Where can I get in?

Started by Drhopeful008
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Browse articles Compare schools My application plan Read Interview Feedback
Practice for interviews Ask an Advisor
D

Drhopeful008

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
I recently received a score of 495 on the mcat which was discouraging although I was extremely bogged down with schoolwork when I took it and am scheduled to take it again. I am a rising senior with a 3.2 gpa as a chemistry major at a historically hard grading institute. I also have great EC's such as research, leadership, volunteering, clinical hours. I am basically done with my application as well. Is it still possible for me to get in?
 
I guess it will come down to the strength of your EC's and hopefully an increase on your next MCAT. But, as others might tell you soon, the GPA is still on the low side for MD school so maybe consider DO as an alternative. Also I'm not 100% sure if med schools take into account UG institution grading and adjust GPAs accordingly, because my girlfriend went to WashU and let me tell you, those kids had to work hard for some of those grades haha.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Drhopeful008 said:
I recently received a score of 495 on the mcat which was discouraging although I was extremely bogged down with schoolwork when I took it and am scheduled to take it again. I am a rising senior with a 3.2 gpa as a chemistry major at a historically hard grading institute. I also have great EC's such as research, leadership, volunteering, clinical hours. I am basically done with my application as well. Is it still possible for me to get in?
Click to expand...

It may not be what you want to hear, but I'll give it to you straight. The 495 doesn't make your historically hard institute look very impressive. I would take a full year, study intensively for the test again, and maybe look into some graduate programs to boost your resume. It's great that your app is done, but you will need a christmas miracle to get in with that test grade. Unless your state medical school has abnormally low admissions requirements, or you want to go to one of those sketchy foreign soil medical schools.
 
ThHardToast said:
It may not be what you want to hear, but I'll give it to you straight. The 495 doesn't make your historically hard institute look very impressive. I would take a full year, study intensively for the test again, and maybe look into some graduate programs to boost your resume. It's great that your app is done, but you will need a christmas miracle to get in with that test grade. Unless your state medical school has abnormally low admissions requirements, or you want to go to one of those sketchy foreign soil medical schools.
Click to expand...
True but that's why I'm taking it again with my mind set on that only. Also, the mcat doesn't include quantum mechanics, point groups, etc which was what I was doing when I took the mcat the first time. Just hope I can raise the mcat score 😡
 
Last edited:
Drhopeful008 said:
True but that's why I'm taking it again with my mind set on that only. Also, the mcat doesn't include quantum mechanics or any other part of p chem which isn't the easiest class to get an A in
Click to expand...

You are coming at this with a "play to the level of your opponent" excuse. It doesn't work in admissions... The MCAT is pretty straightforward; it is essentially a test of your preparation, ability to handle stress, and comprehend new situations. You have to check that box off, before you can even think about applying. Easy is relative my friend. With enough time and effort, a lot of things are "easy."
 
Your numbers are too low for any MD school,but probably fine for all DO.

Do NOT take the MCAT unless you're' fully ready for it. We like people who make good choices.

Even with a 528 score, your GPA is too low for MD.

Drhopeful008 said:
I recently received a score of 495 on the mcat which was discouraging although I was extremely bogged down with schoolwork when I took it and am scheduled to take it again. I am a rising senior with a 3.2 gpa as a chemistry major at a historically hard grading institute. I also have great EC's such as research, leadership, volunteering, clinical hours. I am basically done with my application as well. Is it still possible for me to get in?
Click to expand...
 
Goro said:
Your numbers are too low for any MD school,but probably fine for all DO.

Do NOT take the MCAT unless you're' fully ready for it. We like people who make good choices.

Even with a 528 score, your GPA is too low for MD.
Click to expand...

Completely disagree on the GPA front. GPA is fine if you have challenged yourself with some upper level coursework. You could have a 2.9 and get tons of interviews with a perfect MCAT score.
 
Completely incorrect. First of all, applicants with discordant stats are viewed with a more jaundiced eye. Second, OP will need to do some serious GPA repair with a SMP or post-bac (and acing them), along with a great MCAT score (90th%ile +). Also keep in mind that the median GPA foe MD school matriculants is 3.7, and the floor is typically 3.4.



ThHardToast said:
Completely disagree on the GPA front. GPA is fine if you have challenged yourself with some upper level coursework. You could have a 2.9 and get tons of interviews with a perfect MCAT score.
Click to expand...
 
ThHardToast said:
Completely disagree on the GPA front. GPA is fine if you have challenged yourself with some upper level coursework. You could have a 2.9 and get tons of interviews with a perfect MCAT score.
Click to expand...
you've been giving bad advice all morning. stay in your lane, son

that said goro did misspeak when he said the 495 would be fine for all DO -- a 495 is like a 23, which is on life support for even DO
 
Goro said:
I don't have my chart in front of me at the moment, and I'm still trying to get used to the new numbers. Good catch.
Click to expand...

YES. I'm hoping for some missteps like this while my applications are reviewed at my reach schools.
"I don't have my chart right now, but this new 500-something looks pretty impressive!"

Half kidding.
 
Goro said:
Completely incorrect. First of all, applicants with discordant stats are viewed with a more jaundiced eye. Second, OP will need to do some serious GPA repair with a SMP or post-bac (and acing them), along with a great MCAT score (90th%ile +). Also keep in mind that the median GPA foe MD school matriculants is 3.7, and the floor is typically 3.4.
Click to expand...

Notice how I said "get interviews" and not "acceptances."
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
You must log in or register to reply here.