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

[hardcore]

---

Members don't see this ad.

We don't have any DO's here in Ontario, as far as I know. My friend is an Osteopathic Doctor in Montreal, but that is different than the one's in America.

My LOR is from an internal meds MD whom I shadowed for many hours, my grad. school supervisor (who is also the head of the research institute where I did my master's, and a professor in the med. school), a professor from two of my undergrad courses...I can also get another few MD's..but I'm not sure what else I need here?

I've also been in the OR during a total hip replacement procedure, observed lots of interventional radiology stuff, and worked with many docs during my master's.

soo...not sure what to do about the DO situation...

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Sounds like you have a nice application, barring the uGPA, which many people have overcome in the past. I don't know how DO schools are about Canadian admissions. I guess I'd check on their policies, but I don't see a reason why not to apply. Have you begun AACOMAS yet?

 

[hardcore]

I'm not sure how nice it is...I haven't shadowed any DO docs at all...

>>Have you begun AACOMAS yet?
no, I haven't. What are the deadlines? I still need to find out which schools will take a Canadian with my marks/MCAT/experience.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I'm not sure how nice it is...I haven't shadowed any DO docs at all...

>>Have you begun AACOMAS yet?
no, I haven't. What are the deadlines? I still need to find out which schools will take a Canadian with my marks/MCAT/experience.

Right, but if you can't shadow one, then you can't. You can always read a few books like The DOs or A.T. Still's stuff to get perspective and history. Check out the CIB here, for deadlines and facts. Find out about your Canadian status and how that will affect you ASAP! The application opened nearly 2 months ago. You're not late, but you need to get your stuff together, now.

 

[hardcore]

ok, thanks for the tip. Is there any way to figure out the schools which would accept me with my credentials?

 

[Chocolate Bear]

ok, thanks for the tip. Is there any way to figure out the schools which would accept me with my credentials?

The only credentials in question are your residency status, GPA, and lack of a DO LOR. The CIB should give insight into these, as well as the individual schools' website. Email the schools if it's unclear or looks like you won't have a shot but are really interested in that particular school. Good luck!

 

[ultramman]

I know this is a common question - but I am just wondering how I may stand as an applicant.

Off the bat I take my MCAT August 5th - I am hoping I can score what I've been averaging ( 8 PS, 11 VR, 9 BS ).

My cumulative GPA is only 3.06. Due to being a ******ed freshman a long time ago! But my science GPA is a 3.79. My overall grades have a huge upward trend. Like [(2.0, 2.4, computer science) (3.7, 4.0, 4.0, 4.0. Dual major Biology/Chemistry)]

My EC's are average - around 100 - 150 hours of clinical exposure ( MD's and Orthopedic surgeon, NO DO's the closest DO to me is like 200 miles away!) And other EC's involving community stuff ( several hundred hours).

I am also an old man -- 29 ( non traditional) -- working as a manager for the last 8 years for a large company ( hoping the leadership exposure will work in my favor) Any opinions would be much appreciated!

 

[BlinkUnquiet]

Here are my stats
2 medical withdrawals,3 F's from Incompletes
I am applying broadly to MD and DO .

What are my chances at D.O school
My science GPA according to 3.59 and for Non Science 3.6
I took the MCAT on June 13(Friday 13th) could range from 25-32
Lets say I got a 25,what are my chances

Also what's the best osteopathic medicine program around

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Regardless of what you get on the MCAT, you're going to have some explaining to do about those F's. If you have a viable reason (e.g., medical), you'll probably be fine.

Look around at the schools' websites to get a feel for them. There isn't a "best". TCOM is probably the most MD-like, in terms of funding and research, and PCOM has a big (and well-deserved) reputation around here too. But there are a lot of good ones, and there are some new schools that it may be hard to tell about them. But most of them seem to be doing everything right so far.

So do some homework, and bring us some more specific questions.


