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

[JWE27]

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Don't you have to reveal any conviction in the AACOMAS? It doesn't matter if it is expunged, or not. It's still a prior conviction and thus, according to the instructions, must be reported on your AACOMAS. You didn't say, so perhaps you did disclose it on your application. I just assumed you didn't because you were asking if it would come up on a school background check. As to whether schools and residency programs could find out about your prior misdeameanor conviction, I can't speak to that. I'm not a lawyer, but I do suggest you consult with one. If you are concerned, run a background check on yourself and see what comes up. There are plenty of online background check companies that will run comprehensive, personal background checks, similar to the ones that schools and residency programs run, for a nominal fee.



Your stats look fine. Your PS score is a bit low, but I don't think it'll be a big deal. Just be able to address it, if you happened to get asked about it.

Thanks for the quick response Spicedmanna! Yeah, I feel okay about my chances since I seem to be (from what I've read) an average applicant (score-wise). I just worry about the DWI. Unfortunately, after much debating, hemming, and hawing I submitted my general application indicating I do not have any convictions, banking on the expungement going through without having to waste precious time waiting for it. From what I read on the Texas application (TMDSAS), you don't have to claim expunged convictions, and I guess I assumed the same for AACOMAS. I guess the best I can do at this point is admit to the conviction on my secondary applications and give my account of what happened (?)...
Other than this, any thoughts now that I've already submitted claiming no record?

 

[spicedmanna]

I just worry about the DWI. Unfortunately, after much debating, hemming, and hawing I submitted my general application indicating I do not have any convictions, banking on the expungement going through without having to waste precious time waiting for it. From what I read on the Texas application (TMDSAS), you don't have to claim expunged convictions, and I guess I assumed the same for AACOMAS. I guess the best I can do at this point is admit to the conviction on my secondary applications and give my account of what happened (?)...
Other than this, any thoughts now that I've already submitted claiming no record?

I don't recall seeing that qualification for the AACOMAS. I would contact AACOM and ask them what to do; it's possible to correct and/or amend your submitted application, should it become necessary. Some secondary applications have a space for you to report prior convictions, but not all of them. What I am concerned about is what could happen if your AACOMAS application is inconsistant with a background check (again, I'm not sure if an expunged record will show up on a background check, should you get your record expunged). Then, it might appear as if you deliberately withheld application information, an action which could potentially compound any negative impression a school might have about a prior conviction. Also, it wouldn't hurt to consult with a lawyer for legal advice on what to do.

 

[chup12682]

I realize that this is a broad title, but I'm currently a post-bacc student averaging a perfect 4.0 with 3 to 4 classes per semester, after rebounding from a... Hmmm, how can I put it? a less than stellar undergrad BCPM (2.7) with a B.S. in Bio-psycholgy and cognitive sciences. As for reasons, I was simply overloaded in and out of academia during undergrad. As a first generation kid I made frequent visits back home to New York from Michigan, to help my parents get their restaurant off the ground. Much of the translating for various licenses and paperwork was left up to me. This took a huge toll on my life and being away from school so frequently really did hurt me academically. Anyway, I'm also taking an MCAT course and I've been getting composite scores between 29N and 31O. My question is whether or not I have a chance at a DO school considering my academic record from past to present.

My Extra-curriculars have consisted of being an EMT-B and volunteering in the Emergency room (approx 6 hrs/week totaling around 100 hrs for the past year). I'm also working on an environmental engineering research project, detecting coliform bacterial levels in various watersheds, as an assistant to the principle investigator with a grant from the local government as well as the E.P.A. My second question is if finding a DO to shadow would drastically increase my chances (if at all) to get into a DO school. Could I supplant that by being a mental health aide?

Any and all opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[daughmis]

I am in need of advice about a master's program. I took the MCAT on June 15th and am waiting for the scores to come back. I am applying to DO and MD Schools this summer. I graduated undergrad in May and applied to some one year master's programs.
Here are my stats:

My undergrad GPA was a 3.22 with a strong upwards trend. In my last three years of school I averaged above a 3.5. My BCMS GPA is a 3.24.

My GPA's by semester:
Fall 02 - 2.44
Spring 03 - 2.48
Fall 03 - 2.97
Spring 04 - 2.83
Fall 04 - 3.17
Spring 05 - 3.21
Fall 05 - 3.45
Spring 06 - 3.61
Fall 06 - 3.88
Spring 07 - 4.00


Here is my situation:

Assuming I do well on the MCAT (>29), how much will a master's program help me? I currently have no debt from school and I am concerned about the cost of the master's program (~ $40,000/year). With a 3.22 and a 30 or better MCAT score, would you spend $40,000 for a year's worth of school without any guarantee that this program will get you into med school? Does anyone have advice about alternative options that would enhance my med-school application without spending this much money? Or, in my situation would you advise sticking with the master's program to help mitigate doubt about my GPA? I would love to wait until I get my MCAT scores back, but the master's program I was accepted to has a deadline approaching before I will get my scores back. Can anyone offer some help?

