2007-2008 "what are my chances"/"what should I do"/"where to apply" Thread

[MossPoh]

---

Members don't see this ad.

We don't know what your studying involved. Taking it twice isn't the same as devoting your life for the next couple of months to it. You should always take diagnostic tests with a grain of salt. ASSUME you'll score lower. Not at or higher than that mark....if you score the same then it is a bonus. Check out the previous thread. This is the kind of question that just angers people....you are probably not aware but just avoid it next time and we'll all be better off! 😉

 

[prionsRbad]

what shall i say though?

i mean adcoms are people too, they HAVE to understand that getting C's in theatre arts and history shouldnt count and A's in physics + bio should.


any ideas?

Believe me, I totally understand . . . I don't have the highest GPA either (see my MDapps). I was advised by an admissions committee member NOT to specifically say that you "didn't know that you wanted to be a doctor in the first 2 years of college and that's why your grades are bad". Own up to your poor performance in the first two years and take responsibility. Say you were immature and irresponsible and then move on to point out your upward trend, but don't blame it on not knowing that you wanted to go into medicine. Again, this is what I've been told.

Your GPA is not bad and you CAN get into medical school! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't! Good luck

 

[Jerz39]

i studied for six months...a couple of hours a day...and took ten full-lengths. i was not writing the original thread because i'm looking for an easy way out. i'm looking for advice because i feel like i've done the best that i can do. i'm willing to study again, but have already studied very hard for it and still am getting the same results. i was simply asking because i would like to know if it's even worthit to apply at this point. i'm asking from a statistical viewpoint...not to be lazy.

 

[prionsRbad]

I all depends on how you explain it🙄

🙄🙄🙄🙄

 

[Jerz39]

obviously i'm not the only person with this concern...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=425030

 

[Lamont]

the snide comment would be "a 45".

I got in w/ a 22, my GPA was not much higher and I had a similar trend. APPLY BROADLY and I hope you have a sickening amount of EC's, good connections, some sort of interviewing ability, and a ton of luck to go with it. no pressure, right?

good luck, retake the MCAT asap, and go knock em out.

oh and PS...they dont care what your excuse is for those C's, each excuse is just digging that hole. they see the non science stuff as even easier, so no A = no way. own up or find a new profession. be honest.

 

[cyclohexanol]

Your question is ridiculous. There isn't a "lowest score for admission". Nobody here is going to be able to say "if you get a 26 you are set".

1) Do as well as you can
2) Apply if you think its good enough
3) If you don't get in, try again
4) If you still don't get in, evaluate your goals
4a) If your goal is still medicine, try again
4b) If your goal is something else, stop trying

Good luck

 

[scpod]

What is the lowest score a person can get on the MCAT in order to get into DO school.

Just a guess...but I'd say probably a 3. I don't think it's possible to make a zero on any section, but I might could seee making a 1 on each. Of course, that's simply talking theoretically. The truth is that you can get into a medical school with about any MCAT score if you have other things going on for you because MCAT is far from the sole criteria.

The real question should be, "What are you willing to do to get into medical school?" It's possible to get in with a score in the low 20's, so you can try it if you want to. But, it's what happens when you don't get in that shows your desire. Granted, desire alone is not enough to get into med school. If it was, we'd need to open another 100 schools easily to have ennough seats for all the people who want to get in. But I've known people that tried 3 and 4 times to get in and finally made it. Are you willing to try 3 or 4 (or more) times to get in? If not, then maybe you should try something else.

It's almost silly to try to look at it from a statistical point of view because there is often little rationality to the decisions that admissions committees make. In the end, you have to determine how badly you want to become a doctor. If you have the desire, you will keep trying to improve that score and make yourself a better applicant.

 

[clc8503]

Believe me, I totally understand . . . I don't have the highest GPA either (see my MDapps). I was advised by an admissions committee member NOT to specifically say that you "didn't know that you wanted to be a doctor in the first 2 years of college and that's why your grades are bad". Own up to your poor performance in the first two years and take responsibility. Say you were immature and irresponsible and then move on to point out your upward trend, but don't blame it on not knowing that you wanted to go into medicine. Again, this is what I've been told.

Your GPA is not bad and you CAN get into medical school! Don't let anyone tell you that you can’t! Good luck

👍👍

I agree. Saying that you did not know that you wanted to be a doctor sounds like you are not willing to take responsibility for your own actions, which can be a sign of immaturity. I think that saying you were immature and have simply grown up over the years is the best thing you can say because it sounds good and it's probally true. It makes a lot of since. The OP could also say that his or her study habits have continued to build upon one another and that his or her priorities are now in order. The OP could say, "Once I was mature enough to finally decide what I wanted to do with my life, I pursued that goal to the fullest." "I've really grown up over the years and as I have done that, my study habits have evolved and for once in my life I can say that I actually stick to/follow an agenda." "That's why I have have been more achedemically successful these past few years."

