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

[spicedmanna]

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Can you tell me which DO schools I should be applying to?

overall GPA: 3.213
BCPM: 3.0
MCAT: 27Q

-Will be doing one year masters starting this fall
-Have a letter from DO who graduated from MSUCOM
-Lots of volunteer and clinical experience
-Lots of E.Cs

Thanks!

You look fine from where I am standing, although your science GPA stands out to me as being low. Your MCAT is above average and you have the requisite clinical and volunteer experiences. Just an FYI, AACOMAS calculates your science GPA as BCP, not BCPM like AMCAS does, so you may need to recalculate. Your overall GPA is below average and from the looks of it, your science GPA is as well. All I can say is apply early and broadly and see what happens. Some schools may inquire about your prior academic performance in spots where you didn't perform as well, so be ready to address it when asked. That's all I can think of. Write good essays and have good LORs. Good luck!

 

[spicedmanna]

3.02 cum GPA
3.03 sci GPA
No Mcat, Taking it On AUG 20
Two solid DO LOR from Dr's that teach and graduated from NSU.(My #1 choice)
EMT-B certi.
2 yrs working in the ER
1.5 yr working in Cat Scan as a Nurse TECH
No volunteering(had to work during school)
Pre-med club and Microbiology Club

I get my BS in dec. , so i still have a lil. bit of time to bring up my GPA. Do they upgrade your GPA after the term is over?? THANKS...goodluck to everyone.😀

When do you plan on applying? I'm asking because your GPA is below average. If you have the time, I'd suggest delaying your graduating for another year and taking fulltime semesters of advanced undergraduate science classes, where you trend A's, to demonstrate your academic ability and increase your GPA. During this time, you can also gather up some volunteer/community service experiences.

Good luck on your MCAT. Study well and aim for upper twenties, or higher. A higher MCAT will definitely help your case.

May the force be with you...

 

[spicedmanna]

3.03 Cum
2.95 Sci
12P 12B 8VR
In D.O. post-bacc program at UNT
lots of volunteering
lots of work experience - car wash to research and everything in between
lots of confidence

Your overall GPA and especially your science GPA stand out as being low, but your MCAT looks quite good. A colleague of mine had at least one school take issue with his sub-3.0 science GPA. You might benefit from raising that science GPA and demonstrating your academic ability before applying. I don't know anything about the post-baccalaureate program at UNT, but hopefully it will help you. Tell me more about the program. When are you thinking of applying?

I didn't see any clinical experiences listed. If you don't have any, I suggest getting some.

Good luck!

 

[spicedmanna]

Gpa:3.67
sci: 3.54
Mcat 9 9 O 9
Non trad student

EC shadowed about 30 hours, various doctors
tutour, 1 year
medical work 3 years
v.p. of a club
various scholarships
student athlete for 1 year
married, 1 child
intramural sports
1 research project

You look fine to me. Apply early and broadly for the best chances. Good luck.

 

[spicedmanna]

Ah! Wheres Animus and Spiced at when ya need em!

*wipes the sweat from his brow* You rang? 😛 I think I got all of them. If not, my colleague, Animus, will hopefully pick up the rest that I might have missed. I did my best here.

I'll take this time to make a disclaimer: I love helping out and making suggestions, but I am not by any means an adcom member, so take my comments with a grain of salt and gather as much information as possible. Make your own educated decisions on this process.

Good luck.

 

[jmed6182]

Your overall GPA and especially your science GPA stand out as being low, but your MCAT looks quite good. A colleague of mine had at least one school take issue with his sub-3.0 science GPA. You might benefit from raising that science GPA and demonstrating your academic ability before applying. I don't know anything about the post-baccalaureate program at UNT, but hopefully it will help you. Tell me more about the program. When are you thinking of applying?

I didn't see any clinical experiences listed. If you don't have any, I suggest getting some.

Good luck!

I volunteered in a hospital for two years (~250 hours), and start a D.O. preceptorship next monday...the postbacc at UNT is really tough science classes...medical biochem....molec. cell bio...gross anatomy...epidemiology and a few others...

 

[spicedmanna]

I volunteered in a hospital for two years (~250 hours), and start a D.O. preceptorship next monday...the postbacc at UNT is really tough science classes...medical biochem....molec. cell bio...gross anatomy...epidemiology and a few others...