 

[Krazykritter]

I realize that this is a broad title, but I'm currently a post-bacc student averaging a perfect 4.0 with 3 to 4 classes per semester, after rebounding from a... Hmmm, how can I put it? a less than stellar undergrad BCPM (2.7) with a B.S. in Bio-psycholgy and cognitive sciences. As for reasons, I was simply overloaded in and out of academia during undergrad. As a first generation kid I made frequent visits back home to New York from Michigan, to help my parents get their restaurant off the ground. Much of the translating for various licenses and paperwork was left up to me. This took a huge toll on my life and being away from school so frequently really did hurt me academically. Anyway, I'm also taking an MCAT course and I've been getting composite scores between 29N and 31O. My question is whether or not I have a chance at a DO school considering my academic record from past to present.

My Extra-curriculars have consisted of being an EMT-B and volunteering in the Emergency room (approx 6 hrs/week totaling around 100 hrs for the past year). I'm also working on an environmental engineering research project, detecting coliform bacterial levels in various watersheds, as an assistant to the principle investigator with a grant from the local government as well as the E.P.A. My second question is if finding a DO to shadow would drastically increase my chances (if at all) to get into a DO school. Could I supplant that by being a mental health aide?

Any and all opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

chup,

I would be interested in seeing your overall GPA b/c of your BCPM. As I'm sure you've heard, many schools have a cutoff GPA (many at 3.0, some at 2.75). IDK for sure, but I don't think that post-bac program grades are added into your GPA, in which case you may be facing an uphill battle.

Please post your overall undergrad GPA for a little more educated decision.

 

[Orthodoc40]

GPA:
3.23 Overall
2.96 Science GPA (currently retaking a 3hr class I got a D in right now)

MCAT:
27M
10PS 7V 10BS

Extracurricular/Awards:
1.5 years of infectious disease research at UT Southwestern
Shadowed FP DO for ~30 hours with DO LOR
Volunteer tutor for local school district
President's List Fall 2004

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7690

The VR 7 is tough but if you apply EARLY, you may have a shot. I don't see TX on your list of DO schools. Consider adding it.

Im 28 years old living in California hoping to get into a DO school next fall. I graduated 4 years ago with a biology degree. I was pre-med in my junior year (2002) when I took the MCAT and got a 16. I became interested in the biotech industry and when I graduated became an service engineer for a local biotech company. Now I travel all over the country fixing some really expensive machines.

Then after about a couple of years as an engineer. I decided it wasn't for me and I really should chase my passion and not have a test like the MCAT stop me. I took the test again in 2006 where I got a 18K. Then again jan '07 where I got a 22M. Then finally taking the test in May '07 where I got a 27L (7V 12P 8B).

My BCMP is 3.1 and my Cum GPA is 3.1.

I volunteered at various hospitals and schools for some time during school. Its been difficult to take classes or volunteer for the past few years because I've been out of town and I have to pay a mortage, but I managed to start shadowing a DO recently, to get that LOR.

I've interviewed fairly well during my commitee interviews and I'm thinking of doing a DO/MBA program.

What do you think guys, have I got a shot?

Thanks for the input and I hope everyone who deserves to get in, gets in.

Love the persistence w/the MCAT - nice going. Don't just apply to CA schools, and make sure you apply EARLY!!

As a freshman I knew i wanted to be a physician but my MCAT scores crushed my hopes. I have leadership, lors, shadowing, etc. My GPA is a 3.46 and BCPM is 3.3ish. My university is known for weeding out so the GPA is not too bad hopefully. My MCAT score was horribile -- BS11 PS8 VR6 WSP...i dont know if i can get into any schools with these stats. I am retaking it in early august hopefully i can nail it then, but i dont see much improvemnt in VR. However I never got anything lower than a 7 or higher than an 11 on the practice ones. i am really freaked out now b/c the stats are that retakers usually get lower scores :=[ any advice? do i have a chance?

You can get in with that MCAT score if other parts of your app are strong & you apply to the right mix of schools and you apply EARLY! NOW!!


Good luck!

 

[Orthodoc40]

Have yet to get any advice and its time to submit everything...
Think I will apply to ..
LECOM Bradenton
PCOM-GA
ATSU Mesa
AZCOM
OSUCOM
VCOM
and OU (allo).

Any thoughts about other schools?

Submit, danzman. You can add schools if you want to now, or later. I would add DMU, CCOM and KCUMB. But it's up to you.

What school should i apply to this cycle?

Where do you want to be?? Where are you from?

I realize that this is a broad title, but I'm currently a post-bacc student averaging a perfect 4.0 with 3 to 4 classes per semester, after rebounding from a... Hmmm, how can I put it? a less than stellar undergrad BCPM (2.7) with a B.S. in Bio-psycholgy and cognitive sciences. My question is whether or not I have a chance at a DO school considering my academic record from past to present.

