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Tips for Applying to Medical School With a Low MCAT Score

Medical school applicants (or any other professional school applicant) must assess their credentials realistically to present themselves in the best possible way during the application process. Since applicants are evaluated based on specific quantitative criteria (primarily undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores) and non-quantitative criteria (research and clinical exposure, leadership skills, mentoring experiences), as well as on personal attributes such as compassion, discipline, motivation, and work ethic, you must acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Most  medical schools do weigh quantitative credentials heavily, in particular the MCAT score, because strong MCAT scores have been correlated with success on the USMLE. The MSAR reports each program’s median MCAT score from the previous application year, as well as their lowest and highest accepted scores. Should you retake the MCAT? If you already took the MCAT and scored lower than you had hoped for, your chances of admission may drop.  Should you apply with the score you have  or should you retake the test? Case A: You DO NOT retake the exam If your MCAT score is borderline, and you choose not to retake the exam, you will need to present yourself in the best light by stressing your other attributes and credentials and by taking extra coursework that illustrates your strong academic background. Some schools approach applications â€Å"holistically,† meaning that they weigh all aspects of your application and realize that standardized tests are not always the best representation of a students’ aptitude. But many medical schools screen applicants, at least initially, on their MCAT scores. If your scores are simply too low to be competitive at American allopathic med schools, you might pursue osteopathic medicine, which evaluates applications more holistically and considers lower MCAT scores than allopathic schools. You might also investigate foreign medical schools, including Caribbean programs. Some do not require the MCAT, although graduating from a program outside North America can make your return to a U.S. residency more difficult. You can also consider alternative career paths, such as biomedical research or patent law, two common alternative career options that allow you to remain in science. Note: Do not take the test unless you are scoring (on practice tests) above the range that you feel you need for admission. The confidence you possess on test day knowing you were scoring a 512 on practice tests is a large part of the mind-game you must master to succeed. Hard work, discipline, and true motivation are the necessary ingredients to MCAT success. Case B: You DO retake the exam If you are committed to obtaining an MD, then you should plan to retake the exam. You may take it up to three times in a year and seven times in your lifetime. Ideally you want to ace it the second time, but it’s not uncommon for applicants to take it multiple times. This can demonstrate your persistence and determination to get into medical school. However, it is important to show an upward trend. Schools may average the scores, but they tend to give the latest score the most weight, and dropping even a few points can hurt you. Timing is everything If you do decide to retake the MCAT, give yourself plenty of time. Too often, applicants sign up for a June or even July test date in the year they want to apply. If they don’t score as high as they hoped, they can’t retake until August or later, requiring they even submit late or push the whole process back another year. Be smart and schedule the test as early as you feel you’re ready. Keep in mind that many students do not prepare enough for the MCAT, thinking that their coursework is sufficient preparation. This is a faulty assumption, especially for applicants who struggle on standardized tests.  Applicants need to study hundreds of hours over several months to review and prepare for the test. Applicants should utilize preparatory courses, private tutors, and varying prep approaches to succeed. Applicants need to have real discipline to do the necessary work – 40 hours a week for several months. It is also extremely important to take practice tests regularly (ideally weekly) in order to master not just the content but also the necessary test-taking skills to succeed under the additional test-day stress. What Are the Lowest Scores Accepted into Med School The following data comes from the most recent U.S. News medical school rankings. Medical SchoolMedian MCAT Score Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine500 Howard University503 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine503 Florida State University505 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center — El Paso506 University of South Carolina506 University of New Mexico506 University of Kentucky 506 University of Arizona—Tucson 507 East Tennessee State University (Quillen)507 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center507 East Carolina University (Brody)507 West Virginia University508 University of Alabama—Birmingham508 University of Missouri 508 University of Texas Medical Branch—Galveston508 University of Oklahoma508 University of Washington509 University of South Dakota (Sanford)509 University of Kansas Medical Center509 University of California—Riverside509 Wayne State University509 Medical College of Wisconsin509 Texas AM Health Science Center509 Not sure whether or not you should retake the MCAT? Do you need help evaluating your profile to determine your competitiveness at your target med schools? An  experienced medical school admissions consultant can help you figure out which programs to apply to and how to craft an admissions strategy that will get you accepted.  Check out our Medical School Admissions Consulting Services here to get started!   ; A former fellowship admissions committee member and administrator at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Cydney Foote has successfully advised healthcare applicants, including those applying to medical school, dental school, nursing and PA programs, veterinary school, public health and hospital administration programs, post-baccalaureate medical programs, residencies and fellowships. Since 2001, she has brought her marketing and writing expertise to help science-focused students communicate their strengths. Want Cyd to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to Know, a free guide †¢ Discover the Medical Schools Where You Are Competitive †¢ Improve Your MCAT Score for Medical School Acceptance Tips for Applying to Medical School With a Low MCAT Score Medical school applicants (or any other professional school applicant) must assess their credentials realistically to present themselves in the best possible way during the application process. Since applicants are evaluated based on specific quantitative criteria (primarily undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores) and non-quantitative criteria (research and clinical exposure, leadership skills, mentoring experiences), as well as on personal attributes such as compassion, discipline, motivation, and work ethic, you must acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Most  medical schools do weigh quantitative credentials heavily, in particular the MCAT score, because strong MCAT scores have been correlated with success on the USMLE. The MSAR reports each program’s median MCAT score from the previous application year, as well as their lowest and highest accepted scores. Should you retake the MCAT? If you already took the MCAT and scored lower than you had hoped for, your chances of admission may drop.  Should you apply with the score you have  or should you retake the test? Case A: You DO NOT retake the exam If your MCAT score is borderline, and you choose not to retake the exam, you will need to present yourself in the best light by stressing your other attributes and credentials and by taking extra coursework that illustrates your strong academic background. Some schools approach applications â€Å"holistically,† meaning that they weigh all aspects of your application and realize that standardized tests are not always the best representation of a students’ aptitude. But many medical schools screen applicants, at least initially, on their MCAT scores. If your scores are simply too low to be competitive at American allopathic med schools, you might pursue osteopathic medicine, which evaluates applications more holistically and considers lower MCAT scores than allopathic schools. You might also investigate foreign medical schools, including Caribbean programs. Some do not require the MCAT, although graduating from a program outside North America can make your return to a U.S. residency more difficult. You can also consider alternative career paths, such as biomedical research or patent law, two common alternative career options that allow you to remain in science. Note: Do not take the test unless you are scoring (on practice tests) above the range that you feel you need for admission. The confidence you possess on test day knowing you were scoring a 512 on practice tests is a large part of the mind-game you must master to succeed. Hard work, discipline, and true motivation are the necessary ingredients to MCAT success. Case B: You DO retake the exam If you are committed to obtaining an MD, then you should plan to retake the exam. You may take it up to three times in a year and seven times in your lifetime. Ideally you want to ace it the second time, but it’s not uncommon for applicants to take it multiple times. This can demonstrate your persistence and determination to get into medical school. However, it is important to show an upward trend. Schools may average the scores, but they tend to give the latest score the most weight, and dropping even a few points can hurt you. Timing is everything If you do decide to retake the MCAT, give yourself plenty of time. Too often, applicants sign up for a June or even July test date in the year they want to apply. If they don’t score as high as they hoped, they can’t retake until August or later, requiring they even submit late or push the whole process back another year. Be smart and schedule the test as early as you feel you’re ready. Keep in mind that many students do not prepare enough for the MCAT, thinking that their coursework is sufficient preparation. This is a faulty assumption, especially for applicants who struggle on standardized tests.  Applicants need to study hundreds of hours over several months to review and prepare for the test. Applicants should utilize preparatory courses, private tutors, and varying prep approaches to succeed. Applicants need to have real discipline to do the necessary work – 40 hours a week for several months. It is also extremely important to take practice tests regularly (ideally weekly) in order to master not just the content but also the necessary test-taking skills to succeed under the additional test-day stress. What Are the Lowest Scores Accepted into Med School The following data comes from the most recent U.S. News medical school rankings. Medical SchoolMedian MCAT Score Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine500 Howard University503 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine503 Florida State University505 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center — El Paso506 University of South Carolina506 University of New Mexico506 University of Kentucky 506 University of Arizona—Tucson 507 East Tennessee State University (Quillen)507 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center507 East Carolina University (Brody)507 West Virginia University508 University of Alabama—Birmingham508 University of Missouri 508 University of Texas Medical Branch—Galveston508 University of Oklahoma508 University of Washington509 University of South Dakota (Sanford)509 University of Kansas Medical Center509 University of California—Riverside509 Wayne State University509 Medical College of Wisconsin509 Texas AM Health Science Center509 Not sure whether or not you should retake the MCAT? Do you need help evaluating your profile to determine your competitiveness at your target med schools? An  experienced medical school admissions consultant can help you figure out which programs to apply to and how to craft an admissions strategy that will get you accepted.  