~2008-2009~"What Are My Chances/Where Should I Apply/What Should I Do" Thread

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i recall a handful getting in with a 24 or less last year. NOT easy to do though! i applied with a 22 last year on Feb 28th or some crazy-last-minute-date and i found myself interviewing at Pacific Northwest.
id say send in your application now, with plans to retake the MCAT.
you really dont have much to lose by retaking the MCAT. your scores dont have much room to move but up...at least that was my psychology when i retook with my 22.
what have you got to lose by applying? a couple hundred bucks?
 
chromosomeone said:
I am retaking. However, I am just wondering what might happen if I don't get higher than my original. Is 23 unlikely for DO even with a higher gpa? I thought I'd be okay getting in SOMEWHERE... hmm.
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it is definately on the low end, and i would definately apply to a ton of school. You can get in. But there are no guarantees. You have stuff published, so that will help. I wouldnt think negative, be a bit more confident. hell if you can pull the physics or the verbal to a 9 and get a 10 on the bio again. Thats a 19 and even a 6 or 7 will make you competitive. Did you take a prep course? How many practice tests did you take. I recommend ek 1001 question for physics and chem. They help my PS alot.

You have a decent shot. Especially if you have a school that favors instate applicants.
 
Does New York favor in-state? My practice tests had been higher.
 
chromosomeone said:
Does New York favor in-state? My practice tests had been higher.
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nycom does, touro- they take a alot of oos applicants, but still nys friendly. nyoom states they prefer 24+ mcat applicants, but i have seen them go lower, but its rare. Tourocom mcat cutoff is 24
 
Okay...well, if the averages of some of these schools are 25, doesn't that mean half of the matriculants got less than that??
 
I don't think it's at all about luck but that's beside the point. You can check out my mdapps. I'm one of the ones who was accepted with a 22 MCAT and I'm not the only one. There are also two people on here that I know of who scored less than a 22 and were accepted. It's not just about your numbers, it's also about how you present yourself. None of the people who got in with low MCAT scores have bad attitudes or are considered to be jerks. As long as you are a pleasant person etc. I think you stand a good chance of being accepted. It's definitely still a good idea to retake the MCAT and do as well as you can. :luck:
 
Oh and the Touros require you to either have at least a 23 or 24 MCAT so you might want to double check with them before you potentially waste your money.
 
i dunno if my post was clear, but what i basically wanted to know is:

1) if I wanted to retake the MCAT, would it be possible to update my score after i submit my verified application? OR would I have to wait for an updated MCAT score before submitting?
 
...I don't remember if you can be verified without an MCAT... hmm But either way, why don't you wait to get your scores back before deciding what you want to do? You may have completely rocked the 'CAT rendering this thread moot. It's still fairly early in the cycle, so if I were you I'd wait to decide if you need to retake after you actually get your scores on ~July 15th (two weeks is not too far off).

However, when you do get your scores, if you didn't do too horribly bad, but feel you could do better, I'd submit my app with your score from June, then retake the MCAT and use my new score to update schools. Good luck! :luck:
 
So.. I am trying to narrow down which school I have a decent chance at with my stats. Can you guys take a look at post 725 and tell me your thoughts? Also, if you have any suggestions on other schools I should apply to please tell me. Gracias!
 
fabu1ous said:
...I don't remember if you can be verified without an MCAT... hmm But either way, why don't you wait to get your scores back before deciding what you want to do? You may have completely rocked the 'CAT rendering this thread moot. It's still fairly early in the cycle, so if I were you I'd wait to decide if you need to retake after you actually get your scores on ~July 15th (two weeks is not too far off).

However, when you do get your scores, if you didn't do too horribly bad, but feel you could do better, I'd submit my app with your score from June, then retake the MCAT and use my new score to update schools. Good luck! :luck:
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Hey fabu1ous!

I feel that I will go with that. Yea...I'm hoping too that I didn't do as bad as I thought. Anyway, do you know how it works in regards to updating schools about new MCAT scores? Do they put your application on hold, or do they review it again after you send in a new MCAT score?
 
dangit said:
i dunno if my post was clear, but what i basically wanted to know is:

1) if I wanted to retake the MCAT, would it be possible to update my score after i submit my verified application? OR would I have to wait for an updated MCAT score before submitting?
Click to expand...

They do not wait, they just mark that you are retaking and will update your primary application real-time with your new score.
 
