Need help!!

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fullset

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MCAT:

1st attempt (6/17/10): BS: 9, PS: 10, Verbal: 6🙁, Writing: P 25P
2nd attempt (8/24/10): BS: 10, PS: 11, Verbal: 7 (slightly less 🙁 than 1st time, but 🙁 nonetheless), Writing: Q 28Q

Here's the hard part:

VERIFIED GRADE POINT AVERAGES
GPA Calculations will appear only when your application status is Processed StatusBCPMAOTotalGPAHoursGPAHoursGPAHoursHigh School Freshman 1.00 16.00 0.48 21.00 0.70 37.00 Sophomore 2.44 16.00 2.75 20.00 2.61 36.00 Junior 3.82 26.60 3.53 11.30 3.74 37.90 Senior 3.87 60.30 3.92 26.40 3.88 86.70 Postbaccalaureate Undergraduate Cumulative Undergraduate 3.28 118.90 2.65 78.70 3.03 197.60 Graduate Supplemental Hours:P/F - Pass: P/F - Fail: A/P: 6.60 CLEP: OTHER: MCAT TEST SCORES
(NR) Not Released * Non-Standardized Condition (C) Computer-Based Test DateVerbalPhy SciEssayBio SciTotal06/17/2010 06 10 P 09 25P 08/24/2010 07 11 Q 10 28Q Addl 2010 MCAT Intent Date: 08/24/2010

Applied to a LOT of schools, but 1 interview at MCG and a "hold for interview" at Meharry. Rejections from all other schools and waiting to hear anything from 3 schools. But since its so late and I haven't heard, I'm expecting a silent rejection.

Here are the good things:

Working at a level 1 trauma center for ~2 years. Finished my undergrad at MCG with a B.S in clinical lab science. 1 semester of research (an undergrad class at MCG, no publications). Excellent LOR (1 from the laboratory director...he is an MD/PhD, also an assistant professor at a School of Medicine. 2nd LOR from Asst Med Dir of emergency room at the trauma center I work at. 3rd LOR from my supervisor. 4th LOR from my program director at MCG. 5th LOR from my program director at another institution (the one I went to before MCG). All LOR are EXCELLENT (I read all of them except for one from program director at MCG, but I know she's written an amazing LOR).

I shadowed the 2 physicians I got LORs from. I volunteered at the ER at the trauma center.

There is definitely an upward trend on my GPA. I also improved 1 point across the board on my 2nd MCAT. Also it doesn't list my summer 2010 and fall 2010 grades at MCG.

Fall 2010: 15 credit hours with a 4.0
Summer 2010: 17 credit hours with a 3.70

I am taking physics 2 this semester for which I should get an A. I also have decently good other ECs.

I thought my interview went well, but just found out last week that I am on hold, so they will continue to review my application and compare it with overall competitiveness of the applicant pool.

I e-mailed the Dean of Admissions and hopefully I'll be able to get an appointment or something. I intend to drive to MCG (~2.5 hour drive) and handing my letter of intent in person.


I work the night shift and if I do get an appointment, I'll leave directly from work (in scrubs). Do I need to dress up once again in a suit like I did for the interview or will keeping the scrubs on look more "medical" and hence more of a person who they can "see" as being a doctor?

Obviously, I am running out of options and need help! (what an understatement).
 
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I thought it was going to do my gpa in table form, but i guess it didn't.

VERIFIED GRADE POINT AVERAGES
GPA Calculations will appear only when your application status is Processed StatusBCPMAOTotalGPAHoursGPAHoursGPAHoursHigh School Freshman 1.00 16.00 0.48 21.00 0.70 37.00 Sophomore 2.44 16.00 2.75 20.00 2.61 36.00 Junior 3.82 26.60 3.53 11.30 3.74 37.90 Senior 3.87 60.30 3.92 26.40 3.88 86.70 Postbaccalaureate Undergraduate Cumulative Undergraduate 3.28 118.90 2.65 78.70 3.03 197.60 Graduate Supplemental Hours:P/F - Pass: P/F - Fail: A/P: 6.60 CLEP: OTHER: MCAT TEST SCORES
(NR) Not Released * Non-Standardized Condition (C) Computer-Based Test DateVerbalPhy SciEssayBio SciTotal06/17/2010 06 10 P 09 25P 08/24/2010 07 11 Q 10 28Q Addl 2010 MCAT Intent Date: 08/24/2010
 
BCPM AO Total

Freshman: GPA 1.00, Hours 16.00 GPA: 0.48, Hours 21 GPA: 0.7, 37
Soph: GPA 2.44, Hours 16 GPA: 2.75, Hours 20 GPA: 2.61, 36
Junior: GPA 3.82, Hours 26.6 GPA: 3.53, Hrs 11.3 GPA:3.74,37.9
Senior: GPA 3.87, Hours 60.3 GPA: 3.92, Hrs 26.4 GPA: 3.88,86.7

Cumm: GPA 3.28, Hrs 118.9 GPA: 2.65, Hrs 78.7 GPA: 3.03, 197.6

Like I said in my original post, it doesn't include summer & fall 2010 grades. Plus I'm taking physics 2 this semester.
 
