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

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Thanks DoktorB! Its nice knowing that other people are in the same situation.

Is applying MD really that crazy scary? Reading pre-MD forums give me mixed feelings on the whole process. I feel like I need to take a couple years off just to catch up/feel adequate 😳 And talking to people who don't know what DOs are slightly saddens me....
 
Thanks DoktorB! Its nice knowing that other people are in the same situation.

Is applying MD really that crazy scary? Reading pre-MD forums give me mixed feelings on the whole process. I feel like I need to take a couple years off just to catch up/feel adequate 😳 And talking to people who don't know what DOs are slightly saddens me....

Its a longer process with more applicants who have higher numbers* (*generally speaking). But, there are a lot more schools to choose from as well. The interviews are generally more stressful, and they can take quite a while to get back to interviewees. I know Im speaking in generalities, but if you compare average said DO school to average said MD school I think this is true. They are both great paths, the MD route is just more congested/competitive because of the sheer amount of qualified applicants. It is insane how much more competitive DO has become in the past few years though, I wouldn't be surprised if they leveled out in the next 10-15 years. I really like the relaxed atmosphere at the DO interviews, its really reassuring!

this is my take, keep in mind that I didn't apply MD though 😳
 
Hi guys

I'm re-taking some classes at a CC. that i did not so well on.
This fall semester, i am taking Chem 101. (G-chem)

and i just need some advice on which class to take for Spring 2009.
I think i only have time for one class since i want to devote most of my time in studying for the MCAT, (which im planning to take May 2009)

I'm not sure which two classes i should retake...Chem 102 or O-Chem 1. (the first part)

for ochem 1, i got a C - at my previous university, however, i got B+ and A - in the next two series, so its a huge improvement. however, that C- does not sit well with me.

or Chem 102, i got a C also

Keeping in mind that i will probably do better in G-chem since its "easier'.

I hope this made sense.
So what classes should i retake????helppppp
 
Are you retaking a course so your new grade overides the previous bad grade on your AACOMAS application? If that's the case, I think you need to retake the course at the same school for that to apply.

I didn't retake a course before, but I think that's how it works.
 
hmm really? i've been hearing it doesnt really matter where you re-take the course
as long as it matches with the previous university.
 
Hi guys

I'm re-taking some classes at a CC. that i did not so well on.
This fall semester, i am taking Chem 101. (G-chem)

and i just need some advice on which class to take for Spring 2009.
I think i only have time for one class since i want to devote most of my time in studying for the MCAT, (which im planning to take May 2009)

I'm not sure which two classes i should retake...Chem 102 or O-Chem 1. (the first part)

for ochem 1, i got a C - at my previous university, however, i got B+ and A - in the next two series, so its a huge improvement. however, that C- does not sit well with me.

or Chem 102, i got a C also

Keeping in mind that i will probably do better in G-chem since its "easier'.

I hope this made sense.
So what classes should i retake????helppppp

Well you would definitely need to retake the Orgo I because all schools require a minimum grade of a C to meet the required pre-reqs. And you don't need to retake courses at the same institution to get your grade replaced by AACOMAS it just needs to be the same course with the same credits or more.
 
Well you would definitely need to retake the Orgo I because all schools require a minimum grade of a C to meet the required pre-reqs. And you don't need to retake courses at the same institution to get your grade replaced by AACOMAS it just needs to be the same course with the same credits or more.

True story. 👍
 
ooo thank you. Are the pre-reqs for AACOMAS listed on their website? i can't seem to find it.

Also, if schools won't accept C-.

Is mammalian physiology a pre-reqs?? (i hope not...haha)
 
ooo thank you. Are the pre-reqs for AACOMAS listed on their website? i can't seem to find it.

Also, if schools won't accept C-.

Is mammalian physiology a pre-reqs?? (i hope not...haha)

The pre-reqs would be located on the school's website. The pre-reqs are Chem I and II, Bio I and II (general bio will meet this requirement), Physics I and II, Engl I and II, Orgo I and II.
Some schools will allow you to replace an ORGO with biochem (DMU and UNECOM comes to mind).

Edit: Mam Physiology is not a require prereq.
 
ooo thank you. Are the pre-reqs for AACOMAS listed on their website? i can't seem to find it.