Check out our Medical School Admissions Consulting Services here to get started!   ; A former fellowship admissions committee member and administrator at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Cydney Foote has successfully advised healthcare applicants, including those applying to medical school, dental school, nursing and PA programs, veterinary school, public health and hospital administration programs, post-baccalaureate medical programs, residencies and fellowships. Since 2001, she has brought her marketing and writing expertise to help science-focused students communicate their strengths. Want Cyd to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to Know, a free guide †¢ Discover the Medical Schools Where You Are Competitive †¢ Improve Your MCAT Score for Medical School Acceptance Tips for Applying to Medical School With a Low MCAT Score Medical school applicants (or any other professional school applicant) must assess their credentials realistically to present themselves in the best possible way during the application process. Since applicants are evaluated based on specific quantitative criteria (primarily undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores) and non-quantitative criteria (research and clinical exposure, leadership skills, mentoring experiences), as well as on personal attributes such as compassion, discipline, motivation, and work ethic, you must acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Most  medical schools do weigh quantitative credentials heavily, in particular the MCAT score, because strong MCAT scores have been correlated with success on the USMLE. The MSAR reports each program’s median MCAT score from the previous application year, as well as their lowest and highest accepted scores. Should you retake the MCAT? If you already took the MCAT and scored lower than you had hoped for, your chances of admission may drop.  Should you apply with the score you have  or should you retake the test? Case A: You DO NOT retake the exam If your MCAT score is borderline, and you choose not to retake the exam, you will need to present yourself in the best light by stressing your other attributes and credentials and by taking extra coursework that illustrates your strong academic background. Some schools approach applications â€Å"holistically,† meaning that they weigh all aspects of your application and realize that standardized tests are not always the best representation of a students’ aptitude. But many medical schools screen applicants, at least initially, on their MCAT scores. If your scores are simply too low to be competitive at American allopathic med schools, you might pursue osteopathic medicine, which evaluates applications more holistically and considers lower MCAT scores than allopathic schools. You might also investigate foreign medical schools, including Caribbean programs. Some do not require the MCAT, although graduating from a program outside North America can make your return to a U.S. residency more difficult. You can also consider alternative career paths, such as biomedical research or patent law, two common alternative career options that allow you to remain in science. Note: Do not take the test unless you are scoring (on practice tests) above the range that you feel you need for admission. The confidence you possess on test day knowing you were scoring a 512 on practice tests is a large part of the mind-game you must master to succeed. Hard work, discipline, and true motivation are the necessary ingredients to MCAT success. Case B: You DO retake the exam If you are committed to obtaining an MD, then you should plan to retake the exam. You may take it up to three times in a year and seven times in your lifetime. Ideally you want to ace it the second time, but it’s not uncommon for applicants to take it multiple times. This can demonstrate your persistence and determination to get into medical school. However, it is important to show an upward trend. Schools may average the scores, but they tend to give the latest score the most weight, and dropping even a few points can hurt you. Timing is everything If you do decide to retake the MCAT, give yourself plenty of time. Too often, applicants sign up for a June or even July test date in the year they want to apply. If they don’t score as high as they hoped, they can’t retake until August or later, requiring they even submit late or push the whole process back another year. Be smart and schedule the test as early as you feel you’re ready. Keep in mind that many students do not prepare enough for the MCAT, thinking that their coursework is sufficient preparation. This is a faulty assumption, especially for applicants who struggle on standardized tests.  Applicants need to study hundreds of hours over several months to review and prepare for the test. Applicants should utilize preparatory courses, private tutors, and varying prep approaches to succeed. Applicants need to have real discipline to do the necessary work – 40 hours a week for several months. It is also extremely important to take practice tests regularly (ideally weekly) in order to master not just the content but also the necessary test-taking skills to succeed under the additional test-day stress. What Are the Lowest Scores Accepted into Med School The following data comes from the most recent U.S. News medical school rankings. Medical SchoolMedian MCAT Score Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine500 Howard University503 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine503 Florida State University505 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center — El Paso506 University of South Carolina506 University of New Mexico506 University of Kentucky 506 University of Arizona—Tucson 507 East Tennessee State University (Quillen)507 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center507 East Carolina University (Brody)507 West Virginia University508 University of Alabama—Birmingham508 University of Missouri 508 University of Texas Medical Branch—Galveston508 University of Oklahoma508 University of Washington509 University of South Dakota (Sanford)509 University of Kansas Medical Center509 University of California—Riverside509 Wayne State University509 Medical College of Wisconsin509 Texas AM Health Science Center509 Not sure whether or not you should retake the MCAT? Do you need help evaluating your profile to determine your competitiveness at your target med schools? An  experienced medical school admissions consultant can help you figure out which programs to apply to and how to craft an admissions strategy that will get you accepted.  