I wanted to make this post because I know there are people out there with sub-500 MCAT scores who feel like their chances of becoming a physician are over. I was one of those people.
For some background:
MCAT: 495 (retook it and got the same score)
cGPA: ~3.4 with an upward trend
Clinical experience: ~5,000 hours as an ER scribe
Research: ~200 hours, co-author on a publication
Teaching experience: ~200 hours
Shadowing: ~100 hours
Volunteering: Community service and working with underserved populations
I didn’t have the perfect application. I struggled academically during my first semester of college where I failed a class, and had to work hard to bring my GPA up.
When I got my MCAT score back after retaking it and saw that I hadn’t improved, I was devastated. I knew the odds weren’t necessarily in my favor, but I also knew how badly I wanted to become a physician.
I decided to apply anyway.
Fast forward to this cycle, I received multiple interview invitations, and I can finally say that I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO MEDICAL SCHOOL!!
I’m not making this post to tell everyone that a 495 MCAT will get them into medical school. I know how competitive this process is, and I know my experiences played a major role in my application.
I’m making this post because I remember constantly searching Reddit for success stories from applicants with stats similar to mine. Seeing those stories gave me hope when I needed it most.
If you’re in a similar position, please don’t automatically count yourself out. Be realistic about your application, work on your weaknesses, and recognize the strengths you bring to the table.
Your MCAT score is part of your application, but it isn’t your entire story.
I spent so much time wondering whether any medical school would give me a chance. Now I finally get to say that I’m going to be a doctor.
Keep pushing, guys. I’m rooting for all of you!
Feel free to ask me anything about my application or interview experience!