JWLuiza said:
They do not wait, they just mark that you are retaking and will update your primary application real-time with your new score.
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So if I submit in July after my June 13 MCAT score comes out, will I still be considered early if I retake the MCAT in sept?
 
dangit said:
So if I submit in July after my June 13 MCAT score comes out, will I still be considered early if I retake the MCAT in sept?
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if you notify them that you are retaking the MCAT in september, they will likely put your app on hold until your scores come in and then you will definitely not be early....borderline late.
 
Are early sept mcat retake scores okay? Or should I push for August?
 
chromosomeone said:
Are early sept mcat retake scores okay? Or should I push for August?
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I think it varies by school. Check the MSAR, but push for the date that will get you the best score.

Or ugh. Yeah the CIB for DO schools. IIRC, September is good.
 
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Fp02c said:
So.. I am trying to narrow down which school I have a decent chance at with my stats. Can you guys take a look at post 725 and tell me your thoughts? Also, if you have any suggestions on other schools I should apply to please tell me. Gracias!
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Looks like you have a good shot everywhere. Check out the CIB and look for geographic preference, then check out the individual schools' cost/rotations/whatever's important to you. Apply now and you'll do fine! 👍

What about LECOM-B, since you're in FL?
 
Sorry I know you guys hate these but I really am desperate for advice. Anything will help

so I am currently deep in the D.O. application cycle. I'm about to get secondaries back. So I'm early.

Unfortunately I took the MCAT in May and got a 20M 9b 6p 5v
However, I had some personal family issues just before my MCAT. My parents divorced about a month before and my mom now has some legal problems and it's just a mess. It has been a very difficult time for me and distracted me from my MCAT studying.

My question is: should I retake it in august or just go with it? (advisor said go with it)
Also, for those of you who already went through this, are there places where you can explain things like a low MCAT score on secondaries?

I would go anywhere I am accepted and have applied to all 26 schools.

My info:

3.43 GPA (took many upper level science courses like biochemistry and physiology)
Currently working as an EMT
Shadowed 2 doctors including a DO
Medicine related study abroad program
Raised over $1700 for AIDS orphans in Africa
Tutored children for a semester
Volunteered at 2 hospitals
Have a very strong personal statement from what I've been told
Outreach Coordinator for a national political campaign at school
5 solid letters of Rec
Grades continuously rose from freshman year until senior year

Thanks!
 
do what your gut tells you.
i hope your gut is telling you to retake.
there is no guarantee that you'll get higher score by retaking it.

but, u got no chance with 20. you are wasting your app money.

never listen to advisors. unless the advisor knows your name by face. 😀
 
miniwangja said:
do what your gut tells you.
i hope your gut is telling you to retake.
there is no guarantee that you'll get higher score by retaking it.

but, u got no chance with 20. you are wasting your app money.

never listen to advisors. unless the advisor knows your name by face. 😀
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I won't say you have NO chance with a 20, but your chances are VERY VERY slim, even at DO schools. I had a 28 and got 3 DO interviews out of 6...if that helps...

That being said, go to mdapplicants.com and check how many people DID get in with low MCAT scores. Lots of URMS, but still...I saw a 19 at Yale!!!

Maybe apply to a couple of the lower-tier DO schools this year, retake MCAT and reapply next year if you don't get in...
 
I would say that I agree with what some of the other posters said - you should consider retaking it. I would hate to see you spend the time and money to get through the application process only to get no acceptances. However, if you have received secondaries already, go ahead and explain your MCAT, briefly, to them. And if you don't see an appropriate place to mention this, send a separate letter explaining your situation. If you do decide to retake in August, I would mention that s well. Also, you are super early for osteo schools so pushing it off until August wouldn't make you that late. I was complete by beginning September and did fine in the osteo process and got my acceptances relatively early. So I think retaking it and studying hard for it will be much more helpful for your application rather than just going with it, as your advisor suggests.
 
msu321, first, I'm so sorry to hear about what's going on in your family. I've been doing family social studies for years, and divorcing parents have a huge impact on children, regardless of their age. Keep your head up. 👍

As for your question, I think the consensus is to retake. Anything is possible, but with a 20 I think you would be selling yourself short. I'd even venture to say that schools that would be willing to hold your application (because otherwise you sound like an interesting and otherwise qualified candidate) would be turned off if you didn't retake and prove that you can improve that MCAT. With a 20, I think your chances are great of improving your score: try a different way of studying, supplement with a different review book you haven't already used, practice, practice, practice, and complete rock out with your next MCAT. An improved score is a great reason to update your application and keep you fresh on the minds of the adcoms. :luck: :luck:
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Looks like you have a good shot everywhere. Check out the CIB and look for geographic preference, then check out the individual schools' cost/rotations/whatever's important to you. Apply now and you'll do fine! 👍

What about LECOM-B, since you're in FL?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I have been looking alot into LECOM-B. I plan on calling them this tomorrow and finding out what their class profile for last year was.
 
