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

[a817]

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i applied in july, and secondaries for some school are sent. I am debating taking it again lol. The problem with me is that i get nervous specially with computerized tests. I did even finish the physical science section. Thanks for the quick reply. My dream would be to get into nycom, but i dont know if it is too late. I am going to fax my score tom.

 

[a817]

i had 3 science profs for lor's, i had to join a pre health society in my school.

 

[prionsRbad]

So you haven't filled out secondaries for some schools? Which ones?

 

[a817]

i finish some in october, lmu in January. I didnt receive nycom and tourro secondary. hey if you dont mind what were your stats prionsRbad? I am waiting on LMU. I will call every school and get the fax numbers and everything first thing in the morning.

 

[spazzz]

MCAT is fine, just maybe a little late in the cycle to start hearing back. To be honest, it would probably just be easier to wait out this cycle and apply in the summer, you'll for sure have multiple acceptances for next year.

 

[a817]

yea... i know it seems a little to late. dam i hate the verbal lol. I paid all this money, so i guess i could just fax the scores over and hope.

 

[prionsRbad]

yea... i know it seems a little to late. dam i hate the verbal lol. I paid all this money, so i guess i could just fax the scores over and hope.

👍 Definitely fax your new score over! I PM'd you about my stats.

 

[a817]

thank you everyone for replying to my question. I guess i can only wait now. I would love to hear from someone who got into nycom (my first choice because of financial reason, get to stay at home and bring down that loan) or another do school like a year ago, who was in the similar situation as me and took the jan mcat

 

[PunkmedGirl]

thank you everyone for replying to my question. I guess i can only wait now. I would love to hear from someone who got into nycom (my first choice because of financial reason, get to stay at home and bring down that loan) or another do school like a year ago, who was in the similar situation as me and took the jan mcat

Good Luck

 

[wannabdoc2]

Please be honest with your responses and if its brutal, its ok! I just want to know if with a GPA of 2.98 and an MCAT score of 22, a research publication and currently working as a research assistant with ample amount of volunteer experience get me into any DO schools or any decent Caribbean schools such as Ross or SGU?

 

[meggielou]

Not to be Debbie Downer, but it might be a little tough. In all honesty, I'd retake the MCAT, maybe take a prep course for it. Also, you could always try a post-bacc program to boost your GPA, or at least to show an upward trend in grades. On a better note, the volunteer experience and research will win you points. Also, if you're a resident in a state where they accept a high number of in-staters, I'd say you have a shot. Good luck!

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Science GPA? Upward trend? URM?

You probably need to re-take the MCAT if you want to stay in the states. SGU may be an option.

 

[scdocusc]

you really do need something academic to hang your hat on when you apply. I think it would your best interest to retake some courses or do a SMP program to boost your GPA. I believe that is you only real shot at DO. SGU might be a path of least resistance. Good luck and dont give up.

 

[slim78]

Do a post-bacc AND retake the MCAT. Of course you can make it. It will just take some work.

I don't know much about Caribbean schools so I won't comment on your chances there.

 

[brgotch]

you could probably get in ross or maybe sgu, but if you just retake a couple of courses, maybe change Cs or Ds to As, it will make a pretty big difference on your GPA depending on how many hours you have on your transcript.
Keep working and volunteering, retake a couple of classes and the mcat, and I think you'll have a good shot.

 

[EEL08]

you could probably get in ross or maybe sgu, but if you just retake a couple of courses, maybe change Cs or Ds to As, it will make a pretty big difference on your GPA depending on how many hours you have on your transcript.
Keep working and volunteering, retake a couple of classes and the mcat, and I think you'll have a good shot.

Ditto. It's far from over for you. It might just take a little more time than you originally anticipated.

 

[JoeNamaMD]

SGU is not that easy anymore, the average GPA for an accepted student is 3.4 and an MCAT of 26, this is about the same as the average for those accepted to DO schools.

