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

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I took it August 22nd last year, scores came out in late sep. Wasn't too late.

 

[Mobius1985]

volunteered with therapists (total about 100 hours.)

What kind of therapists, and in what way did you assist?

 

[rc4ch]

Nope, you will be fine. Good luck!

 

[BadgerChick]

So i posted in this thread way back but now i've narrowed down my list of schools and would appreciate any input- schools i can get into, add, take off- anything really.

MSU, AZCOM, CCOM, DMU, KCOM, SOMA, PCOM, TUCOM-CA

here are my stats (my gpa went up this semester yay!)
Major in neuro at UW-Madison with a certificate in classics
cGPA: 3.31
sGPA: 3.23
nonsciGPA: 3.41
MCAT: 29O (9,9,11)

2 years research, poster presentation, 2 years volunteering in the ER, VP of my sorority, numerous clubs, summer internship with the state, alternative spring break, study abroad, DO shadowing and lor

bump for myself 😎

 

[Krupat]

Hi I just wanted advice on what you guys thinks of my application thus far.

Overall gpa: 3.2
Sci. gpa: 3.1

My father passed away May 8th and I wont be taking summer courses.
I am a sophomore at Rutgers University.
I was a part of premed/predent society freshman year.
I shadowed a DO oncologist winter of freshman year. (My dad had cancer who knew I would experience what those patient's families were experiencing, but the DO helped me when I needed a transfer and advice for my father.)
I became vice president a Pilot Me a child mentoring program. (Currently continuing VP status.)
I joined AMSA.
I did research in animal science with two professors. One I got an A, but the other I got a C and realized I made the wrong choice of doing research with that professor for 5 credits 🙁. Currently I am trying to finish research with her.
I volunteered for 50+ hours at Robert Johnson University Hospital.
I was treasurer of my campus apartment board for all of sophomore year.
I will be President and founder of CARE at Rutgers which is a organization that will work with a NGO with a $3 million endowment. We will fundraise for med equipment for medical clinics in the New Brunswick community.
I am currently starting to volunteer for Hospice.
I am also working at Medical Laboratory for the summer. I call patients, doctors, and insurance companies to obtain correct information needed for our billing purposes.
In the future I will shadow a general surgeon DO, and couple of doctors that took care of my father.
I also will volunteer at a community hospital.
I also hope to join more clubs.
I am hopefully going to join this medical brigades club that is starting at Rutgers between me and 15 other people. I hope to join its board and go on a medical relief trip to a third world country.
Finally I might go abroad for a winter or summer to help needy kids at schools and adoption centers.
I am open to doing as much as I can.

MCAT I wont be taking for a while since I am a sophomore and will have to take an extra year.

My major is Evolutionary Anthropology in which I hope to obtain a B.S.
My minor is Nutrition.

I currently have 5 grades below a B.
Calc 1: F (replaced with B+)
Chem 1: C
Chem 2: C+
Microecon.: C+
Research: C

I will retake these (except research) and do well.
Bio 1: B+
Bio 2: B
Chem Lab: B+
Orgo: B
Orgo 2: B
Orgo Lab: Will most likely get a B+
Physic 1&2: Still going to have to take. Should I take it at a CC or Rutgers over the summer? I have never taken physics and I want to take it in the summer.

Thank You.

Could I please get advice too 🙁.

 

[Rtrn2sndr]

Hi I just wanted advice on what you guys thinks of my application thus far.

