Yet Another MCAT Retake Question

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Spinach Dip

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Hear me out.

I took the MCAT over a year ago, and scored a 40. Pretty good, I know.

However, my undergrad GPA is 3.4, which is pretty low as far as med school applicants are concerned.



Now, I find myself in an unusual spot. My MCAT is so high that low-tier schools will not offer me interviews because they don't think I'm serious about going to their humble college. On the other hand, mid and top-tier schools won't even look at me because my GPA is too low.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that my MCAT score is too good. I'm wondering if I should re-take the test and aim for a 35 or so. Then I would be competitive at low and low-mid schools.

Thoughts?
 
You sound like you're trolling really hard right now.

Besides, MCAT scores don't disappear. Med schools will still be able to see it. You won't be able to hide your 40 from anyone.

I think you just have to better convey why you can handle the work to top tiers and how you are a great fit for the low tiers.
 
Yeah, I seriously doubt that your MCAT score is what's holding you back at any med school, no matter how 'low-tier'.
I would suggest truly taking a hard look at your app and figuring it out what it is that's limiting your success, rather than blaming it on being too good for some schools.
 
I know some one with those stats at a top 10 school. It's not impossible.
 
Sensing such hostility to someone that submitted an extremely useful thread.

You all really think that not a single school rejected him based on his MCAT? C'mon that's just...

I'm with you spinach, I think that partially contributed to your dry streak. Got knows every prehealth advisor preaches the balanced applicant like it's Genesis.

I do think it may be best to balance out your application a little bit. I don't think it's solely your MCAT but rather you're lopsided like most of us are. People see you and go "what's going on?" 99.9 percentile and 3.4? Get your other stuff going too then you'll definitely have a better shot.
 
Well, what will they think if you retake the MCAT and underperform? It calls into question that your 40 may have been a major fluke, which casts even more doubt on your overall strength as an applicant.

You also make it sound like getting a ~35 is something you can plan to do - I know you did very well in improving your score, etc. but there's still a lot to account for before you can even comfortably make that assumption.

You need to take an objective look at your application, because something else is holding you back. A 3.4 isn't terrible by any means. What are your ECs like? LORs? PS?
 
Spinach Dip said:
...Now, I find myself in an unusual spot. My MCAT is so high that low-tier schools will not offer me interviews because they don't think I'm serious about going to their humble college. On the other hand, mid and top-tier schools won't even look at me because my GPA is too low.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that my MCAT score is too good. I'm wondering if I should re-take the test and aim for a 35 or so. Then I would be competitive at low and low-mid schools.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

How did you come to the conclusions in bold?
 
I get what you're saying OP. On a side note, thanks for your threat on MCAT studying tips =D

I feel like it'd be more beneficial to find ways to bring your GPA up than getting your MCAT down. First of all, have you applied to schools yet? Are you approaching this from a re-applicant stand-point or just speculating based on the experiences of others?

Secondly, would you consider a post-bac program to raise the GPA? It is probably true that a 3.4 be a little low at some schools I'd imagine. Maybe Goro/Gyngyn/LizzyM may have some good input for ya too!
 
Wait isn't spinach already in residency? Troll bread smells fresh by the way
 
MaybeDr said:
Sensing such hostility to someone that submitted an extremely useful thread.

You all really think that not a single school rejected him based on his MCAT? C'mon that's just...

I'm with you spinach, I think that partially contributed to your dry streak. Got knows every prehealth advisor preaches the balanced applicant like it's Genesis.

I do think it may be best to balance out your application a little bit. I don't think it's solely your MCAT but rather you're lopsided like most of us are. People see you and go "what's going on?" 99.9 percentile and 3.4? Get your other stuff going too then you'll definitely have a better shot.
Click to expand...

You really think any programs will reject a 3.4/40 with little to no clinical experience because he's simply too qualified?
 
Your bigger problem is explaining how you got a 40 on the MCAT while having a 3.4 GPA. Getting a low score with a high GPA is more common - people get nervous under pressure, underestimate the test, whatever. Getting a high MCAT while doing relatively poorly in your courses can indicate your lack of effort/focus/dedication in your coursework. If you are talented enough to get a 4o on the MCAT you should have the discipline and ability to get A/A-/B+ in your courses. If I were you, I would be prepared to explain the discrepancy.
 
MaybeDr said:
Sensing such hostility to someone that submitted an extremely useful thread.

You all really think that not a single school rejected him based on his MCAT? C'mon that's just...

