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

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Some schools have minimums for each section, make sure your verbal score doesnt exclude you right off the bat.
 
Your gpa is great, mcat is good at 28, however the 6 would be a redflag. Everything else looks good, do not see why you would not be accepted somewhere. Good luck.
 
Your application looks fantastic. However, you should probably retake the MCAT and shoot to get your verbal up to a 7. This magic number 7 is the cutoff at many schools, DO and MD. Although, if English is not your native language you can probably get away without retaking it.
 
6VR kept me out of NOVA, or at least that's what the lady said.

I'd apply anyway but re-take that MCAT...if you get in in the meantime, just cancel it.

Just by chance did you take the September '08 MCAT?

I'm thinking if you apply broadly and get the primary in this week you will get multiple interviews and acceptances....just my $.02
 
Last edited:
I'm from California, and I'd like to do my residencies and eventually end up working in this area. Does that mean I should apply in this area?

What would be the schools who have the best opportunities for specialization here? I would like to specialize, and have a lot of opportunities. Should I go by looking at the match lists and see which schools send off a lot of residents to different specialties?

Also, I know these kinds of questions usually get a great variety of responses, but which schools on the west coast are known for sending their residents off to the "best" residencies, for whatever field they're going into. Thanks a lot for the help everyone. I really appreciate it.



Edit: Sorry... wrong thread year
 
Last edited:
Is it worth me applying this time around?

Just calculated my GPA on AACOMAS -
non sci: 3.28, sci: 3.03, cum: 3.16

I have good ECs, shadowed some docs, good letters of reccomendation (2 from DOs)

Also just got my MCAT scores awhile ago:
ps: 9 vr: 9 bs: 9
total: 27 O

Main thing I am worried about is the GPA (not sure how competitive the MCAT is either.)

Anyway, tell me - what are my chances? :xf:
 
Ok yall, please help me out. I really need some insight on where I should apply.

Overall GPA- 3.46
Science GPA- 2.9

haven't gotten my mcat back yet, but i'm going to hope for a 26 or 27...that's where my practice tests were around.
I have been working at a sports medicine office for 2.5 years (2 MD surgeons and a DO). I do medical transcription and patient coordination.
I shadowed one of the MD's for a total of about 40 hours.
I have observed three different surgeries, including an ACL reconstruction.
I've also watched and assisted in some in-clinic procedures like casting, joint injections, and ultrasound guided tenotomies.
I have three Science prof LOR's and an LOR which is written by one of the surgeons I work with but signed by all three. (ps should i get a separate LOR from the DO?!)
Service sorority, pledge class service officer, and now t-shirt officer for the whole sorority.
other basic things like Mortar Board, DEI, and Lambda Alpha Anthropology Honor society, etc.

HELP please!!!! thanks.
 
Not sure if this is the right forum... but I'm accepted at UNECOM and ATSU-SOMA... and I'm very torn between the two schools. They both have pros/cons for me, but I was hoping people could share their own thoughts on pro/cons of each school to help guide my decision. Thoughts?
 
Hey guys,

So I am stressed to the max about my GPA. I am taking my MCATs later this summer and its even putting a damp on me to study. I just need someone to se the record for me straight.

Currently ended Junior year. I am an English major, bio minor who just came out of a rough semester spreading myself too thin with extracurriculars (Sports Editor of the school newspaper, EMT, working on malaria research, job). I thought that I could handle all the work, but the result? My cummulative GPA is a 2.9 because I got a D in Evolution. I know med schools place a large emphasis on science gpa, and this class just tanked me. My sGPA is about a 2.7 now.

Please let me know what I can do from here. For example. What are my chances into a carribbean school because I am open to that. Definitely interested in Ross and SGU. I am applying for schools in for fall 2010. As far as the MCAT goes, what do I need?

