<p>Hello everyone. Hows it going? I'm good thanks for asking. I am a Forensic Science major with a track of molecular biology. It is my junior year and if I get straight A's I will have a 3.7 GPA. However, that is unlikely due to the fact that I am taking genetics, p-chem (that is physical chemistry if you asked), and instrumental analysis. I will probably have a cumulative GPA of about 3.67-3.7. I taking AAMC's practice MCAT tests and let me tell you my new friends, I am not looking very pretty. I am getting 7 and 8s on each section. I am taking the test in approximately 4 months (and just started practicing) and I would like to get accepted in the N.Y state med schools being a resident. Maybe I will apply to Yale or Hopkins as a Hail Mary. I plan to volunteer at a hospital this semester and also doing biochemistry research.
Any tips on how to master this beast? How are my chances looking of me becoming a doctor (forensic pathologist)? Be blunt yet gentle, be honest yet sensitive. Thanks</p>
<p>I’d advise you to NOT take any more AAMC practice exams until you have finished reviewing the materials at least. There are a limited amount of these exams and you shouldn’t waste them when you are not properly prepared. Taking them twice is not representative of the real thing. </p>
<p>Many people take MCAT prep classes in order to help provide structured study time, get help, and to get materials. My D did not want to take a class and bought several series of books instead to self-study. She is more productive on her own (and we were happy to save the $$$). She got the whole set of: Berkeley Review and Examcrackers, Princeton Review (or something like that).</p>
<p>Thanks for the advise. But whenever I go over it, I feel that I know but I did not look at the questions closely enough. I am not used to the unique style of this test.</p>
<p>[MCAT</a> Prep - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/mcat-prep/]MCAT”>MCAT Prep - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>So what score should I shoot for with that GPA? Are my activities sufficient? Would places like stony brook or rochester look at me?</p>
<p>I always wonder why anyone asks “what score should I shoot for?” Wouldn’t you simply want to do your best? If you get a 41, not a 45, that’d be okay, right?</p>
<p>To get the answers you’re looking for regarding specific medical schools, you should invest $20 and get the MSAR. Work towards certain minimums, so their computer screener doesn’t kick you out. Your goal should be double digits in each sub-category.</p>
<p>The average score published by MSAR is for those who are accepted into a med school. As such, there is not significant difference between many schools. I think the better MCAT average score for each med school may be the one published by US N&R. It is for the matriculants.</p>
<p>Remember there are many other factors as well. So you need to read the average score with a grain of salt. Having the same score may not mean the same thing. A better predictor may be the MCAT scores of those accepted students from your schools and having the similar background as yours - if only you know it though.</p>
<p><a href=“http://pmhs.berkeley.edu/documents/School_Selector_2010-2011.xls[/url]”>http://pmhs.berkeley.edu/documents/School_Selector_2010-2011.xls</a></p>
<p>Your instate med school is your best friend. You can try the attached to see what scores are useful at various schools. Seems a bit old but good enough for you for now.</p>