DO 3.6c 3.45 Science, 27Q MCAT

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Hey All,


Like the title says, I have a 3.6-3.62 GPAc (depending on calc methods), and about 3.4-3.45 science GPA. Majored In Bio, Conc. in Microbiology. I took the MCAT in June 2010 and got 10P 10B 7V. I'm currently studying for it again and I've been scoring between 9 and 11 on the verbal section.

Other stuff:

ER Scribe 1.5 Years
Volunteer Member of Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee X 3.5 years (Committee Leader for 1.5 years)
Volunteered in Nursing home for a few years
*fingers crossed* hopefully shadowing a DO Pulmonologist in the next couple months
NO Research
Three Rec Letters (Two Science, One Non-Science)
NO Premed Advisory Committee Letter

I'm interested in VCOM, ATSU-SOMA, KCOM, AZCOM, and a few others based on what they require since I wont be having a Premed Advisory Committee Letter, although my school offers one (totally my fault I didn't get one).

I'm a VA resident and 22 years old (23 in august).

Should have no problem getting a DO acceptance. I'd throw in some IS MD applications if I were you.

I probably will apply to a few MD Schools too. At least VA schools, and a few out of state schools.

I'm aware that not having the committee letter doesn't look the best, and its totally my fault for not getting one (missed the date, personal stuff going on). If it doesn't work this cycle, I'll give it another try with the committee letter, and probably some post bacs at VCU.

Originally Posted by TriagePreMed

Should have no problem getting a DO acceptance. I'd throw in some IS MD applications if I were you.

completely agree.

you may land an MD acceptance if you apply early. retake your mcat, get a few more points and youll prob be golden for at least one md acceptance.

Originally Posted by Creationist

No committee letter = red flag. Just sayin'.

How is this true?

A lot of schools don't even have Committee letters to give out. I am sure you'll be fine despite only having personal independent LORs.

Originally Posted by Capltd29

Hey All,


Like the title says, I have a 3.6-3.62 GPAc (depending on calc methods), and about 3.4-3.45 science GPA. Majored In Bio, Conc. in Microbiology. I took the MCAT in June 2010 and got 10P 10B 7V. I'm currently studying for it again and I've been scoring between 9 and 11 on the verbal section.

Other stuff:

ER Scribe 1.5 Years
Volunteer Member of Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee X 3.5 years (Committee Leader for 1.5 years)
Volunteered in Nursing home for a few years
*fingers crossed* hopefully shadowing a DO Pulmonologist in the next couple months
NO Research
Three Rec Letters (Two Science, One Non-Science)
NO Premed Advisory Committee Letter

I'm interested in VCOM, ATSU-SOMA, KCOM, AZCOM, and a few others based on what they require since I wont be having a Premed Advisory Committee Letter, although my school offers one (totally my fault I didn't get one).

I'm a VA resident and 22 years old (23 in august).

I, too, would like the answer for this one. How "red" of a flag is not having that letter despite having a school premed committee?

Originally Posted by Capltd29

I probably will apply to a few MD Schools too. At least VA schools, and a few out of state schools.

I'm aware that not having the committee letter doesn't look the best, and its totally my fault for not getting one (missed the date, personal stuff going on). If it doesn't work this cycle, I'll give it another try with the committee letter, and probably some post bacs at VCU.

VCU will reject you or put you at a major disadvantage if you apply without a committee letter if your school provides one. I am just letting you know for VCU it's essential and unless you have a valid explanation applying without it would be a waste of time and money.

Here is the link to prove it don't let anyone convince you it's not that important:-
http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/admissi...tions_2009.pdf

As far as other Virginia medical schools they hold a lot more weight on the MCAT and a 27 might not cut it for UVA, EVMS or Virginia tech (very research focused).

Originally Posted by flodhi1

VCU will reject you or put you at a major disadvantage if you apply without a committee letter if your school provides one. I am just letting you know for VCU it's essential and unless you have a valid explanation applying without it would be a waste of time and money.

Here is the link to prove it don't let anyone convince you it's not that important:-
http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/admissions/md/documents/lettersofrecommend_instructions_2009.pdf

As far as other Virginia medical schools they hold a lot more weight on the MCAT and a 27 might not cut it for UVA, EVMS or Virginia tech (very research focused).

I don't know how true that is because the link said 2009. I applied to VCU last year and was offered an interview without using a committee letter from my college. We have a committee and I did not have a personal relationship with most of the professors in the committee. I didn't feel that they would represent me correctly. It wasn't even an issue for me apparently. I wouldn't worry about it so much. Just call them if you have questions.

You look good for VCOM as long as you can convince them you aren't using DO as a backup. I didn't have a committee letter. I didn't want one. I only applied to VCOM and apparently they didnt care because it was never mentioned. I had six months of research. It was briefly mentioned in one of my interviews. I told the interviewer it wasn't my cup of tea and that I was more interested in clinical work. It was forgotten and we went on to talk about other things. Don't sweat the committee letter. I'm sure a lot of med schools recognize that it's just another hoop to jump through and doesn't really offer any real insight into the true value of the applicant.

Originally Posted by shinny437

I don't know how true that is because the link said 2009. I applied to VCU last year and was offered an interview without using a committee letter from my college. We have a committee and I did not have a personal relationship with most of the professors in the committee. I didn't feel that they would represent me correctly. It wasn't even an issue for me apparently. I wouldn't worry about it so much. Just call them if you have questions.

LORs play an even bigger role in the final step of acceptance. Sure you got an interview, the school wanted to get to know you but when it comes to the final committee vote where it's you vs someone with the same stats and a committee letter you don't know what way the committee will sway. MCV wait-lists a lot of applicants so having an interview is by no means a guarantee acceptance be it 2009 or 2012. Unless you were actually accepted to MCV without the committee letter I wouldn't rely too much on down playing a committee letter. However, OP it is best to call the school and ask.

if i were you i would retake the MCAT and just apply MD; you have a solid gpa.