I had a 3.22 overall, 3.18 sGPA good ECs and letters of rec. 28M MCAT (8PS 10V 10BS). New York Resident. I'm well aware I'm not competitive for allopathic schools and I am completely fine with that. Any words of wisdom if I am competitive for DO schools?
 
Fp02c said:
Thanks for the advice. I have been looking alot into LECOM-B. I plan on calling them this tomorrow and finding out what their class profile for last year was.
Click to expand...

No problem! Seems like you won't have to worry too much about their profile, if I remember correctly.
 
I wouldn't say you're a lock at any particular school, but if you apply enough places, you'll get some love.
 
You'll be competitive for DO schools. Look and ask around; some schools are relatively new and there are also established schools that have opened up new campuses. You might want to focus on these groups.
 
Hi Guys, I'm a 4th year undergrad and was hoping for some input regarding a problem I have. (This question is for the next application cycle, so I was afraid of posting here, I hope this won't affend anyone!) I talked to my advisor, who recommended that I spend another year at undergrad(total undergrad time will come to 6 years at end) to lessen the "toughness" of my schedule so I can make sure I do well the next semesters, and polishing up my application by being involved in more extracirriculars. My major is biochemistry, and if I was to stay on my current route I would be taking the MCAT and applying next year with a 3.4 science GPA and 3.6 overall--(assuming MCAT comes to be around 25-30, currently have shadowed 2 ER- DO's, 150 hrs of
Volunteer experience, and a Pharmacy technician) but the
coming fall/winter would be jampacked with 18 credits a piece, and my research publication wouldn't show up on my app(since I'll be starting it next fall). I understand that the extra year would help me to lighten my courseload by staying one more year, and the extra MCAT study time, but do you guys think it might be best to apply with what I'll have assuming
I achieve the 3.4/27ish MCAT? Or would it be better to do it right the first time and wait, polishing up as much as I can when it comes to extracirriculars and GPA, allowing research to show, and the extra MCAT study time? You guys are more experienced or
might know people who have gone through something like this, so I'd appreciate any input you guys have to offer. Thanks in advance.
 
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MedicineAHP said:
Hi Guys, I'm a 4th year undergrad and was hoping for some input regarding a problem I have. (This question is for the next application cycle, so I was afraid of posting here, I hope this won't affend anyone!) I talked to my advisor, who recommended that I spend another year at undergrad(total undergrad time will come to 6 years at end) to lessen the "toughness" of my schedule so I can make sure I do well the next semesters, and polishing up my application by being involved in more extracirriculars. My major is biochemistry, and if I was to stay on my current route I would be taking the MCAT and applying next year with a 3.4 science GPA and 3.6 overall--(assuming MCAT comes to be around 25-30, currently have shadowed 2 ER- DO's, 150 hrs of
Volunteer experience, and a Pharmacy technician) but the
coming fall/winter would be jampacked with 18 credits a piece, and my research publication wouldn't show up on my app(since I'll be starting it next fall). I understand that the extra year would help me to lighten my courseload by staying one more year, and the extra MCAT study time, but do you guys think it might be best to apply with what I'll have assuming
I achieve the 3.4/27ish MCAT? Or would it be better to do it right the first time and wait, polishing up as much as I can when it comes to extracirriculars and GPA, allowing research to show, and the extra MCAT study time? You guys are more experienced or
might know people who have gone through something like this, so I'd appreciate any input you guys have to offer. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

if you have a 3.4bcpm/3.6overall and have a 25-30 on your mcat now...id apply now for sure! what are ur stats at teh moment? if u applied next year with a 3.4/3.6 and a 25-30mcat u should have no problem getting interviews, however your not guaranteed any of those stats but if you can get them, go for it next year...im not really sure what to tell u cause i dont know ur current situation, when do you plan on taking mcat? if u havent really done it yet or plan on doing it within the next 2 months then i would recommend waiting till next year, then ull have time to prepare at ur own pace for the mcat and improve ur credentials...if u have those credentials next application cycle, youll get in somewhere for sure🙂
 
Hi travoltage-thanks for the response. I don't currently have a 3.4 or 25-30 on the mcat, I'm retaking a few classes right now, and one more in the fall. I am currently on the 5 five year plan, so I will take my mcat for the first time next summer, and apply shortly after. But my advisor said to delay all of this for one more year, so I would take the mcat in two years. I currently have a 2.8 BCM, after this semester, fall and winter I'll be up to a 3.4. But I'd have 18 credits of solid science/biochemistry courses, so thats why she said to spann out my schedule. I am also taking a prep course right now, since I'll be too busy in the winter. I hope this helps...what do you think?
 
