~2008-2009~"What Are My Chances/Where Should I Apply/What Should I Do" Thread

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science GPA of 3.05 and a cum of 3.2.

If i get As this summer in chem I and II it would raise the science to a 3.25. What worries me is that I got an F the first time around in orgo but got an A the second time and ranked 3/215 in the class the second time.

Originally Posted by txcorpsman

science GPA of 3.05 and a cum of 3.2.

If i get As this summer in chem I and II it would raise the science to a 3.25. What worries me is that I got an F the first time around in orgo but got an A the second time and ranked 3/215 in the class the second time.

How did you take Orgo without taking Chem I or Chem II? or are you retaking chem I and chem. II? You need to boost both your science and regular GPA to make yourself as competitive as possible.

I would look into upper level science courses like Biochem, microbio, anatomy and physiology, cell bio, genetics, Immunology etc... or other courses that are given in medical school so that committee's can see that you are on the level of handling a medical school load. Make sure that you start an upward trend.

That being said. Make sure you are taking good professors with any of these courses. A professor can make the difference between an A or a C in a course. Find good professors by speaking with pre-med students ahead of you. Try to see if you can get old exams. Look at www.ratemyprofessor.com which has student ratings of professors. Don't take too many sciences at once or too many courses at once. Make sure when you make your college schedule one where there is a balance between easy and hard courses. For example when I took Orgo I, I took with it easy A courses like Introduction to music, the first sociology course, so that I was able to focus on Orgo.

To raise your overall gpa take intro courses in different fields with good professors. Usually Intro courses are easy and with good professors you should be able to get in the A range. By doing this you will first of all boost your gpa and second of all you could show the committee how well rounded you are. That you have broad interests and basic knowledge in many different fields.

Finally MCAT, MCAT, MCAT. Doing research, having good extra curriculars and, and good GPA will help you get the interview, but the MCAT will get you the acceptance. Now that the MCAT is computer based and is offered many times during the year make sure you ace it. Try to be averaging in 30's in practice before you take it even if it means taking a full year off to study for it. Only take it if you are ready for it. If you schedule a date and you are still not ready don't take it.

I hope you are accepted to the school of your choice good luck!!!!!

Can you submit before you have the final spring transcripts? For some reason my school sent out my transcripts for everything other than spring even though I told them to hold for my final grades. When they do send teh spring 2008 will it automatically overwrite the previous transcript? Should I wait until those come in to submit?

Hey all, I'm new here and have a few questions regarding my venture toward med school.

I graduated from a third rate private school in Calif with a GPA of 3.56.

I am currently taking post-bac pre reqs at the local university (not ranked that great either).

I have only taken biology and some intro chem so far. I am considering taking a full year of general chemistry over the summer, so I can start in organic chem next year. Is this a good idea? Or am I setting myself up for disaster?

Also, the courses I took in California were semesters (condensed) while the courses I'm taking now, in Oregon, are quarters. I'm assuming the GPA will be weighted. Is this right?

Anyway, I also took an algebra class called math95, will this be factored into my GPA since it is a sub-100 level class?

I really appreciate all your feedback. There is great info on this site, I visit all the time!

Originally Posted by blaze626

I graduated from a third rate private school in Calif with a GPA of 3.56.

Welcome. Nice GPA to start from. And I bet you $12 I have a relative who went to that school. My family tends to major in Bad Planning or Cute Guys Go Here.

Originally Posted by blaze626

I am currently taking post-bac pre reqs at the local university (not ranked that great either).

I wouldn't sweat the ranking, not even a little bit, if your GPA stays strong.

Originally Posted by blaze626

I have only taken biology and some intro chem so far. I am considering taking a full year of general chemistry over the summer, so I can start in organic chem next year. Is this a good idea? Or am I setting myself up for disaster?

What about physics?

Re: racing through genchem: Did you kill intro chem? Are you strong in math? There are two very important factors in genchem: your grades, and MCAT prep. If you can do well in an accelerated program, and retain it for the MCAT, then you're good to go. Don't forget you need to take full labs with genchem, which could be what kills you.

Originally Posted by blaze626

Also, the courses I took in California were semesters (condensed) while the courses I'm taking now, in Oregon, are quarters. I'm assuming the GPA will be weighted. Is this right?

