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

[213965]

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Think it's a good idea to not even bother submitting these last secondaries to schools I am not really eager to attend anyway? Save my time and money?

Yes. Although just to be certain, I would sit on them a little longer until you receive an actual acceptance. Good luck at CCOM!

 

[Dr Eleanor]

I got my AACOMAS in a while back and I was all excited about applying. I don't know what happened with my MCAT but I'm so crushed. Should I just withdraw all my applications? I already spent several hundred dollars applying but if I don't have a chance, I don't want to spend several more hundred dollars with secondaries.

GPA:3.7
sGPA: 3.8
MCAT 17 (????)

I don't know how I got that low. I studied and did practice tests and most of my practice tests were in the mid 20's. Would you fill out secondaries now or just take a loss on the primary and wait to apply next year after an MCAT retake?

 

[213965]

I got my AACOMAS in a while back and I was all excited about applying. I don't know what happened with my MCAT but I'm so crushed. Should I just withdraw all my applications? I already spent several hundred dollars applying but if I don't have a chance, I don't want to spend several more hundred dollars with secondaries.

GPA:3.7
sGPA: 3.8
MCAT 17 (????)

I don't know how I got that low. I studied and did practice tests and most of my practice tests were in the mid 20's. Would you fill out secondaries now or just take a loss on the primary and wait to apply next year after an MCAT retake?

Is retaking in January absolutely out of the question for you?? I know some D.O. schools will still accept Jan MCATs and your GPA is competitive enough so that you should still be fine if you can get at least an 8 per section??

 

[Dr Eleanor]

I can sign up for January but I don't know if I'll go through with it because I'm taking a full course load this semester and I don't want to sit for the MCAT again until I KNOW I can do much better. I've lost my confidence because I never saw a 17 coming.

 

[DannMann99]

Your GPA is strong

Your MCAT sucks

How are your ECs? and lastly LORs?

If the MCAT is the ONLY weak portion of your app then you may get in with a 17 if everything else is stellar...

How many practice tests were you taking that you were averaging mid 20s? If it was 1 test then don't take it in jan and expect better. If you did ~4 and consistently scored mid 20s take it in Jan, study alittle to refresh concepts but definately apply.

You can do it, why waste another year? It wont be fun but atleast in ~90 days you will be all good. If you have a 3.8gpa, 25mcat and good ecs then i dont see why you wouldnt get accepted come january.

 

[MossPoh]

Contrary to popular belief, many people study for the mcat with a full courseload. I did my retake during the summer while immersed in organic 2 and a 3 credit organic lab along with filling out secondaries and taking care of my dying grandmother, which took a bulk of my time. You just have to become a bit more disciplined and block out your day by the hour...and maybe get a little less sleep.

 

[DrMidlife]

What's your hurry, exactly? With >3.7 GPAs, you can get into any school in the country, if your MCAT score is also competitive. I think you should slow down, walk away from this app year, and try again when you're not selling yourself short.

What you've spent on apps so far, I'd happily, giddily pay you that amount to trade GPAs with you. 10 times that amount. Happily.

 

[JamesBond15]

Wait a year and retake. Some schools (for example the Touros) won't even give you a secondary. You have a good GPA, so just study hard for the MCAT and retake.

 

[DannMann99]

maybe I have a warped view. But i've been in school consistently since I was 5.

The sooner I get done the better lol.

Sometimes I tend to think everyone has my view

 

[Pegasus1731]

I would wait a year. You need a better MCAT score, period. At this point it would be a waste to spend the money on secondaries. I would definatly take the MCAT again, wait until next year. There's no rush, that average age of a med student is 26 🙂

 

[cristobal]

Is it a disadvantage if I apply to 20 schools rather than 5 or 10? Just wondering if DO schools see where I apply to besides them decreasing my chances of getting in somewhere. What are some general rules? Or is it just wherever you want and the chances you have? Thanks a lot guys!

