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

[dylantanis]

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So I was very late in the app cycle since I took the mcats 1.31.09

I submitted AACOMAS for all schools with primary deadlines 2.1.09

AACOMAS just released my stuff to the 13 schools that I applied to.
1. NYCOM
2. TOURO-CA, NV, NY
3. OU
4. UNECOM
5. ATSU-Az
6. NSU
7. PCOM
8. UMDNJ
9. LECOM-Erie,Bradenton
10. Western

My mcat scores should be released within a few days (I was told 30 days for mcats)

So far:
LECOM & NSU sent me an autoreply to fill out secondary
NSU's secondary deadline is 3.1.09

I've emailed LECOM & NSU and have asked if seats have been filled,
because I don't see the point in spending the money and effort if
I don't have a chance anyways.

LECOM responded back and said seats have not all been filled and
they'll interview until middle of April.

I assume in the next couple of days I'll be receiving delivery confirmation of AACOMAS to the other schools.

If anyone has ANY comments/insights into late applications, it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[punkiedad]

So I was very late in the app cycle since I took the mcats 1.31.09

I submitted AACOMAS for all schools with primary deadlines 2.1.09

AACOMAS just released my stuff to the 13 schools that I applied to.
1. NYCOM
2. TOURO-CA, NV, NY
3. OU
4. UNECOM
5. ATSU-Az
6. NSU
7. PCOM
8. UMDNJ
9. LECOM-Erie,Bradenton
10. Western

My mcat scores should be released within a few days (I was told 30 days for mcats)

So far:
LECOM & NSU sent me an autoreply to fill out secondary
NSU's secondary deadline is 3.1.09

I've emailed LECOM & NSU and have asked if seats have been filled,
because I don't see the point in spending the money and effort if
I don't have a chance anyways.

LECOM responded back and said seats have not all been filled and
they'll interview until middle of April.

I assume in the next couple of days I'll be receiving delivery confirmation of AACOMAS to the other schools.

If anyone has ANY comments/insights into late applications, it would be greatly appreciated!

I would get secondaries together, then see how you did on MCAT......a 22 and I might wait, a 32 and apply away......OKmaybe not that polar, but you still have a shot.

I know for a fact, LECOM will interview up until the end. There is always shuffling around. The waitlist game means slots are always opening up when someone gets off the waitlist, then accepts and bags the other school. I have even heard of this within days of starting and even after starting. So, if your MCAT will be released soon, I would get your secondaries ready to go.

best of luck....

 

[BabyKangaroo]

Are you just trying to flaunt, or do you really want some advice? It seems to me like you are just worrying too much. Focus on your classes, get As, do lots of EC activities, and gese, just focus on this quarter instead of worrying about getting into med school. By the end of your junior year after you have got all of your grades even higher, and taken your MCAT, then start asking these kind of questions. Advice: When taking basic sci. classes, use an MCAT study guide along with them (I recommend examkrackers). It will help tremendously. Good luck

 

[dylantanis]

I would get secondaries together, then see how you did on MCAT......a 22 and I might wait, a 32 and apply away......OKmaybe not that polar, but you still have a shot.

I know for a fact, LECOM will interview up until the end. There is always shuffling around. The waitlist game means slots are always opening up when someone gets off the waitlist, then accepts and bags the other school. I have even heard of this within days of starting and even after starting. So, if your MCAT will be released soon, I would get your secondaries ready to go.

best of luck....

cool! thanks for info....the journey continues...

 

[Lokhtar]

Either MCAT should definitely be fine (but still try to get as close as possible to a 10 on the sciences).

I'm curious: why no LECOM?

Well, I spoke to a few students, and they weren't happy with their clinical rotations. Plus, I'm not sure about the dress code, seems like a pain.

 

[Pinser555]

Ok so I have never posted one of these "what are my chances things" but I guess im just as curious as everyone else...

Overall GPA ~3.4
Science GPA ~3.35
MCAT - Taking this summer
EC - AMSA club member, about 250 hours of clinical experiance at various locations.
Jobs - Pharmacy Tech foor about 4 years now
Human Physiology Teaching Assistant
My recent trend in grades have been much better my junior year with 3.8 GPA's which is making up from 2 science C's I got my freshman year.
Applying - 3 top choices (LECOM, NSUCOM, PCOM) and some others across the country.

Thanks for any imput

 

[DrSoon2Be]

Let me try to keep it short and simple...
I am a college senior, will be graduating in May 2009.
I am a Psychology major...and only recently decided that I want to go to Med School. It is my passion.

Upon Graduation my GPA will be between 3.57 and 3.62

However, since I decided on Med School sort of late I will need to take a year after graduation to either do a Post Bac or continue on my own to get the rest of the prerequisites for mcat and premed. (Still need Org Chem, Physics and Calculus.) so will be ready for MCAT in a year.

