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

[EEL08]

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Thanks, EEL and Tex....y'all are making me feel better. And I would likely say a quaint, rural Tenessee town in an interew. 😀 I guess now it is merely a waiting game for about a month.

Last question for a bit....does either of you think it is necessary to retake the MCAT if I end up needing to reapply? That test is really the bain of my existence....I'm not sure how much better I can do and know that going down from a 24 is not an option.

SDN is my pre-med advisor right now. My actual advisor was in the National Guard, and he got called to duty, so you guys are my help!

Honestly, I would say yes you should plan on retaking if you have to reapply. If you have to reapply it will be because of applying late, not necessarily your stats. That's what I think anyway. Even so schools like to see that you made an effort to improve your app other than just applying earlier. Your GPA and EC's don't really seem to need improvement so that leaves your MCAT. Of course it's up to you but that's just my 2 cents. If I have to reapply I will be retaking as well.

 

[Peloton]

Due to unusual circumstances, I submitted my AACOMAS application close to the deadline. Has anyone else applied late in the application cycle with good results?

 

[spazzz]

Due to unusual circumstances, I submitted my AACOMAS application close to the deadline. Has anyone else applied late in the application cycle with good results?

what's the so unusual? allo reject or just lazy?

 

[Peloton]

what's the so unusual? allo reject or just lazy?

I had planned on pursuing athletics this year, but had a slight injury. I haven't ever considered applying to allopathic schools.

 

[spazzz]

I had planned on pursuing athletics this year, but had a slight injury. I haven't ever considered applying to allopathic schools.

wait out a year, try athletics again. nothing wrong with that imo. you never know how far you'll get...if it doesn't work out, you'll still have an amazing story to tell. i took 2 years off to play and tour with my band before going back to school

 

[metalmd06]

what's up people. I wanted to know what you guys thought of my chances at NYCOM this year:

3.2 GPA
30P MCAT (9PS 9V 12BS)
A Year of Volunteer work
9 months of ACTIVE Clinical experience
E-board of the UMass Pre-Med Society

let me know what you think. I appreicate your input. Please keep it constructive 😀

 

[jzeidenb]

i had a 3.4 and a 31mcat which was slightly higher tha nyours but they gave me an interview which i cancelled, so maybe thatll go to you!

if youre not instate, you'll get a late interview, but numbers wise you are excellent.

 

[metalmd06]

Great. Now what would you say if I told you that I am in-state, but I applied late? Do you think my chances are still good?

 

[Eudjinn]

We can speculate all we want and be right or wrong.

I, however, do think you have a very decent chance. I know someone who applied in Feb two years ago and got in with a high gpa, but a 25/23 MCAT.

 

[DocInProgress]

so why are u applying late? did md not work out for you this cycle?

 

[metalmd06]

to be truthful I didn't even consider D.O. until I spoke to a student at NYCOM a few weeks ago. Then I did some research and decided NYCOM would be a good fit for me since it's a good school, close to home. Plus my uncle goes to NYIT and he encouraged me to give it a second look. I still have active applications for allo schools, but the bottom line is I want to be a doctor and it doesn't matter where I go to school.

 

[Saregamapadanis]

Your stats are good, just apply and see what happens, its a good school. Also don't think people who go there have low mcat scores.
My gpa is 3.2 too, and i have a 35 mcat. I got in and I am going there. My friend has a 3.6 and a 34 , and he decided to go there as well. So there you go, some of us have high mcats, some of us have lows and we all are in the same class.

 

[metalmd06]

I have applied, and I have decided that if I don't get in to any of the schools I applied to, then I will definatley apply DO next time around, after I do what is in my power to improve my application in the meantime, if necessary.

 

[Kaustikos]

Hello,
I am a frequent browser of this site, but not as much of a poster. I'm posting here asking for some advice, moreso, than "what are my chances". I graduated from UofI (unnecessary) a year ago and applied twice to MD schools naively/ignorantly. The first was so late in the application cycle that it wasn't even worth mentioning. Anyways, this is my second cycle and I'm coming to the realization that my scores may not get me there this year either.

I've been harked on by people to retake the mcat and boost it up (26O: 8 ps, 9, 9 etc) but I never, intimidated by that damn test up until now. I suppose I needed a break from that test, but I'm finding that it is almost too late to even consider retaking it and that I have to consider that maybe I should try something else, which is why I am here, posting. My grades do not speak for themselves, either. A 3.2 gpa from testing anxiety, something I tried to fix from taking a break in the fall of my junior year which resulted in a nice upswing (lowest grade being B+ and majority A/A-'s in all upper level courses). But still, not a good enough gpa to consider a second glance by people.

Anyways, long post, tldr; 26O, 3.2 gpa. Worked while in school; at a clinic, shadowed a cardiologist. Currently, I'm working as a Pharmacy Tech at Walgreens, RNA analyst at Eli Lillly and volunteering at a hospital. I'm desperately trying to make amends of my past mistakes and become something in my life but the question is this: Should I postpone the mcat, study for the GRE and apply to grad school AND DO school, while trying to find a DO to shadow, or, Try one last time (3rd) for the mcat, apply to DO school with that mcat score and shadow a DO as well? I love science, and I am loving working in my labs, but I also loved shadowing the cardiologist and working at walgreens, listening to the free "consults" and helping people there. (Of course the same with volunteering)


Also, is it wrong to use my personal statement for MD schools?

 

[RoyalFB]

Hello,
I am a frequent browser of this site, but not as much of a poster. I'm posting here asking for some advice, moreso, than "what are my chances". I graduated from UofI (unnecessary) a year ago and applied twice to MD schools naively/ignorantly. The first was so late in the application cycle that it wasn't even worth mentioning. Anyways, this is my second cycle and I'm coming to the realization that my scores may not get me there this year either.

I've been harked on by people to retake the mcat and boost it up (26O: 8 ps, 9, 9 etc) but I never, intimidated by that damn test up until now. I suppose I needed a break from that test, but I'm finding that it is almost too late to even consider retaking it and that I have to consider that maybe I should try something else, which is why I am here, posting. My grades do not speak for themselves, either. A 3.2 gpa from testing anxiety, something I tried to fix from taking a break in the fall of my junior year which resulted in a nice upswing (lowest grade being B+ and majority A/A-'s in all upper level courses). But still, not a good enough gpa to consider a second glance by people.

Anyways, long post, tldr; 26O, 3.2 gpa. Worked while in school; at a clinic, shadowed a cardiologist. Currently, I'm working as a Pharmacy Tech at Walgreens, RNA analyst at Eli Lillly and volunteering at a hospital. I'm desperately trying to make amends of my past mistakes and become something in my life but the question is this: Should I postpone the mcat, study for the GRE and apply to grad school AND DO school, while trying to find a DO to shadow, or, Try one last time (3rd) for the mcat, apply to DO school with that mcat score and shadow a DO as well? I love science, and I am loving working in my labs, but I also loved shadowing the cardiologist and working at walgreens, listening to the free "consults" and helping people there. (Of course the same with volunteering)


Also, is it wrong to use my personal statement for MD schools?

First decide if you would rather go to grad school or medical school. If the answer is medical school, shadow a D.O. and apply to osteopathic programs next cycle. A 26 should do the trick for you somewhere and I wouldn't take a 3rd MCAT and risk having the score stay the same or even drop. Also, find other ways to make you application stand out. Find unique job/volunteering oportunities. D.O. schools tend to like well-rounded applicants with "life experience." As far as your personal statement, you will have plenty of time to create a new one that hopefully reflects your new found interest in osteopathic medicine. 👍

 

[ChemNerd4]

Hey everyone!

I was hoping for some input about my stats for osteopathic school!