Yes. A quarter unit is worth 2/3 of a semester unit. It gets fun when you have partial years of semesters, partial years of quarters, and then the app systems make you define the end of your fresh/soph/etc. year.

Originally Posted by blaze626

Anyway, I also took an algebra class called math95, will this be factored into my GPA since it is a sub-100 level class?

Yep. If it's on a college transcript, it counts.

Best of luck to you.

Cool, that's great advice.

I haven't taken the physics yet either. I plan to concurrently with org chem. Ive been an electronics tech for the past ten years or so, so i have practical experience with physics and math.


I just retook pre-calc, so my algebra is fresh, though I havent taken calc, ever, and I'm not working now, so I can devote all my time to the gen chem during the summer.

I think I might go for the accelerated gen chem to save a year longer pre reqs. My reasoning is that if I cant do well and retain general chemistry at three times the normal pace, how would I survive a med school? Also, I'm closing in on 30 pretty quick!

Originally Posted by blaze626

Also, I'm closing in on 30 pretty quick!

Oh mercy heavens.

Where in Oregon? I took all of my pre-reqs at PSU so I could help you a bit if you are taking there?

I think you should crank out the pre-reqs as quickly as possible. Chemistry is a pain because every class is a pre-req for the next. You'll have to get Chem I and II out of the way before you can get into Orgo. I would suggest declaring a new major in Biology. This will take you 2 years and will only be 8-12 more hours. This way you get another degree while fulfilling your needs for med-school. You'll also have all the information fresh on your mind for the MCAT!

You have the right idea on the difficulty of taking multiple classes. It's going to be tough, but it's great prep for med-school. Good Luck, I hope everything works out for you!

Ok so I am going to have to pick the schools I will apply to without my MCAT scores...I will be taking the June 13 MCAT and have been scoring in the upper 27-29 range on my practice tests but am working really hard to break a 30...

I am a non-trad...
3.08 undergrad from 2005 (psychology degree)
3.37 overall
3.67 science (this is with a 4.0 post-bacc with 43 hours of science including all but one of the prereqs)

Experiences:

2 yrs in college working with the autistic population including ABA therapy, research, independent study, camp counselor.

1 yr in college working as a literacy tutor for children

1 yr as a social worker/family counselor/behavioral specialist doing intensive in home counseling with children and adolescents and their families

1 yr as a chiropractic assistant (love the idea of manual manipulation, but don't really buy into the entire chiro philosophy)

Currently working as a medical assistant at an urgent care/primary care facility

60 hrs volunteering at a local hospital

I love the osteopathic philosophy and would love to attend an osteopathic school, but need to be in a relatively urban area as my s.o. is in business and we need to be somewhere he can get a job!

I am applying to PCOM, CCOM, GA-PCOM, VCOM (am a VT grad), NSUCOM

Also thinking maybe LECOM-FL, UMDNJ, AZCOM

What do you think?

Thanks!

Hi Laura,

I am doing this at PSU.

What a small world! Do you have some advice? I'm pretty nervous about this whole endeavor because I am going to quit my job for the opportunity.

My tentative plan is to take the gen chem series over the summer, then do org chem, physics, and some more math next year, while doing a work study at the VA medical center. Then, maybe Bio chem next summer during the application process.

Nice to meet you all...

Originally Posted by blaze626

Hi Laura,

I am doing this at PSU.

What a small world! Do you have some advice? I'm pretty nervous about this whole endeavor because I am going to quit my job for the opportunity.

My tentative plan is to take the gen chem series over the summer, then do org chem, physics, and some more math next year, while doing a work study at the VA medical center. Then, maybe Bio chem next summer during the application process.

Nice to meet you all...

I am about to take two midterms but I will get back to you with info later today, PSU is a great school, very underrated in my opinion, it will prepare you well for the mcat and admissions

To the OP, congrats on your decision! Because of scheduling conflicts (playing a sport in college), I had to take a full year of Gen Chem over the summer, and it was a pain, but I feel like I learned the stuff more thorougly than I would have otherwise, because I really had to focus on it. That's just me, though. When I took Orgo the next semester, I did fine, but I really don't think you need a full year of Gen Chem in order to take Orgo.