 

[DrDre2001]

Is it a disadvantage if I apply to 20 schools rather than 5 or 10? Just wondering if DO schools see where I apply to besides them decreasing my chances of getting in somewhere. What are some general rules? Or is it just wherever you want and the chances you have? Thanks a lot guys!

I was under the impression that they dont know you applied to 20 other schools. So the only disadvantage to applying to 20 schools is the money.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I was under the impression that they dont know you applied to 20 other schools. So the only disadvantage to applying to 20 schools is the money.

NSU asks which schools you applied to. I don't know if any others do. You shouldn't feel bad about increasing your chances by applying broadly, though. 👍

 

[cristobal]

Thanks. That's good to know.

 

[Relativity]

I made a 17 my first time because of pure nervousness, I sat in 2 months later during my anatomy course and made a 30.

It can be done, if you want. If you rather take the year off then go ahead and apply next year.

Find out which schools accept jan. mcat from aacomas website.

Of course apply broadly, get eveything ready in the mean time( letters, shadowing, personal statment, secondary essays).

You will get in with some dedication.

Ohhhh, and if your practice score are still not par(greater than 25) or you do not want to be D.O. then wait another year and get some health care experience.

 

[DiddleDO]

I've been lurking around here for a while gathering my ideas and I'm to the point where I think I should post what I have and the situation and hear some opinions.

~3.00 even GPA still 2 semesters left of school (Zoo and Psych major) trending up every year. (1.9 somthing first semester& retaking 5 hours of Ds right now)
26p MCAT (8p,9b,9v)
2 years EMT-B work
about 20hours+ of shadowing (surgery, ER, Pediatrics practice)
Volunteer Neuroscience research for a few months, Currently paid genetics research with 2 grants and no publications yet.
A little volunteer work in ER, and Phys therapy but this was just a waste of time.

OH resident woudn't mind going somewhere warmer though 🙄

I am primarily looking at DO schools right now and SMPs woudn't mind MD either but I know I'm not competitive. I really like something like PCOM's program but don't even know if I'm competitive for the SMP. Should I wait till the end of this semester when i have my retakes done? If you have any ideas or suggestions about what to do or where to apply please let me know I would really appreciate the advice.

 

[group_theory]

I've been lurking around here for a while gathering my ideas and I'm to the point where I think I should post what I have and the situation and hear some opinions.

~3.00 even GPA still 2 semesters left of school (Zoo and Psych major) trending up every year. (1.9 somthing first semester& retaking 5 hours of Ds right now)
26p MCAT (8p,9b,9v)
2 years EMT-B work
about 20hours+ of shadowing (surgery, ER, Pediatrics practice)
Volunteer Neuroscience research for a few months, Currently paid genetics research with 2 grants and no publications yet.
A little volunteer work in ER, and Phys therapy but this was just a waste of time.

OH resident woudn't mind going somewhere warmer though 🙄

I am primarily looking at DO schools right now and SMPs woudn't mind MD either but I know I'm not competitive. I really like something like PCOM's program but don't even know if I'm competitive for the SMP. Should I wait till the end of this semester when i have my retakes done? If you have any ideas or suggestions about what to do or where to apply please let me know I would really appreciate the advice.

The thing about application process is that it is unpredictable - you never know unless you try.

Your GPA is a little on the low side but it's not horrible (and a nice upward trend). MCAT is about average. Your clinical experience is typical of most applicants. Your research is also typical of most applicants.

So will you get in this year if you apply? No one knows. But I think it's worth a shot and see. In my opinion, if you cast your net wide enough, you'll get in somewhere.

And if you don't? Well, as you said - there are SMP programs. But with a strong upward trend, if you finish undergrad with a strong upward trend, retake the MCAT and improve ... you'll significantly improve your chances.

If you want to stack the deck in your favor - let a DO LOR - it helps (and is required by some schools). If you are interested in PCOM, a DO LOR from a PCOM alumnus/alumna helps immensely.

 

[TawMus]

Hello, I just got my MCATs back and finished primary apps. What do you guys think my chances are??

