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if i have 5 interviews so far, i should get in at least 1 school yea? i hope my interviews go well- sucks that my first choice school will be my 1st interview!! 🙁
The 2011-2012 Underdog Thread
- Thread starter DJack
- Start date
Not neccessarily. Its not unheard of to get waitlisted at multiple schools and not get in. Don't be overconfident; nothing is guaranteed until u get that acceptance letter. That said, if u interview fine, I can see you getting in multiple places. Good luck!
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So I know I'm not technically considered an underdog based on those numbers, but I sure as hell feel like one, and I'm rooting for all the underdogs!
I was a little late in sending out my secondary apps which is definitely going to hold me back :/ but I do have two interview invites! To KCUMB and AZCOM...
Good luck everyone! It's great to see a few acceptances already, let's keep them coming!
I was a little late in sending out my secondary apps which is definitely going to hold me back :/ but I do have two interview invites! To KCUMB and AZCOM...
Good luck everyone! It's great to see a few acceptances already, let's keep them coming!
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Congrats. Did you try for NYCOM/PCOM or SGU?
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not a single interview. azcom placed me on hold for an interview and have not heard from a single place apart from that. woww this cycle is going worst then i thot 🙁 and ive been complete for more than 3 weeks at many places 🙁
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Don't worry, it is still very early in the cycle. If it were January then perhaps I may be nervous but right now you have many more months of interviewing to come. I get antsy too wishing I have heard from more places at this point but I just have to keep reminding myself it is still really early and it may take time for schools to get to reviewing everyone's apps.
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Hey Laiba, I don't know what your situation is specifically (if you've already graduated, what your GPA/MCAT is, etc.) but I would definitely spend the next few months beefing up your application. You weren't rejected, just put on hold. Do some shadowing, do some volunteering, sign up for a few fall semester classes (if it's not too late), do some research, work somewhere, anything.
You can send AZCOM a letter of interest and tell them why they should interview you. As GlimmerGlass said, it's pretty early in the cycle, and you can definitely strengthen yourself as an applicant by January.
Stay optimistic! Although this is my first time going through the application process, I've learned that optimism and patience are absolutely crucial to not having a nervous breakdown.
I am on the same boat as you. Stay strong!!
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trust me I know how you guys feel. It can be very difficult watching other people, sometimes with lower stats than you bieng granted interviews and acceptances. If you have any questions please feel free to PM me and I will try and help as much as I can.
This is from an undergawg that didnt get in last year but did this year.
This is from an undergawg that didnt get in last year but did this year.
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Yes I have applied to both DO schools. I applied to SGU, but I am torn about actually completing the app (I don't know how I'd like to be out of the country for that long). I've completed the secondaries for both PCOM campuses, but NYCOM has yet to send me a secondary app yet. It's been almost a month. That's the only school I didn't get a secondary from. Weird?
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Ask away, I'll tell you what you want to know. (As unbiased as possible)
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Hey guys,
I'm pretty sure I can be considered an underdog.
sGPA 3.18
cGPA 3.34
MCAT 23Q (8B/7V/8P)
How are my chances looking, i'm really nervous...
I'm pretty sure I can be considered an underdog.
sGPA 3.18
cGPA 3.34
MCAT 23Q (8B/7V/8P)
How are my chances looking, i'm really nervous...
Statistically, not good bro. Below average GPA with a below average MCAT 🙁 Can you do some retakes of your science classes? You might get some love from a few schools especially if you live near one of the regionally biased schools, but it's not a good outlook.
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You want to bring both up. MCAT is at the cutoff point for many schools, and the your sGPA isn't amazing. You're going to need to retake some C's in your sciences, and you're definitely going to have to retake the MCAT. With a sGPA <3.3 you'll need an above-average MCAT of >28+.
Also, you're going to need some amazing EC's. Work on shadowing and building up hours of clinical experience, and pump up your volunteering hours non-clinically as well. Positions of leadership look great.
Start working on all this NOW so that next year you'll show up with piles of improvement to show for. Get into fall classes to retake if it's not too late.
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I suggest you use the AAMC practice tests and the new study guide. It worked for me.
As someone who will be mostly likely reapplying (I do have a small glimmer of hope in me for no reason other than I haven't been completely rejected yet), do you mind sharing what you did different. I hope I'm not having you repeat yourself, if so my bad. I only read the one post I quoted😛
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Sure thing!
My main problem last time I applied is I never had a DO rec letter (or a rec letter to begin with); thus, I couldn't send in any secondaries except for LECOM. Other than that, I didn't really do too much other than continue my volunteer work/leadership/research/EC's.
I looked at your MDapps. Your GPA and MCAT are really bringing you down. I'd even go as far as to say that any rejection you get this cycle would be for those reasons. Since I think you're already planning to reapply next cycle, focus all your powers on these 2 aspects of your application. Retake your MCAT, shoot for a 30+ to compensate for your GPA. Then, retake as many science classes as you can and do your best in them. As your science GPA increases, your cumulative GPA will increase as well.
