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

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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ryserr21 said:
thats great and all that you are so intersted in Pediatrics, but to be honest thats not a reason to go to an osteopathic school. Thats a reason to become a physician. They want to know why osteopathic medicine. Again, your college work shows that you are committed to pediatrics, but it doesnt show you are committed (or even interested) in osteopathic medicine if you have never even shadowed a DO. I'd recommend trying to shadow a DO pediatrician ASAP. Its good that you have so much exposure in college, and it will definitely help you answer "why medicine" cuz it seems you very interested in a specific field, but you need something, anything, that will let them know you have an interest osteopathic medicine. Have you ever seen OMM? Do you know what it is?



i dont think you need to withdraw, your application looks okay if you just shadow a DO. I think you should find one that agrees to let you shadow ASAP so that you can put it on your AACOMAS application that you will be shadowing a DO all summer. Then they'll say "heyyy this person has all these great things AND he/she is making an effort to learn more about DOs."

retaking the MCAT would make you more competitive if you did better, of course. I'm not sure about the verbal cut off but I think you are fine with a 7. You have a decent shot at gaining an acceptance if you apply now and apply broadly. if you have any questions just PM me. good lucik.
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I have seen OMM and I loved it. But I saw it at a med school's open house. I did shadow several DOs and not one did anything that ever resembled OMM. In fact they did not do a single thing different from an MD. If I'm lucky enough to get an interview, how do I deal with that? Also does a DO writing a LOR have to mention anything particularly about DO? Mine just wrote a nice LOR and signed his name, with her initials DO after it. I even told him I needed a DO letter but I'm sure he felt there was nothing he could write on it particularly about DO, because in his practice THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE!
 
How many schools should I apply to??? I was thinking around 5 to 6 DO schools but I dont know how that will work out.
 
HI GUYS,

I have Science GPA: 3.58, overall GPA: 3.61, and MCAT is 21. I would love to have some comments whether I have chances for VCOM, WVSOM or PCOM-GA.... I submitted AACOMAS on June 30, and transcripts on July 7. Thanks
 
TXDO said:
HI GUYS,

I have Science GPA: 3.58, overall GPA: 3.61, and MCAT is 21. I would love to have some comments whether I have chances for VCOM, WVSOM or PCOM-GA.... I submitted AACOMAS on June 30, and transcripts on July 7. Thanks
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I would consider retaking the mcat. I think wvsom has a mcat cutoff of 23, but i will call them to make sure.

whateva07 said:
How many schools should I apply to??? I was thinking around 5 to 6 DO schools but I dont know how that will work out.
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You should be fine, i would apply around 8 schools to be sure. Watch out for some schools who favor instate applicants.

loopy23 said:
Hi all, I am new to the site and would like to get some feedback as to what my chances are this application year.

I am a post-bacc, graduated in '06, and finished post-bacc this May.

My cumilitive GPA is 3.516; Science GPA is 3.77; MCAT 27Q (PS 8, VR 9, BS: 10).

I have excellent LOR from science professors and MDs who I work with at a research department at the state medical school. I have been involved in a number of epidemiologic and occupational medicine studies and have one publication, plus another one on the way. Have worked with a DO resident and will start shadowing a DO Family Practitioner in September. However, no letter from a DO so far.

I reside in NJ, and these are my target schools:

UMDNJ-SOM
PCOM
NYCOM
NSUCOM
KCOM
LECOM
Touro-NY
CCOM
Kansas City U.COM

I only have about 80 hours of physician shadowing (an MD) but I have been working with human research subjects. My primary concern is the lack of extensive volunteering experience, but I have been working throughout college and given that I am a nontraditional, wasnt thinking about med school back then... So what do you think are my chances of getting in?
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Don't worry about your volunteer experience. You do have 80 hrs of shadowing. I would apply now, and when you get the DO rec send it to the school. You should be fine

good luck
 
Thanks,
How about the other 2 schools? Any ideas. Since I do not want to hold my application for retaking, and I am too tired for it.
 
