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

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california, and this may seem like a stupid question, but are "state" schools schools with a state in the title or schools that specifically say state as in oklahoma state... michigan state... etc.
 
amikhchi said:
This is a copy from a post in the pre-allo forums, but the ending result of that thread was that i should apply DO (i know it's late)
but here are my stats, can you guys give me some insight as to where I should be applying (in the hope that i will be accepted for the fall 2009 entering class)


science/cum gpa (pretty much same): 3.47 (a bit low)
mcat: 11 8 12 P (aug 20th 2007)

E/C: about 300 hrs worth of basic volunteer at a rehab/education center and some clinical at family doctor's office. about a year of roughly 4 hours a week (during school) research with genetics professor.
a few random single-day volunteer things (i.e. helping homeless, habitat for humanity, etc.)

graduated may '08 with bio degree from a cal-state (CSUN) (california resident btw)

LoRs: 1 from anatomy instructor, 1 from ochem instructor, 1 from genetics instructor, 1 from premed advisor, and 1 from volunteer coordinator at the rehab/edu center
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Honestly, I don't see why you can't apply to MD schools (assuming you're just using DO as a backup). Your chances don't seem that bad at all. I think the people in pre-allo were just busting your chops (as usual).

In terms of DO schools, however, you should do quite well.
 
actually i did apply to 31 allo schools, got rejected from several, no word from several, 2ndaries from several, but no word as of yet and i was complete in july for the majority of them, early aug for the others... all of my 2ndaries have been complete for over 3 months and not a single word, and everytime i call/email i get the generic "we're working as fast as we can, we're backed up, check the website, when we decide we'll put it up, etc etc" response...
 
amikhchi said:
This is a copy from a post in the pre-allo forums, but the ending result of that thread was that i should apply DO (i know it's late)
but here are my stats, can you guys give me some insight as to where I should be applying (in the hope that i will be accepted for the fall 2009 entering class)


science/cum gpa (pretty much same): 3.47 (a bit low)
mcat: 11 8 12 P (aug 20th 2007)

E/C: about 300 hrs worth of basic volunteer at a rehab/education center and some clinical at family doctor's office. about a year of roughly 4 hours a week (during school) research with genetics professor.
a few random single-day volunteer things (i.e. helping homeless, habitat for humanity, etc.)

graduated may '08 with bio degree from a cal-state (CSUN) (california resident btw)

LoRs: 1 from anatomy instructor, 1 from ochem instructor, 1 from genetics instructor, 1 from premed advisor, and 1 from volunteer coordinator at the rehab/edu center
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1. Apply to:
KCUMB
Western
PCOM
UMDNJ
CCOM
Nova
UNECOM
DMU
AZCOM
Lake Erie's
Touro-Ca

2. Send in your app right away. I'd rush transcripts.
3. During verification, go to http://www.osteopathic.org/YOM/mentor_search.htm and find a DO to shadow.
4. It takes 4-6 weeks for verification. After verification, it takes ~1 week for the primary to get released to the schools. ~1 week after release, secondaries will start to trickle in. You might get secondaries from schools the day of release. CCOM and Lake Erie Bradenton come to mind. Some schools don't prescreen for secondaries (you can send them in at release). Some schools don't have secondary essays. Check Chocolate Bear's signature for secondary essay prompts.
 
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Squiggy said:
So I'm going to be retaking undergrad classes in the Spring. I was wondering if you guys know what would be a good point to stop retaking classes. Would it help significantly to retake so that my GPA goes beyond 3.4-3.5? It would be great to know this as I'm planning on taking my MCATs after I'm done bringing my GPA up.

Any ideas? How much of an advantage will a retake-repaired GPA of 3.7-3.8 offer over a retake-repaired GPA of 3.4-3.5?
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It depends on where you apply, the length of time it takes to repair your gpa, and your MCAT score.

I'd suggest a one year timeline retaking C or below grades. Two years if your gpa really sucks.
 
amikhchi said:
actually i did apply to 31 allo schools, got rejected from several, no word from several, 2ndaries from several, but no word as of yet and i was complete in july for the majority of them, early aug for the others... all of my 2ndaries have been complete for over 3 months and not a single word, and everytime i call/email i get the generic "we're working as fast as we can, we're backed up, check the website, when we decide we'll put it up, etc etc" response...
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Wow; I find that really weird. I guess admissions really is a crapchute...