I'm with you spinach, I think that partially contributed to your dry streak. Got knows every prehealth advisor preaches the balanced applicant like it's Genesis.

I do think it may be best to balance out your application a little bit. I don't think it's solely your MCAT but rather you're lopsided like most of us are. People see you and go "what's going on?" 99.9 percentile and 3.4? Get your other stuff going too then you'll definitely have a better shot.
Click to expand...
This is not a useful thread, never mind 'extremely useful'. It's a chance for OP to stroke his ego and convince himself that there's nothing he could improve and that he was in fact 'too good'.
Yes, I really think that NO school rejected him due to his MCAT. There are people out there who don't do well with 3.8s and 40s...not many, but they exist. Is it so surprising then, that non-numeric factors could be contributing to the lack of success with GPA red flags to boot?
It is absolutely on OP to make an app which explains the discrepancy and compensates for it, for the reasons listed above.
We do agree that OP needs to get his stuff together
 
kyamh said:
Your bigger problem is explaining how you got a 40 on the MCAT while having a 3.4 GPA. Getting a low score with a high GPA is more common - people get nervous under pressure, underestimate the test, whatever. Getting a high MCAT while doing relatively poorly in your courses can indicate your lack of effort/focus/dedication in your coursework. If you are talented enough to get a 4o on the MCAT you should have the discipline and ability to get A/A-/B+ in your courses. If I were you, I would be prepared to explain the discrepancy.
Click to expand...
Just noting that you can easily get a 3.4 with a combo of A/A-/B+...just run heavier on the B+ than the As.
 
Spinach Dip said:
Hear me out.

I took the MCAT over a year ago, and scored a 40. Pretty good, I know.

However, my undergrad GPA is 3.4, which is pretty low as far as med school applicants are concerned.



Now, I find myself in an unusual spot. My MCAT is so high that low-tier schools will not offer me interviews because they don't think I'm serious about going to their humble college. On the other hand, mid and top-tier schools won't even look at me because my GPA is too low.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that my MCAT score is too good. I'm wondering if I should re-take the test and aim for a 35 or so. Then I would be competitive at low and low-mid schools.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...


I don't think it's your GPA or MCAT that is the problem. I think it could be the list of schools you applied to: too top heavy or too many low-tier ones or your app doesn't match their mission statement, etc.
 
I was just reading OP's MCAT advice thread yesterday....😱
Spinach Dip said:
Hear me out.

I took the MCAT over a year ago, and scored a 40. Pretty good, I know.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that my MCAT score is too good. I'm wondering if I should re-take the test and aim for a 35 or so. Then I would be competitive at low and low-mid schools.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
:scared:
Why would you ever do that?????
 
Heplayer92 said:
Post-bacc program =D but then he'd have to take a gap year or two. Just a thought
Click to expand...

Yep, GPA can most definitely be raised. Even to probably 3.6ish range and he would have a great shot. If OP got interviews I'm guessing he was rejected for reasons other than his MCAT.
 
I remember reading a post of yours while I was still creepin' on SDN or maybe when I just started? But didn't you say you listed some EC's such as shadowing a veterinarian, and working in an equine rehabilitation center? Have your EC's changed since then to be more human focused? The main advice given to you then was that was your major problem and not your GPA or MCAT.
 
AAAANNNNNDDDDD the award for best #humblebrag of the year is awarded to.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... SPINACHDIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously though man, aim for like a 9. With a zero in verbal. Then ADCOMS can really speculate on your thought process. It'd be like a guessing game...who retakes a 40? Is he able to read? Can you get a zero in a section? Why'd they change the MCAT to such odd scores? Am I at work? Is this real life? Why did I pursue medicine?

At the very least, you are sure to get SOME sort of reaction.
 
OP, your problem has been properly addressed in your school list thread. You aren't getting accepted because your app doesn't show experience with or drive for medicine. At this point you're searching for other reasons and things to "fix" about it when the answer is something you just don't want to accept and deal with (by your own admission).
 
OP, when you reapply, you have to fix your weaknesses.

looking at this:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/need-some-help-coming-up-with-a-school-list.1073230/

Your biggest weaknesses are not your uGPA, MCAT, & their apparent discrepancy, so fixing any of those is not going to do it. (Yes a 3.4 is on the low side, but it's within the bell curve if your app is otherwise strong).

I see a 3.1 graduate GPA that's a big red flag regardless of health issues.

