what are my chances of getting in (mcat wise)?
F24, GPA 3.49, MCAT: TBD, (non traditional, first gen applicant)
for background i just recently graduated (may 2026) (im non-trad and already had the goal to apply 2027 cycle), post grad i was focused on studying for the MCAT (8/22) and finishing my research project. i was feeling confident in my MCAT scores from FL (515-517) BUT just found out my grandpas prognosis.. my grandpa is my best friend, i grew up with him and still live with him, i'm the one who translates for him at all his appointments, take him to all his apps., advocates for him, and helps him at home with administering his medication & taking his vitals every day, he's who i spend most of my time with from day to day since i was 2. this is a terrible week we had his oncology appointment last friday (8/14) and the physician said he'd call me next week to give me the results of his PSA levels to see if this is the beginning of the resurgence of his cancer (background in 2022 he was detected w prostate cancer, he decided on radiation, IT WORKED, just last year it came back & aggressive... he has now metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, he's been taking oral chemo pills for almost a year now which lowered his PSA level and legions IT WORKED AGAIN! but now in his scan and blood levels it has came back, new growths, & have spread to his lymph nodes...)
i am truly going through it mentally, anticipatory grief (i really had hope a few months ago with the chemo pill treatment that he'd be able to see me get accepted and even go to my white coat ceremony in the future but now i just want to spend as much time w him as possible) i wish i can push back my MCAT but i already passed the 10 day window mark before getting this news..
so sorry for the long background, but my real question is: if i bomb this mcat (480-501) due to this terrible situation im in but get a really good score (519+) on my march 2027 retake will i still look like a good competitor for next cycle? will they bring up my first test score in interviews? although i'd be honest with them and tell them why i did so poorly on the first one will they consider that a weakness and not think of me as a good candidate for their MD program?