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

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Hang in there. I'm a firm believer in if you want something bad enough, you'll find a way. Your GPA proves you're bright, so study hard and try it again. Don't fear your score. There's nowhere to go but up, right?
 
Don't lose hope! I got a really bad score the first time I took it and it can be pretty devastating, but don't let it hang you up. Take a break, clear your mind and then pick the studying back up in a few months. Try and figure out where you might've gone wrong and go from there.

I improved a good amount when I took it the 2nd time that I'm going to at least apply this cycle and see how it goes!
 
You need to retake and score higher. 19M is below average. Preferably you'd like to be around average or better. Also, don't forget that how your score breaks down is an important factor as well.
 
Usually a score below 22-23 demonstrates a severe lack of mastery of the basic knowledge. You should definitely set aside like two-three months, and treat the MCAT as if its your full time job. Your score will surely improve.
 
I studied, I took practice tests, and I still bombed. I was scoring in the 26-28 range and got a 19 instead. I won't bother with this cycle since I know I won't get in. What I'm looking for is hope for the future. Since I was scoring so much better in practice, I'm gunshy and scared of taking another MCAT. I want to be a doctor but I've lost all my confidence. Can anyone give me a glimmer of hope? Where do I go from here?

GPA: 3.4
sGPA: 3.7
MCAT: 19M

I have 3.8 GPA and I got 15M for the first time I took the MCAT, so hang in there, study and practice. the score would surely improve.
 
You can log on to aacomas at anytime and go to the mcat section and indicate that you plan on taking the test again in September. You can do this even after your application is verified, but you might as well get it out of the way now. Good luck on the retake.
 
I studied, I took practice tests, and I still bombed. I was scoring in the 26-28 range and got a 19 instead. I won't bother with this cycle since I know I won't get in. What I'm looking for is hope for the future. Since I was scoring so much better in practice, I'm gunshy and scared of taking another MCAT. I want to be a doctor but I've lost all my confidence. Can anyone give me a glimmer of hope? Where do I go from here?

GPA: 3.4
sGPA: 3.7
MCAT: 19M

You might want to wander over to the MCAT forum for adivce onhow to come up with a better battle plan for the second time. But here's two tips I can share:

1) Practice under timed conditions! It's a must for full-lengths, but you should also do it for practicing just the individual sections. You really have to train yourself to think under this kind of pressure or it will throw you on test day.

2) Sign up for a prep course. They give you a ton of practice material!

If you already did these things...good work. Maybe with the experience beind you'll be able to be more confident the next time around!
 
Does anyone else think this thread is absurd??? You can't even find/respond to the original posters you intended to help, and it seems like sooo many people aren't getting any advice because the thread is so confusing. Why don't we make it like pre-Allo where 'what are my chances' is a sub forum with the individual threads inside of it ... not a million different threads spliced together??? Seems like that would still keep things clean, but be more useful. Just my dos pesos ...
totally agree. also when a thread is moved you get directed to the beginning of the thresd and can't find the post you wer einterested in; this is totally ridiculous. I don'tr know why the moderators think this is helpful. You're so much better having twice as many threads but them being more streamlined. I won't even look at long threads. I'm here because I subscribed to an e-mail tha ttookme to this thread but I can't even find the post(s) that I'm interested in. totally useless!! 🙁
 
I studied, I took practice tests, and I still bombed. I was scoring in the 26-28 range and got a 19 instead. I won't bother with this cycle since I know I won't get in. What I'm looking for is hope for the future. Since I was scoring so much better in practice, I'm gunshy and scared of taking another MCAT. I want to be a doctor but I've lost all my confidence. Can anyone give me a glimmer of hope? Where do I go from here?

GPA: 3.4
sGPA: 3.7
MCAT: 19M

You have a chance; retake the mcat and show your dedication and passion.
 
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You have a chance; retake the mcat and show your dedication and passion.

I totally understand. I bombed mine too. My practices were (diagnostic:25) from 25-30 and I got a 24. sci gpa: 3.9 and non sci: 3.65; overall 3.71. retaking in sept.

So do i have a chance?