 

[JaggerPlate]

SGU is not that easy anymore, the average GPA for an accepted student is 3.4 and an MCAT of 26, this is about the same as the average for those accepted to DO schools.

I was under the impression that your credit score was more important than your MCAT score for Carib schools (though SGU is the best etc etc).

OP ... no one can tell you yes or no from two sentences of description. It depends on a lot of things, but you should at least get your overall GPA over a 3.0. Also keep in mind that DO schools are by no means a backup for bad gpa or MCAT. Numerous DO schools have avg gpa of 3.6 and 27 MCAT, very similar to MD schools. You should know why you are applying to DO schools, and low gpa isn't a good enough answer.

 

[doctordodo]

Hi just need some advice on chances. I took the January MCAT and did horrible. 22. I scheduled to retake on May 27th. I have a 3.36 cum GPA and 3.26 Science. I have lots of clinical (300+) and miscellaneous (200+) volunteer hours, stellar LOR's, but no research.

I was planning on applying to DO schools this May and are wondering what my chances are. My top preferences are Western and Vegas.

 

[aliDO]

Hi just need some advice on chances. I took the January MCAT and did horrible. 22. I scheduled to retake on May 27th. I have a 3.36 cum GPA and 3.26 Science. I have lots of clinical (300+) and miscellaneous (200+) volunteer hours, stellar LOR's, but no research.

I was planning on applying to DO schools this May and are wondering what my chances are. My top preferences are Western and Vegas.

You need to increase your mcat score to be competitive at most any of the schools. People have gotten in with a 22 but it is rare. Just concentrate on what you know your weak subjects are and go in and do better in May. Raising that score just a few points will open many doors for you. Definitely don't give up! Having no research shouldn't be a problem either.

 

[prionsRbad]

Hi just need some advice on chances. I took the January MCAT and did horrible. 22. I scheduled to retake on May 27th. I have a 3.36 cum GPA and 3.26 Science. I have lots of clinical (300+) and miscellaneous (200+) volunteer hours, stellar LOR's, but no research.

I was planning on applying to DO schools this May and are wondering what my chances are. My top preferences are Western and Vegas.

Western's average MCAT is above a 22, so you probably won’t be competitive there with your current score. Touro-NV has a 24 MCAT cutoff, so not looking good there either. Trust me, I just applied with a crap MCAT and applied to Touro and Western, so that's how I know. Kick *ss on your retake and you should be good to go.

Good Luck

 

[doctordodo]

Thanks for the input guys! I really appreciate it

 

[a817]

umm... i can help out in this thread lol... First of all an under 3 gpa and a 22 will not get you an interview with a DO school most likely unless you have amazing experience, I learned it the hard way with 3.63 and 22r. Even though i prefer the DO route, people's info on SGU is misguided. SGU is a direct competitor with a DO school, i know many student who chose SGU even though they got into a DO school because of preference. SGU cares ALOT about mcat they will take a person with 2.9 and 31 for example, while that person will struggle to get into a DO school, because they look into gpa more the SGU does. A 22 will not cut it for SGU, i learned that the hard way again, because i applied there and they told me to take the mcat again. Ross on the other hand i have seen people with 3.0 and 21's get in and it is ALOT easier to get into than SGU (its admission standards can not be compared to sgu) and i give 60-40 shot getting in ross. I suggest you take the mcat again if you are looking into SGU. I think 28-30 range will make you competitive for sgu. A very good friend of mine had a 2.8 33 mcat and got into sgu. Do not be misguided and think SGU is not competitive at all. I am not making a SGU VS DO argument i am trying to be as objective as possible, but sgu is like a kid and the mcat is a shiny object in my opinion lol

my reply is to wannabedoc2

As for doctordodo, i know i am bias and did not have the same experience as you but a 22 is very hard to get admission to a do school. I would definitely take it over. If you must apply with that 22, apply to LECOM-erie there cut of is 21 and they did give me an interview with 22. Touro cutoff is 24, so is pcom, i think same for dmu, and for chicago western. LMU has no cutoff, I was told by an admission counselor for wvsom that its 23, but i called a later time and an operator refuted that. msu you need genetics, which i didn't take. pikesville average mcat 23.5 but they strongly prefer regional students. That is the lowest average mcat for any do school. Just message me if you need any more advice, since we had same mcat score and applied to 11 schools haha....