Check out our Medical School Admissions Consulting Services here to get started!   ; A former fellowship admissions committee member and administrator at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Cydney Foote has successfully advised healthcare applicants, including those applying to medical school, dental school, nursing and PA programs, veterinary school, public health and hospital administration programs, post-baccalaureate medical programs, residencies and fellowships. Since 2001, she has brought her marketing and writing expertise to help science-focused students communicate their strengths. Want Cyd to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to Know, a free guide †¢ Discover the Medical Schools Where You Are Competitive †¢ Improve Your MCAT Score for Medical School Acceptance Tips for Applying to Medical School With a Low MCAT Score Medical school applicants (or any other professional school applicant) must assess their credentials realistically to present themselves in the best possible way during the application process. Since applicants are evaluated based on specific quantitative criteria (primarily undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores) and non-quantitative criteria (research and clinical exposure, leadership skills, mentoring experiences), as well as on personal attributes such as compassion, discipline, motivation, and work ethic, you must acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Most  medical schools do weigh quantitative credentials heavily, in particular the MCAT score, because strong MCAT scores have been correlated with success on the USMLE. The MSAR reports each program’s median MCAT score from the previous application year, as well as their lowest and highest accepted scores. Should you retake the MCAT? If you already took the MCAT and scored lower than you had hoped for, your chances of admission may drop.  Should you apply with the score you have  or should you retake the test? Case A: You DO NOT retake the exam If your MCAT score is borderline, and you choose not to retake the exam, you will need to present yourself in the best light by stressing your other attributes and credentials and by taking extra coursework that illustrates your strong academic background. Some schools approach applications â€Å"holistically,† meaning that they weigh all aspects of your application and realize that standardized tests are not always the best representation of a students’ aptitude. But many medical schools screen applicants, at least initially, on their MCAT scores. If your scores are simply too low to be competitive at American allopathic med schools, you might pursue osteopathic medicine, which evaluates applications more holistically and considers lower MCAT scores than allopathic schools. You might also investigate foreign medical schools, including Caribbean programs. Some do not require the MCAT, although graduating from a program outside North America can make your return to a U.S. residency more difficult. You can also consider alternative career paths, such as biomedical research or patent law, two common alternative career options that allow you to remain in science. Note: Do not take the test unless you are scoring (on practice tests) above the range that you feel you need for admission. The confidence you possess on test day knowing you were scoring a 512 on practice tests is a large part of the mind-game you must master to succeed. Hard work, discipline, and true motivation are the necessary ingredients to MCAT success. Case B: You DO retake the exam If you are committed to obtaining an MD, then you should plan to retake the exam. You may take it up to three times in a year and seven times in your lifetime. Ideally you want to ace it the second time, but it’s not uncommon for applicants to take it multiple times. This can demonstrate your persistence and determination to get into medical school. However, it is important to show an upward trend. Schools may average the scores, but they tend to give the latest score the most weight, and dropping even a few points can hurt you. Timing is everything If you do decide to retake the MCAT, give yourself plenty of time. Too often, applicants sign up for a June or even July test date in the year they want to apply. If they don’t score as high as they hoped, they can’t retake until August or later, requiring they even submit late or push the whole process back another year. Be smart and schedule the test as early as you feel you’re ready. Keep in mind that many students do not prepare enough for the MCAT, thinking that their coursework is sufficient preparation. This is a faulty assumption, especially for applicants who struggle on standardized tests.  