I would definitely say you have a chance with D.O. schools, granted you have good EC's and clinical experience. Your GPA is well above average (avg. overall GPA = 3.45) and your MCAT is very much the average accepted score. Your numbers look good, just need to be able to sell yourself to the schools 😀
 
Ok I have 19Q and overall gpa 3.45 from north carolina what are my chances for DO schools ? I don't care where, how many people do you guys know of getting in with these stats. I have alot of experience I have been working at hospital for last 2.5 years, also my gpa is from UNC where they dont like to give good grades easily. Thanks for you input guys.
 
Ok I have 19Q and overall gpa 3.45 from north carolina what are my chances for DO schools ? I don't care where, how many people do you guys know of getting in with these stats. I have alot of experience I have been working at hospital for last 2.5 years, also my gpa is from UNC where they dont like to give good grades easily. Thanks for you input guys.

The "my school is hard" excuse isn't going to cut it. I woulnd't ever use that in an interivew or secondary question if asked about your grades. That being said, your gpa is at the average for DO schools so I doubt anyone will question you about it.

Your MCAT is a different story. You should most definitely retake since it is well below average for DO schools. You will be automatically screened out by those who have a minimum MCAT, and it will be an uphill battle for the other schools. This is not to say it will be impossible for you to gain an acceptance..... just unlikely unless you retake your mcat.

good luck.
 
I finally told my parents my MCAT score (23R) and they immediately told me to bail out on the med school idea. I graduated from college in may 2008 and I'm already a year out of school, so if I dont get in for 2009, I'm not happy about waiting 2 years out of school for 2010 entry. I think if I retook the MCAT, I could improve, but I already took Kaplan, I studied consistently and diligently and I was getting above 28's on all my practice AAMC scores. My MCAT dropped 5-6 points!!! I already submitted my primaries, and I'll fill out my secondaries (if I get any) and try my hardest in interviews (which I dont know if i'll get any) I'm scared that my score will not improve if I retake in January. Do I have a chance at least for this cycle? Would you guys wait 2 years to get into med school after graduation? I'm fine with waiting one year but two years???? Med school is such a long comittment, I want to get on it asap, but now I dont know what I should do.
 
I finally told my parents my MCAT score (23R) and they immediately told me to bail out on the med school idea. I graduated from college in may 2008 and I'm already a year out of school, so if I dont get in for 2009, I'm not happy about waiting 2 years out of school for 2010 entry. I think if I retook the MCAT, I could improve, but I already took Kaplan, I studied consistently and diligently and I was getting above 28's on all my practice AAMC scores. My MCAT dropped 5-6 points!!! I already submitted my primaries, and I'll fill out my secondaries (if I get any) and try my hardest in interviews (which I dont know if i'll get any) I'm scared that my score will not improve if I retake in January. Do I have a chance at least for this cycle? Would you guys wait 2 years to get into med school after graduation? I'm fine with waiting one year but two years???? Med school is such a long comittment, I want to get on it asap, but now I dont know what I should do.
I think someone with your score got accepted to LMU and AZCOM.
If you have above average of GPA, you will get in somewhere.
Good Luck

If you have average GPA,then you will find some where to go.
 
-No one can gauge your chances without an MCAT score.
-a GPA of 2.7 is not competitive anywhere.
-You need to finish pre-reqs, take the MCAT, and then probably consider a post-bacc or SMP.
-The DO shadowing is 'kind of' a big deal because you need a letter of rec from a physician for most DO schools, but building up GPA and MCAT are more important.

good idea
 
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Yea. jagger is still right bro.

With only 50% of the picture its impossible to say your chances.


3.5 is a competitive GPA
2.95 isn't great
2.5 is a noncompetitive GPA

Your 3.12c GPA is decent. Take another course or so to bring that up maybe? I don't know what to say. with a GPA like yours i'd shoot for a 28-31 on my MCATs.

Also depends on your ECs. Start a Pre-SOMA assn. at your school i'm sure adcoms would eat that up lol.
 
