* *2009-2010 "What Are My Chances/Where Should I Apply/What Should I Do" * *

[Rollo]

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Applying this year, hopefully really early, just requested transcripts and stuff

My EC's are in line. Shadowing, clinical, leadership, tutoring, and I also have an out of the norm EC where I donated my kidney, have been on panels for organ donation, mentored other living donors, things like that. Did EMT stuff ad well as a medical mission trip. No research. Biology BS and I graduate tomorrow!

3.5 sGPA or so. 3.1 non science. ~3.25 cumulative.

All this is before my stupid last semester. I got a freaking C in histology lab and now I am going crazy. I had a nice upward trend with, except Orgo I and Orgo II and now Histol lab. I feel disappointed in myself, and I am not usually like this.

I have been a full time student for the last 7 years, and my gpa is 3.45 over the last 4 years at the university I am graduating from. I had a poor start my freshman year due to family issues, and have been climbing my way out. Stupid C

Taking the MCAT May 28th, practices have been around 30. I plan on applying broadly, but just looking for some reassurance.

You're fine, dude. Your ECs are pretty outstanding. Your GPA is pretty average (don't worry about the 3.1 nonscience). With 28+ on MCAT, you're very competitive at lot of DO schools.

Don't worry about the C. If it gets brought up, then say that you messed up but learned your lesson from it. That sounds pretty cliche so don't exactly say that but you get the idea.

~3.5 gpa, 35O MCAT
DO letter, shadowing, various clinical experience, ECs


I'm from CA and i have touro and Western down so far.
any suggestions on where i'd be competitive/should apply would be greatly appreciated 🙂 Thanks!

Great MCAT! Good GPA. DO letter/shadowing.

I think you're pretty competitive at most places. Apply wherever you want.

if you want to specialized, is it a bad idea to go to one of the schools known for putting out tons of primary care docs? Or does it not matter?


Also, is an applicant consider a non-trad if they are a re-applicant? If so, what sorts of things should I do with my application or do I need to change anything at all?

From what I've seen so far from the match lists, I don't think you'd be held back from applying for non-primary care specialties (primary care is still a specialty). However, and this is pure speculation since I do not know the match process entirely, it would make sense to go to a school that is known for putting out lot of non-primary care specialties. Your chances of getting one of those specialties would likely increase but then again, if your board scores are terrible and your clinical performance is horrible, then you can say good-bye to competitive, non-primary care specialties.

Ask in the re-applicant forums about what you need to work on for round 2. Most of us here aren't re-applicants therefore we can only speculate what you may need to do. You will get a concrete answer in the re-applicants forum.

Hi Everyone,

My GPA is above the averages for all of the DO schools, but my GPA is below average for all of them. Where do you think I should apply with:
-3.24 cumulative GPA (~3.2 science)
- 32N MCAT
- 240 hours interning/volunteering in hospital
- 60 hours leadership experience from above internship
- 300+ hours MA at pediatricians office
- some other ECs on campus

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

I think your GPA isn't that terrible. Your high MCAT slightly counters it so no worries.

Do you have any shadowing? Specifically any DOs? Maybe a recommendation letter from a DO?

You can pretty much apply wherever you want, but apply broadly. As somebody said above, 6+ schools is good but hell, apply to all 28 if you got the money and time to write up all the secondary essays.

Hi guys,

I am new to this forum and I just wanted to get input about my stats. I graduated with a biochem degree and my GPA is 3.7. My mcats are horrible. The first mcat was 21 with an 8 Physical sciences, 7 Bio, and 6 in verbal. The second time i took the mcat was this past month, April, and got a 24 with a 5 in verbal, 10 Bio, and 9 in the physical sciences. I am really devastated/ concerned about my drop in verbal and I know that a 5 is not good enough to even apply. I know I have to take the mcat again but am worried to take it three times. I probably won't take it this year but next so that I can find a way to get my verbal scores up. I really don't know if I should take a chance and go ahead and apply this year. What do you guys think.

As I and others have mentioned previously, you need to check with individual schools about their policy on applicants with anything below a 7 on an individual section of the MCAT.

Your GPA is stellar. But your MCAT is concerning because it would be reasonable to assume that somebody with a high GPA should do average or better on the MCAT. You performed below average and this is definitely a red flag on your application. Understand that I'm not trying to be an a-hole, but I'm trying to give you an objective assesment about your chances.

You should definitely wait to apply next year. Take the MCAT and try to score at least an 8 on the verbal. An 8 will be a big improvement for somebody with your stats.

In the meantime, do some ECs. Do something medical, and do something non-medical. You don't have to do a whole lot but enough to keep you busy and your mind off of the stress with studying for MCAT.