Your grades as well as MCAT are low for MD schools. You obviously know that and are working to rectify it, but I think more repair is necessary before you apply again. If you are willing to go to a DO school you probably have a shot, but your gpa is still a bit low...(I was a bit confused the way you wrote it there, is it a 3.2cum and 3.03sci?). If that's true, you would probably need to try and get them up a little still by using grade replacement. You can retake classes for DO schools and only the most recent class is calculated in to the gpa, so it is much faster to repair than MD who only add that class into your gpa along with the old one. Another thing I noticed was that most schools want 2 science LOR and one non-science LOR from professors who have taught you in a class...and it seems like your only LOR's come from people who have supervised you. It is possible that you were never "complete" at many schools. Did you get the "complete" e-mail (most schools send them when they have everything...saying you are now complete and under review)?
 
I did get an e-mail saying that I was complete. My program directors actually taught me higher level bio classes.
 
Bcpm gpa 3.28, cum gpa 3.03 plus classes from summer and fall. Don't you think there is a good enough upward trend to atleast warrant a closer look? Also is it too late to apply to do schools now?
 
I think you need to re-take the MCAT. Your two verbal scores are both below an 8, and I believe that most schools won't even consider you for an interview unless you have a VS of 8 or greater.
 
The upward trend is good, but coupled with the lower MCAT I'm not sure if it is good enough. At this point, I'm pretty sure AMCAS won't let you add anymore schools, plus it I wouldn't think they would look at your app much anyway because most of the class is probably full, and with your lower stats it probably just wouldn't work. Your best bet (in my opinion) is to take some retakes this semester/summer if you can, and apply EARLY to MD and DO schools next cycle. If you want MD, you might want to consider retaking the MCAT too. With a high gpa, schools are more likely to look at you with a lower MCAT and vice versa, but with both a low gpa (even with the upward trend) and the MCAT I wouldn't be super hopeful. Not saying it can't be done!! But, I would hate for you to have to go through another unsuccessful cycle...this whole process is so stressful! Also, another problem could be if you applied late. You are more likely to get looked at with lower stats earlier in the season...and it looks like you might have been complete near October (if you told schools to wait until you had your new MCAT score...and that is WAY too late for someone with marginal numbers. Take away: Take more classes (retakes if your willing to go DO), retake MCAT (for MD...you are fine if you want to try DO), and apply the first day AMCAS and AACOMAS opens. Good luck.
 
Oh, I just saw that you were asking about applying to DO schools now, not more MD schools. I'm not sure about the AACOMAS deadlines (I think it might still be open), and most secondaries for DO schools are open through March (some as late as May I think). However, this late in the cycle, and with your low gpa I'm not sure if you would get any bites. If you have extra money, go for it, but I wouldn't expect too too much. They are definitely still interviewing and accepting people though, and your MCAT is above average, so you may get some interest.
 
fullset said:
I work the night shift and if I do get an appointment, I'll leave directly from work (in scrubs). Do I need to dress up once again in a suit like I did for the interview or will keeping the scrubs on look more "medical" and hence more of a person who they can "see" as being a doctor?.
Click to expand...
Yes. Always look your most professional when interacting with a dean.

Maybe you can figure out your current cGPA and BCPM with this:
AMCAS GPA calculator: http://medschool.ucsf.edu/postbac/pdf/AMCAS%20GPA_Calculator%20Version%204%20Final.xls
 
I'll start applying to DO schools right away. I don't really care about MD vs DO, although if given a choice, I would go for MD. I've also started applying to a couple of schools in Carribean. I am trying to open more possibilities. I applied EDP at MCG and when they said no, I applied to a bunch of schools. I felt that my stats wasn't going to make anyone on the adcom jumping in their seats so I thought about going with EDP. I still think it was a decent decision since MCG is the only place I've been asked for an interview. Do DO schools ask for LOR from pre-req profs? I didn't do secondaries at Howard and New York Medical b/c they specifically asked for pre-req prof LOR. My professor for Gen chem and Orgo retired. I had 4 bio profs and I took it back in 2005 or 2006, so they wouldn't even remember. I took physics 1 and now taking physics 2 at community college b/c of the convenience. If I don't get in this cycle, I am thinking of enrolling at a nearby university and probably take cell bio, endocrinology, and may be some other classes? Am really surprised that there is only one SMP program in Georgia per AAMC website!
 
Catalystik said:
Yes. Always look your most professional when interacting with a dean.

Maybe you can figure out your current cGPA and BCPM with this:
AMCAS GPA calculator: http://medschool.ucsf.edu/postbac/pdf/AMCAS%20GPA_Calculator%20Version%204%20Final.xls
Click to expand...

