Advice: Death in family

[outlier88]

Hi everyone,

 

I have a bit of a dilemma. My GPA isnt too great (3.6ish) and I was really hoping that I would ace my MCAT to make my application more competitive. Unfortunately, my dad died two days before my MCAT. I still chose to write it (because I really didn't know what to do, at that point) and needless to say, it was impossible to concentrate and I dont think I did very well.

 

Is there any way that I can explain my circumstances on my application? Or should I just give up on applying this year and try rewriting my MCAT and applying next year?

 

Thanks

[future_doc]

Outlier, my sincere condolences. You already have a borderlinish GPA and to explain a poor MCAT might be a bit of a stretch, although you definitely do have extenuating circumstances. The problem is that it is arguable that your MCAT showing reflects your capabilities and potentially goes with your GPA, although you can honestly state that you lost focus b/c your father did die immediately prior to writing MCAT. I would think that if we are talking about U/T, you would need to ace the Essay for starters, and the MCAT for U/T is only used for a 'red flag' anyhow; Mac, again you need to ace the 5 ABS and then they factor in both GPA and V MCAT. Yes, go for it, explain special circumstances and apply, it is a lottery and indeed, anything can happen - but be prepared for going around round and redoing MCAT.

 

You did right by writing b/cthis is what your father would have wanted, and emotions caused your loss of focus. In life, nothing is ever easy, we each s truggle, some more than others, and your circumstances are especially hard. Move forward, all will be well professionally in the fullness of time. I wish you well.

[Byrne]

Sorry for your loss -- I personally feel this is an exceptional circumstance that should be taken into account when your application is looked at. I don't think it would hurt to contact the admissions people at the various schools to see how they feel about it. Although some schools do have firm cutoffs, you'd think there would be some compassion in situations such as these that would get you an interview if the MCAT score is the only thing holding you back.

 

Best of luck!