Best of luck to you. I'm sure you may just need to practice endlessly some verbal passages. That's really all you can do as far as studying for verbal goes. Buy lot of verbal passage practice material and diligently work hard and Focus!

🙂

 

[The Poet Sings]

You're fine, chill. I had 4 f's....not in physics, but still.

you give me hope lol 🙂.

 

[Mohammed1989]

Only keep it, if you are planning on using it exclusively as your MCAT prep (which is probably a bad idea actually). I would sell and get prep materials.

Prep material for the MCAT I dont have to worry about, I got the EK set. Seems to help a lot especially since I am a sophmore still.

 

[Mohammed1989]

You're fine, chill. I had 4 f's....not in physics, but still.

That is a lot of hope right there, any excuse you used? If they asked you

 

[swamprat]

I do not know what to do. I applied to D.O. school twice and have not been accepted anywhere. I received no interviews this year and one last year.

I spoke to a few schools and my only weakness is my MCAT scores. I took the MCAT 3 times and just do not feel I can take it again. It is definitely a time issue for me.

I am a non-traditional student and about ready to give up. My heart is truly into osteopathic medicine and I know I would make a great doctor if given the chance. I also have tons of experience working in healthcare.

Are there any other options for me? I have been told that taking more classes or getting a masters is not going to help me. Are there any programs I can apply to that when completed sucessfully you will be admitted to D.O. school?

What was ur MCAT scores and breakdown? GPA?

 

[PunkmedGirl]

You're fine, chill. I had 4 f's....not in physics, but still.

LMAO Damn. (I'm not laughing at you I'm laughing with you😀😀).

 

[icecube]

3.9 post bac, 3.4 bach and MCAT 7,7,8 (7,8,9 combined though)

 

[slim78]

3.9 post bac, 3.4 bach and MCAT 7,7,8 (7,8,9 combined though)

How many schools did you apply to? Your stats aren't as bad as I would have thought given your luck w/ acceptances/interviews.

 

[chasemydream]

My overall GPA is 3.2. I took my MCAT at the end of this past March and I got 26N (PS: 12, VR: 5, BS: 9). It's not a terribly bad score for DO but with my GPA i am a little bit worried. I KNOW i can do better than 26. My next MCAT is July 2 and won't get my score until the beginning of August. Should I submit my application without MCAT score first? Are they even going to process the application without receiving MCAT socre (it say it will but i doubt it)? Please let me know what I should do.

 

[icecube]

I applied to about 6 schools total. I only have a letter from an MD so I could not apply to any requiring DO letters.

 

[The Poet Sings]

i believe some schools have minimums for each section, so that 5 will probably hurt you. i can't really say anything other than that, though.

 

[Anita817]

I was in the same situation with my first and only C being in Physics 2. I was told not to worry about it, but since I knew the prof teaching it the second time around would be better, I decided to retake it, and I earned an A. I'm not sure if the GPA jump is going to make or break me, but I definitely think it helped me prepare for the MCAT waaaaay better than the first attempt at the class did.

 

[Semicolon]

So I just found out earlier today that I earned a C in Physics I. This is the first C I've made so far in college (I'll be a senior next year). Is this going to screw my chances of getting accepted to an Osteopathic medical school? I would REALLY rather not re-take the class since only one professor teaches it at my school and the tests are comprised of only 3 questions each (i.e., if you miss one of them...you know the rest).

My GPA is a 3.61, and my grades for other classes I took last semester are: A (4 credit course), B (4 credit course), A (3 credit course), and a B (1 credit lab). I'm assuming that my "new" GPA will be ~3.56-3.59.

Could I still score an acceptance to a DO school without re-taking this class? I haven't taken the MCAT yet. Won't it look bad to have the lone C on my transcript be for a pre-requisite class?

I really want to go to PCOM-GA if it matters.

You'll be fine, especially with that GPA. But in the event that you do get asked why, figure out where the wrong turn was (never ever blame the class itself, though).

 

[icecube]

Anyone? I really don't know what to do. How long do I keep trying until I give up? I think my letters of rec. are strong and the only thing lacking in my application is research experience.

 

[boone95]

Anyone? I really don't know what to do. How long do I keep trying until I give up? I think my letters of rec. are strong and the only thing lacking in my application is research experience.

I don't know your whole story, but it sounds like your only problem is the MCAT. It's lame, I know, but it's a part of the process. Yes, it's possible to get in with a 22 (combined isn't used too often), but it's not easy. I think you should take a prep course, then rock the MCAT. Then you should be much better off. Your GPA leads me to believe you've got it in you. You can give up any time, but it sounds like you want it bad enough.