Cool beans. It sounds like you are addressing your academic issues and have the requisite clinical experience. Apply early and broadly when the time comes. Good luck to you.

 

[walkoffhr]

*wipes the sweat from his brow* You rang? 😛 I think I got all of them. If not, my colleague, Animus, will hopefully pick up the rest that I might have missed. I did my best here.

I'll take this time to make a disclaimer: I love helping out and making suggestions, but I am not by any means an adcom member, so take my comments with a grain of salt and gather as much information as possible. Make your own educated decisions on this process.

Good luck.

Thanks for doing everyone's but mine 😉

 

[spicedmanna]

I have a 3.5 GPA (3.7 over the last 75 credits), and a 26 mcat. I'm an eagle scout, have 2.5 years of clinical volunteering, 2 years working at a residency office, and I've also coached youth sports and officiated intramural games. I think I have pretty good LOR's as well, including 2 M.D.'s, and 1 D.O. (from PCOM). I'm applying early (right now), and I want to know my chances at a school like PCOM, but I'm also applying to CCOM, Western, Nova, and 5 others.

Thanks everybody.

You're looking cool like Cool Hand Luke... Your GPA is at or above average with a good upward trend. Solid volunteering and clinical experience. Looks like you some leadership and teaching experience as well. Your MCAT is slighly above average for a matriculant, but there are some schools, like Western, where it might be a hair lower compared to their matriculants. I think you have good chances, as long as you interview well. Make sure you are complete as early as possible at schools, especially at schools like PCOM, who receive many applicants and tend to drag their feet.

 

[spicedmanna]

Thanks for doing everyone's but mine 😉

Oops. 😳 😛

 

[flaahless]

GPA 3.49 (4.0 for the last two years)

MCAT 29R (12PS 7VR 10BS)

Thank you.

 

[DiverDoc]

GPA 3.49 (4.0 for the last two years)

MCAT 29R (12PS 7VR 10BS)

Thank you.

Great stats. Dont bomb your interviews and you should be doin the acceptance dance a couple of months from now.

 

[flaahless]

I hope so. I'm a little worried that my verbal score is below some cutoffs.

 

[DiverDoc]

Meh, maybe for Western. But doubtful for any others. I have a 7 in VR as well. Since your sciences are strong, and your applying early, you should and will be fine.

 

[Gutierrez001]

When do you plan on applying? I'm asking because your GPA is below average. If you have the time, I'd suggest delaying your graduating for another year and taking fulltime semesters of advanced undergraduate science classes, where you trend A's, to demonstrate your academic ability and increase your GPA. During this time, you can also gather up some volunteer/community service experiences.

Good luck on your MCAT. Study well and aim for upper twenties, or higher. A higher MCAT will definitely help your case.

May the force be with you...

spicedmanna when do you think i should apply? (LIKE IN DEC.?) . I cant delay my graduating for another year because my college keeps us in check with a tracking system and if i delay it they wont allow me back into school🙁. So when do you think would be the best time for me to apply? thanks for your help.

 

[azmo07]

Science GPA 3.4
Overal GPA 3.4

BS: Molecular and Cell Biology (07 class)

MCAT: Averaging around 25 score. Taking it on July 24.

Other: Volunteered at two hospital (ER and Operating Room), volunteered at under represented clinic, Caregiver for Hospice, 2 research projects with doctors, wrote thesis for research, Red Cross member, Tutoring kids with literacy problems.

What do you guys think are my chances? The one thing im afraid about is MCAT. Hopefully I get a good score 🙁

 

[MaximusD]

Science GPA 3.4
Overal GPA 3.4

BS: Molecular and Cell Biology (07 class)

MCAT: Averaging around 25 score. Taking it on July 24.

Other: Volunteered at two hospital (ER and Operating Room), volunteered at under represented clinic, Caregiver for Hospice, 2 research projects with doctors, wrote thesis for research, Red Cross member, Tutoring kids with literacy problems.

What do you guys think are my chances? The one thing im afraid about is MCAT. Hopefully I get a good score 🙁

STUDY and test, study and test, study and test until it's 2 days before the exam. Don't settle for that mid-twenties... when you walk out of that test you want to feel like you did everything you could to score as well as you are capable of...