Also, if schools won't accept C-.

Is mammalian physiology a pre-reqs?? (i hope not...haha)

Also, you can go to the link under Chocolate Bear's signature called "DO version of the MSAR." It will have all of the pre-reqs for each individual school. It has a lot of other helpful information too, so it is definitely a good source to check out.

Good luck
 
Also, you can go to the link under Chocolate Bear's signature called "DO version of the MSAR." It will have all of the pre-reqs for each individual school. It has a lot of other helpful information too, so it is definitely a good source to check out.

Good luck


Good Call👍
 
Well here is what I have and the dilemma. I have a science gpa of 2.78 that includes 2 Ds in physics. That being said i have a couple withdrawals from some independent study classes none of which are science. I did manage to get into a PA program because of my work as an EMT and several reccomendations. The program requires that we keep above a 3.0 and I am curious if my medical science classes will count as science classes. I am considering droping out of the PA program and just retaking a bunch of classes since aacomas allows for the grade replacement in your calculation. I made a 25M on the MCAT a couple years ago and its about to run out. I know that with the grades I made in my program this semester I will have raised my science gpa to a 2.9 and my overall to 3.2. So what do you think I should do and would I stand a chance if I retook my physics?
 
Hey guys newbie here...

I'm taking the MCATs Jan 31, 2009.
Is it an impossibility to go to a DO school for fall 2009?

-B.A. in Mathematics, 4.0/4.0 math dept, 3.73/4.0 overall
-Graduate school in Applied Mathematics , 4.0/4.0, didn't finish my master's thesis
so no degree awarded yet
-Postbac science courses: chm i,ii, orgo i, ii, phys i, ii, bio i, ii, anat/physi:
4.0/4.0

I have ABSOLUTELY no hospital/volunteer experience/research/anything related to medical field except family members being MDs.

Will the fact that I flaked out on my M.S. in mathematics hurt me?

If I don't do so hot on my MCATs (only began studying in November),
how do DO schools feel about retaking?

I'm just wondering if I kick some ass on the Jan mcats that some how
I can weasel in Fall 2009?

Thanks in advance,
-d
 
you are definitely going to want to get some healthcare experience, find a doctor to shadow or something. Schools need to see that you actually know what you are getting yourself into. Although nothing is impossible, with the lack of healthcare experience and the late application it may be better for you to hold off on applying until next year and give yourself time to boost your EC's. Just my 2 cents.
 
See how you do on your MCAT and wait a cycle. If you still decide to apply DO, you can get an acceptance as early as September next year, instead of trying to fight for a few spots late April/May during that same year to get into a school that most likely isn't your first choice. By waiting a cycle you can afford to be more selective and I second the previous poster's recommendation in getting some health care/clinical experience to solidify your app. Good luck.
 
To those of you who've been accepted into med school, did you have any REALLY bad grades on your transcript? My first semester went really well, but my last two sort of went down due to a lot of personal issues going on. My negatives are a D in Calculus and World History, an F in Chemistry I (I retook it this semester and will more than likely get a B depending on the final), and a C in Biology. The only A's I've gotten were in Music Appreciation and English Comp, everything else was a B.

Now that I'm focused and have a plan, I'm gonna pull a Lebron James and dominate the rest of my college years. I just wanted to get a good idea of how many others were able to overcome a terrible undergrad start.
 
Make sure you take the pre-med req classes over again if you get a C in them.

If you show a positive trend on improving your grades it looks good.

You will have to just buckle down and try your best to get A's in most of your classes.
 
I withdrew from calculus twice, then failed it, then made a B (I think). I got a D in organic I with a retake of a B. I got a C in organic II (took it before retaking organic I). I got a C and a B in general biology and a D in ecology. I have many other C's (in both general chemistry, then retook and got A's) and maybe another D (hard for me to remember). I had about seven W's also. I spent two years post bacc retaking courses and taking higher level bio classes to prove myself and increase my gpa. Just evaluate what you think the problem is and try to improve from there. for me it was just I didn't care about my grades at the time.
 
I skipped all my freshman year courses and got my butt kicked to the tune of numerous C's in upper level math and chem classes.