I wish you luck. :luck:
 
amikhchi said:
california, and this may seem like a stupid question, but are "state" schools schools with a state in the title or schools that specifically say state as in oklahoma state... michigan state... etc.
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Pretty much..the only state schools are OK State, Mich State and North Texas (TCOM) I believe unless I forgot one or two. I wouldn't apply to those for various reasons ($$$ and in-state preference). ILikeFood's list is good, there are some quality schools in that bunch. If you need clarification on which schools those are feel free to ask...we give them shortened names on here for convenience. and to reiterate, an MD letter is all good, I was FINE with one. If you can show that you are somehow familiar with Osteopathic medicine (shadow one really quick, interview one, do as much research as you can) that will help. This is a helpful book on their history.
 
You're allowed to retake classes that you got a B or B- in?

To this day it amazes me that colleges will let you do that. My school's policy was that you had to have gotten a non-passing grade (below a C) in order to repeat a course.

Frankly, retaking a B class is a waste of your time. Only retake the C's, do well, and then focus on the MCAT. A good MCAT score will easily offset a few B's here and there.
 
amikhchi said:
actually i did apply to 31 allo schools, got rejected from several, no word from several, 2ndaries from several, but no word as of yet and i was complete in july for the majority of them, early aug for the others... all of my 2ndaries have been complete for over 3 months and not a single word, and everytime i call/email i get the generic "we're working as fast as we can, we're backed up, check the website, when we decide we'll put it up, etc etc" response...
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I applied to 15 allo schools with 2 or 3 rejections so far. I'm starting to consider applying DO.
 
i completed and submitted the app... here's hoping it wasn't too late... one question though, are these deadlines listed for when my app is verified and completed or just from when i submitted it originally?
 
DoktorB said:
Pretty much..the only state schools are OK State, Mich State and North Texas (TCOM) I believe unless I forgot one or two. I wouldn't apply to those for various reasons ($$$ and in-state preference).
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Here's a link to a file that shows the private/public colleges. I saw a better one floating around a while back, but this is the most comprehensive I could find right now. Look at page 6.

As far as tuition goes, keep in mind that some private schools will still have higher costs than out-of-state public colleges, especially when factoring in cost of living.
 
Honestly I do think there is a sig. diff between a 3.4-3.5 vs 3.7-3.8 range. My MCAT is pretty avg but I think my GPA definitely off-sets that hence my relative success so far this cycle. I think your plan sounds good in targeting the C's first, and then maybe the B-'s if you end up with a lower or avg MCAT. Good luck.
 
Count me in this group, too. I got into a really, really good college that just wasn't for me, but I was too stubborn to admit it. Result: 3 years of academics crammed into 4 years of time due to a forced suspension of 1 year (due to D's) before I was required to withdraw (due to a D and an F). I think my cum GPA at that point was maybe 2.3.

Moved, became a paramedic, started retaking classes, and managed to redeem myself somewhat. Still had a rocky semester (working full-time plus 20 credits of school), but the past several years have been steady A's and B's with a 3.8 GPA.

I'm odd in that I redeemed myself in the opposite way from most folks: My MCAT is out-of-the-park, while my GPA is middling. Apply widely--different schools have different standards--and you never know, you might catch somebody's eye on an adcom somewhere. Worked for me.👍
 
Went to good private college in 2004, maintained a 3.0-3.1 GPA

Left for state university to be with GF ( :bang: )

Did ok for first two semesters, we broke up and all hell broke loose

Got a B in Physics I, C in A&P I, Fs in A&P II, Bio I, and Microeconomics

Transfered to Pitt but just wasn't ready.

Got a B in Bio I, C+ in Bio I lab, C in Gen Chem I, C- in Gen Chem II, F in Bio II, F in Bio II lab

Retook some classes at CC A in microeconomics, B in Bio II, W from a few classes there too

All in all I have around 6-8 retakes, 4 Ws/Rs, and a few Fs I will not be retaking as there is no reason to (1 cr science labs).

I am working on getting my GPA up and is going well. Looks like I should end up with about a 3.4 science GPA by the end and a 3.0-3.1 overall GPA.

On a side note, it took me becoming a paramedic to get my rear in gear. and it is very tough to work 40-60 hrs a week and carry a full course load.

dxu

p.s. I will prolly apply to a post-bacc to help prepare me better for med school.
 
