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

[boone95]

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What about a letter from a professor that taught me intro to physics (as opposed to physics 1 or 2)? I got to know him much better than the later physics professors... Would it have to be a letter from one of the pre-req teachers? Or would something like biochemistry be ok? I'd imagine the biochem would be preferrable because it's a higher course than intro to phys, but for biochem we have several professors and so far I haven't gotten to know any of them (I know, I know...).

I think it's more important from someone who knows you, regardless of what course you took from them. The idea behind a LOR is to get some insight on you as a person from someone who knows you. They've got all the info about your grades and performance that they need. I'd go with the prof that knows you best.

 

[The Poet Sings]

Thanks for the help, all of you awesome people who put up with my silly questions 😍.

 

[time2go]

if you get a 26+ and apply early you should be a pretty solid shoe-in to some schools....some schools you may have difficulty getting in though in my opininon

 

[PunkmedGirl]

You will only know the answer if you ask the question.🙂 Good Luck.

 

[Bacchus]

What about a letter from a professor that taught me intro to physics (as opposed to physics 1 or 2)? I got to know him much better than the later physics professors... Would it have to be a letter from one of the pre-req teachers? Or would something like biochemistry be ok? I'd imagine the biochem would be preferrable because it's a higher course than intro to phys, but for biochem we have several professors and so far I haven't gotten to know any of them (I know, I know...).

The course doesn't matter. I got letters from these instructors: advisor, calculus, microbiology, organic, general chem, and communications. These all went into my committee letter, so I got away with 6 letters.

 

[The Poet Sings]

So I met with an advisor today (not prehealth) and she was saying that retaking premed classes over the summer (ones I got Cs in) wouldn't help. This is completely false, right? In her defense, she did say she's not familiar with DO schools and that I should see the prehealth advisor about it. For those who may remember, I'm still on the fence about this physics class. Assuming no financial repercussions with my scholarship if I drop it, would it be best to just drop it and retake it in the summer, instead of getting a C (by some miracle) and then retaking it anyways? Thanks again :-D

 

[MedStudentWanna]

DO schools replace the grade when calculating the GPA. It's the MD schools that don't. The adcoms will still see the original grade, but it won't factor into the GPA. In your shoes, I'd drop the course. A C isn't even a given if I understood your story correctly.

 

[Rollo]

Yeah i didnt mean for it to come off as im only applying to do schools because of my gpa. From what i've seen on forums and heard from other premeds, i have not heard of anyone getting in with a gpa around a 3.2. From the matriculation data i have seen, there are obviously some acceptances of people with lower than the mean but im just scared that i am too far below to be competitive. what schools would you guys suggest applying to? I am a pennsylvania resident so lecom and pcom will be on the list.

Keep in mind that people who post in this forum represent a very, very small fraction of the people applying to AND being accepted to medical schools.

I will agree with you that your GPA does not make you competitive BUT...there are other factors that will make you competitive ultimately outweighing the non-competitiveness of your GPA. This is why I said to make sure you score at least 28 on your MCAT.

And also, APPLY EARLY! As in, submit that AACOMAS the first day it lets you. If I'm not mistaken, you can start filling the AACOMAS out a month before they let you release it to the schools.

You should apply to UMDNJ, Touro, NYCOM, both PCOMs, both LECOMs, AZCOM, might as well apply to UNECOM.

 

[ohohpickmepickm]

Hello Everybody,

How you all doing? I am still relatively new here (registered a few days ago). 😀

I have a question and I am not sure if I am putting it in the right category. If it is wrong, please forgive me.

I am a senior this year and about to graduate with a Biological Sciences degree in the summer. (still need Microbiology and a one credit course..I know...ugh). I went to a community college for the first two years and have taken ALL of my premed prereqs there. Yes...slight mistake...back then I wanted to be an engineer so...and from my junior year til now, my super senior year, I will have about 100 credits at my new school with a combined total of ~170. Yes...and its still only ONE Bachelors degree haha. During my time, I decided to detour and take the scenic route to my degree by taking 40+ credits of mathematics, some weird applied math/biology stuff, along with two graduate courses (one in applied mathematics and one in computational biology). So thats a quick history.