I see no clinical volunteering when the average applicants has 100 hours (many, especially those with other weaknesses they need to overcome will apply with way more).

I see a suggestion that your PS might be an ode to your weaknesses in an attempt to explain your GPA. As someone who applied 3 cycles with health problems & a GPA similar to yours, I wholeheartedly believe you need to sell yourself in the PS & save the explaining for the appropriate prompts on the secondaries. Since both your undergrad and grad gpa were affected, you also are going to have to work hard to convince.anybody they're not going to hinder med.school -- the best way to do that is time (so you're credible when you say your illness is a non issue now) &/or more academic work with a great GPA.

If you unnecessarily retake the MCAT to get a lower score (and boy would you be sorry if it came out a 30), your app would now call into question your judgment. You have multiple obvious weaknesses . . . and you're going to retake the high stakes exam that is your strong point instead of bringing your volunteering up to par? What do you think this says about you to the people considering your app?

Honestly, have you done anything during the past 2 cycles to improve your app? that's asked of all reapplicants, and if you don't have a good answer, I highly doubt this cycle would be more successful.

Your posts about this are painful to read, b/c it's so obvious that you could be a successful applicant if you actually followed very rudimentary advice to actually make it look like you're interested in medicine!

...sorry for the typos, I'm on my phone.
 
I have the exact same LizzyM score as you, and GPA/MCAT is within 0.1/1pt of yours. I'm going to Pitt. Yet here you are trying to make up some crazy rationale that 3.4 and a 40 is limiting you because your MCAT score is too good? 🙄

I got plenty of interview invites from top, mid, and low tier. Doesn't seem like I was limited because my GPA was too low or MCAT was too high.

Didn't @Goro tell you that you seem more geared towards vet school than med school with your EC?
 
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IncognitoGuy said:
Well, what will they think if you retake the MCAT and underperform? It calls into question that your 40 may have been a major fluke, which casts even more doubt on your overall strength as an applicant.

You also make it sound like getting a ~35 is something you can plan to do - I know you did very well in improving your score, etc. but there's still a lot to account for before you can even comfortably make that assumption.

You need to take an objective look at your application, because something else is holding you back. A 3.4 isn't terrible by any means. What are your ECs like? LORs? PS?
Click to expand...
Spinach's post got move to WAMC. His app basically looks like if someone is trying to get into vet school. Me, Goro, and others have pointed it out.
 
A) There are people -- not many, but people -- with comparable (MCAT/GPA) stats at DO schools. Whether or not you want to be one of them is another issue.

B) No low to mid tier school is actually rejecting you on the basis of your MCAT. You just aren't either 1) fulfilling their mission goals or 2) a compelling overall candidate (e.g. leadership, service, ec's generally, etc.). Further, no high-tier school is rejecting you on the basis of your GPA.

To paraphrase James Carville (kind of like Bill Clinton's White House admissions consultant), "it's the whole application, stupid."
 
this thread should never have been created. if really a joke, it perhaps may have been more suited on April 1st not a week before AMCAS opens...
 
OP, it seems like you are struggling to rationalize why you had an unsuccessful cycle. While it's a shame that you were not able to get in anywhere--even with such a great MCAT score--rather than trying to blame the system for this, take some time to look critically at your app and do some introspection as to what exactly went wrong.
 
Wow Spinach, if you really don't want to be a doctor, it's a lot cheaper to simply do something else, than to engage in a monumental display of poor judgement like this!

Joke? Ummm, no.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that my MCAT score is too good. I'm wondering if I should re-take the test and aim for a 35 or so. Then I would be competitive at low and low-mid schools.
 
Goro said:
Wow Spinach, if you really don't want to be a doctor, it's a lot cheaper to simply do something else, than to engage in a monumental display of poor judgement like this!

Joke? Ummm, no.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that my MCAT score is too good. I'm wondering if I should re-take the test and aim for a 35 or so. Then I would be competitive at low and low-mid schools.
Click to expand...

Faculty member chiming in so you know we common SDNers aren't being off base! Although I did read Spinach's MCAT thread and did find it fairly useful.
 
Oh, I and other Adcoms have given Spinach advice in the past, which s/he promptly ignored.



dudewheresmymd said:
Faculty member chiming in so you know we common SDNers aren't being off base! Although I did read Spinach's MCAT thread and did find it fairly useful.
Click to expand...
 
Maybe you did get in to any "low tier" schools because they could tell you thought of them as "low tier". Humility is the key to success.
 