MedicineAHP said:
Hi Guys, I'm a 4th year undergrad and was hoping for some input regarding a problem I have. (This question is for the next application cycle, so I was afraid of posting here, I hope this won't affend anyone!) I talked to my advisor, who recommended that I spend another year at undergrad(total undergrad time will come to 6 years at end) to lessen the "toughness" of my schedule so I can make sure I do well the next semesters, and polishing up my application by being involved in more extracirriculars. My major is biochemistry, and if I was to stay on my current route I would be taking the MCAT and applying next year with a 3.4 science GPA and 3.6 overall--(assuming MCAT comes to be around 25-30, currently have shadowed 2 ER- DO's, 150 hrs of
Volunteer experience, and a Pharmacy technician) but the
coming fall/winter would be jampacked with 18 credits a piece, and my research publication wouldn't show up on my app(since I'll be starting it next fall). I understand that the extra year would help me to lighten my courseload by staying one more year, and the extra MCAT study time, but do you guys think it might be best to apply with what I'll have assuming
I achieve the 3.4/27ish MCAT? Or would it be better to do it right the first time and wait, polishing up as much as I can when it comes to extracirriculars and GPA, allowing research to show, and the extra MCAT study time? You guys are more experienced or
might know people who have gone through something like this, so I'd appreciate any input you guys have to offer. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
For DO schools your GPA is ok and your ECs seem fine. So go ahead and apply. Also...if you are afraid to take 18 credits in a semester...then you should not go to med school! I'm also a biochemistry major, and i'm finishing everything in 3 years, taking around 20 credits a semester in a top university and playing volleyball for the university and my GPA is a 3.98 science and 3.89 overall. If you really want to go to med school, 18 credits should be nothing even if you work or do whatever it is that you do. So definitely apply this year, if you don't get in...then try again. 😉
 
Tgi87 said:
For DO schools your GPA is ok and your ECs seem fine. So go ahead and apply. Also...if you are afraid to take 18 credits in a semester...then you should not go to med school! I'm also a biochemistry major, and i'm finishing everything in 3 years, taking around 20 credits a semester in a top university and playing volleyball for the university and my GPA is a 3.98 science and 3.89 overall. If you really want to go to med school, 18 credits should be nothing even if you work or do whatever it is that you do. So definitely apply this year, if you don't get in...then try again. 😉
Click to expand...

kudos to you.
 
I'm asking what to do for a close relative who doesn't read SDN:

29 MCAT; 3.6 overall and science GPA; volunteering; shadowing (MD and DO); research; patient care job experience. Applied too late for 2008; no interviews.

Retook MCAT in May trying to raise score; got a 23.

DO schools will just take the 29 on reapplication, right?
 
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Grand Valley State University
Biomedical Science Major
3.44 non-science
3.17 science
3.31 overall

Dean's List x2

MCAT: 26L L!!!??

Relevant Employment:

4 years of "nurse-aide" type work with chronically mentally/physically ill adults. (20 hrs/week)

EC:

-volunteered in a daycare for a local non-profit that provides housing and job-assistance to homeless, battered women with children. (40hrs)

-emergency dept. aide for MetroHealth, a local osteopathic teaching hospital (50hrs)

-observed/assisted in research project which seeks to study how blood vessels respond to androgens. (15hrs)

-coordinated activities for families and children during a campus "Family/Siblings" day (16hrs)

-shadowed/observed a general surgeon in the operating room. Observed laparoscopic cholesystectomies, Nissen fundiplications, needle biopsies, lumpectomies, and hemorrhoid/polyp removals.

shadowed forensic pathologist (20hours)

-radio DJ for student radio station

-active member of a student organization which seeks to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and structural violence.

-worked on a week-long spring break project in the poor inner city areas of Baltimore. We basically cleaned out abandoned crack houses so that they could be remodeled for moderately-low income families.

-surgical/medical mission to Peru with MSUCOM

-In the Fall/Winter of next school year, I will be working on a physical/forensic anthropology research project at the Smithsonian and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Other:

I am 28, so I am a bit older than the average applicant

My college career has had a lot of repeated courses, I started out a very bad student, but I worked hard to bring myself out of the mud.

I was in the USMC very briefly. I injured myself in training and was placed in charge (along with about 6-7 other Marines) of a platoon of 75-100 recruits who were awaiting discharge for reasons such as testing positive for drugs, psychiatric illness, criminal history, etc. In addition to administrative and supervisory duties, I provided counsel and support to young men who were going through emotionally difficult times. For example, I spoke with recruits who were dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts, coping with feelings of failure and hopelessness, dealing with the notion of returning home to non-supportive and/or abusive families, and coping with coming out as homosexual and the emotional/social consequences of doing so.