My stats:

undergrad GPA at the local community college (Brookdale Community College for those who are curious): 3.86 (with pretty much all science except for maybe 5 classes or so.

undergrad GPA at new university (Rutgers University in New Brunswick): 3.5 (ha just made it right??) this GPA is calculated with basically only 3 lower level classes and the rest are all upper level biological science, math, one biomedical engineering, and those two graduate courses.

Sad fact...Math GPA: 3.7...Biology GPA at Rutgers...3.3...😀😱

I took my MCAT once before and did horrible, community college did not prepare me for it, only made low 20's...great....

Now, 2 years later, after my scenic route, I have decided to give it another shot. (was planning to go for a PhD in Computational Biology)
I am studying for the MCAT (wow way better understanding since taking upper level classes!!!!) and am quite confident. So here is the question.

I am taking them on May 2. I plan to apply on June 1 or 2. (already written my personal statement). And do all the secondaries IF they come. Now...when I get my MCAT scores back on the 2 or 3 of June and I score a couple points lower than the average. What should I do?

Should I let the schools know that I am taking them again at the end of June? (then it will be my third time)

So if I do that, then I will receive my scores end of July, which means that I would be absolutely complete with my application. Then, would this be too late to make it to the first round of interviews that go out in around september?

Thanks for your time!!

 

[ohohpickmepickm]

Hello Everybody,

How you all doing? I am still relatively new here (registered a few days ago). 😀

I have a question and I am not sure if I am putting it in the right category. If it is wrong, please forgive me.

I am a senior this year and about to graduate with a Biological Sciences degree in the summer. (still need Microbiology and a one credit course..I know...ugh). I went to a community college for the first two years and have taken ALL of my premed prereqs there. Yes...slight mistake...back then I wanted to be an engineer so...and from my junior year til now, my super senior year, I will have about 100 credits at my new school with a combined total of ~170. Yes...and its still only ONE Bachelors degree haha. During my time, I decided to detour and take the scenic route to my degree by taking 40+ credits of mathematics, some weird applied math/biology stuff, along with two graduate courses (one in applied mathematics and one in computational biology). So thats a quick history.

My stats:

undergrad GPA at the local community college (Brookdale Community College for those who are curious): 3.86 (with pretty much all science except for maybe 5 classes or so.

undergrad GPA at new university (Rutgers University in New Brunswick): 3.5 (ha just made it right??) this GPA is calculated with basically only 3 lower level classes and the rest are all upper level biological science, math, one biomedical engineering, and those two graduate courses.

Sad fact...Math GPA: 3.7...Biology GPA at Rutgers...3.3...😀😱

I took my MCAT once before and did horrible, community college did not prepare me for it, only made low 20's...great....

Now, 2 years later, after my scenic route, I have decided to give it another shot. (was planning to go for a PhD in Computational Biology)
I am studying for the MCAT (wow way better understanding since taking upper level classes!!!!) and am quite confident. So here is the question.

I am taking them on May 2. I plan to apply on June 1 or 2. (already written my personal statement). And do all the secondaries IF they come. Now...when I get my MCAT scores back on the 2 or 3 of June and I score a couple points lower than the average. What should I do?

Should I let the schools know that I am taking them again at the end of June? (then it will be my third time)

So if I do that, then I will receive my scores end of July, which means that I would be absolutely complete with my application. Then, would this be too late to make it to the first round of interviews that go out in around september?

Thanks for your time!!