 

[a817]

on the bright side i got an interview with turrocom ny with my new mcat score once i finish my secondary... The fee is 200 dollars which is insane. But i credit them on being fast

 

[axebjc]

I took the MCAT back in July 2007 and got a 7-6-7. I knew that would not get me in, so I planned to retake it in January. I went ahead and submitted my application and was complete with the secondaries by the end of October. I informed the schools that I would be retaking the MCAT in January. I have only received a rejection from CCOM, and the other schools have me on MCAT hold.

The January MCAT scores were posted the other day. I did not do as well as I had wanted, but I did improve 8-8-9. I faxed my scores to all of the schools yesterday. I have a 3.61 overall gpa and a 3.56 science gpa. I have about 150 shadowing hours in family practice, orthopedic surgery, and with a pediatrician. I have a DO LOR from the pediatrician. I am a camp counselor at a burn camp every summer. President of our pre-health honor society and vice president of a program similar to Big Brothers. I also cheered at my school my freshman year. I am a well rounded applicant.

I have looked on some of the profiles on here and think ok maybe I still have a shot at getting an interview. If I don't get in this year, there is a school that has a ms in medical sciences for pre-med students that I have applied to. I just wanted some other students opinions, so just let me know. Thanks!

 

[EuroPhysician]

MCAT averages for DO schools are lower than for MD programs, average GPAs are slightly lower with the average being 3.4-3.5 while MD programs usually have 3.6-3.7s, the average MCAT for MD programs is around a 30P while DOs are 24-25.

Schools like Ross take just about anyone, hence many of the students they take get kicked out, I heard as many as half of the students don't finish basic sciences at Ross. SGU is actually pretty selective these days, and its probably as competitive as most DO schools, they have nearly 10 applicants for each seat in their classes. Someone who can get into SGU could probably get into a mid or lower tier DO program.

 

[prionsRbad]

Just FYI, I got an interview at DMU with <22 MCAT. They don't have a cutoff, but I don't think they actually end up accepting people with that low of a score.

The only cutoffs that I know are pretty set in stone are Touro's (24). I was offered secondaries at all the other schools I applied to and made the cutoffs.

 

[a817]

yea i wasnt sure about dmu.... they rejected me

. I am positive about lecom (21), and touro (24). pcom the admissions consoler said its 24 the avg mcat, and 24 is the cut off. So one of them iswrong

 

[spazzz]

Hi just need some advice on chances. I took the January MCAT and did horrible. 22. I scheduled to retake on May 27th. I have a 3.36 cum GPA and 3.26 Science. I have lots of clinical (300+) and miscellaneous (200+) volunteer hours, stellar LOR's, but no research.

I was planning on applying to DO schools this May and are wondering what my chances are. My top preferences are Western and Vegas.

you probably need above a 25 to really be competitive at western.

 

[axebjc]

Ok so I posted a few posts up about retaking the MCAT and all that good stuff. I just received my acceptance letter for Midwestern's MBS program.

CCOM was my first choice but I did not get in. They sent me an email to transfer my application to their biomedical sciences program. There was no charge, so I did. I just received the acceptance letter for this program. I am excited because this is my first acceptance.

I retook the mcat in January and received my scores last week. Because I just got my new scores, I have not heard back from any other DO schools yet about interviews. I really want to go to Chicago, but I have to submit my deposit of $750 by March 14th for the MBS program. If I cancel my acceptance after I submit my deposit, I can only get $100 back.

