What should I do now? need your advice

[kwu]

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Hello,

I was planning on applying this cycle to MD schools. I had everything ready and I submitted my application late June. My MCAT scores (First test) were released July 19th. Unfortunately, the scores were lower than expected.
Here are my scores for each section:
Overall: 497
C/P: 122 CARS: 122 B/B: 127 P/S: 126

I received a secondary application from the school I applied to (My first choice) on the same day my MCAT was released. (Not sure if they received my scores before they were made available to me)

I have 500+ volunteering and 50+ shadowing.

Should I submit my secondary and hope for the best? Or I should just withdraw my application.

I appreciate your advice.

 

[summergirl]

No. You literally got the lowest MCAT score I have ever seen on sdn. You have zero chance at admission for MD or DO unless you improve that score by at least 20 points.

 

[summergirl]

Did you have a typo on your MCAT score? Your previous posts in other threads said you got 497, not 479.

 

[jesie]

Yeah that's a 497 which is WAY different than a 479...


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[thatwouldbeanarchy]

Even assuming that OP meant to type 497, I would probably still recommend that they withdraw their app. Save yourself the money you'd waste on secondaries! Spend the next couple of months figuring out where you went wrong on the MCAT and addressing those issues.

 

[kwu]

No. You literally got the lowest MCAT score I have ever seen on sdn. You have zero chance at admission for MD or DO unless you improve that score by at least 20 points.

Did you have a typo on your MCAT score? Your previous posts in other threads said you got 497, not 479.

Yes. It was a typo. My score is 497.

Sorry about that

 

[Ad2b]

How many schools did you apply to?

Do you think you know what went wrong and what you could do better to retake in early September?

If you withdraw now, you are only a reapp at those schools to which you've applied this cycle. If you're unsure if you can substantially improve that score in September, then withdraw from this cycle.

And take a big, big breath. It'll be okay... it will.

 

[Saxappeal1]

OP, unfortunately, I don't think any MD school will take a 497 on the MCAT. If you are dead set on MD, withdraw from this cycle. Retake the MCAT, and breathe. It doesn't matter how long it takes to get into medical school 🙂 Are you open to applying DO?

 

[Affiche]

Unfortunately your MCAT score is not competitive for MD. I think a 497 is like a 24 on the old MCAT.

You may be competitive for some DO programs but I did not apply to any DO schools to know for sure. @Goro, perhaps you can advise?

 

[confidentandgood]

What is your GPA?

Good volunteering and shadowing, but that MCAT score will hold you back from any interviews. It's a 23-24 on the old scale. The average for MD and DO schools is 31 and 27, respectively.

If the school sent you a secondary, it is likely to collect some money. Save that money, retake the MCAT, and apply next cycle.

 

[kwu]

Even assuming that OP meant to type 497, I would probably still recommend that they withdraw their app. Save yourself the money you'd waste on secondaries! Spend the next couple of months figuring out where you went wrong on the MCAT and addressing those issues.

Thank you very much. I am considering withdrawing from this cycle.

How many schools did you apply to?

Do you think you know what went wrong and what you could do better to retake in early September?

If you withdraw now, you are only a reapp at those schools to which you've applied this cycle. If you're unsure if you can substantially improve that score in September, then withdraw from this cycle.

And take a big, big breath. It'll be okay... it will.

I applied early decision. So it's one school only. I think my problem was little practice. I started studying May 19th (after finishing my finals) my exam was on June 18th. Even though I studied for about 16 hours a day but obviously it wasn't enough.

OP, unfortunately, I don't think any MD school will take a 497 on the MCAT. If you are dead set on MD, withdraw from this cycle. Retake the MCAT, and breathe. It doesn't matter how long it takes to get into medical school 🙂 Are you open to applying DO?

Yes, I don't mind applying to DO schools. But is it worth it with my MCAT score?

Unfortunately your MCAT score is not competitive for MD. I think a 497 is like a 24 on the old MCAT.

You may be competitive for some DO programs but I did not apply to any DO schools to know for sure. @Goro, perhaps you can advise?

Thanks a lot

What is your GPA?

Good volunteering and shadowing, but that MCAT score will hold you back from any interviews. It's a 23-24 on the old scale. The average for MD and DO schools is 31 and 27, respectively.

If the school sent you a secondary, it is likely to collect some money. Save that money, retake the MCAT, and apply next cycle.

My GPA is 3.77.
Thanks for your advice.

 

[thatwouldbeanarchy]

I think my problem was little practice. I started studying May 19th (after finishing my finals) my exam was on June 18th. Even though I studied for about 16 hours a day but obviously it wasn't enough.

This may very well be your problem. Space out your study time more and don't take the exam until you're consistently scoring well on several full-length practices tests. And for the love of god, don't study 16 hours a day! That's a recipe for exhaustion and burnout! 🙂

 

[kwu]

This may very well be your problem. Space out your study time more and don't take the exam until you're consistently scoring well on several full-length practices tests. And for the love of god, don't study 16 hours a day! That's a recipe for exhaustion and burnout! 🙂

Thanks a lot for your advice

 

[medbunny56]

how many practice tests did you take? and what were you scoring on them?

content is only half the game, the master this test you need to take at least 6-7 full lengths

 

[medicine_kosice]

You can still apply to medical schools abroad - usually there is entrance examination test or interview.
But of course - it needs funds (starting from 5000€ tuition fee a year)

 

[candbgirl]

Don't tell OP to apply to international schools. OP that's a mistake. You have a very good GPA and it seems like a few ECs . Retake the MCAT when you are fully ready and consistently scoring at or near your target score on practice tests. Buff up you ECs with some community service activities that interest you and keep at your clinical activities throughout the year. If you do this you'll most likely be ready to apply to DO and MD schools( depending how your retake goes) next cycle. Don't be in a hurry. Do this right and you should be fine. Good luck.


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[Malkin.12]

With that MCAT score, I'd either retake the **** thing, or apply to D.O schools. Best of luck!

 

[ATPsynthase123]

Did you have a typo on your MCAT score? Your previous posts in other threads said you got 497, not 479.

A friend of mine took the May 20th exam and got a 480


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[Hopeful_vet]

OP, don't waste your money. Withdraw. You only applied to the one school, so you're fine. Study long and hard and retake it when you're ready. The official scored AMCAS practice test is a great score predictor.

Apply early next year.


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[ATPsynthase123]

With that MCAT score, I'd either retake the **** thing, or apply to D.O schools. Best of luck!

That is 5 points below the DO matriculant average


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[Malkin.12]

That is 5 points below the DO matriculant average


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Didn't notice that at first, good point!