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

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hello all

I was bio/pre-med in undergrad with a 3.44 cumulative gpa. Just took the MCAt and got a 27Q (8ps, 9bs, 10v). Some experience (approx. 30 hours) shadowing in local ER. Just wanted some feedback as to What my chances for are Osteopathic school? Thanks!
 
roody41 said:
hello all

I was bio/pre-med in undergrad with a 3.44 cumulative gpa. Just took the MCAt and got a 27Q (8ps, 9bs, 10v). Some experience (approx. 30 hours) shadowing in local ER. Just wanted some feedback as to What my chances for are Osteopathic school? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Your numbers are in the "accepted" zone. Some schools require and most would like to see a recommendation letter from a DO, so try to shadow one soon, if possible. Submit your application ASAP.
 
Alright I'd appreciate feedback:

27R (10BS, 9VR, 8PS)
3.6 Science
3.6 Cumulative

Shadowed a flight surgeon for over 40 HRS
1000+ Hours in directed research in OCHEM labs (publication pending, presented poster at American Chemical Society)
500+ Hours as a certified patient care technician at local hospital
Volunteer in ER at hospital at school

I have many others like clubs I am in, other scholarships, etc.

I really want to get into Ohio University as I am from Ohio, so as a OH resident are my chances pretty good?
 
TheGoodGoodTime said:
Alright I'd appreciate feedback:

27R (10BS, 9VR, 8PS)
3.6 Science
3.6 Cumulative

Shadowed a flight surgeon for over 40 HRS
1000+ Hours in directed research in OCHEM labs (publication pending, presented poster at American Chemical Society)
500+ Hours as a certified patient care technician at local hospital
Volunteer in ER at hospital at school

I have many others like clubs I am in, other scholarships, etc.

I really want to get into Ohio University as I am from Ohio, so as a OH resident are my chances pretty good?
Click to expand...
You should have no problem getting the interview with those stats and EC's. If you don'[t mess up the interview you should be in. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, apply broadly to maximize your chance for acceptance. You may actually like other schools better then Ohio University.

I hope you are accepted into the school of your choice. Good Luck!!!!:luck::luck::luck:
 
So i'm a little stressed now. I guess now that I'm finally starting to complete my applications, reality is setting in for me. I would like to know what you think my chances are. Here's my story....

When I started college years ago didn't do well at all cuz I tried to do too much and stretched myself thin. Chem and bio at that school were one of the hardest courses on campus and I regretfully thought I could handle both. As a result, I got a really (and I do mean really low) gpa. After two years of no improvement the school asked me to take some time off. I took some classes at a school near my home and did fine. I came back to my school but did not do any better and was asked to withdraw at the end of the semester.

I was heartbroken cuz I came into college after graduating near the top of my class, only to be embarrassed by being kicked out at a prestigious school. I transferred to a new school and did ok with a 3.1 gpa. While at school I worked as an EMT for a year. After graduating, I did a post-bac and did some research at a medical center. I started off well but orgo and some upper bio courses were a little tough for me. My post-bac gpa-3.1. After putting in all my courses in AACOMAS, my non-science gpa-2.67, science-2.99, and cum gpa-2.73. It looks bad cuz of my grades from years earlier. I'm taking the MCAT in August, I know its kind of late but I pushed it back cuz I wanted to make sure I did really well on it (practice MCAT-28).

So applications won't really be done til September. I really want to get into med school and especially interested in becoming a DO cuz I think it fits my philosophy better. So how do I look right now? Any wagers?
 
the computer is your enemy as you are probably going to get screened out by your GPA at some DO school like DMU....but hey anything is possible, just get your apps in ASAP.

btw: if you don't get in this year, stick with it at all costs!
 
Your chances are slim this year. Even with a 28, you're gonna have a hard time with such low GPAs. The good news is that AACOMAS only factors in the last time you took a course to calculate your GPA. If you're dead set on applying this year, then you will, and I wish you luck. However, don't sit around waiting for things to happen this year. Plan on applying next year, or the year after, if you can't bring up your GPA enough by next June. You need to retake the courses you did poorly in to raise your GPAs and show your commitment. BTW if you decide not to apply this year, take some extra time to study for the MCAT. That way you can ensure you do the best you can and raise your chances of admission. Good luck!


spaceman said:
So i'm a little stressed now. I guess now that I'm finally starting to complete my applications, reality is setting in for me. I would like to know what you think my chances are. Here's my story....

