What can I do? Thinking about quitting.

[hopefulpsychiatrist]

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Gpa: 3.22
Upward trend junior and senior year no Cs, 3.48 last semester.
36/40 grades on transcript B- or better. 4 Cs.

MCAT 1: 485
MCAT 2: 485


Post bac? Mcat tutor? Mcat class?

I don’t know what to do I feel so lost. I graduate in 2 months.

Shadowing
Research
Community service
2 leadership positions
4 organizations
Scientific honors society

 

[allin1211]

if you can get into a Special Master's program, I'd do that. Also retake the Mcats to get >500. Another route is to do a post bac to redo the pre-reqs. At this point, you need to raise both your GPA and MCAT score. It might take a few years, but if you put in the work itll work out.

I'm personally biased toward SMP's bc I did one and it worked out for me (2nd year medical student currently). I had somewhat similar grades as you, but with a higher MCAT. A list of programs can be found here: Postbaccalaureate - AAMC

 

[JowellHollyBuddy33]

Don’t give up. But holy MCAT.

I certainly wouldn’t plan on applying this cycle. You need to thoroughly review the material and figure out what went wrong. You have to be able to master the MCAT material if you plan on succeeding in medical school. And a 485 will not get you into any program, not even an SMP.

Addendum: I’m not an adcom. My advice can only take you so far, but I’m a firm believer in not giving up on your dream if you’re bent for it and you truly want it with every fiber of your being. There’s always something that can be done. But my two cents is that your MCAT is nowhere near what it needs to be. The GPA isn’t terrible, I know people who have gotten in with less. But if you truly want to be a physician, you’ll figure it out and do whatever it takes.


Don’t give up. Find a way. But take your time.


Sent from my iPad using SDN mobile

 

[FutureDoc06141]

How were you studying for the MCAT? Did you do anything different between the 1st and 2nd tests? That 485 needs to increase to >500 if you want to convince anyone that you can tackle the exams you'll face in DO or MD programs. Would suggest a tutor or a class if the issue is structuring time to study as well as committing no less than three months to preparing for it. If you're going to take it a third time, do it right, spend some money on practice tests or any resources you think will help. That's where I would start if I were you, but don't give up if this is the career you want to pursue.

 

[Goro]

Gpa: 3.22
Upward trend junior and senior year no Cs, 3.48 last semester.
36/40 grades on transcript B- or better. 4 Cs.

MCAT 1: 485
MCAT 2: 485


Post bac? Mcat tutor? Mcat class?

I don’t know what to do I feel so lost. I graduate in 2 months.

Shadowing
Research
Community service
2 leadership positions
4 organizations
Scientific honors society

suggest taking some time off and working.

Save up some money.
Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

Retake the MCAT, but only if you're 100% ready. IF you have test taking anxiety issues, those can be fixed. Or are you ESL? 1st gen American?

 

[siliso]

If that exam performance is the limit of your reasonably prepared capacity then yes, find another field and another path forward. Nothing gets easier after the mcat. If there is some reason why it was unusually and uncharacteristically poor x2, find out that reason and fix it and move ahead accordingly.

 

[Robin-jay]

MCAT 1: 485
MCAT 2: 485

Are you a native English speaker?

a 485 MCAT is 10th percentile.

 

[keepItReal17]

The best advice I can give you is the following.. Do NOT take the MCAT again until you are consistently making above a 503 on practice exams. There are a TON of practice exams out there. If you can't break it on a practice then you won't break it on the actual. Don't let your previous scores discourage you -- show schools you were able to overcome that obstacle. I had a previous MCAT where I scored poorly (much below my standards) I went back, studied longer ( 3-4 months with practice exams) and scored 15+ points higher on my second attempt. If it means you have to sit out a year to better yourself as an applicant, I recommend you do it. If becoming a physician is what you truly want --don't quit-- put in the work on your mcat, and you will find yourself one step closer to accomplishing your dream.

 

[TheVFibKid]

I do not understand how it is possible for someone with the intelligence necessary to get at least a B in a science course at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States to score 485 on the MCAT. I mean, isn't that in random guess territory? And you did it twice. Something else must be going on. Are you finishing the test or finding yourself running out of time and answering C to all of the questions that remain on each section? How come whatever it is that's causing you to perform so poorly on the MCAT is not happening when you take your exams in school (otherwise you would have failed out of college)? You need to find out what the answer to that is and develop a long term strategy to solve it.

