2007-2008-What should I do thread? (where to accept, apply, and chances!) Part 2

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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I just got my first interview notice today to Touro University - Ca. I am ecstatic!! Now, I just have to do well on the interview.
 
Just be yourself. I have been to a couple of interviews and have watched others either freak out and do poorly or over exert themselves which really turns off the adcom. They want to see how good a fit you are for their school. The biggest suggestion I could make is to go back over your essays (personal and those in secondary). Review what the school is about and the main type of docs they treat. Don't want to say primary care when they turn out mostly surgeons (not that I have seen that). I actually had one dean of adcom tell me to not come in cocky and try to show-off. Answer the questions to the best of your ability and don't be afraid to say you are not sure what they are trying to ask. It is better to be sure than it is to right (although you want to be both). Start off answering the question directly to the person who asked it (if it is a committee interview) and then make eye contact with every other person in the room, although some might be writing or thinking about something else. and the most importantthing BE YOURSELF. Not trying to be conceded or anything just trying to pass along some friendly advice offered to me by a dean of admissions. Good Luck and don't psych yourself out.
 
bigLing2012 said:
Just be yourself. I have been to a couple of interviews and have watched others either freak out and do poorly or over exert themselves which really turns off the adcom. They want to see how good a fit you are for their school. The biggest suggestion I could make is to go back over your essays (personal and those in secondary). Review what the school is about and the main type of docs they treat. Don't want to say primary care when they turn out mostly surgeons (not that I have seen that). I actually had one dean of adcom tell me to not come in cocky and try to show-off. Answer the questions to the best of your ability and don't be afraid to say you are not sure what they are trying to ask. It is better to be sure than it is to right (although you want to be both). Start off answering the question directly to the person who asked it (if it is a committee interview) and then make eye contact with every other person in the room, although some might be writing or thinking about something else. and the most importantthing BE YOURSELF. Not trying to be conceded or anything just trying to pass along some friendly advice offered to me by a dean of admissions. Good Luck and don't psych yourself out.
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Cool, thanks for the advice! 👍
 
Which should I choose? As an undergrad a made a D in Ecology. I could retake it next semester and raise my science gpa by .1 of a point or take molecular bio (they are at the same time) and only raise by gpa by .02 of a point. I know ecology isn't medically related so what should I do?
 
huckaaa said:
Which should I choose? As an undergrad a made a D in Ecology. I could retake it next semester and raise my science gpa by .1 of a point or take molecular bio (they are at the same time) and only raise by gpa by .02 of a point. I know ecology isn't medically related so what should I do?
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I would retake the D.
 
Jpc984 said:
I would retake the D.
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Ditto ... and Ecology may not be 'medically related,' but in my own (frusturating) undergraduate experience; not much is. It is also an important science class.
 
JaggerPlate said:
Ditto ... and Ecology may not be 'medically related,' but in my own (frusturating) undergraduate experience; not much is. It is also an important science class.
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Ecology is related to medicine since it talks about the relationship between organisms and the environment.
 
These are all true. But if I am not mistaken noth grades will get calculated into the GPA from both AACOMAS and AMCAS. Just make sure you get an A if you retake it.
 
No, I think only AMCAS doesnt take retakes into account. AACOMAS does. Hey BigLing, could you do something with your signature? Its just a big link and it spans across like two page widths and I can never see what you are saying unless I scroll. Thanks.
 
AMCAS will average the grades, AACOMAS will replace.
 
Having just finished a semester of Molecular Bio, let me say - take Ecology!! At my school Molecular turned out to be a surprisingly difficult, in depth and not terribly interesting course. I figure if you are looking to raise your gpa, Ecology is a better choice overall.
 
Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting a thread i think😀. I have just scheduled 3 interviews at western COMP (Dec 20), Touro-CA(Jan22) and Touro-NV(Jan 29), which are all the schools I applied to. I heard that although given the interview, most school still reject or waitlist based on stats. Western is definitely my first choice because i can commute.

Assuming I will do average on my interview day, what are my chances of getting in????

also, I took classes at a CC back in high school, i thought those grades won't be included in my GPA calc., but unfortunately they were included and my GPA droped from a 3.5 to a 3.3, that is also why my non-science GPA is so low, will they give me a chance to explain that during the interview? or will they just ingore them since they are so long ago?

I have a huge descrepency within my MCAT scores, is that going to be a acceptance killer?

My Stats: GPA: 3.29 overall, 3.48 Sci, 3.13 non-sci
MCAT: 6V, 11PS, 10 BS (27N total)

-2 years of lab/research exp
-3 years of teaching experiences (TA)/ currently working part-time as a tutor
-no DO shadowing exp. / no DO LOR

Also, does anyone have any tips (don'ts) on what i should wear and bring to the interview? Or any website link?