3.25 AACOMAS science GPA
3.1 AACOMAS cumulative GPA
3.0 cumulative non-AACOMAS GPA
3.0 science non-AACOMAS GPA
31Q Mcat

Got About 2 excellent Lors So Far. (1 Science Professor That I Did Research With For About 8 Mo. , And 1 From Volunteer Coordinator)

Shadowed DO in Emergency room for 20+ hrs . Letter in progress

About 100+ Hrs. Volunteering In Er.

Mission Trip To Mexico.

Worked Full-time Thruout My Entire 7 Yrs In College =/

Graduating At The End Of This Upcoming Spring.

I've applied to all the schools ( MD and DO) in Texas, where I ultimately want to attend. Also considering schools in California, New York, Florida. But will probably attend whereever I'm accepted. Do you guys think I have a shot at any Texas MD or DO schools?

 

[Maxwell Edison]

Hey everyone. This is your standard what are my chances post, respond at your leisure, but please do respond.

The Stats:
Double major in Bio and English
30R MCAT (10's in each section)
uGPA: 3.47
Science: 3.23
Non Science: 3.72

Master's Program in Biochemistry:
GPA: 3.66

Other Stuff:
Strong EC, Letters, PS. ~150 hrs of clinical experience, including an ongoing stint as an interviewer/clinic nurse. No D.O. letter, and only minimal face time (worked alongside one for a couple nights).

Schools:
PCOM, CCOM, MSUCOM, NYCOM. All will be done by the end of this week.

So?

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Hello, I just got my MCATs back and finished primary apps. What do you guys think my chances are??

3.25 AACOMAS science GPA
3.1 AACOMAS cumulative GPA
3.0 cumulative non-AACOMAS GPA
3.0 science non-AACOMAS GPA
31Q Mcat

Got About 2 excellent Lors So Far. (1 Science Professor That I Did Research With For About 8 Mo. , And 1 From Volunteer Coordinator)

Shadowed DO in Emergency room for 20+ hrs . Letter in progress

About 100+ Hrs. Volunteering In Er.

Mission Trip To Mexico.

Worked Full-time Thruout My Entire 7 Yrs In College =/

Graduating At The End Of This Upcoming Spring.

I've applied to all the schools ( MD and DO) in Texas, where I ultimately want to attend. Also considering schools in California, New York, Florida. But will probably attend whereever I'm accepted. Do you guys think I have a shot at any Texas MD or DO schools?

I'd apply if I were you, but just know that your GPAs are on the low side. Really use the secondaries to sell yourself.

You're going to need another science letter, and a non-sci (humanities, etc) letter will be necessary at a couple of schools. Check the requirements for where you're applying.

There are more Texas experts in Pre-Allo, so you may want to ask them about those schools. However, if you look in the MSAR, your GPAs are outside of the 90% accepted ranges for nearly all MD schools. If you're interested in MD, you should definitely plan on boosting your GPA (and TCOM has similar admissions stats to other TX schools).

Good luck!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Hey everyone. This is your standard what are my chances post, respond at your leisure, but please do respond.

The Stats:
Double major in Bio and English
30R MCAT (10's in each section)
uGPA: 3.47
Science: 3.23
Non Science: 3.72

Master's Program in Biochemistry:
GPA: 3.66

Other Stuff:
Strong EC, Letters, PS. ~150 hrs of clinical experience, including an ongoing stint as an interviewer/clinic nurse. No D.O. letter, and only minimal face time (worked alongside one for a couple nights).

Schools:
PCOM, CCOM, MSUCOM, NYCOM. All will be done by the end of this week.

So?

Looks good!

Some really good applicants have ended up not hearing anything from four or more schools, in the end, though (after applying to many more). Have you considered adding a few more for a bit of a safety net? There are some other schools in/near your apparent region of interest.

Good luck!

 

[Apple2008]

I guess I'll make a post for once...I'm kind of lacking confidence right now and this application process is driving me crazy...