When I started college years ago didn't do well at all cuz I tried to do too much and stretched myself thin. Chem and bio at that school were one of the hardest courses on campus and I regretfully thought I could handle both. As a result, I got a really (and I do mean really low) gpa. After two years of no improvement the school asked me to take some time off. I took some classes at a school near my home and did fine. I came back to my school but did not do any better and was asked to withdraw at the end of the semester.

I was heartbroken cuz I came into college after graduating near the top of my class, only to be embarrassed by being kicked out at a prestigious school. I transferred to a new school and did ok with a 3.1 gpa. While at school I worked as an EMT for a year. After graduating, I did a post-bac and did some research at a medical center. I started off well but orgo and some upper bio courses were a little tough for me. My post-bac gpa-3.1. After putting in all my courses in AACOMAS, my non-science gpa-2.67, science-2.99, and cum gpa-2.73. It looks bad cuz of my grades from years earlier. I'm taking the MCAT in August, I know its kind of late but I pushed it back cuz I wanted to make sure I did really well on it (practice MCAT-28).

So applications won't really be done til September. I really want to get into med school and especially interested in becoming a DO cuz I think it fits my philosophy better. So how do I look right now? Any wagers?
Click to expand...
 
What are your thoughts on my chances??? I did real bad on MCAT!!😕

Undergrad SGPA: 3.2
Undegrad GPA: 3.3
M.S in Biomechanical Engineering (GPA 3.5)
MCAT 22R

Lot of clinical experience
Lot of research work
Research work in Germany
Good list of EC
LOR from D.O (who happens to be the president of AOA)

ANY HOPE?
 
msu16 said:
What are your thoughts on my chances??? I did real bad on MCAT!!😕

Undergrad SGPA: 3.2
Undegrad GPA: 3.3
M.S in Biomechanical Engineering (GPA 3.5)
MCAT 22R

Lot of clinical experience
Lot of research work
Research work in Germany
Good list of EC
LOR from D.O (who happens to be the president of AOA)

ANY HOPE?
Click to expand...

Your numbers aren't great, but there's definitely hope, given the rest of your app.
 
thanks for the encouragement...we will see what happens!
 
aacomas is taking forever to send out my apps....they have had all of my stuff for at least 4 weeks now.

Chocolate Bear said:
Make sure you submit all of your materials quickly to maximize your chances.
Click to expand...
 
msu16 said:
What are your thoughts on my chances??? I did real bad on MCAT!!😕

Undergrad SGPA: 3.2
Undegrad GPA: 3.3
M.S in Biomechanical Engineering (GPA 3.5)
MCAT 22R

Lot of clinical experience
Lot of research work
Research work in Germany
Good list of EC
LOR from D.O (who happens to be the president of AOA)

ANY HOPE?
Click to expand...

Hey, I'm in not a great spot to advise, but I wanted to let you know that I commiserate with you! I have similar stats, and when asked before, I was advised against applying. But you know what? I still did it, and I'm gonna see what happens! And applying early can only be a good thing. I say, take everyones advice, but not ones that hurt your confidence. If you already applied, then obviously you think there's hope. GO FOR IT! 😀


(If applying fails, I'm thinking of going into motivational speaking...baha)
 
msu16 said:
What are your thoughts on my chances??? I did real bad on MCAT!!😕

Undergrad SGPA: 3.2
Undegrad GPA: 3.3
M.S in Biomechanical Engineering (GPA 3.5)
MCAT 22R

Lot of clinical experience
Lot of research work
Research work in Germany
Good list of EC
LOR from D.O (who happens to be the president of AOA)

ANY HOPE?
Click to expand...

You would help yourself alot, if you retake the mcat and increase your score
 
a817 said:
You would help yourself alot, if you retake the mcat and increase your score
Click to expand...

Indeed. I still think there's hope, but not much logic, without trying to improve it.

And I wouldn't hope for anything in this game. You should maximize your chances each step of the way.
 
khen7513 said:
Hey, I'm in not a great spot to advise, but I wanted to let you know that I commiserate with you! I have similar stats, and when asked before, I was advised against applying. But you know what? I still did it, and I'm gonna see what happens! And applying early can only be a good thing. I say, take everyones advice, but not ones that hurt your confidence. If you already applied, then obviously you think there's hope. GO FOR IT! 😀


(If applying fails, I'm thinking of going into motivational speaking...baha)
Click to expand...

Are you referring to when you asked on this thread or some other time you inquired about your chances? Because on this thread you were told to apply early and retake the MCAT, especially with a prep course. To reiterate, I think your GPA is decent and your MCAT has been accepted in the past. However, it will be rough. You have a fee waiver, though, so what's the harm? You should def retake, though, because the 5 in PS will get you screened out at some schools and dirty looks at most.