My second question is if finding a DO to shadow would drastically increase my chances (if at all) to get into a DO school. Could I supplant that by being a mental health aide?

Any and all opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

You have a chance, depending on where & when you apply. Yes, shadowing a DO would help you out, especially if you can get a strong LOR from that person.

I am in need of advice about a master's program. I took the MCAT on June 15th and am waiting for the scores to come back. I am applying to DO and MD Schools this summer. I graduated undergrad in May and applied to some one year master's programs.
Here are my stats:

Here is my situation:

Assuming I do well on the MCAT (>29), how much will a master's program help me? Can anyone offer some help?

I have heard that Master's programs don't really help raise your GPA because they are calculated separately, so don't do it for GPA reasons alone. Master's programs at schools that are associated w/a medical school can help you get accepted to that medical school sometimes, though. I would put your efforts into getting into MD & DO schools since you have applied. You can always go back & find a master's program if you don't get in this year.

Good luck!

 

[Orthodoc40]

Everyone who isn't sure if they are a strong candidate - your AACOMAS application should be verified or at least submitted by the middle of July. Okay, this is my own random date selection, but what I am saying is you stand a MUCH MUCH better chance by having your applications in very early.

That includes your secondaries - do not sit on them - have them returned within a few days - a week max. And start calling the school a week after you send in your secondary to make sure your application is complete!

There is a certain amount of randomness in this process & being early can only HELP you!! Do it!

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[TunedToStatic]

I have been bouncing back and forth between DO and PA for the last couple months, think I have finally decided to go for gold and shoot for DO. Just wondering about my stats for an application for next year

Graduating August 2007 - BS Biology - Psychology and Chem minors
GPA - 3.49
BCMP - 3.5
MCAT - 29Q - 8P 11V 10B - April 2007
Volunteer for 56 hours (didnt like the program, looking for a better one).

Plans for next year -
Getting a CNA/EMT-b cert to get some direct patient contact experience
Shadow a DO
More volunteering, hopefully in an ER

Assuming I can get everything done in the next year how would this app look.

 

[Gutierrez001]

Submit, danzman. You can add schools if you want to now, or later. I would add DMU, CCOM and KCUMB. But it's up to you.



Where do you want to be?? Where are you from?



Good luck!

I dont care....I'll go anywhere. Im from FL. Where can i be competitive with my experience becuz my GPA isnt helping. Also without a Mcat till Aug 20 is probably holding me back.

have you heard anything from ATSU? There secondary requirement is only 2.5

 

[Orthodoc40]

I dont care....I'll go anywhere. Im from FL. Where can i be competitive with my experience becuz my GPA isnt helping. Also without a Mcat till Aug 20 is probably holding me back.

have you heard anything from ATSU? There secondary requirement is only 2.5

Apply now - your gpa is over 3 anyway, that's not the worst they've seen.
If you're from FL, you probably prefer warmer weather, so stick to those places first, I guess. Nova, definitely, LECOM-Bradenton, PCOM-Georgia - for sure. I would add the California schools and AZ, NV, maybe VCOM, if I were you. Just going by climate here. Maybe add TX.

My friends from FL were all miserable coming north. You could be different, though.

 

[coolcats]

I'm turning in my applications tonight and so just getting kinda nervous about the whole chances thing so thought id ask...

GPA - 3.3-3.4 (Still have a year of school left so I know I can get my GPA up to atleast a 3.6)
MCAT 27P - 8 PS, 10 VR, 9BS
Have shadowed a D.O. amongst other doctors.
Pres. of a Pre-Osteopathic Medical Society
Tutor (2 years to present)
Multiple Pre-Health Committees etc...

am from Texas so my goal is TCOM, but I read earlier a profile of someone who had a 29 MCAT and a 3.6 GPA and didnt even get an interview...should i be terribly worried?
I applied to almost every school save about 5 D.O. schools.

 

[GreenShirt]

I have been bouncing back and forth between DO and PA for the last couple months, think I have finally decided to go for gold and shoot for DO. Just wondering about my stats for an application for next year

Graduating August 2007 - BS Biology - Psychology and Chem minors
GPA - 3.49
BCMP - 3.5
MCAT - 29Q - 8P 11V 10B - April 2007
Volunteer for 56 hours (didnt like the program, looking for a better one).

Plans for next year -
Getting a CNA/EMT-b cert to get some direct patient contact experience
Shadow a DO
More volunteering, hopefully in an ER

Assuming I can get everything done in the next year how would this app look.

Good for you, deciding to go for DO! (Of course we're a little biased here). Your app looks good, numbers are within range; GPA average, MCAT above average. You're correct to seek clinical and DO shadowing experience, those are an important part of the app. Good luck!