Do you all think I have a chance of gaining an acceptance from any of these schools...
ATSU-Kirksville, DMU, PCOM, Touro-CA
(*Last year, I applied late, i.e. complete in Jan/Feb, and I ended up with only one interview/one waitlist from DMU. This year, I applied a lot earlier, i.e. verified 10/1, and currently I'm waiting for secondaries from ATSU, PCOM, and Touro-CA)

About me...
24M MCAT (8, 8, 8) *I retook on Sept 13, so I'm waiting for those scores to come out
3.24 Science
3.24 Non-science
3.24 Cumulative

Clinical Experience...
Currently working as a CNA for my year off
Worked at a summer camp for people with disabilities
Volunteered at two hospitals one summer (~75 hrs)
DO shadowing (~25 hrs)

Research-Non bio/chem related-10 weeks

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

I guess I'll make a post for once...I'm kind of lacking confidence right now and this application process is driving me crazy...

Do you all think I have a chance of gaining an acceptance from any of these schools...
ATSU-Kirksville, DMU, PCOM, Touro-CA
(*Last year, I applied late, i.e. complete in Jan/Feb, and I ended up with only one interview/one waitlist from DMU. This year, I applied a lot earlier, i.e. verified 10/1, and currently I'm waiting for secondaries from ATSU, PCOM, and Touro-CA)

About me...
24M MCAT (8, 8, 8) *I retook on Sept 13, so I'm waiting for those scores to come out
3.24 Science
3.24 Non-science
3.24 Cumulative

Clinical Experience...
Currently working as a CNA for my year off
Worked at a summer camp for people with disabilities
Volunteered at two hospitals one summer (~75 hrs)
DO shadowing (~25 hrs)

Research-Non bio/chem related-10 weeks

MCAT and GPA on the low side of avg at these schools. You won't get screened out, but neither will set you apart. Biggest thing maybe to make a case why you would be an outstanding student through ECs and personal statements. Best advice is apply broadly if you can! remember it only takes one and keep at it if it doesnt happen this year (coming from a 4 timer who just got an acceptance!)

 

[anon y mous]

I guess I'll make a post for once...I'm kind of lacking confidence right now and this application process is driving me crazy...

Do you all think I have a chance of gaining an acceptance from any of these schools...
ATSU-Kirksville, DMU, PCOM, Touro-CA
(*Last year, I applied late, i.e. complete in Jan/Feb, and I ended up with only one interview/one waitlist from DMU. This year, I applied a lot earlier, i.e. verified 10/1, and currently I'm waiting for secondaries from ATSU, PCOM, and Touro-CA)

About me...
24M MCAT (8, 8, 8) *I retook on Sept 13, so I'm waiting for those scores to come out
3.24 Science
3.24 Non-science
3.24 Cumulative

Clinical Experience...
Currently working as a CNA for my year off
Worked at a summer camp for people with disabilities
Volunteered at two hospitals one summer (~75 hrs)
DO shadowing (~25 hrs)

Research-Non bio/chem related-10 weeks

I'm just curious why you didn't have your application ready to go on day one if you think you didn't get in last year because you were late?

I'm in a similar situation as you (but I was complete mid summer) and also did a retake on the same day. However my gpa is considerably higher (3.7 overall, 3.9 science) and my ECs are decent, including research and one pretty stand out EC. Meanwhile I'm sweating it out with no interview invites yet. I'm hoping they are waiting for my new MCAT score and I'm hoping the retake was worth it. 🙁 If I have to reapply next year, my app will be ready to go on day one and I'll make sure my application is stronger next time around.

 

[Apple2008]

Because I was ranked in the upper half of the waitlist at DMU, so I chose not to apply until mid-August in case I were to receive an acceptance. I didn't realize that the waitlist movement would be so slow however.

I've been getting around a 30 on practice MCAT tests before the exam, so I think my actual exam will be around there. I am confident I did much better on the PS and VB section (don't want to know about BS though, it was much harder than before).

DMU is my top choice, so I hope I receive another interview offer.

I am also thinking about submitting my application to PCOM-Ga as well.

 

[anon y mous]

Because I was ranked in the upper half of the waitlist at DMU, so I chose not to apply until mid-August in case I were to receive an acceptance. I didn't realize that the waitlist movement would be so slow however.

