Where can I get in?

[Drhopeful008]

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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?

 

[DrDorianTurkleton]

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.

 

[gyngyn]

Historically your stats are inconsistent with MD acceptance.
If you look at the graph on the first page of this forum and credit your score around a 22 (or 23), you will see that the percentage of successful applicants with your stats is barely detectable.

 

[ThHardToast]

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?

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.

 

[Drhopeful008]

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.

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 😡

 

[ThHardToast]

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

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."

 

[Goro]

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.

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?

 

[ThHardToast]

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.

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.

 

[Goro]

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.

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.

 

[Vain Brother]

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.

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]

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.

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

 

[Affiche]

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.

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.

 

[ThHardToast]

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.

Notice how I said "get interviews" and not "acceptances."

 

[Affiche]

Who wants to waste money on applications and interviews if ultimately their gpa is too low and will keep them out?

 

[Goro]

Irrelevant. A school isn't going to waste an II on a low caliber (for that school) candidate

Notice how I said "get interviews" and not "acceptances."