So you see my GPA isnt INCREDIBLE and below is a list of ALL:
-My math grades
-My science grades
-Any grade I have a W or a C or below for

FALL 2005
Intro to Biological Science I --- WITHDRAW
Intro to Biological Science I Lab --- A
Intensified Problem Solving in Biology --- WITHDRAW
Algebra with Applications --- B

SPRING 2006
Biological Concepts --- C
Biological Concepts Lab --- A
Introduction to Life Sciences --- B

FALL 2006
Introductory Chemistry --- A
Basic Practice of Statistics --- C

FALL 2007
Precalculus Math --- A
Intro to Biological Science II --- C
Intro to Biological Science II Lab --- A

SPRING 2008
Medical Microbiology --- F *retaken in Summer 2008

SUMMER 2008
Medical Microbiology --- A
Medical Microbiology Lab --- A

FALL 2008
General Chemistry I --- A
General Chemistry Lab I --- B
Intensified Problem Solving in Chemistry --- A
Human Physiology --- A
Human Physiology Lab --- A
Application of Statistics in Psychology --- A

SPRING 2009
General Chemistry II --- A
General Chemistry II Lab --- B
Human Anatomy --- WITHDRAW
****about anatomy, i am currently in the class but it is impossible for me to get above a C in here. Will a C or a W be better? (considering my science GPA my history of "W" and my history of "C")....If I withdraw I will retake in Summer

SORRY:
My questions are scattered, disorganized and there are alot
please try your best to answer them all, and thank you ahead of time for even reading this far!!!
THANKS

 

[boone95]

Ok so I have never posted one of these "what are my chances things" but I guess im just as curious as everyone else...

Overall GPA ~3.4
Science GPA ~3.35
MCAT - Taking this summer
EC - AMSA club member, about 250 hours of clinical experiance at various locations.
Jobs - Pharmacy Tech foor about 4 years now
Human Physiology Teaching Assistant
My recent trend in grades have been much better my junior year with 3.8 GPA's which is making up from 2 science C's I got my freshman year.
Applying - 3 top choices (LECOM, NSUCOM, PCOM) and some others across the country.

Thanks for any imput

Volunteer any? If not, get on it. TA'ing is good for leadership. Good job experience. They'll be curious what you do with your spare time too... your EC's could use an addition or two... did you do anything as an AMSA member? Is your clinical stuff shadowing? If not, shadow (a DO if possible). Grades are so so... obviously it would be nice to do well on the MCAT (28+).

 

[LadyFire]

.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

Ok I"m going to put in my 2 cents about the W versus C. A friend of mine was close to getting a C in a class and spoke to his advisor about it. He was told that a W and a C are about the same in terms of impact if you've had them before. He had a previous withdraw and his advisor said it would be able the same as if he'd gotten a C. Since withdrawing means you'd have to retake the class anyway, I'd finish it out and then retake for a higher grade. That way you'll have been introduced to all material and chances are you'll do better the second time around. Good luck!

I respectfully don't agree with you. C is not = W by any mean. A "C" grade indicates that one has barely passed the course; while "W" can have many interperation ( ie, family issues, got laid off and had to find another job that interferes with school,...etc). "W" isn't a 100% indication that you struggled w/ a course. Furthermore, it doesn't affect gpa. Also remember that many schools don't allow you to repeat a course that you got in it C or better.

 

[LadyFire]

I respectfully don't agree with you. C is not = W by any mean. A "C" grade indicates that one has barely passed the course; while "W" can have many interperation ( ie, family issues, got laid off and had to find another job that interferes with school,...etc). "W" isn't a 100% indication that you struggled w/ a course. Furthermore, it doesn't affect gpa. Also remember that many schools don't allow you to repeat a course that you got in it C or better.

I was just coming on to edit my post 😳 I had it backwards and stand corrected. Thanks for setting it straight.

 

[The Poet Sings]

I guess you guys really need to see numbers to respond.
I'm a junior right now. My BCPM GPA is 2.9 and my overall is 3.1. At the end of this semester, I could potentially bring the BCPM up to 3.03 if I got B+s. If I were to retake 2 classes over the summer, and get As, it would bring my BCPM up to 3.32. I haven't taken the MCAT yet. So would I be better off waiting to retake the classes and just apply in my senior year? Would a Post-Bacc be better than retaking the classes? I was going to see how well I did on the MCAT before really making any decisions. I was thinking that if I don't break 30 on the practice MCATs, that I should probably push back my test date (currently May 22). Any constructive criticism would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Pinser555]

Volunteer any? If not, get on it. TA'ing is good for leadership. Good job experience. They'll be curious what you do with your spare time too... your EC's could use an addition or two... did you do anything as an AMSA member? Is your clinical stuff shadowing? If not, shadow (a DO if possible). Grades are so so... obviously it would be nice to do well on the MCAT (28+).

I have been shadowing a DO for a couple of months now on a weekly basis. I have also volunteered at a local hospital over a summer. Yes most of my clinical stuff and shadowing experiance. Any ideas on some good EC's to add? Any other opinions?

 

[beckhunter116]

I have been shadowing a DO for a couple of months now on a weekly basis. I have also volunteered at a local hospital over a summer. Yes most of my clinical stuff and shadowing experiance. Any ideas on some good EC's to add? Any other opinions?

Continue volunteering at the hospital, but it would be good to add things that are outside of medicine to show you are balanced. Do you like animals, volunteer at a pet shelter. Like little kids( yes this is phrased terribly 🙄), be a mentor/tutor for elementary schools. Outdoorsy stuff, clean up a park or habitat for humanity.

Good luck!