Overall gpa: 3.2
Sci. gpa: 3.1

My father passed away May 8th and I wont be taking summer courses.
I am a sophomore at Rutgers University.
I was a part of premed/predent society freshman year.
I shadowed a DO oncologist winter of freshman year. (My dad had cancer who knew I would experience what those patient's families were experiencing, but the DO helped me when I needed a transfer and advice for my father.)
I became vice president a Pilot Me a child mentoring program. (Currently continuing VP status.)
I joined AMSA.
I did research in animal science with two professors. One I got an A, but the other I got a C and realized I made the wrong choice of doing research with that professor for 5 credits 🙁. Currently I am trying to finish research with her.
I volunteered for 50+ hours at Robert Johnson University Hospital.
I was treasurer of my campus apartment board for all of sophomore year.
I will be President and founder of CARE at Rutgers which is a organization that will work with a NGO with a $3 million endowment. We will fundraise for med equipment for medical clinics in the New Brunswick community.
I am currently starting to volunteer for Hospice.
I am also working at Medical Laboratory for the summer. I call patients, doctors, and insurance companies to obtain correct information needed for our billing purposes.
In the future I will shadow a general surgeon DO, and couple of doctors that took care of my father.
I also will volunteer at a community hospital.
I also hope to join more clubs.
I am hopefully going to join this medical brigades club that is starting at Rutgers between me and 15 other people. I hope to join its board and go on a medical relief trip to a third world country.
Finally I might go abroad for a winter or summer to help needy kids at schools and adoption centers.
I am open to doing as much as I can.

MCAT I wont be taking for a while since I am a sophomore and will have to take an extra year.

My major is Evolutionary Anthropology in which I hope to obtain a B.S.
My minor is Nutrition.

I currently have 5 grades below a B.
Calc 1: F (replaced with B+)
Chem 1: C
Chem 2: C+
Microecon.: C+
Research: C

I will retake these (except research) and do well.
Bio 1: B+
Bio 2: B
Chem Lab: B+
Orgo: B
Orgo 2: B
Orgo Lab: Will most likely get a B+
Physic 1&2: Still going to have to take. Should I take it at a CC or Rutgers over the summer? I have never taken physics and I want to take it in the summer.

Thank You.

First of all, I'm sorry about your father. This can't be an easy time for you.

In looking over your info. I was struck by the number of extracurriculars, activities, clubs, etc. that you have participated in. As far as experiences outside of school are concerned you definitely have a wide range of activities to draw from! Just don't push yourself too hard...you already have a lot on your plate...and what you have done already is impressive! 🙂

If you are considering MD schools your GPA is a bit low...but if you're geared toward DO schools (which, you are on the DO forum, so I'm assuming you are!) you are in pretty good shape. Since you won't be applying for a while, don't be overly concerned about a GPA in the low 3s. Just know that you need to keep it where it's at or possibly a tad higher to be in good shape.

You certainly have an interesting major. Many med schools like non-traditional majors like yourself. It shows that you can master Bio and Chem while also focusing on other areas of interest. A well-rounded student with a 3.4ish GPA almost always looks better than a student with a 3.6ish GPA and did nothing but chem their whole time in college.

And about the Cs...don't sweat too much over them. The C in Calc 1 will be replaced by the B you got when you retook...so no worries there. The Cs in Chem 1 & 2 will be negated when you get a good score on the MCAT...just be sure to get Bs or better in Ochem. The C in microecon you'll just have to deal with...no getting around that one. And the C in research, well you said you got an A in another research class, so play up the research you got an A on and disregard the C. Besides, by the time you get to interviews you'll have so many other research experiences to draw from that a C you got sophomore year of college won't be an issue.

I have taken many summer classes and let me give you one piece of advice...if you can avoid it...do so. The reason I say this is because with classes such as physics (which are so important for your MCAT) it's crucial that you learn the material solidly the first time around. And, while getting a year's worth of physics out of the way in one summer sounds great, retaining that information for the MCAT may be more difficult. That's just my opinion though...you may be a different type of student that works well cramming a lot of work into a small time period...unfortnately I'm not. But, I'm by no means saying that you will do poorly...I actually did quite well. However, my retention of work completed over the summer was only so-so. Whatever you decide to do though...take the courses at Rutgers. Don't go to a community college just because it's closer or cheaper. I'm not knocking CCs, but the fact remains that some schools (especially MD schools...if you intend to apply to some of them) frown upon important courses such as Physics being taken at a CC. Rightly or wrongly, a B in physics 1 and 2 at Rutgers looks better than an A in the same courses at a CC.

All in all, you credentials look good for an underclassmen. Your extracurriculars show your dedication and your perseverance through this hard time tells a lot about your character. Good luck with your shadowing and volunteering! From the looks of it you'll make an excellent doc someday!