Posted via Mobile Device

 

[mons86]

Hi, I am just wondering.....everyone is going around saying apply early, apply early!..........but *exactly* when is early? I mean I know the application process opened up back in May 1, so is it kinda late right now to have that advantage of applying early? I had a big fuss with my school's registrar, who supposedly lost my transcript requests, and then found it when I called to ask about it the second time......so I was in a lot of mess and couldn't really apply "early".........so now I am having a sort of a nervous breakdown 😱 thinking its not really early anymore....tons of ppl probably submitted their apps already....and those thoughts really scare me. SO, my question is, if I submit my app before July (the transcript should get there around July 1st), will I be alright? Will I be considered to have applied "early?"......thank you for helping


here are my stats: 26 on the Mcat, retaking it for the 3rd time this august, God willing, because my verbal is wayy too low.....and a 3.6 overall (3.5 sci) gpa. So watcha' think?

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Hi, I am just wondering.....everyone is going around saying apply early, apply early!..........but *exactly* when is early? I mean I know the application process opened up back in May 1, so is it kinda late right now to have that advantage of applying early? I had a big fuss with my school's registrar, who supposedly lost my transcript requests, and then found it when I called to ask about it the second time......so I was in a lot of mess and couldn't really apply "early".........so now I am having a sort of a nervous breakdown 😱 thinking its not really early anymore....tons of ppl probably submitted their apps already....and those thoughts really scare me. SO, my question is, if I submit my app before July (the transcript should get there around July 1st), will I be alright? Will I be considered to have applied "early?"......thank you for helping


here are my stats: 26 on the Mcat, retaking it for the 3rd time this august, God willing, because my verbal is wayy too low.....and a 3.6 overall (3.5 sci) gpa. So watcha' think?

I think that the time you wasted typing that post should have been used to work on aacomas. You're still early, and early application will help you much more than a few points on the MCAT. Get that **** submitted yesterday.

 

[slim78]

Hi, I am just wondering.....everyone is going around saying apply early, apply early!..........but *exactly* when is early? I mean I know the application process opened up back in May 1, so is it kinda late right now to have that advantage of applying early? I had a big fuss with my school's registrar, who supposedly lost my transcript requests, and then found it when I called to ask about it the second time......so I was in a lot of mess and couldn't really apply "early".........so now I am having a sort of a nervous breakdown 😱 thinking its not really early anymore....tons of ppl probably submitted their apps already....and those thoughts really scare me. SO, my question is, if I submit my app before July (the transcript should get there around July 1st), will I be alright? Will I be considered to have applied "early?"......thank you for helping


here are my stats: 26 on the Mcat, retaking it for the 3rd time this august, God willing, because my verbal is wayy too low.....and a 3.6 overall (3.5 sci) gpa. So watcha' think?

When I applied (last cycle) I didn't get my doctor LOR until January. I didn't think I could submit secondary apps without having my LOR in so I didn't get those in until January (this was before I knew about SDN... I was clueless).

I ended up getting an interview invite for every DO school I submitted a secondary to and acceptances at both of the schools I decided to interview at.

Applying early is DEFINITELY the best way to go, but if you simply can't, it isn't the end of the world.

 

[Montana girl]

I recommend applying early (gives you a better chance to get interviews since most schools have rolling admissions), but I didn't get my app. in until Oct. and did not get it certified until the middle of Nov. I interviewed at my top three choices and was accepted into all three. So it is not impossable if you apply later.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

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)?

I had a bad PS and low ECs. the caregiving and my cancer program volunteering and extra shadowing should fix that. My first app cycle my application was late, had a 32 not a 37... and my app was a mess... last year was low on clinical experience... I think I finally have a good package....

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

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

I am. I've really liked the DOs I've met, so I don't care either MD or DO for me. I'm applying to 30 schools this year and am determined to get in.

 

[fitchguy316]

My scores are terrible. I know I can do better, I had a lack of studying and nervousness to say the least. I got a 20 on the MCAT. Should I retake again in a month (and study like crazy for a month) or go ahead and apply now? Is it even POSSIBLE to get into a D.O., M.D., or Caribbean school with a score such as that? If I submit my app, but not my scores, would that be better? My GPA is a 3.4 (Freshmen year;()

Thanks.