I finally told my parents my MCAT score (23R) and they immediately told me to bail out on the med school idea. I graduated from college in may 2008 and I'm already a year out of school, so if I dont get in for 2009, I'm not happy about waiting 2 years out of school for 2010 entry. I think if I retook the MCAT, I could improve, but I already took Kaplan, I studied consistently and diligently and I was getting above 28's on all my practice AAMC scores. My MCAT dropped 5-6 points!!! I already submitted my primaries, and I'll fill out my secondaries (if I get any) and try my hardest in interviews (which I dont know if i'll get any) I'm scared that my score will not improve if I retake in January. Do I have a chance at least for this cycle? Would you guys wait 2 years to get into med school after graduation? I'm fine with waiting one year but two years???? Med school is such a long comittment, I want to get on it asap, but now I dont know what I should do.

I waited 2 yrs. There are plenty of people who have to reapply and take two years. There are people in their 30s,40s, and 50s who go to medical school after waiting 10, 20 , 30 yrs. So 2 yrs isn't a big deal as long as you're productive during that time.

The average MCAT for DO schools is about 25-26. You're on the low end of that but still within range. You may have some luck if your GPA and ECs are stellar. You're best bet is to retake, a better score will give you better options.

If waiting 2 yrs, followed by 7-11yrs of training seems way too daunting, maybe it is time to consider other options in healthcare or beyond.
 
I finally told my parents my MCAT score (23R) and they immediately told me to bail out on the med school idea. I graduated from college in may 2008 and I'm already a year out of school, so if I dont get in for 2009, I'm not happy about waiting 2 years out of school for 2010 entry. I think if I retook the MCAT, I could improve, but I already took Kaplan, I studied consistently and diligently and I was getting above 28's on all my practice AAMC scores. My MCAT dropped 5-6 points!!! I already submitted my primaries, and I'll fill out my secondaries (if I get any) and try my hardest in interviews (which I dont know if i'll get any) I'm scared that my score will not improve if I retake in January. Do I have a chance at least for this cycle? Would you guys wait 2 years to get into med school after graduation? I'm fine with waiting one year but two years???? Med school is such a long comittment, I want to get on it asap, but now I dont know what I should do.

I'm guessing you're only 21 or 22 years old? If so, you're very young and 2 years delay is like pocket change compared to the amount of time you will have invested in your medical career. Not to mention there are lots of older non-trad folks who gave up careers, had to juggle child rearing with their studies, etc, etc. before they embarked on their medical career like the previous poster stated. If two years is what it will take to get into med school, I would go for it! 🙂
 
but I already took Kaplan, I studied consistently and diligently and I was getting above 28's on all my practice AAMC scores. My MCAT dropped 5-6 points!!!

This is very typical; it's wise (according to a number of admissions deans) to anticipate an approximate 20% drop on the real exam so make sure you're scoring above your target score on practice exams, consistently.
 
Hey All this is my first time on sdn

Here we go at "what are my chances"...
BA psych out of Ohio State
Post Bacc at University of Toledo

EMT, plenty of ER/Hospital volunteer schtuff, father DO, later switch from Psych to Med, fraternity, extensive research (psych based though)
Cum GPA 3.3
Sci GPA 3.7
MCAT 26Q

Looking at Ohio U, Nova, NYCOM, PCOM (both), LECOM-fl, CCOM and welcoming suggestions

Thanks!
IamAriDO
 
So, if I applied to ~25 DO schools with a 3.8cumulative and 3.8science gpa, B.S. Bio, research experience (& paper published), 2 hospital jobs, tons of shadowing, RA, Bio TA, ............ BUT 23Q mcat, will I get in? Does my above average GPA compensate for my mcat? I mean, my GPA is .3 higher than the average, whereas my mcat score is only 2 points below the average for matriculants. Some of them HAD to have had lower mcats, right?!
I am retaking the mcat, but in case it doesn't significantly improve, can someone reassure me?
 
So, if I applied to ~25 DO schools with a 3.8cumulative and 3.8science gpa, B.S. Bio, research experience (& paper published), 2 hospital jobs, tons of shadowing, RA, Bio TA, ............ BUT 23Q mcat, will I get in? Does my above average GPA compensate for my mcat? I mean, my GPA is .3 higher than the average, whereas my mcat score is only 2 points below the average for matriculants. Some of them HAD to have had lower mcats, right?!
I am retaking the mcat, but in case it doesn't significantly improve, can someone reassure me?