I've been getting around a 30 on practice MCAT tests before the exam, so I think my actual exam will be around there. I am confident I did much better on the PS and VB section (don't want to know about BS though, it was much harder than before).

DMU is my top choice, so I hope I receive another interview offer.

I am also thinking about submitting my application to PCOM-Ga as well.

Yeah, ok, but I think by June I wouldn't have had much hope (but that's me) so i would have had everything ready to go just in case.

Good luck on the MCAT score. I was getting 30s also but am expecting similar to what I previous got. After all, I got lower on my real deal than I even got on my diagnostic and have no clue why. To me it's a crapshoot as much as is the whole process. 🙁

 

[raaaaba]

Hey guys,

Let's see how I fair out.

ACCOMAS Science GPA: 3.13
ACCOMAS Overall: 3.22
ACCOMAS Non-Science: 3.36

MCAT: 25N, lame. Just got it back, PS 09 VR 06 BS 10...I got screwed in VR (usually 8-12) and I was averaging 10-13 on PS. Don't know what happened. Considering a re-take. Oh yeah, writing sample: N

Environmental Bio Major/Chem Minor

Extra-circulars:
Shadowed D.O.
Cancer Research
Bioinformatics Research
Hospital Volunteer
Biology Tutor
Multiple Club E-Board Member
NCAA Athlete
I can fit 10 bags of M&M peanuts in my mouth
Scholarships, etc.

I already applied and I'm waiting to get verified. I applied to about 11 Schools: Western, Touro-Henderson, Touro-Vallejo, AT-Still, AT-SU, LECOM, NYCOM, NYIT, PCOM, etc.

Do I have some sort of a chance? I was averaging 28-33 on my practice tests. I don't know what happened. I thought I did well on verbal, then they throw this in my face.

Anyone else?

 

[213965]

I would plan on re-taking in January. That is what I'm doing. And if you already have enough interviews (or even acceptances) by then, of course you don't even have to bother. But just to be on the safe side, especially since you KNOW you can do better, I would continue to prepare for the next MCAT. Good luck!!!

 

[anon y mous]

Hey guys,

Let's see how I fair out.

ACCOMAS Science GPA: 3.13
ACCOMAS Overall: 3.22
ACCOMAS Non-Science: 3.36

MCAT: 25N, lame. Just got it back, PS 09 VR 06 BS 10...I got screwed in VR (usually 8-12) and I was averaging 10-13 on PS. Don't know what happened. Considering a re-take. Oh yeah, writing sample: N

Environmental Bio Major/Chem Minor

Extra-circulars:
Shadowed D.O.
Cancer Research
Bioinformatics Research
Hospital Volunteer
Biology Tutor
Multiple Club E-Board Member
NCAA Athlete
I can fit 10 bags of M&M peanuts in my mouth
Scholarships, etc.

I already applied and I'm waiting to get verified. I applied to about 11 Schools: Western, Touro-Henderson, Touro-Vallejo, AT-Still, AT-SU, LECOM, NYCOM, NYIT, PCOM, etc.

Do I have some sort of a chance? I was averaging 28-33 on my practice tests. I don't know what happened. I thought I did well on verbal, then they throw this in my face.

Anyone else?

You got this back today???😱I thought they were closed on Columbus Day!

You applied to NYCOM and NYIT? They are the same school or am I missing something? 😕

Oh and the same thing happened to me the first time so i'm expecting the same this time around. 🙁

 

[raaaaba]

You got this back today???😱I thought they were closed on Columbus Day!

You applied to NYCOM and NYIT? They are the same school or am I missing something? 😕

Oh and the same thing happened to me the first time so i'm expecting the same this time around. 🙁

Well, I haven't been verified today. I'm still waiting on it. There are two schools in NY; New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say the same thing happened to you. Do you mean you have similar stats/EC's and didn't get in?

 

[anon y mous]

Well, I haven't been verified today. I'm still waiting on it. There are two schools in NY; New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say the same thing happened to you. Do you mean you have similar stats/EC's and didn't get in?

