Kongakut, Yes, I definitely spoke to a proctor about my mouse freezing. In fact, the reason why it froze for that long is because the proctor did not know how to fix it. My other friend who was also taking the MCAT in the same center as me but in a different room said the same thing happened to her during the physical sciences portion. The proctor told me that it would be in my best interest to void my scores, but I guess I was too stupid to do that and I felt that maybe I had a chance of getting an ok score. They gave me a number to call and when I called, I was told that I should have voided my scores. I guess i'm pretty much screwed.

Angry Baby, Is it really that much of a hassle to be an FMG? I mean, I don't really know much about the process, but when you say "hassles" do you mainly mean the issue with not being able to do all rotations in one area? Sorry, I'm just confused here. I heard that a graduate from St. George's is the best in the caribbean and has no problem being accepted into a residency in the end.

Thanks

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~Shorty

-- I was gratified to be able to answer so promptly. I said, "I don't know"-- (Mark Twain)

Here is a good link on the "hassle" question.

I don't think you're screwed on the MCAT. I think you just need to retake it. Taking it twice is usually fine if you bring up your score - which you should since you had the mouse incidence. Maybe not use that center again, since your friend also had that problem. Bring up that score to a 30 and apply in the US. SGU should be your first option after US schools.

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~~SGU M1~~
Class of 2012

Hi, this is my first post on the forum. I've done some research on this matter but I still feel the need for a personal opinion. My stats are:

Cumulative GPA : 3.30 (upward trend, 4.0 senior year)
BCPM GPA : 3.2 (Also upward trend)
MCAT : not yet taken.
LORs : 5 total (from physician, science profs, and non-science profs)
ECs : two years volunteering with the local ambulance service.

Semester interested: January 2009

My first question: What is the lowest MCAT that I could make that will make me competitive for SGU Grenada program?

My second question: Is it better to submit the application in as a whole or start applying now and fill in the information later?


Thank you,

jhtran

hahah, you basically have the exact same stats as I do in terms of gpa's, lors, and ECs except I have done research for 4 years or so at my undergrad and mskcc. I have a 27O (10 **, 9 vr, 8 ps) and I got in for August 08... sooo I think 27 and above would work well, especially because Jan classes are less competitive to get into (or so I've heard). good luck! but you might as well aim for the 40's and get into a us school- you'd be my hero

(btw, I think there was someone posting around who had a 3.3 and a 31 and wasn't able to get into SGU for this fall so you never know)

The average is around 26-27 and there are some that go up to 30, so there may also be some that go down to 22-23. A good GPA may be able to offset a low MCAT. While the MCAT tests a lot of things (test taking ability, reasoning, knowledge, etc.) and is a good equalizer between those from many different educational backgrounds, if your GPA from a good school is decent, you could probably score a 24 and be ok. Obviously, I am not an admissions person - (insert grain of salt here).

Unless you are a stellar applicant (and they want to get you interviewed quickly), then your application will most likely not go to committee anyway unless it is complete. So, it doesn't really matter when you start the application - it is more important is when you finish it. To minimize something getting lost from many correspondences, it is probably best to send all the info you are required to submit at one time. Other things will be sent piecemeal anyway (LOR, MCAT scores, official transcripts).

Another thing is that Bayshore is really slow for classes they aren't currently reviewing. So, since you are looking at Jan, then they won't be as responsive as for an August app. So, submit, and then be prepared to wait a long time till you know if you are accepted (of course, there will be an interview in there as well, if you are selected for one).

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~~SGU M1~~
Class of 2012

yeah good call konga... and btw, jhtran, if you feel like you can get your stuff together for the mcat by may, you might even have a chance of getting into August 08 if you tell them the score's coming.... just wanted to throw that out there... i really don't know much though so I might be completely off on that

Hey thanks guys, that really ease my nerve a bit.

By the way, I also have independent research under my belt. However, I will not graduate (bachelor) until December 08 and I think they wouldn't accept applicants without a bachelor. Is that true ?

Thank you,

jhtran

jhtran, Yes they need a bachelor. But as other have mentioned if you can get 32+ on the mcat, and apply early and broadly to US schools. I think you may have a good chance then. While there are benefits to applying to Jan class compared to august on, getting into UD med schools is much much better option than those two. Both Jan 2009 and August 2009 classes will match in 2013. Matching as a US senior compared to an IMG makes a world of difference.

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I seriously have a chance for US MD school? Furthermore, is it possible to apply for SGU for Jan '09, and if i get accepted, still apply for US MD school for August '09? Meaning I will apply as a new student or as a transfered student after I get accepted to SGU. (not that I'm applying to SGU with the intention of transfering).

Thank you,

jhtran

Not applying to US schools = zero chance of getting in.
The reason I am optimistic about your chances is the "upward trend" in your GPA. Doing well on the mcat will prove to the med schools that you have good grasp and understanding of the material and can think critically. You would definitely have to explain the early low GPA. Apply to US schools in June, by december you would have an idea based on whether you get interviews and how well you do on them about your chances. You can apply to SGU at the same time for Jan 09.

Since you will be applying in June for Fall 09 (US schools) it will be as a new student. Right now put 100% energy on mcat and do very well. A good mcat will increase your chances for SGU admission also. Goodluck!

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