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

[Hopeful3789]

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My info:
28R (8 verbal, 10 bio, 10 phys)
3.60 gpa
3.34 science gpa
worked 2 years at hospital
lab research for 1 year
TA in college
6 solid letters of rec

My only fear is that I haven't shadowed a DO (I shadowed only MD's) and some schools really don't like that... I've called every school and I just submitted my primary to 6 schools that claim they don't care too much for DO shadowing or a DO letter. Do I have a chance? I just want to get in somewhere... I go crazy on a daily basis thinking what if I don't get in.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

My info:
28R (8 verbal, 10 bio, 10 phys)
3.60 gpa
3.34 science gpa
worked 2 years at hospital
lab research for 1 year
TA in college
6 solid letters of rec

My only fear is that I haven't shadowed a DO (I shadowed only MD's) and some schools really don't like that... I've called every school and I just submitted my primary to 6 schools that claim they don't care too much for DO shadowing or a DO letter. Do I have a chance? I just want to get in somewhere... I go crazy on a daily basis thinking what if I don't get in.

I think those are good stats. You still have time to shadow if you want. I'm working on getting two DO letters as we speak. You'll do well.

Good luck.

 

[SJonathan]

Woot! I just submitted my primary application. These are the schools I applied for (I couldn't choose between a few, so I thought what the heck, and applied to all the ones I liked):

KCOM
AZCOM
CCOM
DMUCOM
LECOM (PA)
MSUCOM
NYCOM
NOVA
PNUCOM
PCOM
RVUCOM
TOURO-NV
UNECOM
WUCOM

I have a 3.2 and got a 28 on the MCAT. I'm retaking the MCAT on the 18th (I was getting 36's and 37's on the practice tests, I just choked)

With those stats do I have a chance somewhere? (please someone, tell me I do) Tell me what you like/dislike about any of these schools.

Is it super late to be applying now?? I hope I get in somewhere!!

 

[DrMattOglesby]

i have been reading that if you send in your application in LATE august or september and onwards, you are considered late.
id say some of the SDNer's gauges would say having an app submitted during mid-summer is late for the early crowd. I'd say you stand a good shot at most schools with your higher than average MCAT. But I see that MCAT offsetting your GPA a lil bit...however it will still be regarded pretty favorably.
I have no comment on the schools you chose...I'd just mention that PCOM, Western, Touro-CA and maybe a few others had average MCATs of 27 last year.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Minus a couple of your schools that heavily favor IS, you could probably get in with your 28, although retaking and getting low to mid 30s will make you a MUCH stronger candidate and if you can get in the mid 30s possibly get you looks from some of the schools that favor IS that you wouldn't have if you submitted with your 28...

Also I agree with Matt you're nowhere near late.

 

[jason3278]

Ok, lets try this for the 4th time

3.3 overall
3.2 sci
3.4 non-sci

26L MCAT (Should I be worried about that "L". I can't believe I got an "L"!)

A$$load of volunteering & clinical experience, including:

-4 years working at an nursing home
-volunteering in a osteopathic hospital, a transitional ctr for homeless women, a housing project in Baltimore, etc.
-FaceAIDS, student radio DJ
-shadowing a general surgeon & a forensic pathologist
-medical/surgical trip to Peru with MSUCOM
-US Marines
-research in forensic anthropology

Schools I'm applying to:

MSUCOM (I'm a MI resident)
PCOM
CCOM
DMUCOM
UMDNJ
KCUMB
KCOM
NYCOM
Western
AZCOM
ATSU-SOMA

 

[Bdubz12]

I have a 2.89 science GPA. Would it be better for me to do a postbac, taking classes at night, or do a MPH Program? And if I decide to do postbac and say I take biology, would it replace the grade I received during my undergrad?

 

[psy]

What did you get on your MCAT?

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Postbac. Nobody cares about the MPH.

The bio may replace an earlier grade, for GPA purposes, on the AACOMAS.

 

[Instatewaiter]

MPHs are kinda worthless for someone in your position.

There are 2 options for you: a post bac program where you take undergraduate courses. At this point, since you are below the 3.0 mark this is probably a better option.

The other option is a Special masters program (SMP) where you take the first year of medical school to prove that you belong. This is a good option for you after you get your GPA above a 3.0.