Here's another something: how do you know "your heart is with osteopathy?" I don't see that you've shadowed one. The next best thing you can do to your application is shadow a D.O., and get a letter from him/her. That emphasizes your point with some action.

Good luck!

 

[jojoshabadoo]

Applying this year, hopefully really early, just requested transcripts and stuff

My EC's are in line. Shadowing, clinical, leadership, tutoring, and I also have an out of the norm EC where I donated my kidney, have been on panels for organ donation, mentored other living donors, things like that. Did EMT stuff ad well as a medical mission trip. No research. Biology BS and I graduate tomorrow!

3.5 sGPA or so. 3.1 non science. ~3.25 cumulative.

All this is before my stupid last semester. I got a freaking C in histology lab and now I am going crazy. I had a nice upward trend with, except Orgo I and Orgo II and now Histol lab. I feel disappointed in myself, and I am not usually like this.

I have been a full time student for the last 7 years, and my gpa is 3.45 over the last 4 years at the university I am graduating from. I had a poor start my freshman year due to family issues, and have been climbing my way out. Stupid C

Taking the MCAT May 28th, practices have been around 30. I plan on applying broadly, but just looking for some reassurance.

Donating your kidney is an extracurricular activity?

I think if you donate your other one you will get in everywhere you apply

 

[chocolaterie]

Anyone? I really don't know what to do. How long do I keep trying until I give up? I think my letters of rec. are strong and the only thing lacking in my application is research experience.

Yes, I recommend shadowing a DO (as another poster mentioned). Your mcat is low, but people have been accepted. I haven't read through the last few pages, did you list your ECs? From reading these threads you need to be really strong somewhere else. Your gpa isn't bad, but I'm guessing you've got great ECs? Did you change/edit your personal statement? What were your LORs like? How early did you apply? Which schools did you apply too? Did you look at mdapps to see what applicants had who were accepted with a lower mcat score?

 

[icecube]

Thanks Boone95. Yes, my heart is definitely into osteopathic medicine as opposed to MD for many reasons- having to do from my own experience as a patient and my time working in healthcare.

I have shadowed a D.O., but was only able to do it a few times. I was offered a letter, but only for the school the D.O. graduated from. Instead I picked a M.D. that I worked closely with for a few years for my letter of rec. without realizing schools would not accept it (my own stupid mistake I know, but I felt it would be a stronger letter).

Chocolatiere: Thanks for responding. I think my E.C.s are okay compared to others. The only thing is now that I am not in school and just trying to get accepted somewhere, they are getting old. I modified my personal statement, but for the most part kept it the same bc not much has changed and I was happy with it. I applied to NYCOM, PCOM, GA-PCOM, UMDNJ, AZCOM, Touro Ca. and NOVA in September. The last 3 were not complete until January and I never got a secondary from NYCOM. I have looked on MDapps to see what other apps. with my stats have that I do not and can not figure it out. Is too much experience a bad thing?

 

[Spooner13]

I applied to about 6 schools total. I only have a letter from an MD so I could not apply to any requiring DO letters.

I too had a 3.9 gpa and a 22 mcat (7phy, 8verb, 7bio). Out of the two interviews I went on, I was accepted to both schools. Our high gpas counter our lower mcats, but you've got to show them something else also. Like others have said, try to make your extracurriculars great. Volunteer in and out of the health care setting, etc.

But here is a tip of advice that I know will help your chances: Apply to a lot more schools. The average applicant applies to around 15 or 16 schools I would say. By only applying to 6, you automatically put yourself at a significant disadvantage.

I don't know if you've looked at this school yet, but VCOM really values the gpa much greater than the mcat. They believe it to be a better predictor of how you will do in medical school. On their website, they plainly state that the gpa (especiall science gpa) and the interview are more important than the mcat. Good luck! And seriously, if you can afford it, apply to more schools!

 

[chocolaterie]

DO schools are usually non trad friendly, so I don't believe good experience could ever be a disadvantage. January is pretty late to be complete. How early do you think you will apply this cycle? (unless you have already)

I know time constraints make life difficult. If you have spare time in the evening or weekends (or holidays), you could probably find a DO to shadow/volunteer with. I would look to the ER of hospitals and federally funded health clinics (which tend to be open later/on the weekend). Of the school you received an interview from, do they (or can they) offer feedback? Areas they felt you could improve on? Were there any classes you got Cs in that you might want to retake? This might boost your gpa to help offset a lower mcat score.

Some schools will want to know what you've done recently...