You seem to have a solid app, otherwise. Retake the MCAT, but I wouldn't be surprised if you would have been successful without a retake. A solid score should offer you CHOICES, though, which would be nice to have. 👍
 
Hey All this is my first time on sdn

Here we go at "what are my chances"...
BA psych out of Ohio State
Post Bacc at University of Toledo

EMT, plenty of ER/Hospital volunteer schtuff, father DO, later switch from Psych to Med, fraternity, extensive research (psych based though)
Cum GPA 3.3
Sci GPA 3.7
MCAT 26Q

Looking at Ohio U, Nova, NYCOM, PCOM (both), LECOM-fl, CCOM and welcoming suggestions

Thanks!
IamAriDO

Looks good.

What about Pikeville in KY, LMU-DCOM in TN, LECOM-E, and UMDNJ, to name a few?
 
Looks good.

What about Pikeville in KY, LMU-DCOM in TN, LECOM-E, and UMDNJ, to name a few?



Is UMDNJ really picky about in state, as I know that OUCOM really likes in-staters like myself

Thanks
IamAriDO
 
Is UMDNJ really picky about in state, as I know that OUCOM really likes in-staters like myself

Thanks
IamAriDO

Word on the street is that NYCOM is fairly picky about in-state/region, but UMDNJ isn't. Apparently UMDNJ looks very picky on paper, since "everyone who gets a NJ driver's license gets their status changed," and this is the number they report as % accepted who are in-state.
 
*edit* I don't have ANY form of clinical LOR (MD or DO)!!! 🙁

I really, really want to apply to D.O. schools this cycle but haven't been successful in finding a D.O. to shadow. Class starts again on Tuesday and I am seriously freaking out!!! I really want to apply this application cycle -- I literally cannot afford to take another year off, I already tried working full-time time last year as a high school teacher and it was very boring and unrewarding, then this year I am literally $40k in loans going back to school for my master's... point being, I really, really don't want to wait another application cycle before starting med school but I've been placed on interview hold at a lot of my schools already (M.D.) and I can't even submit my primaries on AACOMAS until I have that letter!!! I know a few select schools don't require that D.O. clinical letter, but I really want to stay at AZCOM where I am doing my master's and I also don't feel I'll be able to interview well without first seeing a D.O. in practice!!! AHHHH!!!

I went on the mentor link on the osteopathic med association website and emailed everyone in my area (Midwestern University or AZCOM, you wouldn't think it would be that hard to find a D.O. to shadow??) but not response yet!!! Am I just ******ed?? Anyone know what the typical turn-around time is for a response from that site? Any other suggestions or sites I should try?

I know I am already considered "late" for this application cycle but I refuse to wait another year... also considering retaking my MCATs, although it already took me 3 tries to get my 27 🙁

Any comments/suggestions greatly appreciated, also please feel free to PM me if you have the time!!

Thank you, I am literally losing sleep over this!!!

:scared:
 
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I really, really want to apply to D.O. schools this cycle but haven't been successful in finding a D.O. to shadow. Class starts again on Tuesday and I am seriously freaking out!!! I really want to apply this application cycle -- I literally cannot afford to take another year off, I already tried working full-time time last year as a high school teacher and it was very boring and unrewarding, then this year I am literally $40k in loans going back to school for my master's... point being, I really, really don't want to wait another application cycle before starting med school but I've been placed on interview hold at a lot of my schools already (M.D.) and I can't even submit my primaries on AACOMAS until I have that letter!!! I know a few select schools don't require that D.O. clinical letter, but I really want to stay at AZCOM where I am doing my master's and I also don't feel I'll be able to interview well without first seeing a D.O. in practice!!! AHHHH!!!

I went on the mentor link on the osteopathic med association website and emailed everyone in my area (Midwestern University or AZCOM, you wouldn't think it would be that hard to find a D.O. to shadow??) but not response yet!!! Am I just ******ed?? Anyone know what the typical turn-around time is for a response from that site? Any other suggestions or sites I should try?

I know I am already considered "late" for this application cycle but I refuse to wait another year... also considering retaking my MCATs, although it already took me 3 tries to get my 27 🙁

Any comments/suggestions greatly appreciated, also please feel free to PM me if you have the time!!

Thank you, I am literally losing sleep over this!!!

