The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam that all applicants to medical school in the United States must take. The MCAT is divided into four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.
Each section of the MCAT is scored on a scale of 118 to 132. A score of 125 or higher is considered to be good, while a score of 120 or higher is considered to be excellent.
So, is a 126 subscore on the MCAT too low? The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your overall MCAT score, your GPA, and your extracurricular activities.
Overall MCAT Score
If you have a high overall MCAT score, then a 126 subscore is unlikely to hurt your chances of getting into medical school. For example, if you have an overall MCAT score of 520, then a 126 subscore in one section will not significantly lower your chances of getting into medical school.
However, if you have a lower overall MCAT score, then a 126 subscore could hurt your chances of getting into medical school. For example, if you have an overall MCAT score of 500, then a 126 subscore in one section could lower your chances of getting into medical school.
GPA
Your GPA is also an important factor in determining your chances of getting into medical school. A high GPA can help to offset a low MCAT score, while a low GPA can make it more difficult to get into medical school, even if you have a high MCAT score.
If you have a high GPA, then a 126 subscore on the MCAT is unlikely to hurt your chances of getting into medical school. However, if you have a low GPA, then a 126 subscore could hurt your chances of getting into medical school.
Extracurricular Activities
Your extracurricular activities can also play a role in your chances of getting into medical school. Medical schools are looking for students who are well-rounded and have a passion for medicine. If you have a strong record of extracurricular activities, then a 126 subscore on the MCAT is unlikely to hurt your chances of getting into medical school. However, if you have a weak record of extracurricular activities, then a 126 subscore could hurt your chances of getting into medical school.
Conclusion
So, is a 126 subscore on the MCAT too low? The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your overall MCAT score, your GPA, and your extracurricular activities. If you have a high overall MCAT score, a high GPA, and a strong record of extracurricular activities, then a 126 subscore is unlikely to hurt your chances of getting into medical school. However, if you have a low overall MCAT score, a low GPA, or a weak record of extracurricular activities, then a 126 subscore could hurt your chances of getting into medical school.
If you are not satisfied with your MCAT score, there are a number of things you can do to improve it. Here are a few tips:
- Take a prep course. There are a number of prep courses available that can help you to improve your MCAT score. These courses can provide you with the materials and support you need to succeed.
- Study hard. The MCAT is a challenging exam, so it is important to study hard. Make sure to create a study schedule and stick to it.
- Get enough sleep. When you are well-rested, you will be able to focus better and learn more effectively. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating healthy foods will help you to stay energized and focused. Avoid eating junk food and sugary drinks.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve your overall health. Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
- Stay positive. It is important to stay positive when you are studying for the MCAT. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep working hard and you will eventually reach your goals.
In addition to improving your MCAT score, there are a number of other things you can do to increase your chances of getting into medical school. Here are a few tips:
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. Medical schools are looking for students who are well-rounded and have a passion for medicine. Get involved in extracurricular activities that show your commitment to medicine.
- Volunteer at a hospital or clinic. Volunteering at a hospital or clinic is a great way to gain experience in the medical field. This experience will help you to stand out on your medical school application.
- Shadow a doctor. Shadowing a doctor is a great way to learn more about the medical profession. This experience will help you to decide if medicine is the right career for you.
- Apply to multiple medical schools. The more medical schools you apply to, the greater your chances of getting into one. Make sure to apply to a variety of schools, including both top-tier schools and less competitive schools.
- Don’t give up. Getting into medical school is a competitive process, but it is possible. If you work hard and never give up, you will eventually reach your goals.
Getting into medical school is a dream for many people. If you are considering a career in medicine, it is important to start preparing for the MCAT early. By following the tips in this article, you can improve your MCAT score and increase your chances of getting into medical school.