 

[Rtrn2sndr]

bump for myself 😎

From the looks of things you are in pretty good shape. I'm not to good at decoding the acronyms of the schools you've listed, nor do I know a lot about most schools at this point, but perhaps you might add a few more to be on the safe side. You GPAs (overall and sci) look decent and congrats on the 29 on the MCAT! Other areas of your app look good...shadowing, volunteering, etc. Just get your app completed early and you should be fine!

 

[GiraffeAddict]

Hi all!! This is my first post on here, and I was wondering what the people with more experience than me think of my situation. I am a Connecticut resident, have a 3.8 from a top 25 university, was a surgical assistant for a few years, worked in patient transport for a few years, well rounded clubs/ECs (including a presidency), shadowed a DO (who's writing me a rec), but got an abysmal 21Q on my April MCATS. The only other questionable thing is that I transferred to my home school after freshman year, but I feel that is easily explainable. I just submitted everything (~15 schools) a week ago for entrance in 2010.

So, I know I can't really change anything for this cycle, but what does everyone think?? Have I got a shotski? Do you think that my comparatively strong "everything else" will boost my MCAT, which, from what I have researched, is only 4 points or so below the average for matriculation??

Thanks Thanks Thanks!!!!

 

[AdemTD]

Hi all!! This is my first post on here, and I was wondering what the people with more experience than me think of my situation. I am a Connecticut resident, have a 3.8 from a top 25 university, was a surgical assistant for a few years, worked in patient transport for a few years, well rounded clubs/ECs (including a presidency), shadowed a DO (who's writing me a rec), but got an abysmal 21Q on my April MCATS. The only other questionable thing is that I transferred to my home school after freshman year, but I feel that is easily explainable. I just submitted everything (~15 schools) a week ago for entrance in 2010.

So, I know I can't really change anything for this cycle, but what does everyone think?? Have I got a shotski? Do you think that my comparatively strong "everything else" will boost my MCAT, which, from what I have researched, is only 4 points or so below the average for matriculation??

Thanks Thanks Thanks!!!!

First, how did you prepare for the MCAT? Second, go buy yourself some EK books, hit them hard for 8 weeks and take the MCAT again. You still have time to take it again, just indicate on your primary that you are planning on a retake.

 

[GiraffeAddict]

I studied the Kaplan books, but I guess I got caught up in finishing my semester/college career (graduated in May) strong. Due to my work schedule I won't be able to retake, and focus as much time as I'd want towards the retake, until like October/November. I feel like I would be at a disadvantage to wait that long.

 

[AdemTD]

I studied the Kaplan books, but I guess I got caught up in finishing my semester/college career (graduated in May) strong. Due to my work schedule I won't be able to retake, and focus as much time as I'd want towards the retake, until like October/November. I feel like I would be at a disadvantage to wait that long.

Well, it still wouldn't hurt to apply to a few schools. You never know what will happen...

 

[life is good]

If you don't think you have enough time to devote to studying and getting a better MCAT score... then don't. You need to make sure that if you take it again, you do better or that could look questionable. I do think that you have a shot. If you don't apply, you have no shot at all. What is your spread on the MCAT? I would just make sure that you don't get automatically cut out if one of your sections is not high enough. You have an excellent GPA and other stats, that could compensate for the MCAT.
Anyway, best of luck!

 

[GiraffeAddict]

Lifeisgood---> The spread for my MCATS was P6 V6 B9 WQ. Thanks!

 

[spj]

Hey guys!
So I will be retaking the MCAT but I don't know how much better my scores will be.

G.W.U
Biology major
Cum. GPA: 3.8
Sci GPA: 3.76
MCAT: V-7 P-6 B-9 W-L

With such poor MCAT scores do I still have a chance even at DO? And I don't have any experience working with a DO. I need some HONEST opinions. Thanks!

 

[slim78]

Hey guys!
So I will be retaking the MCAT but I don't know how much better my scores will be.

G.W.U
Biology major
Cum. GPA: 3.8
Sci GPA: 3.76
MCAT: V-7 P-6 B-9 W-L

With such poor MCAT scores do I still have a chance even at DO? And I don't have any experience working with a DO. I need some HONEST opinions. Thanks!

MCAT is too low. You'd better find some way to improve that score. If you aren't convinced your score will be better than that then you need to change how you are studying.