I am in a similar position as a couple of other recent respondents here... I have had applications in at ~25 allopathic schools since July. I have only heard 5 rejections and was put on hold at one of my state schools (SUNY Upstate).

MCAT: 32 P (10 V, 11 P, 11 B)
Overall/ sci GPA: 3.55/ 3.15
Undergrad: Duke, Psych major

I had B's in all my core pre-med classes (except a C+ in Orgo II-- but I had mono and missed a month, and one of my LOR addresses this) and A's in pretty much everything else. Feedback I have heard thus far is that my science gpa is "a little low," which is frustrating, since I worked really hard, but the curve at Duke is VERY hard to break. Also I heard from a confidential source at one of the schools that my committee letter was "unfavorable," however my individual LOR's are good, including one outstanding one.

Truthfully, I should have applied to osteopathic schools from the beginning since I agree more with their philosophy. However, I was sort of ill informed, and did not know much about DO's when I was applying. I just went to one however, for a personal medical issue, and became really intrigued. I want to practice mind-body/ integrative medicine and have done a lot of excellent internships in this area, as well as research.

I graduated in May and since have been doing a lot of volunteer work and am working as a research assistant for the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Dept. at Weill Cornell.

I am thinking of applying to these schools and getting my apps in ASAP:
NYCOM
UNECOM
PCOM
CCOM
Western
PNU
RVU

Will it look bad that I am applying so late (or look like I am only applying bc I am not getting into allopathic schools)?

What are the reputations of these schools (I have done a little research but my preferences are based more on location)? Should I add some to the list?

Any advice most appreciated 🙂
 
moonflower said:
I am in a similar position as a couple of other recent respondents here... I have had applications in at ~25 allopathic schools since July. I have only heard 5 rejections and was put on hold at one of my state schools (SUNY Upstate).

MCAT: 32 P (10 V, 11 P, 11 B)
Overall/ sci GPA: 3.55/ 3.15
Undergrad: Duke, Psych major

I had B's in all my core pre-med classes (except a C+ in Orgo II-- but I had mono and missed a month, and one of my LOR addresses this) and A's in pretty much everything else. Feedback I have heard thus far is that my science gpa is "a little low," which is frustrating, since I worked really hard, but the curve at Duke is VERY hard to break. Also I heard from a confidential source at one of the schools that my committee letter was "unfavorable," however my individual LOR's are good, including one outstanding one.

Truthfully, I should have applied to osteopathic schools from the beginning since I agree more with their philosophy. However, I was sort of ill informed, and did not know much about DO's when I was applying. I just went to one however, for a personal medical issue, and became really intrigued. I want to practice mind-body/ integrative medicine and have done a lot of excellent internships in this area, as well as research.

I graduated in May and since have been doing a lot of volunteer work and am working as a research assistant for the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Dept. at Weill Cornell.

I am thinking of applying to these schools and getting my apps in ASAP:
NYCOM
UNECOM
PCOM
CCOM
Western
PNU
RVU

Will it look bad that I am applying so late (or look like I am only applying bc I am not getting into allopathic schools)?

What are the reputations of these schools (I have done a little research but my preferences are based more on location)? Should I add some to the list?

Any advice most appreciated 🙂
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You are applying really late, so its hard to say, but your MCAT is awesome and your overall GPA I above average as well. Yes, your sGPA is low but I dont think its going to kill you. If you dont get in this cycle, definitely apply early next cycle and you should have no problem.

As far as the schools you have chosen...PCOM is a heavy SDN favorite, and is considered one of the best DO schools (this is all subjective of course). CCOM also has a great reputation, and Western as well (especially for the west coast). I would double check about PNU b/c I'm pretty sure they have a strong state preference where they take a majority of their students from about 5 states. If you are from NY, I dont think you will fit into that category. So, it might be difficult to get in to that school. RVU is brand spankin new and not too much is known about it. In general youll probably want to go to an older, more established school, but at this point I say if you are intersted in the school and you are applying this late you might as well give it a shot. I dont know much about UNECOM or NYCOM.

Some of these schools might also require a DO letter (check ChocoloateBear's signature, theres a link that has which schools require DO letters). You might wanna try and get a DO LOR, and if you dont have an MD LOR either you will definitely benefit from getting at least that.
 
moonflower said:
I am thinking of applying to these schools and getting my apps in ASAP:
NYCOM
UNECOM
PCOM
CCOM
Western
PNU
RVU
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add:
KCUMB
Nova
DMU
AZCOM

These are good schools that will give you a look too.

