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What to do???
- Thread starter asli
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I went to U of C. Genetics is hard, a retake won't hurt you. You will definitely get in somewhere if you do better the second time around and get a good MCAT score. I have horrible stats but was lucky enough to get plenty interviews and a few acceptances. I even got an interview to OSU this week. If you want more directed guidance let me know and I'll tell you my story. Physics at U of C is hard but not impossible. I was told taking courses like that at other schools is questionable so I would say get a tutor and work it out.
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njbmd
Be very, very sure that if you retake Genetics, you get an A. This means "cutting a wide berth" for this class and making sure you don't have any distractions. If you have done your ECs then drop them while you are retaking any course.
Also, keep in mind that summer courses move fast. If your are the least bit shaky with sciences, especially the ones that expect you to use your math for heavy problem solving (physics), then take your sciences during the regular term. Since Physics is a pre-med course, don't risk a low grade with a summer course. If you just need to raise your uGPA, do it with something else besides a pre-med course that will be closely scrutinized by an admissions committee.
Also, keep in mind that summer courses move fast. If your are the least bit shaky with sciences, especially the ones that expect you to use your math for heavy problem solving (physics), then take your sciences during the regular term. Since Physics is a pre-med course, don't risk a low grade with a summer course. If you just need to raise your uGPA, do it with something else besides a pre-med course that will be closely scrutinized by an admissions committee.
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why does everyone always advise to aim for a 30 MCAT like it is that easy? I think it is easier to get good EC's, improve grades, and have a good personal statement. For each one number increase you have to get between 3 to 5 questions right, and it depends on how your peers do. Everytime I took the MCAT I got a 7 in verbal ( three times), my percentile rankings increased but not my score. This is is just an observation, the point aim for the 45 but if you do not get it it is not the end of the world if the other part of your apps is good.
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Well we say aim for a 30+ MCAT score because getting it is very doable. With such a score, you can make a case for yourself even if you have a low GPA since it is a standardized exam. Depending on your personal statement is a risky business if you don't know. There are few personal stories that will catch the attention of admission officials. The fact that you (Faith) have a nice one does not necessarily mean the OP has one.
About ECs? It is almost a requirement to have some and I have the feeling that it is not that important unless it is extensive and very relevant. The OP might not have very unique ECs. What is left then is the objective part of the application: Great MCAT score and GPA.
OP try your best to bring up your GPA. Try and ace the MCAT and you will find yourself in medical school (obviously with your ECs and PS).
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Good answer. 👍
Many people say that also because 30-31 is the average for accepted applicants...
Good luck OP...I was in a similar situation as you and I studied my a** off and did decently on the MCAT. I had a rough freshman yr which did forever damage to my gpa but I was able to pull myself out of it enough to get in. Keep your head up!
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njbmd
Those are easier to do but they won't provide much "bang for the buck". Everything has to be maximized and ECs, PS and LORs won't offset poor academics.
The point that I am making is do the best you can period. Of course a 30 a doable, the average medical student has got it, but the key word is average. Like I said I just find it interesting everyone says aim for a 30, when the average person would not say I am aiming for a 24, but some get it and still get in. I was at the gym the other day and to make a long story short someone's sister was telling me that her sister is stressed because she has to get a 30 to get in, and I explained to her that is not true if you have a strong application otherwise, and you apply early. On the flip side there are people that have this 30, and above and do not get in. I can only say that the people that I know that are in medical school, or finished do not have a 30, and some have taken it at least twice. However due to the other parts of the application they still got in...UM, HOWARD, Ohio State, UPENN, Michigan State, UMDNJ, Albert Einstein, UCONN, Wakeforest, South Carolina, and these are the ones that I remember and not one of them had a 30. I would be curious of the list of URM's that got in this cycle what was their MCAT scores, EC's and how many times did you take the MCAT. Most people are not open about their MCAT scores which baffles me especially if you got into a school already who cares?
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I am not saying that it offsets poor academics, I am saying if you have these things and did not get a 30 you might still get in. I am also not trying to say do not try to get a 30, 35 etc.. but for some people critical thinking is not as easy as some might suggest, and the MCAT is based on that skill. If the OP's EC's are not unique or relevant now is the time to address that as well as studying for the MCAT.
There are few personal stories that will catch the attention of admission officials. The fact that you (Faith) have a nice one does not necessarily mean the OP has one.
No one should be submitting a "bad" personal statement. I would assume that is one of the top 5 rules for applying to medical school. Any book that you pick up to research PS will tell you to; check your grammar, let it be interesting, unique, and convey why you want to be a doctor. I am not sure what you mean by a nice personal statement.
No one should be submitting a "bad" personal statement. I would assume that is one of the top 5 rules for applying to medical school. Any book that you pick up to research PS will tell you to; check your grammar, let it be interesting, unique, and convey why you want to be a doctor. I am not sure what you mean by a nice personal statement.
I was looking at matric. stats for the latest released on the AAMC website for the GPA the OP "expects" to graduate with
3260 applicants and 426 had MCAT scores 30 and above.
out of the 3260 applicants 1461 were accepted into medical school.
now of course as the GPA's increased more of the applicants that had a 30 and above were accepted, but most of the applicants did not have a 30 and above. Of course the 30 and above is good, but if you have a versatile application, apply early and do not have a 30 you still have a shot. You may be the URM that gets that 30 and above, but the odds are stacked against you. All I am saying do not get discouraged of you fell short of your aim.
P.S this does not mean get a 23 and say to yourself oh well I am a URM I will still get in
3260 applicants and 426 had MCAT scores 30 and above.
out of the 3260 applicants 1461 were accepted into medical school.
now of course as the GPA's increased more of the applicants that had a 30 and above were accepted, but most of the applicants did not have a 30 and above. Of course the 30 and above is good, but if you have a versatile application, apply early and do not have a 30 you still have a shot. You may be the URM that gets that 30 and above, but the odds are stacked against you. All I am saying do not get discouraged of you fell short of your aim.
P.S this does not mean get a 23 and say to yourself oh well I am a URM I will still get in
