... simply because I cannot stand out with my extracurricular activities.

Please don't flame 🙁 If I were a perm. resident here, it's utter stupidity to ask a question like this
 
Relax dude! A number of schools dont care about your resisdency status.. I have a friend who is from Ghana...She applied to about 20 schools and got accepted into 8 schools..........as a matter of fact..some public schools accept international students.... with those scores, I think you are set.......just get the MSAR publication and see what schools accept international students.....even more importantly, if you did your undergraduate in the United states, you are even more at an advantage....I would not worry about my resisdent status...just apply broadly and smartly.. you will be just fine.....Good luck!
 
bozz said:
I was just wondering if people had any experience/knew friends who were not permanent residents... or if there were and statistics online.. I couldn't find any

Thing is, green card is under processing for me. I will probably obtain it after I apply (this summer) in December of this year or so. But before the summer, I will have a proper work permit, Social Security number etc...

I'm afraid they will not even consider the above if I don't have a green card with me at the time of applying. If I was a U.S resident, I wouldn't even be ASKING the question below. I know that many schools only accept like 2-6 international students every year... and those are the schools such as the Ivies and top 20. Other schools don't even accept applications from non-greencard holders

I've been living in the U.S for the last 6 years... my dad works here etc..

My numbers are:

gpa: 3.7, mcat 37 ... no "outstanding" ECs.. just typical premed stuff.. research, volunteering, katrina relief trip, etc..

I know I would have a very good shot if I waited to actually become a perm. resident and apply NEXT YEAR. Unfortunately, my state school frowns upon "international" students.. and from talking to people, the ones that are actually "friendly" are places like Harvard, Yale, Hopkins etc... other less known private schools apparently are not international-friendly. There is no way I am even considering applying to such places... simply because I cannot stand out with my extracurricular activities.

Please don't flame 🙁 If I were a perm. resident here, it's utter stupidity to ask a question like this
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Your stats are good enough to get you in a lot of places. I have to disagree with the other poster though. His/her friend is the exception and not the rule when it comes to non-residents. I would make sure i get the green card. That would make life a whole lot easier.
it is true though that there are some international stutent-friendly schools, but those are few and far in between and many of those will require you to show that you have the funds for anywhere from 1yr to 4 years of med school, depending on the school.
You have good stats and i have no doubt that you will get in somewhere with or without the green card, but the greencard will open a lot more doors for you.

I just got in after dealing with the non-resident issue for years. I now have a green card and some of the schools that rejected me in the past just accepted me (with the same stats). Only difference is that i am a permanent resident now.

Good luck.
PM me if you need some more info. I happen to have a lot of experience with this (been trying since 2002).
 
Apply for the next cycle.

Work on getting your permanent resident status.

Apply again the following cycle if you did not get into a school that you wanted to go to.

I have a friend from Venezuala who had to do this with undergraduate institutions.
 
bozz said:
Thing is, green card is under processing for me. I will probably obtain it after I apply (this summer) in December of this year or so. But before the summer, I will have a proper work permit, Social Security number etc...
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The USCIS are very slow in processing greencards. Better not to assume you'll get it by dec of this year. My family's greencard process was delayed an extra 1.5 years.
 
This is part call for opinions, part asking for clarification. I also don't know how my recent MCAT and retake plans will affect application season, hence the thread.

Having gotten my less-than-stellar MCAT results (a 24S from a 9/9/6, meh), I'm a little put off. I realize that TX has slightly lower mean/median MCAT scores as compared to many other medical schools in other states, but still. So I'm facing decent ECs, a solidly above average GPA all around, and a mediocre MCAT score. I have already registered for 05/23.

So, my questions:

1. How will a twice-taken MCAT (with the scores not being available until ~06/20 or so) affect my application? Do I apply right off the bat with that 24, or do I postpone completing the TMDSAS until I get those scores, or...?

2. Judging from my MDApps, what say you in terms of scoring TX acceptances? I realize there's a thread for this sort of question, but I have a bigger question at hand as well.
 
Not from TX, but I think this sets up perfectly for you to retake. You will have several months to prepare and you will still get scores back in June, with time to apply *early*. Props for taking in January, and schools won't care much about the retake. But as far as I know, a retake is pretty much a must if you have a 6 in any section.
 
don't underestimate the scores you need for TX. do your best on the MCAT. if you make 30+, you should be ok. i don't think having taking the test twice will count against you unless you score <30 again.

TMDSAS isn't much different from AMCAS. the app will be sent to schools without the scores, but your app most likely won't get reviewed until they're in.

i don't see a problem with submitting and then waiting for results though.

good luck!
 
bodonid said:
Not from TX, but I think this sets up perfectly for you to retake. You will have several months to prepare and you will still get scores back in June, with time to apply *early*. Props for taking in January, and schools won't care much about the retake. But as far as I know, a retake is pretty much a must if you have a 6 in any section.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the opinion; guess the mods insisted on merging my thread.

I was kind of hoping to be a really early bird - complete by 05/31 - but that's out the window. But being complete by mid-late July isn't terrible, I guess.

Also, I am currently taking chem 2 and bio 2 - yeah, took the MCAT in January without those two classes, daring/stupid of me - so hopefully, that in itself will help.
 
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