Illuminis Posted March 17, 2009 Report Share Posted March 17, 2009 Hello everyone, my name's Ryan and I've found this site very helpful as I lurk in the shadows, but now I'm in a bit of a pickle. I'm a third year Genetics student at UWO and got a 30S (10/10/10) on my MCAT. I thought I did really well, but I got rejected from all 4 Ontario med schools I applied to this year (Queens/Toronto/Mcmaster/Ottawa). I guess I got kicked in the balls by reality, but a number of my third year friends have gotten multiple interviews across Canada, making me feel terrible. I don't feel like I'm much worse off in terms of marks or ECs (3.9GPA, NSERC, oversea work, volunteering, clubs, etc.) Nothing exceptional, but nothing terrible... So I'm debating about whether to retake the MCAT, and it's become difficult since I've learned that most schools take your most recent mark (I thought most schools took your best one!). I'm just right on the borderline! I studied too much for WS, messing me up on Biology, but I'm not confident that I can pull off a 10 on VR again. I'll have my English credit next year so I can apply to the states, but I'm not too sure about that process (no SATs needed right?). And I believe the States tend to set higher MCAT cutoffs than Canada, while barely caring about the WS (damn that S! I'd trade it for a 33!) All comments would be incredibly appreciated!! Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-Stark Posted March 17, 2009 Report Share Posted March 17, 2009 I wouldn't bother rewriting. You got rejected this year because you're in third year and, as you say, there's nothing truly exceptional about your marks or ECs. Keep things up and you should stand a pretty good chance next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomGuy Posted March 17, 2009 Report Share Posted March 17, 2009 The simple answer is: if you think you can do better, rewrite. If that 10/10/10 was a 10/10/11, you'd be interviewing at Western and Queen's this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premed_guy Posted March 17, 2009 Report Share Posted March 17, 2009 I know people who would LOVE to get a 30S, so I wouldn't feel too bad. Ultimately though- I'd only rewrite if you are 90% sure you can do better. Otherwise it might not be worth the risk... that'd be my call, anyhow. - Premed Guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byrne Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 In a similar situation with a 31R, but I did not apply last summer (currently in my third year) My biggest concern is my 9 in the Physics section Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eng_dude786 Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 OP - are you swomen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rpuff Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 I would consider a few things first, and I tried to be really honest Why you shouldn't rewrite: When you apply next year, you'l be a 4th year applicant and the standards will drop slightly, so maybe the 30S will pull through. Your score is balanced. Having a 10-10-10-S is better than having a 32S with a 12-7-13-S McMaster will ONLY look at VR next year... so a 10 isn't bad in that sense. A school like Calgary counts your MCAT as 6% of admittance, and with your score you'd actually be given 12/15 potential points. Why you should rewrite: 30 total is on the lower end of the spectrum. Likely you won't make Queens interview cutoff next year since the trends indicated they wanted a total score of 31. If you could improve both your science sections to an 11, you'd be much more competive. It's really up to you, do you want to dedicate another summer to studying? Will you have enough time to adequately prepare, and is the motivation there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewfieMike Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 I have a 30S and I'm in my third year. I will be applying to about 4-5 schools in Canada, but I have a real solid shot IP. I will only rewrite if I do not get in IP next year and fail to get an interview anywhere OOP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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