19P on MCAT? Has anyone gotten into a DO school with that?

[hmania]

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19P on my Mcat, 3.75gpa with 3.7sgpa. I have taken the Mcat two times already and will try for a third. I admit that I am have the worst test taking skills ever, but will go ahead and apply this for this coming year. I just wanted to know if anyone has ever gotten into a DO school. I know there are a few out there, but what was the "sparkle" that the admissions board saw in you. Please share to give me hope.😳

 

[deleted357625]

What did you score the first time
are you URM?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Probably under 50 out of ~10,000 people get in with a 19 a year. Alright, before we go any further I need to ask, how did you study for the test? Do you have any ideas as to why you might have obtained such a low score twice, other than a general low aptitude for standardized tests? ( Do you have anything that warrants increased time accommodations, etc?)

 

[GIpremed]

I just wanted to know if anyone has ever gotten into a DO school

Ha
Yes, it happens every year (I couldn't help it) And I seem to remember there was quite a commotion recently on a thread where someone pointed out a matriculant who was linked to a 14 on it. Lots of speculation on the ECs, gpas and a possible higher retake score of that person. Your gpas look great to me! Not sure of the other details but I wish I could have those gpas for my app season...

 

[CopToEM]

Yes, as long as you're well rounded everywhere else anything is possible. Apply EARLY, very early. June 1st would be ideal.

 

[hmania]

Probably under 50 out of ~10,000 people get in with a 19 a year. Alright, before we go any further I need to ask, how did you study for the test? Do you have any ideas as to why you might have obtained such a low score twice, other than a general low aptitude for standardized tests? ( Do you have anything that warrants increased time accommodations, etc?)

first time (19P), studied by myself and read/ took notes/ did practice aamc exams all the way until the week of. I average about 24. Not to be too personal about this or earn pity points, but about 1 month before the mcat my sister was killed by a underage drunk driver. That distracted my thoughts. The second time (17O) I had paid a tutor for 5 months straight to help me focus on weak areas, I took it in april (during the school semester with the min. 12hrs (but pretty intense bio classes).

 

[hmania]

Ha
Yes, it happens every year (I couldn't help it) And I seem to remember there was quite a commotion recently on a thread where someone pointed out a matriculant who was linked to a 14 on it. Lots of speculation on the ECs, gpas and a possible higher retake score of that person. Your gpas look great to me! Not sure of the other details but I wish I could have those gpas for my app season...

Thanks for the complement. I just wished my mcat score would have followed. I read both the DO and MD forums and there are people with a 2.9 gpa getting 30s. Here I am the exact opposite. In the end, I still cannot figure out the correlation.

 

[Bacchus]

You need to find the underlying etiology of your test taking difficulties. I would not apply with a 17 or a 19. Applying early doesn't guarantee an acceptance. Your university should have programs in place to assess study skills, evaluate for learning difficulties, teach test taking strategies, etc. I would contact the Academic Affairs or Student Affairs office and find out what resources are available to you. Your GPA suggests that over the long haul you're able to perform academically. I don't think its your background that's holding you back, rather some difficulty in taking exams.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

first time (19P), studied by myself and read/ took notes/ did practice aamc exams all the way until the week of. I average about 24. Not to be too personal about this or earn pity points, but about 1 month before the mcat my sister was killed by a underage drunk driver. That distracted my thoughts. The second time (17O) I had paid a tutor for 5 months straight to help me focus on weak areas, I took it in april (during the school semester with the min. 12hrs (but pretty intense bio classes).

What was your break down? Is there a particular section you're doing bad in? I'm not sure but you may need a more structured and intensive study plan, something like a prep course of doing the 90-120 day plan on the Mcat prep forum.Btw when you're taking it do you feel like you're not finishing things on time? Or are you reading the passages too long?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

You need to find the underlying etiology of your test taking difficulties. I would not apply with a 17 or a 19. Applying early doesn't guarantee an acceptance. Your university should have programs in place to assess study skills, evaluate for learning difficulties, teach test taking strategies, etc. I would contact the Academic Affairs or Student Affairs office and find out what resources are available to you. Your GPA suggests that over the long haul you're able to perform academically. I don't think its your background that's holding you back, rather some difficulty in taking exams.