That being said, I think you still have a good shot at admission in 08-09 if you take the right steps, now. Good luck.
 
I have an important question...I'm applying this year and have taken my MCAT already, but only scored around the average (25) and am studying/debating on whether to retake it mid-august. Basically I need to know what is the best option...
1. Submit very soon and don't retake (therefore I would be applying semi early, but with a less competitive mcat score)
2. Submit now without saying im retaking it and then if i do better update my application by notifying the schools (is that possible?)...I'm afraid with this option i won't get interviews at schools, but if i obtain a better mcat grade i would have received the interview invite.
3. Submit now, but say im retaking in august ...If i do this option and I have the schools cutoff score can i still get the secondary or will I not get it until they receive my second mcat scores (which would make my app complete mid-september which is kind of late)

So in a nutshell...do i apply early without a new mcat score, or apply late with possibly a higher one. If anyone can inform me on school's policies that would be great. Thanks soooo much!
 
Nnik484 said:
I have an important question...I'm applying this year and have taken my MCAT already, but only scored around the average (25) and am studying/debating on whether to retake it mid-august. Basically I need to know what is the best option...
1. Submit very soon and don't retake (therefore I would be applying semi early, but with a less competitive mcat score)
2. Submit now without saying im retaking it and then if i do better update my application by notifying the schools (is that possible?)...I'm afraid with this option i won't get interviews at schools, but if i obtain a better mcat grade i would have received the interview invite.
3. Submit now, but say im retaking in august ...If i do this option and I have the schools cutoff score can i still get the secondary or will I not get it until they receive my second mcat scores (which would make my app complete mid-september which is kind of late)

So in a nutshell...do i apply early without a new mcat score, or apply late with possibly a higher one. If anyone can inform me on school's policies that would be great. Thanks soooo much!
Click to expand...

What are the rest of your stats? What EC's do you have? It is hard to give you advice without the whole picture. If you have a sGPA and cum GPA over 3.5-3.6+ with good EC's I wouldn't even bother retaking the MCAT's IF you are closer to 3.0 range for both sGPA and cum GPA, I would retake them to score higher. You can even ask your question to schools admissions offices and see what they have to say.

Only retake if you are scoring and averaging significantly higher on practice exams. As a general rule your practice test average should be 2-3 points higher then what you would expect to get on the actual exam, that way you account for nervousness.

I hope you are accepted to the school of your choice. Good Luck!!!!:luck::luck::luck:
 
engineeredout said:
I've been waiting for weeks to post in here, but they took forever to post my grades from this past semester.

Okay so I just finished junior year. I'm interested in applying not during this session but next one (entering med school fall '10). I really haven't been a premed (god I hate that term) but lately I've become more disenfranchised with the idea of being an engineer. Also throughout the course of this year, I took the heaviest and hardest classload ever and my grades shot way up. Suddenly my GPA went from being too low for consideration to definitely possible.

AACOMAS GPA:

Cum: 3.45
Sci: 3.44
Non Sci: 3.47

Definitely showing an upward trend, my GPA for the past two semesters was 3.75 and 3.98 (20 credits each). I'm also a double chemical & molecular engineering, and applied math & statistics major, which aren't exactly known for being real big GPA boosters.

I've yet to take the mCAT but I'm in the process of studying for it.

Not much in the way of ECs but this is what I have

--Helped organize organ donation awareness walk at school
--Officer in my school's chapter of AIChE
--Student rep on the undergraduate program committee (sit in on faculty meetings as student rep, giving student views about classes etc)
--Starting volunteer work in an ER next week
--Currently doing research in a cell lab
--Had lots of jobs even during school but nothing medically related
Click to expand...


Quoting this from before. Will take mcat at the end of august (got 31 on the last AAMC practice I took), and decided to submit to some DO schools this session afterall. Is this a good list?

NYCOM <-- Top Choices
PCOM <-- Top Choices
Touro-NY
Lake erie com
UMDNJ-SOM
WVSOM
Chicago-COM
VirginaCOM
UNE-COM
OhioU COM
 
engineeredout said:
Quoting this from before. Will take mcat at the end of august (got 31 on the last AAMC practice I took), and decided to submit to some DO schools this session afterall. Is this a good list?