 

[Animus]

spicedmanna when do you think i should apply? (LIKE IN DEC.?) . I cant delay my graduating for another year because my college keeps us in check with a tracking system and if i delay it they wont allow me back into school🙁. So when do you think would be the best time for me to apply? thanks for your help.

Look a 3.0 is not that bad, I think spiced only meant lengthen out your classes if you have the ability. What I would do, if I were you is continue to keep up the EC's, get good volunteering, patient care time and some other EC's (say martial arts or cooking, idk, things that increase your diversity). Then (most importantly!!) study your arse off for the MCAT and do well. Try 30+ if you can do it. Get high 20's or better you have a good chance. So if I were you I would apply right now if you think you can do well on the MCAT, that way schools will see your stuff and have it on file, they will no doubt wait for your MCAT to consider you with your gpa. Then you will still be completed maybe october and have some sort of shot.

Waiting and applying in December would make no sense, you can always update grades after you apply to schools. And with your gpa most schools would brush you off if you apply that late probably (not sure about this but my best guess).

There you have my best response, I wrote it with a bunch of things in mind so if you need clarification let me know .

 

[bombedthemcat]

i have a 24 mcat, 3.3 science, 3.7 overall, I'm an EMT, and i'm part of several student organizations. I'm taking the mcat again in august. What are my chances right now, and is august too late?

 

[spicedmanna]

Look a 3.0 is not that bad, I think spiced only meant lengthen out your classes if you have the ability. What I would do, if I were you is continue to keep up the EC's, get good volunteering, patient care time and some other EC's (say martial arts or cooking, idk, things that increase your diversity). Then (most importantly!!) study your arse off for the MCAT and do well. Try 30+ if you can do it. Get high 20's or better you have a good chance. So if I were you I would apply right now if you think you can do well on the MCAT, that way schools will see your stuff and have it on file, they will no doubt wait for your MCAT to consider you with your gpa. Then you will still be completed maybe october and have some sort of shot.

Waiting and applying in December would make no sense, you can always update grades after you apply to schools. And with your gpa most schools would brush you off if you apply that late probably (not sure about this but my best guess).

There you have my best response, I wrote it with a bunch of things in mind so if you need clarification let me know .

Yeah, I agree with the above. If you are going to apply this cycle, then apply as early as you can; with your lower grades, you are definitely going to need the advantage of early application.

What I meant before was that if you didn't plan on applying this cycle, then it would be worth doing a couple of fulltime semesters of undergraduate science classes to enhance your application. Since your school won't let you extend your graduation, you could potentially take your classes through an informal post-baccalaureate program. However, since you are plan on applying this cycle, the suggestion is moot; apply as early as you can and also broadly. Rock the MCAT and see what happens. Good luck.

 

[DrVanNostran]

I haven't decided which SMP to attend yet, should I wait to submit, or just send an update letter to every school...??

Also, I am confused on where to apply still. So far CCOM, DMU, and NYCOM for sure. PCOM and UMDNJ are possibilites. I would add KCUMB, but there LOR requirments seem to crazy for me, I only have: 1 commitee, 1 grad school letter, 1 Internship letter, and 2 DO letters, but nothing from a science faculty member...

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7673

 

[DiverDoc]

The sciences not so much, but your 5 is a Red Flag. No matter what section, many schools will screen applicants out with a 5. Im not an expert, I didnt do amazing on the MCAT. But you definitly need to re-take

 

[DiverDoc]

i have a 24 mcat, 3.3 science, 3.7 overall, I'm an EMT, and i'm part of several student organizations. I'm taking the mcat again in august. What are my chances right now, and is august too late?

I have very similar stats and I think we will be ok if we get apps in EARLY and dont bomb the interviews. (assume we get some) 😎

 

[Onelesscar]

Just found out my scores:
22R
V-8
PS-6
BS-8
I must admit I studied like crazy as I had taken many of the classes 6-8 years ago. Not what I was expecting or hoping for, but now must live with it or retake.
GPA: 3.78
Science: 3.85
MSPH (finishing my thesis)
clinical research
solid DO LOR
volunteer/work experience

Any opinions, 🙂thumbup: or👎) on whether I have a chance and should go for it?!
Thanks much, I appreciate any thoughts!