Hi,

My gpa is sufficiently lower than i would like : 2.8 science and 3.2 cumulative
First MCAT : 23O Second mcat: 26O. Obviously MD is out of the question but 26 is decent for DO. Is it worth me taking again for maybe getting a max of a 30? Will it make up for my gpa deficiency? What are my current chances with the 26 and low gpa of getting into a DO school?

Otherwise i have good EC's with a good DO shadow LOR

Thanks in advance for your help!
 
futrdoc911 said:
Hi,

My gpa is sufficiently lower than i would like : 2.8 science and 3.2 cumulative
First MCAT : 23O Second mcat: 26O. Obviously MD is out of the question but 26 is decent for DO. Is it worth me taking again for maybe getting a max of a 30? Will it make up for my gpa deficiency? What are my current chances with the 26 and low gpa of getting into a DO school?

Otherwise i have good EC's with a good DO shadow LOR

Thanks in advance for your help!
Click to expand...

Seems like you have a shot, but need to apply very broadly to maximize your chances. You have to find out where not to apply, based on cutoffs, so you don't waste time and money. Your GPAs will keep you from getting secondaries at several schools. I'd definitely think that a 30 would put you in a much better position. You need to be sure you can score that consistently on practice tests before retaking, though.
 
HI GUYS,

I have Science GPA: 3.58, overall GPA: 3.61, and MCAT is 21. I would love to have some comments whether I have chances for VCOM, WVSOM or PCOM-GA.... I submitted AACOMAS on June 30, and transcripts on July 7. Thanks
 
hey, just wanted to poke my head in here and see what you guys think..much appreciated.

my gpa is good enough to get into harvard, real high.

my MCAT is
VR: 7
PS: 8
BS: 10
=25p

I was looking at MCAT scores that are average at osteopathic schools, and the verbal was normally the highest..around 8 or 9 from what I remember. This is my first year applying, I'd be 22 when I matriculate. Im not too sure how successful people have been, the 7 just scared me when I got my score back.
 
DoktorB said:
hey, just wanted to poke my head in here and see what you guys think..much appreciated.

my gpa is good enough to get into harvard, real high.

my MCAT is
VR: 7
PS: 8
BS: 10
=25p

I was looking at MCAT scores that are average at osteopathic schools, and the verbal was normally the highest..around 8 or 9 from what I remember. This is my first year applying, I'd be 22 when I matriculate. Im not too sure how successful people have been, the 7 just scared me when I got my score back.
Click to expand...


I also had a 7 and got in somewhere, and a 26 overall. And a fairly high gpa. Don't sweat it.
 
thanks my friend, good luck next year!
 
Hey guys, I took my first MCAT on August 20, 2007 and was really shocked and lost my confidence after the PS section. I ended up receiving 21M, 7PS 6VR 8BS 🙁. My GPA is 3.64 and science is 3.52. I have tremendous volunteer at the hospitals, shadowing and community service. Great LOR from science professor, research mentor and a DO. I have many academic scholarship and research experience. My major is biology and chemistry, minor in psychology. I am planning on taking the July 18th, which is two days and August 15th. I know that its before I get my scores for the July 18th, but still its a logn story. But, I took AAMC 10 today and scored 21 again, but my range for 3-10 are from 21-27, so I dont know what to think now? I have been studying a lot daily.

So, what are my chances? I am applying to majority DO schools, which schools do i have a chance at. I want to stay in the US before applying to Carribeans. Any help or any suggestions, would be really appreciated. Thanks.
 
FirstU20 said:
Hey guys, I took my first MCAT on August 20, 2007 and was really shocked and lost my confidence after the PS section. I ended up receiving 21M, 7PS 6VR 8BS 🙁. My GPA is 3.64 and science is 3.52. I have tremendous volunteer at the hospitals, shadowing and community service. Great LOR from science professor, research mentor and a DO. I have many academic scholarship and research experience. My major is biology and chemistry, minor in psychology. I am planning on taking the July 18th, which is two days and August 15th. I know that its before I get my scores for the July 18th, but still its a logn story. But, I took AAMC 10 today and scored 21 again, but my range for 3-10 are from 21-27, so I dont know what to think now? I have been studying a lot daily.