I assume you are shooting for DO schools. If that is the case, you should take some classes and get that GPA up to a 3.0 and apply. If you dont get in you should then do an SMP.

If you are shooting for MD schools you should probably take some classes, get the GPA up to a 3.0 and then do an SMP before applying.

 

[mastamark]

I have a 2.89 science GPA. Would it be better for me to do a postbac, taking classes at night, or do a MPH Program? And if I decide to do postbac and say I take biology, would it replace the grade I received during my undergrad?

For DO schools you can retake any of your courses, having the last one be replaced in the over all GPA count. When taking your masters level classes you wont be replacing anything, but you will have newer/higher division classes added to your science GPA. If you got poor grades in any intro classes(eg. BIO, CHEM, PHY, ORGO) I would see how many I could retake to get my GPA up. If you want to pursue masters or postbac programs that is up to you.

Depending on your MCAT, Overall GPA, new Sci GPA and other factors you may not even need to do a masters program.

Good Luck👍

 

[Bdubz12]

I'm shooting for DO schools. Touro-MI offers a MPH program which I'm really interested in but my main focus is med school. I'm just hoping that maybe if I do the MPH program at Touro, it'll boost my chances of getting into the med program.

 

[DrMattOglesby]

okay so i just recently spazzed out about my MCAT score. I was feeling semi-confident for a while...
here is the scenario:

1st attempt: 22-R with a 6 in PS
2nd attempt: 27-S with a 6 in PS

I am starting to get concerned...retake is scheduled for July 18th. I am aiming to prove I can score well in PS, and will do minimal review for VR, BS and WS.
Otherwise the rest of the app is in order; great ECs, hi GPA, URM, 4 great LORs (1 from DO) and early-submission.

I thought I was going to be golden in most places...but now I'm having doubts...

 

[RySerr21]

I'm shooting for DO schools. Touro-MI offers a MPH program which I'm really interested in but my main focus is med school. I'm just hoping that maybe if I do the MPH program at Touro, it'll boost my chances of getting into the med program.

what do you want the MPH for? what kind of medicine do you want to go into?

 

[Beadoc]

3.3 SGPA (about 3.5 for BCPM courses alone), overall 3.4. MCAT 23L (low, got 6 in VS, 9 in BS and 8 in PS, scheduled to retake in September) Currently shadowing a D.O. 50+ hr volunteer at a local hospital. 3 LORs in hand, will have 1 more from the D.O. I have already submitted my application to 18 D.O schools on June 2.

What are my chances with the 23L MCAT? I really don't want to retake it.

 

[Bdubz12]

what do you want the MPH for? what kind of medicine do you want to go into?

I want to become a primary care physician serving to some of the more 3rd world environments and poorer areas around my hometowm. I also want to be involved me some kind of administration involving health care.

 

[sharpy]

Do you think I have a chance with my science gpa?

MCAT: 27P (8P 8V 11B)
sGPA: 2.67
cGPA: 3.16
tons of EC's, volunteering, and clinical experience.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

okay so i just recently spazzed out about my MCAT score. I was feeling semi-confident for a while...
here is the scenario:

1st attempt: 22-R with a 6 in PS
2nd attempt: 27-S with a 6 in PS

I am starting to get concerned...retake is scheduled for July 18th. I am aiming to prove I can score well in PS, and will do minimal review for VR, BS and WS.
Otherwise the rest of the app is in order; great ECs, hi GPA, URM, 4 great LORs (1 from DO) and early-submission.

I thought I was going to be golden in most places...but now I'm having doubts...

5 pt improvement is great... what's keeping you down in the 6s for PS? Physics or Chem? Or both? I think even with a 6, you might be good.

 

[DrMattOglesby]

5 pt improvement is great... what's keeping you down in the 6s for PS? Physics or Chem? Or both? I think even with a 6, you might be good.

thanks JWL, I stink at em both apparently. Practice tests were leading me to believe otherwise...but i think i just need to get back into the swing of things and spend a lot of time working on problems. I took gen physics and one half of gen chemistry more than 6 years ago. Gen chem II is much more fresh though. I feel like im re-teaching myself everything.
I got some new study materials already, and I plan on taking many section tests more-so than content review.