GPA: 3.4
BCMP: 3.36
MCAT: 10, 10, 9 R

I've been doing ochem research for 1 year and I just got published, I've been translating for doctors and spanish speaking people for 3 years, I'm an EMT, medical mission trips, work in the community... yadda, yadda yadda

I'm a NJ resident (if that matters).

I was also wondering about admission cycles, when do schools start accepting applications?

Thanks!

 

[dakims]

Im a nontraditional. Graduated a several years ago with economics degree. Graduated high school 1 year early and as a result did terrible in undergrad. 3 F's resulting in a GPA of 3.0. I worked at a bank for a year but I just couldn't take it and decided medicine was what I wanted to do. I went back to school to a community college to take pre-reqs and did about a 3.7 with all the classes. MCAT was 24 (vr-7 ps-8 bs-9). Can you guys give me some feedback of where I stand for DO schools.

 

[Lamborghini1315]

Im a nontraditional. Graduated a several years ago with economics degree. Graduated high school 1 year early and as a result did terrible in undergrad. 3 F's resulting in a GPA of 3.0. I worked at a bank for a year but I just couldn't take it and decided medicine was what I wanted to do. I went back to school to a community college to take pre-reqs and did about a 3.7 with all the classes. MCAT was 24 (vr-7 ps-8 bs-9). Can you guys give me some feedback of where I stand for DO schools.

Your MCAT score is in the ballpark of almost all DO schools in the country..now DO schools have gotten really competitive so you will see a lot higher scores being admitted to schools but you are certainly in the ballpark to have a good chance. However your 3F's is a big red flag, since you said you have taken classes in a community college to erase some of that damaged gpa should be a good selling point. A lot of DO schools have a good percentage of non traditional students..so to be honest with you i would say apply to 10-12 schools and see where the pieces fall. I want to emphasize you are by no means at a disadvantage to getting accepted..your chances are good. Work on your resume, shadow a DO, do volunteer work and show your passion to be a DO. Good luck!

 

[Jpc984]

Your MCAT score is in the ballpark of almost all DO schools in the country..now DO schools have gotten really competitive so you will see a lot higher scores being admitted to schools but you are certainly in the ballpark to have a good chance. However your 3F's is a big red flag, since you said you have taken classes in a community college to erase some of that damaged gpa should be a good selling point. A lot of DO schools have a good percentage of non traditional students..so to be honest with you i would say apply to 10-12 schools and see where the pieces fall. I want to emphasize you are by no means at a disadvantage to getting accepted..your chances are good. Work on your resume, shadow a DO, do volunteer work and show your passion to be a DO. Good luck!

Apply as early as possible. Early summer... and your chances will be better.

 

[stmclovin]

the good news for you is that AOCOMAS is MUCH more forgiving than AMCAS as far as grade calculations go. If you retake those F's and get A's, F's will not be calculated in your final GPA (unlike AMCAS). Just retaking those three classes will make a world of difference for you in DO world.

 

[thethethe]

hello guys, i'm suppose to be studying now but i keep getting distracted with sdn. i want to see what you guys think about my chances for next year.

My gpa is 3.36 overall with a similar science, but since aacomas count only the 2nd grade, i retook calculus as a freshman, my gpa is around a 3.45. The last 4 semesters my overall gpa has been over a 3.6. I got a 28O on my MCAT, have been researching for 1.5 years and done about 100 hrs of volunteering at the hospital. Next year I plan on shadowing a DO for a little bit and looking for a hospital job where i can learn more about how hospitals work and interacting with patients.

What do you think?

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Shadow the DO ASAP. You will need a letter. Other than that, just don't have any letdowns, and you should have some options.

 

[Cp22kjer]

Though everyone has seen similar stats before, I figured I'd post mine to see what you guys think (I'm nervous and almost down).

-3.2/3.2 as of now but looking at either a 3.5 or 4.0 (12 credit hrs) for this semester which would raise it some.

-Taking the MCAT in April and plan to score at least a 26 (which was my most recent practice test score and planning to improve with 2 more months).

