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

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Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone's ever applied (and gotten in) without providing the mandatory physician (at most DO schools) LOR?

The only reason I am asking is because that is the only thing holding me back from sending out my AACOMAS -- I was planning on shadowing a DO when I go back to school in August, then getting my LOR maybe by October, then sending out my app, but I'm afraid it'll be too late by then?

I have over 500 hours of clinical volunteer experience along with some shadowing, which I even included in my personal statement... full stats here:

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=11014

So I'd like to send everything out SOON if I can, but from what I understand, the physician (preferably DO) LOR is required at all the DO schools?

I apologize in advance for my ignorance, I am just starting to research the DO option want to know if it is even a possibility to either apply without that LOR or apply late (post-October)?

Thank you for all your help!!
 
rennykim said:
Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone's ever applied (and gotten in) without providing the mandatory physician (at most DO schools) LOR?

The only reason I am asking is because that is the only thing holding me back from sending out my AACOMAS -- I was planning on shadowing a DO when I go back to school in August, then getting my LOR maybe by October, then sending out my app, but I'm afraid it'll be too late by then?

I have over 500 hours of clinical volunteer experience along with some shadowing, which I even included in my personal statement... full stats here:

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=11014

So I'd like to send everything out SOON if I can, but from what I understand, the physician (preferably DO) LOR is required at all the DO schools?

I apologize in advance for my ignorance, I am just starting to research the DO option want to know if it is even a possibility to either apply without that LOR or apply late (post-October)?

Thank you for all your help!!
Click to expand...

There are alot of schools that dont require it. I would not wait until late october for that letter. Just check the websites and see which school require it, and which schools dont. I would NOT let a DO LOR stop you from applying.


NYCOM, UMDNJ, PCOM, DMU, KCUMB, CCOM, AZCOM didn't require the letter

LECOM, LMU, WVSOM did

Touro, KCOM (MD or DO letter)

Those are from my experience. I am sure they are more that dont require it.

I would try to apply asap. It will take aacomas a while to get transcripts, verify you etc.
 
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a817 said:
There are alot of schools that dont require it. I would not wait until late october for that letter. Just check the websites and see which school require it, and which schools dont. I would NOT let a DO LOR stop you from applying.


NYCOM, UMDNJ, PCOM, DMU, KCUMB, CCOM, AZCOM didn't require the letter

LECOM, LMU, WVSOM did

Touro, KCOM (MD or DO letter)

Those are from my experience. I am sure they are more that dont require it.

I would try to apply asap. It will take aacomas a while to get transcripts, verify you etc.
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I added the "not" that I think you meant to include. Correct me if I'm wrong. Not trying to be anal, just clarifying. 👍
 
Thank you, Chocolate Bear and a817. That list was very helpful; unfortunately, it looks like AZCOM and CCOM now require that letter (stated on their websites), but then again, I really don't have any excuse not to provide one to those places since I am doing my master's at Midwestern... I just want to get my application out early, so even if I can only apply to 5 schools so far, that's more than I even hoped for at this stage!!
 
rennykim said:
Thank you, Chocolate Bear and a817. That list was very helpful; unfortunately, it looks like AZCOM and CCOM now require that letter (stated on their websites), but then again, I really don't have any excuse not to provide one to those places since I am doing my master's at Midwestern... I just want to get my application out early, so even if I can only apply to 5 schools so far, that's more than I even hoped for at this stage!!
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wow sorry, they dont require a DO letter though. It could be from an MD. Dont know if that helps

Two letters of recommendation are required. One letter must be from either a premedical advisory committee or science professor who has taught the applicant. The second letter must be from either a D.O. or an M.D. Letters from osteopathic physicians are strongly recommended. Letters written by immediate family members will not be accepted. All letters of evaluation must be submitted by the evaluators. The Office of Admissions does not accept letters

Once again i am sorry about the mis info, I would look into the other schools i mentioned.

I could have sworn they didnt require it last year.
 
rennykim said:
Thank you, Chocolate Bear and a817. That list was very helpful; unfortunately, it looks like AZCOM and CCOM now require that letter (stated on their websites), but then again, I really don't have any excuse not to provide one to those places since I am doing my master's at Midwestern... I just want to get my application out early, so even if I can only apply to 5 schools so far, that's more than I even hoped for at this stage!!
Click to expand...