 

[GreenShirt]

I'm turning in my applications tonight and so just getting kinda nervous about the whole chances thing so thought id ask...

GPA - 3.3-3.4 (Still have a year of school left so I know I can get my GPA up to atleast a 3.6)
MCAT 27P - 8 PS, 10 VR, 9BS
Have shadowed a D.O. amongst other doctors.
Pres. of a Pre-Osteopathic Medical Society
Tutor (2 years to present)
Multiple Pre-Health Committees etc...

am from Texas so my goal is TCOM, but I read earlier a profile of someone who had a 29 MCAT and a 3.6 GPA and didnt even get an interview...should i be terribly worried?
I applied to almost every school save about 5 D.O. schools.

Your stats are average for a DO matriculant and you seem to have the appropriate ECs. Make sure you use your essays and interviews to really shine. I can't comment on TCOM in particular since it's part of that crazy Texas system, but it's good that you've cast a wide net beyond the state. You won't be able to get as good a tuition deal elsewhere as you would at TCOM, but there are some cheaper schools out there such as LECOM and VCOM. You never know, it might work out; that other applicant may have had other problems with their app. Good luck!

 

[chup12682]

Originally Posted by chup12682
I realize that this is a broad title, but I'm currently a post-bacc student averaging a perfect 4.0 with 3 to 4 classes per semester, after rebounding from a... Hmmm, how can I put it? a less than stellar undergrad BCPM (2.7) with a B.S. in Bio-psycholgy and cognitive sciences. As for reasons, I was simply overloaded in and out of academia during undergrad. As a first generation kid I made frequent visits back home to New York from Michigan, to help my parents get their restaurant off the ground. Much of the translating for various licenses and paperwork was left up to me. This took a huge toll on my life and being away from school so frequently really did hurt me academically. Anyway, I'm also taking an MCAT course and I've been getting composite scores between 29N and 31O. My question is whether or not I have a chance at a DO school considering my academic record from past to present.

My Extra-curriculars have consisted of being an EMT-B and volunteering in the Emergency room (approx 6 hrs/week totaling around 100 hrs for the past year). I'm also working on an environmental engineering research project, detecting coliform bacterial levels in various watersheds, as an assistant to the principle investigator with a grant from the local government as well as the E.P.A. My second question is if finding a DO to shadow would drastically increase my chances (if at all) to get into a DO school. Could I supplant that by being a mental health aide?

Any and all opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!
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chup,

I would be interested in seeing your overall GPA b/c of your BCPM. As I'm sure you've heard, many schools have a cutoff GPA (many at 3.0, some at 2.75). IDK for sure, but I don't think that post-bac program grades are added into your GPA, in which case you may be facing an uphill battle.

Please post your overall undergrad GPA for a little more educated decision.

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If my post bacc grades are not included into my post bacc GPA, then yes, I am definitely facing an uphill battle because my overall undergrad GPA was a 3.1. However, I am now very interested in how post bacc GPA's are calculated into the admissions process. I have also heavily considered going into a masters program proceeding this post bacc program. This was a more prudent move that I considered long before I even began a post bacc program. As for my LOR's, I attend a program that writes up committee letters and as of now, my relationships with my professors are very solid and I'm even working under one of the commitee members for my research. As for the LOR from a DO that I choose to shadow, I'll be sure to devote much of my time and effort into getting as much out of the experience as I can and thus will reflect so on my LOR.

If you know anything about the GPA calculation process in terms with my undergrad GPA as well as anything else (post bacc or grad programs), please let me know. I thank you all for your opinions and help.

 

[spicedmanna]

If my post bacc grades are not included into my post bacc GPA, then yes, I am definitely facing an uphill battle because my overall undergrad GPA was a 3.1. However, I am now very interested in how post bacc GPA's are calculated into the admissions process. I have also heavily considered going into a masters program proceeding this post bacc program. This was a more prudent move that I considered long before I even began a post bacc program. As for my LOR's, I attend a program that writes up committee letters and as of now, my relationships with my professors are very solid and I'm even working under one of the commitee members for my research. As for the LOR from a DO that I choose to shadow, I'll be sure to devote much of my time and effort into getting as much out of the experience as I can and thus will reflect so on my LOR.

If you know anything about the GPA calculation process in terms with my undergrad GPA as well as anything else (post bacc or grad programs), please let me know. I thank you all for your opinions and help.

Well, my understanding is that undergraduate post-baccalaureate coursework is calculated into your undergraduate GPA. Graduate coursework, such as from a master's program, is calculated into your graduate GPA. Graduate coursework won't impact your undergraduate GPA.

I'm currently a post-bacc student averaging a perfect 4.0 with 3 to 4 classes per semester, after rebounding from a... Hmmm, how can I put it? a less than stellar undergrad BCPM (2.7) with a B.S. in Bio-psycholgy and cognitive sciences.