 

[pnut421]

so ive just started looking into DO programs and want to know what my chances are, just like all of you. here are my stats:

science gpa: 3.4
cumulative gpa: 3.7
mcat: 19O (i do horrible on standardized tests! but am retaking it in august)

extras: 1 year of research in behavioral medicine
director and treasurer of pre-health honor society, AED
member of pre-med AMSA
teaching assistant for 1 year
shadowing a pathologist, pediatric nephrologist, ophthalmologist
volunteering in the operating room at the VA hospital
volunteering as a counselor at a diabetes camp

I also plan on shadowing a DO starting next week. I think the only thing really holding me back is my mcat score, but hopefully that will go up for the next one. Do you think I still have a chance for DO schools?

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

thanks JWL, I stink at em both apparently. Practice tests were leading me to believe otherwise...but i think i just need to get back into the swing of things and spend a lot of time working on problems. I took gen physics and one half of gen chemistry more than 6 years ago. Gen chem II is much more fresh though. I feel like im re-teaching myself everything.
I got some new study materials already, and I plan on taking many section tests more-so than content review.

I hadn't taken a science class in about 6 years when I took my MCAT either. I feel your pain. Good luck.

 

[Tgi87]

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.

😉 Good luck!

 

[RySerr21]

I want to become a primary care physician serving to some of the more 3rd world environments and poorer areas around my hometowm. I also want to be involved me some kind of administration involving health care.

have you looked into preventive medicine? not only will it set you up to owrk in 3rd world enironments, but part of the residency is a 1 year MPH program, which your residency program will pay for. that way you can do a post bac now to boost the GPA, get into med shcool and do the MPH as part of residency (did i mention its paid for?). that may be an option to consider if you are interested in doing administration and getting your MPH but also want to boost GPA through a post bac.

 

[Med0000]

I'm not sure any school would accept you with a 19. I'm sure there have been students, but not many. I know someone that got into DO school with a 21. So retake it and you will be fine! You could get in with a low 20 MCAT b/c of your higher GPA. Good Luck!

science gpa: 3.4
cumulative gpa: 3.7
mcat: 19O (i do horrible on standardized tests! but am retaking it in august)

 

[Med0000]

MCAT: 27P (8P 8V 11B)
sGPA: 2.67
cGPA: 3.16
tons of EC's, volunteering, and clinical experience.

Don't think your chances are very good with that sGPA. I'm sure there have been a few students that have gotten in, but very, very few I'm sure. It never hurts to apply broadly (if you have some extra $$) and see if you get any interviews. Once you have an interview, you are pretty much even with your fellow applicants.

Also, if there were any special circumstances surrounding a few really bad grades, admissions committees weigh this into their decision on whether to invite for an interview. I would advise you to briefly address it in your PS.

This of course is just my opinion, I can garantee that other people will disagree.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Oglesby I think LauraDO got the same thing as you on the MCAT, and she's in for this year. She also applied really late. I think you're good. The 6 might hold you back some places, but not everywhere. Stop taking the MCAT already. You're good.

Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Med0000]

3.3 SGPA (about 3.5 for BCPM courses alone), overall 3.4. MCAT 23L (low, got 6 in VS, 9 in BS and 8 in PS, scheduled to retake in September) Currently shadowing a D.O. 50+ hr volunteer at a local hospital. 3 LORs in hand, will have 1 more from the D.O. I have already submitted my application to 18 D.O schools on June 2.

What are my chances with the 23L MCAT? I really don't want to retake it.

I think you have a good shot at getting in. There are no "black eyes" on your app. You should definitely get into a DO school IF you apply broadly. Having a good PS wouldn't hurt either. Good luck!

 

[Med0000]

My info:
28R (8 verbal, 10 bio, 10 phys)
3.60 gpa
3.34 science gpa
worked 2 years at hospital
lab research for 1 year
TA in college
6 solid letters of rec

You will get it for sure...unless you are a terrible interviewer. Good luck! 👍

 

[dangit]

have you looked into preventive medicine? not only will it set you up to owrk in 3rd world enironments, but part of the residency is a 1 year MPH program, which your residency program will pay for. that way you can do a post bac now to boost the GPA, get into med shcool and do the MPH as part of residency (did i mention its paid for?). that may be an option to consider if you are interested in doing administration and getting your MPH but also want to boost GPA through a post bac.

what residency programs are willing to pay for a mph?? i am interested in applying to DO/MPH programs (ie Touros-CA), but if I can do that during residency where it's paid for, I'd love to do that instead!