PNWU and RVU are really new, but they seem like they have really solid programs going on. All the others on your list are actually really good schools with proven reputations.

moonflower said:
Will it look bad that I am applying so late (or look like I am only applying bc I am not getting into allopathic schools)?
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It might..but I would just explain what happened. Tell them you were treated by an osteopathic doctor and became a believer! That'll go a long way at an interview. Along with all the other reasons you want to be a doctor of course.

I think you've got a shot if you turn your apps around really fast and can get a few interviews. That means finishing secondaries during verification and sending them back right when you get the notifications. It only takes one interview to get in, and with your stats you have a definite shot. If not this year, next year will work out guaranteed.

good luck, any and all questions welcome 👍
 
I applied Oct. 26 to these schools, but I wanted to know if anyone had an opinion on my chances. (Then my undergrad school didn't send my transcript... so my applications actually were just released this week... but that's another story)

MCAT: 9P 9R 8B P .... 26P
GPA: 3.5/overall 3.2/science
EC: MD and DO shadowing. Few hundred volunteer hours. Lots of leadership in school student activities, founded a fraternity, editor-in-chief of award-winning university newspaper (though this worked against me in MD applications, who told me I "should pursue a career in journalism.")

I've applied to:
PCOM
LECOM-Bradenton
VCOM
NYCOM

Am I facing uphill battles here? Grades are mostly As + Bs, with a C in O-chem II (but an AB in lab), and a C in molecular biology.

Thanks
 
drB and ryserr, thanks for your replies!! I am literally filling out the AACOMAS right now, and will try and talk to the DO I went to and see if she would be willing to write me a letter... :xf:
 
My schools:

PCOM-GA
CCOM
KCUMB
Nova

I tried to stay relatively regional with my selections. Not a lot of DO's around here, either, so I tried to pick schools that don't need a DO letter.

3.96 31 MCAT btw.
 
chemnerd89 said:
My schools:

PCOM-GA
CCOM
KCUMB
Nova

I tried to stay relatively regional with my selections. Not a lot of DO's around here, either, so I tried to pick schools that don't need a DO letter.

3.96 31 MCAT btw.
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You'll be okay.
 
Hi guys. I'm a freshman at a UC, majoring in biological sciences. I just finished fall quarter (my 1st quarter in college), and here are my grades. It was quite hard for me to get used to the pace in college, going over so many materials and needing to learn them quickly. I'm not over the top with my grades, but overall i'm pretty satisfied considering i think i did my best (no more weekends, hanging out with friends as much..), devoted most of my time to school.

semester gpa: 3.014
Pscychology A+
Chem 1A B (not so gd, but okay considering in hs my science was bleh)
Chem 1A lab B-
Calculus C+ (looks real bad i know, but he was such a difficult teacher, and everyone had trouble with this class. of course it's also my fault, could've studied more)
other classes that had pass/fail grade are not listed

so any advice would be greatly appreciated! retaking calc?
also, i know some people are taking a heavy courseload to graduate in 4 years. but i don't think i can handle that, so if i were to grad. in 5 years perhaps, or take classes during summer, is that okay?
 
Well, the first step is to not keep up that gpa throughout college. You only have one quarter under your belt, which means a great 2nd quarter would catapult your gpa upwards. perfect your study habits, you should still have some free time to blow off steam if you study effectively. Work hard if you want to go this route though, there are a lot of people who wish they could have those first few years of college back to raise a few of those lower grades. If you get the opportunity, retaking calc wouldn't be the worst thing, but focus on your degree. good luck! you've got a few more years before you really need to stress about applying or anything! shadow a doctor this summer, it will help you find out whether medicine is for you!!
 
Ayuka001 said:
Hi guys. I'm a freshman at a UC, majoring in biological sciences. I just finished fall quarter (my 1st quarter in college), and here are my grades. It was quite hard for me to get used to the pace in college, going over so many materials and needing to learn them quickly. I'm not over the top with my grades, but overall i'm pretty satisfied considering i think i did my best (no more weekends, hanging out with friends as much..), devoted most of my time to school.

semester gpa: 3.014
Pscychology A+
Chem 1A B (not so gd, but okay considering in hs my science was bleh)
Chem 1A lab B-
Calculus C+ (looks real bad i know, but he was such a difficult teacher, and everyone had trouble with this class. of course it's also my fault, could've studied more)
other classes that had pass/fail grade are not listed

so any advice would be greatly appreciated! retaking calc?
also, i know some people are taking a heavy courseload to graduate in 4 years. but i don't think i can handle that, so if i were to grad. in 5 years perhaps, or take classes during summer, is that okay?
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Your grades look similar to mine first semester of college. Got an A in some BS intro class, B in gen chem and lab, and then a big fat old C- in Calc 1. My gpa was actually more like a 2.8 though so you're still better than me right now.