 

[spicedmanna]

Just found out my scores:
22R
V-8
PS-6
BS-8
I must admit I studied like crazy as I had taken many of the classes 6-8 years ago. Not what I was expecting or hoping for, but now must live with it or retake.

GPA: 3.78
Science: 3.85
MSPH (finishing my thesis)
clinical research
solid DO LOR
volunteer/work experience

Any opinions, 🙂thumbup: or👎) on whether I have a chance and should go for it?!
Thanks much, I appreciate any thoughts!

Hooo boy. This is a tough call; it's not so clear what the next course of action should be. Your GPA is pretty awesome, but your MCAT is below average, but it might still be passable. Did you score in the range of your practice exams? Do you think you can improve your PS? It is one of the easier sections to improve, or at least it used to be. It sounds like it might be a knowledge issue, due to not having taken the prerequisites in a long time. If you get that up to an 8, without dropping, or even improving, your other sections, it would benefit your application. I personally wouldn't retake unless you have some evidence that supports that you can raise your score. Fill in the gaps in your knowledge (or wherever the issue might be) in PS and in the other sections, take lots of practice tests under real conditions, and if you see a consistant improvement, especially in PS, then you have evidence that supports retaking.

However, I think you should go ahead an apply, if you are planning on applying this cycle. The earlier the better. There is a chance. Apply broadly, to all the schools that you think you would attend, and do it EARLY. Write good essays and get good LORs. Give it a shot and see what happens. If you decide to retake, you can update your AACOMAS with your new score when you get it. Luckily, you can now take the MCAT many times a year. I can't say what will happen, but there is a chance if you are the early bird. The 6 in PS is a little worrisome. I don't know which schools screen or not, but if you apply broadly, you can make up for this possibility, hopefully.

I wish you the best.

 

[Medstudent2010]

I apologize in advance, I am sure this question has been or will be asked a ton in the following months.

Here is the situation I am in right now.

I first took the MCAT April 2004 (when it was on paper) and got a 28Q (PS: 09, VR: 09, BS: 10)

I have just gotten my MCAT scores back from the May 11th test and they are 31N (PS:11, VR: 09, BS: 11)

As you can see I want up 2pts in PS, stayed the same in VR, and want up 1pts in BS, but I dropped to an N on the writing sample. I really don’t know how important the writing sample is to DO schools that I am interested in, which mainly consist of NYCOM and TCOM in Texas.

Oh yeah, my GPA is 3.3 for science and overall which is unfortunately below the averages for NYCOM (3.53) and TCOM (3.52). I probably won’t retake the MCAT but if my writing sample score remains an issue I will retake the exam.

I am taking steps the rise my GPA (I am taking more upper level sciences to rise my GPA to a 3.4) but I am debating right now whether I should apply for this cycle or not.

I appreciate both advice or/and criticism and hope that others had better luck with the MCAT. 🙂

 

[Dr JPH]

I apologize in advance, I am sure this question has been or will be asked a ton in the following months.

Here is the situation I am in right now.

I first took the MCAT April 2004 (when it was on paper) and got a 28Q (PS: 09, VR: 09, BS: 10)

I have just gotten my MCAT scores back from the May 11th test and they are 31N (PS:11, VR: 09, BS: 11)

As you can see I want up 2pts in PS, stayed the same in VR, and want up 1pts in BS, but I dropped to an N on the writing sample. I really don't know how important the writing sample is to DO schools that I am interested in, which mainly consist of NYCOM and TCOM in Texas.

Oh yeah, my GPA is 3.3 for science and overall which is unfortunately below the averages for NYCOM (3.53) and TCOM (3.52). I probably won't retake the MCAT but if my writing sample score remains an issue I will retake the exam.

I am taking steps the rise my GPA (I am taking more upper level sciences to rise my GPA to a 3.4) but I am debating right now whether I should apply for this cycle or not.

I appreciate both advice or/and criticism and hope that others had better luck with the MCAT. 🙂

Your MCAT is good. I dont think the writing sample will hurt you as long as you write a good essay & secondary.

Apply now.


Good luck.