 

[Robin-jay]

I do not understand how it is possible for someone with the intelligence necessary to get at least a B in a science course at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States to score 485 on the MCAT. I mean, isn't that in random guess territory? And you did it twice. Something else must be going on. Are you finishing the test or finding yourself running out of time and answering C to all of the questions that remain on each section? How come whatever it is that's causing you to perform so poorly on the MCAT is not happening when you take your exams in school (otherwise you would have failed out of college)? You need to find out what the answer to that is and develop a long term strategy to solve it.

Here's what could happen without proper MCAT study prep (said student could have A's in science courses).

1. Doesn't remember any chemistry or physics formulas for the first section, has trouble manipulating units on a whim, and doesn't know how to not use a calculator.
2. Either English is 2nd language or isn't good at reading passages for CARS.
3. Poor knowledge of biology terms for BIO sections.
4. underestimating how much psychology/sociology terms you have to know for last section (you have to essentially become an encyclopedia for this section).

Just overall horrendous prep could lead to a 10th percentile on the MCAT, even if the student can earn A's or B's in typical science courses.

My biggest concern for the OP is not improving the score the second time taking the MCAT.

If student earned a 485 on the first attempt, then they should say to themselves "wow, that was really difficult, I was definitely unprepared".

Even having a 486 the second time would show some improvement.

My guess is the OP just isn't studying enough...

 

[siliso]

Other possibility is that the educational institution has low standards. People can ace CC without capacity to crank out a decent Mcat, around here.

 

[Robin-jay]

Other possibility is that the educational institution has low standards. People can ace CC without capacity to crank out a decent Mcat, around here.

Definitely a possibility.

In my experience from SDN posts, etc., GPA and MCAT just simply don't correlate that well.

 

[GypsyHummus]

If this were me, I would go into a related healthcare field where you dont have to take the MCAT if you still want to be a doctor, Like Dentistry or Optometry. That MCAT tells me that reading comprehension and long winded passages just arnt your thing, and no amount of prep is going to move the dial.

The good news is the DAT and OAT are so much diffrent from the MCAT, in that the DAT/OAT is a memorization and regurgitation test. A vast majority of DAT problems are similar to the discrete problems encountered by the MCAT, but even then they are much easier. A typical DAT question would be like "what classification species would a snail fall under". OAT is the same as DAT, but with physics.

Im usually the first to recommend Podiatry school to those with low MCAT, but even they have standards. The lowest score I saw was a 483, 2 years ago, at Barry (I would never go to Barry) and the person prolly had a near 4.0 to compensate. Anything below a 490 is a no go for pod unless you have something stellar in your app (3.8+ GPA, Military Experience, etc.). If you take the MCAT again and manage to pull it up to the 490 mark, you could prolly get into one of the low tier Pod schools if you arnt picky about where you go.

Edit: To the people who are telling them to "not give up on their dreams" that is all well and fine before the student loans become due. Eventually, you run out of money and have to move on to plan B.

 

[calivianya]

I know that when I applied to LECOM-Bradenton, there was a possibility of using a score based on GPA and previous standardized tests to get an interview/acceptance. Assuming OP did okay on the SAT and/or ACT, of course, the MCAT score wouldn't be necessary there.

So, OP, I'd take a few more classes, bring the GPA up, and apply exclusively to LECOM and other schools that don't require the MCAT, if there are any. Just don't send MCAT data from AAMC to AACOMAS when you apply, so no schools even see your MCAT score.

That's the only workaround I can think of for that MCAT... although, if you can't crack the MCAT, you have to worry that even if you get into med school, that you might not pass your board exams.

 

[NotYY4U]

I didn't get to read the whole post, but it's never over until YOU say it's over. The MCAT does need improvement, but if this is what you want, you won't give up. Period.