So, what are my chances? I am applying to majority DO schools, which schools do i have a chance at. I want to stay in the US before applying to Carribeans. Any help or any suggestions, would be really appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...

You've got a fairly solid GPA so that offsets the MCAT somewhat. I'd say you have a good shot at good number of schools so apply broadly and make sure you have good ECs/shadowing/letters of rec. I also think it's a great idea that you're planning on retaking the MCAT. The MCAT strategy that worked for me was to score 15-20% higher than my target score (>30 - my BCPM GPA was a ~ 3.4 and cumul. was a ~3.2) on practice exams and consistently. I accomplished that through EK 1001s BPC & 101 Verbal repetition and other sources, like Kaplan Sci Workbook. As it turns out, that's what a number of admissions deans told me was the recommended number - score 20% higher on practice tests to account for the real thing on test day. Good luck, apply broadly, prepare - and retake that MCAT!
 
I figured throughout this whole process I would run into more people who were applying to both types of schools. I applied to 13 allopathic and 9 osteo.. trying to cover a wide range I guess. Anybody else out there doin the same?

Just got my MCAT back couple days ago, 12bio 11phy 9verb, 32N. Hoping my personal statement shows my writing ability more than the N ha. I have a 3.3cum and a 3.5bcpm. I think my EC's are pretty decent, lots of fundraising and some experiences abroad. I also have volunteer hours in the ED of a few hospitals and shadowed two MD surgeons. My LOR are coming from an orgo prof, calc prof, a former employer who knows me well, and one of the surgeons I shadowed. Doing an internship with a DO in the next month or so.

How does a 32 fair for DO schools, being that the averages are lower? It makes me wonder if they are looking for a certain type of person, you know the non-standardized test taker who will actually make a great doctor sorta deal. Or does it make me a shoe-in? Could it offset my lower cum GPA? If anyone with experience could elaborate it would be greatly appreciated. GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY.
 
I had a 33, and was not a shoe-in.

My application is a little unusual though. But I will admit that at most of my interviews, they didn't seem too impressed with my MCAT. The MD school interviewers made more mention of it than the ones at the DO schools.

The DO schools (except for GA-PCOM, where I am going) had the attitude of.... Nice MCAT. Where was that kind of effort the whole time you were in college?

Both MD schools I interviewed at told me that I should be proud of what I've accomplished.

Looking at your profile, I'd say you are a fairly normal DO candidate.


Posted via Mobile Device
 
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Hi guys,

I was wondering how people who were doing a post-bac next year listed their informationin the colleges and courses section? I was just worried that my application would be held up because I have no transcript to send in because my post-bac would be starting in August, and unlike the AMCAS application they have no option to say that a transcript is not required. I called the AACOMAS office last week and they said it should be fine and that they should figure out why I don't have a transcript because I have already taken the courses, but I am a skeptic and don't want to be left hanging? Any advice from anybody who has already dont this or is going to?
 
How many schools to apply to?

26Q PS9 VR7 BS10

3.63 GPA

Solid ECs

And any recommendations about schools are also welcome!!!
 
VCOM tends to put way more emphasis on the GPA than the MCAT. I notice that you are VA resident also so I bet you would have a good shot there.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
However many you like and can afford. Do you have geographic preferences?
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Well I cant afford to apply to so many, but I guess a reasonable number. I want to be able to have several interviews so with my stats I was wondering how many is a reasonable number to apply to?
 
whateva07 said:
Well I cant afford to apply to so many, but I guess a reasonable number. I want to be able to have several interviews so with my stats I was wondering how many is a reasonable number to apply to?
Click to expand...

Assume $100/school for apps. 10 seems reasonable, but maybe someone with similar stats from last year can chime in on their numbers for applied/interviewed/accepted.
 
tdittyx2x3 said:
I figured throughout this whole process I would run into more people who were applying to both types of schools. I applied to 13 allopathic and 9 osteo.. trying to cover a wide range I guess. Anybody else out there doin the same?