This.

 

[somekindof]

It's possible to get in with a 19, but it is not probable. Heck, I've heard of someone with a 14 getting into an MD school a few years back, but you have to realize that these are extreme examples that occur rarely. Applying with that type of score is a long shot at best to any school. If you plan to take the MCAT again, I wouldn't waste the energy applying until then.

 

[MedPR]

It's possible to get in with a 19, but it is not probable. Heck, I've heard of someone with a 14 getting into an MD school a few years back, but you have to realize that these are extreme examples that occur rarely. Applying with that type of score is a long shot at best to any school. If you plan to take the MCAT again, I wouldn't waste the energy applying until then.

Yea, but he also had a 12 and 13 on the other two sections.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Yea, but he also had a 12 and 13 on the other two sections.

Want to try that math again?

Take home message do not let exceptions/outliers set a precedent or rule. It is very unlikely and thus should not be expected at all.

 

[MedPR]

Want to try that math again?

Take home message do not let exceptions/outliers set a precedent or rule. It is very unlikely and thus should not be expected at all.

I meant that the 14 the poster was referring to one a single section score, not total score 😛

 

[cabinbuilder]

19P on my Mcat, 3.75gpa with 3.7sgpa. I have taken the Mcat two times already and will try for a third. I admit that I am have the worst test taking skills ever, but will go ahead and apply this for this coming year. I just wanted to know if anyone has ever gotten into a DO school. I know there are a few out there, but what was the "sparkle" that the admissions board saw in you. Please share to give me hope.😳

You really need to figure out what your test taking issues are because medical school is all about exams and every week at that. The board exams are no joke and if you can pass the MCAT they look at that exam as a reflection of how you will do on the boards.

The "board exam" consists of 4 parts:
Step I
Step II
Step II Physical exam
Step III

Then the Board Certification Exam

If you fail any one of these steps more than once it affects your ability to get into residency and it affects your ability to get licensed in certain states. They ask you how may times you have taken each step. Most schools now will not graduate you if you fail step I or step II three times. There are a few threads about this. In the state of Texas if you fail step II three times you are not allowed to do residency in that state nor get licensed in that state.

The exams are a BIG deal. Get to the root of the problem now so your future will not be wrought with unnecessary anxiety.

 

[user3]

With 3 new schools opening I don't think it would be too unlikely that you may land an acceptance. However, even if accepted there is genuine concern that you may not perform well on your boards. Sigh, I wish the AAMC would release more accurate practice tests.

 

[Bacchus]

I meant that the 14 the poster was referring to one a single section score, not total score 😛

I LOL'd at your first post, haha.

 

[Temperature101]

With 3 new schools opening I don't think it would be too unlikely that you may land an acceptance. However, even if accepted there is genuine concern that you may not perform well on your boards. Sigh, I wish the AAMC would release more accurate practice tests.

Even with the 3 new schools, I think it's unlikely OP will get an acceptance with 19 and 17 mcat. I think OP should retake and try to get 22+.

 

[hmania]

Even with the 3 new schools, I think it's unlikely OP will get an acceptance with 19 and 17 mcat. I think OP should retake and try to get 22+.

I am going to try again, but I just do not know if I will be ready for August this year. I am currently a senior and just worried. 😱 I haven't had a good's night rest since the I got my mcat scores. This is my goal when I stepped into college: Complete senior honors thesis and get accepted into a md/do/pa school before graduating.

the pa school was for back up, but I have 4 more courses I have not taken. As of senior honors thesis, I am aware that this begins in the fall and ends in spring. But has anyone started in the spring and ended in the fall?

Choices:
1) delay graduation for one more semester (graduating : Dec 2013) to finish all pa pre-reqs, have more time for mcat. Bad: might not be able to participate in senior honors thesis
2) delay graduation for 1 year( graduating : May 2014) to finish all pa pre-req, more mcat time, participate in senior honors thesis. Bad: run out of money/ scholarship
3) Graduate May 2013 with crappy mcat, running on hopes of being accepted in DO school or caribbean md school, cram in pa pre-reqs. Might be able to retake mcat this summer ,if I am ready.

