Worried about MCAT Score

[krisco99]

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Well I wanted to get everyone's advice on what I should do with my MCAT score. I took it last April and got a 19P took it again and ended up with a 8 PS, 5 V, and 8 B and P in writing. I have put 100% into the test and just haven't done well. I know the material, I'm a biochemistry major GPA 3.55. Now I went ahead and applied to LECOM-B, MSUCOM (family there), OUCOM, PCOM-ATL, and Nova.

I just want to know if anyone else has gotten into school with my scores. I have lots of community volunteering, tons of research, and I'm teaching high school chemistry this year. Any words of encouragement would help.

 

[dr.z]

Well, I guess you have to wait and see what happens. Maybe you'll get accepted somewhere. I would encourage you to take a review course if you haven't already done so. You should study for MCAT while you wait to hear from schools.

 

[mshheaddoc]

That verbal score is really going to hurt you. If there is anyway you can strengthen it that wouldn't be a bad score. Did you do MCAT prep exams? Were you always scoring on the full-length practice exams like this? Are you just a nervous standardized test taker?

Sounds to me that you might want to reevaluate how you prep for the exam. 🙂

 

[LADoc84]

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[jules0328]

I have to agree with the other posters. I dont want to question you but, did you really put in 100% of your time into studying for the MCATs? I mean, did you take practice tests, AAMC tests? Did you do every possible verbal review book available? How many hours did you put in? These are all legitimate questions you need to ask yourself.

A 5 in verbal will hurt you. Are you retaking them in August?

 

[USArmyDoc]

Listen, I think retaking the exam is a must for you. Its not your overall score, although that to is low. It is your verbal score. I just can't see a school accepting someone with a 5 on the verbal unless there are some circumstances that I do not know of. Good luck

 

[Static Line]

Your score hurts. I have a score that is worse than yours. Still, I applied to lots of schools. I was mostly outright rejected; I got interviews at some other schools, and ultimately, I was accepted to one school. Some places experience counts and that's what helped carry me, even against others with better MCAT scores than me. Don't count on it for you though. You have to focus, focus, focus. Though I have somewhat of an excuse, looking back in retrospect, I know for a fact I studied for the MCAT in a lazy manner. I could have done much better. Take an honest look at yourself, and your study patterns. Lock yourself in a closet and prepare yourself for this exam if that's what it will take to get you through the next MCAT.

 

[krisco99]

Well, the first time I took the MCAT I took Princeton review and then I wanted to wait until this april to take it again. So I worked part time and studied on my own. A professor of mine suggested getting tested for a reading disability and I did, I have a very slight one but not enough to take the exam under untimed conditions. My verbal score didn't change within a year so I'm very discouraged that it might not change now. I don't know what to do differently.

An 8 is average and I'm fine with that, at least I know the science portion, the portion that really counts in med school I can do fine in. Now the verbal porition not sure.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Why settle for an 8? Thats not a good attitude. I am not chastising you, I am just speaking from experience. When I first took the MCAT, I had an attitude that all 9's are fine. I felt there was no way I can get above 9 even on my best day. Well, it showed in my final score. Anyway, I changed my attitude/study habits and I hit an 11 on a biology section. I started EK 101 and I hit a 8 on their first test. I need to do more though. If I can score a 9/10 on verbal on the real thing I will be happy but I want an 11. Do not settle krisco. The MCAT is conquerable. Please, try your best. Good Luck


PM me for any specifics. 🙂

 

[crys20]

I agree that if you are adamant about getting in this cycle, apply to many, many more schools. The other option is retaking, and changing your methods to ensure a better score.

 

[BERNZ]

Krisco99...It sounds like you have a great overall package, the only thing lacking is your MCAT score...Im sure you have heard this numerous times but its true, DO schools honestly look at the "Whole" package. A good friend of mine was accepted at DMU, CCOM and LECOM-E last year with all of your extracurriculars (tutoring <---(talk this up, adcoms love this!), research, volunteer..tec) but 1 point higher than you on the MCAT, he had a 22M. He was soo scared/upset as im sure you are, but he applied and got in...Im sure you will too..Best of luck!

 

[krisco99]

BERNZ, You have no idea how good it is to hear that. I have been so down on myself because I know that I can do this it just may take more than 100%, which I'm prepared for. I have come to the realization that I might have to retake it and I'm fine with that. I won't settle for 8's , I'll shoot for the stars. I think with more studying I can pull the science scores up but the verbal score is the one section that needs the most work.

Any suggestions anyone? Effective reading course? Let me know and thanks everyone for all your suggestions and advice, greatly appreciated.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Excellent Krisco. I am telling you that attitude alone will raise you score. If I were you, I would buy all the EK 1001 books. Trust me, they will help. Just practice verbal with EK 101.