-I have 2years of research ( PI with a poster in the process)
- I've got a few different volunteering activities
-Shadowed 2 MD's and working on DO's now
-Getting CNA license to get job at a hospital this summer

My plan of attack: AACOMAS application done by 1st week of June. Will have LORs ready and also prepared for quick response to secondaries and to be complete as early as possible.

Do I have a prayer? Anything else that I can do?

Thanks!

 

[spazzz]

you'll have every opportunity in the world if you get above a 26 range on the MCAT. aim for a 30.

 

[thethethe]

hello guys, i'm suppose to be studying now but i keep getting distracted with sdn. i want to see what you guys think about my app.

My gpa is 3.36 overall with a similar science, but since aacomas count only the 2nd grade, i retook calculus as a freshman, my gpa is around a 3.45. The last 4 semesters my overall gpa has been over a 3.6. I got a 28O on my MCAT, have been researching for 1.5 years and done about 100 hrs of volunteering at the hospital. I am graduating this year and I plan on shadowing a DO for a little bit and looking for a hospital job where i can learn more about how hospitals work and interacting with patients.

What do you think?

 

[Jpc984]

hello guys, i'm suppose to be studying now but i keep getting distracted with sdn. i want to see what you guys think about my app.

My gpa is 3.36 overall with a similar science, but since aacomas count only the 2nd grade, i retook calculus as a freshman, my gpa is around a 3.45. The last 4 semesters my overall gpa has been over a 3.6. I got a 28O on my MCAT, have been researching for 1.5 years and done about 100 hrs of volunteering at the hospital. I am graduating this year and I plan on shadowing a DO for a little bit and looking for a hospital job where i can learn more about how hospitals work and interacting with patients.

What do you think?

Should be fine.

 

[Cp22kjer]

Yeah I am. I think a 30 is obtainable, and I really need that to offset my GPA.

 

[TheLegendofEdel]

hello guys, i'm suppose to be studying now but i keep getting distracted with sdn. i want to see what you guys think about my app.

My gpa is 3.36 overall with a similar science, but since aacomas count only the 2nd grade, i retook calculus as a freshman, my gpa is around a 3.45. The last 4 semesters my overall gpa has been over a 3.6. I got a 28O on my MCAT, have been researching for 1.5 years and done about 100 hrs of volunteering at the hospital. I am graduating this year and I plan on shadowing a DO for a little bit and looking for a hospital job where i can learn more about how hospitals work and interacting with patients.

What do you think?

For what it's worth, you sound like a great candidate to me. If I may make a few suggestions to help you on your way: One, apply as early as you possibly can because it will give you the best shot of getting into the school of your choice. Two, if you are serious about doing DO, then only apply to DO schools and don't even waste your time applying to allopathic schools (DO schools like to see that you are interested in osteopathic medicine, not to see that it is your backup plan). And three, get in good with the DO you shadow. For some reason, it seems like the DOs are a closeknit group of people where everyone knows everyone else. A good DO LOR always looks good, and the DO you shadow may have some hookups at certain places. Best of luck to you.

 

[TheLegendofEdel]

Though everyone has seen similar stats before, I figured I'd post mine to see what you guys think (I'm nervous and almost down).

-3.2/3.2 as of now but looking at either a 3.5 or 4.0 (12 credit hrs) for this semester which would raise it some.

-Taking the MCAT in April and plan to score at least a 26 (which was my most recent practice test score and planning to improve with 2 more months).

-I have 2years of research ( PI with a poster in the process)
- I've got a few different volunteering activities
-Shadowed 2 MD's and working on DO's now
-Getting CNA license to get job at a hospital this summer

My plan of attack: AACOMAS application done by 1st week of June. Will have LORs ready and also prepared for quick response to secondaries and to be complete as early as possible.

Do I have a prayer? Anything else that I can do?

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure you have more than a prayer. I know a lot of doctors who worked as CNAs before they got into med school. I think that will give you a big advantage because you have have real clinical experience. Your course of action is perfect, and as long as you think positive on the MCATS, you'll be in med school in no time.

