What MCAT score do I need?

[bmedspec]

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first and foremost, this is my first time posting on here so I apologize if I'm not in the right thread.

I wanted to ask everyone's opinion on what a good MCAT score for me would be so that I am competitive for medical school applications? I am a non trad student with a 3.2 undergrad GPA (due to family tragedy) and a 4.0 post bacc GPA. I am a URM that qualifies for the FAP (if that means anything). Since graduating I have been working full time under doctors (in private practices and also in research at Johns Hopkins) for two years and have strong LORs to show for it. I don't have much medical volunteering experience but I volunteer with non profits. I am set to take the MCAT soon and I wanted to know what you all thought a good score would be for me to aim for!

Thank you!

 

[cactusman]

Take a look at AAMC Table A-24 for your ethnicity. The 4.0 post bacc will probably be a significant boost on top of the chances shown on the table, though.

You will need significant clinical volunteering and some shadowing if you don't already have it.

 

[bmedspec]

Take a look at AAMC Table A-24 for your ethnicity. The 4.0 post bacc will probably be a significant boost on top of the chances shown on the table, though.

You will need significant clinical volunteering and some shadowing if you don't already have it.

Okay thank you! Do you think I need more shadowing even though I work as a Medical Assistant/Scribe every day with doctors? I participate during surgeries here too? I am going to start volunteering at the local hospital once my test is over though!

 

[Turkishking]

Okay thank you! Do you think I need more shadowing even though I work as a Medical Assistant/Scribe every day with doctors? I participate during surgeries here too? I am going to start volunteering at the local hospital once my test is over though!

Medical schools want to see commitment with volunteering. Long term is favorable, short-term not much so, but does help a little.

 

[cactusman]

Okay thank you! Do you think I need more shadowing even though I work as a Medical Assistant/Scribe every day with doctors? I participate during surgeries here too? I am going to start volunteering at the local hospital once my test is over though!

You might be good on non-volunteering clinical experience if you scribe but I'm not entirely certain. Maybe @Goro @LizzyM @gonnif or @gyngyn can weigh in.

 

[aprilfools]

Matriculant average is 508, so aim for at least a 508.

 

[JPSmyth]

Matriculant average is 508, so aim for at least a 508.

He's URM. Anything above a 505 you'll get multiple interviews

 

[aprilfools]

He's URM. Anything above a 505 you'll get multiple interviews

This is true, though the GPA is a bit below matric. average. I think its always a good rule of thumb to aim for that national average, regardless of other factors. It will put you in a better situation regardless, and 508 is definitely doable. Not to say, OP, that you won't have any success unless you get a 508 or above, but I think that's just a good goal!

 

[JPSmyth]

This is true, though the GPA is a bit below matric. average. I think its always a good rule of thumb to aim for that national average, regardless of other factors. It will put you in a better situation regardless, and 508 is definitely doable. Not to say, OP, that you won't have any success unless you get a 508 or above, but I think that's just a good goal!

Correct, always better to aim higher than lower! If he/she scores a 508 you will get looks from some impressive schools

 

[Goro]

No

Okay thank you! Do you think I need more shadowing even though I work as a Medical Assistant/Scribe every day with doctors? I participate during surgeries here too? I am going to start volunteering at the local hospital once my test is over though!

 

[bmedspec]

Thank you everyone! I appreciate you guys giving me a score to aim for (though of course I'd love a 515 lol). This was really helpful!

 

[Eurus_Holmes]

I would aim for 515 and above. Statistics don't mean anything to the individual. Best of luck!

-A fellow URM

 

[zerox117]

first and foremost, this is my first time posting on here so I apologize if I'm not in the right thread.

I wanted to ask everyone's opinion on what a good MCAT score for me would be so that I am competitive for medical school applications? I am a non trad student with a 3.2 undergrad GPA (due to family tragedy) and a 4.0 post bacc GPA. I am a URM that qualifies for the FAP (if that means anything). Since graduating I have been working full time under doctors (in private practices and also in research at Johns Hopkins) for two years and have strong LORs to show for it. I don't have much medical volunteering experience but I volunteer with non profits. I am set to take the MCAT soon and I wanted to know what you all thought a good score would be for me to aim for!

Thank you!

As high as you can possibly score. Bust your hump and do not take this exam lightly.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

The best advice I personally ever got that is working miracles for my MCAT studying/practice exam scores is as follows:

"What score should I aim for? I'm x, y, z, ungrad from ____, gpa _____, etc. etc."
528. aim for the stars. Nothing else. Don't bank on some random variables "helping" you. What will impress admissions committees and help you gain entrance is a solid MCAT score.

 

[bmedspec]

so I don't know if this thread is still being watched... but I was wondering if I could get more advice? My stats are all the same from above, but I have been volunteering at a psych clinic. But more importantly, I got my MCAT score and it is a 506 🙁 Do I still have a chance?

Thank you!

 

[cactusman]

so I don't know if this thread is still being watched... but I was wondering if I could get more advice? My stats are all the same from above, but I have been volunteering at a psych clinic. But more importantly, I got my MCAT score and it is a 506 🙁 Do I still have a chance?

Thank you!

Yes. Again, check out A-24. 506, 3.2 with big PB upward trend, all the boxes checked, URM should be a pretty good shot. Are you open to DO?

 

[bmedspec]

Yes. Again, check out A-24. 506, 3.2 with big PB upward trend, all the boxes checked, URM should be a pretty good shot. Are you open to DO?

okay thank you! I think I just needed to know that I should still apply this cycle haha. And I'm open to DO but I think I would make more sense as an MD. But let me ask you this, do you think I have a chance at the UC schools?

 

[cactusman]

okay thank you! I think I just needed to know that I should still apply this cycle haha. And I'm open to DO but I think I would make more sense as an MD. But let me ask you this, do you think I have a chance at the UC schools?

Hmm, I don't know that much about the UCs except that they have a huge volume of applicants, and that UCR mostly takes people from the I.E. From what I've heard they're less score-focused (UCLA definitely is, I think UCSF is compared to peers, idk about others), so that could help you.

 

[zerox117]

okay thank you! I think I just needed to know that I should still apply this cycle haha. And I'm open to DO but I think I would make more sense as an MD. But let me ask you this, do you think I have a chance at the UC schools?

I think you have a shot at the UCs personally (except maybe San Fran). Davis if NorCal, Riverside if IE. But this is assuming the rest of your app is solid and is well rounded. Meaning you have done a lot for individuals less fortunate than yourself and you are capable of communicating that well/relating it to your motivations of being a physician in your secondary prompts. On the DO spectrum you're good to go! But speaking from my experience, my stats weren't stellar either (LizzyM <70) and I got interviews at 4 UCs + Drew. I am in no way trying to brag, please do not take that as such.

Also consider applying to Charles Drew if you have solid community service! It's literally UCLA with an emphasis on serving the underserved!

So in short, yes apply to UCs but be smart about the ones with geographic preferences.