Thank you very very much everyone, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 
see "interviews" on the top of the page...
 
zhousilai said:
Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting a thread i think😀. I have just scheduled 3 interviews at western COMP (Dec 20), Touro-CA(Jan22) and Touro-NV(Jan 29), which are all the schools I applied to. I heard that although given the interview, most school still reject or waitlist based on stats. Western is definitely my first choice because i can commute.

Assuming I will do average on my interview day, what are my chances of getting in????

also, I took classes at a CC back in high school, i thought those grades won't be included in my GPA calc., but unfortunately they were included and my GPA droped from a 3.5 to a 3.3, that is also why my non-science GPA is so low, will they give me a chance to explain that during the interview? or will they just ingore them since they are so long ago?

I have a huge descrepency within my MCAT scores, is that going to be a acceptance killer?

My Stats: GPA: 3.29 overall, 3.48 Sci, 3.13 non-sci
MCAT: 6V, 11PS, 10 BS (27N total)

-2 years of lab/research exp
-3 years of teaching experiences (TA)/ currently working part-time as a tutor
-no DO shadowing exp. / no DO LOR

Also, does anyone have any tips (don'ts) on what i should wear and bring to the interview? Or any website link?

Thank you very very much everyone, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Click to expand...


so how come your non science gpa is so low? that stuff is suppose to boost your gpa right? ummmm what i have heard from successful med students who have been accepted into good schools tell me that you want to practice saying answers to possible questions. when doing this, figure out ways that you can control the interview to how you want it to go...and talk about things oyu want to talk about. so you might be able to do this and explain the gpa discrepancies. btw, there are many easy websites to find this info. you didnt need to make a new thread.
 
Zhousilai,
Congratulations on the interviews. I took a few course at a CC as well and was punished a little on my GPA for it as well. I agree with the previous poster that you can control the interview to where you want it to go. Just be careful in doing so. You are really just trying to stay away from going down a bad path that you might not really be prepared for. I would not try to explain away my grades or fit them into an answer some how though. Only explain them if they are asked. And believe me, if they have a question about it they will ask you. Then you can give a logical explanation, NOT and excuse. Generally grades send up red flags if they were terrible and you made a complete 180 and became a different student. Lead the interview and get everyone involved (make eye contact starting with questioner, then others, and end with questioner). I would wear a suit and you can bring with you if you would like a nice portfolio which contains paper, pen, and multiple copies of your CV. However, nothing is really needed for the interview and generally gets in the way throughout the day. Most places supply you with pens and plenty of paper (generally with blank backs you can use for notes). The major question you might or might not get is Why D.O.? You have no D.O. LOR or shadowing experience. Otherwise I think you have pretty good stats and should have a pretty good chance. Best of luck to you and Happy Holidays.
 
huckaaa said:
Which should I choose? As an undergrad a made a D in Ecology. I could retake it next semester and raise my science gpa by .1 of a point or take molecular bio (they are at the same time) and only raise by gpa by .02 of a point. I know ecology isn't medically related so what should I do?
Click to expand...

You need to retake all D's to have a good chance at getting into medical school
 
molec bio is like 50% stuff you did in genetics. If your like genetics take molec, if you dont like genetics I would take micro or cell bio instead. Either way i would retake all D's. But its up to you. GOOD LUCK BUD
 
GPA 3.1
MCAT 26
Background:
- Graduated 2004 B.S. Bio Sci
- 2 Years Laboratory Techincian at Environmenal Testing Laboratory
- 2 Years Quality Assurance Auditor at a Safety of Medical Device Laboratory
- 2 Years working with People with Intellectual Disabilities
- 5 Years Hospital Volunteer
- Starting to Shadow a DO this month

I would like to apply for the 2009 cycle, but with my low numbers and not too much of an impressive background, I feel like I have no shot (unless it's a carribean school). Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks in advance🙂 😳
 
zhousilai said:
Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting a thread i think😀. I have just scheduled 3 interviews at western COMP (Dec 20), Touro-CA(Jan22) and Touro-NV(Jan 29), which are all the schools I applied to. I heard that although given the interview, most school still reject or waitlist based on stats. Western is definitely my first choice because i can commute.

Assuming I will do average on my interview day, what are my chances of getting in????

also, I took classes at a CC back in high school, i thought those grades won't be included in my GPA calc., but unfortunately they were included and my GPA droped from a 3.5 to a 3.3, that is also why my non-science GPA is so low, will they give me a chance to explain that during the interview? or will they just ingore them since they are so long ago?