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Hi everyone, here are my stats:
-3.33 overall gpa, science is 3.34
-about 40 hours hospital volunteer(just started), I do the usual pushing patients and transporting samples
-Operating room clean up crew, also got some chances to see pretty cool surgeries
-President for habitat for humanity club
-And some other random EC's that aren't academically or medically related
-Infectious Disease Research for a year

I was wondering what I'm lacking to get into a school like Western? I know for MCAT the motto is score as high as possible, but in you guys' opinion, what would I have to score to be competitive, 32+? Are my EC's good enough if I continue them throughout next year?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: I plan on raising my gpa to at least mid 3.4's, possibly breaking plane of 3.5

Bump!

 

[icecube]

Chocolaterie: I have not applied for the next cycle yet and am debating whether to do so. I have not studied to retake the MCAT, so I am not sure right now I even have a chance.

The school I had an interview with rejected me because of the interview. It was bad and I knew it. I was really nervous and was just having an off day. I was also told my MCAT could use a little improvement which I since raised by a point.

I have no Cs in any premed classes.

 

[icecube]

Spooner13: Thanks and congrats on your 2 acceptances. Do you mind sharing which schools you were accepted at?

I have not looked into VCOM, but definitely will now.

As far as applying to more schools, the problem is that most require a DO letter, which I do not have. I kind of started out applying to a lot of schools this past cycle, but had to withdraw my application from most of them bc of the requirements. My adviser also gave me a hard time for applying to so many so I am afraid to do that again.

 

[chocolaterie]

Chocolaterie: I have not applied for the next cycle yet and am debating whether to do so. I have not studied to retake the MCAT, so I am not sure right now I even have a chance.

The school I had an interview with rejected me because of the interview. It was bad and I knew it. I was really nervous and was just having an off day. I was also told my MCAT could use a little improvement which I since raised by a point.

I have no Cs in any premed classes.

I don't know what your financial situation is like, but if you have the money I would apply again (just do it really early, as in this month). But if you do plan to retake the mcat, you might want to wait for the next cycle. The general consensus is to apply early.

Having worked in Hr for a little while, I can tell you the interview often makes or breaks the applicant. Since I haven't been through an interview for a med school yet, I can only assume (from others) that this is a likely scenario.

Please take my advice with a grain of salt, bc it's near midnight and my brain has become mushy from studying for my chem final.

Things I would do: apply to DO schools that statistically accept lower mcat scores (that is if the school and location play no factor and your only goal is to get accepted). Apply early (i know let's ). Gain more recent EC's...something that comes to mind: hospice volunteer (tough and can be depressing but its compassionate) and you can do it on the weekend/evenings... this can also apply to retirement communities. I wish you luck

 

[chocolaterie]

many advisers are idiots. I did my entire BA without one.

 

[spartan63]

Hi all, this is just a generally chances question. Here are my stats:
GPA: 3.12sc 2.95 overall
Graduate GPA: 3.8
MCAT: taking in June, scoring low 30s on aamc practice tests
ECs: Research: 20-35 hours/week
1 year undergrad research in Diabetes/edocrinology
2 years undergrad research in Breast Cancer
2 poster presentations
2 publications
1 year postbac research in Nutrition Epigenetics and Cancer.
Volunteer/Shadowing
volunteer in cardiac ICU
MD/PA shadowing
DO shadowing
Shop Wise to End Elder Hunger
Other
Pharmaceutical Rep
Undergrad preSOMA
LORs from one graduate faculty, DO, undergrad PI (MD/PhD), current PI in nutrition Research (MD)


What are my chances at DO schools? If so, any suggestions on particular schools to apply to? Also, do my LORs from my previous PI and current PI count as LORs from science faculty because they both teach in their respective medical schools? Thank you in advance for you help and comments.

 

[Spooner13]

Spooner13: Thanks and congrats on your 2 acceptances. Do you mind sharing which schools you were accepted at?

I have not looked into VCOM, but definitely will now.

As far as applying to more schools, the problem is that most require a DO letter, which I do not have. I kind of started out applying to a lot of schools this past cycle, but had to withdraw my application from most of them bc of the requirements. My adviser also gave me a hard time for applying to so many so I am afraid to do that again.

First things first...most pre-med advisers have no idea what they are talking about. DO NOT listen to yours on this issue. Applying to a lot of schools is not a bad thing. Actually, it is a very smart and strategic thing. Please, if you have the time and money, apply to a lot of schools. Ignore what your adviser is telling you at all costs. At my school, the old pre-med adviser was destroying people's lives by giving them terrible advise.