 

[futureboy]

Hey guys!
So I will be retaking the MCAT but I don't know how much better my scores will be.

G.W.U
Biology major
Cum. GPA: 3.8
Sci GPA: 3.76
MCAT: V-7 P-6 B-9 W-L

With such poor MCAT scores do I still have a chance even at DO? And I don't have any experience working with a DO. I need some HONEST opinions. Thanks!

First of all, while I'm not personally offended, you may not make a lot of friends on this forum by asking if your scores are too low "even for DO."

I would think that with your GPA, 8s on each section of the MCAT would make you competitive for most DO schools.

 

[L0NGD0NGSILVER]

dude...

your GPA is very good but, honestly, your mcat score blows donkeyballs. It's probably best to hold off on applying to DO schools and just work on the mcat score. too low for even them, although not impossible

who knows, with some hard core studying, you might get a great score and then you could apply to MD schools and be a real doc

good luck

 

[rotatedline]

dude...

your GPA is very good but, honestly, your mcat score blows donkeyballs. It's probably best to hold off on applying to DO schools and just work on the mcat score. too low for even them, although not impossible

who knows, with some hard core studying, you might get a great score and then you could apply to MD schools and be a real doc

good luck

Ya, you're going to last a long time in here.

 

[TXDO]

Dude,
The competition is getting harder each year. If you got money then go ahead to take a shot, otherwise retake MCAT since it's too low. Decision is up to you.😀

 

[L0NGD0NGSILVER]

Ya, you're going to last a long time in here.

nice GPA bro; was this in spite of the 5 year plan?

 

[futureboy]

nice GPA bro; was this in spite of the 5 year plan?

Are you trying to get banned?

 

[Bacchus]

Insult your friend IRL but not on SDN, thanks. 🙂

 

[medschl hpeful]

nice GPA bro; was this in spite of the 5 year plan?

What is your issue?

 

[GreenShirt]

Just retake the darn thing. No reason to waste a good GPA.

 

[medschl hpeful]

Hey guys!
So I will be retaking the MCAT but I don't know how much better my scores will be.

G.W.U
Biology major
Cum. GPA: 3.8
Sci GPA: 3.76
MCAT: V-7 P-6 B-9 W-L

With such poor MCAT scores do I still have a chance even at DO? And I don't have any experience working with a DO. I need some HONEST opinions. Thanks!

There are so many variables that come into play. I would talk to an recruiter or admissions advisor. Lay it all out then make a decision. If you don't have to retake the MCAT, then don't.

 

[bearman85]

There are so many variables that come into play. I would talk to an recruiter or admissions advisor. Lay it all out then make a decision. If you don't have to retake the MCAT, then don't.

I completely agree. Talk to admissions people at the school you want to go to first and see what they have to say. If you don't have to retake the MCAT then don't. If you do have to retake try using the Exam Krackers books they helped me raise my score by 5 points.

 

[rotatedline]

nice GPA bro; was this in spite of the 5 year plan?

I wasn't on the 5 year plan, (I'm 22, I graduated. Solid reasoning skills). I realize you're a troll and will be banned shortly, but regardless, after freshman year I had a 3.6--freshman year is a different story.

Regarding the OP, there has to be a way for you to raise that mcat score, especially in PS.

 

[Bamish]

Hey guys!
So I will be retaking the MCAT but I don't know how much better my scores will be.

G.W.U
Biology major
Cum. GPA: 3.8
Sci GPA: 3.76
MCAT: V-7 P-6 B-9 W-L

With such poor MCAT scores do I still have a chance even at DO? And I don't have any experience working with a DO. I need some HONEST opinions. Thanks!

Well, the "even a DO" comment really makes it sound as though you have no respect (or knowledge) for the DO profession, so why bother applying to any DO schools?

Anyway, research the DO profession and if you feel as though it is something you are interested in, then consider that option. But if you consider it to be less than an MD degree, then don't bother applying--you'll probably regret it. Regardless though, I think the 6 could give you some grief and I would suggest retaking the MCAT whether you plan on going MD or DO.

Either way, good luck! 🙂

 

[silas2642]

Hey guys!
So I will be retaking the MCAT but I don't know how much better my scores will be.