 

[Cp22kjer]

Where can I go to get great sample LORs and Personal Statements?

I've had people edit mine and then show me their own as an example. It's been really helpful to say the least. I was WAY off base with my first draft.

 

[rmsgolfer]

Greetings,

Im hoping a few of you can provide some much needed advice. I finished secondary apps for DMU, ATSU, CCOM, AZCOM, and SOMA last month and have received rejection letters from all but DMU and AZCOM, and I am basically waiting for the same seeing as the others came so fast. I will be graduating this spring and have a few questions on when I would reapply. I know my MCAT is garbage and I want to retake this coming August after I enroll in some sort of Kaplan course. Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated. Best of luck to the rest of you. Here are my stats.

MCAT 20 6P 6V 8B P
GPA: 3.43 Strong upward trend, last 3 semester have bee 3.7, 4.0, 3.93
SGPA:3.52

Research: Ergogenic effects of caffeine (2 years)

Extra Curric:4 year letter winner in golf, captain, all-american, Pre-Health Club, Student athletic advisory board member

Volunteer: 2nd Grade tutor, High school golf coach, I have spent time shadowing and volunteering at a local teaching clinic

Clinical Experience: Shadowed at two family practice clinics, spent this last summer doing an internship with neurosurgery (basically for the experience and learning opportunities, I mean seriously, how many other internships can you stand 2 feet away from a craniotomy) total cumulative hours~800

Work Experience: Bartender for 3 years at country club, Middle school basketball coach for 4 years, summer golf and leadership counselor

Awards: 3 semester's deans list, academic all-american

 

[SmallTownEMT]

I would say get your MCAT up and then reapply early (start in June).

I was a re-applicant myself so I know how you feel, but just stick with it and you'll do it. Good luck.

 

[Sartorius24]

I would say get your MCAT up and then reapply early (start in June).

I was a re-applicant myself so I know how you feel, but just stick with it and you'll do it. Good luck.

I have to agree with SmallTown. Your GPA and clinical experience seems good. You should probably retake your MCATS, and apply early. This late in the game I would think you are competing against very strong applicants, and some school may already be full for this cycle.

 

[DrMidlife]

I'd say don't apply again without a good MCAT score, maybe 27+. Improving your score is HARD WORK and you'd best think of it as your full time spring/summer job. At this point, you can offload any ECs that are in your way of success. Also, don't retake until you're scoring ABOVE your goal on practice tests.

I doubt that you have time to raise your MCAT substantially while you're taking classes. So that says to me that you are working toward maybe an August retake. You can still apply in June, but make sure you check every last box that implies you're retaking the MCAT.

Best of luck to you.

 

[rmsgolfer]

My plan this summer is to take Physics II, study for the MCAT and take it in August. I will not have a full tine internship to contend with my time which should help. Im not quite sure what a realistic goal would be as an improvement score, maybe people could share their experiences retaking and scoring better. Again, thanks for the help.

 

[bioteach]

Since you've got a fairly average GPA, you'll need a good MCAT. As DrMidlife said, you'll need a 27+. Focus on that MCAT and apply early as possible next year.

 

[reaton]

Number One: APPLY EARLY
Number Two: APPLY EARLY
Number three: APPLY EARLY

Why waste your time, energy, and money applying this late with a 20? I think you knew the answer to this before you wrote your post.

 

[DrMidlife]

Im not quite sure what a realistic goal would be as an improvement score, maybe people could share their experiences retaking and scoring better.

Be aware that on average, people don't improve on a retake. Retake stats are on the aamc.org website. This is the time to call in some favors, get friends & family to help pay for a prep course, and clear your calendar. Gotta kill it.