 

[beckhunter116]

I guess you guys really need to see numbers to respond.
I'm a junior right now. My BCPM GPA is 2.9 and my overall is 3.1. At the end of this semester, I could potentially bring the BCPM up to 3.03 if I got B+s. If I were to retake 2 classes over the summer, and get As, it would bring my BCPM up to 3.32. I haven't taken the MCAT yet. So would I be better off waiting to retake the classes and just apply in my senior year? Would a Post-Bacc be better than retaking the classes? I was going to see how well I did on the MCAT before really making any decisions. I was thinking that if I don't break 30 on the practice MCATs, that I should probably push back my test date (currently May 22). Any constructive criticism would be appreciated. Thanks.

I believe that a post-bacc is typically for people whose major was something other than a science so they never had the opportunity to take the regular pre-reqs for med school. You may be thinking of a SMP (special master's program) this is geared toward people who have completed the pre-reqs, but their GPA is too low to be competitive. Hopefully someone else that may know more will comment on your situation.

Concentrate on getting at least B+ this semester. And next semester getting A's.

Good luck!

 

[Lokhtar]

There are post-bacs out there for people who have all the pre-reqs. Look at Penn's Special Science, Harvard's HCP, etc.

 

[raebear]

Ok might as well throw my stats down... I originally was interested in allopathic schools only, but now that I've done a little more research, I'm realizing DO may be a better option for me.

I had an undergrad GPA of 3.2, science around 3.0 or 3.1 (I don't think I've calculated it correctly). I re-took O-chem and O-chem lab because I had taken a 2 quarter series and it was questionable whether or not it would count as a full year. First time around I got B- both quarters. Second time around I got an A in the first semester, and am currently taking the 2nd semester and lab.

I am planning on doing a 1 year Masters program next year. I have already been accepted to Columbia MS Nutrition and am probably going to go there, but still waiting to hear back from some of the true SMPs. I was thinking of waiting to apply until after I have my grades from the MS program, but I'd love to avoid taking a year off in between that and med school! Do you think I would have a chance if I applied this coming June, even though I woudn't have started my MS program yet?

Took them MCAT in 2006 before I had taken a lot of upper-division science (BAD IDEA). Got a 24M (8P 10V 6B). Re-took in 2008 and had a crappy verbal section (usually my strong point)... 25M (9P 7V 9B). VERY FRUSTRATING. I was planning on taking it again but i just can't stand this stupid test! What do you think are my chances of getting into DO school without re-taking?

Since I have just recently decided I may go the DO route, I don't really know much about the different schools. I don't feel a need to go to the BEST of the best, but of course I'd like to get a decent education. I would love to stay either in California, or in New York, since I'll probably be there next year. Thanks so much!!

 

[Limvostov]

Ok might as well throw my stats down... I originally was interested in allopathic schools only, but now that I've done a little more research, I'm realizing DO may be a better option for me.

I had an undergrad GPA of 3.2, science around 3.0 or 3.1 (I don't think I've calculated it correctly). I re-took O-chem and O-chem lab because I had taken a 2 quarter series and it was questionable whether or not it would count as a full year. First time around I got B- both quarters. Second time around I got an A in the first semester, and am currently taking the 2nd semester and lab.

I am planning on doing a 1 year Masters program next year. I have already been accepted to Columbia MS Nutrition and am probably going to go there, but still waiting to hear back from some of the true SMPs. I was thinking of waiting to apply until after I have my grades from the MS program, but I'd love to avoid taking a year off in between that and med school! Do you think I would have a chance if I applied this coming June, even though I woudn't have started my MS program yet?

Took them MCAT in 2006 before I had taken a lot of upper-division science (BAD IDEA). Got a 24M (8P 10V 6B). Re-took in 2008 and had a crappy verbal section (usually my strong point)... 25M (9P 7V 9B). VERY FRUSTRATING. I was planning on taking it again but i just can't stand this stupid test! What do you think are my chances of getting into DO school without re-taking?

Since I have just recently decided I may go the DO route, I don't really know much about the different schools. I don't feel a need to go to the BEST of the best, but of course I'd like to get a decent education. I would love to stay either in California, or in New York, since I'll probably be there next year. Thanks so much!!

You're correct, with those grades and MCAT scores you are going to need to try hard and show initiative to obtain acceptance to medical school. Instead of trying to fix things like GPA and MCAT (Those have been worked on a lot and it seems as though they will not budge.) you may want to try and work on your EC's. Shadow some physicians (osteopathic if you can) and get some solid volunteer and/or research experience. If you want the schools to be accepting of your lower scores you will need to show that you will go the extra mile to succeed and that you know a life as a physician is the life you want. Solid letters and and personal statement are also key. If you know someone who is a skilled writer or your school has a student help center then you should make sure and pass your essays and PS by them a few times before submission. You can do all of this while doing a 1 year masters program and that would also help to some extent.

Hope this helps a little. There are two schools in CA and a quite a few in the Northeast/NY area so you will have pleanty of choices.

