Saba and MCAT

[walla189]

I just received letter from Saba requesting that before my app is reviewed I would need to take the MCAT. With a 3.5 science GPA, and with far more prerequisites than required, I'm getting the impression that the recommend MCAT story is just a gimmick to get more applicants application money...

My question is there anyone that was recently accepted w/o an mcat?

[tpw2k]

I guess they changed their policies

[50ishdoc]

Tell them to cancel your application and return your check, that will show them!

[walla189]

Well not that mad.....

But still that really stinks, I'm in grad school right now, not the best time to study for the MCAT.

[tpw2k]

what semester did u apply for? did you try calling them and complaining about false advertising...

[MissCrabette]

I don't know why people insist on believing that the MCAT is more than simply recommended by Saba. Several people, including my fiance, have been recently accepted with no MCAT needed. Maybe your undergrad was several years ago, maybe your application is deficient in some way and the admission committee needed more convincing evidence that you are a good candidate. I don't know, obviously I'm not on the admission committee, but you should first look at your situation before calling foul. Sorry if I came across as harsh, that was not my intention.

[walla189]

"Calling and claiming false advertising", somehow I don't think that would improve my app.

No deficts that I can see though, I took my prereques last year, at 3.6 gpa level. Tons of volunteer work, 3.33 overall, with last 6 semester at 3.6 lvl. GRRR.

[Canadaguy]

I also got in for May without an MCAT. Looking at past posts, I think Saba has become far more competitive in the last year or so. It seems that if the admissions committee has any reservations about your application they will ask for an MCAT. I have no information to back that up, just my observations from looking at some of the messages on this forum.

[50ishdoc]

I think they want it from everyone. People without it are the exception, and who knows why.

[Experienced]

As one of the 'Experienced' people on this board, I have to say HOORAY if the school is now requiring MCAT for application. Yes, after Cali approval applications increased tenfold or somesuch and the school can now afford to accept only the creme of the crop. That being the case, why SUSOM or any other school would consider any applicant who isn't willing to write the MCAT would be a mystery. Weak students only bring down the learning experience for strong ones, and if a handfull of weak students self-select out (i.e., don't apply) each semester because they're afraid of the MCAT, so much the better!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Gardner if writing the MCAT is now a requirement for application to our university!

E.

[user1234]

Hey I was talking to one of the adcom people for SABA and asking him whats the deal with the MCAT. I personally wrote the MCAT and did fine on it but I wanted to know what their deal is.

He said that generally they look at the applicants place of study, if you come from a well known or better instituion they dont stress out on the MCAT as much. However coming from a less known or not as good of an institution they ask that you provide an MCAT. He said they have a list and a rough GPA comparison for both American and Canadian schools which gives them an idea about the Tier of every institution.

That being said sometime around Feb of this year I'm not sure if things changed since then. To add, this might not necessarly be true, this is only my understanding of what he told me...

I hope that helps.

Cheers

[Reason_2_Believe]

I think it also depends on how much time there is between the time you apply and what semester you're applying for. If there is an MCAT administration between the time you apply and the semester you're applying for, I think they prefer an MCAT score to go along with your application.

[gianefiasco]

They are just filling places. If class is not full they will take anyone with a pulse and a cheque that won't bounce.
Currently classes are filled--> admission standards are going up--> hus the new builidngs being built, so all of the previously mentioned people can come down to SUSOM once again!

[MDB]

A lot of the students who get in without MCAT scores do so because of their medical background. Several of my classmates are chiropracters, naturopaths, or PA's, and have more than enough education and experience to prove that they are capable candidates. That being said, I know of students who have written the MCAT and done poorly being accepted as well. I think the school is getting more competitive with each semester, and that is reflected in the expectations of the applicants. The school does not require the MCAT, but if there are 70 other students applying for the same semester, and they took the test, you can see how your application could be helped by having taken the test as well. It's the great equalizer, and makes up for the differences in GPA for students coming from different caliber schools.
Good luck. I hope whatever you decide to do lands you on our tiny island.