What would you do?

[mcmed315]

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I took the MCATs twice, the old ones, and my most recent score was a 24, with a 6 in BS, 8 in PS and a 10 in VR. I'm worried that it may be too low for even DO schools. Although I have a 3.2 cGPA and 3.6 sGPA, should I stick to applying early this round for DO schools or should I just re-study and take the new MCATs? What would you do?

 

[KO_TV]

I would personally try and submit as early as possible to the newer and lower tier DO schools, this is assuming everything else on the application is solid (EC's, LORs, DO shadowing, etc.)

 

[mcmed315]

Yea I have about 5 letters, researching for about 1 year, 200+ hours of volunteer, 6 months of working at a nursing home, and 5 years of volunteering overseas. Hopefully that all comes together. But because my score is so low, I can't get a committee letter =(

 

[DrPatriot]

I would personally try and submit as early as possible to the newer and lower tier DO schools, this is assuming everything else on the application is solid (EC's, LORs, DO shadowing, etc.)

Like KO_TV said, If it was me I personally would apply super early to the only the new DO schools if everything else is stellar and start studying for the new MCAT. A committee letter is nice to have when applying to some of these schools and the 6 in BS is not ideal. You could bump your MCAT score up and have a committee letter for the next application cycle if you don't get into to one of the new schools this cycle.

 

[lyana]

committee letter is not required.., you can just substitute it with professors and MD/DO LORS.

 

[Mad Jack]

A 6 in BS is basically an app killer 99 times out of 100. It is a strong indicator of potential failure on the boards.

 

[MedNation907]

^^I was just about to point that out

@mcmed315 what was your first score?

 

[mcmed315]

Overall, my first score was a 20. I know this doesn't make up for much, but I graduated with an Econ degree and did a post-bacc. @MedNation907

 

[NonTrad16]

I would reevaluate your study strategy and delay your application at least a year. Your GPA is fine, but as you said, you majored in Econ. On SDN it seems that below an 8 represents a gap in your knowledge (over improper test taking skills -- your VR suggests you're ok in that department). Going in with a 6 in bio, regardless of how adcoms view it, would make me scared.

I'm a long since graduated physics major, so bio is not my strength, but the MCAT is just the first step, and giving yourself the best possible footing seems essential before entering the whirlwind of med school material. I'm studying for the new MCAT now, so you can consider it ignore my opinion.

 

[LChristmas]

I would look into podiatry since your stats are right around their averages. You would be a doctor, see patients, operate, and earn a competitive salary. It is a very viable career.

 

[Goro]

Show up in my interview room with a Bio6 score and I'll reject you immediately. Did you learn anything from UG?

I strongly suggest NOT applying until a retake and a significant boost in score.

I took the MCATs twice, the old ones, and my most recent score was a 24, with a 6 in BS, 8 in PS and a 10 in VR. I'm worried that it may be too low for even DO schools. Although I have a 3.2 cGPA and 3.6 sGPA, should I stick to applying early this round for DO schools or should I just re-study and take the new MCATs? What would you do?

 

[mcmed315]

THank you for all the advice. Helps a lot. @Goro @LChristmas @NonTrad16 @MedNation907 I may end up applying to just a few of the newer schools while studying to retake the mcats. Might as well hedge my bets.