It's ridiculous that a few hours as a lame hospital volunteer or a few more hours following around a doc are preventing you from an acceptance. But that's the game, just accept it and play. Btw, I'm surprised with all the negativity you're getting. Some dudes on here need to get up off that ivory tower.
 
People would die to be in your position, OP. With numbers like that, I could definitely spin an application to garner some acceptances somewhere. And so can you!
 
Shams al Deen said:
It's ridiculous that a few hours as a lame hospital volunteer or a few more hours following around a doc are preventing you from an acceptance. But that's the game, just accept it and play. Btw, I'm surprised with all the negativity you're getting. Some dudes on here need to get up off that ivory tower.
Click to expand...

:claps: You get it! Yay!



BTW, just wait for my next thread. If that one doesn't make these forums explode, nothing will.
 
Shams al Deen said:
It's ridiculous that a few hours as a lame hospital volunteer or a few more hours following around a doc are preventing you from an acceptance. But that's the game, just accept it and play. Btw, I'm surprised with all the negativity you're getting. Some dudes on here need to get up off that ivory tower.
Click to expand...

We're negative because spinach thinks his problem can be fixed by retaking the MCAT. Retaking with a 40 is already a stupid idea, AND he wants to aim for a lower score. Then he proceeds to mention that carrying water to the patient or other mundane task is "below him". Oh yes, it's us that need to get off that ivory tower. 🙄

I think spinach needs to go be a Wall-St intern for a couple of days and report back on the numbers of cup of coffee he had to fetch. As a new college grad, nothing is beneath you. You pay your dues doing scutwork first in any field, and for medicine, it's hospital volunteering as an applicant, being a fly on the wall during clerkship and getting yelled at, and finally getting worked to death for 50k as a resident. Don't you know there are 115k janitors in the US with college degrees?
 
Spinach Dip said:
:claps: You get it! Yay!



BTW, just wait for my next thread. If that one doesn't make these forums explode, nothing will.
Click to expand...

WOW! It'll be rad when you're here "blowing up" SDN as a perpetual pre-med 10 years from now.

Have you ever heard the phrase "you can't fight city hall"? Good luck trying to change the world from this side of the admissions process.

I'm not saying this to incite or degrade you. Rather I'm trying to shine a little light on the way things get done for other pre-meds working towards admission. There's no news here: check the boxes. Go beyond that, certainly. Go well beyond that. Do great things. But you gotta check the boxes. And if you want change, get admitted and get on the admissions committee.
 
omfg dont you dare retake lots of people here would do anything to be in your position. i spent 7 months studying for that damn test with all the methods here and books and couldnt even break 30. you're just putting yourself and your application at risk unnecessarily especially with the expected 3 point improvement you have to get a 43. How are you going to do that? Just go to the hospital and push people on beds for like 45 hours and you're set. you can probably get into many med schools, just w/ that. it can be done in as little as a few weeks. what are you going to do in clinical rotations and as a doctor if you can't do that? go into radiology?
Shams al Deen said:
It's ridiculous that a few hours as a lame hospital volunteer or a few more hours following around a doc are preventing you from an acceptance. But that's the game, just accept it and play. Btw, I'm surprised with all the negativity you're getting. Some dudes on here need to get up off that ivory tower.
Click to expand...

likewise it's ridiculous that a few numbers lower than someone else on a standardized test on subjects that have a rough correlation (r=.53 for bio which is like the highest) with the step 1 can prevent others from doing the same thing and means you'll have a ton of assumptions thrown at you about not being able to handle medical school. at least lack of volunteering is far more easily remedied.
 
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Shams al Deen said:
It's ridiculous that a few hours as a lame hospital volunteer or a few more hours following around a doc are preventing you from an acceptance. But that's the game, just accept it and play. Btw, I'm surprised with all the negativity you're getting. Some dudes on here need to get up off that ivory tower.
Click to expand...
What ivory tower? The ivory tower of having a lower MCAT than spinach? Or the one where we think that finding excuses is unhelpful and actual, realistic self-eval is the next step, cuz...that's not an ivory tower.
Your metaphor makes no sense.
OP is getting negativity because he's essentially saying "I didn't get in, I guess it's because I'm too good for low-tier med schools".
 
Goro said:
Oh, I and other Adcoms have given Spinach advice in the past, which s/he promptly ignored.
Click to expand...
Goro, I think if I were to apply to your school in the future we would get along nicely in the interview. 👍
(Insert Butt kissing here) jk
 
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