 

[spicedmanna]

Your MCAT is good. I dont think the writing sample will hurt you as long as you write a good essay & secondary.

Apply now.


Good luck.

Agreed. I don't think most adcom members put a lot of weight on the WS. Don't worry yourself over your WS score; just write good essays.

 

[Medstudent2010]

Thanks for the advice JPHazelton and spicedmanna!! Makes me feel a lot better.

I just realized that there is thread for my question!!!:

Put your "what are my chances" posts in this thread only
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=411926

lesson I learned today: USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION!!! 🙄

Thanks anyway for the quick reply I appreciate that a lot.

I'll probably go post my questions over there and let this thread die off.

 

[spicedmanna]

Thanks for the advice JPHazelton and spicedmanna!! Makes me feel a lot better.

I just realized that there is thread for my question!!!:

Put your "what are my chances" posts in this thread only
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=411926

lesson I learned today: USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION!!! 🙄

Thanks anyway for the quick reply I appreciate that a lot.

I'll probably go post my questions over there and let this thread die off.

No problem at all. I merged your thread into this one. Good luck with your application!

 

[Medstudent2010]

I wish I had known about this thread earlier instead of going off and creating another thread. Any way:

Here are the facts:

MCAT: 31N (PS 11, VR 9, BS 11)
GPA Science: 3.29
GPA overall: 3.36
Residency: I am a Texas resident but I was born and raised in Oregon. (I don't know if that matters at all in Texas?)
I am not a URM
I am 5th author on 2 papers which probably means absolution nothing to schools. 🙄
I have volunteered 96 hours at the Red cross.
I have over 2 years experience in research.
No DO letter yet.

Concerns:
GPA and medical experience. This fall I am taking 16 credits of upper level science at Texas tech to raise my GPA to 3.4 and I will be taking an EMT-basic course in the spring. I will also try to get a DO letter.

SCHOOLS I WOULD GO TO IN A HEARTBEAT:

TCOM in Texas (GPA: 3.52, MCAT: 9.0)
NYCOM (GPA: 3.53, MCAT 8.5)

I would love to go to TCOM as I am a Texas resident so I am wondering if my MCAT can make up for my low GPA?

I am very interested in pediatrics so if you know any other schools that have good pediatric rotations please let me know.

THANKS spicedmanna!!!

 

[spicedmanna]

I wish I had known about this thread earlier instead of going off and creating another thread. Any way:

Here are the facts:

MCAT: 31N (PS 11, VR 9, BS 11)
GPA Science: 3.29
GPA overall: 3.36
Residency: I am a Texas resident but I was born and raised in Oregon. (I don't know if that matters at all in Texas?)
I am not a URM
I am 5th author on 2 papers which probably means absolution nothing to schools. 🙄
I have volunteered 96 hours at the Red cross.
I have over 2 years experience in research.
No DO letter yet.

Concerns:
GPA and medical experience. This fall I am taking 16 credits of upper level science at Texas tech to raise my GPA to 3.4 and I will be taking an EMT-basic course in the spring. I will also try to get a DO letter.

SCHOOLS I WOULD GO TO IN A HEARTBEAT:

TCOM in Texas (GPA: 3.52, MCAT: 9.0)
NYCOM (GPA: 3.53, MCAT 8.5)

I would love to go to TCOM as I am a Texas resident so I am wondering if my MCAT can make up for my low GPA?

I am very interested in pediatrics so if you know any other schools that have good pediatric rotations please let me know.

THANKS spicedmanna!!!

Both TCOM and NYCOM are good schools. Your Texas residency is sure to help you with TCOM, as there appears to be an instate preference (somebody correct me if I'm wrong). TCOM is a little special, because you apply through TMDSAS, instead of AACOMAS, like you do the rest of the osteopathic medical schools. I don't know if NYCOM has an instate preference.

Anyway, your MCAT score is pretty good; it's above average, so it'll definitely benefit your case. However, your GPA is on the lower side, but it's still pretty decent. Usually, I tell folks that it is pretty much a myth that a higher MCAT can make up for a lower GPA and vise versa. Both really need to be as good as you can get them. Raising your GPA to 3.4 will certainly help, but honestly, I don't think your GPA is that bad. I want to say that I think you look like a pretty good applicant to me, despite your GPA falling short a little.