G.W.U
Biology major
Cum. GPA: 3.8
Sci GPA: 3.76
MCAT: V-7 P-6 B-9 W-L

With such poor MCAT scores do I still have a chance even at DO? And I don't have any experience working with a DO. I need some HONEST opinions. Thanks!

Raise it and apply md.

 

[Karen12345]

DO schools are more likely to look at your entire record, without dismissing you application right away just after looking at your MCAT score. If your application is solid overall and you can be nice during an interview, I would go ahead and apply to some DO schools. Make sure your stuff is in early, though! (START NOW) Also pay attention because some DO schools will not consider you if any one of the MCAT sections has a particularly low score. Find out so that you don't waste application money. I suggest that you learn about osteopathic medicine and get yourself in the right kind of mindset about the DO schools. Nobody likes to be thought of as "back-up" so you need to be careful if you end up interviewing. I wouldn't waste money on MD programs, unless you are an URM, and even then, it would be nearly impossible to receive any interest from the schools.

Good luck.

 

[Karen12345]

I think that the odds of improving your MCAT score are actually in your favor (most people with your score improve upon retake). Something to consider.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

You should try to retake. That score is pretty low for a person with you gpa. Did you have any problems with the exam, like not giving yourself enough time to answer all questions?

 

[nhernandez4]

(10bio, 9 PS, 6 verbal) 25M GPA: 3.86 (3.93 science) Good extracurricular

 

[AdemTD]

(10bio, 9 PS, 6 verbal) 25M GPA: 3.86 (3.93 science) Good extracurricular

I would say you're competitive at any DO school. Your GPA is amazing and that will more than makeup for your MCAT (which isn't that far below average for a DO matriculant)

 

[MedStudentWanna]

That 6 in VR might give you trouble. Apply and see what happens, but you might have to retake.

 

[slick27]

Retak the mcat. You might still get a 25, but the numbers might change. raising it to a 7 would help a lot I think.

 

[spj]

Well, the "even a DO" comment really makes it sound as though you have no respect (or knowledge) for the DO profession, so why bother applying to any DO schools?

Anyway, research the DO profession and if you feel as though it is something you are interested in, then consider that option. But if you consider it to be less than an MD degree, then don't bother applying--you'll probably regret it. Regardless though, I think the 6 could give you some grief and I would suggest retaking the MCAT whether you plan on going MD or DO.

Either way, good luck! 🙂

Hey!
Sorry about the title and my disrespectful words. I did not mean in any way to show any disrespect toward the DO profession otherwise I would not apply. It is just that mcat scores accepted in DO schools do tend to be lower and that is just what I meant to imply. I'm just a stressed out panicking applicant so excuse my poor choice of words.

 

[aliDO]

I got in everywhere I applied with a much lower GPA and a 23 on the MCAT. I would go ahead and take it again (maybe a prep course too?), but don't not apply because of it. Where are you interested in applying?

 

[slick27]

Why is you're writing sample an "L"? You're score makes me think that either you had a bad day on test day or did not prepare as much as you could have. You're physical science score makes me think that you did not learn every formula like the back of your hand. Verbal I can understand, its a tough section and I did not do the best with this section. You're biology section is at a 9, but since you're a bio major I think you can improve that to a 10 with some more hard work. I would retake. You have not reached your potential on the mcat yet.

Get your writing sample to at least a "M". Get your physical and bio section up to at least a 9 and let verbal work its self out. then apply DO.

 

[Bamish]

Hey!
Sorry about the title and my disrespectful words. I did not mean in any way to show any disrespect toward the DO profession otherwise I would not apply. It is just that mcat scores accepted in DO schools do tend to be lower and that is just what I meant to imply. I'm just a stressed out panicking applicant so excuse my poor choice of words.

No worries, I wasn't trying to be rude to you or anything (hopefully I didn't come off as such) and I totally understand the being stressed part. 😉 I just would hate for you to apply to DO schools simply because of your MCAT score if you would be happier as an MD.

Anyway, if you will be happy with your choice (DO) then you could give it a shot this cycle. It's pretty early in the game at the moment so you could try and submit asap. I still think the 6 could haunt you, but you never know unless you try!