I have a huge descrepency within my MCAT scores, is that going to be a acceptance killer?

My Stats: GPA: 3.29 overall, 3.48 Sci, 3.13 non-sci
MCAT: 6V, 11PS, 10 BS (27N total)

-2 years of lab/research exp
-3 years of teaching experiences (TA)/ currently working part-time as a tutor
-no DO shadowing exp. / no DO LOR

Also, does anyone have any tips (don'ts) on what i should wear and bring to the interview? Or any website link?

Thank you very very much everyone, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Click to expand...

If you're going to Touro-Ca, TRY YOUR HARDEST to shadow a DO. They were really prying the other interviewees about not shadowing DO's when they are applying to DO schools...
 
Masuimi, your numbers are not that low! You will have a decent shot I think. My gpa was only a 3.2, and I didnt have nearly the large amount of clinical type work and experience (I came from an engineering background). Get a good letter from your DO and some good ones from science profs and you should be all right 🙂.
 
I had THE HARDEST TIME getting my LORs. I sent in my primary applications in like October but have been waiting to get these LOR to send in my secondaries. I finally got a Dr. to write me a letter so it should be in to interfolio in a week or two.

MCAT = 32Q 12V 10P 10B
CUMGPA = 3.58
ScienceGPA = 3.28

Volunteered 1 year as a runner in the ICU of a hospital

1 semester of research with a PHD psychologist.

You think I'll get in anywhere or did I wait too long and now I'm skrewed?

P.S. I was just shown this site so I'm kind of clueless about stuff so go easy on me.
 
You would have been better off if you got it in earlier, but its still not too late. But send in the secondary applications now. Where are you applying?
 
So they wont' actually get my letters for like 2 weeks which sucks.

I'm applying to:

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University

AT Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Mare Island

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nevada

Western University of Health Sciences / College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

A. T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
 
You can still be invited for an interview without the letters. They just won't make a final decision on your application until you get them in. That is, you could have an interview next week, but they won't vote to accept you until you have a complete file, so your file might get passed over at admissions committee meetings until you have all your letters.

Also, you should apply to GA-PCOM, because it is widely regarded as the best medical school in the world. Also regular PCOM.
 
slim78 said:
I had THE HARDEST TIME getting my LORs. I sent in my primary applications in like October but have been waiting to get these LOR to send in my secondaries. I finally got a Dr. to write me a letter so it should be in to interfolio in a week or two.

MCAT = 32Q 12V 10P 10B
CUMGPA = 3.58
ScienceGPA = 3.28

Volunteered 1 year as a runner in the ICU of a hospital

1 semester of research with a PHD psychologist.

You think I'll get in anywhere or did I wait too long and now I'm skrewed?

P.S. I was just shown this site so I'm kind of clueless about stuff so go easy on me.
Click to expand...

I have a friend with lower stats than yours who didn't apply until February and she's in my class.
 
I posted this inquiry in allopathic forum but everyone told me that I have no chance at MD schools.

My grades are subpar at best. Haven't taken any MCATs yet

I'm a junior majoring in biochemistry at SUNY Stony Brook
I had a rough first semester (2.67 gpa) then I decided to commute from home (2 hr round trip) to avoid any more distractions. As a result, my grades began to climb slowly every semester (3.2 then 3.5 then 3.75) and my cumulative was at 3.3 until this semester. However this semester turns out to be the worst semester so far. I haven't checked my grades yet (i'm afraid to do so) but I speculate that gpa for this semester would be somewhere around low 2s which my cumulative gpa would fall in the range of 2.9 ~ 3.1.
The fall is due to lack of time management on my part. This semester I began doing research in pharmacology dept and putting in about 15hrs/wk and began riding ambulance at the EMS squad near my neighborhood. I haven't been putting in enough time and effort into academics. I regret deeply that I had to learn it the hard way. So I'm moving into an off campus housing which is very close to campus (only 5 mins drive). So whenever my chores are finished on campus, I would head right back home and start studying.

I'm giong to bring up my gpa as much as possible. may be in the 3.2 ~ 3.3 range. Do I have (with 3.3 cumulative and 35 or above on MCAT) a shot at DO school? btw I am not considering DO schools b/c my grades have plunged. I ask b/c I'm beginning to question myself if my grades are a indicator of how much I am to be trusted with lives of others and whether I can prove to be successful at it.