Notice I did not put in " take a 1 year break". I really do not want a break because it is hard to get back into study mode for me. I prefer continuous education.

Please offer helpful advice.👍

 

[dntke1518]

I meant that the 14 the poster was referring to one a single section score, not total score 😛

Yeah what the other poster was pointing out was that in the matriculation data from last year that came out the lowest matriculant score was a composite of 14... like serenade stated, don't look to the outlier for an answer... I heard that the person that got a 14 pooped gold nuggets and was a direct blood line descendant of Andrew Taylor Still himself.

OP- Don't count a year break out, everyone is anxious to start med school but focus on retaking the MCAT and do whatever is needed to get that score up.

 

[AliceNWndrlnd]

You have to re-take. I don't know your score breakdown, but if you research the schools that you are interested in, most will not accept and section score lower than a 6/7. Study hard, use a service if you have to, get at least in the mid 20s.

 

[DrWily]

I'll be the bad guy on this one. You won't get in with a 19. Statistically, it's just not there. Most people below a 24 will be advised to retake even with stellar GPA because it's not worth the time/effort/money/risk to apply with such a low MCAT. What I find most concerning is that you actually went down to a 17 on your second time through. Get the help you need, identify why you are scoring so low (running out of time, not knowing material, unable to apply knowledge), and take the test again when you are scoring consistently higher on the practice tests.

If I were you, I would graduate as planned, and then take a year off to study for the MCAT and maybe work a part-time job. You need to apply when you are the MOST competitive so that you don't have to go through more than one cycle of applications (one cycle is hell enough!) This isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. There is no reason to feel so rushed to get into medical school. It isn't going anywhere and will still be here when you are ready to apply.

Also, scratch PA school off of your list unless you have extensive experience in healthcare as like an EMT or a Nurse or something. I browsed some PA forums and the general idea is that PA school accepts people who are career changers (EMT/RN/etc) much much much more than someone fresh out of college. Not saying it's impossible, but it's unlikely. They like to see people with thousands of healthcare hours. Good luck

 

[hmania]

I'll be the bad guy on this one. You won't get in with a 19. Statistically, it's just not there. Most people below a 24 will be advised to retake even with stellar GPA because it's not worth the time/effort/money/risk to apply with such a low MCAT. What I find most concerning is that you actually went down to a 17 on your second time through. Get the help you need, identify why you are scoring so low (running out of time, not knowing material, unable to apply knowledge), and take the test again when you are scoring consistently higher on the practice tests.

If I were you, I would graduate as planned, and then take a year off to study for the MCAT and maybe work a part-time job. You need to apply when you are the MOST competitive so that you don't have to go through more than one cycle of applications (one cycle is hell enough!) This isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. There is no reason to feel so rushed to get into medical school. It isn't going anywhere and will still be here when you are ready to apply.

Also, scratch PA school off of your list unless you have extensive experience in healthcare as like an EMT or a Nurse or something. I browsed some PA forums and the general idea is that PA school accepts people who are career changers (EMT/RN/etc) much much much more than someone fresh out of college. Not saying it's impossible, but it's unlikely. They like to see people with thousands of healthcare hours. Good luck

Ok bad guy, well as for PA would you say working as a Pharmacy technician and volunteering with a nurse practitioner and 700+hrs of clinical experience with an MD count?

 

[DrWily]

Maybe? But I see PA applicants with 4000+ hours of EMT/Paramedic experience, or 3-4 years of nursing experience working in these fields. These are the people you are up against for PA school admissions.

Also, decide what you want to be. Do you want to be a physician or do you want to be a physician assistant? PA school shouldn't be a backup. If you want to be a physician, then do what it takes to be a physician, even if it means taking a gap year. I'm 27; I graduated at 24 with my B.S. Three years later, I'm going to medical school. Do I feel behind compared to other people who go into medical school straight out of college? Nope. I got to enjoy my early-mid 20's and I know going into medical school that this is the only place for me.