No one really cares what classes you take because schools only get noticed on their average GPA.

Sooo... in conclusion, GPA matters a lot, but it is also not impossible to overcome with other factors (MCAT, ec's, etc.)

But that number, by itself, is incredibly powerful.
 
I skipped all my freshman year courses and got my butt kicked to the tune of numerous C's in upper level math and chem classes.

No one really cares what classes you take because schools only get noticed on their average GPA.

Sooo... in conclusion, GPA matters a lot, but it is also not impossible to overcome with other factors (MCAT, ec's, etc.)

But that number, by itself, is incredibly powerful.

I agree that they only notice the gpa and not the classes. That's why I took more retakes than upper level courses. All my interviewers actually said I had good grades but just needed to improve my MCAT score (although I got in anyway). I was just sitting there thinking "Did you even look at my transcripts? They're horrible!".
 
Hey guys I know ive posted in this thread before but I didnt realize my grades were gonna turn out the way they did this semester. I was gonna wait and hold off for a year to apply for the 2010 cycle but i got straight A's this semester and im itching to apply. AACOMAS has all my grades(except for this semester) but Im waiting on the 1/31 mcat that Im about to RETAKE. Im hoping for a 30 (pulled a low score last time) and I have been studying since NOV.1'st. so i will have studied for 12 whole weeks and I am on track for taking 30-35 practice tests b4 the actual thing. My gpa will now be a SMIGGEN over a 3.0. I had no idea i would have gotten straight A's even in anatomy as well. I have 100 hours of volunteering under my belt and I am scheduled to shadow a doctor over xmas break. So,....Heres my questions.

1) Do you think its too late in the game to apply and have the schools wait for an updates MCAT score?

2) my top school choices are UMDNJ SOM(in stater) PCOM NYCOM LECOM(bradenton). I know bradentons deadline is april 1st and the rest have a febuary first deadline?

3) Also, will my next semesters grades even matter in thier decision or is that still too late(im retaking a D- in chem IV got sick with food poisening(campylabacter) was out of school for 9 days at the END of the semester)?

4) how long does it take your AACOMAS application to reach the schools?

I have a really good upward trend from freshman year UP UNTIL I got sick. I was hospitolized the week BEFORE finals and halfway through finals SO i ended up with C's and D's which MESSED Up my gpa. This semester I got back on track with straight A's in anatomy my biology seminar and 2 other elective courses. My school Now has the #1 science Dept in the state of NJ and i was signed up for chem IV last semester and it rocked me. any advice would be awsome..thank you
 
I agree that they only notice the gpa and not the classes. That's why I took more retakes than upper level courses. All my interviewers actually said I had good grades but just needed to improve my MCAT score (although I got in anyway). I was just sitting there thinking "Did you even look at my transcripts? They're horrible!".

At PCSOM, they looked at every class I took and even questioned me why I had one withdraw from a class! I guess they wanted to scare me just a little...:laugh:
 
To those of you who've been accepted into med school, did you have any REALLY bad grades on your transcript? My first semester went really well, but my last two sort of went down due to a lot of personal issues going on. My negatives are a D in Calculus and World History, an F in Chemistry I (I retook it this semester and will more than likely get a B depending on the final), and a C in Biology. The only A's I've gotten were in Music Appreciation and English Comp, everything else was a B.

Now that I'm focused and have a plan, I'm gonna pull a Lebron James and dominate the rest of my college years. I just wanted to get a good idea of how many others were able to overcome a terrible undergrad start.

Actually, I wouldn't recommend retaking courses with C's, even if they're pre-reqs, I would recommend taking higher level classes in the same subject. The nice thing about osteopathic medicine is they are interested in more than just your grades, but obviously grades do matter. I know there are people that get accepted with 3.0. I would focus on improving from here on out (including upper level science classes), getting good letters (do some research), and make sure you nonacademic experiences (shadowing, volunteer, etc.) are solid.
 
I think you can also out-shine a less than decent mcat score by having a good GPA (that's what happened with me). i guess it depends on your strengths but you can bring it up! good luck!
 