Just got my MCAT back couple days ago, 12bio 11phy 9verb, 32N. Hoping my personal statement shows my writing ability more than the N ha. I have a 3.3cum and a 3.5bcpm. I think my EC's are pretty decent, lots of fundraising and some experiences abroad. I also have volunteer hours in the ED of a few hospitals and shadowed two MD surgeons. My LOR are coming from an orgo prof, calc prof, a former employer who knows me well, and one of the surgeons I shadowed. Doing an internship with a DO in the next month or so.

How does a 32 fair for DO schools, being that the averages are lower? It makes me wonder if they are looking for a certain type of person, you know the non-standardized test taker who will actually make a great doctor sorta deal. Or does it make me a shoe-in? Could it offset my lower cum GPA? If anyone with experience could elaborate it would be greatly appreciated. GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY.
Click to expand...

I had very similar stats ( 32Q mcat 3.55cum 3.28sci). The MCAT should hopefully offset the lower GPA. It definitely does not make you a shoe-in. You will probably, however, have the oportunity to choose between more than one acceptance. As long as you aren't a bad interviewer.
 
This is kind of a random question, but no one I have talked to really knows the answer. I am from Michigan and I am really interested in DO schools. I already sent in my AACOMAS and I am retaking the MCAT tomorrow =( I don't want to live in Michigan after school but I do know that there are only a few states that have a fairly large DO population. Does anyone know if the states with a small DO population are harder to get going in, like North Carolina and South Carolina for example? Sorry so long. Thanks!
 
MotherGoose said:
This is kind of a random question, but no one I have talked to really knows the answer. I am from Michigan and I am really interested in DO schools. I already sent in my AACOMAS and I am retaking the MCAT tomorrow =( I don't want to live in Michigan after school but I do know that there are only a few states that have a fairly large DO population. Does anyone know if the states with a small DO population are harder to get going in, like North Carolina and South Carolina for example? Sorry so long. Thanks!
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Are you asking if it's difficult to find a job in other states with less DOs?
 
Yeah basically. Where I'm from everyone knows what a DO is because they're everywhere.
 
I wouldn't think so. There will be representation in that region with PCSOM (KY) and DCOM (TN). The aforementioned medical schools also recruit a substantial number of students from the Carolinas and their main objective is to address the physician shortage in the Appalachian region.
 
MotherGoose said:
Yeah basically. Where I'm from everyone knows what a DO is because they're everywhere.
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Everywhere they're not known, they just practice under the radar. Many patients will never know the difference. Once you're licensed, I really don't think you need to worry about setting up shop in a non-D.O.-saturated market.
 
gasapple,

im watching you.

im-watching-you.jpg
 
Tyc00nman said:
gasapple,

im watching you.

im-watching-you.jpg
Click to expand...

HAHAHA :laugh:

I noticed you changed your avatar after I called you out on that unibrow. Your grooming tips definitely helped; I can sort of see clearly now. :meanie:
 
gasapple said:
HAHAHA :laugh:

I noticed you changed your avatar after I called you out on that unibrow. Your grooming tips definitely helped; I can sort of see clearly now. :meanie:
Click to expand...

are you joking boy? i don't have a unibrow. hence the grooming. how dare you! i take pride in my gorgeousness.

please review SDN TOS on blatant trolling and reevaluate priorities.

VAN GOH IS KING!
 
Tyc00nman said:
are you joking boy? i don't have a unibrow. hence the grooming. how dare you! i take pride in my gorgeousness.

please review SDN TOS on blatant trolling and reevaluate priorities.

VAN GOH IS KING!
Click to expand...

Your king, van Gogh, would be disappointed that you can't spell his name.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Your king, van Gogh, would be disappointed that you can't spell his name.
Click to expand...

Watch it Bear, Tyc00nman likes to drop his practice LSAT scores in order to gain an edge in a debate. For real.