Applicants need to study hundreds of hours over several months to review and prepare for the test. Applicants should utilize preparatory courses, private tutors, and varying prep approaches to succeed. Applicants need to have real discipline to do the necessary work – 40 hours a week for several months. It is also extremely important to take practice tests regularly (ideally weekly) in order to master not just the content but also the necessary test-taking skills to succeed under the additional test-day stress. What Are the Lowest Scores Accepted into Med School The following data comes from the most recent U.S. News medical school rankings. Medical SchoolMedian MCAT Score Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine500 Howard University503 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine503 Florida State University505 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center — El Paso506 University of South Carolina506 University of New Mexico506 University of Kentucky 506 University of Arizona—Tucson 507 East Tennessee State University (Quillen)507 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center507 East Carolina University (Brody)507 West Virginia University508 University of Alabama—Birmingham508 University of Missouri 508 University of Texas Medical Branch—Galveston508 University of Oklahoma508 University of Washington509 University of South Dakota (Sanford)509 University of Kansas Medical Center509 University of California—Riverside509 Wayne State University509 Medical College of Wisconsin509 Texas AM Health Science Center509 Not sure whether or not you should retake the MCAT? Do you need help evaluating your profile to determine your competitiveness at your target med schools? An  experienced medical school admissions consultant can help you figure out which programs to apply to and how to craft an admissions strategy that will get you accepted.  Check out our Medical School Admissions Consulting Services here to get started!   ; A former fellowship admissions committee member and administrator at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Cydney Foote has successfully advised healthcare applicants, including those applying to medical school, dental school, nursing and PA programs, veterinary school, public health and hospital administration programs, post-baccalaureate medical programs, residencies and fellowships. Since 2001, she has brought her marketing and writing expertise to help science-focused students communicate their strengths. Want Cyd to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to Know, a free guide †¢ Discover the Medical Schools Where You Are Competitive †¢ Improve Your MCAT Score for Medical School Acceptance Tips for Applying to Medical School With a Low MCAT Score Medical school applicants (or any other professional school applicant) must assess their credentials realistically to present themselves in the best possible way during the application process. Since applicants are evaluated based on specific quantitative criteria (primarily undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores) and non-quantitative criteria (research and clinical exposure, leadership skills, mentoring experiences), as well as on personal attributes such as compassion, discipline, motivation, and work ethic, you must acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Most  medical schools do weigh quantitative credentials heavily, in particular the MCAT score, because strong MCAT scores have been correlated with success on the USMLE. The MSAR reports each program’s median MCAT score from the previous application year, as well as their lowest and highest accepted scores. Should you retake the MCAT? If you already took the MCAT and scored lower than you had hoped for, your chances of admission may drop.  Should you apply with the score you have  or should you retake the test? Case A: You DO NOT retake the exam If your MCAT score is borderline, and you choose not to retake the exam, you will need to present yourself in the best light by stressing your other attributes and credentials and by taking extra coursework that illustrates your strong academic background. Some schools approach applications â€Å"holistically,† meaning that they weigh all aspects of your application and realize that standardized tests are not always the best representation of a students’ aptitude. But many medical schools screen applicants, at least initially, on their MCAT scores. If your scores are simply too low to be competitive at American allopathic med schools, you might pursue osteopathic medicine, which evaluates applications more holistically and considers lower MCAT scores than allopathic schools. You might also investigate foreign medical schools, including Caribbean programs. Some do not require the MCAT, although graduating from a program outside North America can make your return to a U.S. residency more difficult. You can also consider alternative career paths, such as biomedical research or patent law, two common alternative career options that allow you to remain in science. Note: Do not take the test unless you are scoring (on practice tests) above the range that you feel you need for admission. The confidence you possess on test day knowing you were scoring a 512 on practice tests is a large part of the mind-game you must master to succeed. Hard work, discipline, and true motivation are the necessary ingredients to MCAT success. Case B: You DO retake the exam If you are committed to obtaining an MD, then you should plan to retake the exam. You may take it up to three times in a year and seven times in your lifetime. Ideally you want to ace it the second time, but it’s not uncommon for applicants to take it multiple times. This can demonstrate your persistence and determination to get into medical school. However, it is important to show an upward trend. Schools may average the scores, but they tend to give the latest score the most weight, and dropping even a few points can hurt you. Timing is everything If you do decide to retake the MCAT, give yourself plenty of time. Too often, applicants sign up for a June or even July test date in the year they want to apply. If they don’t score as high as they hoped, they can’t retake until August or later, requiring they even submit late or push the whole process back another year. Be smart and schedule the test as early as you feel you’re ready. Keep in mind that many students do not prepare enough for the MCAT, thinking that their coursework is sufficient preparation. This is a faulty assumption, especially for applicants who struggle on standardized tests.  