What's the lower bound for MCAT scores?

[dylantanis]

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So at what score is it not worth applying to DO schools?

 

[facetedforms]

It seems to me that "not worth it" is subjective. The lower end I have seen is 24 (as an average) so I guess a few points below that but nothing below 20.

However if you are a card carrying MENSA member, and the test was overly simple so you couldn't actually stoop to the level of the MCAT, I would just tell them that. 😉

 

[dylantanis]

However if you are a card carrying MENSA member, and the test was overly simple so you couldn't actually stoop to the level of the MCAT, I would just tell them that. 😉

LOL...I'll try that if it comes down to it!

 

[Colbert]

If you have a low MCAT (anything under a 24) you're going to need a really spectacular GPA and extracurriculars to make up for it. A few years ago it may have been a different story, but the average MCAT for osteopathic schools has been trending up and is probably about 27-28 now. If you're not in that in that area I'd suggest taking a prep course if you haven't, take some more practice tests, and just take the test over.

 

[Hokie06]

I wouldn't apply with anything less than a 20. Like Colbert said, most DO schools now have MCAT ranging anywhere from 25-28. if your GPA , EC, LOR, are good, I would apply as long as you have at least a 23. Anything less, I wouldnt unless you let the school know you are planning to retake the MCAT.

There are schools that weigh your science GPA most heavily. VCOM is a good school with average GPA 3.5-3.6 but with an average MCAT of 24 (8,8,8). Obviously, there are people that applied and got in with 21-24, but im sure they made up for it by having a really good GPA or amazing EC and LOR.

Regardless, you should aim to get the highest MCAT score possible so that you can have the flexibility and option when it comes to choosing schools!

 

[dylantanis]

I wouldn't apply with anything less than a 20. Like Colbert said, most DO schools now have MCAT ranging anywhere from 25-28. if your GPA , EC, LOR, are good, I would apply as long as you have at least a 23. Anything less, I wouldnt unless you let the school know you are planning to retake the MCAT.

There are schools that weigh your science GPA most heavily. VCOM is a good school with average GPA 3.5-3.6 but with an average MCAT of 24 (8,8,8). Obviously, there are people that applied and got in with 21-24, but im sure they made up for it by having a really good GPA or amazing EC and LOR.

Thanks for the info!

 

[roody41]

Given the current upward trend in DO MCAT scores I think you gotta have at least a 25 to get a serious look from schools...

 

[Bleurberry]

Given the current upward trend in DO MCAT scores I think you gotta have at least a 25 to get a serious look from schools...

It really depends on the school, but I would agree in general.

 

[Colbert]

Given the current upward trend in DO MCAT scores I think you gotta have at least a 25 to get a serious look from schools...

Remember that no one in this forum is an admin director, so take our opinions for what they're worth. That being said, a 25 is below the average for a lot schools now. If you're applying with a 25, you're going to need great grades, LORs, and ECs to show them what a well-rounded candidate you are. I don't think I can stress enough how much retaking the MCAT can help if your score is subpar. Find out where your weakness was on the test, make it a strength, and you'll see your score shoot up 2 points in that section alone. I know it sounds like a pain in the ass to retake the MCAT, but it's not near the pain to have to reapply because you didn't.

 

[EEL08]

Two of us here who applied for 2008 were accepted with 22. Another one would have been had he applied earlier. He probably knows who he is and things ended up working out awesome for him this year. 👍

 

[RySerr21]

Two of us here who applied for 2008 were accepted with 22. Another one would have been had he applied earlier. He probably knows who he is and things ended up working out awesome for him this year. 👍

EEL!!! how have you been?!?!? How is school????!? OMM!?

 

[dani042]

I got in to two DO schools (could be three) with a 24. But I do know that I could have, and should have done better, I'm THANKFUL to not have to do it all over again.

 

[Dissected]

25 with 5 acceptances 👍

Its hard to say what is necessarily "low" because it can be outweighed by extra curriculars and/or gpa. The trends are continuing to climb every year though...

 

[Jamers]

It seems to me that "not worth it" is subjective. The lower end I have seen is 24 (as an average) so I guess a few points below that but nothing below 20.

However if you are a card carrying MENSA member, and the test was overly simple so you couldn't actually stoop to the level of the MCAT, I would just tell them that. 😉

Always try to shoot above the average. You will hear some odd stories about people with 18 getting in. If these can be believed they have to be a 1 in a million sorta thing.