The internet will have you believe that if you don’t have a perfect GPA and MCAT score, you can’t go to medical school.
Sometimes strangers (online) get in our heads, sometimes it’s our inner circle including family, friends, and advisors.
And sometimes that little doubting voice comes from within.
“My GPA is trash, I’ve already bombed the MCAT, why am I even pursuing this?”
And maybe you’re not perfect, but does that mean you DON’T have what it takes?
I’d like to introduce you to Stephanie, a former Study Hall member who didn’t earn the most stellar GPA, scored a 488 on her first MCAT and burnt out on the way to her second MCAT.
And yet she IS going to medical school.
I hope her journey inspires you as much as it inspired me, and shows you that no matter YOUR situation, you must NEVER give up. Because the only thing standing in your way,
Could just be YOU.
When I heard about the MCAT, I thought,
“What’s the big deal? Let me just go ahead and take it, and that’d be it!
People are just over exaggerating. It’s just another standardized test like the SAT or ACT.”
I thought I was bright upon entering college.
I was valedictorian in High School. I didn’t realize quickly enough that I didn’t know how to study: high school vs undergrad exams are very different.
Having not come to terms with how long med school was going to take, contemplating marriage and a family, I wanted to apply quickly. I thought, “This way I’m not too old.”
So I approached it the same way. I overestimated myself and underestimated the difficulty of the test because I had gotten a little bit of confidence.
I didn’t use a test prep the first time around and tried to teach myself Organic Chemistry.
For psychology and sociology, I looked through my old journals and textbooks for the rest.
My Score: 488!
I knew I had earned this score, definitely wasn’t prepared.
I went in circles, not retaining anything, not really understanding things conceptually.
I tried to memorize — which was the worst thing I could have possibly done.
Learning the hard way that with the vast amount of information, just memorizing is literally impossible.
I’ve always wanted to be a pediatrician and work with disabled children. But after this MCAT score I had to re-evaluate (while still in undergrad).
I thought, “I can still work in the medical field, but let me try something easier because, obviously, this isn’t working.”
I decided on Occupational Therapy.
I was all in: shadowing, volunteering at a children’s rehabilitation center, GRE, and everything.
By senior year my GPA was back up to a 3.0! Maybe I COULD do this.
My mom showed me with her own journey, going back to school for pharmacy tech after 30 years of working, that it’s never too late to pursue higher education.
It’s a marathon not a sprint – you know that cliche? So, I decided to try medicine again! Slowly.
“It doesn’t matter when you start, it doesn’t matter when you finish. As long as you end up where you’re content, and at peace with yourself in your achievement.”
After my first MCAT experience I needed a strategy to have a fighting chance.
One good habit formed while I studied for the first test, and that was going to the library: to the third floor where you can hear the ants crawling on a window sill! This took me away from home, away from distractions.
Most importantly, I needed to take the test a lot more seriously starting with fortifying my still lacking science foundation.
A post-bacc program was not within my budget. Therefore, I created my own ‘post-bacc’ with the courses I lacked: Orgo 1 and 2, Genetics, as well as retaking general chemistry, and biology.
Leah’s Note: You don’t need a formal post-bacc. If you’re lacking sciences after graduation it’s ok to take them as a non-matriculated student.
After that, I knew the MCAT had to be the focus of my time.
Despite feeling like I was in over my head I was going to try anyway.
I studied for eleven months for my second MCAT.
I didn’t plan on taking eleven months, it’s just what happened:
I knew I could do better IF I took my time.
Initially I studied from June to January. But I faced stage fright.
I felt uncomfortable and didn’t want to risk scoring just as badly or worse than my first exam!
So, I pushed the date a little bit more.
But I hit a brick wall, that dreaded plateau.
I was overwhelmed.
I wasn’t managing myself,
my mental health,
nor my spiritual health well.
I was studying a minimum of 8 hours every single weekday, and even a little on the weekends.
I wasn’t having any fun.
I wasn’t happy
And I was burning out quickly!.
When I didn’t score as highly as I desired on a practice exam, it tore me apart. I was being super hard on myself.
I felt deprived, like I was embarking on something that I shouldn’t be doing! Doing other things would make me happier.