In fact, my college changed the curriculum after my sophomore year so you take Gen Chem 1, Orgo 1, Orgo 2, then Intro to Analytical and Physical Chem (boy was I glad I had taken Gen Chem 2 that summer instead). So, I think you shouldn't have any trouble with the chems. My advice would be to take as many upper level bio classes as possible, I think it's pretty helpful for the MCAT, but that's just my 0.02. Good luck

interesting,

you guys think i would be better off taking some upper div bio instead of calculus? i would be taking it at the same time as org chem and physics.

To be honest, I HATE math so I wouldn't recommend calc to anyone, but maybe it's your thing, I don't know. I just think more bio is helpful for the MCAT.

Originally Posted by blaze626

interesting,

you guys think i would be better off taking some upper div bio instead of calculus? i would be taking it at the same time as org chem and physics.

Calc is a requirement at some schools, but few DO schools. I vote upper div bio, anything such as micro, immuno, genetics, physio, anatomy, biochem, molecular/cellular bio, etc.

Also, there's minimal in-state tuition benefit at OHSU, but you should apply there anyway if you're an OR resident. Your numbers aren't far from theirs.

Originally Posted by blaze626

interesting,

you guys think i would be better off taking some upper div bio instead of calculus? i would be taking it at the same time as org chem and physics.

I know stats are useless without a source, but I remember reading a poll somewhere about the classes that were most useless that were needed for med school and something like 95% of students said calc was useless. The more bio you take also probably the better off you'll do on the MCAT, and if you retain any of it, Bio is actually useful.

Originally Posted by umean2tellme

Can you submit before you have the final spring transcripts? For some reason my school sent out my transcripts for everything other than spring even though I told them to hold for my final grades. When they do send teh spring 2008 will it automatically overwrite the previous transcript? Should I wait until those come in to submit?

you can submit it whenever you feel you are complete. as long as they have a transcript, you can submit. i think its your responsibility/choice to have it updated for the semester you just finished.

im not sure, but i imagine that if they send them an updated transcript it they will automoatically look at that one as well.

as far as waiting to submit...if your spring grades are going to help you, then yea you should wait, its only a few weeks.

i havent gone through the process yet, so i'm not totally sure. if anything this was just a bump so that someone else could answer more definitively haha.

Yes, the most recent transcript will override the previous one.

I THINK you're referring to AACOMAS, and if that's the case:

Whenever you hit that submit button, it sends a snailmail copy to the school.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Whenever you send an update to AACOMAS *after* you submitted, they don't send any more snailmail to the school. Instead, they simply update it on the internet and notify the school that there is an update.

What I would do is just send your final official transcripts to the schools that matter.

Experiences:
Shadowed 2 DOs with letters from both
Volunteer ambulance - 3yrs close to 40 hrs a week. Held many positions within the organization.
Plenty of other ECs non science related


MCAT:
4/07 - 23M (9V, 7P, 7B)

Undergrad (Anthro major)
2.68 non science
2.70 science (gen chem I , bio I,II , phys I )
2.69 cum

Post bacc (76 credits)
3.8 non science
3.49 science (everything not covered above plus upper level bios)
3.56 cum

Combined:
2.98 non science (want to get this over a 3.0)
3.17 science
3.06 cum

Plan on retaking MCAT 7/10
Would go pretty much anywhere and willing to apply to many if not all the schools.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

age: 21
overall: 3.31
bcpm: 3.26
mcat: 26

I got a lot of Bs and a few As, and a couple Cs from my math classes. im primarily looking at CCOM, PCOM, NYCOM, MSUCOM

I am an illinois resident

tons of ec's, good LORs

Apply broadly. You'll probably get in somewhere, but I don't know that you're such a lock that you should apply only to a few places. Also, PCOM, NYCOM, and especially MSUCOM all have a strong in-state preference. Apply to no less than 10 schools, and you'll probably wrap up the interview season with some attractive options. Get your stuff submitted immediately.

im working on the application as we speak

..

Wondering what my chances are at MSUCOM (my dream school). I am also very interested in DMU-COM and Pacific Northwest.