I was accepted at VCOM and DMU. I recieved secondaries from all the schools that I applied to but only submitted my secondaries to DMU, VCOM, CCOM, AZCOM, LMU-DCOM, and LECOM-erie. I would have sent secondaries to other schools, but I ran out of money. I was offered interviews at DMU, VCOM, LMU-DCOM, LECOM-erie, and WVSOM (for this school you submit the secondary after you've been offered an interview).

Also, I could be wrong on this, but I thought that most schools did not require a DO letter. I thought it was only a few that requrired this. VCOM does require a DO letter. Here's what I would do if I were in your shoes. Go ahead and apply to a lot of schools even if some of them require a DO letter. Then, starting tomorrow, try to find a DO you can shadow. After you submitt you primary application, it will take around 6 weeks to get varified. Then, once schools recieve your primary, it will take at least a few weeks for them to offer you an interview. So if you find a DO to start shadowing next week, that will give you at least two months to shadow them (something like once a week) and get a good letter.

I think if you apply broadly and early enough and get a DO letter, you have a good shot of getting in somewhere. Don't let your adviser or anyone else get in your way. I agree with the other poster...apply to the DO schools with the lower average mcat scores. Your mcat will be slightly below their average, but your gpa will blow their average out of the water. I think Pikeville and maybe LECOM have lower averagaes. And if a school doesn't have a low mcat average, don't be afraid to apply there too. DMU has a fairly high average and they excepted me.

 

[spot23light]

as for schoools that require DO LOR you should chocolate bears posts. He usually has a few links at the bottom of most his posts, one of which is a excel spreadsheet of which schools require, do not require and strongly recommend DO LORs.

 

[Mysterion]

Hi guys, I was trying to figure out whether my stats were worthy of D.O. schools such as PCOM, LECOM, NYCOM, and AZCOM. Here are my stats:

Biochemistry Major, Chemistry & Political Science Minor
3.21 Overall GPA, 3.44 NonScience, 3.05 Science (Calculated by AACOMAS)
MCAT:32P=11PS,11VR,10BS (June, 2008);31Q=11PS,10VR,10BS (March, 2009)
2 years undergraduate research
50+ hours of shadowing a Pulmonologist (MD)
Organic Chemistry TA
3 years of Collegiate Rugby
A's in 2 Graduate Science Courses as an undergrad
Recs from Orgo Professor, 2 more graduate science professors, 1 Political Science Professor

Thanks in advance!

 

[Rollo]

My overall GPA is 3.2. I took my MCAT at the end of this past March and I got 26N (PS: 12, VR: 5, BS: 9). It's not a terribly bad score for DO but with my GPA i am a little bit worried. I KNOW i can do better than 26. My next MCAT is July 2 and won't get my score until the beginning of August. Should I submit my application without MCAT score first? Are they even going to process the application without receiving MCAT socre (it say it will but i doubt it)? Please let me know what I should do.

That 5 is a red flag. You are probably going to get screened out from lot of schools, if not all, if you apply before you get your July scores back.

Normally, I would suggest to apply as early as possible and indicate that you plan on re-taking in July. However, in your situation, a 5 will screen you out, and I honestly do not know (you could always check with specific schools) if schools will put your application on hold until they get your July scores and see if they will send you a secondary.

I think what you might be able to do is submit your AACOMAS for verification without submitting any of your MCAT scores. Note that I said might because I'm not certain if AACOMAS will let you submit without filling out the MCAT score section of the application.

This is a tricky situation honestly. I know you can indicate on AACOMAS that you plan on taking the MCAT on a future date. You can certainly do this. And when you get around to releasing your score in August, you will release both set of scores.

I think first thing you should do is call up all the schools you're applying to and find out which ones will screen you out for having that 5, even though you're re-taking the MCAT in July. Mention that fact. See what they say.

If any of the schools say, "Yes, we will screen you out with that 5" then do not apply to those until after you have received your July scores. Understand what I mean? Your situation is a little tricky so I want to make sure you don't misinterpret what I just told you.

Donating your kidney is an extracurricular activity?

I think if you donate your other one you will get in everywhere you apply

When you volunteer, you are donating your time to a specific organization. That is considered extracurricular activity. When people set up fund raisers, they are donating their time and resources and skills to a specific cause/organization. That is considered extracurricular activity.

Therefore, that applicant donated his kidney for a good cause. That is considered extracurricular activity.