But yea, do whatever you can do to raise that GPA and MCAT. That should be your only focus.
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Count me in... 2.98/2.61 cum/sci undergrad gpa - raised up to a 3.29/3.35 cum/sci gpa... taking MCAT 9/10 and applying to all the NY allos, NYCOM/PCOM/AZCOM/LECOM etc DOs, and SGU.
with about 20 credits of upper div bio classes and retaking orgo. though the grades wont be on my app for this cycle, im retaking a bio and psych class i got a C- and D in which will raise my cum gpa up to a 3.45 almost, in addition to taking biochem and mammalian physio.
with about 20 credits of upper div bio classes and retaking orgo. though the grades wont be on my app for this cycle, im retaking a bio and psych class i got a C- and D in which will raise my cum gpa up to a 3.45 almost, in addition to taking biochem and mammalian physio.
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i have almost the exact same stats as u...and i havent received an interview invite. i hope i do i reallyyy want one at this school 🙁
when were u complete?
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Hey there! When were you complete there? I was complete 8/31, but from my understanding my turn-around time was abnormally short. I had previous contact with the school, so I think that might have sped things along for me.
MCAT: 25R
GPA is 3.49/3.3
~4 yrs of full time healthcare experience
TN resident
I would hold out hope for sure. For LMU this is still really early in the process. They start a little later than some other schools. I'm sure you'll get the call any day now. I'll cross my fingers for ya!
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Laiba send in a letter of interest. If dcom is your number one choice that is. I sent out an email to jannette last year on a Thursday after I was told my file was placed on hold. I then received an interview invite the following Tuesday. They want students that want to go there. Which is why I think they like reapplicants a lot. Gl
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well i wudnt say its my number ONE choice...but yeah its one of the top ones. i havent been placed on hold yet my file is under process. but yeah how do u write a letter of intent? i mean i havent really done anything to improve my application can i still write LOI?
wud anybody be able to give me an example of how to write a LOI?
vandyam: ohh you are In state! im sure that helps a lot 🙁 i was just complete recently like end of last week. well i havent even received a complete email but the lady on the phone said everything is in :s
thanks a lott!!
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You haven't even received a complete email yet? Lol you aren't out of the woodwork yet. I would wait till october. If you haven't heard anything since then, then I would think about writing an loi. As for writing one, do some research on the net. There's tons of examples.
Bieng from the region helps but per my interview last year they accept people from everywhere across the us.
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Who knows. Are you instate or out? Apparently they bias pretty decently between the two groups.
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Yeah I'm out of state (Illinois). KCUMB hasn't responded yet either... HMMM. So this is completely off topic, but people this year have commented that if someone receives a secondary for TUCOM-NY that they will be almost guaranteed an interview. Has anyone experienced this? Thanks guys 😎
You can refer to school specific thread for TUCOM-NY, but yes, secondary = interview.
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Good Job! Congrats!
I am sharing this information, because only a few months ago after my second try at the MCAT I thought there was no chance for me. Now I am applying this cycle for DO schools. My advice: Don't stop trying, but don't waste time and money if you haven't confronted your weaknesses with this exam.
1st MCAT 4/24/10 : 20K (9BS,8PS,3VS)
2nd MCAT 1/28/11: 23Q (10BS,8PS, 5VS)
3rd MCAT 7/28/11: 27Q (10BS, 8PS, 9VS)
Science gpa 3.61
Overall gpa 3.63
Shadowing DO ~ 50 hours
REU research
Submitted my AACOMAS on 9/7/11, I am a little anxious. I hope I didnt wait too long to submit. Should I be worried about getting interviews?
1st MCAT 4/24/10 : 20K (9BS,8PS,3VS)
2nd MCAT 1/28/11: 23Q (10BS,8PS, 5VS)
3rd MCAT 7/28/11: 27Q (10BS, 8PS, 9VS)
Science gpa 3.61
Overall gpa 3.63
Shadowing DO ~ 50 hours
REU research
Submitted my AACOMAS on 9/7/11, I am a little anxious. I hope I didnt wait too long to submit. Should I be worried about getting interviews?
Above average on GPA, about averageish (maybe a little above) on the MCAT. You should be fine getting interviews. Don't sweat it, but if you just submitted your primary then you will be waiting a while to hear back from schools (1 month+ for secondaries, then who knows how long for interviews?) One concern: is that all your Extracurricular? You might want to start doing more things like volunteering at a Clinic and at a soup kitchen.
Also, with your stats, you aren't an underdog anymore so GTFO!
p.s. just kidding, but no really, GTFO.
p.s.s. You can stay and support the underdawgs. 👍
Thanks, DrWily! I am so relieved that my score improved so much, I was afraid I couldn't break a 6 on the verbal.
Those aren't the only extracurricular, but I have done volunteering, lab assisting, and participated in clubs during undergrad.
Underdogs, I can't stress how important taking AAMC official practice exams was in my preparation for the MCAT. This might be the case for you too! It wasn't until the third try that I took practice seriously. Good luck to all of you!