This was compounded by my personal life: I’m in a long distance relationship therefore felt I was sacrificing a lot. I also lived with my parents, instead of moving like I wanted.
I asked myself, “Why am I doing this? Nobody is telling me to do this!”
What I was looking for during this time around was understanding.
Being a first-generation college student, pursuing medicine, I didn’t have a family that understood the magnitude of what I was trying to do. I felt very alone.
Consequently, I truly felt I couldn’t make it, I wasn’t good enough.
“What makes me think I can do this? Look at my GPA, my first MCAT score – this is not the journey I should be going on, I’m just not measuring up.”
So, I took an entire month off.
My energy came from my support system, despite how I felt, they let me know I was not alone!
I went to Tampa and visited my boyfriend, and I slept, boy, did I sleep! I had fun and interacted with my family again, spent time with them, and traveled a bit.
My boyfriend and his family, having pursued difficult law careers, understood what it takes. It was their support that really kept me going.
They reminded me, “You’re struggling because you are breaking this mold. That’s why you feel like you’re alone.”
Molds aren’t easy to break!
If you don’t have that type of support or a mentor, reach out to someone, right away.
Join a group like the Study Hall, and you’re golden! They’re the ones that understand. You have to put in work to find the support.
Also, it’s important to know that life doesn’t stop.
People still expect things from you, people still rely on you, and as unfair as it may feel, that’s just the reality. Your family doesn’t stop loving you and wanting to spend time with you, no matter how mean you are.
But it’s a very good thing.
They want to spend time with you and your attention. And you have to give some, because it helps you keep your sanity.
Strangely enough, before long, I missed studying. I felt like I had unfinished business.
I registered in March for an April MCAT.
and…
I raised my score by sixteen points to a 504!
But up until I got my acceptance, I still felt my effort wasn’t enough.
I was at my internship and I opened the letter in the break room.
Everybody was huddled outside the door, waiting. My first thought seeing the 504 was, “What is this? This is not what I wanted, this is not what I studied so long for.
What do I do with this? Do I take it again or do I just go ahead and apply?
I didn’t know what to do.
Ultimately, I decided to accept it, “I’ll just take my shot.”
I hoped to break a 500 and I did!
Spoiler alert: The last two interviews I went on, they were shocked, and they asked me how I did it!
They were more interested in my improvement than my actual score!
I told them I studied for an entire year and I took at least ten practice tests. I explained to them my study strategy and I bragged about Leah!
I wanted to apply early.
I finished my primary application and submitted it the first week of June.
I intentionally applied where I stood a fair chance of getting in by looking at each school’s average MCAT scores and location.
I picked schools along the east coast where the average accepted MCAT score was between 500 and 506.
Leah’s Note: See how to choose your target Medical Schools in my MCAT Prep Guide.
I received secondaries from all of them and completed them by September. My goal was to complete them all within two weeks but was delayed due to my internship and work.
The Grueling Waiting Game.
The waiting game causes so much anxiety
because you’re worried that you might not get an interview.
I applied to 20 schools (9 MD and 11 DO schools),
and received 5 interview invitations.
One interview came in for August 1st, and the response was not until December.
Surprisingly, I was accepted to the very school where I felt I bombed the interview!
This is in addition to 1 rejection and 3 waitlists.
I don’t have any regrets. You learn a lot about yourself during this process.
If I could go back and talk to pre-MCAT Stephanie I would’ve said,
“Wake up girl! You’re just repeating the same mistakes that you made in undergrad.”
“Practice more!” If I had, I would’ve realized I wasn’t ready!
My first round ‘confidence’ came from a single practice exam and old textbooks!
I understand now where I went wrong and decided to write my personal statement about it. How I told my story is what made the biggest impact.
I’m going to medical school! I am so grateful and this all feels very surreal. I freak out in waves and then calm back down.
Leah’s MCAT Study Hall is what helped me improve 16 points on my second MCAT.
I had heard so many horror stories and I heard a lot of mixed results about the big test prep companies.
Leah was the most consistent with so many free resources including youtube videos and the free workshops that I decided to give the Study Hall a try.
The Study Hall always had detailed videos and material to help.
It taught me how to think more, and how to conceptualize things.