I think if he donates the other kidney, then he will just opt for a career as a Terminator by starting to donate the rest of his organs while at the same time replacing them with high-functioning, versatile robotic organs. 😀

Hi all, this is just a generally chances question. Here are my stats:
GPA: 3.12sc 2.95 overall
Graduate GPA: 3.8
MCAT: taking in June, scoring low 30s on aamc practice tests
ECs: Research: 20-35 hours/week
1 year undergrad research in Diabetes/edocrinology
2 years undergrad research in Breast Cancer
2 poster presentations
2 publications
1 year postbac research in Nutrition Epigenetics and Cancer.
Volunteer/Shadowing
volunteer in cardiac ICU
MD/PA shadowing
DO shadowing
Shop Wise to End Elder Hunger
Other
Pharmaceutical Rep
Undergrad preSOMA
LORs from one graduate faculty, DO, undergrad PI (MD/PhD), current PI in nutrition Research (MD)


What are my chances at DO schools? If so, any suggestions on particular schools to apply to? Also, do my LORs from my previous PI and current PI count as LORs from science faculty because they both teach in their respective medical schools? Thank you in advance for you help and comments.

I think your undergrad GPA is low, but it is countered well by graduate GPA and your extensive ECs. Do well on the MCAT (28+) and you're pretty competitive.

Apply wherever you want. Apply broadly though. 6+ schools at least. And I believe LORs from PIs should count as science LORs since they are technically science faculty. Call the schools you apply to just to be sure though.

Hi guys, I was trying to figure out whether my stats were worthy of D.O. schools such as PCOM, LECOM, NYCOM, and AZCOM. Here are my stats:

Biochemistry Major, Chemistry & Political Science Minor
3.21 Overall GPA, 3.44 NonScience, 3.05 Science (Calculated by AACOMAS)
MCAT:32P=11PS,11VR,10BS (June, 2008);31Q=11PS,10VR,10BS (March, 2009)
2 years undergraduate research
50+ hours of shadowing a Pulmonologist (MD)
Organic Chemistry TA
3 years of Collegiate Rugby
A's in 2 Graduate Science Courses as an undergrad
Recs from Orgo Professor, 2 more graduate science professors, 1 Political Science Professor

Thanks in advance!

Try to get some DO shadowing done over the summer. Your MCAT is pretty good (why the re-take though? schools are going to want to know) so no worries there.

Any other ECs besides shadowing and TA? Try and get one more, in addition to DO shadowing, this summer.

 

[Rollo]

Hi everyone, here are my stats:
-3.33 overall gpa, science is 3.34
-about 40 hours hospital volunteer(just started), I do the usual pushing patients and transporting samples
-Operating room clean up crew, also got some chances to see pretty cool surgeries
-President for habitat for humanity club
-And some other random EC's that aren't academically or medically related
-Infectious Disease Research for a year

I was wondering what I'm lacking to get into a school like Western? I know for MCAT the motto is score as high as possible, but in you guys' opinion, what would I have to score to be competitive, 32+? Are my EC's good enough if I continue them throughout next year?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: I plan on raising my gpa to at least mid 3.4's, possibly breaking plane of 3.5

DO shadowing (preferably 50+ hours). Do something else...tutoring perhaps.

 

[unstable]

I wanted to get some feedback on what I’m thinking.

I just finished a BS in Econ, and having second thoughts on law as my career choice and am looking medicine instead.

I’m contemplating doing the following. Going back and finishing my premedical requirement over this summer, fall and spring semester. Taking the MCAT in June and applying as soon as the scores come back. Applying in July isn’t too late, correct?

Little background:
-Graduated with 4.0+ GPA from ASU
-cGPA will be 3.51+ though (from a bad year of community college 10 years ago)
-Worked full time in tech industry for past 10 years, including during undergrad. So I haven’t had much time for ECs.
-Will be quitting my job and doing school full time, so I will have time for ECs/shadowing over the next year and a half.

I’m confident in my ability to do well on the MCAT. Well, as confident as I can be. I don’t have much science background, but I know I will be able to handle the classes and with over a year to prep I should be fine. I would like to stay in AZ and probably do AZCOM. UofA would be great, but I’m sure that will only happen if I crush the MCAT.

Is this possible, or am I crazy for trying? I guess I would like to know my chances at DO schools, primarily AZCOM. I know this is difficult without science GPA/MCAT scores, but any feedback/advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Anita817]

I wanted to get some feedback on what I'm thinking.

I just finished a BS in Econ, and having second thoughts on law as my career choice and am looking medicine instead.

I'm contemplating doing the following. Going back and finishing my premedical requirement over this summer, fall and spring semester. Taking the MCAT in June and applying as soon as the scores come back. Applying in July isn't too late, correct?

Little background:
-Graduated with 4.0+ GPA from ASU
-cGPA will be 3.51+ though (from a bad year of community college 10 years ago)
-Worked full time in tech industry for past 10 years, including during undergrad. So I haven't had much time for ECs.
-Will be quitting my job and doing school full time, so I will have time for ECs/shadowing over the next year and a half.

