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

[TexasTriathlete]

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Submit ASAP. Early application will be a bigger factor for you than those extra classes, and yes, you can send the updates to aacomas. I would suggest you also send an e-mail to each school you apply to and tell them what you got, and to check aacomas for verification.

you've definitely got a shot. Get that **** submitted yesterday.

Yes, they will probably want to see all your MCAT scores, but don't worry. The 26S isn't that horrible. Could be better, but nobody's going to see it and think you're ******ed or anything.

Posted via Mobile Device

 

[jimmy87]

Hi
Cum GPA = 3.159
Sci GPA = 3.012
Lots of community service and volunteer work
Low MCAT score but retaking it in Aug...
Shadowed couple of doctors
Been doing research for two years
publised abstract

Please let me know if i have any chances of getting in DO schools

 

[mcp5016]

Alright, I am scared to death. I have a pretty strong application aside from my clinical hours (1 day DO family physician, 1 day MD oncologist). I talked to my pre-med advisor and he said I should just apply with what I have. I started calling hospitals so that I could voluntter and get those clinical hours. WHAT SHOULD I DO?? Apply now or wait till I get those experiences?

 

[Jpc984]

Alright, I am scared to death. I have a pretty strong application aside from my clinical hours (1 day DO family physician, 1 day MD oncologist). I talked to my pre-med advisor and he said I should just apply with what I have. I started calling hospitals so that I could voluntter and get those clinical hours. WHAT SHOULD I DO?? Apply now or wait till I get those experiences?

Have you been a patient? Did you like how the docs treated you? Have any of your family members been sick and oyu had to spend time in the hospital?

Also, how strong is your other stats?

 

[RySerr21]

Hey guys, Im working on AACOMAS right now. On average, how many schools does a DO applicant apply to? How many schools should I apply to - mcat 27, non sci-3.44, sci - 3.77, overall -3.68? Where can i find gpa/mcat statistics for schools to compare my stats? Also, what exactly should we discuss in the PS - I'm so used to having more direction - ?

thanks guys

OP, my stats are pretty similar to yours ( my science GPA is lower but my non science GPA is higher so its pretty close) and I am expecting an MCAT arond a 27. I'm also a cali resident and i applied to 7 DO schools, all of which are listed on my mdapps. I dont konw how badly you want to stay in cali, but Western is a great choice if that is something you wish. I applied to Touro-CA but is not one of my top choices, its mainlny on my list b/c its in California. Other schools outside of cali that really impressed me were DMU, NYCOM, and NOVA. good luck.

 

[Rainingstairs]

I am taking my MCAT July 18th. I'll pretty much have everything else ready to go except my MCAT...my the time they get my scores (around mid August I'm thinking ) will it already be considered "late" in the application cycle?

Much thanks!

 

[mcp5016]

Have you been a patient? Did you like how the docs treated you? Have any of your family members been sick and oyu had to spend time in the hospital?

Also, how strong is your other stats?

I have asthma and was hospitalized alot up until I was 12 years old, I never really considered that as clinical hours...I like your style. You can check out my mdapps for my stats. And I definitely had sick family members. Thanks alot, I never really thought about it like that.

 

[Jpc984]

you have good volunteer hours... I like how you worked with the mentally disabled children. Were there psychiatrists around there that you could see interacting with the kids?

 

[a817]

I am taking my MCAT July 18th. I'll pretty much have everything else ready to go except my MCAT...my the time they get my scores (around mid August I'm thinking ) will it already be considered "late" in the application cycle?

Much thanks!

no, just apply now and wait for your scores to get back and send them to aacomas

 

[mcp5016]

you have good volunteer hours... I like how you worked with the mentally disabled children. Were there psychiatrists around there that you could see interacting with the kids?

No, it was in the gym at my campus. I am still going to apply for volunteer hours at the local community hospital, I just learned that it is connected to LECOM so maybe that will help me out. But I just sent in both my primaries and now I wait for my MCAT scores and transcripts. I can't wait to be done.