Right now is not "Do or Die" for you. Slow your roll bro. You have the GPA to get in, that's the hard part. The MCAT can easily be upped to a decent score and then you will have the pick of the litter. It would be foolish to admit defeat and apply for PA/nursing/etc whatever when you just need a few more points.

 

[Postal]

19P on my Mcat, 3.75gpa with 3.7sgpa. I have taken the Mcat two times already and will try for a third. I admit that I am have the worst test taking skills ever, but will go ahead and apply this for this coming year. I just wanted to know if anyone has ever gotten into a DO school. I know there are a few out there, but what was the "sparkle" that the admissions board saw in you. Please share to give me hope.😳

Hi,
Don't apply with a 19. You would be selling yourself short. You'll get into much better schools and be doing yourself a favor if you try to get a higher score. I know you took it twice, but maybe third time's a charm?

But to answer your question: Yes people get in with 19s. But not alot, as I'm sure you know.

 

[willen101383]

Maybe? But I see PA applicants with 4000+ hours of EMT/Paramedic experience, or 3-4 years of nursing experience working in these fields. These are the people you are up against for PA school admissions.

Also, decide what you want to be. Do you want to be a physician or do you want to be a physician assistant? PA school shouldn't be a backup. If you want to be a physician, then do what it takes to be a physician, even if it means taking a gap year. I'm 27; I graduated at 24 with my B.S. Three years later, I'm going to medical school. Do I feel behind compared to other people who go into medical school straight out of college? Nope. I got to enjoy my early-mid 20's and I know going into medical school that this is the only place for me.

Right now is not "Do or Die" for you. Slow your roll bro. You have the GPA to get in, that's the hard part. The MCAT can easily be upped to a decent score and then you will have the pick of the litter. It would be foolish to admit defeat and apply for PA/nursing/etc whatever when you just need a few more points.

Same here...started med school at 27. Took 5 years off after college and worked/got my masters etc. Almost 29 now. All these premeds have this "zomgzzz what am i ever gonna do if i dont immediately get in" mindset...which is idiotic. OP: If you are getting a 17 on your mcat after 5 months of tutoring you arent ready for medical school yet. Not trying to be insulting or anything, just realistic. When I was a senior in college there was no way I was ready for med school. Hell, I was scared I wasnt even ready when I started. Its a huge undertaking and all your ducks need to be in a row before you can be successful. There is something up with your studying or the way you take tests and there is a huge chance you wont even pass boards let alone get accepted to med school. Take some time off, figure out WTF you want to do first, get your test taking situation in order and reapply some years down the road.

 

[GIpremed]

like serenade stated, don't look to the outlier for an answer... I heard that the person that got a 14 pooped gold nuggets and was a direct blood line descendant of Andrew Taylor Still himself.

But he still couldn't avoid the gnarly poop hot dog.

 

[Goro]

Please cut out the magic thinking and ask yourself "if I do this poorly on one major standardized exam, how could I possibly do well in medical school where all the do is use standardized exams?" "ditto COMLEX"?????

You would not get an interview at my school.

19P on my Mcat, 3.75gpa with 3.7sgpa. I have taken the Mcat two times already and will try for a third. I admit that I am have the worst test taking skills ever, but will go ahead and apply this for this coming year. I just wanted to know if anyone has ever gotten into a DO school. I know there are a few out there, but what was the "sparkle" that the admissions board saw in you. Please share to give me hope.😳

 

[dntke1518]

But he still couldn't avoid the gnarly poop hot dog.

I think I will create a "success kid" meme for this person who got in with a 14.. brb

 

[shinbeats]

I think it's time you sign up for a prep course preferably Kaplan. I know a medical student who was in actually a worse situation than you. He took the MCAT 3 times couldn't get > 20. Finally he signed up for Kaplan, got a 27 and got accepted to an MD school. I'm not a huge fan of prep courses but I think it's one of those last resort things.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I think it's time you sign up for a prep course preferably Kaplan. I know a medical student who was in actually a worse situation than you. He took the MCAT 3 times couldn't get > 20. Finally he signed up for Kaplan, got a 27 and got accepted to an MD school. I'm not a huge fan of prep courses but I think it's one of those last resort things.