It sounds like you've done a lot to rehabilitate your undergraduate GPA. I'm guess you've had several fulltime semesters averaging 4.0 in undergraduate post-baccalaureate work, which is completely awesome; this should work in your favor in the admissions process. What is your overall undergraduate and science GPA (AACOMAS is BCP because it doesn't include math), averaging in your post-baccalaureate work?

 

[chup12682]

Well, my understanding is that undergraduate post-baccalaureate coursework is calculated into your undergraduate GPA. Graduate coursework, such as from a master's program, is calculated into your graduate GPA. Graduate coursework won't impact your undergraduate GPA.



It sounds like you've done a lot to rehabilitate your undergraduate GPA. I'm guess you've had several fulltime semesters averaging 4.0 in undergraduate post-baccalaureate work, which is completely awesome; this should work in your favor in the admissions process. What is your overall undergraduate and science GPA (AACOMAS is BCP because it doesn't include math), averaging in your post-baccalaureate work?

I still have 2 more semesters to go, but as it stands now, (averaging my undergrad and post bacc work) my GPA is about a 3.4. My math was actually never included into my undergrad GPA because I was exempt from taking math for achieving a 5 on my AP exam. In hindsight, I should have taken math, but that would have only increased my GPA by .1 or .2 points (maximum). Thanks for the reply!

 

[whattodoahh]

I'm getting an mph in public health right now. I dont have the great numbers for MD schools but do you think DO schools would be better for public health anyways?

 

[spicedmanna]

I'm getting an mph in public health right now. I dont have the great numbers for MD schools but do you think DO schools would be better for public health anyways?

If you want us to assist you in assessing your chances and how to improve, we need to know more about you. What is your current overall and science GPA? What is/are your MCAT score(s)? What extracurricular activities do you have? What is your criteria for choosing schools? What are your goals? And so forth.

 

[whattodoahh]

If you want us to assist you in assessing your chances and how to improve, we need to know more about you. What is your current overall and science GPA? What is/are your MCAT score(s)? What extracurricular activities do you have? What is your criteria for choosing schools? What are your goals? And so forth.

here they are:
3.4 undergrad
3.0 science undergrad
25N 1st mcat, am retaking it now
Abut 2 yrs public health research exp
lots of volunteering but not with doctors

I want to get into public health and want to use medicine as a way to further my career b/c most of the public health officials have both mds and mphs.

What do you all thinK?

 

[chup12682]

I actually thought that most MD's get the MPH after they have received their medical license. While I have heard of many people going to get their MPH to help them get into an MD or DO school, I've never really heard of anyone using their MD to get into a school of public health, unless it's to supplement their education. Just to clarify, are you trying to get into an MD or DO school first or get into an MPH program first?

 

[whattodoahh]

I actually thought that most MD's get the MPH after they have received their medical license. While I have heard of many people going to get their MPH to help them get into an MD or DO school, I've never really heard of anyone using their MD to get into a school of public health, unless it's to supplement their education. Just to clarify, are you trying to get into an MD or DO school first or get into an MPH program first?

I'm already in an MPH program. Its not as a way to get into med school, I really do want to do public health. I just think that with a medical degree, I will have more options in the future.

 

[spicedmanna]

I'm getting an mph in public health right now. I dont have the great numbers for MD schools but do you think DO schools would be better for public health anyways?

I don't know how to answer this question. Given my limited knowledge on the subject of public health, I think either should suffice.

As a side note, don't just jump into osteopathic medicine just because the numbers fit. I suggest really researching and learning about osteopathic medicine and seeing if it really is a good fit for you. Just my two cents.

here they are:
3.4 undergrad
3.0 science undergrad
25N 1st mcat, am retaking it now
Abut 2 yrs public health research exp
lots of volunteering but not with doctors

I want to get into public health and want to use medicine as a way to further my career b/c most of the public health officials have both mds and mphs.

What do you all thinK?

Your MCAT and overall GPA are about average, but your science GPA is pretty low. An MPH should be helpful in general, but it probably won't address your deficient science GPA. In my humble opinion, one of the ways to address a low science GPA is to take some fulltime semesters of advanced undergraduate science classes and trend A's. This functions to raise your science GPA while also demonstrating your academic ability in science courses. There are other options. I think you could benefit from such a thing, if you are not applying this cycle.

If you think you can raise your MCAT, then go for it. As long as you are reasonably sure--have evidence to show--that it can go up. I say this because there is a probability that your score could actually go down, as evidenced by the AAMC retake data. I don't want to scare you, but it is good to figure out where your MCAT issues are, address and fix them, take lots of practice test under real conditions and trend higher scores, and then retaking. That's just my two cents.

Also, it would be of benefit to gain some clinical experience and to do some shadowing of osteopathic physicians. Most osteopathic medical schools require a LOR from a physician, strongly encourage you to get one from a DO, but will accept one from an MD. There are some schools that require a LOR from a DO.