I've attended a presentation on OMM by Dr. Laura Tinning.

I've participated in informal student study sessions in the OMM lab of MSUCOM

I am thinking I may apply only DO, except for my state schools

I am a Michigan resident and my girlfriend goes to MSUCOM, and I'd really like to get in there as well.

My school list would be:

MSUCOM
CCOM
PCOM
NYCOM
KCOM
KCUMB-COM
UNECOM
DMUCOM
UMDNJ-SOM
Western
AZCOM
ATSU SOMA
 
Hey, I'm going into my junior year right now trying to raise my GPA so i can hopefully get into a DO school, my GPA is really low because FSU counts both grades for retakes. So at the moment i have a 2.83 GPA, due to family relations(C)/nutrition(C+ and B) and precalc (D and C, don't like math classes). My science classes are pretty good and getting better, Organic: B and bio2: A recently. So what needs to be done? A GPA of 3.1-3.3 I think is a reasonable goal but will that be enough? Any thoughts or suggestions would be highly appreciated. Just want to make sure I am not fighting a lost battle.
 
grindtime said:
Hey, I'm going into my junior year right now trying to raise my GPA so i can hopefully get into a DO school, my GPA is really low because FSU counts both grades for retakes. So at the moment i have a 2.83 GPA, due to family relations(C)/nutrition(C+ and B) and precalc (D and C, don't like math classes). My science classes are pretty good and getting better, Organic: B and bio2: A recently. So what needs to be done? A GPA of 3.1-3.3 I think is a reasonable goal but will that be enough? Any thoughts or suggestions would be highly appreciated. Just want to make sure I am not fighting a lost battle.
Click to expand...

It's not a lost battle, it's an uphill one. Just make sure you ace all of your upcoming classes (read: get your crap together) and retake all of your low grades. Then do well on the MCAT and get your stuff together like LORs and ECs.
 
michwolverine said:
I'm asking what to do for a close relative who doesn't read SDN:

29 MCAT; 3.6 overall and science GPA; volunteering; shadowing (MD and DO); research; patient care job experience. Applied too late for 2008; no interviews.

Retook MCAT in May trying to raise score; got a 23.

DO schools will just take the 29 on reapplication, right?
Click to expand...

I believe they see both scores.
 
I have a lower GPA and my MD is still a possibility and my preference. If I get a MD acceptance it will not come till later. I am afraid if I apply to DO schools right now like MD schools the DO schools will get to me first and offer me an ultimatum before MD schools get back to me. As many of you know they usually do this with a 2K non-refundable deposit. Is this justified and should I wait?
 
Chuckwalla said:
I have a lower GPA and my MD is still a possibility and my preference. If I get a MD acceptance it will not come till later. I am afraid if I apply to DO schools right now like MD schools the DO schools will get to me first and offer me an ultimatum before MD schools get back to me. As many of you know they usually do this with a 2K non-refundable deposit. Is this justified and should I wait?
Click to expand...

The only question you need to ask yourself is "Is waiting another year worth saving $2000 to me?" This is, of course, assuming that you get a DO acceptance but no MD love. This has happened a few times in the past 😉 Also they're not always 2K. At least not if they're early acceptances.
 
youll have till december 14 for schools who give you an acceptance before November 15th.
this info was grabbed from the "Osteo MSAR"
BUT some schools will require you to respond in a certain amount of time (4wks, 90 days, so forth).
just look up which schools youre applying to and find the info under "Regular Acceptance Notice" that is particular to each school.
 
grindtime said:
Hey, I'm going into my junior year right now trying to raise my GPA so i can hopefully get into a DO school, my GPA is really low because FSU counts both grades for retakes. So at the moment i have a 2.83 GPA, due to family relations(C)/nutrition(C+ and B) and precalc (D and C, don't like math classes). My science classes are pretty good and getting better, Organic: B and bio2: A recently. So what needs to be done? A GPA of 3.1-3.3 I think is a reasonable goal but will that be enough? Any thoughts or suggestions would be highly appreciated. Just want to make sure I am not fighting a lost battle.
Click to expand...


AACOMAS makes you report the lower grade, but in actual GPA calculations the grade is replaced by the retake.
 
Thanks for the input Tgi87, it really does makes a lot of sense. I'll see where I stand when next year comes and if I achieve what I'm hoping for, I'll consider going for it.
 
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