NYCOM <-- Top Choices
PCOM <-- Top Choices
Touro-NY
Lake erie com
UMDNJ-SOM
WVSOM
Chicago-COM
VirginaCOM
UNE-COM
OhioU COM
Click to expand...

Seems fine. What are your main concerns? Geography it looks like. Anything else? What state residency do you have? Have you spent much time in another state? Touro NY is in Harlem--do you want to treat the underserved inner city? Ohio makes you practice in the state for, I think, 5 yrs after residency, if you're a non-res.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Seems fine. What are your main concerns? Geography it looks like. Anything else? What state residency do you have? Have you spent much time in another state? Touro NY is in Harlem--do you want to treat the underserved inner city? Ohio makes you practice in the state for, I think, 5 yrs after residency, if you're a non-res.
Click to expand...

I'm a NY resident, and geographically I want to stay in the northeastern US.

Ohio makes you practice for five years after residency, even if your residency isn't in ohio? :scared: Do you HAVE to do a residency in ohio? I don't want to spend more time there then I have to 😀
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Are you referring to when you asked on this thread or some other time you inquired about your chances? Because on this thread you were told to apply early and retake the MCAT, especially with a prep course. To reiterate, I think your GPA is decent and your MCAT has been accepted in the past. However, it will be rough. You have a fee waiver, though, so what's the harm? You should def retake, though, because the 5 in PS will get you screened out at some schools and dirty looks at most.

That being said, I think you still have a good shot at admission in 08-09 if you take the right steps, now. Good luck.
Click to expand...

No. That's not what I was referring to. That would make no sense, seeing as how it was even IN this thread, and it can be seen that people replied to me. I was referring to advisors and some teachers at Shippensburg.
 
khen7513 said:
No. That's not what I was referring to. That would make no sense, seeing as how it was even IN this thread, and it can be seen that people replied to me. I was referring to advisors and some teachers at Shippensburg.
Click to expand...

Advisors and teachers are sometimes borderline insane.
 
I would concur with that sentiment, but there is merit in being concerned. But thanks for thinking I'm a dum-dum and was referring to this thread. 😳p poor form.
 
khen7513 said:
I would concur with that sentiment, but there is merit in being concerned. But thanks for thinking I'm a dum-dum and was referring to this thread. 😳p poor form.
Click to expand...

I don't post to condescend and I don't think you're a dum-dum, based on what very little I know about you.

My apologies if anything came off in poor form.
 
engineeredout said:
I'm a NY resident, and geographically I want to stay in the northeastern US.

Ohio makes you practice for five years after residency, even if your residency isn't in ohio? :scared: Do you HAVE to do a residency in ohio? I don't want to spend more time there then I have to 😀
Click to expand...

Here is the source. Scroll down to Secondary Application. It's ambiguous on the site, but I believe it's a 5 year contract or a few hundred thousand to buy out of it. Basically if you're not an Ohio resident, they want to ensure you are coming there to help out Ohio and not just get educated and flee back home.

I'm not sure if you can do RESIDENCY outside of the state, as a non-resident graduate from OUCOM. If you can, you still have to go back to practice in Ohio, I'm sure. Email them with specific questions, or maybe someone on their thread knows.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Here is the source. Scroll down to Secondary Application. It's ambiguous on the site, but I believe it's a 5 year contract or a few hundred thousand to buy out of it. Basically if you're not an Ohio resident, they want to ensure you are coming there to help out Ohio and not just get educated and flee back home.

I'm not sure if you can do RESIDENCY outside of the state, as a non-resident graduate from OUCOM. If you can, you still have to go back to practice in Ohio, I'm sure. Email them with specific questions, or maybe someone on their thread knows.
Click to expand...

Gah they don't need doctors in Ohio, just a few vets to treat all the cows. Thanks a lot for the information, I guess I'll be unchecking ohio from my list of schools. Any other schools I should be considering/not considering?
 
engineeredout said:
Gah they don't need doctors in Ohio, just a few vets to treat all the cows. Thanks a lot for the information, I guess I'll be unchecking ohio from my list of schools. Any other schools I should be considering/not considering?
Click to expand...

Yeah it sucks, since they have an amazing program. Like I said, Touro-NY is very much about the underserved, just an FYI. Other than that, check out page 7 of the CIB for a map of school locations. Make a list that matches your geographic stipulations, then read the two pages about each school to make sure they don't meet some other exclusion criteria that you might have.
 