I'm confident in my ability to do well on the MCAT. Well, as confident as I can be. I don't have much science background, but I know I will be able to handle the classes and with over a year to prep I should be fine. I would like to stay in AZ and probably do AZCOM. UofA would be great, but I'm sure that will only happen if I crush the MCAT.

Is this possible, or am I crazy for trying? I guess I would like to know my chances at DO schools, primarily AZCOM. I know this is difficult without science GPA/MCAT scores, but any feedback/advice would be much appreciated.

You are not at all crazy for trying, and this path is more common than you would think. I initially had the same plan for myself upon finishing my BA, but decided it would be in my best interest to spread the premed coursework out over 2 years b/c it gave me a more certain chance to get a high science GPA, and it allowed for more clinical experience and time to study for the MCAT. Also, I liked the idea of not getting burned out before medical school, haha. I know a number of people who went ahead and did it your way, though, and they did just fine.

It is impossible to tell what your chances at any school will be with no science GPA and no MCAT, but if your motivation means anything, there's certainly a chance. Also, DO schools have the reputaion of being welcoming non-trads with some degree of life experience, so at very least, you will have that going for you.

 

[beckhunter116]

I wanted to get some feedback on what I’m thinking.

I just finished a BS in Econ, and having second thoughts on law as my career choice and am looking medicine instead.

I’m contemplating doing the following. Going back and finishing my premedical requirement over this summer, fall and spring semester. Taking the MCAT in June and applying as soon as the scores come back. Applying in July isn’t too late, correct?

Little background:
-Graduated with 4.0+ GPA from ASU
-cGPA will be 3.51+ though (from a bad year of community college 10 years ago)
-Worked full time in tech industry for past 10 years, including during undergrad. So I haven’t had much time for ECs.
-Will be quitting my job and doing school full time, so I will have time for ECs/shadowing over the next year and a half.

I’m confident in my ability to do well on the MCAT. Well, as confident as I can be. I don’t have much science background, but I know I will be able to handle the classes and with over a year to prep I should be fine. I would like to stay in AZ and probably do AZCOM. UofA would be great, but I’m sure that will only happen if I crush the MCAT.

Is this possible, or am I crazy for trying? I guess I would like to know my chances at DO schools, primarily AZCOM. I know this is difficult without science GPA/MCAT scores, but any feedback/advice would be much appreciated.

Well I don't think your idea is crazy. However, before rearranging your life you really need to think about this decision. Do you really know what you are getting yourself into? Have you read the various thread around here, read doctor's blogs, have a physician relative or shadowed already? Just some food for thought!

So far your stats look fine. DO NOT underestimate the difficulty in science classes and the MCAT. It's great to be confident but don't be over confident--you know 😎.

 

[Rhapsody]

Is it pretty competitive like medical school? I have a 3.0, strong extra curriculars (though NOT medical-field or research related).

Should I do some sort of post-bac, or grad school before doing it?

 

[TexasTriathlete]

You're not really telling us much. And you have to take the MCAT.

 

[AdemTD]

Is it pretty competitive like medical school? I have a 3.0, strong extra curriculars (though NOT medical-field or research related).

Should I do some sort of post-bac, or grad school before doing it?

D.O. School = Medical School

And yes, it's still competitive. The average MCAT at many of these schools is 26+ and 3.4 - 3.5 GPA.

 

[boone95]

Is it pretty competitive like medical school? I have a 3.0, strong extra curriculars (though NOT medical-field or research related).

Should I do some sort of post-bac, or grad school before doing it?

Not having clinical experience is going to hurt. Have you shadowed a DO... or MD? There's a lot more to the decision than just your GPA, so if you want us to give you good feedback, we need to know a little more.

 

[icecube]

Thanks Chocolaterie and Spooner13!

I think with my adviser it was just a lot of paper work to do, which was why I was given a hard time. My adviser has already been so helpful that I would hate to ask for that many again. There was one school I applied to that wanted separate evals. They threw out the letters of rec. that were first sent. There was just no way I could ask my adviser to fill out more paper work.

Anyhow, I am still wondering if anyone knows of any grad. programs that will accept you into osteopathic school after completing their program.

 

[antapolar]

Is it pretty competitive like medical school? I have a 3.0, strong extra curriculars (though NOT medical-field or research related).

Should I do some sort of post-bac, or grad school before doing it?

From the sound of your posting...i suggest you do more resesarch into the D.O profession, doesn't seem like you understand what you are getting into.

