Which is more beneficial?

[healingwave]

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I am having a hard time deciding whether to submit my application with my 500 MCAT score or wait until I retake it again (aug 4th) and then submit it. Which is the better route? I am also applying through TMDSAS and AMCAS.

 

[healingwave]

Just afraid I will be automatically screened out if I submit my application now and won't have a chance even if I make a good MCAT score.

 

[gyngyn]

Just afraid I will be automatically screened out if I submit my application now and won't have a chance even if I make a good MCAT score.

This is a realistic concern, not a fear.

 

[healingwave]

@gyngyn which do you think is a better route I should take?

 

[gyngyn]

@gyngyn which do you think is a better route I should take?

One weak MCAT will not be a deal-breaker. Two weak scores are a lot more serious.
Take all the time you need to show a dramatic improvement and apply early to a well-chosen list.

 

[besheep]

Depends on where you want to go, 500 is low, but it isn't TERRIBAD. The only issue with submitting in August is that it is kinda late at the very least.

How confident are you in scoring higher if you do decide to take the MCAT again.

 

[bananafish94]

Honestly I wouldn't apply this year. Retake it, do better, apply next year.

 

[Hopeful_vet]

Honestly I wouldn't apply this year. Retake it, do better, apply next year.

Agreed. You don't want to apply with a 500, and you don't want to apply late.


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[Syns]

The Banana Fish speaks wisdom.

 

[mcatjelly]

Depends on where you want to go, 500 is low, but it isn't TERRIBAD. The only issue with submitting in August is that it is kinda late at the very least.

How confident are you in scoring higher if you do decide to take the MCAT again.

For MD, 500 is below the 10th percentile of accepted scores just about everywhere, and is barely average for DO. I would definitely say it's too low.

 

[Hopeful_vet]

For MD, 500 is below the 10th percentile of accepted scores just about everywhere, and is barely average for DO. I would definitely say it's too low.

I would think that 500 is below average for nearly all DO.. That's just my hunch I guess though.


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[Dreamislandcaptive]

It would be more beneficial to wait and retake for a stronger score. At the same time if you want to take a chance and apply this year then apply broadly and asap. Someone might take a chance on you.

 

[AlteredScale]

I would think that 500 is below average for nearly all DO.. That's just my hunch I guess though.


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There's a good swath of DO programs that would interview an applicant wth a 25 if everything else was set into place such as a decent GPA and good Ecs (and that ridiculous DO physician LOR).

But I agree with the majority here. A retake would be most beneficial.


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[bananafish94]

At the same time if you want to take a chance and apply this year then apply broadly and asap. Someone might take a chance on you.

I disagree. I think your application should be a compelling argument for why a medical school should accept you, not a Hail Mary.

 

[mcatjelly]

I would think that 500 is below average for nearly all DO.. That's just my hunch I guess though.


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Ah yeah, you're right. AACOMAS says the average 2014 matriculant MCAT was a 27, which is 56-61st percentile, and a 500 is 51-53rd percentile. So the average is more 501. Not terribly below average though.

 

[Dreamislandcaptive]

I disagree. I think your application should be a compelling argument for why a medical school should accept you, not a Hail Mary.

While I get where you're coming from keep in mind there are people applying to med school with low mcat and gpa numbers. The way things are set up with the right story and background you can get into a med school. It only take one acceptance.

 

[Dreamislandcaptive]

I am having a hard time deciding whether to submit my application with my 500 MCAT score or wait until I retake it again (aug 4th) and then submit it. Which is the better route? I am also applying through TMDSAS and AMCAS.

What does your GPA and volunteer hours look like? Are you a URM? How old are you?

 

[Lawpy]

I am having a hard time deciding whether to submit my application with my 500 MCAT score or wait until I retake it again (aug 4th) and then submit it. Which is the better route? I am also applying through TMDSAS and AMCAS.

Rule 1: Take a Breath

The @bananafish94 knows his stuff (probably cause he travels in schools) and @mcatjelly is trying to keep you out of a jam

Weak MCAT is a risk; Retake late in the cycle is a risk. Late submission is a risk;
Trying to get TMDSAS and AMACAS and Secondaries ready while prepping for MCAT is a very big risk

Better to focus on prepping and doing well on the MCAT is the first priority then doing a great application next cycle.

gonnif is spot on, but the real question (assumed, stated or otherwise) is (also attributed to gonnif):

Is your goal to get into medical school or to get into medical school quickly?

If the answer is the former, do what the majority has stated: retake the MCAT, do well, and apply early in June the following cycle. If it's the latter, well good luck.

 

[healingwave]

What does your GPA and volunteer hours look like? Are you a URM? How old are you?

cGPA: 3.5
sGPA: 3.3
GPA past 60 hrs: 3.7
volunteering: ~150 hrs
shadowing: ~60 hrs
research: 3 semesters
Taught sixth graders science lessons for a semester
Learning Assistant for gen chem for a semester

I'm Asian, 22, and TX resident.

I'm planning on applying to several MD schools in my state and abroad and lots of DO schools.

 

[Dreamislandcaptive]

cGPA: 3.5
sGPA: 3.3
GPA past 60 hrs: 3.7
volunteering: ~150 hrs
shadowing: ~60 hrs
research: 3 semesters
Taught sixth graders science lessons for a semester
Learning Assistant for gen chem for a semester

I'm Asian, 22, and TX resident.

I'm planning on applying to several MD schools in my state and abroad and lots of DO schools.

Based on your stat please retake the mcat and apply next year. Aim for 512+ and I have no doubt you'll be get in somewhere. spend time to study and good luck.

 

[Hopeful_vet]

Based on your stat please retake the mcat and apply next year. Aim for 512+ and I have no doubt you'll be get in somewhere. spend time to study and good luck.

+1


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[healingwave]

Based on your stat please retake the mcat and apply next year. Aim for 512+ and I have no doubt you'll be get in somewhere. spend time to study and good luck.

For MD or DO? I think I have a decent chance at DO schools this cycle.

 

[Dreamislandcaptive]

For MD or DO? I think I have a decent chance at DO schools this cycle.

To be honest You could possibly get into a DO school but don't you want to apply to schools knowing for a fact you at least have a shot? Don't waste your money this year- just retake the mcat and apply next year. While you're waiting to apply you could volunteer some more. It would only improve your app.