 

[GreenShirt]

Do you think I have a chance with my science gpa?

MCAT: 27P (8P 8V 11B)
sGPA: 2.67
cGPA: 3.16
tons of EC's, volunteering, and clinical experience.

Many schools have a minimum 2.75 GPA requirement, which is going to be a problem. Is that the science GPA calculated by AACOMAS or by your school (remember retakes replace grades on AACOMAS)? You'll have to carefully look at GPA requirements at schools you apply to if you want to apply this cycle, otherwise your best bet is an SMP to boost your GPA.

 

[GreenShirt]

I want to become a primary care physician serving to some of the more 3rd world environments and poorer areas around my hometowm. I also want to be involved me some kind of administration involving health care.

I'm not sure what all your stats are but you may want to consider applying to ATSU-SOMA. The school has a particular focus on producing PCPs for under served communities. Their clinical training involves 3 years at a Community Health Center (CHC). CHCs are the nation's health care safety net providing care to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. They might be willing to overlook a poor science GPA for someone with a specific desire to work with the communities they serve (especially if you have the service to back it up).

 

[Hopeful3789]

Thanks so much JWLuiza and med0000 for the advice and encouragement! Really appreciate it! med0000 - I do suck at interviewing though. Interviewed at an MD school last year and bombed it so bad. I displayed the typical signs of nervousness - beet red face, sweaty palms, stuttering, gripping my chair tightly, repeating myself, hahaha. My interview skills (or lack thereof) put me in the position I'm in today but oh well, such is life. I still have hope I can ace an interview this time round 🙂

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

32O MCAT 9P 10V 12B

3.3sGPA
3.5 Overall

MS in Microbiology
Publications
Avg amount of Clinc Experience
Waitlisted two years in a row at allopathic schools (close but no cigar!)

primary just sent to AACOMAS
A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, AZ

A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, AZ

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, IL

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IA

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, TN

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI

New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT, NY

Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, OH

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

Pikeville College, School of Osteopathic Medicine, KY

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine - California, CA

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine, NJ

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, ME

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

32O MCAT 9P 10V 12B

3.3sGPA
3.5 Overall

MS in Microbiology
Publications
Avg amount of Clinc Experience
Waitlisted two years in a row at allopathic schools (close but no cigar!)

primary just sent to AACOMAS
A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, AZ

A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, AZ

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, IL

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IA

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, TN

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI

New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT, NY

Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, OH

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

Pikeville College, School of Osteopathic Medicine, KY

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine - California, CA

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine, NJ

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, ME

You've got good ECs and Grad experience.. I hope you make it through this year!!! best of luck!

 

[slim78]

32O MCAT 9P 10V 12B

3.3sGPA
3.5 Overall

MS in Microbiology
Publications
Avg amount of Clinc Experience
Waitlisted two years in a row at allopathic schools (close but no cigar!)

primary just sent to AACOMAS
A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, AZ

A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, AZ

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, IL

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IA

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, TN

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI

New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT, NY

Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, OH

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

Pikeville College, School of Osteopathic Medicine, KY

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine - California, CA

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine, NJ

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, ME

Your stats are almost identical to mine. You won't have any problems getting into DO schools. Unless Dr. Gregory House is your interviewing mentor.

 

[307Doc]

Ok, lets try this for the 4th time

3.3 overall
3.2 sci
3.4 non-sci

26L MCAT (Should I be worried about that "L". I can't believe I got an "L"!)