I have a great curiosity towards and am very attracted by the idea of "holistic approach." I want to learn more about it becaus I also believe that an illness in one part of body may lead to an illness in another and that the body 's inherent ability to heal itself is just as important/powerful as the external treatment provided by the doctors. I guess I was

I gave it some thought and came up with an idea that I should remain in school and re-take a few courses along with fulfilling major reqs. Do you guys think it's wise to do that? Or should I just get my degree and do a post-bacc?

Thank you guys
 
getting a 35 plus on the MCAT is really tough.

but you definately have a chance. i had 3.3 with a 30 and was accepted at 5 DO schools.
 
If you're willing to put in the time and the effort to retake your classes you've definitely got a chance. You can also look in to the schools to see what the cut off's are for science GPA's and your grades.
 
DKim0116 said:
I'm giong to bring up my gpa as much as possible. may be in the 3.2 ~ 3.3 range. Do I have (with 3.3 cumulative and 35 or above on MCAT) a shot at DO school? btw I am not considering DO schools b/c my grades have plunged. I ask b/c I'm beginning to question myself if my grades are a indicator of how much I am to be trusted with lives of others and whether I can prove to be successful at it.
Click to expand...

Yes, you do have a chance. However, everything is hypothetical and up in the air without an MCAT score. How's your practice MCAT looking so far? Focus on bringing up that GPA as much as you can, retake any prerequisites you didn't do well in, and shoot for the highest possible score you can do on the MCAT. Take more advanced science classes (especially in areas you didn't do well previously, if possible and realistic) and rock them. Keep trending up and try for straight A's from now on.

I have a great curiosity towards and am very attracted by the idea of "holistic approach." I want to learn more about it becaus I also believe that an illness in one part of body may lead to an illness in another and that the body 's inherent ability to heal itself is just as important/powerful as the external treatment provided by the doctors.
Click to expand...

Well, just so you know, both allopathic as well as osteopathic physicians do what you are describing; the whole "holistic" crap is marketing and "kool aid" type stuff. Don't buy it. The biggest difference between the two is that the osteopathic physician received training in OMM, the rest is completely the same.

I gave it some thought and came up with an idea that I should remain in school and re-take a few courses along with fulfilling major reqs. Do you guys think it's wise to do that? Or should I just get my degree and do a post-bacc?

Thank you guys
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good plan to me. I'd rather stay in school fulltime than do a post-bacc. It allows you to get FA and other benefits. Study hard for the MCAT and do well.
 
DKim0116 said:
I posted this inquiry in allopathic forum but everyone told me that I have no chance at MD schools.

My grades are subpar at best. Haven't taken any MCATs yet

I'm a junior majoring in biochemistry at SUNY Stony Brook
I had a rough first semester (2.67 gpa) then I decided to commute from home (2 hr round trip) to avoid any more distractions. As a result, my grades began to climb slowly every semester (3.2 then 3.5 then 3.75) and my cumulative was at 3.3 until this semester. However this semester turns out to be the worst semester so far. I haven't checked my grades yet (i'm afraid to do so) but I speculate that gpa for this semester would be somewhere around low 2s which my cumulative gpa would fall in the range of 2.9 ~ 3.1.
The fall is due to lack of time management on my part. This semester I began doing research in pharmacology dept and putting in about 15hrs/wk and began riding ambulance at the EMS squad near my neighborhood. I haven't been putting in enough time and effort into academics. I regret deeply that I had to learn it the hard way. So I'm moving into an off campus housing which is very close to campus (only 5 mins drive). So whenever my chores are finished on campus, I would head right back home and start studying.

I'm giong to bring up my gpa as much as possible. may be in the 3.2 ~ 3.3 range. Do I have (with 3.3 cumulative and 35 or above on MCAT) a shot at DO school? btw I am not considering DO schools b/c my grades have plunged. I ask b/c I'm beginning to question myself if my grades are a indicator of how much I am to be trusted with lives of others and whether I can prove to be successful at it.

I have a great curiosity towards and am very attracted by the idea of "holistic approach." I want to learn more about it becaus I also believe that an illness in one part of body may lead to an illness in another and that the body 's inherent ability to heal itself is just as important/powerful as the external treatment provided by the doctors. I guess I was

I gave it some thought and came up with an idea that I should remain in school and re-take a few courses along with fulfilling major reqs. Do you guys think it's wise to do that? Or should I just get my degree and do a post-bacc?

Thank you guys
Click to expand...

You could probably get a 24 on the MCAT and still get into DO school.

You're not going to get a 35.
 
From a non trad standpoint... Ive finished my undergrad with a 2.96 overall with orgo and physics left to to be taken. I started in computer science switched to physician assistant and didnt do very well then switched back to comp science to graduate. This semester I finished with a 3.23 for the semester which would look good on my part.