Oh, and Tyc00nman, even though I find you highly insecure (could be the ESL thing) and mildly entertaining, I would kindly remind you to review the SDN TOS before you come into this forum and berate future physicians (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=6899299#post6899299) in a troll-like manner. Carry on.
 
gasapple said:
Watch it Bear, Tyc00nman likes to drop his practice LSAT scores in order to gain an edge in a debate. For real.


Oh, and Tyc00nman, even though I find you highly insecure (could be the ESL thing) and mildly entertaining, I would kindly remind you to review the SDN TOS before you come into this forum and berate future physicians (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=6899299#post6899299) in a troll-like manner. Carry on.
Click to expand...

gasapple, I thought you were just joking around at first, following me on obscure threads and making slights, but now i think you are either a)in love with me(which is very likely because im so magnificent!) or b) a loser that gets jealous on the internet or c) you are just a mean boy that likes to be mean.🙁

also, having an lsat score of 163 on a PRACTICE RUN is nothing to boast about, at all. If you knew anything about the lsat, you would have sensed the underlying satire that was directed to another member. If you read between the lines and didn't take what I said out of context then you would have found my post to be funny, i think. Which you of all people I thought would have gotten, right? You are so funny after all.

Alas, I don't care enough about you or your internet existence to hate you. In fact, I still find you amusing. You are like the SDN clown. Good work. Also, you will post something silly and or something offensive to my post. Just know, I won't respond, because, frankly, i don't care enough to. If you don't respond, I will know I have taught you a good lesson, and you can move on with your e-life here on SDN. good luck to you.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Wow. My first grade teacher told me that spelling was important. I didn't realize it could lead to an e-war.

smile_209.gif
Click to expand...

I think it is time to use your secret weapon "the SAT score report".

At least you accomplished something today, you started an E-War
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Indeed I did.

I never knew my score report would become so A-bomb like. Go figure.
Click to expand...


You just strolled in here like the Enola Gay to unleash your SAT score.

Hiroshima%20Enola%20gay.jpg


Someone has simply been out-matched and out-gunned.
 
prionsRbad said:
NYCOM is not new . . . it's about 30 years old. 👍

New schools that have not graduated a first years class and have provisional accreditation are:

LMU DCOM
RVU
PNWU
Touro-NY
ATSU-MESA

The will be fully accrediated when the graduate their first class.
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Does anyone know when the first class will graduate? This all makes me very nervous :scared:!!
 
gpa/science= 3.2/2.6

MCAT: PS 12, V 6, BS 10 Total 28

Volunteer/Leadership: Tutor, Mentor @ elementary school, Spanish interpreter at local hospital, International humanitarian service (Kenya, 2 weeks). Abou 60+ hours a year for the past 5 years.

Research: 1 year w/ publication. Currently working with physician in research project. one publication.

Shadowing: 40+ hours. None were DO.

Patient exposure: 20+ hours. I just started volunteering as an interpreter.

LOR: The physician that I am doing research with currently. I can also get one from a boss I had when I worked as a mentor for HS students.

I am hoping to apply to western comp, or any other med school. I am from Utah. Could anyone tell me what my chances are and what I can do to improve?

Thank you very much.
 
quitomate said:
gpa/science= 3.2/2.6

MCAT: PS 12, V 6, BS 10 Total 28

Volunteer/Leadership: Tutor, Mentor @ elementary school, Spanish interpreter at local hospital, International humanitarian service (Kenya, 2 weeks). Abou 60+ hours a year for the past 5 years.

Research: 1 year w/ publication. Currently working with physician in research project. one publication.

Shadowing: 40+ hours. None were DO.

Patient exposure: 20+ hours. I just started volunteering as an interpreter.

LOR: The physician that I am doing research with currently. I can also get one from a boss I had when I worked as a mentor for HS students.

I am hoping to apply to western comp, or any other med school. I am from Utah. Could anyone tell me what my chances are and what I can do to improve?

Thank you very much.
Click to expand...

People have gotten in with your stats, but a 2.6 sciGPA is NOT good.

Can you tell us what happened? Did you have a couple of terrible semesters or B's and C's throughout?
 
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