A$$load of volunteering & clinical experience, including:

-4 years working at an nursing home
-volunteering in a osteopathic hospital, a transitional ctr for homeless women, a housing project in Baltimore, etc.
-FaceAIDS, student radio DJ
-shadowing a general surgeon & a forensic pathologist
-medical/surgical trip to Peru with MSUCOM
-US Marines
-research in forensic anthropology

Schools I'm applying to:

MSUCOM (I'm a MI resident)
PCOM
CCOM
DMUCOM
UMDNJ
KCUMB
KCOM
NYCOM
Western
AZCOM
ATSU-SOMA

You will be fine. According to averages and stats at most of these schools you'll get some interview invites and even acceptances. I had similar stats to yours and received multiple interview invites and offers. So just rock your interviews

 

[Nnik484]

Ok so here are my stats:
non-science gpa: 3.74ish
science gpa: 3.5
overall: 3.6ish
MCAT: 25 p with 9 in v, 8 in ps, and 8 in bs

I am going to apply this year, but am confused about what to do about my MCAT. I have been studying/planning to possibly re-take on August 15th, but im afraid even if I do better my application will be considered complete soo late, and my chances of acceptance will be extremely low. Does anyone know if I say that im planning on re-taking will schools that think the 25 is fine still consider me before my other scores are in? or will all schools wait until my second set of scores are in? I know 25 is around the average for DO schools, but I'm afraid to settle with this score and not at least try to re-take it, but at the same time if I can apply early with this score and still have a high chance for acceptance then that would be ideal. Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated (if what i wrote made any sense haha)! Thanks so much!!

 

[a817]

32O MCAT 9P 10V 12B

3.3sGPA
3.5 Overall

MS in Microbiology
Publications
Avg amount of Clinc Experience
Waitlisted two years in a row at allopathic schools (close but no cigar!)

primary just sent to AACOMAS
A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, AZ

A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, AZ

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, IL

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IA

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, TN

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI

New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT, NY

Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, OH

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

Pikeville College, School of Osteopathic Medicine, KY

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine - California, CA

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine, NJ

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, ME

You really didn't need to apply to 17 schools, unless you are completly unsure where you want to live in the next four years. I suggest filling out secondaries to schools you really think you will go to, unless money is not an issue to you.

 

[mcp5016]

So I just got myself a volunteer position at a community hospital. It is my first real clinical experience aside from being a patient or shadowing a doctor. I will get 6 hrs/week doing random stuff-I played cards with old people today and I also did inventory the other day. I thought my only MAJOR weakness was clinical experience. Its not too late to get started, right? I am still waiting on my MCAT score, but I still believe that I am a competitive applicant. I reallly don't want to wait for another year.

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

I have been applying to allos for 4 years...lets just say I have to get in this year or else its law school 🙁 for me

 

[SB25]

Any constructive thoughts are appreciated!

Cum and Science GPA: 3.95

MCAT: verb-8 phys-9 bio-10 Cum: 27N (I really don't want to retake it if I can help it)

ECs:

Tri Beta Biological Honor Society
Golden Key
Biology Tutor
After school tutor for underprivelaged kids
Orchestra (I play the violin)
Womens club hockey
Assistant hockey and softball coach
Relay for Life
Volunteered in my high school science department
Pre-Med Club
-Treasurer
-Organized an after school enrichment program
Study Abroad in Scotland
Ecology and Evolution TA
Intramurals
Tennis Club

Medical Experiences:

Family practice physician that works for a reservation (10 hours)
Shadowing program-multiple physicians and medical professionals from a variety of areas (60 hours)
ER volunteer (60 hours)

Schools applying to:

Des Moines
New England
MI State
Ohio
Lake Erie (Penn)
Pacific Northwest
Rocky Vista

+some MD

Thanks so much!

 

[a817]

Any constructive thoughts are appreciated!

Cum and Science GPA: 3.95

MCAT: verb-8 phys-9 bio-10 Cum: 27N (I really don't want to retake it if I can help it)

ECs:

Tri Beta Biological Honor Society
Golden Key
Biology Tutor
After school tutor for underprivelaged kids
Orchestra (I play the violin)
Womens club hockey
Assistant hockey and softball coach
Relay for Life
Volunteered in my high school science department
Pre-Med Club
-Treasurer
-Organized an after school enrichment program
Study Abroad in Scotland
Ecology and Evolution TA
Intramurals
Tennis Club

Medical Experiences:

Family practice physician that works for a reservation (10 hours)
Shadowing program-multiple physicians and medical professionals from a variety of areas (60 hours)
ER volunteer (60 hours)

Schools applying to:

Des Moines
New England
MI State
Ohio
Lake Erie (Penn)
Pacific Northwest
Rocky Vista

+some MD

Thanks so much!