 

[Jhoa001]

Hi everyone,
This is the first time I've posted my stats. I'd really appreciate any input of my chances at getting into a COM.
UG GPA in Biochemistry: 2.92
After retaking Physics series, Gen. Chem and Bio. series over at junior colleges my Non-Science is 3.39, Science: 3.32, and Cumulative GPA: 3.36. I've been going to a junior college for over a year doing retakes.
EC: 250 hrs/ Hospital Volunteer, Member of Health Careers Org., Raised $1000 for March of Dimes, Flying Samaritans, I will also do some shadowing soon.
Work: I'm currently a Physics SI at local community college(this is sort of like a tutor and TA combined.)
MCAT: taking in May
I'm not sure what else I should do to improve my chances besides getting a kick butt score on the MCAT. My top choice schools are Western, TUCOM, and PCOM.

 

[ILikeFood]

Hi everyone,
This is the first time I've posted my stats. I'd really appreciate any input of my chances at getting into a COM.
UG GPA in Biochemistry: 2.92
After retaking Physics series, Gen. Chem and Bio. series over at junior colleges my Non-Science is 3.39, Science: 3.32, and Cumulative GPA: 3.36. I've been going to a junior college for over a year doing retakes.
EC: 250 hrs/ Hospital Volunteer, Member of Health Careers Org., Raised $1000 for March of Dimes, Flying Samaritans, I will also do some shadowing soon.
Work: I'm currently a Physics SI at local community college(this is sort of like a tutor and TA combined.)
MCAT: taking in May
I'm not sure what else I should do to improve my chances besides getting a kick butt score on the MCAT. My top choice schools are Western, TUCOM, and PCOM.

Do well on the MCAT. Try to get Science and Cumulative to 3.4

 

[Limvostov]

Hi everyone,
This is the first time I've posted my stats. I'd really appreciate any input of my chances at getting into a COM.
UG GPA in Biochemistry: 2.92
After retaking Physics series, Gen. Chem and Bio. series over at junior colleges my Non-Science is 3.39, Science: 3.32, and Cumulative GPA: 3.36. I've been going to a junior college for over a year doing retakes.
EC: 250 hrs/ Hospital Volunteer, Member of Health Careers Org., Raised $1000 for March of Dimes, Flying Samaritans, I will also do some shadowing soon.
Work: I'm currently a Physics SI at local community college(this is sort of like a tutor and TA combined.)
MCAT: taking in May
I'm not sure what else I should do to improve my chances besides getting a kick butt score on the MCAT. My top choice schools are Western, TUCOM, and PCOM.

Nail the MCAT and have good essays and you should land some interviews. I would start your PS now and have it polished and your app ready to submit by June if possible. Early is always good. 🙂

 

[amakhosidlo]

Alright, I'm gearing up to apply and I need to get an idea of the schools I should be looking at. Here's what I've got so far

cGPA: 3.42
sGPA: 3.11 (I know, but I took on a second major (B.S) later in college and am in the middle of an epic upward trend composed mainly of science courses. That, and I've currently got over 240 credits..)
MCAT: 33T (11/10/12)
Hospital volunteering (On and off, technically 1.5 yrs)
Math+Science tutor for refugee community center
Worked every quarter of college to help pay for it
70 hrs of PCP shadowing w/ LOR (M.D)
Internship abroad in sub-Saharan Africa (no baby saving, basically just a helper-monkey for docs doing relief work)
1 yr of wet research
1 yr clinical research w/ random dermatology studies.
2nd author pub on some random nursing article I did data mining for
Volunteered 1 summer doing diabetes screening in a soup kitchen...
+clubs I was interested in, student gov, Frat/philanthropy, etc..

Sorry for the mile-long list, just wanted to get an idea of how much my EC's might potentially offset my poor sGPA...

Now, schools I've got my eye on so far are Western, Nova, and NECOM. I know that I'm particularly wary of the newer schools without a real match history (PNWUHS, etc), but beyond that I've really no idea of what to look for...

So. Any advice for what I should be doing/schools I should be looking at?

 

[Jhoa001]

Do well on the MCAT. Try to get Science and Cumulative to 3.4

Thanks for the advice. The fastest way for me to get science and cumulative to 3.4 is to retake more classes. Do u think my long list of retakes will make my application look bad? I already retook 3 years of pre-reqs. As for the MCAT, I'll do my best.

 

[Jhoa001]

Nail the MCAT and have good essays and you should land some interviews. I would start your PS now and have it polished and your app ready to submit by June if possible. Early is always good. 🙂

Thanks! I'll start this weekend!

 

[husker01]

Is there anyway that I can get in a DO school with a 21P (7,6,8). I have a 3.73 GPA, extensive volunteering hours, and excellent recommendations. I don't know what happened with that test, but I'm going to take it over again. Also, would be unwise to apply in August because I think I'm going to retake the test again in July?

Thanks

Nick

 

[swamprat]

Figured I'd ask..

GPA: 3.65
Pre-Req Science GPA: 3.72
Overall science GPA: 3.76
MCAT: V:8 P:10 B:10 = 28Q

Lots of clinical experience and TAing, research etc.

I really want to go to NYCOM, thats my dream school. What do yo u think?

 

[rddoms]

People have gotten accepted with that score, but you are wise for choosing to retake it.

As far as applying goes, apply as early as possible. You can state that you are retaking the MCAT, so don't make the mistake of applying late. Too many people make this mistake every year, and it can result in having to reapply.

Good luck!

 

[Hokie06]

I agree, since your GPA is good, I would go ahead and apply early for the 2009/2010 cycle. Just let the schools know you are planning to retake the MCAT. As long as you get at least a 25, I think you have a decent shot at getting accepted somewhere. good luck

 

[Semicolon]

Figured I'd ask..