Well you said: "MCAT: 25N, lame. Just got it back, ". I'm asking if you got your MCAT back today?

Yes there are two schools in NY; I thought you mentioned applying to NYIT and NYCOM, which is the same school. Sorry, maybe I misunderstood.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Yes there are two schools in NY; I thought you mentioned applying to NYIT and NYCOM, which is the same school. Sorry, maybe I misunderstood.

You didn't misunderstand. raaaaba said "NYIT, NYCOM," when he/she meant "NYCOM, Touro-NY."

 

[raaaaba]

Whoops, sorry. Long day, I just got out of the research lab. I guess I misunderstood/wrote the wrong thing.

I took the MCAT on Sept 5th, so it's been about a week or so since I've had my scores. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[anon y mous]

Whoops, sorry. Long day, I just got out of the research lab. I guess I misunderstood/wrote the wrong thing.

I took the MCAT on Sept 5th, so it's been about a week or so since I've had my scores. Sorry for any confusion.

Oh, ok, got it.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Whoops, sorry. Long day, I just got out of the research lab. I guess I misunderstood/wrote the wrong thing.

No biggie. Just clearing up any confusion. 🙂

 

[anon y mous]

You didn't misunderstand. raaaaba said "NYIT, NYCOM," when he/she meant "NYCOM, Touro-NY."

No biggie. Just clearing up any confusion. 🙂

Thanks, during these days of extreme anxiety I can understand if I was losing my mind or sight of reality. 😉

 

[norachen19]

I was so disappointed with my September 6 MCAT score which is PS: 10, VR: 6, BS: 9 and WS: P. 25P total. My science GPA is 4.0 and non-science GPA is 3.91 and I am a biochem major at UCLA. I don't know what happened to my MCAT. Well, I want to get into D.O school so what are my chances? Should I retake? Should I apply for class of 2012? Thanks all the feedback.

 

[anon y mous]

I was so disappointed with my September 6 MCAT score which is PS: 10, VR: 6, BS: 9 and WS: P. 25P total. My science GPA is 4.0 and non-science GPA is 3.91 and I am a biochem major at UCLA. I don't know what happened to my MCAT. Well, I want to get into D.O school so what are my chances? Should I retake? Should I apply for class of 2012? Thanks all the feedback.

Class of 2012? That means you should have applied last year?😱

Anyway I think you are still a strong candidate for DO schools. I'm dealing with the same thing as you so I certainly understand. All your stats are just a smidge higher than mine so I'm curious how you fare in this process, but don't give up. I'll know more after I get my disastorous retake scores back today.

 

[ILuvTeeth]

Hi all,
One of my best friends is amazing and has a 3.9 GPA, but on his MCAT he attained a 22O. I am a pre-dental student and do not know much about the med. stats. Do any of you know if his chance are still good for admission into a DO program? NYCOM or Nova, maybe?
I really appreciate your help!!!
Thank you 🙂

 

[docman85]

Here's my deal...

GPA: 3.33
BCPM: 3.60
MCAT: 20 N

Experience: worked as tech in ER for 2+ years, as rehab assistant 1 year, in fraternity, 400 hour cardiopulmonary internship for exercise physiology, worked all 4 years of college, observed an open heart surgery, neurologist

(took mcat without completeing pre-reqs... dumb i know) (need organic 1&2, Phys 2, another Bio)

Planning to retake in Jan now, but curious to see if I would get some love from some DO schools, GA resident, currently working in Vanderbilt ER, already completed most of my secondaries to schools, (applied to 9 DO schools, and 2 MD)

Any advice or comments are welcome....

Thanks guys

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

Here's my deal...