Yeah like you said it can be a tough transition into the first semester of college. Good news is that its only your first semester. It isn't like you're coming out of college with just a 3.0, you probably have what, 15 credits down? You still have plenty of time to bring yourself up. 3.0 is certainly not horrible by any means for first semester either.

You might want to consider retaking that C+ grade if you feel that you're capable of doing better. Maybe consider waiting until the summer to retake it so that you can focus all your energy into that one class. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking summer/winter session classes. I took them for every summer/winter break so far (except for last summer which I spent studying MCAT) in order to graduate with my double major in four years.

Spending five years in a biological sciences major? You might want to think twice about that. Many people are capable of finishing similar majors in four years. Plus you'll want to take a heavier course load in order to show that you can handle the work load.

Still though in conclusion that isn't a bad first semester. Now in your second you'll know what to expect and you'll be more prepared to face it. Its not about the time you put into it but how well you spend that time.

Good luck.
 
^^ Thank you for all your responses. I'll try harder to raise up my gpa, and maybe retake calc in the summer at a nearby community college.

oh, and to the poster above, i have 43 units right now. 16 for my first quarter of college, and the rest was from ap credits, and a course i took at cc.

Thanks again 🙂
 
Oh, you're making me feel better. I just got a B- in Physics when I was expecting a B or B+ (I must have blown the final.)

No C's ever, quite a few B's and mostly A's. The only bad class left is Calc and Orgo lab.

I guess there's hope.
 
Finished my undergrad with a 2.4. Never took my classes seriously while an undergrad. Failed 2 classes and handful of Ds. Couldn't get into any formal post-bacc programs, did a year to show I could actually get a better grade than a C. Accepted into a post bacc program, finished with a 3.7. Got accepted to CCOM and interviewed at a couple other schools. Never give up if you want it that bad.

uGPA 2.4
Post Bacc GPA 3.7
MCAT 25Q (9V, 8B, 8P)
 
Just remember also the application process isn't just about GPA. I had a bad GPA and made sure I had good ECs. I have volunteered at a free health clinic for a year and a half now and I am able to take vitals, patients histories, chief complaints, run tests like finger stick glucose, urinalyses and EKGs, and order lab tests. Get some leadership opportunities and join some clubs. Just become as well rounded as you can to overcome the low GPA. Do everything you can now so you don't have to work your butt off later.
 
Ayuka001 said:
^^ Thank you for all your responses. I'll try harder to raise up my gpa, and maybe retake calc in the summer at a nearby community college.

oh, and to the poster above, i have 43 units right now. 16 for my first quarter of college, and the rest was from ap credits, and a course i took at cc.

Thanks again 🙂
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Yeah but AP credits aren't going to count towards your GPA, thats what I ment.
 
bleeker10 said:
Just remember also the application process isn't just about GPA. I had a bad GPA and made sure I had good ECs. I have volunteered at a free health clinic for a year and a half now and I am able to take vitals, patients histories, chief complaints, run tests like finger stick glucose, urinalyses and EKGs, and order lab tests. Get some leadership opportunities and join some clubs. Just become as well rounded as you can to overcome the low GPA. Do everything you can now so you don't have to work your butt off later.
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You got to order lab tests?Sorry, I'm not trying to pick a fight or anything,that is pretty cool if you were able to do that as a volunteer! I am not allowed to do this, all 'roads' lead to the physician where I work.
 