GPA: 3.65
Pre-Req Science GPA: 3.72
Overall science GPA: 3.76
MCAT: V:8 P:10 B:10 = 28Q

Lots of clinical experience and TAing, research etc.

I really want to go to NYCOM, thats my dream school. What do yo u think?

Your stats are above the average for all DO schools, including NYCOM, so your chances seem pretty good for acceptance. Just get everything in early. 👍

I assume you're a NY resident, which will also be a plus.

 

[Cp22kjer]

Retake that MCAT, you have a great gpa! Shoot for 25+ and you'll have some options.

 

[Grey Wind]

.

 

[raebear]

You're correct, with those grades and MCAT scores you are going to need to try hard and show initiative to obtain acceptance to medical school. Instead of trying to fix things like GPA and MCAT (Those have been worked on a lot and it seems as though they will not budge.) you may want to try and work on your EC's. Shadow some physicians (osteopathic if you can) and get some solid volunteer and/or research experience. If you want the schools to be accepting of your lower scores you will need to show that you will go the extra mile to succeed and that you know a life as a physician is the life you want. Solid letters and and personal statement are also key. If you know someone who is a skilled writer or your school has a student help center then you should make sure and pass your essays and PS by them a few times before submission. You can do all of this while doing a 1 year masters program and that would also help to some extent.

Hope this helps a little. There are two schools in CA and a quite a few in the Northeast/NY area so you will have pleanty of choices.

Thanks for the advice... I forgot to write that I have worked as an EMT for the last year and a half, have interned with athletic trainers at my university, have helped plan and run medical clinics in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, along with some other volunteer work. I am definitely going to try to shadow a DO this year. Do you know how many hours of shadowing are recommended?

 

[boone95]

Overall gpa around 2.98-3.00
sGPA - 3.65
No MCAT yet

2 years as a nurse in level 1 trauma center ED
1 year psychiatric tech exp prior to BSN degree
RN volunteering in Free Clinic
Good LOR's

Interesting difference in GPAs... they'll ask you about the 3.00. They'll also want to know why you don't want to be a nurse any more... I'm sure you've got good answers for them though, maybe even a PS about it? Done any official shadowing? I know, you're around the ER docs a lot, but some schools want to know you shadowed instead of just worked with... you can clarify with each school if you need more info. Do anything non-medical related? They'd like to hear about the other half of you too. Rocking the MCAT is good for everyone. Your clinical experience will take you a long way, so be sure to emphasize that. Good luck!

 

[boone95]

Alright, I'm gearing up to apply and I need to get an idea of the schools I should be looking at. Here's what I've got so far

cGPA: 3.42
sGPA: 3.11 (I know, but I took on a second major (B.S) later in college and am in the middle of an epic upward trend composed mainly of science courses. That, and I've currently got over 240 credits..)
MCAT: 33T (11/10/12)
Hospital volunteering (On and off, technically 1.5 yrs)
Math+Science tutor for refugee community center
Worked every quarter of college to help pay for it
70 hrs of PCP shadowing w/ LOR (M.D)
Internship abroad in sub-Saharan Africa (no baby saving, basically just a helper-monkey for docs doing relief work)
1 yr of wet research
1 yr clinical research w/ random dermatology studies.
2nd author pub on some random nursing article I did data mining for
Volunteered 1 summer doing diabetes screening in a soup kitchen...
+clubs I was interested in, student gov, Frat/philanthropy, etc..

Sorry for the mile-long list, just wanted to get an idea of how much my EC's might potentially offset my poor sGPA...

Now, schools I've got my eye on so far are Western, Nova, and NECOM. I know that I'm particularly wary of the newer schools without a real match history (PNWUHS, etc), but beyond that I've really no idea of what to look for...

So. Any advice for what I should be doing/schools I should be looking at?

I think you can more than make up for the GPA with all of that... especially your clinical time. Shadowing a DO sure would be a nice addition though. All of your EC's look medically related... they like to see some 'roundedness' aka what do you do when science isn't on your mind.

As far as schools to look at... that depends completely on you. I think you have a shot anywhere. Your job is to look at where you want to spend 4 years. Apparently you like the coasts, so picking schools with a beach nearby might be important to you. Overall, you'll probably get a great education anywhere, but if you're happier about where you're living, you'll be able to excel even more. If you think you'll spend your time being worried and distracted at PNW, it might not be the place for you. Have fun with it!

 

[sixfootasian86]

over-all gpa: 3.08
science gpa:3.25
i am gonna take the mcat in late may (the earliest....) but i wanna take it in late june the latest.
I am part of the asian american association and filipino student association. i am also considered one of the founding fathers of Mizzou's fighting game club 🙂.
I volunteered at the central missouri food bank.
I am currently shadowing a DO at Columbia Regional Hospital (emergency room)
The reason for my bad gpa is because I had a rough start at St. Louis College of Pharmacy (my highest gpa there was a 2.65 then it just went down). I retook a bunch of classes at a small college, and i am currently going to Mizzou right now. This semester should be pretty solid since im also taking some high level science courses.
I am planning to apply on the coming fall.
thanks in advance for your time.