I was speaking to a medical resident at my job and he said that I should try for D.O. before I look at going abroad for MD.

I know that DO schools replace grades that would be a good help for the gpa. But its so hard to pull up my gpa since I have so many credits (160!!!)
I guess ill have to nail the MCAT right?
 
Btemp687 said:
From a non trad standpoint... Ive finished my undergrad with a 2.96 overall with orgo and physics left to to be taken. I started in computer science switched to physician assistant and didnt do very well then switched back to comp science to graduate. This semester I finished with a 3.23 for the semester which would look good on my part.

I was speaking to a medical resident at my job and he said that I should try for D.O. before I look at going abroad for MD.

I know that DO schools replace grades that would be a good help for the gpa. But its so hard to pull up my gpa since I have so many credits (160!!!)
I guess ill have to nail the MCAT right?
Click to expand...

You are going to get yelled at with that title..

So are you a graduate? Do you have any of your class requirements? It sounds like you only took a semester of PA? Did you get into a PA program or pre-PA? AACOMAS do replace grades but they are still on your transcript.

A 2.96 ugrad gpa would be an upward hill for you. I think schools might look down on you because you didn't do well in PA school... So have a good explanation not an excuse for that.

Rock the MCAT and shadow DOs.
 
And pull up your GPA. Its possible, but rare to get in with a sub 3.0 GPA. With a GPA below 3, I'm sure you have a lot of low grades. Pick the 10 lowest grades, like Fs and Ds, and retake those ten classes. Even with 160 credits, those 10 classes and getting As will put you above 3.0 (probably a lot more).

I have 180 credits, and my GPA would jump from like 2.94 to 3.4 by retaking 10 lowest grades. Calculate how much it will improve, and go from there.
 
Btemp687 said:
This semester I finished with a 3.23 for the semester which would look good on my part.
Click to expand...

3.23 isn't really that good as an upward trend. It's good you are improving, but you need 4.0 or very close to it, to show that you've put your troubles behind you.
 
I was in the pre-pa program. Was waitlisted for the actual pa school. I was in the program for a year and a half. I calculated all my bad grades. I have 23 B's 7 c's 3d's 1 F(2cr class) 11A's I wasnt really focused in the PA program, didnt really study much... I was trying to work full time which was a BAD idea.
 
Jpc984 said:
You are going to get yelled at with that title..

So are you a graduate? Do you have any of your class requirements? It sounds like you only took a semester of PA? Did you get into a PA program or pre-PA? AACOMAS do replace grades but they are still on your transcript.

A 2.96 ugrad gpa would be an upward hill for you. I think schools might look down on you because you didn't do well in PA school... So have a good explanation not an excuse for that.

Rock the MCAT and shadow DOs.
Click to expand...

As for my title I mean that would it be more of a reality to be a DO as opposed to a MD in regards to the slightly lower GPA/MCAT standards and forgivability.

Ive taken bio 1/2 both A's chem 1/2 B's Microbio B

Yes Im a graduate, Ill get my dipoma in Jan

Im not at all putting down the DO, Ive done my research and know the philosophy. Honestly Id rather be a DO rather than a MD.
 
I think you have to ask yourself first, how passionate are you about becoming a DO? Only why I ask that is that you switched back and forth. I dont know about your school, but my school's comp science program is more demanding than pre-pa program.
 
Don't deviate from your plan; stick with your goal of becoming a PA.
 
My question is, why didn't you do very well in the PA?
 
I have a question for you all. If I send out a primary application to a couple of schools this late in the process, do you think I have a shot at a good DO schooL? Here are my stats. MCAT:29, GPA:3.83, Science GPA:3.83
 
iceman69 said:
I have a question for you all. If I send out a primary application to a couple of schools this late in the process, do you think I have a shot at a good DO schooL? Here are my stats. MCAT:29, GPA:3.83, Science GPA:3.83
Click to expand...

Probably not a great shot this late in the game. But, most DO schools keep an open mind to folks such as yourself who didnt get into any MD schools.
 
Dr JPH said:
Probably not a great shot this late in the game. But, most DO schools keep an open mind to folks such as yourself who didnt get into any MD schools.
Click to expand...

Haha. Are you content with never prescribing medicine?

On a serious note, have you shadowed a DO. Your stats are fine.
 
I have not shadowed a DO. Why does this matter? DO and MDs do the same stuff.
 
Good luck. Are you in a state that has a DO program?
 
i submitted my primary mid-december last year to three schools and got 1 interview to umdnj, my state school. PCOM ends interviewing in march and you'll probably be complete there sometme in feb so it may not be worth applying there.
 
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