-That's what i would say if I was on your boat.

Best of Luck

 

[Dr JPH]

Does that look good?

If it did, would you be asking?

 

[Dr JPH]

What is the lowest score a person can get on the MCAT in order to get into DO school.

Hopefully about one point above your top score.

 

[M.Furfur]

I have an extensive shadowing experience. However it is all done with MDs. How to get around that while applying? Does this severely affect my chances?

 

[Dr JPH]

..

 

[mshheaddoc]

I have an extensive shadowing experience. However it is all done with MDs. How to get around that while applying? Does this severely affect my chances?

FAQ has ideas about shadowing. I'm merging this with what are my chances to discuss there. If you search this forum for shadowing MD you should get quite a few threads where this is discussed.

 

[PlayMeSomeMusic]

I was just wondering if anybody had any additional DO Schools to add to my list or not.. I have 29N, 3.77 overall GPA, 3.64 Science.. I have completed my MS, and have various clinical and volunteer activities in my MDprofile.. I am shadowing a DO in 1 week and hopefully will have a LOR to go along with it. Here's my list of schools so far:

Chicago College of Mid. University
Des Moines University
Lake Erie College - Bradenton
Michigan State University (DO)
Nova Southeastern University
Ohio University

Any suggestions would be appreciated..🙄 Thanks

 

[Tanner82]

Hopefully about one point above your top score.

hahaha

 

[Tanner82]

I was just wondering if anybody had any additional DO Schools to add to my list or not.. I have 29N, 3.77 overall GPA, 3.64 Science.. I have completed my MS, and have various clinical and volunteer activities in my MDprofile.. I am shadowing a DO in 1 week and hopefully will have a LOR to go along with it. Here's my list of schools so far:

Chicago College of Mid. University
Des Moines University
Lake Erie College - Bradenton
Michigan State University (DO)
Nova Southeastern University
Ohio University

Any suggestions would be appreciated..🙄 Thanks

um im not sure... your stats are kinda iffy 🙄

 

[Dr. Josh]

science and non science gpas in the 3.6-3.7 range with honors (possibly slightly higher).
MCAT: TBD
limited volunteer experience in research lab, no publications
volunteer experience in oncology dept
research project and limited shadowing of a DO (can probably get good LOR from her)
hoping to shadow another DO soon and get another LOR
writing a pediatric patient informational guide book
a bunch of other non-important ECs
hoping to get a paid clinical job but nothing yet

what's my chances and what kind of MCAT score do I need to get in NYCOM in-state? where else should I apply?

 

[Cp22kjer]

Hopefully about one point above your top score.

I lol'ed.

 

[MavsFan08]

It's hard to assess chances without an MCAT score. You look like a pretty good applicant so far, however. Your GPA is hovering about average, but your work/experiences look pretty exceptional, which should help you stand out.

I want to emphasize that schools tend to look at your entire package. You want to make all the parts of your application as reasonably strong as possible; therefore, aim high on your MCAT. Instead of calibrating your MCAT around a particular school, I would suggest that you score as high as you are able to do. This will likely open up more options for you. However, that said, you can get somewhat of an idea of what schools are expecting by looking at the average MCAT score for a matriculant at the school you are interested in applying (the MSAR provides this information for allopathic medical schools and the average MCAT scores for osteopathic medical schools are listed at this link; also check the websites of the individual medical schools). Allopathic medical schools tend to have higher MCAT averages (which is around 30, for the average allopathic matriculant), so I suggest that you look at scoring 30+ on your MCAT to have a decent shot at them, and if you do so, it should place you significantly above average for osteopathic medical schools (which is around 25, for the average osteopathic matriculant). Basically, in my opinion, shooting for a 30+ on your MCAT will place you in a good position.

Keep in mind that most osteopathic medical schools want a letter of recommendation from a physician, with a preference towards a letter from a DO, although many are also okay with a letter from an MD. Some schools require a letter from a DO, however.

Same advice as I give everyone: apply early and broadly.

In my experience, MCAT scores don't matter that much unless you are applying to an out-of-state public school.