 

[Jpc984]

No, it was in the gym at my campus. I am still going to apply for volunteer hours at the local community hospital, I just learned that it is connected to LECOM so maybe that will help me out. But I just sent in both my primaries and now I wait for my MCAT scores and transcripts. I can't wait to be done.

yeah. I wouldn't wait either. gl!

 

[Shanf7]

I'm really confused about where to apply...I took MCAT in past and got 26 and have 3.53 Science GPA and 3.63 cGPA. Should I apply to top schools? I'm confused and how many should I apply?

The only school I have so far I'm planning to apply to is VCOM as I live in VA.

 

[slim78]

I'm really confused about where to apply...I took MCAT in past and got 26 and have 3.53 Science GPA and 3.63 cGPA. Should I apply to top schools? I'm confused and how many should I apply?

The only school I have so far I'm planning to apply to is VCOM as I live in VA.

What top schools? DO schools aren't ranked. What exactly do you mean?

Sounds like you are interested in staying near your home. In that case, this map should help.

http://stewartpierson.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=76&Itemid=144

 

[Jpc984]

I'm really confused about where to apply...I took MCAT in past and got 26 and have 3.53 Science GPA and 3.63 cGPA. Should I apply to top schools? I'm confused and how many should I apply?

The only school I have so far I'm planning to apply to is VCOM as I live in VA.

You have good stats for all of the DO schools! If you apply early you should get a lot of interviews (assuming your ec's and clinical experience) are decent. I apply to the schools you could see yourself going to.

 

[engineeredout]

Would an appropriate reason for not using your school's premed committee be that it would take too long to get yourself processed and you don't want to end up being late in the process?

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Would an appropriate reason for not using your school's premed committee be that it would take too long to get yourself processed and you don't want to end up being late in the process?

Seems reasonable to me. To whom are you justifying this decision?

 

[whateva07]

sounds good

 

[Shanf7]

You have good stats for all of the DO schools! If you apply early you should get a lot of interviews (assuming your ec's and clinical experience) are decent. I apply to the schools you could see yourself going to.

Cool. I'm having a hard time trying to decide how to pick the schools. How do I figure out which DO schools are right for me? Anyone have any suggestions for specific schools..and what u like about them

 

[Shanf7]

I'll favor NE schools, or schools out in CA or in great locations.

 

[engineeredout]

Seems reasonable to me. To whom are you justifying this decision?

I mean if I were to apply soon instead of next year like I was originally thinking. If I were to go to my premed committee now, they'd probably bitch about me doing so late, and I know from other people they make you go through such a harassing procedure involving interviews with the committee itself etc...

I know that med schools want to see stuff from your premed committee if you have one, but I was just wondering how essential this really was.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I'll favor NE schools, or schools out in CA or in great locations.

Then put those at the top of the list, and you can decide later if you want to keep them. For the others, start with the 2009 CIB and the schools' websites. Look at teaching style (didactic vs. PBL), class size, school location, etc. Nobody can answer all of these questions, unbiasedly, about so many schools. You're gonna have to do research with your background/opinions/specifics in mind.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I mean if I were to apply soon instead of next year like I was originally thinking. If I were to go to my premed committee now, they'd probably bitch about me doing so late, and I know from other people they make you go through such a harassing procedure involving interviews with the committee itself etc...

I know that med schools want to see stuff from your premed committee if you have one, but I was just wondering how essential this really was.

Well schools who say that they require a premed committee letter REQUIRE it. Other than that, it's not essential, but more like a lot of hoops to jump through and fluff to add to your "packet." FYI schools I interviewed at said they never looked at any HPAC interview results and other garbage they sent. I'd be prepared to ask the HPAC office for some sort of quick letter for schools that require it though. If they won't be willing to do this unless you go through the HPAC process, then call the schools and see if this will fly. If not, reevaluate your forgoing HPAC.

