What to do, what to do...?

[pacersfan712]

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I don't know if I should've posted this in the "What are my chances" forum, but this thread has a lot to do with what I am thinking about now. I have a 3.95 gpa and decent ECs, but when I got my MCAT score it clearly was not what I wanted, a 26. I already submitted my primary, but it has yet to be verified. I did not want to rush and take the MCAT again in September, because clearly I was not ready last time and need more time to improve (taking anatomy and biochem this semester should help). I will most likely be taking the MCAT again in January. I was just wondering what would be the downside in just applying to my state school, and seeing if I might just get in? Is this a bad idea and I should just withdraw my application?

 

[Courtjester8]

This is slightly outside of my comfort zone for advice to be honest.

I think its good to point out that its a bit late in the app process to be applying places with an uncompetitive mcat--especially if you think you have a lot of room for improvement. Consider taking some extra time to study for a January mcat and just apply next year. You can also try to get into some advanced classes at a local university as a non-matriculated student and get in some extra clinical experience to improve your app. But, from what I know about this process is that unless you have a fantastic app, applying late is really just shooting yourself in the foot.

-cj8

 

[rubisco88]

What is your state of residency?

 

[pacersfan712]

Indiana

 

[ComfortCreature]

Have you tried to talk to an adviser at your state school? I recommend you speak to someone about your situation- you don't have to tell them your score just tell them that your score is lower than you hoped and see if they think you should still apply. Some advisers may actually give you some good advice!

Also take a look at the way the school evaluates candidates. At my state school, University of New Mexico, grades and MCAT are considered as 50% of your application, then everything else (secondary, interview, LORs, ECs, etc) is the other 50%. Having a low exam score, in the case of UNM, would be balanced by having a GPA as high as yours.

When I first took the MCAT, I got a 24 and decided not to apply until I could properly prepare and actually do well. My GPA wasn't spectacular at the time, so I knew I'd be going in with horrible odds.

Hope that helps.