Don't worry, just hurry! (Seriously, I wasn't trying to rhyme--it just happened) You have 3-6 weeks before being verified and another couple of weeks after that before schools will need your LORs to complete your file.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Don't worry, just hurry! (Seriously, I wasn't trying to rhyme--it just happened) You have 3-6 weeks before being verified and another couple of weeks after that before schools will need your LORs to complete your file.
Click to expand...

I would look at every school's admissions requirement and see if they require it, If they dont and your interested apply there. I am sure you can find a couple more.
 
a817 said:
I would look at every school's admissions requirement and see if they require it, If they dont and your interested apply there. I am sure you can find a couple more.
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Yeah I know that some schools will interview without the letter, even though they technically require it. You'll have to speak with the schools individually to ask about extenuating circumstances.
 
overall GPA 3.42, sci gpa ~3.4 (not exactly sure). major= genetics/biology

MCAT 30 O, 11VR, 10BS, 9PS

i have all of the usual ECs but nothing exceptional:

~100 hours shadowing 4 dif. docs, one day shadowing a DO
1 semester genetics research
worked in a hospital for a summer as radiology tech assistant
TA for introductory bio lab
volunteer 1 summer at GA aquarium and a semester at an after school program
worked part time through college

what do you guys think my chances are? i haven't completed my list of schools yet, but i am for sure applying to NYCOM, PCOM, GA-PCOM, Nova, AZCOM.

I'm from Atlanta, and right now i don't know if i could see myself going to kirksville or des moines etc. Location is a big factor in where i am applying.
 
bravesfan113 said:
overall GPA 3.42, sci gpa ~3.4 (not exactly sure). major= genetics/biology

MCAT 30 O, 11VR, 10BS, 9PS

i have all of the usual ECs but nothing exceptional:

~100 hours shadowing 4 dif. docs, one day shadowing a DO
1 semester genetics research
worked in a hospital for a summer as radiology tech assistant
TA for introductory bio lab
volunteer 1 summer at GA aquarium and a semester at an after school program
worked part time through college

what do you guys think my chances are? i haven't completed my list of schools yet, but i am for sure applying to NYCOM, PCOM, GA-PCOM, Nova, AZCOM.

I'm from Atlanta, and right now i don't know if i could see myself going to kirksville or des moines etc. Location is a big factor in where i am applying.
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Looks good to me, maybe look into western, touro-ca and CCOM (if you want big cities).
 
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"! I'm generally not a bad writer at all. I spent a lot of time and effort on my personal statement and descriptions, so hopefully that will help.)

volunteering & clinical experience:

-4 years working at an nursing home with mentally ill patients
-volunteered in a osteopathic hospital - emergency dept
-volunteered in a transitional ctr for homeless women,
-volunteered in a housing project in inner-city Baltimore.
-few other volunteer projects

-FaceAIDS, student radio DJ, musician/vocalist, played in a brass ensemble on cruise ship, tutored a fellow student, attended OMM presentation by and spoke with Laura Tinning DO about osteopathic medicine.

-shadowed/volunteered with a general surgeon & a pretty well-known forensic pathologist (getting LOR)

-2 week medical/surgical outreach trip to Peru with MSUCOM & DO-Care...will be getting an "evaluation letter" from an associate dean at MSUCOM.

-US Marines - led a platoon of 75-100 recruits awaiting legal/medical
discharge, helped them with basic medical & personal issues.

-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
UNECOM
 
jason3278 said:
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"! I'm generally not a bad writer at all. I spent a lot of time and effort on my personal statement and descriptions, so hopefully that will help.)

volunteering & clinical experience:

-4 years working at an nursing home with mentally ill patients
-volunteered in a osteopathic hospital - emergency dept
-volunteered in a transitional ctr for homeless women,
-volunteered in a housing project in inner-city Baltimore.
-few other volunteer projects

-FaceAIDS, student radio DJ, musician/vocalist, played in a brass ensemble on cruise ship, tutored a fellow student, attended OMM presentation by and spoke with Laura Tinning DO about osteopathic medicine.

-shadowed/volunteered with a general surgeon & a pretty well-known forensic pathologist (getting LOR)

-2 week medical/surgical outreach trip to Peru with MSUCOM & DO-Care...will be getting an "evaluation letter" from an associate dean at MSUCOM.

-US Marines - led a platoon of 75-100 recruits awaiting legal/medical
discharge, helped them with basic medical & personal issues.

-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
UNECOM
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i'm no expert, but that is an impressive list of ECs. that letter should really help with MSUCOM. don't worry about the L (actually, check UNECOM, i think they have a writing cut-off, but not sure what it is). good luck 🙂
 
Having just retaken the MCAT all of 4 hours ago and wondering what's next, I've stumbled into the "What Are My Chances?" thread in hopes of finding some helpful information.

Disclaimer: Up until very recently (i.e. the last three weeks) I've been very focused on going to an allopathic medical school so I know relatively little about the differences betweeen DO and MD admission criteria and expectations. My apologies if I seem terribly off-base.

Okay, STATS:
Cumulative GPA: 3.45
Science GPA: 2.92 (but probably a bit higher because I retook o-chem)
-- Post-bacc: 3.45 (upper div bio and chem; this number included in above numbers)
MCAT #1: PS9 / VR 10 / PS9
MCAT #2: I'll let you know in ~30 days
ECs: a fair amount... clinical volunteer, preceptor coordinator, health educator, president of a campus organization against sexual assault, HIV test counselor, charity bike rider (raised >$2000), classroom volunteer...

I've been a post-bacc for 2 years with the last year being particularly strong. I finished with a >3.8 for the last two semesters taking 17 units in the fall and 14 in the spring.

So... thoughts? Thanks in advance!
 
Just give it to me straight:

cgpa:3.31
sgpa: 3.79
MCAT 25N(9V,9B, 7P)

I'm a pretty nontraditional student. I've been a personal trainer for the past 6 years, working my way through college. I'm also a medical scribe at a hospital in dallas, and I have volunteer work in hospice and a AIDS clinic. I've also shadowed a ped, MD and plan to shadow a DO asap. I have a B.S. in Finance with a 3.0 gpa; I'm also getting a second B.S in bio/premed, gpa is 3.8 (80 hours), so the combined gpa is 3.31.. . . so thats a pretty good upward trend that will hopefully save my **s.
I have a few other E.C. but no research.
I know I have really good LORs.

????
 
MJ2008 said:
Just give it to me straight:

cgpa:3.31
sgpa: 3.79
MCAT 25N(9V,9B, 7P)

I'm a pretty nontraditional student. I've been a personal trainer for the past 6 years, working my way through college. I'm also a medical scribe at a hospital in dallas, and I have volunteer work in hospice and a AIDS clinic. I've also shadowed a ped, MD and plan to shadow a DO asap. I have a B.S. in Finance with a 3.0 gpa; I'm also getting a second B.S in bio/premed, gpa is 3.8 (80 hours), so the combined gpa is 3.31.. . . so thats a pretty good upward trend that will hopefully save my **s.
I have a few other E.C. but no research.
I know I have really good LORs.

????
Click to expand...

I'd say you have an excellent shot.
 
markps said:
Having just retaken the MCAT all of 4 hours ago and wondering what's next, I've stumbled into the "What Are My Chances?" thread in hopes of finding some helpful information.

Disclaimer: Up until very recently (i.e. the last three weeks) I've been very focused on going to an allopathic medical school so I know relatively little about the differences betweeen DO and MD admission criteria and expectations. My apologies if I seem terribly off-base.

Okay, STATS:
Cumulative GPA: 3.45
Science GPA: 2.92 (but probably a bit higher because I retook o-chem)
-- Post-bacc: 3.45 (upper div bio and chem; this number included in above numbers)
MCAT #1: PS9 / VR 10 / PS9
MCAT #2: I'll let you know in ~30 days
ECs: a fair amount... clinical volunteer, preceptor coordinator, health educator, president of a campus organization against sexual assault, HIV test counselor, charity bike rider (raised >$2000), classroom volunteer...

I've been a post-bacc for 2 years with the last year being particularly strong. I finished with a >3.8 for the last two semesters taking 17 units in the fall and 14 in the spring.

So... thoughts? Thanks in advance!
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You should be competitive for most Osteopathic schools. I would recommend doing a good amount of homework about Osteopathic medicine as the adcoms will not be partial to hearing its "my fallback to allopathic."
 
I'm going to try to word this question in a way that won't get me totally flamed. I am a Junior at the University of Oklahoma. I have just transfered from a 2 year community college. My overall GPA was 3.82 upon transfer. When I got to OU, I decided to take 2 classes in the summer: Organic 1 and an Anthro class. So far, I've made a C in Organic 1 and will make an A in this anthro class. This brings my overall GPA to ~3.72 and BCPM to around 3.45. I am interested in applying to both MD/DO, as really the letters tacked on to the end of my name don't mean as much to me as practicing medicine. I know that statement may offend some hardcore osteopaths here, but that is certainly not my intent. That being said, I'd certainly not cast aside a possible career as an Osteopathic Physician, and I just wanted to ask about my chances and some advice. I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa, have multiple semesters of honor rolls, have overseas missions experience, and have worked 6 months as a Transporter and am about to begin working at another hospital as a Surgical Instrument Tech. I have physician shadowing experience (MD) and he is also going to write me a LOR. Anyhoo, any input would be great.
 
DoctorOfRock said:
I'm going to try to word this question in a way that won't get me totally flamed. I am a Junior at the University of Oklahoma. I have just transfered from a 2 year community college. My overall GPA was 3.82 upon transfer. When I got to OU, I decided to take 2 classes in the summer: Organic 1 and an Anthro class. So far, I've made a C in Organic 1 and will make an A in this anthro class. This brings my overall GPA to ~3.72 and BCPM to around 3.45. I am interested in applying to both MD/DO, as really the letters tacked on to the end of my name don't mean as much to me as practicing medicine. I know that statement may offend some hardcore osteopaths here, but that is certainly not my intent. That being said, I'd certainly not cast aside a possible career as an Osteopathic Physician, and I just wanted to ask about my chances and some advice. I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa, have multiple semesters of honor rolls, have overseas missions experience, and have worked 6 months as a Transporter and am about to begin working at another hospital as a Surgical Instrument Tech. I have physician shadowing experience (MD) and he is also going to write me a LOR. Anyhoo, any input would be great.
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I don't think your statements will offend very many. If they do, then oh well. Your chances seem good, assuming a decent MCAT. Getting a DO LOR will help at most/all DO schools and will ALLOW YOU TO APPLY at some. Some schools won't accept you without one. Retaking Ochem would be helpful, both for your GPA and preparing for the MCAT and Ochem II.
 
So here it goes...

I just got my "official" GPA set from AACOMAS.

I have a 2.98 SCI and a 3.08 overall. I did a SMP and got a 3.35 overall and 3.26 SCI. My low GPA in undergrad was due to a serious illness which was thoroughly explained in my PS.

My MCAT scores are 28Q, 29Q, 28N.

I have REALLY strong LOR's and I have applied to both allo and DO. I know my chances at allo are pretty slim to say the least but I am really more interested in DO anyway so I am putting my focus there.

For DO I have applied to:
PCOM
NYCOM
UNECOM
LECOM-Bradenton
UMDNJ
Nova Southeastern

I have a ton of volunteer experiences (some fairly regular for almost 7 years and another weekly for almost 3 years). I also will have 3 years of experience as a lab tech by the time I (hopefully) matriculate.

so... what are my chances???

Thanks!
 
Try not to be ******ed. Don't do a freaking SMP. Apply right now, and have a strong mcat. And add a handful more DO schools. I was in your shoes two cycles ago, but I was ******ed and didn't apply to enough DO schools (only one). Now I'm about to start med school when I should be starting rotations. DO schools love the non-trad. Get this show on the road baby.

Posted via Mobile Device
 
TexasTriathlete said:
Try not to be ******ed. Don't do a freaking SMP. Apply right now, and have a strong mcat. And add a handful more DO schools. I was in your shoes two cycles ago, but I was ******ed and didn't apply to enough DO schools (only one). Now I'm about to start med school when I should be starting rotations. DO schools love the non-trad. Get this show on the road baby.

Posted via Mobile Device
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Okay, well assuming I have a 30+ mcat, how should I time my app? I don't want to waste time filling out the aacomas primary when I should be studying for the mcat.

I have a week of free time after the mcat and before the beginning of fall semester. I was thinking of filling it out then. Then I should be verified by the time my mcat scores come, correct?

Anyways, is that a late application for DO schools? Am I competitive for any of the above DO schools? Also, would lack of a DO letter kill me? I guess I could get one in the month before my MCAT scores come out but I doubt it'd be anything more than generic.
 
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You should time your app by submitting it tomorrow. Don't worry about the MCAT now. Even if you bomb it, you can take it again.

You can knock those applications out in a day. Just sit down and do it. Its a pain in the ass, but early application is more important than any difference you could make in your MCAT score by spending that day studying.

Every year you waste is a year of six-figure salary down the drain in the future.

The earlier you apply, the more competitive you will be for any school. A lack of a DO letter will not kill you. The word for the day is EARLY.

Posted via Mobile Device
 
But I thought schools won't look at an app w/o a MCAT?

One last matter: How do I handle transcripts? Do I enter them in through the primary and then send a set to AACOMAS? Do I need to send a set to each school I apply to?
 
They have actually been known to offer interviews without an MCAT. A poster on here who goes by LauraDO got a couple. They won't make a decision on your file until they get an MCAT score, but they will at least send you a secondary. That will get you ahead of the game.

You enter in all your classes and grades on AACOMAS and then send them your transcripts. You will only need to send an official set to the school where you matriculate. Not to every school.


Posted via Mobile Device
 
Thank you, I'll contemplate for a day or two. For you or anybody else, what would be a competitive MCAT, given my record, for:

PCOM-Philly, KCUMB, or Western. They are my top three choices.

I want to get into a quality/established DO school. If I'm not competitive, then I'd rather wait a year when my numbers go up some more.
 
Its really hard to say, but I think high-20's will make you competitive for any DO school.

However, DO schools seemed to be less impressed with a high MCAT. I'm not kidding man. Unless you have a legitimate reason to believe that you're just going to get bent over and take it from the MCAT, then apply ASAP.

There are plenty more "established" DO schools too. Throw DMU in there. That place is sweet. Really, I'd pick about 10 and go with it.

Posted via Mobile Device
 
I am starting my application to DO schools and am thinking of which schools to apply to. I am a florida resident, and am wondering which DO schools are OOS friendly. Thanks.
 
Thanks, i should have been more thorough with searching

And don't worry, LECOM-B and NSU are my main choices. I know two people from Lake Erie Bradenton and said lots of positive feedback about the school. I don't know anyone personally from Nova, but heard awesome stuff about it too.
 
Hello everyone! I need some major advice. It is definitely the question of the year in my life.. do I have a chance to get in at all?
-cum:3.08
-science: 2.83
-lots of extracurricular activities and jobs that I would save you the trouble of reading (3/4 of them related to the health field)
-have D.O. and M.D. LORs
-Still waiting on the scores for MCAT but on the practice I've been scoring from 27-31 but who knows how I did on the real one.
so what do you guys think? I know that there is no magic formula but any advice or constructive criticism is welcome!
 
hopefuldoc35 said:
Hello everyone! I need some major advice. It is definitely the question of the year in my life.. do I have a chance to get in at all?
-cum:3.08
-science: 2.83
-lots of extracurricular activities and jobs that I would save you the trouble of reading (3/4 of them related to the health field)
-have D.O. and M.D. LORs
-Still waiting on the scores for MCAT but on the practice I've been scoring from 27-31 but who knows how I did on the real one.
so what do you guys think? I know that there is no magic formula but any advice or constructive criticism is welcome!
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As you know, your sciGPA is weak. It's been accepted, but it will be difficult. The great news is that AACOMAS uses your last attempt at a class (provided it's greater than or equal to the number of credit hours), even if not at the same college. With a few made up courses, you could make big improvements (Read: If this year is unsuccessful, things should be better next year, if you retake some classes). The bad news is that some schools have auto cutoffs that will screen you out pre or post secondary, due to a low GPA. Find out which ones do this, so you don't waste your money before your GPA comes up.
 
yeah... I figured it would be tough too. Does anyone know which schools have cutoffs for certain GPAs? I've been looking it up online and it is taking me forever, and I can't find it for certain schools.
 
If a school has an official minimum, they will put it on their website.