MCAT - 25O. 7 PS, 10 BS, 8 Verbal (yes I know, I'm retaking on July 8th)
GPA - 3.7 overall, 3.5 science

Research - 1 year and presented at a national conference
Volunteer at Karmanos Cancer Institute - 2 years
Volunteer at Detroit Medical Center - Started in Nov 07 and still going
Sorority - 3 years; secretary of my chapter and of panhellenic group (1 year each); have helped Girl Scouts and Prevent Child Abuse America
Shadowing - last August
Employment - work 25 hours per week since 2003

Just wondering what you all think - I am planning on applying very soon to get my app in early

Originally Posted by StinkyMasala

hi, i think i posted in here before but i didnt get any responses.

i have a 3.9 overall, and 3.83 science. i got a 26R on my mcat.

I have over 130 hours shadowing in various fields (homecall, ER, cardiology, surgery, uroligist)
50 hours in hospital volunteering
4 years teaching sunday school
2 years in research and 2 projects (only one is completed)
1 great letter from my school, one great MD letter, and working on my DO letter (trying to decide who to get it from)

i really want to know my chances at CCOM. its my dream school and i really really want to go there! is my 26 going to hold me back???

From my experience a 26 should definately not hold you back. I got into my top school with a 23 mcat! I know many others got in their top schools with 21's and 22's. Just apply early and study interview questions in the databases on here. Make sure you get a DO letter early because those can be very tricky when it comes down to deadlines.

edit: wrong section. sorry.

Originally Posted by sithr

Hello all,

I am getting ready to apply in June with the following stats but I think I am lacking enough EC (such as research)..What do you guys think?

MCAT: 10B 9V 9PS Writing:P

Non-science GPA - 3.61
Science GPA - 3.15
Overall - 3.42

BA in Television and Film

The past 1.5-2 years I have taken quite a few upper division bio courses to improve my GPA (Physiology, Histology, Embryology, Endocrinology, Biochem)

I have shadowed both DO and MD physicians in the ER and have LORs from both.

About 100 hours of hospital volunteer work.

Two LORs from professors.

I am really aiming at getting into Western, Touro-CA/NV, or either AZ school.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Any thoughts?

Originally Posted by sithr

Any thoughts?

I would still try to get that GPA more (both in science and overall) if you want the Western Acceptance. You should be able to get into Touro currently not sure what the other AZ schools are looking for. Take some basic courses in different disciplines to 100 level courses are usually easier. Make sure you take good professors and get in the A range. If you have not taken Microbio., Genetics, I would take those.
Make sure you have a balanced schedule with easy and hard courses. Taking to many upper bio's at once and only getting B's won't help you. For example when I took Orgo I, I took with Intro to music, Intro to sociology, so I could focous on Orgo. Besides raising your GPA it also will show a committee that you have broad range of interests and large knowledge base.
I hope you are accepted into the school of your choice!!!!

ok heres my stats:
GPA:
3.84 nonscience
3.86 science
3.85 cum
top tier university

MCAT: 25M
scheduled for retake June 13 ( should I)

strong LORS (2 science one of whom I do research for, liberal arts, MD, director of hospitals)

patient transport and sitter companion for good hospital
TA-gen chem

Are there any schools I am wasting my time to apply to. I really would love to go to MSU, Jersey, or West Virginia. any thoughts or previous experience with similar stats would be appreciated!!!!

Originally Posted by atallcosts

ok heres my stats:
GPA:
3.84 nonscience
3.86 science
3.85 cum
top tier university

MCAT: 25M
scheduled for retake June 13 ( should I)

strong LORS (2 science one of whom I do research for, liberal arts, MD, director of hospitals)

patient transport and sitter companion for good hospital
TA-gen chem

Are there any schools I am wasting my time to apply to. I really would love to go to MSU, Jersey, or West Virginia. any thoughts or previous experience with similar stats would be appreciated!!!!

What state are you a resident of? Those three all have a big in-state preference, although I think it is pretty easy to obtain NJ residency for UMDNJ's purposes. Not sure exactly how to go about it though.

If you apply early, I'd imagine you'll have some nice options, in spite of the borderline MCAT. You'll need a DO letter, most likely.

And apply to more than just those three schools.

I believe there was a western state resident who was accepted to WVSOM with something like a 19 MCAT last year. She had unusual ECs tho. UMDNJ has "high instate preference" I think because all you have to do to get instate is go get a NJ driver's license. So everyone there is instate by the time school starts.

