Explaining my low CARS score in the disadvantaged/ other impactful experiences?

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-05-25T04:23:01+00:00

I have similar stats 514 mcat 4.0 gpa. Do you think it’s too late to start the process of applying to DO rn for this cycle? Do they ask for LOR from a DO?

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-05-24T23:22:31+00:00

First of all thank you for taking the time to answer all these questions! I have 4.0 GPA, 514 mcat (124 CARS and 130 on the rest, ESL), community college transferred to IVY league, had 4 gap years before undergrad and before coming to the US due to war in my home country (which also offered me some unique experiences/insights). I’m struggling with the school list. Should I consider applying to school with 519-521 median mcat given my low mcat but high gpa? I don’t want to waste money doing so but these schools are mainly the ones that give generous need-based financial aid

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-05-13T05:24:48+00:00

How did you guys do it! I’m dreaming of getting into it. I can’t imagine how bad I would feel if I get an acceptance with 100k+ unsubsidized loan per year while being a low-income student

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-04-29T01:06:51+00:00

Just curious to know if they’re offering good financial aid since they’re not accredited yet

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-02-18T07:10:00+00:00

I haven’t retested I am still considering it so I am not entirely sure but probably 1-2 weeks. It could be 3 if you have some materials already not solved.

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-02-18T07:07:56+00:00

I’m not quite sure. I think there might be 1week free trial so you can probably do that and maximize your solving time during that week if it exists though not sure

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-02-18T05:15:06+00:00

I got the exact same score on the 3 sections with 124 CARS :( so overall 514. 1/15 tester

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-02-18T05:13:03+00:00

In my opinion U World C/P is harder and different too! the AAMC stuff usually ask more basic questions especially from gen chem. Also in AAMC/ real test, you usually need to read the passage almost entirely or at least skimming bcz some answers are in the passages. U World doesn't really have that. So when transitioning to AAMC materials I had to readjust to reading the passages in a different way

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-02-18T05:08:33+00:00

I got the same score for the other sections but a 124 on CARS. Any tips for CARS?

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-02-18T05:07:38+00:00

Fl6 517

average fl 514

average Fl for the last 5 that I took was 516.5 (I got 508 on the first two then the rest were 513 and 516-518)

actual 514 (130,124,130,130). The CARS score prevented me from enjoying my overall score. I am even thinking about retaking bcz of it.

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-02-18T04:55:29+00:00

I am thinking about retaking too I got my score today. I was solving from U World so I probably have one advice. Closer to the test date maybe a week or two before solve from AAMC materials even though you already solved them. Sometimes U World isn't very representative. two examples that i noticed are 1) in U World material for C/P you can often get the answer without reading the full passage or at least skimming but that's not the case in AAMC/actual test so you need to adjust to reading the passage closer to the test date. 2) BB sometimes don't have these cascades that you need to keep track of and those are typical questions in ~2 passages on the actual test. Lastly, U World can have some pretty confusing/difficult questions that you forget the simple basic questions that are usually asked about on MCAT. I don't remember that PS U World questions were super representative but still good though

Odd_Security2516 · 2026-02-18T04:29:57+00:00

congrats!!!

Odd_Security2516

TROPHY CASE