 

[CDO2012]

I know someone who got into two schools with that same MCAT score. However, he has like 4 DOs in his family and he applied to the schools that his family went to. I think the alumni factor helped, and he had a REALLY good GPA. I just think that you need to make sure you apply yearly and try to do better on the MCAT, but you need to be sure that you can do better the next time. I think some schools realize that some people aren't the best standardized test takers. Good luck!

 

[fisko82]

Greetings,
Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated. Best of luck to the rest of you. Here are my stats.

MCAT 20 6P 6V 8B P
GPA: 3.43 Strong upward trend, last 3 semester have bee 3.7, 4.0, 3.93
SGPA:3.52

Thoughts:

• Skip the kaplan course. You can make more use of your time studying outside a course and save a lot of money by purchasing an old edition of the Kaplan books. Also, pick up an old edition of Examkrackers prep and Examkrackers Verbal 101; use these to supplement the Kaplan materials. If you struggle with physics, Nova physics is a great supplement as well. Study for about 2-4hrs/day for ~3 months. Do all problems and mocks you can get your hands on. Google anything you still don't understand from the review books. Make sure you understand the ins-and-outs of every topic covered by Kaplan/EK. Take every AAMC exam available. Don't sit for the retake exam until your mock averages are at or close to 26+.

• Own the mcat with a balanced score, try to score 8s or better in every section.

• Apply to many DO schools.

• Success. You're in. Nice to meet you, Dr. rmsgolfer 👍

 

[rmsgolfer]

Thoughts:

• Skip the kaplan course. You can make more use of your time studying outside a course and save a lot of money by purchasing an old edition of the Kaplan books. Also, pick up an old edition of Examkrackers prep and Examkrackers Verbal 101; use these to supplement the Kaplan materials. If you struggle with physics, Nova physics is a great supplement as well. Study for about 2-4hrs/day for ~3 months. Do all problems and mocks you can get your hands on. Google anything you still don't understand from the review books. Make sure you understand the ins-and-outs of every topic covered by Kaplan/EK. Take every AAMC exam available. Don't sit for the retake exam until your mock averages are at or close to 26+.

• Own the mcat with a balanced score, try to score 8s or better in every section.

• Apply to many DO schools.

• Success. You're in. Nice to meet you, Dr. rmsgolfer 👍

I plan to take the Kaplan course because I feel I would benefit from a more structured setting and guidance. I tried doing it on my own last time but it obviously didn't work to well. Granted I was only 1/2 way through the pre-reqs and balancing a full time internship, a job, a physics course, and practice. Still, no excuses. My parents have agreed to help me out with the cost and I plan to put forth my best effort, thats to say DMU or AZCOM decides to pass.

 

[ocwaveoc]

I plan to take the Kaplan course because I feel I would benefit from a more structured setting and guidance. I tried doing it on my own last time but it obviously didn't work to well. Granted I was only 1/2 way through the pre-reqs and balancing a full time internship, a job, a physics course, and practice. Still, no excuses. My parents have agreed to help me out with the cost and I plan to put forth my best effort, thats to say DMU or AZCOM decides to pass.

As someone has already suggested, I don't think Kaplan inclass course is worth it. But, if you feel that the structure will help you, it will be worth it for you. I took the Kaplan course and found it to be absolutely useless (the in class portion that is). But, if the structure of having to go over certain topics week by week is what you need, perhaps psychologically it'll help you. Take advantage of the online practice tests (Kaplan ones and AAMC ones). But, the kaplan method of "mapping" is absolutely useless and counter productive (at least for me). Taking the time to write down a word or two or a short sentence for each paragraph of the passage just doesn't work. Unless you consistently finish the section minimum of 5 minutes early, I'd forego with that method. You'll figure it out....whether it works for you or not.

Another advice. I noticed that your VR is 6. I was scoring about there during my practices as well. What helped me to jump from 6 to a 9 on my real MCAT was not the number of passages I did (I knew after doing the entire EK 101 passage with the scores of 6-7, more practice wasn't going to help). But, what helped was that on the test day, I worked hard to have a high level of interest in the passages (and I got the test with 3 loooooong passages). I pretended that I was reading something from someone who was writing me something very personal and pertinent to me. In my opinion, THAT pushed my score up.

