What is the consensus on a low CARS score for an ESL student?

[barack_yomama]

Hi all,

I've encountered an undergraduate student who I think would make a phenomenal physician. This student grew up in a foreign country and basically taught themselves English before matriculating to a US university. They have a 4.0 GPA and very good extracurricular activities, research, and frankly overall application except for their CARS score, which is in the low 120s. The rest of the MCAT is very good and the overall score is borderline acceptable at 509-510.

How willing are admissions committees to overlook something like this for a (very fluent) student who struggles with CARS due to not being a native English speaker? @Goro would particularly appreciate your input on this. Thanks.

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[Goro]

His state MD schools and DO schools.
Unless he has a very compelling story, I don't think MD schools will cut him any slack for being esl.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Most psychometric professionals realize that our standardized tests are as much about English comprehension as it is about content, especially the MCAT. Being first-generation non-native English fluent is still an element of diversity that the CARS score will be viewed under context (not overlooked). The applicant may have chances to talk about "overcoming adversity" or "significant challenge" where self-teaching English would be a good topic.

 

[LunaOri]

If he is otherwise fluent in English, he may be okay. Depends on the rest of his application.