 

[CycloneDO]

Here are my stats:
3.2 Science and Cum GPA
MCAT 25M
6 years working in ICU as PCT
9 years as medic in army NG and one year overseas
some voluteer work...not much

I applied to 3 schools very late for 2009 class. I submitted secondaries in Jan. 09 Interviewed at KCOM. I will be retaking the MCAT in June and using Kaplan course to prepare. Also going to shadow a DO in my area.

I would like to apply more broadly, but I want to be smart about it...so my question is what schools should I look into. I'm from Iowa, so I like DMU and I really liked KCOM. But I'm open to relocating. And of course I will be applying much much earlier in the cycle this year...lesson learned. Any advice would be GREAT!!😀

 

[beckhunter116]

Here are my stats:
3.2 Science and Cum GPA
MCAT 25M
6 years working in ICU as PCT
9 years as medic in army NG and one year overseas
some voluteer work...not much

I applied to 3 schools very late for 2009 class. I submitted secondaries in Jan. 09 Interviewed at KCOM. I will be retaking the MCAT in June and using Kaplan course to prepare. Also going to shadow a DO in my area.

I would like to apply more broadly, but I want to be smart about it...so my question is what schools should I look into. I'm from Iowa, so I like DMU and I really liked KCOM. But I'm open to relocating. And of course I will be applying much much earlier in the cycle this year...lesson learned. Any advice would be GREAT!!😀

Well you may want to be a little more specific about what you are looking for in a school/location.

I would add LECOM, Touro NV, Touro NY, VCOM, NSU, PCOM-GA and KUCOM. Your situation is kinda tricky, your GPA and MCAT are on the low side of average, but you have some awesome experience. Does your GPA have an upward trend? I would do some general volunteering ASAP so you can round out your application some more. Good luck!

 

[CycloneDO]

yes on the upward trend, really bad freshman grades. thanks for the advice

 

[BabyKangaroo]

Going to poke my head in for a bit. I was reading the last few pages of posts and although all of the questions and related advice are needed and obviously important in "the process," they are quite trivial when compared to the underlying factor that will face you the rest of your lives when/if you eventually become physicians. This is a question that gets thrown around all too often so that its impact and understanding is diluted much like the word we call "love" nowadays. But... "Do you REALLY want to become a physician?"

1. Find out if you want to become a physician. SHADOW, ask questions, don't be timid, volunteer etc. etc. Are you doing all of this b/c you really want to or just to impress some admissions committee?

2. If indeed you do the above and know you want to be a physician, WHY do you want to become one? By spending 2-3 years (at least) on the above, you will know. Becoming a doctor is something you have been working on your whole life so far, whether you knew it or not, if it is your calling in this life. And don't think of an answer that may help get you into medical school via your personal statement. Really think.

3. If you accomplished the first two, genuinely, being truthful and realistic to yourself, you will definitely KNOW.

Keep going in your academic endeavors as they are very important, but the grades will come if you really want to do it. I was fortunate that I found my passion. Undergrad was tough, but it made it a lot easier in the library, after football practice, on a Monday night at 10:00 to study for a test the next day b/c I was really interested in the material and applying it to patients in the future. ECs were always there, you just need to look for them and they will be easier to find if you are gravitated to compassion and really care for others.

 

[MrNew]

Hello, my undergraduate GPA was 2.8999 so, 2.9.

Will that GPA keep me out even if I get overall science GPA of 3.5 ?

How much MCAT score should I be aiming for ?

Most school wants 3.2 and above GPA from my review, is that including science or separate ?

Thanks

Merc

 

[Rollo]

I am a senior this year and about to graduate with a Biological Sciences degree in the summer. (still need Microbiology and a one credit course..I know...ugh). I went to a community college for the first two years and have taken ALL of my premed prereqs there. Yes...slight mistake...back then I wanted to be an engineer so...and from my junior year til now, my super senior year, I will have about 100 credits at my new school with a combined total of ~170. Yes...and its still only ONE Bachelors degree haha. During my time, I decided to detour and take the scenic route to my degree by taking 40+ credits of mathematics, some weird applied math/biology stuff, along with two graduate courses (one in applied mathematics and one in computational biology). So thats a quick history.