Those aren't the only extracurricular, but I have done volunteering, lab assisting, and participated in clubs during undergrad.
Underdogs, I can't stress how important taking AAMC official practice exams was in my preparation for the MCAT. This might be the case for you too! It wasn't until the third try that I took practice seriously. Good luck to all of you!
Yes, they are expensive, but definitely worth the price. $300 is a drop in the bucket compared to this whole process and you might as well bite the bullet and pay for them. The free one #3 is way easier compared to the other ones so it gives a false sense of security. I'm definitely glad I did them all. I started taking them one month before my real test date and did a FL every 4 days, using the next day to review my mistakes, take 1 day off to go over material that was identified as my weaknesses, then one day of rest before the next FL. When I actually took the real test, it was just like any other day because I had already been doing my cycle for a month.
I pretty much did the same thing. I took #3 when I prepared the second time, but mostly focused on content review which did not help me address my weakness, verbal.
So, I decided to buy four AAMC exams (8,9,10,11) and my scores ranged from a 26 to 30. When I wasn't taking exams I was just practicing verbal passages, timing myself to see how long I need per passage, and reviewing equations, reactions and such.
I took official practice tests during the 3 weeks before the exam and review my mistakes the next day. The last two, 10 and 11, I took the weekend before the real thing. Unfortunately these were my lowest scores (26 and 28) but when I sat for the real thing I just felt like I was sitting for another practice test. It truly helps if the stress and anxiety get to you on test day.
So, I decided to buy four AAMC exams (8,9,10,11) and my scores ranged from a 26 to 30. When I wasn't taking exams I was just practicing verbal passages, timing myself to see how long I need per passage, and reviewing equations, reactions and such.
I took official practice tests during the 3 weeks before the exam and review my mistakes the next day. The last two, 10 and 11, I took the weekend before the real thing. Unfortunately these were my lowest scores (26 and 28) but when I sat for the real thing I just felt like I was sitting for another practice test. It truly helps if the stress and anxiety get to you on test day.
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I completely agree with this.
I just interviewed at lecom-b. I wanted to let everyone here know that if you do get an interview at this school are have one coming up do LOTS of reading on PBL, and be prepared to answer why PBL is right for you other than you are an independent learner or love working in groups. Pretty much that is all the interview questions revolve around. Good luck everyone!
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Updated front page. Lookin' good everyone!
Personal update: Not a single peep from ANY med school in at least 3 weeks, maybe a month. I thought I would at least be getting rejections, but that's not even happening.
Positive note: I get my new MCAT a week from Tuesday. Fingers crossed.
Sorry I have been a little less active than I was in the summer... my classes have started and they are super tough (Microbio, Biochem, Evolution, Cadaver Prosection, and one non-sci related class) I'm really trying to do well in them, especially since one school has put me on hold not for my new MCAT, but my fall semester grades. However, I will still be on quite a bit to update everything.
Best of luck everyone!
Personal update: Not a single peep from ANY med school in at least 3 weeks, maybe a month. I thought I would at least be getting rejections, but that's not even happening.
Positive note: I get my new MCAT a week from Tuesday. Fingers crossed.
Sorry I have been a little less active than I was in the summer... my classes have started and they are super tough (Microbio, Biochem, Evolution, Cadaver Prosection, and one non-sci related class) I'm really trying to do well in them, especially since one school has put me on hold not for my new MCAT, but my fall semester grades. However, I will still be on quite a bit to update everything.
Best of luck everyone!
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It seems that LECOM-Erie is the underdog sanctuary!
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Sorry to hear about your troubles DJack. I'm sure things will start moving once you get your new MCAT score!!! It's only September. There's still MONTHS of interviewing season left!
And don't worry about updating the front page. Your academics come first.
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Good luck, DJack. I hope things look up for you!
Thank you!!
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That's a load sh..t of science classes... I am overwhelmed taking only biochem and genetics...but again I work full time. I am wondering how you do it? I predicted that your mcat score will be 26+...
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Received interview invite today for WCUCOM!! 😀
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Yay!!
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Thanks! My fingers look like this...
Thank you!
Haha not sure about the 26. I sure hope so though!
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Add me to the list as well. My stats ... 3.66 CGPA, 3.71 SGPA and a 20 MCAT 6, 8, 6. I retook it on Aug. 18th and get the results back on Sept. 20th.
I applied to 25 DO schools and got ten secondaries. A few schools are just waiting for my Sept. 20th results. I am holding off until get my results back. At $50.00 a pop, it can add up.
I did apply to 3 Caribs schools too ... I had one interview at Ross, and SGU and AUC are waiting for my new MCAT score ... Ahhhhh the pressure 😱
I applied to 25 DO schools and got ten secondaries. A few schools are just waiting for my Sept. 20th results. I am holding off until get my results back. At $50.00 a pop, it can add up.
I did apply to 3 Caribs schools too ... I had one interview at Ross, and SGU and AUC are waiting for my new MCAT score ... Ahhhhh the pressure 😱
