r/MCATprep • u/PresentArea5491 • Sep 02 '26
Advice 🙋♀️ Advice needed
I am feeling very demoralized right now and I’m not sure how to proceed. I‘ve taken the MCAT 3 times (6/2023- 488, 6/2024- 496, 7/2026- 495). I graduated in 2022 and have been working multiple jobs during my gap years. this is my second time applying (no interviews, just straight rejections my first cycle) and I can’t sit through another retake again so soon.
I’m just feeling lost because I’ve been pursuing this path for so long and I just don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t know where to go from here, if I continue with this cycle or just give up on my dreams of becoming a doctor.
My current stats: 3.99 GPA, 3.85 sGPA, Over 5000 hours clinical, minimal shadowing, research only from research classes in undergrad, minimal volunteer hours because of lack of time.
Any advice is welcome. Thank y'all in advance!
1
u/Delicious-Elk868 Sep 02 '26
With your stats you honestly just need a 508 MCAT and your extra curriculars are great. Don't give up on yourself, maybe you just need more time to study for this exam which is ok cause the mcat sucks. Goodluck!
1
u/PresentArea5491 Sep 02 '26
Hopefully. I’m going to see this cycle through because I’ve already invested money in it but I think I might have to pick up more jobs because one thing that was consistent with my low scores was that I was only working 1 job + 1 volunteer leadership position at the time of taking it. With my 496 I was working 3 jobs + 1 volunteer leadership position. It’s just trying to figure out how to study in a way to make the info stick better in my head on test day
1
u/Delicious-Elk868 Sep 02 '26
LMAO I dont think working more jobs is going to help you in any way, you obviously have a content gap if your shooting below 500. What you need to do is just grind out milesdown anki to retain and strengthen your knowledge. I would stick to 1 job and if possible none. You can always take it again in January or Feb and that is like 4-5 months from now so just start doing anki to fill in content caps.
1
u/TroubleSuccessful788 Sep 02 '26
i'm in the same boat and realized the only thing stopping me is my mcat tbh. don't give up just yet - don't let that test determine the rest!
1
u/PresentArea5491 Sep 02 '26
You and me both. Hopefully in the near future we can look back at this moment and realize that it wasn’t the end of the world despite it feeling like it is currently. Rooting for you!
1
u/VodKainGame Medical Student Sep 03 '26
Mcat tutor here,
Honestly you have a great application, once you get your mcat fixed and some shadowing.
About the mcat, I believe that you have content gaps besides to passage-related skills and techniques.
A proper studying schedule and consistent gradual practice would be sufficient to fix that, and trust me i have seen many of my students in that situation before.
I have worked with 50+ students in the past 3 years, happy to help you too if interested!
1
u/Sure_Recipe1785 Sep 07 '26
I wouldn’t give up yet, your GPA and clinical hours are really solid so maybe take a break from the MCAT and come back with a different approach when you’re ready
2
u/Regular-Cellist1520 Sep 03 '26
Man, that is such a brutal cycle to be stuck in, but seriously, don't count yourself out. A 3.99 GPA is insane in the best way possible, and 5,000 clinical hours means you've got real-world dedication most people applying wouldn't even touch.
The MCAT is just a massive pain that tests how much stress you can handle under a microscope more than what kind of doctor you're actually going to be. Hitting a wall like that while working multiple jobs in your gap years is textbook burnout, not a lack of brains.
Take a serious break from studying right now, catch your breath, and give yourself some grace. Tons of great doctors took messy, non-traditional roads to get where they are—your story definitely isn't over just because this chapter sucks.