There is so much material to study for this exam!
It can be overwhelming, but Leah had a very good outline and thorough coverage of what I needed to review. She taught me how to have a simpler way of thinking and learn how to be efficient.
My advice to students preparing for the MCAT
Avoid any advice that goes against where YOU want to arrive in your career.
I don’t care if it’s a premed committee, an advisor, or someone you want to write your letters of recommendation – if they’re not willing to support your pursuit of your goals and believe in your dreams then ignore them.
If you don’t, you will regret it. I had some of those advisors and professors.
Also, be present on the Study Hall Facebook accountability group if you choose to join Leah. You don’t have to speak a whole lot, but it will really show you that others are doing the same exact thing. You’re not alone!
Your learning style really matters. I’m a visual person but I also have to do it, I can’t just conceptualize by hearing.
All the different color markers and the pictures worked because you remember the picture.
As far as Leah’s webinars, go to every single webinar, especially the CARS webinars. Learning to utilize your strategy and triaging definitely saves a lot of time.
This MCAT journey has been a humbling and eye opening experience but I’m excited to step in to the next phase of my life. I’m going to be a doctor!!!
4 Months Later: an Update!
Leah’s Note: The response to Stephanie’s journey has been amazing! I reached out to Stephanie to answer some of your questions!
Stephanie has had 4 interviews out of the 20 schools she applied to, including both DO and MD.
She has received 1 acceptance and 3 waitlists. She is currently in her first year (Fall 2019) at Meharry Medical School in Nashville, TN!
With her permission to share with you, here is her update in the MCAT Studyhall Facebook Support Group!
I want to hear from you!
What ‘roadblocks’ have you faced along the way that you (or others) use as the reason to discourage you from pursuing your dreams?
Let me know in the comments below.
I related to this story so much. I’m currently in the same position, if not worst. I have just taken the MCAT for a 3rd time and scored a 488. I’ve been working full time in Cancer Research since graduating undergrad last year. I planned to apply to medical schools, this upcoming cycle. But receiving this score has be extremely discouraged. This story is definitely inspirational! I am kind of at a brick wall with study methods, and personal tutors. I cant afford to spend $3,000 on a test prep which I heard often times does not help improve the score. I’m in need of advice on how to improve my score.
Oh wow, that’s quite a journey but with a 488 for the third time I really think you need to take a step back and figure out WHY you’re not scoring higher before committing to another exam. Start here: https://leah4sci.com/retake
Wait….I don’t understand how someone that was a Valedictorian at their high school could do so bad in college to get a 3.0, unless they just weren’t trying very much to pass.
Michael: High school and college are very different, many students who do well in high school are shocked by the transition to college and their GPA shows it.
What medical school will Stephanie be attending ?
meharry medical college
Wow this was actually very encouraging for me and something I definitely needed to read this!!!
So glad you found her story inspiring Asha!
Read this and I literally teared up. I am so happy for Stephanie and thank her for sharing her story. It gave me the boost to continue the MCAT and application prep 🙂
That’s awesome to hear Anais! If you want to become a doctor you should NEVER give up!
Good evening everyone!
I just wanted to say hello to you all so that you know that I am a real person and that all of that stuff up there is real and true lol. Thank you all so much for your kindness and well wishes. I was telling Leah in an email that I have been experiencing some situational depression (YES! even at this very exciting time) and that your comments have really helped me to keep things in perspective, so thank you all for helping me. If you do decide to make Leah your tutor, I assure you that you will get nothing but the very best from her and the program. Be patient, there are a lot of us and we all need help and advice, and she is only one person; I promise that none of your questions will go unanswered IF you participate in the Study Hall. I wish you all the very best and lots of love! 🙂
-Steph
I really really thank you for posting this story, Leah! Such a boost of motivation! By chance can Stephanie share what schools she applied to?
Thank you Michelle!
