Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 1/13/2012

Question
Hello Dr. Levy,

I had a question on my chances of acceptance at UTMB. I had a interview at UTMB recently with the following numbers:
MCAT-(1st)24 (P-7, V-8, B-9) and (2nd) 23 (P-9, V-5, B-9)
GPA-3.83
And I have good recommendations, numerous volunteer, and research experience. Does UTMB take my best scores from both the MCATs or is my highest MCAT considered because the verbal for my recent attempt did not seem up to par. And since my interviews were blind are my MCAT scores used in admissions board to see if I get accepted and does UTMB rank the students? And in regards to the interview, my interviewers talked to me for 45 minutes out of the 60 minutes allotted to talking and they seemed to give a positive response. With these being said are my chances extremely grim or do I have a decent shot at an acceptance. I am greatly appreciative of your help sir and have a wonderful week.

Answer
I am not on the admissions committee so I do not know what criteria they use and how much weight they give to each section. To answer you specific questions (on a general basis), your MCAT scores are not particularly good (competitive scores are generally above 12) and the verbal score is particularly low. You GPA is certainly competitive but it depends on the quality/difficulty of the courses you took and the school you did it at. The recommendations, research and volunteer work is helpful but most applicants do that also. The fact that your interview is less than 60 minutes means nothing (good or bad). While I can't say what your chances for admission are, the fact that you got an interview at all is positive.

Hope this helps,

Ronald Levy. MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston