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

[DrDre2001]

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I just thought I'd throw a success story on here for some of you who aren't sure its worth trying to get in this year because of low MCAT or GPA. I didn't think I had a chance because my retake of the MCAT only came back as a 22R. My GPA is at around a 3.8 for both sciences and overall so its okay, but the MCAT is much lower than average. Tons of people told me not to bother when I got a 22 on my test (not in this forum).

Well, I just got into my #1 school (LMU-DCOM) and have 5 other interviews scheduled. I've only received 1 rejection so far so I can only assume I'd get another invite or two as well. I'm cancelling the rest of my interviews since I got in where I want to go but hopefully my acceptance with a low score will encourage some of you guys to give it a shot even if you think its not likely you'll get in.

I just about ripped my clothes off and ran through my neighborhood when I found out!

Whoever was telling you not to apply was not thinking straight....They did know that the 25.5 MCAT average for DO schools was an AVERAGE right? So for every 28, there is a 22 (well kinda). So being that your 3.8 was over the AVERAGE gpa, and your MCAT was lower than average...i would think they would even out. Good job with the gpa. And good job not following that strange advice.

 

[Sugarrush]

So I finished my Amcas application for MD schools, and my adviser mentioned DO schools, and I LOVE the philosophy so much more that I decided to take a shot at applying.

So here are my stats


GPA: (Total) 3.37 (Science) 3.53

MCAT: 28P

Ex: 3 summers of OR shadowing with MD's, 3 month lab assistant internship. Diet and Exercise/ Lifestyle counselor during that same internship. Captain of 5 intramural sports teams, volunteer work for the last 9 years with Special Olympics. Tutor elementary school children after school. Health Science Honors Society President.


APPARENTLY, I'm applying late here, and I had no idea because I thought applications were not due until February or so. But do you think I might have a shot? The application should go in tomorrow, with Transcripts soon to follow.

Am I wasting my time and money or do you think I have a shot?

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

So I finished my Amcas application for MD schools, and my adviser mentioned DO schools, and I LOVE the philosophy so much more that I decided to take a shot at applying.

So here are my stats


GPA: (Total) 3.37 (Science) 3.53

MCAT: 28P

Ex: 3 summers of OR shadowing with MD's, 3 month lab assistant internship. Diet and Exercise/ Lifestyle counselor during that same internship. Captain of 5 intramural sports teams, volunteer work for the last 9 years with Special Olympics. Tutor elementary school children after school. Health Science Honors Society President.


APPARENTLY, I'm applying late here, and I had no idea because I thought applications were not due until February or so. But do you think I might have a shot? The application should go in tomorrow, with Transcripts soon to follow.

Am I wasting my time and money or do you think I have a shot?

Stats right in line with most schools (avg GPA and avg MCAT). Would def recommend shadowing a DO so you can see the philosophy in practice! Also, a letter of rec would be a boost to your apps...good luck.

 

[Sugarrush]

Stats right in line with most schools (avg GPA and avg MCAT). Would def recommend shadowing a DO so you can see the philosophy in practice! Also, a letter of rec would be a boost to your apps...good luck.

Thanks Brody, I've got a friend who is a DO, so I'll probably shadow him, but when you say letter of Rec, do you mean for the Primary? or the secondary?

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

Thanks Brody, I've got a friend who is a DO, so I'll probably shadow him, but when you say letter of Rec, do you mean for the Primary? or the secondary?

letters go in with secondary apps. Try and get your primary done ASAP. I know deadlines don't come around until feb at some places, but many adcoms work on a rolling basis and classes may be almost full by then. Also, it takes like 6 wks to get AACOMAS verified.

 

[Sugarrush]

letters go in with secondary apps. Try and get your primary done ASAP. I know deadlines don't come around until feb at some places, but many adcoms work on a rolling basis and classes may be almost full by then. Also, it takes like 6 wks to get AACOMAS verified.

6 weeks! Yikes!
I'm driving to my colleges tomorrow to deliver the transcript requests by hand, so that should speed things up some. I did the whole application today, I know I'm late, but I think a two day turn-around is about as fast as I can manage.

Thanks for your help!


Any advice on good schools anyone?
I'm avoiding the NE part of the country, but I'm open to pretty much anything else. I've got 17 schools on my list right now, but I'm trying to cull it down if possible, $605 is a lot of money for a poor college student...

 

[NPEYE]

Hello Guys,

Please give me some feedback? What are my chances of getting into Chicago Midwestern DO program. I am just nervous I haven't heard anything back from them. I sent my secondaries back in September. I have GPA of 3.9 and MCAT score of 26.
Physical: 11
Bio: 9
Verbal: 6
Please let me know.
Thanks

 

[Cp22kjer]

Hello Guys,

Please give me some feedback? What are my chances of getting into Chicago Midwestern DO program. I am just nervous I haven't heard anything back from them. I sent my secondaries back in September. I have GPA of 3.9 and MCAT score of 26.
Physical: 11
Bio: 9
Verbal: 6
Please let me know.
Thanks

Your GPA is well above the average there and your MCAT is right around the average so by the numbers I don't see why you wouldn't be competitive. Are you complete at CCOM? Make sure they have everything. If you have not already: log in at MWU's website and be sure that your checklist is complete.

I'd imagine they are bogged down with applications right now so it may take some time to get back. As long as you've got decent LOR's, EC's, Clin. Exp, etc I would imagine you'll have a good chance at an interview.

Goodluck!

 

[ModernChemistry]

Hey guys. My classes and the multitude of secondaries I got have really pushed the process of filling out these sec apps back. I got my allopathic secondaries first due to delay with AACOMAS and am now filling out my osteopathic secondaries. Do you think I still have a good chance or am I pushing my luck?

MCAT: 8P, 10V, 11V M essay
GPA: 3.39 and science gpa around 3.2
Health related experience as EMT, volunteer time in hospital for a summer, and shadowed an osteopathic physician.

 

[Cp22kjer]

Hey guys. My classes and the multitude of secondaries I got have really pushed the process of filling out these sec apps back. I got my allopathic secondaries first due to delay with AACOMAS and am now filling out my osteopathic secondaries. Do you think I still have a good chance or am I pushing my luck?

MCAT: 8P, 10V, 11V M essay
GPA: 3.39 and science gpa around 3.2
Health related experience as EMT, volunteer time in hospital for a summer, and shadowed an osteopathic physician.

A lot of this may depend on where you're applying. You have an MCAT above the national avg. and a GPA's just under it. I think you have a chance to get some interviews depending on where and how many places you applied to. The longer in this process you go the less of a chance. Get those secondaries in asap and I'd imagine you'll get an interview or 2 depending on how many/where you applied. Goodluck!

 

[ModernChemistry]

Thanks for the quick reply. Well I have UMDNJSOM, PCOM, and PCOM-Georgia secondaries mailing out tomorrow. I have Touro NJ, Touro California, LECOM Florida, VCOM, and WUCOM secondaries to do. I'm waiting on NYCOM and WVSOM to send secondaries.

Let me know if you feel this changes anything 😀

 

[ummyeah]

Hi, would anyone like to help me narrow down some schools to waste money at with my very late application?

-25 year old female, CA
-33M, PS 11, VR 10, BS 12 (taken Sep 2008, partly why I'm so late. I expected bad scores and intended to retake, but I just wanted a score to apply to postbaccs/SMPs)
-3.15 GPA, 3.0 sciGPA (went to a UCsomethingsomething, biopsych major, upward trend, transcripts already in)
-1 year as an EMT-B at a private ambulance company (mostly 911 and CCT calls)
-80+ hours ED volunteering
-Some random ECs like volunteer disabled skiing instructor, college alpine race team (boardercross and GS), IM water polo
-Hobbies/obsessions include snowboarding, wakeboarding, mtn biking, climbing, motocross
-Non-related DO letter, and a lot of EM DO shadowing set up for the next month
-Great letter from employer (RN supervisor), haven't asked any professors yet (I do procrastinate a bit) but hopefully a few haven't forgotten me
-No research, no awards. EMT-B class valedictorian, but I probably shouldn't include that...
-Other jobs: Vet tech, Trader Joes, lifeguard, moved to ski resort for a year and worked in reservations

Of these, where should I spend/save my money?
Touro-CA and NV, Western, RVUCOM, AZCOM, ATSU-SOMA, LECOM, and I'm open to other suggestions...

I still plan on applying to some postbacc/SMPs and intend to apply very early next cycle, but I would love any thoughts on how I would fair this cycle. I will submit in the next few days; PS's just been dragging me down. On that note, would anyone be willing to read my PS? Thanks...

 

[Cp22kjer]

Thanks for the quick reply. Well I have UMDNJSOM, PCOM, and PCOM-Georgia secondaries mailing out tomorrow. I have Touro NJ, Touro California, LECOM Florida, VCOM, and WUCOM secondaries to do. I'm waiting on NYCOM and WVSOM to send secondaries.

Let me know if you feel this changes anything 😀

Sounds good!

FYI: I believe both WVSOM and NYCOM only send secondaries with an interview invite.

Goodluck!

 

[chudat]

Hi Guys,

I am thinking of applying to DO schools this cycle and I am VERY nervous. I have gotten 2 C's in Orgo 1 and Orgo 2. I have A's in Gen Chem 1 and 2 and Bio 1 and 2. I have B+ in both semester Physics. My culmulative gpa is 3.47 and sci gpa is 3.25. I scored a 32R on the MCAT. What should I do?

Does where you go as an undergrad matter? I'm attending top 25 univesity.

Also my top choice school is LECOM Erie and I would do anything to have a chance to go there. I am also not planning on retaking the orgo classes.

Please help me and recommend schools that you guys think I have a chance at. Thanks.

Dan

 

[Cp22kjer]

Hi Guys,

I am thinking of applying to DO schools this cycle and I am VERY nervous. I have gotten 2 C's in Orgo 1 and Orgo 2. I have A's in Gen Chem 1 and 2 and Bio 1 and 2. I have B+ in both semester Physics. My culmulative gpa is 3.47 and sci gpa is 3.25. I scored a 32R on the MCAT. What should I do?

Does where you go as an undergrad matter? I'm attending top 25 univesity.

Also my top choice school is LECOM Erie and I would do anything to have a chance to go there. I am also not planning on retaking the orgo classes.

Please help me and recommend schools that you guys think I have a chance at. Thanks.

Dan

Dan, this thread will get moved to the "What are my chances" forum so you know.

I think that your MCAT will certainly offset your lower sGPA. Coming from a top 25 cannot hurt but it probably won't help that much either.

How are your ECs? Being that the rest of your application is strong I'd say you have a great shot at an interview. Are you applying for this cycle? If so you need to have your primary submitted to AACOM like yester-month. And turn that secondary around ASAP. The later you get in this process less of a chance you have (obviously). If it's already submitted then great....sit back and wait for that interview.

You would have a good chance at most schools, the only thing hurting you at this point is time.

Oh, and 2 C's won't end your chances. You made up for it with a strong MCAT score. Adcoms will see this.

Goodluck!

 

[sylvanthus]

I wouldn't worry too much man. I actually failed orgo 1 the first time, years ago, and had to retake. I have set up 6 interviews so far this cycle, so do not think they care toooo much about that. It'll be alright, your MCAT is great.

 

[Airlife91]

I got a C in o-chem 1, B in o-chem 2. Also got C+'s in biochem and developmental biology. I've gotten accepted two places and numerous other interviews (including LECOM). I have a ton of clinical and research experience, but I also had a 27p on the mcat, so I'd say you're fine.

 

[chudat]

Thanks alot guys,

Really, your words of encouragement have definitely lessened the stress I'm going through right now. I have already sent in my primary couple days ago and waiting for replies.

I do feel that being older is an advantage in the application process. I am a 21 yr old senior and I feel most DO applicants take a year or two off, doing something else before applying again. Do you guys think age is a factor?

Thanks

 

[Dissected]

Thanks alot guys,

Really, your words of encouragement have definitely lessened the stress I'm going through right now. I have already sent in my primary couple days ago and waiting for replies.

I do feel that being older is an advantage in the application process. I am a 21 yr old senior and I feel most DO applicants take a year or two off, doing something else before applying again. Do you guys think age is a factor?

Thanks

Im 21 also. Ive found that its more about life experience than age. Older applicants have had more time to do things outside of school in a lot of cases. There are exceptions for those who have made a lot of effort to get involved outside of school and have quality experiences in medicine and such.

Thats my 2 cents..

 

[PipiChen]

🙂

 

[kypreos]

hey guys i have been lurking around the past 3 days and i have read and learned a lot, so hopefully i wont bother you with the obvious "what are my chances" . I spoke with my advisor and she raised a few questions as to what ive read on this website and what she had told me so i was wondering if you could help me out a bit.

current gpa 2.7
science 2.5
mcat 24 but retaking it again jan 31'st
ec's = volunteered in ER for 6 months
Looking into shadowing a DO currently
Certified Personal Trainer(nasm)
Have 1 LOR as of today(just got it) and ill be getting them all this week


from what ive read my gpa is WAY 2 low and my mcat is low for most DO schools. so I know ive got my work cut out ahead of me but believe it or not my gpa has gone up drastically over the past 3 years. i actually started at a 4 year transfered to a 2 year and went back to another 4 year were the science program is highly competetive and the average gpa is MUCH lower for science majors there. My grades have been on the incline but i know i have more work cut out for me since i messed up in the beggining. and I know that i have to have a stellar mcat score to outweight the crap gpa. When i was a sophomore in college i was depressed unhealthy and overweight at 6'4 338lbs everything about me was going down the tubes. I met a Certified personal trainer and he helped me change my life. I lost 90 lbs and along the process he helped me gain my certification through the national academy of sports medicine(nasm). I now sit at 6'4 238 and want to help people change there lives from the better. Im a firm believer that healing comes from the inside out and I am a HUGE fan of osteopathic medicine. So any help from you guys would be appreciated. here are my most important questions.

1) my advisor told me i should re take the courses i got c's in at my cc. she said that they would erase the original grade and replace it with the better grade and essentially raise my gpa. Is this a good idea because i know medical schools arent too big on you taking courses at cc's anyways.

2) when should i apply? im looking to attend medical school the spring of 2010. i would be taking more classes the fall of 2009 at my undergraduate institution even though im graduating in the spring of 2009 to boost gpa. should i apply early and hope my gpa is good enough and then send in an updated transcript?

3) I have heard that DO schools take the newest grade so if you retake a class you got a D in and get an A three years later is it true the take the latest grade?

all your help is greatly appreciated

 

[exmissionary]

just make sure you really want to do it. Even people with great GPAs choose not to do medicine because they begin to understand they might not be cut out for it. For some people it shows on their GPA and for others... they need to do a little soul searching.

If you decide it is really what you want to do... dude go for it. Just make sure you are ready to live with the results if it doesn't go well.

Consider Carribian or cuba. <is that how you spell it?

Alot of people criticize the above, and they have reason to do so. However, they can be good for some people. I spent some time in Mexico and have consitered going to Cuba. I know spanish and well, i think they have an excelent medical system.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

hey guys i have been lurking around the past 3 days and i have read and learned a lot, so hopefully i wont bother you with the obvious "what are my chances" . I spoke with my advisor and she raised a few questions as to what ive read on this website and what she had told me so i was wondering if you could help me out a bit.

current gpa 2.7
science 2.5
mcat 24 but retaking it again jan 31'st
ec's = volunteered in ER for 6 months
Looking into shadowing a DO currently
Certified Personal Trainer(nasm)
Have 1 LOR as of today(just got it) and ill be getting them all this week


from what ive read my gpa is WAY 2 low and my mcat is low for most DO schools. so I know ive got my work cut out ahead of me but believe it or not my gpa has gone up drastically over the past 3 years. i actually started at a 4 year transfered to a 2 year and went back to another 4 year were the science program is highly competetive and the average gpa is MUCH lower for science majors there. My grades have been on the incline but i know i have more work cut out for me since i messed up in the beggining. and I know that i have to have a stellar mcat score to outweight the crap gpa. When i was a sophomore in college i was depressed unhealthy and overweight at 6'4 338lbs everything about me was going down the tubes. I met a Certified personal trainer and he helped me change my life. I lost 90 lbs and along the process he helped me gain my certification through the national academy of sports medicine(nasm). I now sit at 6'4 238 and want to help people change there lives from the better. Im a firm believer that healing comes from the inside out and I am a HUGE fan of osteopathic medicine. So any help from you guys would be appreciated. here are my most important questions.

1) my advisor told me i should re take the courses i got c's in at my cc. she said that they would erase the original grade and replace it with the better grade and essentially raise my gpa. Is this a good idea because i know medical schools arent too big on you taking courses at cc's anyways.

2) when should i apply? im looking to attend medical school the spring of 2010. i would be taking more classes the fall of 2009 at my undergraduate institution even though im graduating in the spring of 2009 to boost gpa. should i apply early and hope my gpa is good enough and then send in an updated transcript?

3) I have heard that DO schools take the newest grade so if you retake a class you got a D in and get an A three years later is it true the take the latest grade?

all your help is greatly appreciated

It is true that AACOMAS replaces grades and not average them together like AMCAS does. But you have to remember if you retake the class and don't do better than what you did on the first try, AACOMAS will take the second grade instead of the first. (I hope I'm making sense here...basically make sure you ace that retake.) Well both Allo and Osteo medical students start in the fall of every year not spring, but as I understand it Caribbean schools do start in the fall and spring.

I think if your main focus is to get your GPA up to at least a 3.0 both cumulative and science. Your MCAT score is pretty average but since you are working with a slightly lower GPA 27+ would be ideal. I think you definitely have a shot at getting into somewhere if you can at minimum get that GPA up. If you want to get into medical school by the FALL of 2010 then its definitely doable if you take some classes next semester that will bring your GPA up and apply summer 2009.

Well that's just my two pennies worth. Good Luck.

 

[kypreos]

It is true that AACOMAS replaces grades and not average them together like AMCAS does. But you have to remember if you retake the class and don't do better than what you did on the first try, AACOMAS will take the second grade instead of the first. (I hope I'm making sense here...basically make sure you ace that retake.) Well both Allo and Osteo medical students start in the fall of every year not spring, but as I understand it Caribbean schools do start in the fall and spring.

I think if your main focus is to get your GPA up to at least a 3.0 both cumulative and science. Your MCAT score is pretty average but since you are working with a slightly lower GPA 27+ would be ideal. I think you definitely have a shot at getting into somewhere if you can at minimum get that GPA up. If you want to get into medical school by the FALL of 2010 then its definitely doable if you take some classes next semester that will bring your GPA up and apply summer 2009.

Well that's just my two pennies worth. Good Luck.

thanks so much for your replay. this year if i can bring my gpa up to above a 3.0 do you think its possible for me to apply for the fall of 2009? (this next year) if i score better on the mcat do you think my chances are ok?

 

[docman85]

I just want everyone out there who is worried b/c of their MCAT not to...

Whilt this is important, I did poorly on mine (20N not finished with pre reqs yet) and did not expect any interviews but have already received 2 from my top choices (GA-PCOM and LMU-DCOM). Now granted I do not have an acceptance yet, I am still doing twice as good this cycle than what I planned on.

The rest of my application is good, with a gpa of 3.4, clinical experience, and plenty of ECs. All I am saying is that for those you who think you do not have a chance just because of one thing (whether it be MCAT, gpa, experience, etc....) think again because you are probably more competitive than you give yourself credit for...

With that being said, I still believe that the MCAT is a good standardized tool, and should remain a requirement for med school, I just do not think it will predict your success as a med student nor a physician...

Thanks everyone

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

With that being said, I still believe that the MCAT is a good standardized tool, and should remain a requirement for med school, I just do not think it will predict your success as a med student nor a physician...

Actually MCAT scores are THE best predictor of success as a med student as far as the USMLE (and one could probably extrapolate COMLEX) scores are concerned. I know that med students are more than just a test score...yada yada yada...but if you gain admission to a school with a low MCAT score, I would def re-examine how I study and take standardized exams.

Blue, A.V., Gilbert, G.E., Elam, C.L., & Basco, W.T., Jr. (2000). Does Institutional Selectivity Aid in the Prediction of Medical School Performance? Academic Medicine, 75, S31-S33.

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/research/bibliography/blueg001.htm

 

[PunkmedGirl]

thanks so much for your replay. this year if i can bring my gpa up to above a 3.0 do you think its possible for me to apply for the fall of 2009? (this next year) if i score better on the mcat do you think my chances are ok?

Yes you can apply next year if you can bring that GPA up, but you want to apply in JUNE not August. Applying early works in your favor if your stats are not that high; so start getting everything together now like your LORs for professors, get a DO LOR (if you haven't shadow one yet then GET ON IT), and start writing your PS. Good Luck😀

P.S Sorry about the shouting 😎

 

[drwilson]

Yes, if you take a look at the aacomas, when you are putting in your grades in the courses taken section, the gpa is calculated according to the newest grades achieved. My friend was pleasantly surprised to see his gpa jump a couple of points as compared to the aamc application, (which averages the grades).

 

[drwilson]

I actually wanted to get the opinions of the apparantly quite knowledgable people in this thread. Here are my stats:

3.309 gpa so far (BA biology)
29Q mcat
Recently started shadowing a DO
Work in a hospital as a clerk for the past year
A couple of good letters of rec (one from a very high up administrator of the hospital)
Interned at a therapeutic community for teens with addictions as a clinical intern for a summer

I also have worked full time all through college, which is why I have no volunteer/research experience, but I dont know if the adcoms take this into consideration.

My top choice is NYCOM and I actually have an interview with them in about 10 hrs, (I am here because I can not sleep a wink).

Any input would be appreciated as to what my chances are for various DO schools. I applied basically everywhere.

Thanx in advance!!

 

[calebherndon]

Good job turning the life around! Check my mdapps, we are in the same self-actualization boat. Keep up the hard work, persevere, and we will get in eventually. Good luck to everyone this year.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

I actually wanted to get the opinions of the apparantly quite knowledgable people in this thread. Here are my stats:

3.309 gpa so far (BA biology)
29Q mcat
Recently started shadowing a DO
Work in a hospital as a clerk for the past year
A couple of good letters of rec (one from a very high up administrator of the hospital)
Interned at a therapeutic community for teens with addictions as a clinical intern for a summer

I also have worked full time all through college, which is why I have no volunteer/research experience, but I dont know if the adcoms take this into consideration.

My top choice is NYCOM and I actually have an interview with them in about 10 hrs, (I am here because I can not sleep a wink).

Any input would be appreciated as to what my chances are for various DO schools. I applied basically everywhere.

Thanx in advance!!

GOOOD LUUCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK😍😀

 

[moldovanits]

I took an upper division histology at some university which is worth 5 units.i unfortunately didnt pass it because i was taking 20 units of upper divsion science courses. its my first D.Now im retaking it and its worth 4 units. will that be considered a retake? it has the same curriculum and the same name. actually the one i took first was a 300 level course now the new one is a 400 level course.

thanks please help me out...

 

[kypreos]

Good job turning the life around! Check my mdapps, we are in the same self-actualization boat. Keep up the hard work, persevere, and we will get in eventually. Good luck to everyone this year.

Hey thanks man!
yup its a long road with hard work but with god it should be no biggie. good luck to you man

 

[engineeredout]

I took an upper division histology at some university which is worth 5 units.i unfortunately didnt pass it because i was taking 20 units of upper divsion science courses. its my first D.Now im retaking it and its worth 4 units. will that be considered a retake? it has the same curriculum and the same name. actually the one i took first was a 300 level course now the new one is a 400 level course.

thanks please help me out...

Yeah it should count. The class I retook was actually in a different department (applied math Vs. regular math) and aacomas still counted it as a retake.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Yeah it should count. The class I retook was actually in a different department (applied math Vs. regular math) and aacomas still counted it as a retake.

I was wondering the same thing because one of my non-science classes that I took I failed (PE-long story). So should I take the same exact PE class or could I take another one??

 

[kypreos]

when does the med year start? i see some schools accepting apps until oct and even nov. when should i apply for school if i would like to attend the year of 2009. i can get everything in by june but when does school actually begin?

 

[PunkmedGirl]

when does the med year start? i see some schools accepting apps until oct and even nov. when should i apply for school if i would like to attend the year of 2009. i can get everything in by june but when does school actually begin?

You apply the year before you want to start. For students wanting to enter into medical for the 2009 fall term are applying now. So if you want to start in 2009 I would suggest you get on it like yesterday. Its getting late in the game if you want to but since your GPA isn't high I would wait until next June to apply for 2010 admission.

 

[ILikeFood]

What are my chances? (bored)

 

[virya]

MCAT - 21N
Sci GPA - 4.0
Overall - 3.85
Two graduate degrees including MBA
75hrs of Volunteering
Took care of my sick father-in-law (Cancer) for a year
MD and DO Shadowing and great rec letters
Currently Senior IT manager
18 years of IT experience including leadership and project management
No research experience
Applied to 10 DO schools (PCOM, PCOM-GA, LECOM-E, LECOM-B, KCUMB, DMU, AZCOM, CCOM, ATSU/SOMA, NYCOM)

I am overwhelmed at work and also finishing up the prerequisites, so I am not in a position to re-take MCAT for this cycle.

Any insight please? Thank you.

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

MCAT - 21N
Sci GPA - 4.0
Overall - 3.85
Two graduate degrees including MBA
75hrs of Volunteering
Took care of my sick father-in-law (Cancer) for a year
MD and DO Shadowing and great rec letters
Currently Senior IT manager
18 years of IT experience including leadership and project management
No research experience
Applied to 10 DO schools (PCOM, PCOM-GA, LECOM-E, LECOM-B, KCUMB, DMU, AZCOM, CCOM, ATSU/SOMA, NYCOM)

I am overwhelmed at work and also finishing up the prerequisites, so I am not in a position to re-take MCAT for this cycle.

Any insight please? Thank you.

Maybe worth a shot...but 21N is going to be a huge hurdle gl.

 

[virya]

Some of the schools have an average MCAT of 23/24. So, if they are taking applicants with 27/28, then they should be taking some lower than 23/24 to have that average. Correct?

I keep hearing that DO schools look at the overall qualities of an applicant. Surprisingly, it sounds like all schools are about numbers.😕

 

[UNMorBUST]

Some of the schools have an average MCAT of 23/24. So, if they are taking applicants with 27/28, then they should be taking some lower than 23/24 to have that average. Correct?

I keep hearing that DO schools look at the overall qualities of an applicant. Surprisingly, it sounds like all schools are about numbers.😕

It is true, they do take some below 23/24. However, it does put you at a disadvantage. If you are not fruitful this time around retake the MCAT. Good luck i wish you the best of luck.

 

[virya]

Thanks. That will be the only choice.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Some of the schools have an average MCAT of 23/24. So, if they are taking applicants with 27/28, then they should be taking some lower than 23/24 to have that average. Correct?

I keep hearing that DO schools look at the overall qualities of an applicant. Surprisingly, it sounds like all schools are about numbers.😕

All schools are not "about the numbers." But when your score is several points below the mean of the average DO school, and even further below the mean at several of your schools listed, a fellow applicant is right to tell you that your 21N will be a hurdle, and you should retake if you have an unsuccessful cycle. Many applicants have made it in with your score and many others have failed and had to retake.

We wish you luck.

Moving to "What Are My Chances?"

 

[virya]

Thanks every one.
MCAT in May 2009 is my plan!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Thanks every one.
MCAT in May 2009 is my plan!

Perfect. Plan ahead and start studying ASAP. But I hope you don't have to take it again. 🙂

 

[hector219]

I'm a non-trad with a Bach and Masters in a nonscience field. That GPA was 3.7-3.8. I have a 4.0 in my sciences (dallas county community college) so far, with physics II remaining for the basics, plus one extra bio class (genetics). I work full time time as a tech in a hospital where we work closely with the doctors. I'm lining up non-medical volunteer work currently. I'm taking Kaplan soon and will take the MCAT in April. I typically do well in tests like this, but have not taken a practice test.

What is most important for having a strong application?

How important is shadowing, considering my hospital experience?

If I take more bio (like biochem) while I am applying, will they take that into consideration?

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

I'm a non-trad with a Bach and Masters in a nonscience field. That GPA was 3.7-3.8. I have a 4.0 in my sciences (dallas county community college) so far, with physics II remaining for the basics, plus one extra bio class (genetics). I work full time time as a tech in a hospital where we work closely with the doctors. I'm lining up non-medical volunteer work currently. I'm taking Kaplan soon and will take the MCAT in April. I typically do well in tests like this, but have not taken a practice test.

What is most important for having a strong application?

How important is shadowing, considering my hospital experience?

If I take more bio (like biochem) while I am applying, will they take that into consideration?

Files are usually broken down into three to four rubrics. GPA, MCAT, and ECs are all equally important. Severe deficiencies in any of these will almost always net a negative results no matter how outstanding the other portions of your app may be. Minor deficiencies can be balanced by excelling in other areas (example Lower GPA and a higher than avg MCAT). Even though you work in a hospital, shadowing is still a must in my view and can lead to excellent recommendations (the fourth part of your app). good luck with everything

 

[monkeytown1]

Hey Guys,

I just had a quick question. Do you think its WAYYY too late to apply to DO Schools now? I wasn't able to turn in my primary until October and one of my schools probably won't get my transcripts to AACOM until late Nov! ugh! I have a 3.6 GPA and 30 Mcat. Does the time delay hurts me a lot?

 

[calebherndon]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I have seen people on here apply in January and get accepted Feb/March. Not the best situation, but with your stats you may be surprised. I just got my MCAT score on 10/15, which was the only thing everyone was waiting on, and I have gotten a couple of interviews since. If need be, do what I might have to do and be the first in line for next year. Good luck with everything!