GPA: 3.33
BCPM: 3.60
MCAT: 20 N

Experience: worked as tech in ER for 2+ years, as rehab assistant 1 year, in fraternity, 400 hour cardiopulmonary internship for exercise physiology, worked all 4 years of college, observed an open heart surgery, neurologist

(took mcat without completeing pre-reqs... dumb i know) (need organic 1&2, Phys 2, another Bio)

Planning to retake in Jan now, but curious to see if I would get some love from some DO schools, GA resident, currently working in Vanderbilt ER, already completed most of my secondaries to schools, (applied to 9 DO schools, and 2 MD)

Any advice or comments are welcome....

Thanks guys

Check the CIB to see what schools screen out MCAT and if they will accept a jan MCAT. Doing better in Jan is a must b/c your GPA is normal-ish (think thats kinda a word) for DO. Why are you applying with hardly any pre-reqs complete? You have listed at least a year of pre-reqs to be completed. Beside the low mcat, that may also be an obstacle in your app...ECs looks great though

 

[RySerr21]

Here's my deal...

GPA: 3.33
BCPM: 3.60
MCAT: 20 N

Experience: worked as tech in ER for 2+ years, as rehab assistant 1 year, in fraternity, 400 hour cardiopulmonary internship for exercise physiology, worked all 4 years of college, observed an open heart surgery, neurologist

(took mcat without completeing pre-reqs... dumb i know) (need organic 1&2, Phys 2, another Bio)

Planning to retake in Jan now, but curious to see if I would get some love from some DO schools, GA resident, currently working in Vanderbilt ER, already completed most of my secondaries to schools, (applied to 9 DO schools, and 2 MD)

Any advice or comments are welcome....

Thanks guys

I imagine if you take your MCAT with the 4 pre reqs that you havnet taken yet, your score will drastically improve. I'd say of the ones you havne't taken you NEED to take both ochems and physics 2. Depending which bio course you have alreayd taken, the 2nd one might not be that important.

Overall GPA are MCAT are both below/well below average, so it might be tough. Do you have any experience with osteopathic medicine? It wont go well if they think you are using them as a last minute back up due to a poor MCAT.

I'd say, try and at least shadow a DO so that you can show you have some interest in the profession.

Good luck on the January MCAT!

 

[norachen19]

Class of 2012? That means you should have applied last year?😱

Anyway I think you are still a strong candidate for DO schools. I'm dealing with the same thing as you so I certainly understand. All your stats are just a smidge higher than mine so I'm curious how you fare in this process, but don't give up. I'll know more after I get my disastorous retake scores back today.

Sorry for my typo. I meant class of 2013. I am not sure if it is too late to apply right now.

 

[docman85]

I'm actually taking Organic I and Phys II right now, so I have already seen a few errors I made just in the two months of being in class.

During my experience working at the ER in South GA, I worked with many DO (5+) on a day to day basis and assisted them with various tasks.

I am mainly wanting to do DO, because of its philosophy, the 2 MD schools I applied to were my state schools which had really great tuition, and the main reason I was planning to retake the MCAT in Jan rather than wait was so I didn't waste the app. money I have already invested for this cycle...(I know I know, don't get in a hurry....It looks like I might be waiting another year anyways...)

As for the MCAT, after taking it once, I felt when I walked out that it was more of a lack of knowledge (from not having the classes) rather than my ability to reason through the passages, and take the actual test itself....

Thanks everyone, I was just hoping for a success story... I'll be a Dr. one day!!!

 

[love4thegame]

Hello! This is my first time posting on SDN, so please let me know if this thread is in the wrong place. I am planning on applying to DO schools in the spring but I would like to know your advice. My gpa is 3.85 and my science gpa is a little bit higher than that. My MCAT is 24M (VR 10, BS 7, PS 7). I am doing an internship in cardiac rehab at an osteopathic hospital right now (240 hours) and I also volunteered as a patient transporter for a semester and in the emergency room for a semester. I would love to attend Michigan State University but I'm not sure because of my MCAT score. I'm afraid to retake it and get a lower or equal score. Please help. Thanks in advance.