here are my grades over a 10 yr time period and ~230 credits 😛

10 A+
29 A
3 A-
10 B+
5 B
3 B-
3 C+
7 C
2 C-
1 D+
2 F
 
Hi there fellow SD's,
Ill be frank this might seem kind of long but if someone could help me out Id appreciate it. Im also kind of new to this I didnt know if this goes in the what are my chances thread since Im not applying this year and I have some other questions. Ok so Ill start from the beginning, my first semester I recieved a 1.76 GPA and got a D+ in Bio and a D in Chem. I repeated the next year and got an A in Bio. I had an extreme situation my first semester that caused me to do so bad PM me and ill let you know about it if your interested. So basically my freshmen year went prettly badly, but since then I have gotten only A's and Bs in my classes. My junior year I took a full load while trying to study for the MCAT. I did well in school with a 3.8 but my MCAT suffered. I got scared during the test and still decided to score it...(WORST DECISION EVER haha). I ended up getting only a 20 (6P,6V,8B) I was averaging anywhere between 28-32 on the aamc practice tests. This semester Iv gotten all A's but i have one more 4 credit hour class left which i think ill get A maybe an A- in the lecture portion and an A- in the lab portion. I should end up with about a 3.38 at the end of this semester. I have a strong upward trend but I dont know if its good enough
My extracurriculars are pretty good with lots of volunteering research, EMTB, worked all throughout college, and many other things
AACOMAS gpa was a 3.43 and science GPA was 3.52 at the end of my junior year
Ok so there is my lifes story now the questions

Do you guys think it would be more beneficial to do a one year masters program or if i should stay an extra semester and just take classes to raise my gpa even more?
Also what about this bloody MCAT...any advice?

Ok so Im in a big crossroad in my life and im really confused but if you guys could help Id appreciate it.
If someone that was in a similar situation could respond that would be great or just PM me.
Gods Speed,
Your fellow SD
 
Hello and welcome to SDN! I have recently become addicted to this site.

First, I would say calm down. Your GPA's seem pretty normal. On a thread here there was a list of all the DO schools average GPA and MCAT score--your GPA was in this range. I would take the MCAT again because I think most schools have a min score of 22 (?). Of course you should put a lot of effort into scoring higher. Somewhere in your PS you need to explain why your GPA was so low. I know you said you took biology again, but did you retake chemistry?

I'm not a med student yet, applying this next cycle, so hopeful some of the others will give you their advice too.
 
I was in the SAME situation ... to the T. I decided late that I wanted to go pre-med and still tried to take the MCAT junior year ... needless to say the score suffered as I was taking orgo and physics while trying to prepare and had not finished the classes before I took the exam (not too smart of a decision in retrospect). Still, I took it and scored it -- my score was not much higher than yours. I decided to take a year off and am currently working doing research in a lab. While studying to re-take the MCAT, I was also moving and starting the new job (also not too smart) - I retook it but did not improve. My applications were already in, so I did not withdraw them. I thought I would get in nowhere but have since been admitted to my first choice school, so I have decided to cancel other interviews.

Now, do not get me wrong, work hard this last year in school, maybe consider taking a year off (it is not the end of the world .. many people recommend it), study to retake the MCAT with no distractions!, work on boosting your resume. My resume and gpa saved me and thank God overshadowed my MCAT. Study and retake the test, and if this is what you want to do you WILL be able to do it. There are bumps in the road, but you will get through it and ultimately end up where you're meant to be. The reason I really like DO is that they tend to see you as a complete person, and may be more inclined to look at you all around rather than as just a score.

Good luck!! [sorry for the long post]
 
I'm not sure that I'd be too quick to use your personal statement to explain your 'low' gpa in the beginning. Maybe if there was a problem in the family that led you to want to go into medicine (which may have been the cause of the gpa) i would definitely explain that and explain HOW or WHY that made you want to pursue a career as a physician. Use the personal statement as a way to show the adcoms why they should want you at your school. Trust me, you will not be the only person who that has happened to. They will know what your gpa was, and they will see the upward trend, which looks good - I think I would save that explanation for an interview. A strong personal statement that conveys why you would be an asset to the field can also help overshadow a less than perfect app to some extent.
 
Retake the MCAT and since it seems the actual test itself was the scary part, spend the majority of the time doing practice tests and make them as "realistic" as possible, you obviously know the material

Take a year off, do something you have wanted to do and never have taken the time to do. For me, it was travelling across the world and seeing Australia. I did it alone and it was hands down the best decision I have ever made. I learned to stick my neck out, appreciate time off and the ability to talk to strangers. I felt more prepared for my interviews as a result, and had a lot more perspective (which you can lose a bit once in the academic world for a while).

Don't freak out, your GPA is fine, just redo the MCAT (it took me two tries) and just keep on pursuing what you want...it will come.
 