Good luck!

 

[Shanf7]

well I guess I shall reword my question..."Which DO schools are renowned?" I'm trying to see some opinions also just to have some schools to start looking into...

...bc I'm just looking at them, having a hard time figuring out which ones to look at even

 

[Chocolate Bear]

well I guess I shall reword my question..."Which DO schools are renowned?" I'm trying to see some opinions also just to have some schools to start looking into...

...bc I'm just looking at them, having a hard time figuring out which ones to look at even

Well the word "renowned" leads down an ugly path. Do a search on SDN for top DO schools. They all look the same yet somehow different since it's mostly just biased opinions.

Start here and read about each school while referring to the map on pg. 7 to see if that state/region/climate is acceptable.

 

[st2205]

I'm worried that my clinical experience may be a little thin. I've got about 75 hours in a mental health setting and 45 hours shadowing different physicians. I have a 3.47 and 3.42 science and yet to take the MCAT.

 

[slim78]

I'm worried that my clinical experience may be a little thin. I've got about 75 hours in a mental health setting and 45 hours shadowing different physicians. I have a 3.47 and 3.42 science and yet to take the MCAT.

Doesn't sound thin to me.

 

[st2205]

Doesn't sound thin to me.

I'm not sure. I know the shadowing is a pretty good amount, but I'm concerned the mental health volunteer work may be viewed as just simply volunteer work. Just have a bit of anxiety because I couldn't afford to have a healthcare job nor could I afford to volunteer a lot.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I'm not sure. I know the shadowing is a pretty good amount, but I'm concerned the mental health volunteer work may be viewed as just simply volunteer work. Just have a bit of anxiety because I couldn't afford to have a healthcare job nor could I afford to volunteer a lot.

Seems like you have two options then. Submit this year or wait a year. If you couldn't get more--often useless--volunteer hours, then such is life. If they ask you about it, just say you couldn't b/c of ____. This alone doesn't sound like a reason not to apply. You can always try to get more EC padding between now and interviews and send an update letter. BTW if it had to do with patients, you should emphasize it as clinical experience.

 

[st2205]

Seems like you have two options then. Submit this year or wait a year. If you couldn't get more--often useless--volunteer hours, then such is life. If they ask you about it, just say you couldn't b/c of ____. This alone doesn't sound like a reason not to apply. You can always try to get more EC padding between now and interviews and send an update letter. BTW if it had to do with patients, you should emphasize it as clinical experience.

I've already submitted. The only variable in my application is the MCAT that I'm taking July 8th. Just getting a bit of anxiety about everything.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I've already submitted. The only variable in my application is the MCAT that I'm taking July 8th. Just getting a bit of anxiety about everything.

Try to resist. Find something else to occupy your mind, along with studying MCAT. The waiting game is a psychological killer.

 

[slim78]

I've already submitted. The only variable in my application is the MCAT that I'm taking July 8th. Just getting a bit of anxiety about everything.

You do well enough on the MCAT and I promise you this will not be an issue at all.

 

[niranjan162]

hey guys,

Gonna submit soon probably sunday, just wanted to get an opinion first just in case

GPA: 3.1
sGPA: 3.13

Working on getting a DO letter, my other letters are probably average

-EMT for 2 years school and at home
-in a community service frat
-a pre med club
-300 hours of shadowing (was shadowing my dad so I was doing 24 hours shifts)
-a few other things.
-didn't do any research.

taking the mcat july 10th, most likely wont get below a 27, 29 is my average practice test score (AAMC).

GPA has a good upward trend. 3.50 and 3.60 my last 2 semesters. (Got an a A in biochem and A- in biochem 2, heard med school like biochem alot).


applying to UMDNJ-IS, PCOM- pa and georgia, CCOM, LECOM-pa and bradenton, NYCOM, Touro-NY, LMU, AZCOM,

any others you guys recommend.