I'd argue for princeton review. Kaplan is a much lower quality prep service or at least it is held lower on SDN.

 

[tenndoc]

sorry but i doubt even a Caribbean school will take you with a 19

 

[AliceNWndrlnd]

Ok bad guy, well as for PA would you say working as a Pharmacy technician and volunteering with a nurse practitioner and 700+hrs of clinical experience with an MD count?

Depends on the school. Some only want paid experience, some accept volunteer, some you have to have direct patient care experience. Shadowing usually doesn't count. Have you taken the GRE yet, most PA schools require it, and you need to do pretty well to be competitive.

 

[shinbeats]

I'd argue for princeton review. Kaplan is a much lower quality prep service or at least it is held lower on SDN.

Whatever Princeton or Kaplan but he needs a prep course and needs to calm down for a retake.
Op changing careers over not succeeding in a standardized exam is not the way to go especially with such a high GPA . You will face standardized exams in every profession. You need s prep course to help you address your issues.

 

[hmania]

Whatever Princeton or Kaplan but he needs a prep course and needs to calm down for a retake.
Op changing careers over not succeeding in a standardized exam is not the way to go especially with such a high GPA . You will face standardized exams in every profession. You need s prep course to help you address your issues.

First of all, I appreciate all of the remarks (some cold/honest and others helpful). Second of all, I am not a guy. I, like all other md/do hopefuls are nervous about our future. I am pretty there are some of you who think that I am just another whining little premed. But you should remember that you were nervous nail biters at one point in time as well.

I am taking the MCAT again, I just do not know when. As of taking kaplan or princeton, I am most nervous about the speed they move at and the instructors. Some other premeds at my university have taken it and are just frustrated at the rate they move and how bad the instructors are.


As of school, I will extend my graduation. 😉

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

First of all, I appreciate all of the remarks (some cold/honest and others helpful). Second of all, I am not a guy. I, like all other md/do hopefuls are nervous about our future. I am pretty there are some of you who think that I am just another whining little premed. But you should remember that you were nervous nail biters at one point in time as well.

I am taking the MCAT again, I just do not know when. As of taking kaplan or princeton, I am most nervous about the speed they move at and the instructors. Some other premeds at my university have taken it and are just frustrated at the rate they move and how bad the instructors are.


As of school, I will extend my graduation. 😉

You need to get used to that speed and volume of content. I also recommend looking into the 90-120 day method.

 

[hmania]

You need to get used to that speed and volume of content. I also recommend looking into the 90-120 day method.

What is the 90-120 method? I have a lot of the textbooks from those testing companies
and pdf's. The plan is to ATTACK! *avengers lover*

 

[Whiskeypunch]

I think I will create a "success kid" meme for this person who got in with a 14.. brb

That person had to have had like a nutso story... like he's an African American former military PA with 4 tours of duty who took the MCAT during a week vacation when his wife was giving birth and then applied to one of the new schools.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

What is the 90-120 method? I have a lot of the textbooks from those testing companies
and pdf's. The plan is to ATTACK! *avengers lover*

It's on the SDN Mcat subform.

 

[dntke1518]

That person had to have had like a nutso story... like he's an African American former military PA with 4 tours of duty who took the MCAT during a week vacation when his wife was giving birth and then applied to one of the new schools.

Lolz yes, something like that... We can only imagine.

 

[Whiskeypunch]

First of all, I appreciate all of the remarks (some cold/honest and others helpful). Second of all, I am not a guy. I, like all other md/do hopefuls are nervous about our future. I am pretty there are some of you who think that I am just another whining little premed. But you should remember that you were nervous nail biters at one point in time as well.

I am taking the MCAT again, I just do not know when. As of taking kaplan or princeton, I am most nervous about the speed they move at and the instructors. Some other premeds at my university have taken it and are just frustrated at the rate they move and how bad the instructors are.


As of school, I will extend my graduation. 😉

Honestly if you can't manage at least a 23 I wouldn't start school even if accepted. As Cabinbuilder points out medicine is built around tests. The pass rate for the USMLE begins to drop off precipitously around 24-25. Granted you only have to pass comlex, but still.