Just a couple of semesters of coursework, and I guess my sGPA probly goes up to 3.32 or something from 3.28. I have 197 hours listed on my AMCAS transcript, so a few more hours won't really affect my GPA, although it does make for a good positive slope on my GPA graph, lol. But overall, in your honest opinion, what do you think my chances are? If not good, what should I do to make it better for next year?
 
Just realized that AAMC has 86.7 credit hours for my senior year!
 
Do not act impulsively. Before you rush out and apply to AACOMAS, which is unlikely to end well this late in the cycle if you have subpar numbers and no DO Letter of Recommendation, maybe you could figure out your AACOMAS cGPA (with only the retake grade, provided the credit hours are the same or greater) and science GPA (which doesn't include math). DO GPA calculation spreadsheet: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=450050
 
One thing I know for sure is that I am not retaking the MCAT. So is it wiser to just wait for MCG to accept me, and apply really early to a bunch of places next cycle in case I am put on waitlist and don't get accepted until late June or something? I am not that averse to carribean either...I saw one doctor practicing int. med at the hospital I work at and he went to Ross.
 
Yeah but having gone through the pain and agony, not to mention severe score anxiety twice, taking theon beast three times is not something I want to get into. I might do it if I don't get in this year. also I don't think that my score will go up substantially.
 
Total180 said:
The upward trend is good, but coupled with the lower MCAT I'm not sure if it is good enough. At this point, I'm pretty sure AMCAS won't let you add anymore schools, plus it I wouldn't think they would look at your app much anyway because most of the class is probably full, and with your lower stats it probably just wouldn't work. Your best bet (in my opinion) is to take some retakes this semester/summer if you can, and apply EARLY to MD and DO schools next cycle. If you want MD, you might want to consider retaking the MCAT too. With a high gpa, schools are more likely to look at you with a lower MCAT and vice versa, but with both a low gpa (even with the upward trend) and the MCAT I wouldn't be super hopeful. Not saying it can't be done!! But, I would hate for you to have to go through another unsuccessful cycle...this whole process is so stressful! Also, another problem could be if you applied late. You are more likely to get looked at with lower stats earlier in the season...and it looks like you might have been complete near October (if you told schools to wait until you had your new MCAT score...and that is WAY too late for someone with marginal numbers. Take away: Take more classes (retakes if your willing to go DO), retake MCAT (for MD...you are fine if you want to try DO), and apply the first day AMCAS and AACOMAS opens. Good luck.
Click to expand...

I re-took most of the classes I did bad in. You probably don't know, and I hope no one ever has to find out how hard it is to bring your gpa up from 0.7 after ~ 37 credit hours to about 3.1ish. I think if I calculate my gpa with grade forgiveness, it might come to 3.8 or 3.9ish. I just pray that I get in this year so I don't have to go through this again!
 
fullset said:
I re-took most of the classes I did bad in. You probably don't know, and I hope no one ever has to find out how hard it is to bring your gpa up from 0.7 after ~ 37 credit hours to about 3.1ish. I think if I calculate my gpa with grade forgiveness, it might come to 3.8 or 3.9ish. I just pray that I get in this year so I don't have to go through this again!
Click to expand...

I definitely wasn't trying to belittle the work that you have put in to get where you are 👍. I think it is awesome. In that case, I would get your stuff in to AACOMAS ASAP. With your stats you might as well try (as long as you don't get your hopes up too high, and you have the money to do it again if you have to). Also, a lot of schools require a letter of recommendation from a DO, but some will take one from an MD or DO so make sure you look up which schools require what. I definitely understand not wanting to take the MCAT again, and in that case DO schools seem to be your best option. Good luck! Let us know how everything turns out!
 
Total180 said:
I definitely wasn't trying to belittle the work that you have put in to get where you are 👍. I think it is awesome. In that case, I would get your stuff in to AACOMAS ASAP. With your stats you might as well try (as long as you don't get your hopes up too high, and you have the money to do it again if you have to). Also, a lot of schools require a letter of recommendation from a DO, but some will take one from an MD or DO so make sure you look up which schools require what. I definitely understand not wanting to take the MCAT again, and in that case DO schools seem to be your best option. Good luck! Let us know how everything turns out!
Click to expand...
Thank you for your kind words. So far, my problems are (1) getting a LOR from DO. I think most schools require a DO letter. I don't know of any DO doctors, but its more b/c I never looked whether a clinician was a MD or DO. My other problem is (2) getting LOR from pre-req profs. I need to do some serious research on DO schools. Any schools on top of your head that help me get around my 2 problems?

Thanks
 
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So I'm on a waitlist for one school. Their waitlist is ranked already. I have one update left to send (my final grades for physics 2 lab and lecture). A little movement on the waitlist has started. What is a good way to better my chances? Call the admissions office?? Any suggestions?
 
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