You never know what your true chances are until you try. Folks have been rejected with better stats, and folks have been accepted with far worse.

One thing you should know about MSU - their OOS tuition is absolutely insane. They really do have instate preference too. Very few OOS interviews granted when I was applying (although I hear now they don't have interviews????). I turned down my MSU interview due to the OOS tuition (I already had an acceptance to another school).

Thanks for the response Kappy.

thanks for the replys. i am an ohio resident. i have good EC such as hospital voluneteering fro emergency and childrens hospital, and national ski patrol. I am aware of the crazy tuition, but my desire to go to a topnotch school outweighs the costs of tuition. I will be applying to 13 DO schools most of which are east coast/midwest. I will also be applying to some MD schools. Should I retake the MCAT. what schools would think less of me if i went down. I worry about rekating and staying the same or going down. I dont want to ruin my chances at good do schools where i have a chance now withmy mcat, by retaking and doing the same or a little worse. anyone know for certain the policies at each school as far as most recent MCAT, best MCAT ect...

Ohio has one of the better DO schools out there, and they seem to show a strong in-state preference. Will you be applying there too? You probably should.

Get your stuff in early, and if you don't start hearing back about interviews by september, sign up to take the MCAT again. That is my official position.

i will be applying to ohio, and I am glad that they have storng instate preference. thanks for the opinions. I will be sending the app in very soon. where can i get info on personal statements(this is the last piece of the primary puzzle for me)

Two things to worry about:

1. as EEL said, make sure schools will take your classes as an exception to the rules

2. make sure you've learned what's on the MCAT (http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/pr...g/bstopics.pdf)

Originally Posted by ShyRem

I believe there was a western state resident who was accepted to WVSOM with something like a 19 MCAT last year. She had unusual ECs tho. UMDNJ has "high instate preference" I think because all you have to do to get instate is go get a NJ driver's license. So everyone there is instate by the time school starts.

You never know what your true chances are until you try. Folks have been rejected with better stats, and folks have been accepted with far worse.

One thing you should know about MSU - their OOS tuition is absolutely insane. They really do have instate preference too. Very few OOS interviews granted when I was applying (although I hear now they don't have interviews????). I turned down my MSU interview due to the OOS tuition (I already had an acceptance to another school).

i heard from people at school that this issue of NJ residency is being revisited by UMDNJ system and pretty soon this "hole" will be closed. requiring that you live in the state for a year before considered as in-stater

Originally Posted by sithr

Thanks for the response Kappy.

No problem. If have any questions through your application process feel free to PM me. I remember how I felt during my application process. Here is a little visual.
That is the process in a nutshell. Confused about the process, had some an idea about the process, got interviews and was worried and had bouts of N/V, waiting for the acceptance I wanted to break my computer or blow up all together.

One disadvantage to going to a school on the quarter system is I have to take three general chemistry courses instead of 2, three physics courses, and possibly three organic chem courses, not sure about that one. Less time to study for midterms and finals and one more chance to screw up your GPA. Ah yes.

Originally Posted by Tony1029

One disadvantage to going to a school on the quarter system is I have to take three general chemistry courses instead of 2, three physics courses, and possibly three organic chem courses, not sure about that one. Less time to study for midterms and finals and one more chance to screw up your GPA. Ah yes.

I did quarters too, also less time to screw your grade over, so suck it up, work hard and just do it

I used to play quarters, and I do not believe it helped my grades one bit.

Originally Posted by atallcosts

i will be applying to ohio, and I am glad that they have storng instate preference. thanks for the opinions. I will be sending the app in very soon. where can i get info on personal statements(this is the last piece of the primary puzzle for me)

Here are some helpful links for personal statement help/info:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=494606

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/show...65#post6547565

http://education.yahoo.com/college/e...aysecrets.html

Good Luck

Overall GPA: 3.46
Science GPA: 3.61

MCAT: 9 9 9 R
**retaking in August. I know I can do better, I really didn't study enough, and only took 4 practice tests other than diagnostics**

EC's: See MDapps for details, but basically
-very strong including thousands of patient care hours working in assisted living and hospitals
-study abroad experience
-shadowing w/ strong letter from DO
-200+ hours of volunteer research in the ED w/ MD letter
-tutoring/mentoring experience w/ HS kids and my schools football team
-Also, married with 10 year old step son who we have part time

PCOM
AZCOM Midwestern
CCOM
KCUMB
NYCOM
OSU-CHS
DMU
UMDNJ-SOM
WESTERN-COM
TUCOM-CA
UNECOM

My top choice on paper is PCOM. I know they have an instate preference, what do you think of my chances?