In school if you fail exams multiple times (which is what a 19 is on the MCAT) you are going to end up getting kicked out of school. That's just the reality.

And PA school isn't something you just do. PA schools tend to have requirements of at least 2000 hours of working in healthcare, as in like EMT, nursing, paramedic, physical therapist, ultrasound tech, etc. That's a minimum.

PA school is very competitive, I'd say as competitive as getting into medical school just in a different way. It's not so much about test taking as it is your work experience.

 

[tenndoc]

Pa school is probably more competitive than med school. I know of about 30 kids who were gungho premeds then got their ass kicked by the mcat or gpas. Next thing you know, they changed their plans to pa school. The academic quality of applicants may not be as high as md/do schools but I'm willing to bet the quantity of applicants is greater.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Honestly if you can't manage at least a 23 I wouldn't start school even if accepted. As Cabinbuilder points out medicine is built around tests. The pass rate for the USMLE begins to drop off precipitously around 27. Granted you only have to pass comlex, but still.

In school if you fail exams multiple times (which is what a 19 is on the MCAT) you are going to end up getting kicked out of school. That's just the reality.

And PA school isn't something you just do. PA schools tend to have requirements of at least 2000 hours of working in healthcare, as in like EMT, nursing, paramedic, physical therapist, ultrasound tech, etc. That's a minimum.

PA school is very competitive, I'd say as competitive as getting into medical school just in a different way. It's not so much about test taking as it is your work experience.

It's a 27, not a 24-25. But the point is true, if you don't do well on standardized exams and performance on the Mcat is statistically correlated with USMLE and likely comlex performance. So if you truly can't break a 24 on your third try after doing the 90 day method then you need to consider alternative careers.

 

[Whiskeypunch]

Pa school is probably more competitive than med school. I know of about 30 kids who were gungho premeds then got their ass kicked by the mcat or gpas. Next thing you know, they changed their plans to pa school. The academic quality of applicants may not be as high as md/do schools but I'm willing to bet the quantity of applicants is greater.

I actually know a number of PA's and basically yeah, if you try and do it as a back-up coming out of college there's a snowballs chance in hell of getting in. There are a huge number of people who apply, and basically you have to put your time in working in healthcare for a couple years or else you won't get in.

Four years of working full time in something in healthcare is like their equivalent of a 34 MCAT.

 

[Mbeas]

sorry but i doubt even a Caribbean school will take you with a 19

They will. Some Caribbean schools don't even require the MCAT. Anything for the money. I feel bad for the people who go there; really, I do.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

 

[tenndoc]

It's a 27, not a 24-25. But the point is true, if you don't do well on standardized exams and performance on the Mcat is statistically correlated with USMLE and likely comlex performance. So if you truly can't break a 24 on your third try after doing the 90 day method then you need to consider alternative careers.

welp... ****... thats what i got.

 

[tenndoc]

They will. Some Caribbean schools don't even require the MCAT. Anything for the money. I feel bad for the people who go there; really, I do.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

i dont regard those types of schools as medical schools at all. more like diploma mills, except the diplomas you get are worth as much as the ink printed on them. (not talking about Caribbean schools, just the awful ones that let you in if you have a check and a pulse)

 

[peppy]

It is possible that you could get accepted somewhere, but I do think it would be in your best interest to work on improving your test taking skills and try to do better on the MCAT before starting med school.

I think This person's experience is a cautionary tale. If you are not good at standardized tests, you probably won't do well on the board exams that will decide your fate in med school. Getting kicked out of med school because you can't pass the tests in med school puts you in a worse situation than never going at all.

 

[willen101383]

They will. Some Caribbean schools don't even require the MCAT. Anything for the money. I feel bad for the people who go there; really, I do.

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Its funny....ive never actually met a caribbean GRAD. But I have met like 4 or 5 caribbean dropouts lol.

 

[user3]

Its funny....ive never actually met a caribbean GRAD. But I have met like 4 or 5 caribbean dropouts lol.

Hopefully the Caribbean schools will shut down soon with US schools expanding...but hopefully without the DO schools becoming the next caribbean.