 

[Limvostov]

Thanks for the advice... I forgot to write that I have worked as an EMT for the last year and a half, have interned with athletic trainers at my university, have helped plan and run medical clinics in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, along with some other volunteer work. I am definitely going to try to shadow a DO this year. Do you know how many hours of shadowing are recommended?

I can't really say how many hours of shadowing is "recommended". My counselor told me to do at least 50 hours and I ended up doing about 100 and was fine. I know people who did less and even no shadowing and got into schools because the other areas of their application were strong. I can say that some amount of shadowing will look better than none. Sorry to just state the obvious, but I don't think there is an exact formula for having a good application other than doing the best you can with the resources you have available, having good letter writers, and strong essays.

 

[Grey Wind]

Interesting difference in GPAs... they'll ask you about the 3.00. They'll also want to know why you don't want to be a nurse any more... I'm sure you've got good answers for them though, maybe even a PS about it? Done any official shadowing? I know, you're around the ER docs a lot, but some schools want to know you shadowed instead of just worked with... you can clarify with each school if you need more info. Do anything non-medical related? They'd like to hear about the other half of you too. Rocking the MCAT is good for everyone. Your clinical experience will take you a long way, so be sure to emphasize that. Good luck!

Thanks for the input. I have shadowed a FP DO. I had the same idea - I wanted to show schools that I was interested to learn more about other areas of medicine other than what I'm exposed to on a weekly basis. The difference in GPA comes from me not taking any science courses straight outta high school, which is when I did all my damage. I took 2 science courses (a C and D) when I was 18. All my other sciences were taken when I actually had some direction. I stayed away from the science courses because I viewed them as the 'hard' classes and I was all about avoiding hard work when I was 18 . This bad attitude actually saved me a little bit in the long run, if I may be so bold as to use that term.

As far as non-medically related stuff - I'm pretty typical. I like to travel, hang out with friends, read etc. Nothing really stands out there. Perhaps I need to take up an interesting hobby that I can talk about in interviews and such. But between working, volunteering, taking classes, MCAT studying, and spending time with friend and my SO, there isn't a lot of leftover time.

 

[raebear]

I can't really say how many hours of shadowing is "recommended". My counselor told me to do at least 50 hours and I ended up doing about 100 and was fine. I know people who did less and even no shadowing and got into schools because the other areas of their application were strong. I can say that some amount of shadowing will look better than none. Sorry to just state the obvious, but I don't think there is an exact formula for having a good application other than doing the best you can with the resources you have available, having good letter writers, and strong essays.

Thank you! I know there's no magic number, but I wanted to get a ballpark idea 🙂

 

[wuvvums]

So, I just recieved my January MCAT scores, and now I'm looking over my stats and realizing I look average to below average.. and I'm starting to worry a bit (applying for the class of 2014). Any advice would be welcome!

Major: Chemistry-Biology B.S.
GPA: 3.4
Science GPA.: 3.2
MCAT: 25Q (7P/10V/8B)
E.C.: Volunteer EMT (3 years), ER Technician (1 year), Bio
Club (president 2 years), internship w/CHOP
allergy with published research paper, volunteered in a
third world country with a surgical team for a month,
etc.

I'm most interested in going to PCOM, NYCOM or UMDNJ, but I'm worried about my GPA (which will be increasing in the next 2 semesters, but still) and my 7 in physical sciences. I want to be sure I'll get into one of the schools; to retake the MCAT in May, or do I have a pretty decent shot if I apply early?? Thanks 🙂

 

[Semicolon]

So, I just recieved my January MCAT scores, and now I'm looking over my stats and realizing I look average to below average.. and I'm starting to worry a bit (applying for the class of 2014). Any advice would be welcome!

Major: Chemistry-Biology B.S.
GPA: 3.4
Science GPA.: 3.2
MCAT: 25Q (7P/10V/8B)
E.C.: Volunteer EMT (3 years), ER Technician (1 year), Bio
Club (president 2 years), internship w/CHOP
allergy with published research paper, volunteered in a
third world country with a surgical team for a month,
etc.

I'm most interested in going to PCOM, NYCOM or UMDNJ, but I'm worried about my GPA (which will be increasing in the next 2 semesters, but still) and my 7 in physical sciences. I want to be sure I'll get into one of the schools; to retake the MCAT in May, or do I have a pretty decent shot if I apply early?? Thanks 🙂

Your savior this upcoming cycle will be applying early. While it's true that your stats are slightly below average, I think you still hold a good chance at acceptance, especially since you have a nice set of ECs. How are your LORs?

As for the 7, you shouldn't worry TOO much since people have gotten in with 7s (and the physical science section has the lowest average) but considering that your GPA is below average, you should consider retaking the exam to better your application.

Good luck.

 

[ThatsDOpe]

Keep the faith - I was accepted

 

[swamprat]

Hi! Been lurking forever. Haven't found a particular answer so I figured I might as well join. Anyone care to give me some advice? Here's the damage:

cGPA: 3.55
sGPA: 3.45
MCAT: 26Q (10PS/6V/10B) I'm hugely disgruntled about this. Thinking (but really dreading) retaking.

Huge upward trend in GPA. I am a commuter. I commute four hours a day back and forth via public trans. It was a huge strain on me early on in college - as was my dad's cancer and subsequent job loss. Thankfully, we've all pulled through and managed to make the best of the situation.