 

[Eudjinn]

Unfortunately, a 20 MCAT is not high enough for certain school's automatic cutoffs and is certainly not high enough to be competitive. People do get in with low 20's MCAT scores, but usually they apply broadly, very early, have stellar GPA's offsetting the MCAT score and great EC's/personalities with wonderful interviewing skills.

My suggestion would be to take the MCAT over and hope for a 24+. You really need at least a 26 these days to be moderately competitive at most DO schools.

Good luck

 

[Eudjinn]

I forgot to mention that you should still apply and note that you are retaking the MCAT. Schools may wait for your 2nd score before evaluating your application.

 

[spicedmanna]

My scores are terrible. I know I can do better, I had a lack of studying and nervousness to say the least. I got a 20 on the MCAT. Should I retake again in a month (and study like crazy for a month) or go ahead and apply now? Is it even POSSIBLE to get into a D.O., M.D., or Caribbean school with a score such as that? If I submit my app, but not my scores, would that be better? My GPA is a 3.4 (Freshmen year;()

Thanks.

Well, take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I think a 20 is too low. Take the appropriate time to regroup and change your study habits. Retake the MCAT when you are scoring in the mid to upper twenties reliably on practice tests.

 

[a817]

I forgot to mention that you should still apply and note that you are retaking the MCAT. Schools may wait for your 2nd score before evaluating your application.

even if you take the mcat in sept DO schools will look at you. That will give you 2 and a half solid months to study. You definately need to retake the mcat. Dont panic, Dont think negative, pretend you never took the mcat and start studying now.

 

[RySerr21]

YAY! i finally get to post in this thread. You can see all my ECs on my mdapps but just a quick stats overview:

MCAT - 28R
overall GPA - 3.78
science GPA -3.64

2 DO letters - one from ortho surgeon from Des Moines and one family practice/OMM from Western

I submitted my AACOMAS June 11th, so will be verified soon hopefully. I feel that I am very competitive, but also know that there are many other pepole applying who are also competitive and that there are no gaurantees. The following schools I choose becuase there was at least something about them that made me say "WOW i could see myself going here." Any other school i add would be simply to "apply broadly." I would hate to sell myself short and have to apply another cycle. So, these are my schools in no particular order. The question is should I add more schools to apply broadly and maximize my chances or do you think I will be fine as is.

Western
Des Moines
Touro-CA
Nova
LECOM
AZCOM
NYCOM

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

YAY! i finally get to post in this thread. You can see all my ECs on my mdapps but just a quick stats overview:

MCAT - 28R
overall GPA - 3.78
science GPA -3.64

The question is should I add more schools to apply broadly and maximize my chances or do you think I will be fine as is.

Western
Des Moines
Touro-CA
Nova
LECOM
AZCOM
NYCOM

Good stats. Might be a small list... If you can afford it, I would pick out a few more schools that you might like (maybe 3-5 more?)

But I'm also a guy who'se gonna apply to 6 DO and 24 MD programs...

I think you are very competitive and I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Fp02c]

.

 

[engineeredout]

My advice would be make that font bigger.

 

[CrewBHB]

Good stats. Might be a small list... If you can afford it, I would pick out a few more schools that you might like (maybe 3-5 more?)

But I'm also a guy who'se gonna apply to 6 DO and 24 MD programs...

I think you are very competitive and I wish you the best of luck.

Got you beat, 13 DO schools and 25 MD programs.

I have a 3.69 GPA with 3.6 science, and a 29P (12P-9B-8V). Over 1000 hrs EMS experience and shadowed 2 doctors (1 DO). Letter packet is decent, but letters are from Summer 2006, and the DO doctor is writing a LOR for me soon to add to the letter packet from my undergrad school. My degree was in engineering.

What does everyone think?