Don't rush this process; take your time and do it right.

I actually thought that most MD's get the MPH after they have received their medical license. While I have heard of many people going to get their MPH to help them get into an MD or DO school, I've never really heard of anyone using their MD to get into a school of public health, unless it's to supplement their education. Just to clarify, are you trying to get into an MD or DO school first or get into an MPH program first?

I think he or she is actually already engaged in a MPH program.

 

[aaj117]

GPA: 3.15 (but at a very tough Ivy)
Science GPA: 3.2
MCAT: 35 (12bio, 12physical, 11 verbal)
5+ years as an EMT, 1 year as an Advanced-EMT
CPR instructor, board of directors on 911 ambulance corps (volunteer)
4 years as paid emt with private company
Anthropology major
Spending my year "off" doing clinical research in oncology and teaching MCAT review for Kaplan
Does my gpa ruin my chances at top-rated schools such as UPenn and Cornell? Do those schools take into account where I did my undergrad?

 

[whattodoahh]

GPA: 3.15 (but at a very tough Ivy)
Science GPA: 3.2
MCAT: 35 (12bio, 12physical, 11 verbal)
5+ years as an EMT, 1 year as an Advanced-EMT
CPR instructor, board of directors on 911 ambulance corps (volunteer)
4 years as paid emt with private company
Anthropology major
Spending my year "off" doing clinical research in oncology and teaching MCAT review for Kaplan
Does my gpa ruin my chances at top-rated schools such as UPenn and Cornell? Do those schools take into account where I did my undergrad?

Yea your mcat and extracurriculars make up for it, I think.

 

[Lemark]

I am applying to mostly midwest--> ccom, ohio, iowa, michigan, and kirksville in MO is this a good mix of schools with my stats?

I have leadership, lors, shadowing, etc. My GPA is a 3.46 and BCPM is 3.3ish. My university is known for weeding out so the GPA is not too bad hopefully. My MCAT score was not great-- BS11 PS8 VR6 WSP

 

[DOforsure]

Hey Guys need your help....
My stats are:
MCAT 28M (11PS 7V 10BS)
Cumulative GPA 3.96, Science GPA 4.0
have lots of honors, volunteer experience. Will be shadowing a DO really soon.

Will I be able to get into NYCOM with these stats or should I plan on retaking the MCATs. Your suggestions would be appreciated. thanks..

 

[sexyman]

youll get in, have fun

 

[medapplicant08]

My stats are:
MCAT 22M (7PS 5V 10BS)
Cumulative GPA 3.60, Science GPA 3.672
worked with Red Cross, Habitat, volunteered for at a hospital for 6 months, undergraduate research for 1 year, Relay for Life......................what should I do????

 

[spicedmanna]

My stats are:
MCAT 22M (7PS 5V 10BS)
Cumulative GPA 3.60, Science GPA 3.672
worked with Red Cross, Habitat, volunteered for at a hospital for 6 months, undergraduate research for 1 year, Relay for Life......................what should I do????

Well, the obvious problem is that the 5 on your VR definitely stands out; your overall MCAT score isn't that compelling either. I'm thinking you can probably improve your MCAT with the proper diagnosis of the issues you are facing and the appropriate work to make it happen. Consider retaking the MCAT.

 

[Cubanita86]

overall: 3.84
science:3.7
MCAT:23O (9B,8PS,6VR)

Shadowed MD physician for like 1 1/2 years
Volunteered in hospital 1 year
some research

Dont know what D.O schools to apply to or which ones are good...Can anyone help??????😍😍

Thank u so much

 

[ldub]

27 years old
28P MCAT
3.0 GPA
3.2 Science GPA

Four years working in healthcare as a Medical Assistant.
Volunteering in ER, and a nonprofit clinic off and on for four years.
College athlete and team captain.

Applying to a bunch of Allopathic schools and Touro - MI.
What do you think? 👍 👎???

 

[ldub]

27 years old
28P MCAT
3.0 GPA
3.2 Science GPA

Four years working in healthcare as a Medical Assistant.
Volunteering in ER, and a nonprofit clinic off and on for four years.
College athlete and team captain.

Applying to a bunch of Allopathic schools and Touro - MI.
What do you think? 👍 👎???

 

[ldub]

27 years old
28P MCAT
3.0 GPA
3.2 Science GPA

Four years working in healthcare as a Medical Assistant.
Volunteering in ER, and a nonprofit clinic off and on for four years.
College athlete and team captain.

Applying to a bunch of Allopathic schools and Touro - MI.
What do you think? 👍 👎???

 

[ldub]

27 years old
28P MCAT
3.0 GPA
3.2 Science GPA

Four years working in healthcare as a Medical Assistant.
Volunteering in ER, and a nonprofit clinic off and on for four years.
College athlete and team captain.