Posted via Mobile Device
 
Ok, so i'm getting ready to apply to medical school for 09'. I am stressing out and am curious what you guys/gals think my chances are.

I have a 3.13 CGPA and a 3.25 SGPA. I will be graduating with a degree as a Biology major and a chemistry minor.
I scored a 31 on my MCAT.

I come from a very small rural town and went to a state college in NY.
I have had to work throughout college to pay for my educations on my own.
I have worked in a hospital for 2 1/2 years as a Telemetry Technician and Nurses Aide (well over 4,000 clinical hours).
I have shadowed an Pulmonologist for approx. 50 hours.
I have observed in the OR during ortho, pulmo, plastics, cardiac, ENT, and neuro surgeries approx. 50 hours.
I am in a national Community service fraternity and a national Biology Fraternity.
I am a part of French club, biology club, and have current EMT and BLS/ACLS certifications.
I have 4 strong letters of recommendation 2 of which are extremely strong (1 from an MD and the other the Director of critical care at the hospital i work at.)

I did poorly myfirst 3 semesters in college due to family issues and medical issues of my own. My previous 60 credit hours I have a GPA of 3.56 and an upward trend over my entire college career.

any chances I get into any DO schools? 😎

any help offered is greatly appreciated!!!
 
nymetsfan said:
Ok, so i'm getting ready to apply to medical school for 09'. I am stressing out and am curious what you guys/gals think my chances are.

I have a 3.13 CGPA and a 3.25 SGPA. I will be graduating with a degree as a Biology major and a chemistry minor.
I scored a 31 on my MCAT.

I come from a very small rural town and went to a state college in NY.
I have had to work throughout college to pay for my educations on my own.
I have worked in a hospital for 2 1/2 years as a Telemetry Technician and Nurses Aide (well over 4,000 clinical hours).
I have shadowed an Pulmonologist for approx. 50 hours.
I have observed in the OR during ortho, pulmo, plastics, cardiac, ENT, and neuro surgeries approx. 50 hours.
I am in a national Community service fraternity and a national Biology Fraternity.
I am a part of French club, biology club, and have current EMT and BLS/ACLS certifications.
I have 4 strong letters of recommendation 2 of which are extremely strong (1 from an MD and the other the Director of critical care at the hospital i work at.)

I did poorly myfirst 3 semesters in college due to family issues and medical issues of my own. My previous 60 credit hours I have a GPA of 3.56 and an upward trend over my entire college career.

any chances I get into any DO schools? 😎

any help offered is greatly appreciated!!!
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Unless there's something you're not telling us, I'd be shocked if you got rejected at any DO school, except maybe those with a strong in-state preference, in states other than yours. But DO schools love clinical experience, and you've got it in spades. Get a letter from a DO to seal the deal. You've got to know of one who'd write you a letter, with all your clinical experience.
 
nymetsfan said:
Ok, so i'm getting ready to apply to medical school for 09'. I am stressing out and am curious what you guys/gals think my chances are.

I have a 3.13 CGPA and a 3.25 SGPA. I will be graduating with a degree as a Biology major and a chemistry minor.
I scored a 31 on my MCAT.

I come from a very small rural town and went to a state college in NY.
I have had to work throughout college to pay for my educations on my own.
I have worked in a hospital for 2 1/2 years as a Telemetry Technician and Nurses Aide (well over 4,000 clinical hours).
I have shadowed an Pulmonologist for approx. 50 hours.
I have observed in the OR during ortho, pulmo, plastics, cardiac, ENT, and neuro surgeries approx. 50 hours.
I am in a national Community service fraternity and a national Biology Fraternity.
I am a part of French club, biology club, and have current EMT and BLS/ACLS certifications.
I have 4 strong letters of recommendation 2 of which are extremely strong (1 from an MD and the other the Director of critical care at the hospital i work at.)

I did poorly myfirst 3 semesters in college due to family issues and medical issues of my own. My previous 60 credit hours I have a GPA of 3.56 and an upward trend over my entire college career.

any chances I get into any DO schools? 😎

any help offered is greatly appreciated!!!
Click to expand...

you definitely have a shot. in fact, you are pretty competitive. if you haven't applied, apply NOW and apply broadly. you should have many interviews and more than likely have some decisions to make if the intervies go well. good luck.
 