Your stats are fine for DO, esp the gpa

 

[diggintheDOs]

i thought the touros have a 3.0 sci/cum gpa cut off, but i know of at least 2 people who were interviewed/accepted at touro-henderson with below a 3.0 for on or the other ... is this campus an exception? does anyone know? thanks.

 

[meggielou]

i thought the touros have a 3.0 sci/cum gpa cut off, but i know of at least 2 people who were interviewed/accepted at touro-henderson with below a 3.0 for on or the other ... is this campus an exception? does anyone know? thanks.

I think a lot of the schools will drop the cutoffs for extenuating circumstances. Maybe those people completed post-bacc programs and did really well, but just couldn't recover from a low undergrad GPA?

 

[khen7513]

Hey guys, I hope everyone is doing splendidly. So... here are my stats:

GPA: 3.6
Sci GPA: 3.31
MCAT: 22 V9 P5 B8 (TWICE the same score - a sick joke)
(This may sound like an excuse, but it really is the reason: For some reason the MCATs make me really nervous so it takes a second to calm down. And as the PS section is first, it suffers)

Shadowed:
Shadowed an MD for 200 hrs
DO for 2 years (over 400 hours)

Extras:
Captain of my Tennis team for Shippensburg
Phi Sigma Pi (Initiate Advisor)
Beta Beta Beta
Phi Alpha Theta (History)

Also, I am getting two really great LORs from my DO and a DO from within PCOM. I've already sent in my primary application with a (if I do say so myself) really powerful personal statement.

So... I have a few questions:
1. With the LOR from within in mind, do I have a chance at getting in (to
at least PCOM), despite my lower MCAT? How heavily weighed are the
letters?

2. I was considering retaking the MCAT, but it wouldn't be until august.
Would it be worth taking away my edge of an early app. for the
possibility of a better score?

3. Since I do have scores on file (albeit disappointing ones), is there a way I can have my file complete, and then take the MCAT and have the score appear later? For the sake of having my name still in queue?

So I guess the moral is... retake? Or take my chances? Thanks for reading the novel!

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Apply, but definitely do the re-take. You might get some love from some places, with an early application, but the MCAT is way low. Take a prep course and get that baby up.

Posted via Mobile Device

 

[antapolar]

my stats is
(US citizen, canadian school)
3.4 cgpa with a bit lower science gpa
29Q (7VR, 9PS, and 13 BS) on my 2nd try (1st is 25M)

I have some hospital volunteer exp, summer research, working in labortory right now.
Extensive extracurricular activity up to my 4th year ( i took 5 year undergrad)

What do you think my chances of getting in some where?...
should I re-do my mcat a third time to inc my VR? i don't think i know many that did their mcat 3 times??

 

[utjsm08]

Do I have a chance at DO school? GPA: 3.79 BCMP: 3.67 MCAT: 29 (7 in verbal)

 

[mattng]

Do I have a chance at DO school? GPA: 3.79 BCMP: 3.67 MCAT: 29 (7 in verbal)

Definitely, your GPA and MCAT are competitive for DO school. I suggest you apply early and make sure you have a physician recommendation (either MD or DO). Good luck!

 

[khen7513]

Apply, but definitely do the re-take. You might get some love from some places, with an early application, but the MCAT is way low. Take a prep course and get that baby up.

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I wish I could afford the prep, but I can't. Since PS is my worst by far, I'll just have to concentrate on that. And find my zen before the test. But I have another question then...

I applied and submitted prior to getting my scores, thinking I would have calmed myself down. I would maybe withdraw my app, but i got accepted for a waiver, and consider it such a blessing and sign of good luck.

But now that I've decided to take them again in August, theres no record of that on AACOMAS. Does anyone know how I can make schools aware I'm going to take them again, so I don't get prematurely rejected?

Please any advice would be fabulous.

Oh, I should mention that I tried calling aacomas today, but I kept getting moved around and put on hold for an hour before I finally had to go to work. And I'm just too impatient to wait for probably Monday since tomorrow is a holiday.