Your GPA is decent. So, as someone else mentioned, score at least 8 across the board with one or two 9's and you should get in to a DO school somewhere. With a good science background and good fundamental understanding of the science concepts, it shouldn't be hard to get 10s on the PS and BS. Work hard during the summer.....cut down on the extra stuff to concentrate on the MCAT. All that extra curricular stuff isn't going to get you in if your MCAT score is low. With a great MCAT score, even with the extra curricular stuff you already have, you should be golden.

Good luck!

 

[CDO2012]

I took the Kaplan class too... if you do end up taking it just be careful, I thought too much of it at first and in the end it didn't really help me. I think the class actually hurt me, because I was not used to the methods they were teaching. I would have been better off studying on my own.

 

[dedmanic]

I don't have a LOR from a DO. Every DO I contact is too busy to let me shadow them. I currently live in NYC and want to apply to DO schools for Fall 09. Do you guys think that I have a chance for interviews with NY DO med schools (assuming I don't get a DO LOR) if I apply as early as June?

My stats are:
3.4 undergrad GPA from the College of William & Mary. 3.1 GPA from Columbia University in Master's in Pharmacology (I was a PHD student and didn't think I'd go into med school until I had already slacked off my first year in the program, killing my GPA), MCAT 26R.

Do I have a chance with my current stats or should I really seek out shadowing a DO, getting a good LOR, and exploring some more volunteer opportunities? What would make me a stronger candidate if I'm currently not competitive enough to get into DO schools in NY? Please help!

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Go volunteer at an ER (or get a job at one). There will be DO's there. Get a letter from one.

Not all schools require a DO letter, but a lot do, and others "suggest" one. But there are ways, aside from shadowing, of getting a letter.

After 2.5 years volunteering, and recently working as an employee at my ER (busy level II trauma center), I've met a ton of DO's. One wrote a killer letter for me, and another made a phone call on my behalf. If you work hard and get to know people, you'll get your letter.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

To expand... yes you have a chance, but give yourself a better one.

 

[dedmanic]

Go volunteer at an ER (or get a job at one). There will be DO's there. Get a letter from one.

Not all schools require a DO letter, but a lot do, and others "suggest" one. But there are ways, aside from shadowing, of getting a letter.

After 2.5 years volunteering, and recently working as an employee at my ER (busy level II trauma center), I've met a ton of DO's. One wrote a killer letter for me, and another made a phone call on my behalf. If you work hard and get to know people, you'll get your letter.

The problem is that I am no longer in school anymore and I work full-time as a medical writing consultant in a PR firm. My free time is very limited...so volunteering is possible, but most likely only on the weekends. I know that for ER or other shadowing possibilities, weekends are harder to accommodate for volunteers and I believe most doctors or hospitals prefer more weekly hourly commitments. I can't quit my job b/c I live in NYC and need to support myself...but what should I do with such limited free time?

 

[a817]

I have pretty much applied to 11 do school, and got rejected by 3 of them. My stats were 22R (9b9p4v) 1 got one interview with Lecom and was rejected. I took the january mcat and got a 26o (10p9b7v) Does this score make a difference? My gpa is 3.63 and science average is 3.42. Do i have a shot at NYCOM, TOURO NY, UMDNJ, WVSOM, PCOM, LMU, DES MOINES? Or is it to late in the cycle? Do i have a shot anyway if i it was early in the cycle? I am a NY resident if that helps

 

[meggielou]

I don't know about the other schools, but I think you definitely have a shot at WVSOM, LMU, NYCOM, and Touro NY. How late in the cycle did you apply? Did you have strong LORs?

Congrats on your improved MCAT, and goodluck!

 

[Toohotinvegas33]

I believe DMU will take a fax of your scores to help hurry things along unitl they can get official copies. I think you still have a shot at a couple school👍