 

[MavsFan08]

I was just wondering if anybody had any additional DO Schools to add to my list or not.. I have 29N, 3.77 overall GPA, 3.64 Science.. I have completed my MS, and have various clinical and volunteer activities in my MDprofile.. I am shadowing a DO in 1 week and hopefully will have a LOR to go along with it. Here's my list of schools so far:

Chicago College of Mid. University
Des Moines University
Lake Erie College - Bradenton
Michigan State University (DO)
Nova Southeastern University
Ohio University

Any suggestions would be appreciated..🙄 Thanks

Suggestion: Apply to MD schools.

 

[Willis7]

k

 

[MavsFan08]

Im about to send in my application, but I would like a little input from my fellow SDNer's about my school designations. As of right now, these are my school designations.

Medical Schools

*Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton
*Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
*Des Moines University - Osteopathic Medical Center
*Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
*Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
*A. T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
*Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Main Campus

I am a Michigan resident with a 3.6 GPA, clinical experience both shadowing and volunteering. My MCAT score was a low 21, but I plan on retaking it and expect to score in the high 20's. Most of the schools I have above take the most recent score, so my first score will not affect me adversely. Any recommendations or comments are welcome. If you have any schools that you think I may have left off or any of the schools on my list are out the question please feel free to respond. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Your MCAT score is too low to apply to so few schools. You need to double that amount.

 

[Dr. Josh]

science and non science gpas in the 3.6-3.7 range with honors (possibly slightly higher).
MCAT: TBD
limited volunteer experience in research lab, no publications
volunteer experience in oncology dept
research project and limited shadowing of a DO (can probably get good LOR from her)
hoping to shadow another DO soon and get another LOR
writing a pediatric patient informational guide book
a bunch of other non-important ECs
hoping to get a paid clinical job but nothing yet

what's my chances and what kind of MCAT score do I need to get in NYCOM in-state? where else should I apply?

anyone???😕

 

[MavsFan08]

anyone???😕

If your MCAT score is high, then you have a good chance. If your MCAT score is low, you have a lower chance.

Apply to many schools, regardless.

 

[Empi]

Not ready for the MCAT's yet (no Physics, yet.)

GPA is 3.7
Science GPA is 3.7
No Research
Volunteer work in our local hospital.
*Very* non-traditional student.

 

[UD912]

GPA-3.75
Science GPA- 3.67
Havn't taken MCATs yet
150+ hrs volunteer work in cardiology department
50+ hrs shadowing Ophthalmologist (MD)
50+ hrs shadowing Radiologist (MD)
Work part time (20-25 hrs/week) as a student tech at school and waiting tables at home
Manage/perform in a rock band for the past 7 years
No research
I'm planning on shadowing a DO before I apply (2009 matriculant), just havn't had the opportunity yet.

As an NJ resident, I'm planning on applying to NJSOM, PCOM, NYCOM, and TouroCOM. I also plan on applying to more allopathic schools but I don't consider DO as my back up to MD, I simply don't want to go to school too far away and there are only so many DO schools in the region and I feel I should apply more broadly than 4 schools.

So yea, what are my chances/any advice?

 

[phungus]

I'm going to start my third year at UCLA this upcoming Fall. I screwed up my freshman year so I've been trying to pull my GPA up. This past year, I've gotten it to improve by .4 (obviously my GPA is pretty low since I was able to improve so much in one year, but it's getting up there)

Okay so I know that I'm going to need some stellar EC's and LORs to make up my bad grades and if I don't do well on the MCATs, that too. Currently I work at a coffee shop, I'm a lab helper for a lab on campus (thinking about getting involved with one of the researchers for some real research experience) and I volunteer at a hospital for clinical experience.I work two jobs just to make sure I have enough for rent and some extra spending cash. I plan on finding a DO to shadow, but not any time soon... maybe next year. Also, I'm thinking about taking a year off after I graduate to either shadow DOs, get more clinical experience, and/or retake those classes I messed up in freshman year at a CC.

With that said, I'm worried about this up coming school year: taking on a full course load, keeping both jobs, and continue volunteering at the hospital. Right now I'm doing everything and taking one class in summer school, and I am tired most of the time. Any advice on juggling everything? Cut hours from the coffee shop or just quit that job altogether? Quit the lab helper job and find an SRP (Student Research Program) position, or something else for research experience? Take a break from volunteering? I get most of my money from the coffee shop because I can squeeze in more hours there (open 7 days a week and we open early and close late) than at the lab (open weekdays). I need time to improve my grades, but at the same time I need the EC's and potential LORs. Thanks for the help!