Become the LeBron of pre-meds and tell us your success story. Just don't dunk on me, I would foul you..flagrantly :meanie:
 
any advice would be awsome..thank you

well...If I were you I would wait a year. Im not saying you don't have a chance, but you're pushing it AND I would want some time to cool off before diving head first into med-school. IF you do get accepted it would be well into march even april..may... school starts in august. you could submit your app right around that time for the next cycle, be a little more stable, have a better shot at schools like UMDNJ, get some valuable work experience next year, have a vamped up gpa from smoking (your classes, not anything illegal 😉) next semester, you'd know where you stand with MCAT scores, shadow some more, etc.. There's no need to rush in my opinion..

just my 2cents
 
Hello again,
I am quickly finding this site a HUGE help for easing my fears of DO school. I have a question about bringing my grades up. My science GPA is 2.9995, but if I removed my "C" in Chem, first semester that I took 9 years ago and replaced with it the more current one, which was a "B," I''ll be a bit above a 3.0. The problem is how do I get it to move higher when all I have left to take for my Bachelor's degree are classes like Virology, Endocrinology, and Neurobiology? There's a chem class for nursing and marine biology majors that encompasses chem, O.chem, and biochem all at once. I've taken a year of regular chem, o.chem and a semester of biochem already. Can I take this "overview" course? It's a bit obvious what I'm trying to do, which is get an easy "A" to boost my GPA. (At this point, any "A" will raise my sGPA by 0.05, still.) What other science classes do you guys recommend?

Thanks,
Mick
 
I thought ecology classes were pretty easy, and some plant biology isn't too bad.
 
I thought ecology classes were pretty easy, and some plant biology isn't too bad.

i wish that was the case @ my university. Botany and Ecology are probably the two hardest science classes. ridiculous.
 
Hello again,
I am quickly finding this site a HUGE help for easing my fears of DO school. I have a question about bringing my grades up. My science GPA is 2.9995, but if I removed my "C" in Chem, first semester that I took 9 years ago and replaced with it the more current one, which was a "B," I''ll be a bit above a 3.0. The problem is how do I get it to move higher when all I have left to take for my Bachelor's degree are classes like Virology, Endocrinology, and Neurobiology? There's a chem class for nursing and marine biology majors that encompasses chem, O.chem, and biochem all at once. I've taken a year of regular chem, o.chem and a semester of biochem already. Can I take this "overview" course? It's a bit obvious what I'm trying to do, which is get an easy "A" to boost my GPA. (At this point, any "A" will raise my sGPA by 0.05, still.) What other science classes do you guys recommend?

Work your BUTT off. that's my advice. 😀. Easier classes might depend on your univ. specifically..

i wish that was the case @ my university. Botany and Ecology are probably the two hardest science classes. ridiculous.

ditto. I avoided Ecology at all costs. the prof is insanely well educated and he is so effin hard. Plus if Duke loses a b-ball game on the day he is writing your test, game over.
 
well...If I were you I would wait a year. Im not saying you don't have a chance, but you're pushing it AND I would want some time to cool off before diving head first into med-school. IF you do get accepted it would be well into march even april..may... school starts in august. you could submit your app right around that time for the next cycle, be a little more stable, have a better shot at schools like UMDNJ, get some valuable work experience next year, have a vamped up gpa from smoking (your classes, not anything illegal 😉) next semester, you'd know where you stand with MCAT scores, shadow some more, etc.. There's no need to rush in my opinion..

just my 2cents
thanks for the advice man. i know im just eager im kindoff not looking forward to taking a year off. I just dont know what I would do lol. I guess work in a hospitol either a transporter or technician or patient care associate i guess. im gonna take that into consideration.
 
Hey guys I know ive posted in this thread before but I didnt realize my grades were gonna turn out the way they did this semester. I was gonna wait and hold off for a year to apply for the 2010 cycle but i got straight A's this semester and im itching to apply. AACOMAS has all my grades(except for this semester) but Im waiting on the 1/31 mcat that Im about to RETAKE. Im hoping for a 30 (pulled a low score last time) and I have been studying since NOV.1'st. so i will have studied for 12 whole weeks and I am on track for taking 30-35 practice tests b4 the actual thing. My gpa will now be a SMIGGEN over a 3.0. I had no idea i would have gotten straight A's even in anatomy as well. I have 100 hours of volunteering under my belt and I am scheduled to shadow a doctor over xmas break. So,....Heres my questions.