 

[FiredUp2k]

I just found out my MCAT score, and I wasn't too happy w/ the VR section (see below). I'm considering retaking it, but I'm concerned about timing and whether or not I'm going to be able to raise the score significantly, since VR has always been my Achilles Heel. Looking at it realistically, it may not be a good idea since I'm really busy this summer too.

I'm also pressed for time cause I want to send in my primary for BOTH MD and DO schools before the end of the month, and I was thinking the soonest I could retake the MCAT is Aug 22nd. I don't think I'll mind going to a DO school (even though some of my friends are trying to dissuade me), but I'm still hoping I can reach for the MD. Any advice?

Here are my stats:
UG GPA: 3.2
Post-bacc GPA: 3.64

April 2007 MCAT: 10 PS, 7 VR, 8 BS = 25Q
May 2008 MCAT: 10 PS, 5 VR, 13 BS = 28Q

I don't know WTH happened... maybe I freaked out or something. I doubt that I have a chance for MD schools, but maybe DO's will be a little more kind? I've also got a bunch of EC's... volunteering, work, clinical, research... all that jazz.

 

[Fp02c]

ok.. I fixed the font.. I dont knwo how that happend...

 

[JaggerPlate]

I just found out my MCAT score, and I wasn't too happy w/ the VR section (see below). I'm considering retaking it, but I'm concerned about timing and whether or not I'm going to be able to raise the score significantly, since VR has always been my Achilles Heel. Looking at it realistically, it may not be a good idea since I'm really busy this summer too.

I'm also pressed for time cause I want to send in my primary for BOTH MD and DO schools before the end of the month, and I was thinking the soonest I could retake the MCAT is Aug 22nd. I don't think I'll mind going to a DO school (even though some of my friends are trying to dissuade me), but I'm still hoping I can reach for the MD. Any advice?

Here are my stats:
UG GPA: 3.2
Post-bacc GPA: 3.64

April 2007 MCAT: 10 PS, 7 VR, 8 BS = 25Q
May 2008 MCAT: 10 PS, 5 VR, 13 BS = 28Q

I don't know WTH happened... maybe I freaked out or something. I doubt that I have a chance for MD schools, but maybe DO's will be a little more kind? I've also got a bunch of EC's... volunteering, work, clinical, research... all that jazz.

A 28 would make you competitive at most DO schools (especially with your post-bacc) and even some MD. However, a lot of schools have a minimum of a 6 in each MCAT section cut off. You should check this out. Also, remember that DO schools aren't a safety net for MD runoff ... they take quality applicants and I think you should change your attitude a little (towards DO schools) for interviewing and such. I'm not telling you to start worshiping OMM, but using it as such a backup will show through in interviews and make you look bad. If it's the MD you want, it's the MD you want and there isn't any other degree that will solve that.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

A 28 would make you competitive at most DO schools (especially with your post-bacc) and even some MD. However, a lot of schools have a minimum of a 6 in each MCAT section cut off. You should check this out. Also, remember that DO schools aren't a safety net for MD runoff ... they take quality applicants and I think you should change your attitude a little (towards DO schools) for interviewing and such. I'm not telling you to start worshiping OMM, but using it as such a backup will show through in interviews and make you look bad. If it's the MD you want, it's the MD you want and there isn't any other degree that will solve that.

What he said.

Also look for schools that cherrypick the best scores (MD and DO!!!) and those would consider you a 31!!!!

 

[Tgi87]

Also look for schools that cherrypick the best scores (MD and DO!!!) and those would consider you a 31!!!!

that would be a 30. 10 + 7 + 13 = 30. but yeah, the 13 is great and the 10 is not bad, so there is a good chance!!

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

that would be a 30. 10 + 7 + 13 = 30. but yeah, the 13 is great and the 10 is not bad, so there is a good chance!!

John bad at math.

John mad.

John smash.

 

[FiredUp2k]

that would be a 30. 10 + 7 + 13 = 30. but yeah, the 13 is great and the 10 is not bad, so there is a good chance!!