Thanks alot, really appreciate this. 🙂

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

GPA: 3.57 sGPA
3.67 cGPA
3.73 graduateGPA

MCAT: 37

PROS: Did well academically in a graduate program. Cancer program volunteer. oodles of hours as a psychotherapist-in-training

CONS: Left my grad program without a degree (but for good reason and with a letter of rec from my advisor). 2 x MD app cycles without acceptance. Applying again including DO because I know more about it and the word on the street is they are more accepting of non-trads.

So, I feel this cycle should be good for me (increased clinical exposure and caregiving to my disabled mother).

Here's my list and I'm bad with the DO abbreviations for now...:

TUCOM-CA
PCOM
NYCOM
CCOM/MWU
UMDNJ-SOM
Western U/COMP

 

[Dr.Jay]

overall GPA: 3.06 (strong upward trend)
science GPA: 3.47
decent ECs

I took the mcat in january but retaking this august...if say I get a 24, do I stand a chance?

 

[Revilla]

I'm in the middle of applying myself so I don't know how much I know, but just based on the research I've done, niranjan162, I'd say you're okay. Do you have any other clinical exposure besides with your dad? Some schools require a DO letter and I think one from someone other than your father might be better.

JWLuiza, with a 37 MCAT and a 3.6 undergrad GPA, why were you rejected the other two cycles? Did any school tell you the reasoning? How much clinical experience do you have (outside of caring for your mother)?

Dr.Jay, aim higher than a 24 so you won't have to sweat it out. Your science GPA is fine, but your undergrad is a little low. Balance it out with a higher MCAT if you can. None of this is a sure thing. Even with outstanding stats, it's hit-or-miss with schools so give yourself every advantage.

 

[niranjan162]

Thanks Revilla,

Yea I'm getting a DO letter from someone else. Shadowing my dad just gave me the opportunity to do full shifts. I don't think many other drs. would want to hang out with some premed for a whole 24 hours

 

[Tgi87]

GPA: 3.57 sGPA
3.67 cGPA
3.73 graduateGPA

MCAT: 37

PROS: Did well academically in a graduate program. Cancer program volunteer. oodles of hours as a psychotherapist-in-training

CONS: Left my grad program without a degree (but for good reason and with a letter of rec from my advisor). 2 x MD app cycles without acceptance. Applying again including DO because I know more about it and the word on the street is they are more accepting of non-trads.

So, I feel this cycle should be good for me (increased clinical exposure and caregiving to my disabled mother).

Here's my list and I'm bad with the DO abbreviations for now...:

TUCOM-CA
PCOM
NYCOM
CCOM/MWU
UMDNJ-SOM
Western U/COMP

With that MCAT you should just go ahead and apply for MD!

 

[roc]

Thanks Revilla,

Yea I'm getting a DO letter from someone else. Shadowing my dad just gave me the opportunity to do full shifts. I don't think many other drs. would want to hang out with some premed for a whole 24 hours

you dont have to do full shifts. Just go for couple of hours every week or two. that will make it more flexible for other doctors. I suggest a busy FP DO practice with evening or weekend hours. those shifts tend to cover more patients in a smaller time period.

 

[mcp5016]

Now that I have compared myself to everyone-and become completely addicted to all things studentdoctor.net- I think that I need to apply to more schools. I was hoping to stay in PA, but more and more I am fearing the worst. So what other schools should I apply to? I do want to stay close to PA. I am thinking of only applying to DO schools, so which are more accepting of oos? You can check out my mdapps if you want my stats. Thanks in advance...This site makes people neurotic, doesn't it? lol

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I don't think this site makes people neurotic. I think that neurotic people make this site.

And don't just apply in PA. Even if you really want to stay in PA, don't limit yourself. You should explore your options, at least at a few other places. Applying to just two schools is not safe.

Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Now that I have compared myself to everyone-and become completely addicted to all things studentdoctor.net- I think that I need to apply to more schools. I was hoping to stay in PA, but more and more I am fearing the worst. So what other schools should I apply to? I do want to stay close to PA. I am thinking of only applying to DO schools, so which are more accepting of oos? You can check out my mdapps if you want my stats. Thanks in advance...This site makes people neurotic, doesn't it? lol

Check out the map on page 7. Apply to the ones within an acceptable distance, at least.

 

[Tgi87]

I don't think this site makes people neurotic. I think that neurotic people make this site.

Posted via Mobile Device

Very well said my friend!!

 

[kdmt7]

Science GPA- 3.33
Cum GPA- 3.5
MCAT- 26O (I had a 21 before retaking)

currently volunteer at Emergency room-50+ hours
Shadowed a DO for 10 hours
Volunteer clinician for a perceptual motor development clinic- 50 hours
Work 30 hours a week as a supervisor at UPS
success scholarship
should have good letters of rec.

what are my chances if i apply broadly?

 

[a817]

Science GPA- 3.33
Cum GPA- 3.5
MCAT- 26O (I had a 21 before retaking)

currently volunteer at Emergency room-50+ hours
Shadowed a DO for 10 hours
Volunteer clinician for a perceptual motor development clinic- 50 hours
Work 30 hours a week as a supervisor at UPS
success scholarship
should have good letters of rec.

what are my chances if i apply broadly?

if you apply broadly, you will get in somehwere

 

[TinaK22]

some questions-please help.

i have a very high GPA, just received my MCAT scores and am really disappointed. i am planning on retaking first week of august, so scores won't be in till september. is this considered to "late" with DO schools?

Also, i am in the process of finding a DO LoR, rest are done. do you need to list LoR writers on the application, like with AMCAS. thanks.

 

[Rainingstairs]

I was wondering, where on the AP's have people been putting their shadowing exp?

 

[mcp5016]

I was wondering, where on the AP's have people been putting their shadowing exp?

I think the EC's are a good place to put your shadow experience.

 

[a817]

some questions-please help.

i have a very high GPA, just received my MCAT scores and am really disappointed. i am planning on retaking first week of august, so scores won't be in till september. is this considered to "late" with DO schools?

Also, i am in the process of finding a DO LoR, rest are done. do you need to list LoR writers on the application, like with AMCAS. thanks.

apply now, but put your app on hold by stating you will retake the mcat on aacomas, take the mcat in august. Being verified in sept is probably slightly later than average, but it is still doable and if you are strong applicant, you can still get accepted, and most likely will.

 

[hardcore]

Seems like people are pretty helpful here 🙂

Here's my quick story:

-dual degree undergrad (concurrent): Eng & Comp. Sci
-master's in med. biophys. (grad avg: 4.0 counting only the 3 grad. school courses I took...was thesis based).
-publications: 1 and 1 submitted (primary author on both).
-also did a year of course work to pick up some humanities etc at another uni


my total undergrad gpa (including both the year at a different uni and the dual degree): 2.91
MCAT: 30Q (also did another one 3 years ago 25M)

...i'm also from Canada...so any suggestions? what are my chances at DO? I figure I'm out of luck with MD programs due to my lower GPA...

help, as always, is greatly appreciated! 🙂

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Seems like people are pretty helpful here 🙂

Here's my quick story:

-dual degree undergrad (concurrent): Eng & Comp. Sci
-master's in med. biophys. (grad avg: 4.0 counting only the 3 grad. school courses I took...was thesis based).
-publications: 1 and 1 submitted (primary author on both).
-also did a year of course work to pick up some humanities etc at another uni


my total undergrad gpa (including both the year at a different uni and the dual degree): 2.91
MCAT: 30Q (also did another one 3 years ago 25M)

...i'm also from Canada...so any suggestions? what are my chances at DO? I figure I'm out of luck with MD programs due to my lower GPA...

help, as always, is greatly appreciated! 🙂

Sounds like you have a decent shot, except for schools with a higher GPA cutoff. What about clinical experience? LORs? Any experience with DOs?