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- May 23, 2005
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First of all, thank you for all the advice you have given and continue to give to us students. It is very much appreicted. This is my first post on this thread. A little background about my-self:
I am a science major who will be graduating in 5 years, currently a fourth year senior. I have a 3.75 overall gpa, with about a 3.7 science gpa. Tons of clinical experience with patients, clincial research experience, great letters, and will probably have one or two publications by the time I apply. Have had to work throughout high school and college to support myself. Great life experiences here and overseas. English is also my second language.
Now my problem is the MCAT which has prevented me from applying last year. I was planning on taking the MCAT last year in May but decided not to because my practice scores were not high enough (low 20s). So I did not take it and since I did not have time during the summer I postponed applying to med school to this year. Now I have been stuyding for at least 3 months and done a lot of practice problems and after all this time I am still scoring in the low 20s. I was wondering what advice you can offer me? I.e. take it in January (I have registered for it now) or postpone again and study for it during the summer? I was thinking since I have studied for it for so long that I should take it in January and if I do not do well, I will retake it in the summer? I have a heavy schedule in the Spring so I can either take it in a few weeks (January or August).
I am really losing hope and not sure what to do about the MCAT. I will honestly be happy to get into any MD med school in the US. I also contacted my state school and they said that a 27-30 score would be competitive for admissions. If anything is unclear about my situation or you need more information please feel free to let me know. Thank you very much.
You not alone in your situation with problems on the MCAT and not having English as your primary language. With a strong application otherwise, if you can get to mid-upper 20's you should get some interviews IF schools understand your total application. As for the MCAT, the only thing that I can recommend is going to your school's ?learning/testing center? to see if they can evaluate your test-taking skills and speed reading/comprehension. Then, if necessary, address them to the best of your ability. Polishing these skills might help you to complete the MCAT sub-sections IF you are unable to complete within the allotted time.