MCAT 30Q, non-traditional

I just wanted to get some feedback to see if I am competitive this cycle. I applied to 15 schools but since submitting my secondary’s I have heard very little.

30Q MCAT (11, 8, 11)
Current GPA: 4.0
Past GPA: 2.52

I was in college right out of high school and did really well at junior college but when I transferred to a university, family problems and lack of confidence sank my GPA. I joined the military during my junior year in school to find guidance and gain experience. I served 6 years of active duty, including two tours to Iraq. I excelled in the military, also gaining leadership experience. After being in Iraq during my first tour and working aside our medic I set the goal to go to medical school once I got home and out of the military.

After getting out, I completed school for clinical massage therapy so I would be able to work while going back to school to complete my bachelors. During massage school I earned a 3.9 GPA and was top of my class. I am now attending my local university, where I am majoring in Biological Science. I was asked to join the honors college after one semester, earning a 4.0 GPA from the very start. I started my first semester back in 2008 and will graduate this spring in 2011. I not only attended the fall and spring semesters each year but also my summer sessions, every time earning a 4.0.

Shadowing: a pediatrician, endocrinologist, and orthopedic surgeon
Volunteer work: reading to school children in the military, letting soldiers with families go home while I voluntarily stayed behind two months to pack up, rebuilding schools in Iraq, assisting in Operation Pencil Box in Iraq, Chicago Marathon Massage Tent each year, Chicago Cares rebuilding schools event each year, working with a disability group on social skills, worked on a healthcare innovation conference with one of my honors prof. and much more.
Research: 1.5 years of research at a VA clinic working on a Vitamin D study
Tutored: tutored Chemistry to other undergrads for 4 semesters

I have six very strong letters of recommendation from three professors, my honors college dean, one doctor and my commanding officer.

Since I am a non-traditional applicant any feedback would be great, thank you.

What is your AMCAS GPA and BCPM, and how many credit hours have you taken since getting out of the army (including massage therapy school)?

Catalystik said:

What is your AMCAS GPA and BCPM, and how many credit hours have you taken since getting out of the army (including massage therapy school)?

Click to expand...

AMCAS GPA & BCPM: 3.0

I have redone all of the BCPM classes with an A for each course.

65 credits at University
750 clinic hours at massage school, 11 months

For nontrads, some schools give less weight to early grades, giving them a better chance than seems apparent. The reason for the maxim "apply broadly" is that you're likely to invoke this consideration at some schools. Other than your early GPA, your application is good, with sufficient, excellent recent coursework to convince adcomms that you have potential to do well in their program. Chances for this cycle also depend on how early you were complete at every school. The later you finished sending in Secondaries, the worse one's chances are at this time of the year.

Did you apply to DO med schools also? Your AACOMAS GPA would be much higher, due to their grade forgiveness policy, since you've retaken a lot of courses.

If MD is your only goal, you might consider applying to SMPs this spring. Rosalind Franklin, Loyola, and Midwestern U (at least) have them in the state of Illinois. Getting a high GPA in such a program would override your low cGPA. Yo can read more about them in the Postbac Programs Forum.

You have a decent chance, maybe 30% with the GPA and MCAT (based on 2005-2007 stats). Probably a bit higher because you are an interesting one.
I depends on your personal statement and interviews, I think you will get in based on your military exp tho.