33 year old physician assistant practicing for six years, 3 in neurosurgery and 3 now in family medicine. Live in Erie and applied to LECOM. Work for a group of docs work teach LECOM students on FP rotations and will have their LOR's. Worked all through school, including 30 plus hours in PA school. Overall GPA 3.5, science 3.3. Best grades in PA school, all A's and B's. Bad news MCAT. Practice tests 28, real test 19Q, obviously retaking on September 6. Experience and LOR's great, GPA average, MCAT stinks, what do you think. Applied early, just waiting for secondary.
 
cosmos said:
33 year old physician assistant practicing for six years, 3 in neurosurgery and 3 now in family medicine. Live in Erie and applied to LECOM. Work for a group of docs work teach LECOM students on FP rotations and will have their LOR's. Worked all through school, including 30 plus hours in PA school. Overall GPA 3.5, science 3.3. Best grades in PA school, all A's and B's. Bad news MCAT. Practice tests 28, real test 19Q, obviously retaking on September 6. Experience and LOR's great, GPA average, MCAT stinks, what do you think. Applied early, just waiting for secondary.
Click to expand...

Did you mark RETAKE on AACOMAS? They need to know to not evaluate you with that MCAT score. Are you only applying to LECOM?
 
Yes I marked retake, and yes only to LECOM for now
 
I am wondering what DO schools would be the best for surgery, i am applying to MD schools as well, but have a low gpa. here are my numbers
gpa=2.98, science gpa=3.31, mcat=34q, emt for 5 years, lots of volunteer work and publications.
 
I'd immediately say DMU, since they have the most new tech, but they will pass at anything under a 3.0. I had a 2.984 and they rejected me pre-secondary.
 
DrMidlife said:
I'd immediately say DMU, since they have the most new tech, but they will pass at anything under a 3.0. I had a 2.984 and they rejected me pre-secondary.
Click to expand...

dont they also have a course in their curriculum dedicated to surgical techniques or something like that? it seems pretty unique among DO schools, maybe even MD. do you know others offer something similar? It also seems great if you think you are intersted in surgery, but maybe not so much if you know you dont enjoy surgery.
 
what DO schools are the best for someone who wants to specialize in surgery?
 
you realize the thread the other day, which is identical to this one, just got merged into another thread? it wasn't deleted. it got moved into the what are my chances/where should I apply thread. I am not sure why, but it did.
 
Getting into a residency depends more on you then your school, but it helps if your school have a good home program....DMU, PCOM, NYCOM, Western the state schools.
 
It got merged because it's asking basically "where should I apply if I want to go into surgery". And this one will get merged too.
 
gggrrrrrrr I can't find any posts I read earlier because everything gets merged and then we have no idea where anything is. 🙁
 
I know, anonymous. I know. It's annoying. But it's keeping the forums a bit clearer. If only people would post in here FIRST, they wouldn't have to get merged and lost. 🙁
 
YEAH THE BLUE ONES FEEL GREAT WHEN YOU INSERT IT THE RIGHT WAY!!!
































oh **** my post got merged into the wrong thread :hardy:
 
I am just wondering my odds of getting secondaries, etc... without the MCAT yet ( taking it August 5th ).

I have a crappy 3.1 GPA cumulative, but a 3.8 BCMP gpa

My application was completed June 28th and still no word. Am I going to be in a state of limbo until the MCAT score? Will this doom me this application cycle?

My GPA's along with decent EC's and great LOR -
The million dollar question... do I have a chance?

Thanks for your time!
 
ultramman said:
I am just wondering my odds of getting secondaries, etc... without the MCAT yet ( taking it August 5th ).

I have a crappy 3.1 GPA cumulative, but a 3.8 BCMP gpa

My application was completed June 28th and still no word. Am I going to be in a state of limbo until the MCAT score? Will this doom me this application cycle?

My GPA's along with decent EC's and great LOR -
The million dollar question... do I have a chance?

Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...

I think you have a good chance! 3.8 BCPM GPA is good.
 
Alright here are my stats and whatnot.
Cum goa - 3.24
Sci gpa - 3.50
Non-Sci gpa - 3.0 (taking classes this fall to replace grades)
MCAT 27Q
200+ hours volunteer at free health clinic taking patient vitals
student ambassador for a year, on the Student Health Advisory Committee, other EC's
Shadowed orthopod at his office for a couple days and in the OR for a couple days
Shadowed a DO in the ED on a couple occasions and getting a LOR from him

So what do you think my chances are of getting in?
I really want to go to DMU since I am from Nebraska and spent lots of time in Des Moines for hockey

Thanks
 
Last edited:
sorry about the repeat question, tried to start a thread that would not get merged, but didnt work
 
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