 

[213965]

Hello! This is my first time posting on SDN, so please let me know if this thread is in the wrong place. I am planning on applying to DO schools in the spring but I would like to know your advice. My gpa is 3.85 and my science gpa is a little bit higher than that. My MCAT is 24M (VR 10, BS 7, PS 7). I am doing an internship in cardiac rehab at an osteopathic hospital right now (240 hours) and I also volunteered as a patient transporter for a semester and in the emergency room for a semester. I would love to attend Michigan State University but I'm not sure because of my MCAT score. I'm afraid to retake it and get a lower or equal score. Please help. Thanks in advance.

Why can't you apply now? Why are you waiting until spring for this cycle? Even with awesome stats many school's seats will already be filled by then. Unless you meant applying end of spring for fall '10, my apologies. I don't recommend retaking unless you're sure you can do better because your GPA/EC's already seem solid enough for DO schools, although I'm no admissions expert, especially with DO schools since I didn't apply last year. Good luck!!

 

[bhee]

I took the may mcat and had P7, V7, B9 and O.
I thought i shd re take it to bring them to minimum of 8 on each section esp. the physics cos i didnt finish.
I took the Sept 12th mcat and unfortunately, i did worse. I had P10, B8, V4 and a P. the verbal really messed me up even though i thot that was the only section i knew. Do you think i have any chance of getting into any DO school with a V4?
Pls, any suggestions will be welcomed.

 

[213965]

I took the may mcat and had P7, V7, B9 and O.
I thought i shd re take it to bring them to minimum of 8 on each section esp. the physics cos i didnt finish.
I took the Sept 12th mcat and unfortunately, i did worse. I had P10, B8, V4 and a P. the verbal really messed me up even though i thot that was the only section i knew. Do you think i have any chance of getting into any DO school with a V4?
Pls, any suggestions will be welcomed.

If you haven't done so already, I would strongly recommend registering for a retake in January. I've heard of people getting in with VR score of 6 but not 4. Even if they only look at your best total score, I think that securing at least an 8 in each section like you mentioned earlier would be most ideal, and I think you can do it!!

Does anyone know which DO schools accept combined best score? If that is the case then you would have a 25 in their eyes which should be solid if your GPA is also decent (3.5+). Strong EC's/LORs implied 😉 Good luck.

 

[RySerr21]

Hello! This is my first time posting on SDN, so please let me know if this thread is in the wrong place. I am planning on applying to DO schools in the spring but I would like to know your advice. My gpa is 3.85 and my science gpa is a little bit higher than that. My MCAT is 24M (VR 10, BS 7, PS 7). I am doing an internship in cardiac rehab at an osteopathic hospital right now (240 hours) and I also volunteered as a patient transporter for a semester and in the emergency room for a semester. I would love to attend Michigan State University but I'm not sure because of my MCAT score. I'm afraid to retake it and get a lower or equal score. Please help. Thanks in advance.

If you arent going to be applying until next cycle, you should definitely reatke your MCAT. You could gain an acceptance with your app as is, but your MCAT is definitely the weaker point. If you have the time, why not try to improve your MCAT so that our app is as solid as possible. If i was interviewing you, and I saw your MCAT score of 24 from a really late test date, the first thing I would ask is why didn't you retake if you had so much extra time...Would your answer really be "because I was afraid I would do worse?" With that reasoning, why even apply because you should have fear that you will be rejected. See how that doesnt really make sense? You gotta go for it IMO. Put your mind to it, study hard, and do well.

If you study hard and are able to idnetify what went wrong the first time, your score should improve. If you get a 27+ you are going to be golden. I say go for it and dont sell yourself short for fear of a bad outcome.

 

[FlaMedic]

Non-trad student 33 y/o have been a firefighter/paramedic for 6 years and critical care paremedic for the past year or so.

GPA: 3.6 non sci 3.5 overall and 3.2 science
MCAT: 9 BS, 8 PS, and 6 VR (i suck)

Have volunteered at free med clinic, Shadowed 2 DO's, Observership at DO Family Practice Residencies.

Have 6 LOR's 2 from DO's 2 from Sci Professors and 2 from MD's...all pretty glowing.

I applied to 19 schools, all Osteopathic.

Think I have a chance? Thanks for your time......