I’ll ask her if I can share the list
First, Congratulations Stephanie! Thank you for sharing your story!! I have tears of hope instead of discouragement. I can completely resonate with so many parts of her story especially when she mentioned being the first to attend college and how your family just doesn’t get it. My family still struggles to understand how long this MCAT prep takes and why I’m not in medical school yet despite graduating with honors almost 6 yrs ago…it’s like in their eyes I’m incredibly smart so I should just apply and go to med school. If only it was that easy. On the other hand while my family believes in me, I lacked my own confidence because I fear disappointing them. I had my ups and downs and struggles with Orgo in undergrad which left me depressed and questioning my medical school future so I looked into PA school. I graduated college started working as an EMT and medical assistant during which time I applied for PA school …but after I left my PA school interview I realized I was not happy at all. I knew I was settling! I became determined to go for my medical dreams again. I took my last pre-medical prerequisites including finally facing orgo 2 AND passing! But now MCAT prep has been my goal and struggle for the past couple years. And lately, I’ve been dealing with a lot of stress between my sick parent and other family drama plus my demanding full time job and bills so of course my mind isn’t there and my mcat studying stopped after trying to be consistent for about 5 months. I’ve been struggling to get back my motivation and I’m trying to get back on track but after reading Stephanie’s story I realized I can’t let my depression about not being where I want to be and all other external factors dictate how my life will go and hinder my MCAT prep. I really needed this story today and I slowly feel my hope igniting my motivation fire again. THANK YOU Stephanie! Today I somehow found this website and Stephanie’s story but I know it’s not by coincidence. God wanted me to read this and feel encouraged again to help get me back on track studying for Mcat. I plan on restarting studying tomorrow and utilizing some strategies I’ve read so far on this website to build my own study plan. Also, thank you Leah for choosing to create this studying platform to encourage all MCAT student to succeed! I hope to share my story one day to encourage someone else to keep on believing in themselves on their journey to medical school! Positive vibes and many blessings to all. Good luck studying everyone!
Wow thank you! So glad this came at a good time for you
So inspirational!! And just what I need considering my MCAT date is slowly creeping up on me. I have already taken the MCAT twice and although I jumped 9 points in my last practice exam I still cant help but feel like I’m not good enough (my GPA is less than stellar as well.) As a non traditional applicant I’m faced with many roadblocks and it’s soooo hard to stay positive. Is is possible to be connected with Stephanie? As a fellow URM I feel as though she could be of help to me. Thanks so much for sharing her story with us Leah!
Thank you! So glad you found this interview helpful. While Stephanie does see the comments I’m guessing she’s swamped right now with med school starting very soon.
One more thing Leah4Sci, I am a pre dental student insprired by Stephanie’s story. Im a psychology major, but I still must complete the prerequisities for dental school. Although your youtube videos are MCAT based, can pre dental students still use them?
Glad you found this inspiring Brianna. Of course you can use my videos for the DAT. however keep in mind that anything I mention ‘MCAT specific’ may not apply
Hi Leah4Sci and Stephanie! May I ask, what was Stephanie’s major?
I got the exact same scores and am also headed to medical school this fall with the help of your content. It was extremely helpful when I was studying to re-take the MCAT last summer. Thank you for all you do. Very inspiring story!
Oh wow that’s amazing to hear! Congratulations Tinsley!!
Leah, thank you so much for sharing her story! I just transferred to a four-year University after being in the workforce for 11.5 years right after high school, and have been struggling with acclimating. With that said, my science courses have been hanging by a thread and I hoped that it would be better after my first semester. That is not the case. This story is very similar to mine: valedictorian in high school and struggling in undergrad. I just hope that I make it through!
So glad you were able to relate to this Caisha. It’s a tough transition from working to academics. Make sure you work harder each semester so that you finish as strong as possible!
This article was very inspiring. I am in the exact same situation. Since I recently took a practice test and got the same score (488) after studying crazy hours with no improvement. I have taken the MCAT 2 times. The first time I got hit by a car while on a bike two weeks before I took the test. I asked for time accommodation since I was still in a sling and the AAMC denied it. I took the MCAT again feeling more confident and paid $3,000 for a private tutor and took out a lone to pay for it but only scored one point higher than the first test (extremely upsetting). I took two extra classes at the local community college in the in between time. I am supporting myself doing a full time job since not working is NOT an option. I am scheduled to take the MCAT again on June 1st but this recent practice score is really freaking me out. I am not made out of money so I am trying to be prepared for this test so I don’t have to throw more and more money down the drain before I can get to the application phase. I would love to apply this cycle. Not sure what to do. I think I need to do more practice questions like Stephanie. But I just feel a little lost on how to do better.