I think if you look at everything together, you have a good chance. Do some physician shadowing, if you can and get a good letter from one. It might provide you some additional support. Getting your EMT-B cert isn't going to help that much, in my opinion, if you don't have a chance to use it. The real benefit from the cert is using it to treat patients out in the field. However, it won't hurt for you do attain it, if you are interested in it. If you have time to use it in the field, all the better; but it is unlikely if you are applying this cycle.

I'm not sure whether you already have clinical experience, but having some is essential to a good application, in my opinion. You may want to do some supplemental volunteering at a hospital or something, where you receive some patient contact. It's worth looking into because it can get you the patient contact you need faster than your EMT-B can. You may even be able to swing a physician letter from this experience. Heck, you can spend some time in the peds ward, or something.

It's up to you when you want to apply. I usually recommend people apply when they are at their strongest, as to maximize their chances. However, there is one thing that seems to prove true time and time again, applying EARLY in the application cycle and broadly (you should apply to more schools) will increase your chances and opportunities.

Good luck!

 

[Infrsf]

Cumm. GPA: 3.46
Sci. GPA 3.44
MCAT 31

one semester of volunteer work at a hospital. (probably only 25 hours or so)
Pre-med co-operative education experience (minimum of 160 hours MD shadowing by this coming December)
Have not shadowed a DO, but trying to line something up.....
Two summer research experiences.
Several ECs, with some leadership.

I would like to go to DMU-COM, but I am open to suggestions?

What do you all think? Should I wait until my shadowing experiences are finished before submitting my AACOMAS?

 

[Kappy1]

Cumm. GPA: 3.46
Sci. GPA 3.44
MCAT 31

one semester of volunteer work at a hospital. (probably only 25 hours or so)
Pre-med co-operative education experience (minimum of 160 hours MD shadowing by this coming December)
Have not shadowed a DO, but trying to line something up.....
Two summer research experiences.
Several ECs, with some leadership.

I would like to go to DMU-COM, but I am open to suggestions?

What do you all think? Should I wait until my shadowing experiences are finished before submitting my AACOMAS?

I think you shouldn't have any problems going to any school you want. I think if you raise your GPA you could be accepted at an allopathic school.

 

[mastamark]

Hey guys,
Finally got my scores back. My GPA is about 3.2 overall I'm not sure about my BCPM yet, but it is probably about 2.8(since math is counted)-3.0. My MCAT score was absolutely horrible. I got BS:9 VR:8 PS:6 WS:Q for total of-- 23Q. My MCAT was pretty calculation heavy, but no excuses. I am not sure whether to take a shot at quite a few DO schools. I have only wanted to apply DO for about 2 years now, my own Doc is DO and it is what I want to do. I am URM with 5 years experience as a paramedic. I am thinking applying broadly and early with these numbers will give me a slightly better, if not an even shot, as applying much later with slightly higher scores.

Any opinions? Please be gentle. LOL

 

[jochi1543]

Retake the MCAT....you scored low on a science section, and those are pretty easy to improve on. VR is a whole other story. May I suggest visiting the MCAT forum, which I happen to advise? You should be able to find some good info for retaking.

 

[almo88]

Hey guys,
Finally got my scores back. My GPA is about 3.2 overall I'm not sure about my BCPM yet, but it is probably about 2.8(since math is counted)-3.0. My MCAT score was absolutely horrible. I got BS:9 VR:8 PS:6 WS:Q for total of-- 23Q. My MCAT was pretty calculation heavy, but no excuses. I am not sure whether to take a shot at quite a few DO schools. I have only wanted to apply DO for about 2 years now, my own Doc is DO and it is what I want to do. I am URM with 5 years experience as a paramedic. I am thinking applying broadly and early with these numbers will give me a slightly better, if not an even shot, as applying much later with slightly higher scores.

Any opinions? Please be gentle. LOL

Your MCAT and your GPA are only a little below average for DO. So, you are definitely not screwed. Being a URM will help, along with applying broadly. I would definitely take the MCAT again this August and update the individual schools you are interested in. Keep your head up, it's not over. You'll make it. Study for your MCAT and maybe retake a few classes to get your science GPA up a little. Good Luck. APPLY EARLY!!!!