 

[NontradICUdoc]

you need to make yourself as competitive as you can. The competition for spots in Medical schools, both allopathic and osteopathic, is very fierce.

The GPA and MCAT scores of students applying to Osteopathic Programs has gone up. The average MCAT and GPA applying to my school last year was 28/3.4 respectively. There were 3800 applicants for 120 seats. This year, we have already seen a very large number of applicants since AACOMAS opened up.

Take this information and use it to make an informed decision. But YOU have to make that decision.

 

[NontradICUdoc]

I would say you're competitive at any DO school. Your GPA is amazing and that will more than makeup for your MCAT (which isn't that far below average for a DO matriculant)

This is not necessarily true. A very uneven application maybe a cause for concern. The applicant needs to make themselves as competitive as possible. And with the average MCAT of all medical school applicants getting more and more competitive as well as the quality of the applicants going up but the number of available seats not increasing at the same rate, there question of MCAT scores should not rest with "is this good enough?" There is no longer any such thing as a "safety school".

You should focus yourself on being as competitive as possible.

 

[rkaz]

Anyway, if you will be happy with your choice (DO) then you could give it a shot this cycle. It's pretty early in the game at the moment so you could try and submit asap. I still think the 6 could haunt you, but you never know unless you try!

Yes, it is still worth a shot. If I were in your shoes, I'd apply to nearly every single DO school (with the exception of RVU)... and then meantime, take your MCAT again. So that if you score higher, you can inform the schools you applied to of your higher score. But get in the applications to a large number of DO schools now. Your low MCAT score is a killer, but maybe if everything else in your application is solid... some DO schools might still give you a chance (maybe?) due to your high GPA.

If you can get your MCAT score to a 25-28 by August, then you should be in good shape for most DO schools. If you can get your score to about a 30 (or more) by August, then you could also consider adding in some MD schools to the mix.

 

[felipe23]

Alright so I have already finished filling out my aacomas application, now I'm just waiting for my last transcript. I have two questions
The first is simple, what are my chances of getting into either Michigan state's Osteopathic School and CCOM. My stats- mcat 33, cGPA 3.54, BCPM 3.59. Three research experiences, over 100 hours of volunteering, etc. I am not bad when it comes to interviews... The reason I'm asking is because I am applying to 10 Osteopathic Schools AND 35 medical schools. I applied to extra Osteopathic schools at my mom's request so she could have a piece of mind...whatever lol Anyway, do you think I have a good chance of getting into either of those two schools? I don't want to fill out secondaries for the other schools if I don't have to.
As a side note...out of the 45 schools total I'm applying to, these two Osteopathic schools are in my top 5 choices so there is no disrespect to Osteopathic schools coming from me.

My second question, is when did applications open and am I late in the application cycle?!?! I assumed AMCAS and AACOMAS were similar in terms of timelines... But then I looked at when people submitted and I see verifications in early June... If I submit in a week(AACOMAS is slow with transcripts) am I applying late? Also, take that into account with the first question in terms of my chances....

Sorry for these dumb questions but all of this stuff is piling on me quick and I'm getting pretty nervous

 

[boothorp]

My first year of school was pretty rough. I didn't really try. I was on football scholarship and wanted a social life and didn't even think about school. My main concerns were a C in Chem 1 and D in Chem 2. After that year, I gave up my scholarship because I realized it wasn't working out for me. I always wanted to be a doctor, and it wasn't going to get done like that. I am looking into Orthopedics or Podiatry. Since I have quit football the past 2 years my gpa has been a 3.9 (obviously not including my first year), with a cGPA of 3.08 right now. I have one year left before I apply to DO/POD school, and I wanted to ask opinions about retaking Chem 2 and replacing that D as it would shoot my sGPA up to a 3.6ish. Or will committees look at it and realize what was going on if I tell them... I'm confused on what to do.
If I take it it would be next summer and may not even be finished by the time I want to send off applications.