Sorry this is so long. I've never felt this hopeless before and I could really use some advice.
 
maludinesha said:
Hey guys,

So I am stressed to the max about my GPA. I am taking my MCATs later this summer and its even putting a damp on me to study. I just need someone to se the record for me straight.

Currently ended Junior year. I am an English major, bio minor who just came out of a rough semester spreading myself too thin with extracurriculars (Sports Editor of the school newspaper, EMT, working on malaria research, job). I thought that I could handle all the work, but the result? My cummulative GPA is a 2.9 because I got a D in Evolution. I know med schools place a large emphasis on science gpa, and this class just tanked me. My sGPA is about a 2.7 now.

Please let me know what I can do from here. For example. What are my chances into a carribbean school because I am open to that. Definitely interested in Ross and SGU. I am applying for schools in for fall 2010. As far as the MCAT goes, what do I need?

Sorry this is so long. I've never felt this hopeless before and I could really use some advice.
Click to expand...

You'll need as high a score as you can get... that's all anyone can get. Have you considered SMPs, or Special Master's Programs? Usually they're a year long and they can seriously boost your GPA.
 
Bella20 said:
3.4 gpa
3.6 sgpa

leadership position in several clubs at school
varsity volleyball
ballet dancer
fluent in five languages, studying a sixth
400hs shadowing
red cross certified volunteer
volunteered in rural hospitals in Latin America
volunteer at the ER
Taught ESL in Argentina
received 50K in merit scholarships for college
no research as of now

thoughts?

edit:
also, double majoring in chemistry & international business
Click to expand...


Those are some pretty great EC's, definitely stand out I'd think. Your cum. gpa is around the average for a matriculant and your scGpa is over the average. With a 28 or over on the mcat you're pretty much golden... you could probably get by with a lower score, but I wouldn't exactly shoot for that...
 
I think I can get up to a 3.7 by the time I have to apply. Would that be better? I feel like my gpa is super low now, since my friend passed away this past semester and I had some trouble coping and ended up getting a C in one class, which brought my GPA down from a 3.6. Should I explain to them that this is why this semester was bad for me? Other than that I got good grades... but I'm retaking that C.
 
maludinesha said:
Hey guys,

So I am stressed to the max about my GPA. I am taking my MCATs later this summer and its even putting a damp on me to study. I just need someone to se the record for me straight.

Currently ended Junior year. I am an English major, bio minor who just came out of a rough semester spreading myself too thin with extracurriculars (Sports Editor of the school newspaper, EMT, working on malaria research, job). I thought that I could handle all the work, but the result? My cummulative GPA is a 2.9 because I got a D in Evolution. I know med schools place a large emphasis on science gpa, and this class just tanked me. My sGPA is about a 2.7 now.

Please let me know what I can do from here. For example. What are my chances into a carribbean school because I am open to that. Definitely interested in Ross and SGU. I am applying for schools in for fall 2010. As far as the MCAT goes, what do I need?

Sorry this is so long. I've never felt this hopeless before and I could really use some advice.
Click to expand...
If you finish this year strong with a gpa of a 3.6 or 3.7 you can bring your gpa up to a 3.2 or 3.3 ish. (this is what I did) if you then score above a 30 on the mcat you can be competetive at certain DO schools. In order for you to be competetive at certain MD's you need to have at least a 3.5 with a 30+. your EC's look good maybe get some clinical experience either shadowing a doc or volunteering at a local hospital. ask for letters of rec NOW from professors that know you well and you have suceeded in thier class. Do Not take the MCAT unless you have competed the required coursework and do not take it even tho you have taken physics II and have gotten a D+ in it (I did, bad move) make sure you fully unbderstand the concepts that are bieng taught to you. you will need 1 year IMO to fix this for DO 2 years for MD, so you might have to do a 1 year post bacch or a costly SMP. I am just undergoing the application process but I would not apply to md if I did not have at least a 3.2 or DO if I did not have at least a 3.0 your chances are just waying too thin and your pretty much wasting your money. I am just trying to be realistic and help out as much as possible. anything is possible btw 2 years ago I had a 2.2 cum and a 1.8 science so you can do it. good luck
 
Bella20 said:
I think I can get up to a 3.7 by the time I have to apply. Would that be better? I feel like my gpa is super low now, since my friend passed away this past semester and I had some trouble coping and ended up getting a C in one class, which brought my GPA down from a 3.6. Should I explain to them that this is why this semester was bad for me? Other than that I got good grades... but I'm retaking that C.
Click to expand...