 

[aleksap]

I have the same GPA, I applied really late the first time around and am sitting on 3 waitlists now. I have good science MCAT scores, and I've been told (by the schools) if I apply early this time around I will most likely get in. So, I would say go for it, apply early, but plan to re-take the MCAT, because that is going to hurt you the most. Just try to get those science scores up a little, that's what they care about most. Don't forget, with the GPA, where you went to school and your major are taken into account... So is all your experience! Good luck!

 

[MaximusD]

IF you want my honest opinion, a few/ do successfully apply with your stats but they only end up getting into their 3rd or 4th choice.

If you want a stronger application and more selection on your plate, retake the MCAT and up that score to above a 25 at least... Over a 30 would greatly increase your options. It's not easy, but if you put in the work it will happen for you...

 

[Hatman]

Hey Guys,

I will be a re-app this year. After my mom passed a year ago (after a 4 year cancer battle), I have had a rough time catching up with missed classwork. Mcat scores went from 22 to 20 to 25. (Crappy I know) My graduating GPA ended up being a 3.65 with a Science Gpa of around 3.55 (thank god!) I am hoping to grow up and become an Oncologist some day and give back to those patients that struggle the same way my mother did. DO I have any chance in getting into an Osteopathic school?? Allopathic?? My letters are outstanding and my EC's stretch to everything from 1 yr clinical research, 2.5 years academic research, 1.5 years hospice work, 1 month volunteer abroad, and volunteering at over 5 different hospital for around a year each. Just that damn Mcat...🙁 help!

 

[Sarikate]

Hmm...you might take a chance and apply, but don't get your hopes up. I had a very lopsided MCAT of 11 VR, 8 BS, 5 PS, R and managed to get into 7 schools, but my overall GPA was 3.6 and my science 3.2 or something like that (plus I've had tons of research/rural public health experience). ALL of the schools I interviewed at asked me about my physical sciences score. I was all set to take the MCAT again if necessary. I would say most schools are very unforgiving of scores lower than 8 in each section. But here's your ray of light - now the test is offered a gazillion times a year, so you could always re-take in August and send your updated scores then!

You could write a letter to each school specifically stating that you are planning on re-taking the test in August or whenever, then they might put your application on hold until those scores came in. But you'd have to study your buns off!

 

[budhak0n]

Well I guess we toss this out there just to see if anybody wacks ya back with a "No way Man, you're application is getting tossed into the FIRE" Are you crazy ? hehehe.

But I have an Undergrad GPA of 2.9 or so, Considerably better in the Sciences 3.23 or so.. ( that is depending on whether QBA ( Basically Stat) is included in a Science GPA calc).. Wouldn't they be "business" courses although most of the material says that you can substitute a Stat class for your Math requirements...

I'll have an opportunity to boost my Science GPA and Overall in a POST Bacc program so these numbers aren't set in stone..

Haven't taken the MCAT so I can't venture a guess as to what it will be but i've always been a gifted standardized test taker..

Guess what i'm sayin is with an undergrad GPA Below 3.0 ( all work done prior to 1991 or so.. way back when) will my app get tossed into the flames?

I also have about 2.5 years of graduate work in law ( 2 semester's on Dean's List) basically my academic record reads as "when he's interested and dedicated he does quite well, but there are some serious Pock marks when he's not... "

You can't hide the truth. It is what it is.. I'm just wondering considering the super competitive atomsphere am I really going to have to WOW on the Mcats just to get an INterview to someplace like

UMDNJ-SOM or Robert Wood.. or PCOM or any of the Philadelphia/S.J. Schools.

 

[Gutierrez001]

Yeah, I agree with the above. If you are going to apply this cycle, then apply as early as you can; with your lower grades, you are definitely going to need the advantage of early application.

What I meant before was that if you didn't plan on applying this cycle, then it would be worth doing a couple of fulltime semesters of undergraduate science classes to enhance your application. Since your school won't let you extend your graduation, you could potentially take your classes through an informal post-baccalaureate program. However, since you are plan on applying this cycle, the suggestion is moot; apply as early as you can and also broadly. Rock the MCAT and see what happens. Good luck.