1) Do you think its too late in the game to apply and have the schools wait for an updates MCAT score?

2) my top school choices are UMDNJ SOM(in stater) PCOM NYCOM LECOM(bradenton). I know bradentons deadline is april 1st and the rest have a febuary first deadline?

3) Also, will my next semesters grades even matter in thier decision or is that still too late(im retaking a D- in chem IV got sick with food poisening(campylabacter) was out of school for 9 days at the END of the semester)?

4) how long does it take your AACOMAS application to reach the schools?

I have a really good upward trend from freshman year UP UNTIL I got sick. I was hospitolized the week BEFORE finals and halfway through finals SO i ended up with C's and D's which MESSED Up my gpa. This semester I got back on track with straight A's in anatomy my biology seminar and 2 other elective courses. My school Now has the #1 science Dept in the state of NJ and i was signed up for chem IV last semester and it rocked me. any advice would be awsome..thank you

I would recommend waiting if those are your top schools... I've been complete for quite some time now and UMDNJ, PCOM and NYCOM are specifically the only 3 DO schools I haven't heard ANY word from, not saying my app is more competitive than yours by any means, but just giving you a warning heads up about how backlogged they may be at this point, and perhaps even moreso by the time your app is complete. Good luck.
 
Freshmen year: B- Phys. I, C+ Phys. II, B- Gen. Chem II
Sophomore year: C Orgo I, C Orgo I,
Junior year: C+ genetics


CGPA-3.15 Sci-3.05

Accepted: AZCOM, GA-PCOM,
Interview invites for Jan: PCOM, NSU-COM

I echo the strong upward trend comment
 
4Ws, 5Cs a ton of B's. Interviewed at FSU, FIU, NSU, LECOM-B, AZCOM, Touro-CA, KCOM and this Monday at LMU-DCOM. Offered at PCOM-GA but declined. Accepted to two, waitlisted at two, haven't heard from one and rejected from others.
 
I had 3 c+ in prereqs and a W from Anatomy, and I had a downward trend. I still ended up with a 3.5 bcpm and 3.5 cum, though. Don't worry about the grades too much just try and stay above a 3.0 and you are golden.
 
Failed organic chem three times and finally passed with a C. Undergrad cumulative was a 2.9. After a formal post-bac (one year) got in !!! It can be done, just don't give up. Also, you would be suprised. Just because someone says the numbers are too low or "you don't have a chance" doesn't mean anything.
 
I just wanted to give some hope to those with bad grades. I failed 8 classes. 6 classes were from a school where I was miserable and skipped finals. The other 2 were from online coursework that I totally forgot about because I was working fulltime. I retook/am retaking 12 classes total at my current school and have done significantly better. I have a strong upward trend and have done very well in upper level biology and chemistry classes. My gpa on mdapps includes the classes I have retaken and will retake this semester and in the spring. It is possible to pull things around. I was just accepted to LECOM-Erie today. I don't care what anyone says about being a DO or going to LECOM because in the end I will still be a doctor and will be helping patients. It just takes time and hardwork. If you work hard and try, then you can do anything. Good luck!!!!
 
I just wanted to give some hope to those with bad grades. I failed 8 classes. 6 classes were from a school where I was miserable and skipped finals. The other 2 were from online coursework that I totally forgot about because I was working fulltime. I retook/am retaking 12 classes total at my current school and have done significantly better. I have a strong upward trend and have done very well in upper level biology and chemistry classes. My gpa on mdapps includes the classes I have retaken and will retake this semester and in the spring. It is possible to pull things around. I was just accepted to LECOM-Erie today. I don't care what anyone says about being a DO or going to LECOM because in the end I will still be a doctor and will be helping patients. It just takes time and hardwork. If you work hard and try, then you can do anything. Good luck!!!!
Congrats! LECOM-Erie isn't as bad as what you've read on here. Strict administrations and rules are true but as long as you buckle down, study, and surround yourself w/ some good friends you'll be fine. They prepare you well for the COMLEX. They're remodeling the hospital (adding more beds/services) and opening a sport/fitness facility across from the hospital this coming January. Decent board pass rate ~94%. Good match list.