It would be better. Your gpa isn't "super low". I would mention your experience somewhere in your application, maybe in the PS or something.
 
Black Adder said:
It would be better. Your gpa isn't "super low". I would mention your experience somewhere in your application, maybe in the PS or something.
Click to expand...

I was thinking about attaching a short letter explaining why I got that grade (which was my first C ever) and showing a good retake (hopefully will get an A, A-).

Also, do any of you know if I have a chance at the humanities program from Mt Sinai?
 
Bella20 said:
I was thinking about attaching a short letter explaining why I got that grade (which was my first C ever) and showing a good retake (hopefully will get an A, A-).

Also, do any of you know if I have a chance at the humanities program from Mt Sinai?
Click to expand...



One C on your transcript is not going to raise red flags for ANY ADCOM. You don't have to explain why you've gotten a C in ONE class during ONE semester. A 3.6 GPA is not low at all, you don't have to worry about being black listed for that one C. So relax and take it easy and prepare for the MCAT (if you haven't already taken it).
 
did you take any prereq classes yet?
that sinai program is for non science majors. i think if you take any prereqs, u are disqualified from applying. also what year are you? i think you get accepted into that program as a sophomore or something.
 
I'm a sophomore, I'm applying this summer. The only thing that makes you non-eligible to participate is taking Orgo Ii, which I haven't done yet.
 
And I would be willing to drop my chemistry major before applying.
 
Bella20 said:
I'm a sophomore, I'm applying this summer. The only thing that makes you non-eligible to participate is taking Orgo Ii, which I haven't done yet.
Click to expand...


Applying sophomore year? What's the rush? If you wanted to go to med school straight out of college, applying junior year would make more sense. You can technically get into med school with only 3 years of undergrad but you've got to have a pretty stellar application... so I guess I see why you're stressing over that "C".
 
you apply as a rising junior to the humanities program from Mt Sinai
 
Here we go!

MCAT- 31P
GPA- 3.53
sGPA - 3.4

I also have a letter from a DO.

What do you guys think my chances at Western are? I'm also applying to Pacific NW, Touro CA, and NYCOM.

Thanks everyone!
 
Hi Sylvanthus,

Other stuff that I have done in the last four years include starting an organization to improve the mental health on campus, two alternative spring break trips, one alternative winter break trip (3 weeks at an orphanage in Tanzania), editor of the school's scientific magazine, 1 summer of research, volunteered 2 years for peer health advocates (PHA), spent one year as a student coordinator for PHA, University Honor's College (includes writing a thesis), various committees on campus (including one to pick the student health services director), a medical preceptorship (~60 hours) and some various other paid positions.
 
I know this might seem repetitive from many of the posts on this thread I've read.. but I've taken the MCAT twice. First time 23M (PS 11, V 4, B 8), second time 23Q (PS 8, V 6, B 10). My premed advisor advised me against taking the MCAT again bc it will look bad if I do worse than a 23.
I've studied for two years already...getting the same score twice..so it was pretty discouraging.
I'm applying to osteopathic med schools, but from some of the threads I've been reading ...seems like my chances are pretty low with a 23 MCAT.
My cum gpa is 3.71, science 3.71, lots of EC, shadowing, and all that good stuff.
🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁
should I save my application for the next cycle? retake mcat again? keep going with this app cycle?