I was just wondering if anyone is familiar with this program. I am hoping that it will help increase my chances to get into CCOM in 2 years. There is another program similar to this at TCOM in Ft.Worth, TX (this is about an hour from my home). The only thing is the committee doesn't meet for that until April. I don't want to decline my acceptance at Midwestern and then not get in elsewhere. Any advice? If you know anyone who has gone through the MBS program and is now in med school please let me know. Thanks!

 

[starl3tte]

I'd appreciate any feedback on my current situation:

I am 23 y.o. and I have a B.A. in Spanish from one of the many UC schools (University of CA) with a cumulative GPA of 3.901.
I began taking pre-med classes while at the UC, but I was not able to finish. I spent the 2007-2008 school year taking the rest of my pre-med classes at a community college. My science GPA from the community college is 4.0, and it is based on g-chem, o-chem, physics, pre-cal, anatomy, physiology. My science GPA from the UC school is around 3.8, and it is based on general bio and genetics.

I have not yet taken the MCATs, nor have I even studied for the test yet.

I don't have much work experience in the health care field, except for volunteer work for American Red Cross (which I currently do, but I have to say, this is definitely NOT good enough in terms of hands-on health care experience). The bulk of my work experience comes from my employment at a tutoring center, where I tutor all sorts of subjects, but mainly, I get to educate others in a 1-on-1 situation (that's gotta be good for something, right?)

I applied, interviewed, and got into Bastyr University for their 4-year Naturopathic Doctor program. I am due to start the program in Sept. 2008, but I am heavily considering deferring my admission in order to apply to D.O. schools. As you might be able to infer, I have a huge passion for natural medicine (this passion was brought about by my own personal health experiences).

What else should I do to increase my shot of getting into D.O. school in 2009? (I believe it's too late to apply for 2008).

Can I start or even submit my application for 2009 this coming June? Even without having taken the MCATs yet?

What else do I need to get on ASAP? I haven't taken calculus or biochem - I'm not sure if I need to. Do I need to find more relevant work or volunteer experience immediately?

Thanks, everyone.

 

[DrMidlife]

I'd appreciate any feedback on my current situation:

You need to decide whether you want to practice traditional medicine or western medicine. DOs practice western medicine and are very, very similar to MDs.

I suggest you find a DO who practices OMT (which is as traditional as osteopathic medicine gets) and shadow him/her.

 

[tymilu]

Hey everyone...I'm a junior looking to get into MSU-COM. There are some reasons for concern, though:

GPA: 3.30
Science GPA: 2.9 (yikes, I know -- I've done alright, except in a few classes that have really dragged me down)
No MCAT yet
~50 hours shadowing
~200 hours volunteering, including 40 in a hospital
Decent amount of research
Shadowed 3 DOs

I know as it stands, my chances aren't very good, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice as to what I can do to improve (i.e. retaking classes, doing a post-bacc, taking more science, doing super well on the MCAT). If anyone faced a similar situation and got into med school, I'd really appreciate the advice. Thank you.

 

[spazzz]

Hey everyone...I'm a junior looking to get into MSU-COM. There are some reasons for concern, though:

GPA: 3.30
Science GPA: 2.9 (yikes, I know -- I've done alright, except in a few classes that have really dragged me down)
No MCAT yet
~50 hours shadowing
~200 hours volunteering, including 40 in a hospital
Decent amount of research
Shadowed 3 DOs

I know as it stands, my chances aren't very good, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice as to what I can do to improve (i.e. retaking classes, doing a post-bacc, taking more science, doing super well on the MCAT). If anyone faced a similar situation and got into med school, I'd really appreciate the advice. Thank you.

retake those science classes and boost your GPA.

 

[prionsRbad]

I had a similar situation with the science GPA. I retook everything I got a C or lower in and boosted it up to a 3.3. 👍 You will need to do well on the MCAT. Aim high and do the best you can.