EC's
Shadowing:
-100hrs with Chiropractor during the summer between freshman and soph year (Don't look at me that way..)
-Started shadowing an allopathic physician (IM) soph/jr year summer and resumed shadowing with him during this past (senior) winter break. Total hours ~75. Great experience with urban underserved population.
-Currently about 50 hours volunteering at a major university hospital (started in october), and hopefully by the time AACOMAS is complete will have around 80+ hours.
-Currently shadowing and reciving a letter from an Osteopathic physician (also, IM) who also does interviews at CCOM. Started shadowing December, and trying to get as many hours as I possibly can.

Thoughts? Also, I'll have a year off and I don't know what to do with myself. What else can I do to beef up my application? I was thinking some research and continue with the clinical experience (may be do an EKG technician or something), shadow, volunteer, etc. CCOM = #1 but any osteopathic school is good for me.

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance!
DOpe

whats going on man. i think all your stuff looks legit the only thing i see that maybe would be an issue is the 6 mcat because i hear they screen out sections that are lower than an 8(although from browsing this forum i saw a lot of ppl w lower sectional scores get acceptances) but that could just be MD schools im not rlly sure. also the chiropractor deal i don't think would count as an EC for MEDICAL school considering you wana be a doctor not a chiropractor. you could probably talk about it as you tried exploring other options and decided medicine is what you wanted to do. GPA i believe is right in the ballpark of most of the schools

 

[Semicolon]

Hi! Been lurking forever. Haven't found a particular answer so I figured I might as well join. Anyone care to give me some advice? Here's the damage:

cGPA: 3.55
sGPA: 3.45
MCAT: 26Q (10PS/6V/10B) I'm hugely disgruntled about this. Thinking (but really dreading) retaking.

Huge upward trend in GPA. I am a commuter. I commute four hours a day back and forth via public trans. It was a huge strain on me early on in college - as was my dad's cancer and subsequent job loss. Thankfully, we've all pulled through and managed to make the best of the situation.

EC's
Shadowing:
-100hrs with Chiropractor during the summer between freshman and soph year (Don't look at me that way..)
-Started shadowing an allopathic physician (IM) soph/jr year summer and resumed shadowing with him during this past (senior) winter break. Total hours ~75. Great experience with urban underserved population.
-Currently about 50 hours volunteering at a major university hospital (started in october), and hopefully by the time AACOMAS is complete will have around 80+ hours.
-Currently shadowing and reciving a letter from an Osteopathic physician (also, IM) who also does interviews at CCOM. Started shadowing December, and trying to get as many hours as I possibly can.

Thoughts? Also, I'll have a year off and I don't know what to do with myself. What else can I do to beef up my application? I was thinking some research and continue with the clinical experience (may be do an EKG technician or something), shadow, volunteer, etc. CCOM = #1 but any osteopathic school is good for me.

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance!
DOpe

My only advice to you (aside from retaking that MCAT since that 6 will definitely close some doors) is to not say ANYTHING that would equate DOs to DCs. You'd be treading on very very harsh ground. 😉

 

[blysssful]

Hey people, I'm posting for a friend of mine because I'm trying to help her with the application process since I went through it for this current cycle, but of course the DO school dynamic is different from optometry 🙂

So, the situation is that my friend has a huge red flag of a GPA (3.1 cumulative, 2.6 science). She's prepping for the MCAT now. The problem is that she is quite intelligent, but she gets terrible test anxiety... which makes me nervous for her MCAT. Obviously, a score over 30 would be preferred... but, we'll see.

She's done shadowing, substantial volunteer work, has tons of extracurriculars and will probably be able to get some great LORs.



Questions:
1) She's scheduled to take her MCAT in April, but it's WAY too soon, so I told her she should postpone... but would June 18 be too late? I think if she doesn't get a great score, she's going to wait it out a year...

2) Would it be better to wait it out, do a post bac and retake the MCAT, or to be a reapplicant with her stats now and a so-so score?

3) Does she stand a realistic shot at any DO school?

4) Hypothetically, even if she gets a 30 for her MCAT, should she apply for next cycle, or should she do a post-bac?

5) She wants to stay in the Northeast... knowing she has some Cs for pre-reqs, which schools should she apply to? (She has some in mind, but I keep telling her that she needs to apply to A TON.)

 

[Grey Wind]

Hey people, I'm posting for a friend of mine because I'm trying to help her with the application process since I went through it for this current cycle, but of course the DO school dynamic is different from optometry 🙂

So, the situation is that my friend has a huge red flag of a GPA (3.1 cumulative, 2.6 science). She's prepping for the MCAT now. The problem is that she is quite intelligent, but she gets terrible test anxiety... which makes me nervous for her MCAT. Obviously, a score over 30 would be preferred... but, we'll see.

She's done shadowing, substantial volunteer work, has tons of extracurriculars and will probably be able to get some great LORs.



Questions:
1) She's scheduled to take her MCAT in April, but it's WAY too soon, so I told her she should postpone... but would June 18 be too late? I think if she doesn't get a great score, she's going to wait it out a year...

2) Would it be better to wait it out, do a post bac and retake the MCAT, or to be a reapplicant with her stats now and a so-so score?

3) Does she stand a realistic shot at any DO school?