heeelp
 
suprafliptie said:
I know this might seem repetitive from many of the posts on this thread I've read.. but I've taken the MCAT twice. First time 23M (PS 11, V 4, B 8), second time 23Q (PS 8, V 6, B 10). My premed advisor advised me against taking the MCAT again bc it will look bad if I do worse than a 23.
I've studied for two years already...getting the same score twice..so it was pretty discouraging.
I'm applying to osteopathic med schools, but from some of the threads I've been reading ...seems like my chances are pretty low with a 23 MCAT.
My cum gpa is 3.71, science 3.71, lots of EC, shadowing, and all that good stuff.
🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁
should I save my application for the next cycle? retake mcat again? keep going with this app cycle?

heeelp
Click to expand...

I think the biggest thing you need to figure out and what every admissions person will ask you is how there can be such a huge disparity between your MCAT scores and your science gpa. After analyzing it yourself you need to see if maybe its something simple like test taking technique in which a simple albeit expensive fix could be something like a Kaplan class.

The whole package is a must for applicants but there is a huge correlation between MCAT scores and how you score on the boards which are important for medical schools to show high percentage marks. Hope this helps and good luck!
 
Thanks for the reply alshera.. but I've tried Kaplan..Examkrackers.. standardized tests were never in my favor. But I did do well on the Bio section of the MCAT.. I feel like my verbal/pscience score are not good determinants of how well I will do on the boards. Am I wrong in saying this?
 
suprafliptie said:
Thanks for the reply alshera.. but I've tried Kaplan..Examkrackers.. standardized tests were never in my favor. But I did do well on the Bio section of the MCAT.. I feel like my verbal/pscience score are not good determinants of how well I will do on the boards. Am I wrong in saying this?
Click to expand...

Perhaps not but what I am saying is that Adcom's do correlate the scores. There is an article on AMCAS that you can google about how the correlation has strong evidence behind it. Anyway, you could always try a DO heavy application cycle and definitely your state school. I know some kids go into my state school with 24-26 scores.
 
I am only applying to DO schools.

Science and non-science GPA = 3.7
MCAT: PS: 9 VR:8 WR:Q Bio:11= 28Q

Can I get into any DO school with these stats What are the most competitive DO schools? I am submitting my application next month. Will this be ok? Is it to late? Thank you very much for your input!
 
I just got hit with this terribly low MCAT score of 22L. I was averaging 28 on the aamc's! I don't know what happened! Does anyone know if i have a shot at any DO schools if everything else in my application is is good?
 
dctr said:
I just got hit with this terribly low MCAT score of 22L. I was averaging 28 on the aamc's! I don't know what happened! Does anyone know if i have a shot at any DO schools if everything else in my application is is good?
Click to expand...


I think that you still have a shot. However, the rest of your application doesn't need to just be good. You need some part of your application to be stellar (like a really high gpa, or some awesome ec).

You might have to retake the mcat. It isn't necessary, yet. It all depends on the rest of your app. care to tell us a little more about your stats?

You are definitely not hopeless. I got a 22N on my mcat last year, and I'm going to my #1 school. If you apply broadly and the rest of your app looks good, I think you have a shot at getting an acceptance.

Also, you might want to post your question in the 2009-2010 what are my chances thread. you might get some more responses that way.
 
Spooner13 said:
I think that you still have a shot. However, the rest of your application doesn't need to just be good. You need some part of your application to be stellar (like a really high gpa, or some awesome ec).

You might have to retake the mcat. It isn't necessary, yet. It all depends on the rest of your app. care to tell us a little more about your stats?

You are definitely not hopeless. I got a 22N on my mcat last year, and I'm going to my #1 school. If you apply broadly and the rest of your app looks good, I think you have a shot at getting an acceptance.

Also, you might want to post your question in the 2009-2010 what are my chances thread. you might get some more responses that way.
Click to expand...

Ok thanks for the reply. My stats are 3.8 GPA, one year of a leadership postion, and great LORS. Thanks for the advice and nice to here that you got in-it really made my day!
 