Glad you found her story inspiring. I emailed you regarding the rest
I did not receive an email from you. I checked my all mail and my spam and saw nothing. Please try sending your response to the email I have listed. Thanks
“You’re struggling because you are breaking this mold. That’s why you feel like you’re alone.” Thanks Stephanie for the words of encouragement, the sky is the limit.
You’re very welcome Andy, I’m so happy you were able to find encouragement in her story. And you’re absolutely correct, the sky is the limit! Don’t let it stop you!
Hi. What was the author GPA when she applied to med school?
Ayuk her final GPA was around 3.0. It was lower but she managed to bring it up to 3.0 by the end.
I also feel like a i have adhd but was tested and was told i was depressed instead. I didn’t get medication to help with my attention difficulty so i struggle so much with taking exams like the Mcat.
I’m sorry to hear that Quiqui sometimes the diagnosis are not what we need. But let me ask you this, does the ‘label’ really matter? I work with many students who have ADHD and don’t take medication. Depending on the severity there are ways to treat it without medicine. I also have ADHD and don’t take anything for it. Many of the study tips I have devised over the years have come from my quest to conquer my ADHD. Consider these to start: https://leah4sci.com/distraction and https://leah4sci.com/pomodoro
Stephanie’s story is so inspiring. I can relate on so many levels. Low GPA, Low MCAT Practice score, and a first generation college grad. I feel like the odds are stacked against me. I have exceeded the study timeframe I set for myself and I am extremely dissapointed, dissatisfied, and surprisingly determined. This was exactly the push I need to get over thus next hump. Thank you Stephanie for sharing your story!
Latania,
it sounds like you’re locking yourself into a box. If you want to become a doctor then you have to do whatever it takes, for however long it takes. Stephanie studied for MUCH MUCH LONGER than planned and if you ask her today I bet she’ll say it was all worth it. If your scores tell you that you need more time, go ahead and TAKE MORE TIME. But keep at it because one day YOU will be the one bragging about how you got accepted into medical school. 🙂
Stephanie, reminds me of a younger version of myself, trying to do something major the old way (meaning high school/college way). Well the MCAT sure does know how to give you a reality check, real quick. I’m so happy for Stephanie, she showed me that if this is what you want don’t let anyone or anything stop you from pursuing your dreams. Thank you Stephanie for sharing your story with me, you’ve given me more courage and determination to move forward with my dreams….becoming a Doctor!!!
I’m so happy to hear this Vivian! I can’t wait to see you reach your goals. In fact, once you’re in I’d love to share your story here as well because you are one strong woman!! 🙂
I soooo enjoyed reading this!!! I feel beyond encouraged and I’m glad to hear Leah4sci is A great resource. Back to work I go! I’m not giving up. I’m saving this article for encouragement.
You’re very welcome Laelalanny! I’m so happy that you were able to find such inspiration in Stephanie’s journey. Please save this interview and read it again anytime you feel down and need a motivational kick in the rear! 🙂
This brought tears to my eyes. I feel like i know you personally. I’m soooo proud of you. Please document your journey through med school
Thanks for this Quisha,
I’ll pass it on to Stephanie.
I will also keep in touch with her and try to add updates here as she progresses through medical school.
Omg I connected to this story so much. I felt like I was reading about my own journey (even the long distance relationship part). I will be applying to med school this year and this just gave me so much hope.
I’m so glad you were able to connect with her Taraneh! Wishing you all the best on your journey!
This was so encouraging for you to share, Leah. I feel like I have ADHD and it takes me a long time to “get” certain things, as I am a visual learner too. That OR reading something in print. I honestly have no idea how I’m going to get through all my MCAT prep books while I plan on volunteering so much and am taking a full semester load.
You are very welcome Pilgrim Girl. I too have ADHD. the key is to break down the big goals into small manageable chunks then conquer them one step at a time. Make sure you attend my strategy workshop at the end of this month (details to follow via email) where I go into detail on how to do this.
Awesome and congrats! This story gave me an energy boost!
Thank you so much! I will pass this on to Stephanie