4) Hypothetically, even if she gets a 30 for her MCAT, should she apply for next cycle, or should she do a post-bac?

5) She wants to stay in the Northeast... knowing she has some Cs for pre-reqs, which schools should she apply to? (She has some in mind, but I keep telling her that she needs to apply to A TON.)

Well, to start, I would say that she needs to retake those pre-req C's at the very very least. I would also say that she should do a post-bacc and do very well. It doesn't have to be a formal program. I'm no adcom, but I'd venture a guess that she'd have to obliterate the MCAT to even have a chance at an interview with her current stats. But, I'm just a pre-med myself and that opinion (as well as all my other ones) comes from what I've read on here and heard from around my school. I wish your friend luck!

 

[Revilla]

Hey people, I'm posting for a friend of mine because I'm trying to help her with the application process since I went through it for this current cycle, but of course the DO school dynamic is different from optometry 🙂

So, the situation is that my friend has a huge red flag of a GPA (3.1 cumulative, 2.6 science). She's prepping for the MCAT now. The problem is that she is quite intelligent, but she gets terrible test anxiety... which makes me nervous for her MCAT. Obviously, a score over 30 would be preferred... but, we'll see.

She's done shadowing, substantial volunteer work, has tons of extracurriculars and will probably be able to get some great LORs.

That 2.6 will likely get her screened out at some schools pre-secondary. How is she scoring on her MCAT practice tests? I assume she's started taking them? If she's not scoring in the upper 20s, I'd say postpone it. If she isn't ready by June 18th, I'd say wait a year and retake those science classes to get her science GPA up to 3.0 while studying for next year's MCAT.

 

[jazzgurl7]

Hi All,

So I just wanted to give you guys a heads up I applied last year the 2008-2009 cycle with a sGPA of 2.79 and a cum of 2.97. My MCAT was 29O and I had extensive shadowing and research experience. This being said, I applied in October and completed some of my secondaries in January. I was the definition of underdog. A few days ago I got into medical school and so it can be done. If anyone needs advice or anything feel free to PM me.

 

[cowpants]

Hi Everyone,

I am a second year currently and am taking physics 2 and chem 2. I have declared a double major in history and public health with a biology minor.
My GPA currently is a 2.8 and my science GPA is a 3.0.
Next year i plan on taking bio-chem, micro-bio and two other life sci classes to complete my bio minor along with my Public health epidemiology course.
My Ec's:
- doctor shadowing : 200 hours with an MD and DO
- Doctor Shadowing: this summer with a DO cardiologist
- Coordinator of a mentor organization and president of a health oriented volunteer organization.
- Research: I just started doing research on Melanoma at a Cancer Institute and will be there for the summer and have received a grant to continue there in the summer. Also There will be a poster presentation after the project is completed.
- Orientation leader for New Student Orientation.

I have not taken my MCAT's yet but have started preparing and am giving it my all and the practice score (before studying or taking Organic Chem) is a 25. I will be taking Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 this summer at a relatively easier institution due to travel restraints.
My GPA is on an upward trend and I know that is my priority right now.

My question is whether even with such a low GPA whether I would be considered a competitive applicant??
What can I do so that by May of next year I will be ready to apply confidently?

 

[RNinTN]

Hello all, I am new to SDNF. I like to read what everyone has written about different subjects. I want to write and see what you all have to say about my situation. I am a RN currently working ICU and ER. I have my BSN and I am now finishing my med school pre-reqs. I am planning on applying to LMU-DCOM in Harrogate,TN. I want to know what you all think my chances are of getting into school.

1) I am an alumni from LMU.
2) My grades arent the best; 3.1ish
3) I do have great experience in the healthcare setting 2 years up to date.
4) I havent taken the MCAT yet, but will soon
5) One of my letters of reccomendation is the chair of pediatrics at the school and an assistant professor and the other is the head of the NP program there.

-thanks

*sorry I should have posted in the pre-do forum*

 

[jkmph]

To apply or not to apply this cycle?

cGPA 3.1
sGPA 3.0

MCAT - taking on 04/04/09 but averaging 35-37 on my practice tests. Additionally putting in 10-12 hour days of studying on top of everything else.

Graduate stuff - I'm an Epidemiology MPH student at Emory University. I should have about a 3.7 average GPA for this semester and Fall 08.

LOR - I have strong LORs. Two from faculty members in the school of medicine and one from the PI that I work under. Additionally my PCP back home is a DO and I should be able to get a LOR from.

Work/research - I worked at a hospital for 5 years as an undergraduate.
- Currently work in a BL2 lab at Emory doing research on norovirus. We're doing a human clinical trial challenge.
- research experience in human genetics and newborn metabolic disease
- spending the summer working for Maine CDC in the ID department

EC - Treasurer of my schools student government
- plenty of volunteer time (at least 75+ hours)
- lots of shadowing, surgeon, ER, PCP, etc

(1) Should I apply right out of the gate in June?

(2) I could clean up 2 of my C's this summer and apply in August and bump my sGPA by about 0.1 to 3.1.

(3) I could take some more science courses/clean up my GPA in the Fall and apply in December. This doesnt leave me a lot of margin for error.

(4) Continue cleaning up my GPA in the spring 2010 and apply next summer. This is of course my least preferential option.