Thanks guys... the encouragement helps. I've been moping around all afternoon... thank you for the support. It's good to know that there's a slimmer of hope. I think I'm still going to retake it in August, even though I'm out of practice now.

Btw, anyone know where I can find those schools that might cherrypick the best scores instead of the composite (if they exist?)?

 

[DrMattOglesby]

has anybody applied in a previous cycle and been rejected because one section of their MCAT was too low?
I'm concerned cause I got a 6 in physical sciences...again.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

has anybody applied in a previous cycle and been rejected because one section of their MCAT was too low?
I'm concerned cause I got a 6 in physical sciences...again.

That sucks, man, especially since PS is useless after the MCAT is over. Nice improvement in the other two sections, though!

 

[tourniquet1963]

Help me out guys..

Do i still have any shot in hell at DO schools:

MCAT Last year: V: 8 P: 9 B: 10 M Total = 27
MCAT This year: V: 6 P: 10 B: 9 L Total = 25

Look at medapps for the schools i applied to.

 

[a817]

Help me out guys..

Do i still have any shot in hell at DO schools:

MCAT Last year: V: 8 P: 9 B: 10 M Total = 27
MCAT This year: V: 6 P: 10 B: 9 L Total = 25

Look at medapps for the schools i applied to.

i said in the mcat forum, dont send your second score to the schools, it will only hurt you. The 27 is a competitive score. I would be shocked that you dont hear anything form nycom and tourocom since you are a ny resident and applied early.

 

[tourniquet1963]

i said in the mcat forum, dont send your second score to the schools, it will only hurt you. The 27 is a competitive score. I would be shocked that you dont hear anything form nycom and tourocom since you are a ny resident and applied early.

they wont find out? I spoke to my Mcat advisor.. she said its LYING and they will find out.. but when i called AACOMAS they said it depends on the school...

i havent sent the scores to aacomas.. but amcas obviously gets them right away..

thanks a bunch for the help.

 

[a817]

they wont find out? I spoke to my Mcat advisor.. she said its LYING and they will find out.. but when i called AACOMAS they said it depends on the school...

i havent sent the scores to aacomas.. but amcas obviously gets them right away..

thanks a bunch for the help.

you called amcas up and they said that? I would try to find someone in the forum who was in a similar position. Did you indicate on the aacomas file that you are a retake? If you did then i guess you have to send it. From my understanding you send the scores to aacomas, they ant request it. Even with the 25, you still are still competitive ( i think nycom and touro com average was around 27).

I would make a seperate thread and see if anyone else before didnt send their new scores

 

[tourniquet1963]

you called amcas up and they said that? I would try to find someone in the forum who was in a similar position. Did you indicate on the aacomas file that you are a retake? If you did then i guess you have to send it. From my understanding you send the scores to aacomas, they ant request it. Even with the 25, you still are still competitive ( i think nycom and touro com average was around 27).

I would make a seperate thread and see if anyone else before didnt send their new scores

NO NO NO.. i did NOT specify on AACOMAS that i would take again (they only have my last year's score)..and no future plans to retake.. But i called aacomas to verify if thats alright to do, eventhough i actually did take it again... and they said "you would have to report the second MCAT score if the school requires you to".. so basically its school specific... obviously i rather not tell them about the retake.

 

[a817]

NO NO NO.. i did NOT specify on AACOMAS that i would take again (they only have my last year's score)..and no future plans to retake.. But i called aacomas to verify if thats alright to do, eventhough i actually did take it again... and they said "you would have to report the second MCAT score if the school requires you to".. so basically its school specific... obviously i rather not tell them about the retake.

hmm thats a judgment call, i still dont see how the schools will know that you retook it, but it definately safer reporting the score. I would call the schools you applied to ask them which mcat do they look at. The most recent one, the best score or the best in each section (which will be a 28 for you). Ask them if you have a lower score the second time around how much will it hurt you. Tell them you haven't applied yet for anonymity purposes. 😉

 

[tourniquet1963]

hmm thats a judgment call, i still dont see how the schools will know that you retook it, but it definately safer reporting the score. I would call the schools you applied to ask them which mcat do they look at. The most recent one, the best score or the best in each section (which will be a 28 for you). Ask them if you have a lower score the second time around how much will it hurt you. Tell them you haven't applied yet for anonymity purposes. 😉

thanks so much, you've been an awesome help.. ill call the DO schools now!!