RoadtoMed said:
Do DO schools disapprove of community college courses?
Click to expand...

Some would argue that ANY medical school would look down at a CC course as opposed to one taken at a 4-year college. However, plenty of DO applicants have taken CC courses and received acceptances just fine.
 
Sci GPA: 2.77 (will be 2.85 after summer)
Cum GPA: 2.79 (will be 2.86 after summer)
MCAT: 33N (11/11/11)

I will continue taking classes for the next year at UCI ($$$) but may have to do a quarter at community college since I am applying to schools and I don't think i can afford the 2500 to take 2 classes at UCI next quarter. I am retaking the lower division classes to improve GPA a little more quickly since I didn't do well my first 2 years at UCLA

ECs:
9 Months research in microbiology lab
2.5 years as a supervisor at last job (non-medical related, ~20hrs/wk)
2 years as a small group leader at community church
Working ~30 hrs a week in a hospital as an epilepsy tech with direct patient care and contact

Letters of Rec from a professor from my major, lab director (UCLA med school prof), professor from a non-sci class, working on letter from MD and still working on getting in contact with DO (I am still yet to get a response from any i have called)

What do you think my chances are? Any particular schools not to apply to/definitely to apply to? I think I have eliminated MSUCOM and WVCOM simply due to the fact that their OOS tuition is significantly higher than any of the other schools.
 
dctr said:
Ok thanks for the reply. My stats are 3.8 GPA, one year of a leadership postion, and great LORS. Thanks for the advice and nice to here that you got in-it really made my day!
Click to expand...


It made my day too!! 😀
 
dctr said:
Ok thanks for the reply. My stats are 3.8 GPA, one year of a leadership postion, and great LORS. Thanks for the advice and nice to here that you got in-it really made my day!
Click to expand...

That's a really strong gpa, so if you apply broadly, you have a shot. Try to make your personal statement and secondary essay questions great. If you don't retake the mcat, just be prepared to explain it in interviews. I had to explain my low score in an interview. I was just honest with them and told them that I messed up.
 
I posted here before, but nobody answered my post. Please , can someone gives me an idea about my chances for DO schools
non traditional 33y , RN, 3.1cGPA, 3.5sGPA, 27P (10BS, 9PS, 8VR) MCAT and good LORs. should I retake the MCAT? or do I have any chances for DO schools?
 
demayette said:
I posted here before, but nobody answered my post. Please , can someone gives me an idea about my chances for DO schools
non traditional 33y , RN, 3.1cGPA, 3.5sGPA, 27P (10BS, 9PS, 8VR) MCAT and good LORs. should I retake the MCAT? or do I have any chances for DO schools?
Click to expand...

I think you have a pretty good shot if you apply broadly. Your gpa is a little on the low side, but your mcat is about average or slightly above avg (depending on which schools you apply to). But as you know, getting an acceptance is not all about numbers. It's about that X factor you bring to the table. You definitely have some great clinical exposure. Just be sure that you can tell them a good reason for the career change. My prediction is that ,if you apply broadly and do well on secondaries and interviews, you'll most likely be in med school next year.

Also, you might want to try out the "what are my chances" thread for 2009-2010. You might get more people to respond and you can get different points of view. Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

I
Should I do clinical volunteering or a job?
Replies
4
Views
381
Goro
Goro
S
How high should I reach?
Replies
8
Views
797
dial1010usa
D
BayerischeMotorenWerke
  • Locked
Should I defer my acceptance to a DO school to apply to MD schools next year?
Replies
5
Views
1K
BayerischeMotorenWerke
BayerischeMotorenWerke
S
What DO schools should I be applying to as a texas applicant?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Goro
Goro
WoeBot62
Too many red flags, not entirely sure what my next steps should be.
Replies
5
Views
2K
WoeBot62
WoeBot62
Top