 

[DrRedstone]

@hopefulpsychiatrist Based on your name, I assume you like mental health. Being a physician might not be in the cards for you at this point based on your MCAT. You might consider looking into a PhD or PsyD so you can still work within the field. Psychologists are a very important part of the mental healthcare team. Psychiatrists dispense medications and make sure there isn't an underlying medical cause for mental health problems, but Psychologists get to do a lot of the cool things in mental health. Psychotherapy has amazing outcomes, even compared to pharmacotherapy. You would also be able to do psychometric testing and it would be much easier for you to get involved with research in the field.

Try to find some mental health professionals in your area and talk over what they do on a day to day basis. It will not be the same as medicine, but you certainly can have a fulfilling career.

 

[mk04447]

You know the old saying, want in one hand... what did you do between tests? Despite what some tell you, barring previously metriculating, there isn't much that can stop you from becoming a doc if you really want to given sufficient time. That said, this isn't your time and continuing to try now will only make it harder later. Get a REAL masters degree, biochem, orgo, chem, physics, even engineering, etc. get a job, a house, maybe a family, and revisit the MCAT when a different person studies for it, because YOU are not ready.

 

[UserUnidentified420]

You got your GPA, which is bad but not that bad! You can get in, but that MCAT is killer. Take 3 months off and dedicate studying for it. Once you get in, it'll be 2 years before you take another month off for step 😉 Work on that MCAT, you can do this.

 

[Aspiring_Future_D.O.]

suggest taking some time off and working.

Save up some money.
Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

Retake the MCAT, but only if you're 100% ready. IF you have test taking anxiety issues, those can be fixed. Or are you ESL? 1st gen American?

This is good advice. I feel like I'm in the same boat as the OP except the only thing holding me back is my poor test taking ability.
It's just the MCAT. My GPA is great. I can't seem to conquer the MCAT no matter how many practice exams I take or test prep courses I invest in.
I've been working for a year in a medical billing office since my last MCAT (2016//490) and I feel like I'm losing time. Cubicles suck the life out of you.
I just turned 25 and am not starting a 3rd year of medical school like all my close undergraduate friends.

 

[GypsyHummus]

Look into Podiatry.

This is good advice. I feel like I'm in the same boat as the OP except the only thing holding me back is my poor test taking ability.
It's just the MCAT. My GPA is great. I can't seem to conquer the MCAT no matter how many practice exams I take or test prep courses I invest in.
I've been working for a year in a medical billing office since my last MCAT (2016//490) and I feel like I'm losing time. Cubicles suck the life out of you.
I just turned 25 and am not starting a 3rd year of medical school like all my close undergraduate friends.

 

[Goro]

This is good advice. I feel like I'm in the same boat as the OP except the only thing holding me back is my poor test taking ability.
It's just the MCAT. My GPA is great. I can't seem to conquer the MCAT no matter how many practice exams I take or test prep courses I invest in.
I've been working for a year in a medical billing office since my last MCAT (2016//490) and I feel like I'm losing time. Cubicles suck the life out of you.
I just turned 25 and am not starting a 3rd year of medical school like all my close undergraduate friends.

This is a very destructive mindset. The only person(s) you should be comparing yourself to is yourself.
And I guarantee you that as an MS3, you'll be looking at your high school or college buddies and thinking "They have a life and I still have 3-5 years more left in my training!!!"

 

[Osminog]

In my experience from SDN posts, etc., GPA and MCAT just simply don't correlate that well.

Lol.

I don't mean to contradict your SDN experiences, but the data shows there's actually quite a strong overall correlation between undergraduate GPA and MCAT performance.

https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/factstablea23.pdf Compare the GPA distributions at the different MCAT range (or vice versa).

 

[Magus5454]

Lol.

I don't mean to contradict your SDN experiences, but the data shows there's actually quite a strong overall correlation between undergraduate GPA and MCAT performance.

https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/factstablea23.pdf Compare the GPA distributions at the different MCAT range (or vice versa).

That report also has an inherent bias as it's only comparing people who have actually applied vs all people who took the MCAT

 

[Osminog]

That report also has an inherent bias as it's only comparing people who have actually applied vs all people who took the MCAT

That bias likely makes the data show a weaker correlation than the one that actually exists, because people with low GPA and low MCAT (contributors to the correlation) would be less likely to apply than people with high-low combinations (detractors from the correlation).

 

[Robin-jay]

Lol.