 

[swamprat]

Alright so I have already finished filling out my aacomas application, now I'm just waiting for my last transcript. I have two questions
The first is simple, what are my chances of getting into either Michigan state's Osteopathic School and CCOM. My stats- mcat 33, cGPA 3.54, BCPM 3.59. Three research experiences, over 100 hours of volunteering, etc. I am not bad when it comes to interviews... The reason I'm asking is because I am applying to 10 Osteopathic Schools AND 35 medical schools. I applied to extra Osteopathic schools at my mom's request so she could have a piece of mind...whatever lol Anyway, do you think I have a good chance of getting into either of those two schools? I don't want to fill out secondaries for the other schools if I don't have to.
As a side note...out of the 45 schools total I'm applying to, these two Osteopathic schools are in my top 5 choices so there is no disrespect to Osteopathic schools coming from me.

My second question, is when did applications open and am I late in the application cycle?!?! I assumed AMCAS and AACOMAS were similar in terms of timelines... But then I looked at when people submitted and I see verifications in early June... If I submit in a week(AACOMAS is slow with transcripts) am I applying late? Also, take that into account with the first question in terms of my chances....

Sorry for these dumb questions but all of this stuff is piling on me quick and I'm getting pretty nervous

D.O. = M.D. = MEDICAL SCHOOL Next time say osteopathic vs. allopathic or something. Anyway, your stats are competitive for D.O. and M.D. even though your GPA is on the lower end.

 

[AdemTD]

My first year of school was pretty rough. I didn't really try. I was on football scholarship and wanted a social life and didn't even think about school. My main concerns were a C in Chem 1 and D in Chem 2. After that year, I gave up my scholarship because I realized it wasn't working out for me. I always wanted to be a doctor, and it wasn't going to get done like that. I am looking into Orthopedics or Podiatry. Since I have quit football the past 2 years my gpa has been a 3.9 (obviously not including my first year), with a cGPA of 3.08 right now. I have one year left before I apply to DO/POD school, and I wanted to ask opinions about retaking Chem 2 and replacing that D as it would shoot my sGPA up to a 3.6ish. Or will committees look at it and realize what was going on if I tell them... I'm confused on what to do.
If I take it it would be next summer and may not even be finished by the time I want to send off applications.

1. Don't try to rationalize any poor academic performance in any written document that an adcom will see. Rather, turn it into a positive learning experience.

2. You have no choice but to retake the D you received as it will not fulfill your pre-requisite requirement for medical school.

3. If you do well on your MCAT (~30), coupled with your strong upward trend over the last few years, you'll be good to go for medical school.

 

[AdemTD]

Alright so I have already finished filling out my aacomas application, now I'm just waiting for my last transcript. I have two questions
The first is simple, what are my chances of getting into either Michigan state's Osteopathic School and CCOM. My stats- mcat 33, cGPA 3.54, BCPM 3.59. Three research experiences, over 100 hours of volunteering, etc. I am not bad when it comes to interviews... The reason I'm asking is because I am applying to 10 Osteopathic Schools AND 35 medical schools. I applied to extra Osteopathic schools at my mom's request so she could have a piece of mind...whatever lol Anyway, do you think I have a good chance of getting into either of those two schools? I don't want to fill out secondaries for the other schools if I don't have to.
As a side note...out of the 45 schools total I'm applying to, these two Osteopathic schools are in my top 5 choices so there is no disrespect to Osteopathic schools coming from me.

My second question, is when did applications open and am I late in the application cycle?!?! I assumed AMCAS and AACOMAS were similar in terms of timelines... But then I looked at when people submitted and I see verifications in early June... If I submit in a week(AACOMAS is slow with transcripts) am I applying late? Also, take that into account with the first question in terms of my chances....

Sorry for these dumb questions but all of this stuff is piling on me quick and I'm getting pretty nervous

Are you a MI resident? I ask because I spoke with an admissions member at MSUCOM a week or so ago, and she said that your chances coming from out of state are about 1 in 25 and 1 in 4 for in state. Also, their "ideal" candidate sheet lists 800 volunteer hours (since high school) as being ideal and they ask you to list all your hours on the secondary. Other than that they like to see and MCAT of 25-27, and a 3.5 or better science and non-science GPA.

 

[AdemTD]

oops

 

[nhernandez4]

What is the average MCAT score for a DO matriculant and where can I get an average MCAT score for each school