Thanks for your help...

 

[JaggerPlate]

Personally, I think I am a little bit nicer in my opinions on this board (probably because my own stats arent amazing, but I'm at least two years from applying - but my gpa probably won't be too off from yours and I don't consider myself (or you) to be screwed). It's really hard to gauge an applicant off a few sentences ( in my opinion - please don't quote me on any of this!!) but retake the mcat, apply broadly and early and I think you will get into a DO school. If it's really what you want, I think you can make that shine through on an application and make it count. Get some great EC's going, make sure to nail down some solid LORs and you will find success!! Hope this helps, it does no good to get down on youself over stats. What we are all trying to do in life is probably the most difficult, respected, and fufilling life choice one can make. It's a long, self-doubting road, but never give up because being negative will get you no where (though it's extremely important to always be realistic). Do all that you can to improve yourself as an applicant, and apply when you are at the best point you can get to. Good luck!!!

 

[vraj]

Hey guyz,

I just got my mcat scores today, I have got 19M and the first time I took
I got 17P. I have already applied to schools for '08 cycle. I am so nervous. Here is my academic status as of now.
My GPA is 3.6
Bachelor of Health Science-Cum Laude
Deans list 2 years
Lots of ECs
Research in Biochemistry
Lots of volunteering
MD shadowing
Tutored cell biology, organic chemistryI&II.
And I have strong letter of Recommendations from my pre-med
committee.
What is your opinion, do you think I will get into any DO schools, i have applied to 13 schools? Thanks for you time...means lot.

 

[almo88]

Hey guyz,

I just got my mcat scores today, I have got 19M and the first time I took
I got 17P. I have already applied to schools for '08 cycle. I am so nervous. Here is my academic status as of now.
My GPA is 3.6
Bachelor of Health Science-Cum Laude
Deans list 2 years
Lots of ECs
Research in Biochemistry
Lots of volunteering
MD shadowing
Tutored cell biology, organic chemistryI&II.
And I have strong letter of Recommendations from my pre-med
committee.
What is your opinion, do you think I will get into any DO schools, i have applied to 13 schools? Thanks for you time...means lot.

There's always a chance. Apply this round and retake your MCAT this August. Might I suggest an MCAT course? It sounds like your application is excellent, except for your MCAT, but there is always a chance. Good Luck!

 

[Krazykritter]

You definitely will have to retake your MCAT. It would be an absolute waste of money to continue applying to that many schools w/ a 17P & a 19M.

I really do not mean to sound like a jerk, but some people are going to blow smoke up your a$$ & tell you there's a chance when you will just be wasting your time & money. You are significantly below the average MCAT score for all schools & nearly everyone has "great" LOR's.

Maybe a score breakdown would help so you know where to focus?

 

[mastamark]

Thanks guys for the input. I am probably going to retake in august. My concerns are: what if I mess up and get lower in other sections? Applying early(like monday) with these scores only to retake would not really help me, since my applications would be held until sometime in september(score release for august). Would a small change in scores help me vs applying broadly and early now? Here is where my decisions are clouded. 😕

Thanks alot for your advice guys.

 

[bonny5]

I got my MCAT score today and I did bad on my Verbal. I got 6. I did ok on the other sections Physics 9, Biology 10 = 25O. My GPA is 3.45. I have a bunch of extracurricular activities (working in a lab for 2 years, playing piano since I was a child, volunteering, shadowing, etc.) I was just wondering what are my chances of getting in this year and what schools should I apply to with my score?

 

[Doc2007]

Hey guyz,

I just got my mcat scores today, I have got 19M and the first time I took
I got 17P. I have already applied to schools for '08 cycle. I am so nervous. Here is my academic status as of now.
My GPA is 3.6
Bachelor of Health Science-Cum Laude
Deans list 2 years
Lots of ECs
Research in Biochemistry
Lots of volunteering
MD shadowing
Tutored cell biology, organic chemistryI&II.
And I have strong letter of Recommendations from my pre-med
committee.
What is your opinion, do you think I will get into any DO schools, i have applied to 13 schools? Thanks for you time...means lot.

What is your score distribution? You will probably have to retake the MCAT. You GPA is pretty good but MCAT will hold back your application.