I'm a senior in college applying for the 2017 admission cycle. I hope any current AA students or graduates could let me know what my chances of getting in are. Here are my stats:
MCAT: 498 GPA: 3.89 Major: Bio w/ minor in Biochem Activities: Volunteered at a free clinic for two years, taught english classes for ESL adults, did ethnographic and cancer research during two different summers, shadowed an anesthesiologist.
I notice that most graduates have years of experience as EMTs, respiratory technicians, chemists, etc., while I'll just be a college grad... I'm hoping I can get an EMT-B certification or work as a scribe my last semester in college, before I apply in June 2016, but I'm not sure I'll secure the opportunity.
Can anyone and everyone share some insight into my chances? I'm also curious if I should retake the MCAT. (Should it even matter, I would have scored well had it not been for my slow pacing on the CARS section, really dragged it down).
My opinion on the MCAT might differ from everyone else. So my score was about 10 percentile points BELOW your score. I took the test twice and got the same score. My advice to you would be to retake it because you can probably improve you score. Moral of the story, your current score coupled with your GPA and experiences are adequate, but MCAT improvement (even a little) will DEFINITELY look good! Also, don't give up hope just because of a stupid score.
As far as clinical and other experiences go, this is a very dependent upon how you can reflect on it. Personally I was a research associate in college, did a lot of nursing home volunteering for two years, and worked at an outpatient eye clinic for over a year. To me your experiences sound fantastic and if you get a scribe job that would just add to your application.
To me you sound like you are in a great position, because I came straight from undergrad with similar experiences, a similar GPA to you, and a worse MCAT score. Just keep busy and make sure what ever job you have to keep you busy is somewhat healthcare relatable. I am sure you will find a spot in one of the programs. Also if you didn't know, there is a new program opening up in the summer of 2016 at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. Feel free to message me if you have follow up questions.
Retake the MCAT. Most schools are wanting to see a 60th percentile or above. Be sure to practice THE TEST, not just the material. People spend months and months memorizing things when really they should be practicing sections nonstop. You should be able to easily get a 505 or better with some more experience.
Other than that, your GPA and the rest of your application are solid. I do recommend getting your EMT-B and working in some kind of medical job. EMT is great because it gives you experience with patient interaction and securing airways. I currently have my EMT certification and am working as a scribe, so feel free to ask any questions!