 

[tourniquet1963]

so i spoke to NYCOM.. they said they suggest submitting both.. and that my 25 is still in the "ballpark"..

PCOM says you have to submit both and an 8 in each section to be competitive

my question is how do they enforce this.. esp for applicants who have submitted.. maybe they let guilt do its thing.

 

[a817]

so i spoke to NYCOM.. they said they suggest submitting both.. and that my 25 is still in the "ballpark"..

PCOM says you have to submit both and an 8 in each section to be competitive

my question is how do they enforce this.. esp for applicants who have submitted.. maybe they let guilt do its thing.

yea i wouldn't worry about nycom too much, just show them you care. Did any school tell you which score they will look at more closely? It is your call, no one can make the call for you. Hopefully someone who was in your position will tell you their experience. Good luck with everything.

if it helps i interviewed at erie, tourocom and nycom (3 school you applied to) with the same gpa as you and a 26 mcat (same in sciences and 7 in verbal). I also took the mcat in January, and schools received my mcat 1st week in march and that when i started interviewing.

 

[tourniquet1963]

yea i wouldn't worry about nycom too much, just show them you care. Did any school tell you which score they will look at more closely? It is your call, no one can make the call for you. Hopefully someone who was in your position will tell you their experience. Good luck with everything.

if it helps i interviewed at erie, tourocom and nycom (3 school you applied to) with the same gpa as you and a 26 mcat (same in sciences and 7 in verbal). I also took the mcat in January, and schools received my mcat 1st week in march and that when i started interviewing.

so where are you going to be come this fall? Touro?

you've been a great help.

i called all the schools and most of them said they consider the higher score anyway. I will talk this over with my advisor on monday and make the call then.

Thanks again!

 

[a817]

so where are you going to be come this fall? Touro?

you've been a great help.

i called all the schools and most of them said they consider the higher score anyway. I will talk this over with my advisor on monday and make the call then.

Thanks again!

I am still hoping for nycom, i am on the waitlist. I definately shot my self in the foot by the late mcat. If not there, then touro

 

[tourniquet1963]

I am still hoping for nycom, i am on the waitlist. I definately shot my self in the foot by the late mcat. If not there, then touro

best of luck, at least you're in somewhere!

 

[dangit]

-

 

[chromosomeone]

Hi, I would like opinions on if I will get into DO schools if I apply broadly?

Science GPA 3.80
Cumulative GPA 3.80
MCAT 23Q 🙁
Work in an ER, awesome LOR's, TA positions, RA position, neuroscience research with my paper published, volunteering/shadowing..

Everything looks so good, except my MCAT. I have registered to retake it, but my bio was a 10 and the others didn't fair as well. My question is: If I do not score much better on the next MCAT I take, will I still get into DO schools if I apply broadly? I know averages are ~25... but 23 sucks!

 

[a817]

Hi, I would like opinions on if I will get into DO schools if I apply broadly?

Science GPA 3.80
Cumulative GPA 3.80
MCAT 23Q 🙁
Work in an ER, awesome LOR's, TA positions, RA position, neuroscience research with my paper published, volunteering/shadowing..

Everything looks so good, except my MCAT. I have registered to retake it, but my bio was a 10 and the others didn't fair as well. My question is: If I do not score much better on the next MCAT I take, will I still get into DO schools if I apply broadly? I know averages are ~25... but 23 sucks!

You can get lucky with a 23, but it is not advisable. I would retake. i think even 2-3 points will make a lot of difference.

 

[chromosomeone]

I am retaking. However, I am just wondering what might happen if I don't get higher than my original. Is 23 unlikely for DO even with a higher gpa? I thought I'd be okay getting in SOMEWHERE... hmm.