KB24 said:
Hi there fellow SD's,
Ill be frank this might seem kind of long but if someone could help me out Id appreciate it. Im also kind of new to this I didnt know if this goes in the what are my chances thread since Im not applying this year and I have some other questions. Ok so Ill start from the beginning, my first semester I recieved a 1.76 GPA and got a D+ in Bio and a D in Chem. I repeated the next year and got an A in Bio. I had an extreme situation my first semester that caused me to do so bad PM me and ill let you know about it if your interested. So basically my freshmen year went prettly badly, but since then I have gotten only A's and Bs in my classes. My junior year I took a full load while trying to study for the MCAT. I did well in school with a 3.8 but my MCAT suffered. I got scared during the test and still decided to score it...(WORST DECISION EVER haha). I ended up getting only a 20 (6P,6V,8B) I was averaging anywhere between 28-32 on the aamc practice tests. This semester Iv gotten all A's but i have one more 4 credit hour class left which i think ill get A maybe an A- in the lecture portion and an A- in the lab portion. I should end up with about a 3.38 at the end of this semester. I have a strong upward trend but I dont know if its good enough
My extracurriculars are pretty good with lots of volunteering research, EMTB, worked all throughout college, and many other things
AACOMAS gpa was a 3.43 and science GPA was 3.52 at the end of my junior year
Ok so there is my lifes story now the questions

Do you guys think it would be more beneficial to do a one year masters program or if i should stay an extra semester and just take classes to raise my gpa even more?
Also what about this bloody MCAT...any advice?

Ok so Im in a big crossroad in my life and im really confused but if you guys could help Id appreciate it.
If someone that was in a similar situation could respond that would be great or just PM me.
Gods Speed,
Your fellow SD
Click to expand...

Bring your MCAT up and you'll be fine. Good luck.
 
lastcall said:
You got to order lab tests?Sorry, I'm not trying to pick a fight or anything,that is pretty cool if you were able to do that as a volunteer! I am not allowed to do this, all 'roads' lead to the physician where I work.
Click to expand...

I just realized what I wrote and it came across differently than what I meant. The physician tells me what labs they want for the patient and I fill out the form and physically schedule them. I do not diagnose or treat the patients. Haha sorry about the confusion.
 
Thanks for the replies. I just finished up my third semester and I can't say I feel to confident about it. The final grades aren't in yet, but there's a good chance that I could fail two classes based on how the final went. I'm starting to think that I may need to consider transferring if things don't improve.
 
Just graduated from a UC this past June, planning to apply June 2009, for the class of 2010

Major: Biochemistry & Cell Biology
GPA overall: 2.8

MCAT: took it once, did extremely bad...(of course planning to take it around May 2009)

Right now, im doing lots of volunteering/internship through a program called Clinical Care Extender (CCE) at a hospital, teaching academically disabled children (autistic, ADD)...

i'm also, re-taking some classes at a city college like G_chem

Besides, studying extremely hard for the MCAT and applying early
what other advice do you guys have
 
yezzur said:
Just graduated from a UC this past June, planning to apply June 2009, for the class of 2010

Major: Biochemistry & Cell Biology
GPA overall: 2.8

MCAT: took it once, did extremely bad...(of course planning to take it around May 2009)

Right now, im doing lots of volunteering/internship through a program called Clinical Care Extender (CCE) at a hospital, teaching academically disabled children (autistic, ADD)...

i'm also, re-taking some classes at a city college like G_chem

Besides, studying extremely hard for the MCAT and applying early
what other advice do you guys have
Click to expand...

If you're planning to apply for the Class of 2010, you're about three years late. 🙂

But on a more serious note...

What's your science GPA? Your overall GPA will definitely need some work and you'll have to try your best to get it at 3.0+. Some schools have cutoffs at 2.75 while others have it at 3.0 (or so I believe), and others have none. Either way, if you'll want to be competitive, you'll need to work your butt off and get As all the way.

If you don't mind, what's your "bad" MCAT score? A bad score can be very subjective. However, I'll take your word for it. You'll want to try your best for a 27 at LEAST because you want your MCAT to make up for your GPA as much as possible. Remember that you should be getting a few points higher than your target score on your practice tests before you take the real thing (to account for nerves and such).

It's good that you're doing some volunteering already, but you'll want to get in some clinical experience if you can. Definitely find an MD or a DO to shadow (DO preferably) since quite a few DO schools "strongly recommend" a physician letter.

If you can work on all that, I think you can do it. 👍
 
I'll keep it short...