Applicants need to study hundreds of hours over several months to review and prepare for the test. Applicants should utilize preparatory courses, private tutors, and varying prep approaches to succeed. Applicants need to have real discipline to do the necessary work – 40 hours a week for several months. It is also extremely important to take practice tests regularly (ideally weekly) in order to master not just the content but also the necessary test-taking skills to succeed under the additional test-day stress. What Are the Lowest Scores Accepted into Med School The following data comes from the most recent U.S. News medical school rankings. Medical SchoolMedian MCAT Score Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine500 Howard University503 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine503 Florida State University505 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center — El Paso506 University of South Carolina506 University of New Mexico506 University of Kentucky 506 University of Arizona—Tucson 507 East Tennessee State University (Quillen)507 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center507 East Carolina University (Brody)507 West Virginia University508 University of Alabama—Birmingham508 University of Missouri 508 University of Texas Medical Branch—Galveston508 University of Oklahoma508 University of Washington509 University of South Dakota (Sanford)509 University of Kansas Medical Center509 University of California—Riverside509 Wayne State University509 Medical College of Wisconsin509 Texas AM Health Science Center509 Not sure whether or not you should retake the MCAT? Do you need help evaluating your profile to determine your competitiveness at your target med schools? An  experienced medical school admissions consultant can help you figure out which programs to apply to and how to craft an admissions strategy that will get you accepted.  Check out our Medical School Admissions Consulting Services here to get started!   ; A former fellowship admissions committee member and administrator at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Cydney Foote has successfully advised healthcare applicants, including those applying to medical school, dental school, nursing and PA programs, veterinary school, public health and hospital administration programs, post-baccalaureate medical programs, residencies and fellowships. Since 2001, she has brought her marketing and writing expertise to help science-focused students communicate their strengths. Want Cyd to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to Know, a free guide †¢ Discover the Medical Schools Where You Are Competitive †¢ Improve Your MCAT Score for Medical School Acceptance Tips for Applying to Medical School With a Low MCAT Score Medical school applicants (or any other professional school applicant) must assess their credentials realistically to present themselves in the best possible way during the application process. Since applicants are evaluated based on specific quantitative criteria (primarily undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores) and non-quantitative criteria (research and clinical exposure, leadership skills, mentoring experiences), as well as on personal attributes such as compassion, discipline, motivation, and work ethic, you must acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Most  medical schools do weigh quantitative credentials heavily, in particular the MCAT score, because strong MCAT scores have been correlated with success on the USMLE. The MSAR reports each program’s median MCAT score from the previous application year, as well as their lowest and highest accepted scores. Should you retake the MCAT? If you already took the MCAT and scored lower than you had hoped for, your chances of admission may drop.  Should you apply with the score you have  or should you retake the test? Case A: You DO NOT retake the exam If your MCAT score is borderline, and you choose not to retake the exam, you will need to present yourself in the best light by stressing your other attributes and credentials and by taking extra coursework that illustrates your strong academic background. Some schools approach applications â€Å"holistically,† meaning that they weigh all aspects of your application and realize that standardized tests are not always the best representation of a students’ aptitude. But many medical schools screen applicants, at least initially, on their MCAT scores. If your scores are simply too low to be competitive at American allopathic med schools, you might pursue osteopathic medicine, which evaluates applications more holistically and considers lower MCAT scores than allopathic schools. You might also investigate foreign medical schools, including Caribbean programs. Some do not require the MCAT, although graduating from a program outside North America can make your return to a U.S. residency more difficult. You can also consider alternative career paths, such as biomedical research or patent law, two common alternative career options that allow you to remain in science. Note: Do not take the test unless you are scoring (on practice tests) above the range that you feel you need for admission. The confidence you possess on test day knowing you were scoring a 512 on practice tests is a large part of the mind-game you must master to succeed. Hard work, discipline, and true motivation are the necessary ingredients to MCAT success. Case B: You DO retake the exam If you are committed to obtaining an MD, then you should plan to retake the exam. You may take it up to three times in a year and seven times in your lifetime. Ideally you want to ace it the second time, but it’s not uncommon for applicants to take it multiple times. This can demonstrate your persistence and determination to get into medical school. However, it is important to show an upward trend. Schools may average the scores, but they tend to give the latest score the most weight, and dropping even a few points can hurt you. Timing is everything If you do decide to retake the MCAT, give yourself plenty of time. Too often, applicants sign up for a June or even July test date in the year they want to apply. If they don’t score as high as they hoped, they can’t retake until August or later, requiring they even submit late or push the whole process back another year. Be smart and schedule the test as early as you feel you’re ready. Keep in mind that many students do not prepare enough for the MCAT, thinking that their coursework is sufficient preparation. This is a faulty assumption, especially for applicants who struggle on standardized tests.  