Applying to a bunch of Allopathic schools and Touro - MI.
What do you think? 👍 👎???

 

[d3tubp]

25 male from pennsylvania, currently a practicing physician assistant who graduated in 2005. I have worked in emergency medicine and currently working in orthopaedic surgery. I have great LORs from both preceptors and physician supervisors (great letter from DO). undergrad gpa overall: 3.5, undergrad science 3.4, many ECs, deans list for 3 years, etc., published article in medical journal, mcat 22R (vr6 ps7 bs9) (i know not great -- I was working part time in the ER while picking up the pre-reqs I didnt have as an undergrad and didnt have alot of time to study). I am retaking the mcat in august, but what are my chances so far? I hope to attend PCOM, NYCOM, or UMDNJ-SOM.

thanks for your much needed help ahead of time,

Dante

 

[Repdsesstuinas]

Hello,

I have a friend who asked me to post a thread on here for her. She just got her MCAT scores back and wanted to know what schools people thought she should apply to.

Her stats are:

GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.5
MCAT: 21Q
Degree: BA-Spanish
Residence: Dayton, Ohio

Her current list of schools is shown below. She is interested in DO schools and I was hoping some of you guys (and girls) could recommend schools she should apply to because I know little about the osteopathic schools.

Schools planning on applying to:

(1) Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
(2) Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine
(3) West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
(4) Edward Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
(5) Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
(6) University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Thanks!

 

[GreenShirt]

I would add a few of the newer schools to your list to spread out the range:

LMU-DCOM
ATSU-Mesa
Touro-NY
Colorado (opening this year)
Washington (opening this year)

 

[HarveyCushing]

Hello,

I have a friend who asked me to post a thread on here for her. She just got her MCAT scores back and wanted to know what schools people thought she should apply to.

Her stats are:

GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.5
MCAT: 21Q
Degree: BA-Spanish
Residence: Dayton, Ohio

Her current list of schools is shown below. She is interested in DO schools and I was hoping some of you guys (and girls) could recommend schools she should apply to because I know little about the osteopathic schools.

Schools planning on applying to:

(1) Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
(2) Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine
(3) West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
(4) Edward Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
(5) Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
(6) University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Thanks!

I would tell your friend to take off UNECOM and PCOM. I had significantly higher MCAT and GPA than your friend and was shown no love by UNECOM since I lived outside of the NE region. I also believe chances are slim at PCOM with a 21 MCAT. What was the distribution on the MCAT?

 

[froggiepremed]

Hello,

I have a friend who asked me to post a thread on here for her. She just got her MCAT scores back and wanted to know what schools people thought she should apply to.

Her stats are:

GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.5
MCAT: 21Q
Degree: BA-Spanish
Residence: Dayton, Ohio

Her current list of schools is shown below. She is interested in DO schools and I was hoping some of you guys (and girls) could recommend schools she should apply to because I know little about the osteopathic schools.

Schools planning on applying to:

(1) Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
(2) Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine
(3) West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
(4) Edward Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
(5) Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
(6) University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Thanks!

Congratulations! You are the 1,000 person to use the "My friend wants to know..." thread!!! 👍

Seriously though, I would apply broadly with the low MCAT. Do a search for MCAT cutoffs. Some schools will just throw the app out the window.

 

[wearepsu12]

Hey everyone... I posted this in the MCAT board but I figured I'd post it here too since it applied more toward D.O. schools than M.D. schools. I recently got my May 31st MCAT scores back. 25R with a 7 in BS 10 in PS and 8 in VR. My GPA is abour 3.4. Have decent ECs and good LORs. I am applying to strictly D.O. schools. First of all, should I retake MCAT because of the 7?? Second of all, how do my chances look for getting accepted? Thanks in advance for the help! 😎

 

[walkoffhr]

Hey everyone... I posted this in the MCAT board but I figured I'd post it here too since it applied more toward D.O. schools than M.D. schools. I recently got my May 31st MCAT scores back. 25R with a 7 in BS 10 in PS and 8 in VR. My GPA is abour 3.4. Have decent ECs and good LORs. I am applying to strictly D.O. schools. First of all, should I retake MCAT because of the 7?? Second of all, how do my chances look for getting accepted? Thanks in advance for the help! 😎

I wanted to go to PSU really bad too 🙁

I don't think that 7 will kill you, but it will likely take you out of some of the top-tier DO schools. If you just want to get in somewhere, you're numbers should be good enough.

 

[GreenShirt]

The average MCAT for DO schools runs between 24-27, so your score is within the range. If you don't care were you go, I'd go ahead and apply broadly. If this cycle doesn't work out, at least you'll know that the MCAT is something you can work on to improve your app.

 

[ShyRem]

I would hesitate to throw any school out. Apply to as many as you can afford with a low MCAT. And have a KILLER personal statement.