 

[Biogirl804]

Hi !! So in my freshman yr i got a C in gen. bio 1 and a B- in gen. bio 2
Will the C matter or idk i was just wondering...i'll be starting my junior yr this fall and will be applying to med school next yr. thanks =)

 

[Punchap]

As long as your overall science GPA is decent, I wouldn't worry about it. You will need to do well in your other courses to compensate and demonstrate an upward trend in your GPA. Good luck.

 

[Nate]

It will matter, everything matters, but it is a tiny speck of the overall picture and not such a bad speck either. Should you re-take? Absolutely not, don't dwell on the tiny bad specks on your application, we all have or had them. Instead, keep working on adding more and more shiny good specks so the bad ones are overshadowed. Good luck!

 

[JaggerPlate]

Yeah Nate is right. Everyone has a little scar here or there, but in all honesty; your's is not bad. I will have two C+ on my AACOMAS BCP gpa, and it bugs me, but as said, you just can't dwell on it. I really doubt this would ever come up.

 

[sle3pyguii]

If it makes you feel any better, you have a better chance of getting an acceptance than I do.

I have 3 C's, and a D, and I'm starting my sophomore year soon.

 

[MavsFan08]

Hi !! So in my freshman yr i got a C in gen. bio 1 and a B- in gen. bio 2
Will the C matter or idk i was just wondering...i'll be starting my junior yr this fall and will be applying to med school next yr. thanks =)

Retake any D's or F's.

C's are fine as long as there are only a few.

 

[MavsFan08]

If it makes you feel any better, you have a better chance of getting an acceptance than I do.

I have 3 C's, and a D, and I'm starting my sophomore year soon.

Retake the D and you'll be fine.

 

[oopnoyoo]

Overall GPA - 3.31
Science GPA - 3.37
MCAT - 33O
Extracurricular
-100+ hours and counting ER volunteer
-physiology tutor as undergrad
-currently working full time as a pulmonary tech

Schools:

Touro CA
Touro NV
Western COMP
AZCOM
CCOM
PCOM

I was also going to apply to DMUCOM & ATSU Kirksville, but because of certain traveling issues, I can't go there. I'm wondering if I should apply to more schools or if my list is good enough. Thanks!!

 

[Boner]

Overall GPA - 3.31
Science GPA - 3.37
MCAT - 33O
Extracurricular
-100+ hours and counting ER volunteer
-physiology tutor as undergrad
-currently working full time as a pulmonary tech

Schools:

Touro CA
Touro NV
Western COMP
AZCOM
CCOM
PCOM

I was also going to apply to DMUCOM & ATSU Kirksville, but because of certain traveling issues, I can't go there. I'm wondering if I should apply to more schools or if my list is good enough. Thanks!!

If you can make it out to CCOM, then you can make it to DMU and KCOM. I interviewed at all three aforementioned schools in one extended weekend, by flying into Des Moines and driving to each one. Des Moines' airport is an int'l one and Kirksville is a 1.75 hour drive to Des Moines should you need a large airport (Kirksville has a small local airport). If you are invited for interviews in the midwest, it is possible to schedule all of them for the same week so you can just road trip around to each and save some money.

 

[oopnoyoo]

If you can make it out to CCOM, then you can make it to DMU and KCOM. I interviewed at all three aforementioned schools in one extended weekend, by flying into Des Moines and driving to each one. Des Moines' airport is an int'l one and Kirksville is a 1.75 hour drive to Des Moines should you need a large airport (Kirksville has a small local airport). If you are invited for interviews in the midwest, it is possible to schedule all of them for the same week so you can just road trip around to each and save some money.

Sorry, I should have clarified, but didn't want to bore anyone w/ details. The traveling problem would be an issue if I actually matriculated to either of those schools. I attend a certain church and the closest one to DMU would be 2+ hrs away and the closest to KCOM would be 3+ hrs away. I am really interested in both those schools, but I would be doing that drive at least 2 times per week. I could figure out a way to be productive during the drive, but to me it's just too much of a hassle/waste of time.

 

[Muscles00GT]

Nate is right. A grade is a grade..there's nothing you can do about it after it's done and over with. I ahd a horrible freshman/soph year. I got a C+ in gen. chem I, physics I, and bio I...however, i'm taking gen. chem II right now and have an A at the moment..I also got an A in physics II and a B in bio II...not saying that i'm in great standing right now, but it's all about showing an upward trend and good grades in upper level science courses. I think you'll be fine. Keep your head up.