Shockingly with all of my clinical experience i have never worked with a DO. The hospital I work at is a teaching school with an affiliation with Columbia Medical so most of the MDs/DOs are gone after a year anyways. We just had our change over and all new students are here so I am not sure what to do.

The little "dark secret" is that even though i have a decent SGPA i only got a C+ and B- in my chemistry classes so i'm afraid that might hurt me
 
nymetsfan said:
Shockingly with all of my clinical experience i have never worked with a DO. The hospital I work at is a teaching school with an affiliation with Columbia Medical so most of the MDs/DOs are gone after a year anyways. We just had our change over and all new students are here so I am not sure what to do.

The little "dark secret" is that even though i have a decent SGPA i only got a C+ and B- in my chemistry classes so i'm afraid that might hurt me
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I got a B and a C in my gen chem too (we don't have +/-). They might ask about it, but I don't think it will be a deal-breaker.
 
Ok thanks. I am so nervous about my final semester here and then this whole application process it's nice to hear a little positive feedback. Thanks again all.
 
Just get your apps in early, and apply to as many places as you can afford, just to be on the safe side. You'll get in somewhere.

NYCOM has a big in-state preference, if you want to stay close to home, but there are good schools all over the place, so if you're not too worried about moving away, then you might want to explore your options.

Posted via Mobile Device
 
3.3 cGPA sci probably same or around 3.0-3.3
35T MCAT

4 years of clinical research experience with 3 poster abstract presentations in american society of hematology
one LOR from a nurse(STRONG) one from former bone marrow transplant director(STRONG) two from profs(not so strong)
abunch of admin work at hospital
abunch of volunteer work with patients at hospital

Young and good looking

The one thing i fear is that they look at my canadian status. But seeing as DO's are not treated the same in canada(not licensed to practice med), i'm for sure moving down here. Particularly Texas cuz I like it there. What are my chances at the DO schools and what kind of shot do I have at NTCOM?
 
i meant the north texas health sciences one at fortworth
My bad, I should have probably taken a bit more time with the acronym.
 
qubes said:
i meant the north texas health sciences one at fortworth
My bad, I should have probably taken a bit more time with the acronym.
Click to expand...

Oh ok. That's why I asked. The DO abbreviations can get crazy. That one is generally referred to as TCOM, but sometimes you'll see UNTHSC/TCOM.

Your best bet might be to become a TX resident for admissions purposes. I don't know their policy on Canadian citizens, but I do know that they have a 90% in state preference due to TX law. That being said, I don't think very many out of staters even apply there, so I can't say for sure if it would be best to gain residency first. I think it takes a year of living there and having a job to become a resident. Give them a call today and ask them about how they would feel about your situation. They'll like your MCAT, but the GPA is rather low, and much worse if the sciGPA is at 3.0 than 3.3.

You can always go to another school and then go to TX for residency. If you get/keep your sciGPA up, depending on what it actually is right now, I think you'll have luck with schools who take Canadians (all/most/some/none??? I don't know). Probably more luck than TX, but like I said, call them.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
You can always go to another school and then go to TX for residency. If you get/keep your sciGPA up, depending on what it actually is right now, I think you'll have luck with schools who take Canadians (all/most/some/none??? I don't know). Probably more luck than TX, but like I said, call them.
Click to expand...

Would you say the MCAT makes up for the low gpa somewhat, and the EC stuff, would that help(ie my app overall would you say is a strong one or just average?)

I'm kinda lil worried here cuz I really just wanna be a doc and honestly, DO MD doesn't make a difference to me which is why unlike most of my friends up here in Canada, I seem to be the only one exploring this one and it feels lonely.
 
qubes said:
Would you say the MCAT makes up for the low gpa somewhat, and the EC stuff, would that help(ie my app overall would you say is a strong one or just average?)

I'm kinda lil worried here cuz I really just wanna be a doc and honestly, DO MD doesn't make a difference to me which is why unlike most of my friends up here in Canada, I seem to be the only one exploring this one and it feels lonely.
Click to expand...

You could get in to TCOM, but i would definately apply to more schools. Texas likes in state alot, but i have seen OOS with lower stats get into TCOM. Dont know how much the Canadian thing is going to hurt you. I would apply now to TCOM because i think they have have a very early application deadline. You can always do your residency in texas.
 
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