 

[StringerBell]

I would hesitate to throw any school out. Apply to as many as you can afford with a low MCAT. And have a KILLER personal statement.

I'd like to echo this sentiment, and try to summarize the opinions in this thread, if I may.

Your friend should apply to as many schools as he/she can, as long as he/she would be willing to go to that school if accepted. If going somewhere is all that matters, apply to them all. If your friend wants just those schools listed, just apply to those schools, knowing it could be a gamble.
Apply broadly, with the knowledge that some schools might be a reach, and be willing to go to any school that offers an acceptance - because a lot of us only want/need one. 🙂

 

[StringerBell]

28P MCAT / 3.0 GPA / 3.2 Science GPA

Four years working in healthcare as a Medical Assistant.
Volunteering in ER, and a nonprofit clinic off and on for four years.

Applying to a bunch of Allopathic schools and Touro - MI.

The reality is that you'll likely get very little allopathic love.
With a 3.0/3.2, you'd probably have to have a 33+ MCAT to overcome that.
With a 28P MCAT, you'd probably need a 3.5+ GPA to overcome that.
Of course, there will always be someone who tells you they got into an allopathic school with similar statistics to yours, but I would think that's more the exception than the rule.

For an Osteopathic school, your 28P starts to look much more competitive, esepcially if your distribution is even. Personally, I think you should apply more broadly to D.O. schools. From what I remember about the Touro-NV waitlist, the average was 3.2 GPA with a 25 MCAT. So you're on par, or even slightly above, the average waitlister there. I had a GPA that was lower than that, and an MCAT higher than that, and I was waitlisted and eventually accepted.

I tend to be long-winded. Bottom line: Apply more broadly to osteopathic schools. Applying to only Touro-MI would put your prospects at less-than-50/50, IMHO.

 

[StringerBell]

GPA: 3.15 (but at a very tough Ivy)
Science GPA: 3.2
MCAT: 35 (12bio, 12physical, 11 verbal)
*EMT Stuff Here*

The 35 MCAT, with that distribution, will open a lot of doors for you. Likewise, the GPA will push some doors shut to you. However, I would dare say that you will be accepted at SOME Osteopathic school with those numbers. I'm a very similar candidate (2.9 GPA at Berkeley, 34 MCAT, 1.5 years osteopathic experience, 4.5 years hospital experience.) I was eventually accepted at every osteopathic school at which I interviewed. The question is whether or not you actually want to go to an Osteopathic school. See below:

Does my gpa ruin my chances at top-rated schools such as UPenn and Cornell? Do those schools take into account where I did my undergrad?

It probably ruins your chances at THOSE schools, yes. But this is the Osteopathic forum. As I mentioned above, you'll have good opportunities at an osteopathic school. However, be warned about the difficulty of your undergraduate education. If you tell people "My GPA was low, but that was at an Ivy League school," you'll probably come off as being conceited. Don't even bother to mention the difficulty of your undergraduate institution. Chances are, they'll mention it for you. I had an interviewer tell me that my GPA probably would've been higher had I gone to a less-competitive school. But don't mention it yourself. Own up to it. Remember, somebody out there is making mostly A's at your school. That's how I approached it, and it all worked out in the end, and given our similarity as applicants, you'll be pretty sure to get into an osteopathic school, and most likely some allopathic schools as well.

 

[InTheMaking]

My stats:

MCAT 9 PS 9 BS 10 VR = 28M
GPA = 3.56
BCPM = 3.34
State: NY
Dean's List 5 out of 6 semesters.


I work in a research lab and have had a job every summer.
I have shadowed a neurosurgeon M.D. in Texas.
I regularly shadow a D.O. ER doctor in NY.
I approximately 100 other shadowing areas from a high school program in all areas of medicine.

Let me know guys.

Also what would be good places to apply? I don't want to pay a ridiculous tuition so if you have suggestions let me know.

 

[tifsahoy]

For volunteering is overall amt of time more important than number of hours?

I've been volunteering for 1.5 years (100 hours) and shadowing for 3 months (25 hours).
I'm applying this winter to CA, NV, and AZ schools....

Am I in trouble?

 

[sadpanda009]

I'm going into my senior year with a 3.4, and a 2.9 BCMP gpa... going for a bio degree. My next 2 semesters are all upper level science classes that i still need to take, so I'm praying that my overall GPA rises along with my science.
I'm currently working at getting in to shadow with a D.O. and will be shadowing a P.A. in orthopedics along with various chiropractors.
I haven't taken the MCAT yet, but will start preparing for it soon.
In addition, where my BCMP GPA took a blow was in the C department (b-, c, and c+)
There will be an additional year in which I plan to obtain a job as a lab assistant before I place my applications.
Its early to tell, but considering i obtain a bachelors degree in bio and around a 25 on my MCAT, what would be my chances. (I'm willing to goto any osteopathy school if i'm even acceptable).
Yay's or Neh's?