Applicants need to study hundreds of hours over several months to review and prepare for the test. Applicants should utilize preparatory courses, private tutors, and varying prep approaches to succeed. Applicants need to have real discipline to do the necessary work – 40 hours a week for several months. It is also extremely important to take practice tests regularly (ideally weekly) in order to master not just the content but also the necessary test-taking skills to succeed under the additional test-day stress. What Are the Lowest Scores Accepted into Med School The following data comes from the most recent U.S. News medical school rankings. Medical SchoolMedian MCAT Score Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine500 Howard University503 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine503 Florida State University505 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center — El Paso506 University of South Carolina506 University of New Mexico506 University of Kentucky 506 University of Arizona—Tucson 507 East Tennessee State University (Quillen)507 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center507 East Carolina University (Brody)507 West Virginia University508 University of Alabama—Birmingham508 University of Missouri 508 University of Texas Medical Branch—Galveston508 University of Oklahoma508 University of Washington509 University of South Dakota (Sanford)509 University of Kansas Medical Center509 University of California—Riverside509 Wayne State University509 Medical College of Wisconsin509 Texas AM Health Science Center509 Not sure whether or not you should retake the MCAT? Do you need help evaluating your profile to determine your competitiveness at your target med schools? An  experienced medical school admissions consultant can help you figure out which programs to apply to and how to craft an admissions strategy that will get you accepted.  Check out our Medical School Admissions Consulting Services here to get started!   ; A former fellowship admissions committee member and administrator at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Cydney Foote has successfully advised healthcare applicants, including those applying to medical school, dental school, nursing and PA programs, veterinary school, public health and hospital administration programs, post-baccalaureate medical programs, residencies and fellowships. Since 2001, she has brought her marketing and writing expertise to help science-focused students communicate their strengths. Want Cyd to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to Know, a free guide †¢ Discover the Medical Schools Where You Are Competitive †¢ Improve Your MCAT Score for Medical School Acceptance Tips for Applying to Medical School With a Low MCAT Score Medical school applicants (or any other professional school applicant) must assess their credentials realistically to present themselves in the best possible way during the application process. Since applicants are evaluated based on specific quantitative criteria (primarily undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores) and non-quantitative criteria (research and clinical exposure, leadership skills, mentoring experiences), as well as on personal attributes such as compassion, discipline, motivation, and work ethic, you must acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Most  medical schools do weigh quantitative credentials heavily, in particular the MCAT score, because strong MCAT scores have been correlated with success on the USMLE. The MSAR reports each program’s median MCAT score from the previous application year, as well as their lowest and highest accepted scores. Should you retake the MCAT? If you already took the MCAT and scored lower than you had hoped for, your chances of admission may drop.  Should you apply with the score you have  or should you retake the test? Case A: You DO NOT retake the exam If your MCAT score is borderline, and you choose not to retake the exam, you will need to present yourself in the best light by stressing your other attributes and credentials and by taking extra coursework that illustrates your strong academic background. Some schools approach applications â€Å"holistically,† meaning that they weigh all aspects of your application and realize that standardized tests are not always the best representation of a students’ aptitude. But many medical schools screen applicants, at least initially, on their MCAT scores. If your scores are simply too low to be competitive at American allopathic med schools, you might pursue osteopathic medicine, which evaluates applications more holistically and considers lower MCAT scores than allopathic schools. You might also investigate foreign medical schools, including Caribbean programs. Some do not require the MCAT, although graduating from a program outside North America can make your return to a U.S. residency more difficult. You can also consider alternative career paths, such as biomedical research or patent law, two common alternative career options that allow you to remain in science. Note: Do not take the test unless you are scoring (on practice tests) above the range that you feel you need for admission. The confidence you possess on test day knowing you were scoring a 512 on practice tests is a large part of the mind-game you must master to succeed. Hard work, discipline, and true motivation are the necessary ingredients to MCAT success. Case B: You DO retake the exam If you are committed to obtaining an MD, then you should plan to retake the exam. You may take it up to three times in a year and seven times in your lifetime. Ideally you want to ace it the second time, but it’s not uncommon for applicants to take it multiple times. This can demonstrate your persistence and determination to get into medical school. However, it is important to show an upward trend. Schools may average the scores, but they tend to give the latest score the most weight, and dropping even a few points can hurt you. Timing is everything If you do decide to retake the MCAT, give yourself plenty of time. Too often, applicants sign up for a June or even July test date in the year they want to apply. If they don’t score as high as they hoped, they can’t retake until August or later, requiring they even submit late or push the whole process back another year. Be smart and schedule the test as early as you feel you’re ready. Keep in mind that many students do not prepare enough for the MCAT, thinking that their coursework is sufficient preparation. This is a faulty assumption, especially for applicants who struggle on standardized tests.  