:scared:

1. AZCOM doesn't require a DO letter. Only like 5 schools do.
2. You should continue trying to find one to shadow. It will help your case.
3. Please log off of SDN and begin AACOMAS. Your first step will be to send transcripts from your schools.
4. After you finish AACOMAS, find a DO to shadow and finish your secondary essays before you receive them. It'll be about 2 months from today before you receive them.
 
Chances are your ER department has DOs ...

Probably not too difficult to set up a volunteer experience there and then
once you're in the door and you see the letters 'DO' on someone's white
coat say (with much enthusiasm) 'Oh! You're a DO!?' ... and then transition
to hanging out with that person as much as possible....whilst extolling your
virtues and desire to become a DO....

:luck:
 
Thank you for the suggestions, Chocolate Bear. So far, everything is ready to go on the AACOMAS... transcripts, personal statement (which I may or may not re-write after shadowing a D.O. IF I CAN FIND ONE), etc. I just need to click the "submit" button 🙁

Unfortunately, I don't even have an M.D. clinical LOR either (the M.D. I shadowed through my school program 2 years ago moved away without contact info) 🙁

Where do people typically find D.O.'s to shadow? 🙁
 
Chances are your ER department has DOs ...

Probably not too difficult to set up a volunteer experience there and then
once you're in the door and you see the letters 'DO' on someone's white
coat say (with much enthusiasm) 'Oh! You're a DO!?' ... and then transition
to hanging out with that person as much as possible....whilst extolling your
virtues and desire to become a DO....

:luck:

👍👍👍
 
Thank you for the suggestions, Chocolate Bear. So far, everything is ready to go on the AACOMAS... transcripts, personal statement (which I may or may not re-write after shadowing a D.O. IF I CAN FIND ONE), etc. I just need to click the "submit" button 🙁

Unfortunately, I don't even have an M.D. clinical LOR either (the M.D. I shadowed through my school program 2 years ago moved away without contact info) 🙁

Where do people typically find D.O.'s to shadow? 🙁

I don't understand your reasoning to not submit, then. Find someone to shadow after you submit. You don't need the LOR until you get secondaries.
 
Hey jrysrrn... I wouldn't give up now.. consider the application process a challenge all of its own. Sometimes I think the toughest part is getting through the application process first, then the medical school part is of course tough, but at least you're finally doing it. I graduated in May 2006 and I'm applying for 2009 entry. I also applied last year for 2008 entry but only applied to allopathic schools and applied late, so I took Princeton Review and retook the MCAT in May and actually didn't really improve my MCAT score, but I did manage to collect 3 more LOR's and 2 DO shadowing experiences in the past year. This year, I'm applying to allo and osteo and applying early and broadly, as advised by the world. You are absolutely NOT too late to start applying for med schools. An increasing number of med school hopefuls today try out something after college, then apply. It gives you maturity and talking points at an interview 👍
 
Thank you for the suggestions, Chocolate Bear. So far, everything is ready to go on the AACOMAS... transcripts, personal statement (which I may or may not re-write after shadowing a D.O. IF I CAN FIND ONE), etc. I just need to click the "submit" button 🙁

Unfortunately, I don't even have an M.D. clinical LOR either (the M.D. I shadowed through my school program 2 years ago moved away without contact info) 🙁

Where do people typically find D.O.'s to shadow? 🙁

I've found that one of the most effective ways to find D.O.'s is to just go to the yellow pages. Check under physicians and then look to see if they are a D.O. or M.D. Then give them a call and politely ask if you can shadow them. Someone will let you.

Hope that helps
 
Any feedback?

MCAT = PS 7, BS 10, VR 10 = 27 M
sGPA = 3.4
overall GPA = 3.6
Caucasian
Florida Resident

I have the standard shadowing, clubs, volunteering, research. Will that 7 in PS screen me from any D.O schools?

Thanks Alot.
 
Any feedback?

MCAT = PS 7, BS 10, VR 10 = 27 M
sGPA = 3.4
overall GPA = 3.6
Caucasian
Florida Resident

I have the standard shadowing, clubs, volunteering, research. Will that 7 in PS screen me from any D.O schools?

Thanks Alot.