I did my first 53 hrs at a jr. college... didnt do to well, 2.92 gpa, 5c, 8b, 4a
thank goodness for aacomas gpa calculation cuz i had quite a few retakes and several w's.

anyways im at texas tech university now majoring in cell and molecular biology with a cGPA of 3.79, and a sGPA of 3.92. Im at a 130hrs right now, mostly upper level science, research, lots of exc's, shadowed and MD and a DO, have decent LOR's, worked as an ER tech.
I had one D at TTU and that was in Intermediate Macroeconomics, worse class ive ever taken!

Made A's in all pre-reqs except for Bio 1 B, and Chem 1 C

Should I devote this summer to retaking 3 jr college classes, or continue with classes at Tech and finish my degree already?

oh yeah, 30 MCAT

Medicine is my passion, I know Ive messed in jr college, but will that keep me out of medical school? will any DO school take me? Any help would be great.

ps... I dont wanna go to the caribbean lol
 
You don't have to go to the Caribbean. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Your record shows definite improvement in your recent years. With a 30 MCAT (as long as you don't have a 6 in your individual scores), you're probably a competitive candidate for a lot of medical schools, both allo and osteopathic, depending on your taste, where in the country you'd like to go, and what might catch an admissions officer's eye. Someone with more knowledge of the independent republic of texas' applications process can address your numbers as far as that goes.

Do some rough calculations about your GPA to see if you'll make the cutoffs for secondaries to schools you might be interested in. That might help you make decisions about whether you need to retake those classes.

In general, I'd say finish your bachelors first, and worry about potential retakes later.

Take this advice with a grain of salt... My academic record is hardly a shining example of perfection, but over the last 10 or 11 years, I've managed to learn a few things about college. 😎 Best of luck to you.
 
Also I would do some soul searching and see why you did so well in one school and not the other. I'm sure adcoms are going to be interested also, so try and make a brief but uplifting comment in an essay or something about why the discrepancy is there. Don't lament on the negative so much, but really turn it around into something super positive. Honestly I was in the same boat and I think a lot of schools really took what I said in my essays into account when giving me interviews. Hope that helps!🙂
 
KB24 said:
Hi there fellow SD's,
Ill be frank this might seem kind of long but if someone could help me out Id appreciate it. Im also kind of new to this I didnt know if this goes in the what are my chances thread since Im not applying this year and I have some other questions. Ok so Ill start from the beginning, my first semester I recieved a 1.76 GPA and got a D+ in Bio and a D in Chem. I repeated the next year and got an A in Bio. I had an extreme situation my first semester that caused me to do so bad PM me and ill let you know about it if your interested. So basically my freshmen year went prettly badly, but since then I have gotten only A's and Bs in my classes. My junior year I took a full load while trying to study for the MCAT. I did well in school with a 3.8 but my MCAT suffered. I got scared during the test and still decided to score it...(WORST DECISION EVER haha). I ended up getting only a 20 (6P,6V,8B) I was averaging anywhere between 28-32 on the aamc practice tests. This semester Iv gotten all A's but i have one more 4 credit hour class left which i think ill get A maybe an A- in the lecture portion and an A- in the lab portion. I should end up with about a 3.38 at the end of this semester. I have a strong upward trend but I dont know if its good enough
My extracurriculars are pretty good with lots of volunteering research, EMTB, worked all throughout college, and many other things
AACOMAS gpa was a 3.43 and science GPA was 3.52 at the end of my junior year
Ok so there is my lifes story now the questions

Do you guys think it would be more beneficial to do a one year masters program or if i should stay an extra semester and just take classes to raise my gpa even more?
Also what about this bloody MCAT...any advice?

Ok so Im in a big crossroad in my life and im really confused but if you guys could help Id appreciate it.
If someone that was in a similar situation could respond that would be great or just PM me.
Gods Speed,
Your fellow SD
Click to expand...

There are, of course, no absolutes, but lots of people get accepted with your GPA. If I were you, I would retake the MCAT (invest in Kaplan, or something like unto it). You can briefly explain in your essays what happened your freshman year. All is not lost, but your MCAT is VERY low.
 
thanks a lot for the advice, it was an extreme situation with my family which i think i will mention in my personal statement. I dont know how deep i will go into it but I do feel what happened in my life makes me want to become a doctor even more. i know my mcat is low but im confident that i can do better. Iv been spending about 8 hours in the library each day planning for the march test.
 
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