Henry get your applications in EARLY and I suspect you'll have some attractive options.

Originally Posted by Doc Henry

Overall GPA: 3.46
Science GPA: 3.61

MCAT: 9 9 9 R
**retaking in August. I know I can do better, I really didn't study enough, and only took 4 practice tests other than diagnostics**

EC's: See MDapps for details, but basically
-very strong including thousands of patient care hours working in assisted living and hospitals
-study abroad experience
-shadowing w/ strong letter from DO
-200+ hours of volunteer research in the ED w/ MD letter
-tutoring/mentoring experience w/ HS kids and my schools football team
-Also, married with 10 year old step son who we have part time

PCOM
AZCOM Midwestern
CCOM
KCUMB
NYCOM
OSU-CHS
DMU
UMDNJ-SOM
WESTERN-COM
TUCOM-CA
UNECOM

My top choice on paper is PCOM. I know they have an instate preference, what do you think of my chances?

is retaking the MCAT really necessary? you seem to have a great application as is. i guess if you really feel you can do better and want to put in the extra time and money, then go for it! if it were me i know i woud definitely keep as is, but thats b/c i absolutely despise the MCAT and would never re take unless absolutley necessary (like <20). but your scores isn't even borderline, its pretty solid.

Originally Posted by ryserr21

is retaking the MCAT really necessary? you seem to have a great application as is. i guess if you really feel you can do better and want to put in the extra time and money, then go for it! if it were me i know i woud definitely keep as is, but thats b/c i absolutely despise the MCAT and would never re take unless absolutley necessary (like <20). but your scores isn't even borderline, its pretty solid.

The one and ONLY reason I'm considering retaking is for my IS MD school UWSOM. The IS tuition (~17,000) and the notion of not moving more than few hours from home are too good to pass up a chance on. They are notoriously kind to IS students, offering auto interview invites to applicants with 30 or better and weighted GPA of 3.5 or better. I have the weighted GPA (on their scale mine is 3.55), but don't want to risk not having a good enough mcat.

Originally Posted by Doc Henry

The one and ONLY reason I'm considering retaking is for my IS MD school UWSOM. The IS tuition (~17,000) and the notion of not moving more than few hours from home are too good to pass up a chance on. They are notoriously kind to IS students, offering auto interview invites to applicants with 30 or better and weighted GPA of 3.5 or better. I have the weighted GPA (on their scale mine is 3.55), but don't want to risk not having a good enough mcat.

ahhh i see. thats a pretty good reason to retake. i was unaware of your MD aspirations.

as far as DO though i dont see a reason to delay submitting the app so that you can wait for your other MCAT score. you can just update it throughout the process. if you submit now i imagine you would be pretty set for the DO schools.

Originally Posted by ryserr21

ahhh i see. thats a pretty good reason to retake. i was unaware of your MD aspirations.

as far as DO though i dont see a reason to delay submitting the app so that you can wait for your other MCAT score. you can just update it throughout the process. if you submit now i imagine you would be pretty set for the DO schools.

Thats the plan. In fact I plan on submitting both DO and MD apps before I retake.
Bleh! I really don't want to retake

Just got my MCAT results and it was below what I expected. 26Q (9/6/11)

I just entered all my coursework and grades:

My cum is 3.18
non-science is 2.99
science is 3.82

I graduated back in 1997 with a cum of 2.69. It was filled with lots of B/C some Ds and even a few Fs. Seven years later I went back and got my master's and got a 3.72 GPA. Then enrolled in a post-bac where I've gotten a 4.0 in all my pre-req and some upper division (biochem/physio).

I'm in CA so was planning on applying to the schools here and also doing research to apply to other schools. But after just seeing my scores, especially the 6 on verbal, I'm not sure about my chances. The next date I could take the test is 7/8 and I'm wondering if I should apply early with 26Q or wait?