Hey everyone...I'm a junior looking to get into MSU-COM. There are some reasons for concern, though:

GPA: 3.30
Science GPA: 2.9 (yikes, I know -- I've done alright, except in a few classes that have really dragged me down)
No MCAT yet
~50 hours shadowing
~200 hours volunteering, including 40 in a hospital
Decent amount of research
Shadowed 3 DOs

.

 

[Miggs86]

Trust the moo, she knows.

I would definitely take some things over.

 

[krg1114]

Hey everyone,

I'm an undergrad @ Boston U. I have a 3.4 science GPA and a 3.4 overall GPA. I'm taking the MCAT in a few months and at this rate (according to practice tests) will probably get about a 25-29ish. I'm a double major (biology and classics), and I have a variety of clinical experience, like volunteering (~200 hrs), a research internship in Boston, and a patient transporting job that I've had for years. I'm 20 years old. I'm stressed out because I am now realizing how wonderful osteopathic medicine is (I've unofficially shadowed some D.O.'s at my transporting job). I want to apply to both M.D. and D.O., but I'm thinking that since I'm young and don't have a spectacular GPA (and possibly not a phenomenal MCAT score), schools won't give me a second look. I also don't have time to officially shadow and D.O. for a recommendation, which worries me further. The schools that I'm most interested in are NYCOM, PCOM and UNECOM. Let me know what you guys think (and if there are any schools that you really think I have a good shot at).

Thanks! 😎

 

[Powdermonkey]

Whats an O.D.? An overdose doctor? Is that like an ER doc?

 

[DrMattOglesby]

you should try to shadow a DO instead.
they could probably write you a better LOR for osteo schools than an OD.
other than getting that LOR though, you have good stats, you should be fine.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Hey everyone,

I'm an undergrad @ Boston U. I have a 3.4 science GPA and a 3.4 overall GPA. I'm taking the MCAT in a few months and at this rate (according to practice tests) will probably get about a 25-29ish. I'm a double major (biology and classics), and I have a variety of clinical experience, like volunteering (~200 hrs), a research internship in Boston, and a patient transporting job that I've had for years. I'm 20 years old. I'm stressed out because I am now realizing how wonderful osteopathic medicine is (I've unofficially shadowed some OD's at my transporting job). I want to apply to both M.D. and O.D., but I'm thinking that since I'm young and don't have a spectacular GPA (and possibly not a phenomenal MCAT score), schools won't give me a second look. I also don't have time to officially shadow and O.D. for a recommendation, which worries me further. The schools that I'm most interested in are NYCOM, PCOM and UNECOM. Let me know what you guys think (and if there are any schools that you really think I have a good shot at).

Thanks! 😎

Its DO not OD.. OD is optometrists...completely different. As far as your GPA you are competitive for DO schools. Relax don't worry. Concentrate on the MCAT and score well and you will be good to go.

 

[krg1114]

LOL....sorry that I'm semi-******ed. I wanted to be an OD (doctor of optometry) for like 5 years...and I still make that stupid dyslexic mistake sometimes...my bad!

 

[PunkmedGirl]

LOL....sorry that I'm semi-******ed. I wanted to be an OD (doctor of optometry) for like 5 years...and I still make that stupid dyslexic mistake sometimes...my bad!

LOL its ok many do the same thing

 

[Powdermonkey]

Seriously? You will be fine if you can get 26 plus on the mcat. I got in with a 3.2. Your gpa is much better. Just nail the MCAT and get your applications in early.

 

[krg1114]

That's awesome. How early are we talking?? What about M.D. schools?? Would I be okay if I applied only to a few reasonable MD schools and about 4 DO schools? I'm taking the MCAT in mid-June...so I was going to apply to all my schools throughout June (with a goal of ultimately finishing before July 1st). I'll be applying blindly, which sucks...but I should right?