 

[Daydreamer2008]

I'm applying to 3 schools (fee waiver) and already have the two CA schools in mind. For the third school I'm not sure if I should apply to Chicago or New York, any ideas? 🙂

Oh, and I have a 3.4 AMCAS Gpa's and 32 mcat (11V 11P 10B)

 

[malisa]

Do any schools not allow C's for the pre-req classes? I have a few 🙁

 

[Jpc984]

Do any schools not allow C's for the pre-req classes? I have a few 🙁

I think C's are the lowest grade you can get.

 

[myofibroblast]

Hey Guys.....I feel like I'm really in a bind here....
I just kinda want to know what you would do in my situation.
I am applying to OSU-COM for 2008. They love in staters (I am one) and my application looks really good except for my MCAT (3.8 GPA, lots of ECs, research, etc)
I took the MCAT in May and got a 21. From talking to others who have had interviews at OSUCOM or at starting school there, they say I will probably still at least get interviewed with that. I am set to retake in August but absolutely TERRIFIED of doing worse!!! I am already at the minimum requirement for admission and I'm worried that even doing one point lower will throw me out of the game for this year. I have been studying every single day beefing up on my mistakes and reviewing content and really feel like I am making improvement until I take a practice exam....I've taken two since my last MCAT and gotten 20s on both. I just feel like I am super prepared and have put the work in and it just isn't paying off. To date, I have done 16 full lengths and before my first MCAT I was hitting 25-27 on every one. Now I have had the chance to go over the material again and know it even better but yet I'm doing worse???
Basically, what would you do? I just feel like it's a huge gamble but then again, if I don't retake in August, it will look bad that I didn't try to do better. If I do retake and get lower then I just ruined what small chance I had of admission this cycle!!! I'm just really torn.......

 

[Halligan]

I'm nearly in the exact same boat. I've been wondering the same. It's a HUGE HUGE HUGE gamble. And that's what I think you're going to hear...sorry to hi-jack and exacerbate your suspense, but I'm anxious for this one.👍

 

[Kappy1]

Taking the MCAT again is a huge risk. I think their is a stat somewhere (when I find it I will post it) that most people who retake the MCAT's do worse on their second exam. I think that if you are not doing better on practice exams do not take the exam yet. Do more studying. If you didn't take a test prep course take one. If you did try using a different test prep. If you used Kaplan look into Exam Crackers or Princton review or vice versa.

I know that you guys would like to get in this cycle but with a 21 you are fighting an uphill battle. It has been done. I know of a student who was accepted to NYCOM off the waiting list with a 21 for the class of 2011. I would strongly suggest a retake after seeing improvement in practice first and try to move up 3-4 points. I know you guys can make it. Study hard and you will be there. I hope you both get accepted to the school of your choice. Good Luck!!!

 

[gasapple]

The MCAT is as much of a mental game as anything else; I actually dropped a point or two when I took it a second time but it's only because I "psyched" myself out, made it too stressful, and fought a headache that set in during the verbal section. The trick is to remain calm and cool. Yup, easier said than done. Personally, I'd go for the improvement sooner if you are able to successfully change your mindset and funnel the stress away from test day. The buildup of it hanging over your head for so long can ultimately cost you more with regard to quality of life AND the stress on exam day.

Interesting statistic: The consensus among adcom reps (deans) is that people typically score 20% lower on the real thing than on practice tests. I'd wager that a large part of that is stress alone and not exam difficulty.

Cheers.

 

[Muscles00GT]

Do any schools not allow C's for the pre-req classes? I have a few 🙁

Every school that i've seen has a C minimum for pre-req courses

 

[boodthedog]

Seems to me that with a 3.8 gpa, and older practice scores in the mid 20s, you really should be able to do better, but I can completely understand the stress, especially now. Remember, you CAN VOID the test. So unless you have no idea that you're scoring 20 or less, I would take it, but be quick to cancel my score if I think it might hurt. Realizing while taking it that you have that option might help your nerves as well.

 

[myofibroblast]

Thanks for all your help guys!!! I just found out some good news....I emailed my pre med adviser to see what she thinks and apparently OSU-COM counts your HIGHEST score, not necessarily your most recent. She said if I do happen to do worse then my 21 will stand as my highest score. I KNOW I can do better......knowing that all that stress is off my back now makes re-taking it easier.

 

[MSmentor018]

Thanks for all your help guys!!! I just found out some good news....I emailed my pre med adviser to see what she thinks and apparently OSU-COM counts your HIGHEST score, not necessarily your most recent. She said if I do happen to do worse then my 21 will stand as my highest score. I KNOW I can do better......knowing that all that stress is off my back now makes re-taking it easier.

3.8 and mcat 21.....and in state, always a better chance, but apply very, very broadly. use USN&WR to figure out the stats and go from there. good luck 👍