I don't mean to contradict your SDN experiences, but the data shows there's actually quite a strong overall correlation between undergraduate GPA and MCAT performance.

https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/factstablea23.pdf Compare the GPA distributions at the different MCAT range (or vice versa).

That report also has an inherent bias as it's only comparing people who have actually applied vs all people who took the MCAT

That bias likely makes the data show a weaker correlation than the one that actually exists, because people with low GPA and low MCAT (contributors to the correlation) would be less likely to apply than people with high-low combinations (detractors from the correlation).

I am on the same mindset as Magnus. Although I do acknowledge some correlation (of course someone with a 4.0 GPA is more "likely" to have a higher MCAT, or someone with a 2.0 GPA is likely to have a "lower" MCAT), there seems to be a weaker correlation than you would originally assume.

If you gave me 3 applicants with a 3.5,3.6 and 3.7 GPA, I'd be hard-pressed to tell you which one scored the highest MCAT based on GPA.

 

[Osminog]

I am on the same mindset as Magnus. Although I do acknowledge some correlation (of course someone with a 4.0 GPA is more "likely" to have a higher MCAT, or someone with a 2.0 GPA is likely to have a "lower" MCAT), there seems to be a weaker correlation than you would originally assume.

If you gave me 3 applicants with a 3.5,3.6 and 3.7 GPA, I'd be hard-pressed to tell you which one scored the highest MCAT based on GPA.

52% of applicants within the GPA range of 3.8-4.00 had a 510+ MCAT score.
36% of applicants within the GPA range of 3.6-3.79 had a 510+ MCAT score.
26% of applicants within the GPA range of 3.4-3.59 had a 510+ MCAT score.
19% of applicants within the GPA range of 3.2-3.39 had a 510+ MCAT score.
14% of applicants within the GPA range of 3.0-3.19 had a 510+ MCAT score.

There is a strong correlation between undergraduate GPA and MCAT performance. There's no use in speculating. The data are literally right there in the link I provided.

 

[Robin-jay]

52% of applicants within the GPA range of 3.8-4.00 had a 510+ MCAT score.
36% of applicants within the GPA range of 3.6-3.79 had a 510+ MCAT score.
26% of applicants within the GPA range of 3.4-3.59 had a 510+ MCAT score.
19% of applicants within the GPA range of 3.2-3.39 had a 510+ MCAT score.
14% of applicants within the GPA range of 3.0-3.19 had a 510+ MCAT score.

There is a strong correlation between undergraduate GPA and MCAT performance. There's no use in speculating. The data are literally right there in the link I provided.

Of those that applied. Right? Of course people are going to apply when they have they score to be able to do so.

 

[Coltuna]

I didn't read above posts but was there a typo in your 2nd MCAT score perhaps? I can kind of understand a 485 if you blind guessed and/or you were violently ill during your test or something but two 485 scores? Is english your first language?

 

[Osminog]

Of those that applied. Right? Of course people are going to apply when they have they score to be able to do so.

Did you read my response to Magus? Your argument actually points to the fact that the correlation is stronger than the data suggests.

Let's say a person received a 482 on the MCAT and a 2.4 GPA. He probably would choose to not apply, but adding him to the data set makes the correlation stronger, not weaker. And someone with a low MCAT and a low GPA -- like the applicant I just described -- is less likely to apply (and therefore is more likely to be excluded from the data set) than high MCAT-low GPA or low MCAT-high GPA individuals.

Think about it.

 

[Robin-jay]

Did you read my response to Magus? Your argument actually points to the fact that the correlation is stronger than the data suggests.

Let's say a person received a 482 on the MCAT and a 2.4 GPA. He probably would choose to not apply, but adding him to the data set makes the correlation stronger, not weaker. And someone with a low MCAT and a low GPA -- like the applicant I just described -- is less likely to apply (and therefore is more likely to be excluded from the data set) than high MCAT-low GPA or low MCAT-high GPA individuals.

Think about it.

On the flip side, you could have people with a 3.8 GPA who only scored 494 who wants to retake the MCAT and not apply (until they retake the MCAT). Considering almost half on medical students take the MCAT twice, this is very plausible as well.

 

[de Ribas]

Did OP reply to any of the posts?