 

[PunkmedGirl]

That's awesome. How early are we talking?? What about M.D. schools?? Would I be okay if I applied only to a few reasonable MD schools and about 4 DO schools? I'm taking the MCAT in mid-June...so I was going to apply to all my schools throughout June (with a goal of ultimately finishing before July 1st). I'll be applying blindly, which sucks...but I should right?

For me early mines simply applying as close to the opening date as possible. With a 3.4 GPA you would be ok with applying to MD schools but as for the MCAT you need at least a 30. So aim for 30+ on the MCAT if you are planning on applying to both.

 

[Powdermonkey]

For me early mines simply applying as close to the opening date as possible. With a 3.4 GPA you would be ok with applying to MD schools but as for the MCAT you need at least a 30. So aim for 30+ on the MCAT if you are planning on applying to both.

yeah, def. But try to get both the applications in around June 1st that way your MCAT will be coming out and to the schools about the same time your primary applications get verified. It will speed things up substantially.

 

[ShyRem]

bump

 

[Doc Henry]

I'd appreciate any feedback on my current situation:

I am 23 y.o. and I have a B.A. in Spanish from one of the many UC schools (University of CA) with a cumulative GPA of 3.901.
I began taking pre-med classes while at the UC, but I was not able to finish. I spent the 2007-2008 school year taking the rest of my pre-med classes at a community college. My science GPA from the community college is 4.0, and it is based on g-chem, o-chem, physics, pre-cal, anatomy, physiology. My science GPA from the UC school is around 3.8, and it is based on general bio and genetics.

I have not yet taken the MCATs, nor have I even studied for the test yet.

I don't have much work experience in the health care field, except for volunteer work for American Red Cross (which I currently do, but I have to say, this is definitely NOT good enough in terms of hands-on health care experience). The bulk of my work experience comes from my employment at a tutoring center, where I tutor all sorts of subjects, but mainly, I get to educate others in a 1-on-1 situation (that's gotta be good for something, right?)

I applied, interviewed, and got into Bastyr University for their 4-year Naturopathic Doctor program. I am due to start the program in Sept. 2008, but I am heavily considering deferring my admission in order to apply to D.O. schools. As you might be able to infer, I have a huge passion for natural medicine (this passion was brought about by my own personal health experiences).

What else should I do to increase my shot of getting into D.O. school in 2009? (I believe it's too late to apply for 2008).

Can I start or even submit my application for 2009 this coming June? Even without having taken the MCATs yet?

What else do I need to get on ASAP? I haven't taken calculus or biochem - I'm not sure if I need to. Do I need to find more relevant work or volunteer experience immediately?

Thanks, everyone.

I agree with Doc midlife...ND and DO are nothing alike. I friends in both programs and they are as different as night and day.

 

[Aidan]

Whats an O.D.? An overdose doctor? Is that like an ER doc?

Hey,

An OD is an optometrist. I'd assume they switched the letters because if an optometrist and a doctor of osteopathic medicine were both D.O.s there would be eight thousand flame wars on SDN about it.

 

[starl3tte]

I agree with Doc midlife...ND and DO are nothing alike. I friends in both programs and they are as different as night and day.

Can you elaborate more on this? I'm not doubting you at all - just trying to gather all the information I can. (And I'm not trying to spark an ND vs. DO debate either). I would appreciate more comparisons between NDs and DOs in terms of career success, for example.

I believe that the first few years of an accredited ND school offer a curriculum comparable to that of a DO school, except with more emphasis on other therapies. For example, 1st year students take biochem, physio, anatomy, histology, embryology, neuroscience, hydrotherapy, and botanical medicine, in addition to clinical entry. They will later learn about homeopathy, diet & nutrient therapy, tongue & pulse diagnosis, etc., in addition to all of the other "ologies" found at DO schools. You will definitely find differences in clinical rotations between ND and DO schools (ie. no emphasis on surgical rotations at an ND school). In terms of residencies, NDs have much fewer opportunities, and it isn't even a requirement (not something I agree with).