You will need some shadowing experience for sure, did you do a science undergrad? if not, then post-bac is not bad. What is your MCAT score? Give us more info 🙂

 

[cchris]

I will apologize ahead of time if similar thread has already been created before. I just want to find out if I have any chance at D.O. schools for my situation:

1. I graduated with B.S. in 2001. My cumulative science GPA was 2.5

2. I joined military soon after and still serving in active duty

3. I decided to better my chance at getting into a D.O. school by 'repeating' several classes I did C or worse, from different community college and 4-yr state college. Courses repeated are equivalent in terms of semester hours & course description.

4. My cumulative science GPA is now 3.7 (counting only the repeated courses and courses I did B or better in previous college - 2001)

5. I've taken MCAT last year and score was 34 cumulative (12 BS, 11 VR, 11 PS)

From my understanding, M.D. schools count everything even if you repeated. So that will lower my cumulative GPA significantly. In other words, I will have a very little chance, if none at all. But I heard D.O. replaces the higher grade over lower one if repeated. At least, my GPA will be somewhat competitive this way.

I've also shadow'd D.O physician (military) for one year and volunteered at the nearest wounded warriors clinic on weekends. I have not been involved in any research project other than my senior research which was part of my curriculum.

 

[Bacchus]

You most definitely have a chance. Also, your application is not lacking and as long as you replace the "bad" courses you will be set. A 3.7 (which may change when unreplaced grades are counted) and a 34 is AMAZING. I would replace the final courses that you have bad grades in and apply. You've got a good life story too. You may even want to apply to lower tier MD schools if you have the money... but that might be more risky.

Finally, moving this to WAMC.

 

[cchris]

thanks Bacchus.

It's been a rough one, trying to fit in classes and volunteer works while serving active duty (not to mention deployments). I wish I paid more attention to education before joining... Hanging out with wrong crowd for one, and obviously education wasn't my priority back then.

I've pretty made up my mind to be a DO not because of GPA (or other academic reasons), but I've learned so much from several high-speed DO physicians in the military. They certainly have changed my perspective on the whole MD vs DO and truly cared about patients in a way I never thought doctors would.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

DO shadowing (preferably 50+ hours). Do something else...tutoring perhaps.

Anyone remember that website that is supposed to link you with a DO mentor?

 

[VVSHT]

edited to maintain anoynimity

 

[Black Adder]

Anyone remember that website that is supposed to link you with a DO mentor?

http://www.osteopathic.org/YOM/mentor_search.htm

 

[Bacchus]

hi guys, do you think I am competitive for PCOM, DMU or UMDNJ som?

sGPA: 3.4
cGPA: 3.5
Major: Biomedical Engineering

I don't really have stellar EC's because I had to commute to school everyday, but i do what i can.
Volunteer in ER: 200-300 hrs
Intramural basketball
An award from the engineering department based on academic performance

I also graduated this may, and am taking the year off, waiting to get my green card.

I will be taking the MCAT this July, and am fairly confident I could get between 33-38.

I'm also looking forward to go to fire school, and become a volunteer fire fighter. I think it would be an interesting experience, and also give a chance to help people.

I would say if you score a 28+ you have a shot at all of those schools. If you score between the 33-38 you predict you should also apply to some allopathic schools to increase your chances.

 

[Bacchus]

thanks Bacchus.

It's been a rough one, trying to fit in classes and volunteer works while serving active duty (not to mention deployments). I wish I paid more attention to education before joining... Hanging out with wrong crowd for one, and obviously education wasn't my priority back then.

I've pretty made up my mind to be a DO not because of GPA (or other academic reasons), but I've learned so much from several high-speed DO physicians in the military. They certainly have changed my perspective on the whole MD vs DO and truly cared about patients in a way I never thought doctors would.

Thanks for your service. I have a lot of friends getting deployed this year. My best friend's brother was just deployed to Kuwait and then will be going to Southern Iraq. 🙁 Luckily, he's a hot commodity so he should be kept relatively safe but he's doing field artillery which concerns me.

 

[VVSHT]

I would say if you score a 28+ you have a shot at all of those schools. If you score between the 33-38 you predict you should also apply to some allopathic schools to increase your chances.

Thanks for replying. By the way, is it true that the 76ers practice at your gym in PCOM?

I am actually a huge fan.

I was also at the open house, and I really like the location.

 

[Bacchus]

Thanks for replying. By the way, is it true that the 76ers practice at your gym in PCOM?

I am actually a huge fan.

I was also at the open house, and I really like the location.

They do. I am not at PCOM yet but a year or so ago when I was touring the school there was a team practicing in the gym. We got all excited. It wasn't the 76ers. But, they do practice there, yes.