A total of 355 LECOM Class of 2008 graduates have matched in the following programs. This is the first year for LECOM Bradenton graduates to enter the match programs.

Anesthesiology 14
Emergency Medicine 36
Family Medicine 53
Family Medicine/Emergency Medicine 2
Family Medicine/Pediatrics 1
Internal Medicine 60
Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine 3
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 1
Neurology 2
OB/GYN 14
Ophthalmology 2
Orthopedics 1
Pathology 1
Pediatrics 22
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 2
Psychiatry 12
Radiology 2
Surgery 21
Surgery/Neurology 2
Surgery/Orthopedics 13
Traditional/Transitional 91
 
So I'm going to be retaking undergrad classes in the Spring. I was wondering if you guys know what would be a good point to stop retaking classes. Would it help significantly to retake so that my GPA goes beyond 3.4-3.5? It would be great to know this as I'm planning on taking my MCATs after I'm done bringing my GPA up.

Any ideas? How much of an advantage will a retake-repaired GPA of 3.7-3.8 offer over a retake-repaired GPA of 3.4-3.5?
 
What were the GPAs of the classes you are repeating?
 
Several pre-reqs with Bs and B-s; Multivariable Calc with a C (this is gonna be a killer to retake!); an assortment of electives with B's and a few C's.

My gpa is just over a 3 and my undergrad was pretty consistently normalized around a B. I figure I'll target the C's first.
 
Which classes are these? If it's too much trouble you can just skip on the Bs and focus more on your MCAT. Do lots and lots of practice till you are confident you will do well on the actual test. A high MCAT will offset an average GPA.
 
To those of you who've been accepted into med school, did you have any REALLY bad grades on your transcript? My first semester went really well, but my last two sort of went down due to a lot of personal issues going on. My negatives are a D in Calculus and World History, an F in Chemistry I (I retook it this semester and will more than likely get a B depending on the final), and a C in Biology. The only A's I've gotten were in Music Appreciation and English Comp, everything else was a B.

Now that I'm focused and have a plan, I'm gonna pull a Lebron James and dominate the rest of my college years. I just wanted to get a good idea of how many others were able to overcome a terrible undergrad start.

Let's see:

Got F's in Biology and Weight Training (didn't drop.) Both retaken for A's.
Got a D- in Intro to Acting (don't even ask!) Didn't retake.
Got C/C+ in Organic Chem I and French I. Also didn't retake.

Also had several B's in a variety of science classes.... and a lot of A's. My AACOMAS GPA was right at 3.5 for both sci and overall. I had a 26N MCAT and had 5 interviews and 4 acceptances, one at an MD school.

All is not lost. Good luck to you!
 
This is a copy from a post in the pre-allo forums, but the ending result of that thread was that i should apply DO (i know it's late)
but here are my stats, can you guys give me some insight as to where I should be applying (in the hope that i will be accepted for the fall 2009 entering class)


science/cum gpa (pretty much same): 3.47 (a bit low)
mcat: 11 8 12 P (aug 20th 2007)

E/C: about 300 hrs worth of basic volunteer at a rehab/education center and some clinical at family doctor's office. about a year of roughly 4 hours a week (during school) research with genetics professor.
a few random single-day volunteer things (i.e. helping homeless, habitat for humanity, etc.)

graduated may '08 with bio degree from a cal-state (CSUN) (california resident btw)

LoRs: 1 from anatomy instructor, 1 from ochem instructor, 1 from genetics instructor, 1 from premed advisor, and 1 from volunteer coordinator at the rehab/edu center
 
One thing you must have is a physician letter. MD or DO, but it is required at all osteopathic schools. Can you get one super quick?
 
Your GPA isnt low at all, its actually right at the average for all DO schools. And our MCAT is above average. If you can get that physician letter (preferably a DO, but MD is fine too) you should be alright.
 
What state are you from? I'd try both LECOM campuses, the Touro trio, KCOM, etc for starters. Really, at this point I'd recommend applying to almost any of the DO campuses (except perhaps the OOS state schools) to maximize your chances.
 
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