Applicants need to study hundreds of hours over several months to review and prepare for the test. Applicants should utilize preparatory courses, private tutors, and varying prep approaches to succeed. Applicants need to have real discipline to do the necessary work – 40 hours a week for several months. It is also extremely important to take practice tests regularly (ideally weekly) in order to master not just the content but also the necessary test-taking skills to succeed under the additional test-day stress. What Are the Lowest Scores Accepted into Med School The following data comes from the most recent U.S. News medical school rankings. Medical SchoolMedian MCAT Score Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine500 Howard University503 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine503 Florida State University505 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center — El Paso506 University of South Carolina506 University of New Mexico506 University of Kentucky 506 University of Arizona—Tucson 507 East Tennessee State University (Quillen)507 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center507 East Carolina University (Brody)507 West Virginia University508 University of Alabama—Birmingham508 University of Missouri 508 University of Texas Medical Branch—Galveston508 University of Oklahoma508 University of Washington509 University of South Dakota (Sanford)509 University of Kansas Medical Center509 University of California—Riverside509 Wayne State University509 Medical College of Wisconsin509 Texas AM Health Science Center509 Not sure whether or not you should retake the MCAT? Do you need help evaluating your profile to determine your competitiveness at your target med schools? An  experienced medical school admissions consultant can help you figure out which programs to apply to and how to craft an admissions strategy that will get you accepted.  Check out our Medical School Admissions Consulting Services here to get started!   ; A former fellowship admissions committee member and administrator at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Cydney Foote has successfully advised healthcare applicants, including those applying to medical school, dental school, nursing and PA programs, veterinary school, public health and hospital administration programs, post-baccalaureate medical programs, residencies and fellowships. Since 2001, she has brought her marketing and writing expertise to help science-focused students communicate their strengths. Want Cyd to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to Know, a free guide †¢ Discover the Medical Schools Where You Are Competitive †¢ Improve Your MCAT Score for Medical School Acceptance

Georgia College, Essay Prompts, 2020

Georgia College, Essay Prompts, 2020The author of a recent Georgia College, essay prompt, 'Patriotism,' told me he has received multiple scores of responses to his article and thinks many students were expected to write about patriotism. He said a student's responses would either reveal the class as pro-nationalist or demonstrate that the students were 'post-modern,' trying to follow a form of politically correct speech that deviates from the argument. To use an analogy, the author said the same student may be pro-abortion or pro-legalize drugs, but he or she may not consider abortion an issue in their political viewpoints.If the student in question supported the rights of illegal aliens, the author said, he or she was going to be considered a 'nationalistic student' in this situation. In the traditional College English essay prompt, students are expected to consider issues that are important to them personally, which may be different from their public positions.In Georgia College, e ssay prompts, 2020, students must consider issues that directly affect them personally, as opposed to their views on political issues or their political affiliations. This is because it is also important for students to think about issues that are more personal to them, rather than thoughts of other individuals.The author further advised that teachers should consider preparing one class in which students can focus on the area of foreign affairs, since many students have opinions on various political and social issues. For example, they could devote one or two classes to a specific topic in political and social analysis, such as social justice, political economy, or psychology. They can then participate in group discussions to discuss those topics, as well as their own views.One other idea that the author suggested during our conversation was that in Georgia College, essay prompts, 2020, students must examine the causes and effects of war, international relations, and political insta bility. He then suggested assigning the class a topic for discussion, which students can then research. Then the students can read and research that particular topic to bring their knowledge to the class discussion.The author of Georgia College, essay prompts, 2020, in addition suggested that students learn how to work collaboratively to complete writing assignments. For example, if they find a particular document 'interesting,' the students can write up their thoughts and suggestions about that particular document.Students can then use these ideas as a basis for discussion in Georgia College, essay prompts, 2020. The author said students should also be able to gather their thoughts before beginning the assignment. This will enable them to have a concrete idea of what they are writing about, which is important for students to remember during the writing process.Finally, the author said students should be prepared to address the writer's block. However, he encourages students to take some time out of their busy schedules, so they can address writer's block in the best way possible.