I think you're fine. I don't think anywhere has a screen that includes 7. It's pretty much 6 and below that is likely to get screened at certain schools, I think.
 
Currently volunteering at a hospital 4hrs a week. I also plan on volunteering at a free clinic 4hrs a week as well. I am also going to shadow as many DOs and MDs as I can. It willl give me about 800 volunteer hours by application time.

B.S. in Econ, Minor in Risk Management 2.5 gpa

I am going to start pre reqs Summer 09. Finish up with Physics2, Bio2, OrgCh2 in the Spring of 2010. Take the MCAT in August, but will apply over the summer.

If I can average a 3.5 or higher for the science pre reqs, will that be enough to overshadow my sad GPA. With those classes it will only bring my GPA up to about a 2.7 overall. I interview well and I have valid reasons for my lackluster undergrad performance. I also am an electrologist/laserologist which may or may not be helpful.

Tips, advice, a realistic outlook.

Thanks!
 
Hello Guys I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP IN DECIDING...

Well here are my stats. My GPA 3.73... CS/IT @ a good Univeristy Science GPA 3.5, MCAT 17(Bio:6 Phy: 7 Verbal: 4)
I was a leader for couple of clubs
good recommendations
shadowed a dr. for entire year.

So what are my chances i know with a 17 its impossible. but just out of curiosity. And if you guys think that i can apply to medical school could you please tell me the name of the schools too. I do not wish to go out of country.

Thank You very much for you time.
 
Hello Guys I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP IN DECIDING...

Well here are my stats. My GPA 3.73... CS/IT @ a good Univeristy Science GPA 3.5, MCAT 17(Bio:6 Phy: 7 Verbal: 4)
I was a leader for couple of clubs
good recommendations
shadowed a dr. for entire year.
I am New York resident.

So what are my chances i know with a 17 its impossible. but just out of curiosity. And if you guys think that i can apply to medical school could you please tell me the name of the schools too. I do not wish to go out of country.

Thank You very much for you time.
 
Hello Guys I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP IN DECIDING...

Well here are my stats. My GPA 3.73... CS/IT @ a good Univeristy Science GPA 3.5, MCAT 17(Bio:6 Phy: 7 Verbal: 4)
I was a leader for couple of clubs
good recommendations
shadowed a dr. for entire year.
I am New York resident.

So what are my chances i know with a 17 its impossible. but just out of curiosity. And if you guys think that i can apply to medical school could you please tell me the name of the schools too. I do not wish to go out of country.

Thank You very much for you time.

Seems close to impossible. I would not recommend wasting money on apps right now. I'd be studying MCAT. If you do apply, I'd have no idea what schools would be most accommodating to your score. Get some good advice on studying for the MCAT, then make sure you're scoring in the mid to high 20's at least, on practice tests. Then take it again and apply. Good luck!
 
I would also say impossible. Staying in the country is not an option with a 17 (and a 4 in verbal, especially). Retake MCAT or consider going out of the country.
 
Consider the ol' D.P.M Degree...

their statistics are right up your alley
 
You need to retake it, but don't fret I think you are perfectly capable of doing well on the MCAT. Just put a little more time in it or use a different strategy.
 
I have 3.3 cumulative GPA,
3.4 Science GPA
26M- 6PS 11VR 9Bs. Average EC's (worked as a tech at a hospital, volunteered...) Good LOR's + DO letter and good personal statement. I'm retaking the MCAT Sep. 6.... Thoughts??
I'm applying for this cycle- my top choice is PCOM.
 
I have 3.3 cumulative GPA,
3.4 Science GPA
26M- 6PS 11VR 9Bs. Average EC's (worked as a tech at a hospital, volunteered...) Good LOR's + DO letter and good personal statement. I'm retaking the MCAT Sep. 6.... Thoughts??
I'm applying for this cycle- my top choice is PCOM.

I think you're in an OK position right now, and should be great if you can bring up the PS a couple of points. How are you scoring now on it?
 
I am a student from a Top 25 public university and my science GPA is 3.92 and overall GPA is 3.85. My MCAT score is a 23N. Do I have a chance to get into a D.O. school? I have volunteer experience and great honors and awards. I also plan on shadowing an osteopathic physician for a week.
 
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