My stats:

undergrad GPA at the local community college (Brookdale Community College for those who are curious): 3.86 (with pretty much all science except for maybe 5 classes or so.

undergrad GPA at new university (Rutgers University in New Brunswick): 3.5 (ha just made it right??) this GPA is calculated with basically only 3 lower level classes and the rest are all upper level biological science, math, one biomedical engineering, and those two graduate courses.

Sad fact...Math GPA: 3.7...Biology GPA at Rutgers...3.3...😀😱

I took my MCAT once before and did horrible, community college did not prepare me for it, only made low 20's...great....

Now, 2 years later, after my scenic route, I have decided to give it another shot. (was planning to go for a PhD in Computational Biology)
I am studying for the MCAT (wow way better understanding since taking upper level classes!!!!) and am quite confident. So here is the question.

I am taking them on May 2. I plan to apply on June 1 or 2. (already written my personal statement). And do all the secondaries IF they come. Now...when I get my MCAT scores back on the 2 or 3 of June and I score a couple points lower than the average. What should I do?

Should I let the schools know that I am taking them again at the end of June? (then it will be my third time)

So if I do that, then I will receive my scores end of July, which means that I would be absolutely complete with my application. Then, would this be too late to make it to the first round of interviews that go out in around september?

Thanks for your time!!

First, some schools might ask you why you decided to take so many classes and more importantly, what made you decide on medicine at the end? I'd suggest that you might want to work this in your personal statement. But if you don't have room, then no worries. Just explain it in secondary applications and mention them at interview.

Second, your GPA is fine. Remember that science GPA includes more subjects than biology. Check the AACOMAS explanation to see which subject courses will count towards your science GPA.

Third, if you scored in low 20s before, that means you scored few points lower than the average. Now that you've had more science classes and understand the material better, you should be scoring much better than low 20s. What are your practice scores? When I took the MCAT, I didn't shoot for the average...I shot for 45...just a little attitude adjustment that you might want to consider (of course I didn't get a 45 but I ended up scoring in 30s).

Finally, you will not be late by any means if you decide to retake the MCAT in July (which you shouldn't need to if you study right). For what it's worth, I retook in June and was verified by AACOMAS at the end of September, yet I still manged to score some interviews and few acceptances.

Here are my stats:
3.2 Science and Cum GPA
MCAT 25M
6 years working in ICU as PCT
9 years as medic in army NG and one year overseas
some voluteer work...not much

I applied to 3 schools very late for 2009 class. I submitted secondaries in Jan. 09 Interviewed at KCOM. I will be retaking the MCAT in June and using Kaplan course to prepare. Also going to shadow a DO in my area.

I would like to apply more broadly, but I want to be smart about it...so my question is what schools should I look into. I'm from Iowa, so I like DMU and I really liked KCOM. But I'm open to relocating. And of course I will be applying much much earlier in the cycle this year...lesson learned. Any advice would be GREAT!!😀

AZCOM, CCOM, Touro NV, ATSU, PCOM-GA, LECOM-Bradenton, NSU, and all the schools in the northeast. If you got the dough, just apply everywhere...

Hello, my undergraduate GPA was 2.8999 so, 2.9.

Will that GPA keep me out even if I get overall science GPA of 3.5 ?

How much MCAT score should I be aiming for ?

Most school wants 3.2 and above GPA from my review, is that including science or separate ?

Thanks

Merc

Some schools have a cutoff for receiving secondaries if your GPA is below 2.75...so you're fine.

Consensus is that your science GPA matters slightly bit more than your overall. Here there is a huge difference so be ready to explain that difference.

And shoot for as high as 45 and as low as 28 on the MCAT. A score in the 30s will be very beautiful though.

 

[beckhunter116]

Going to poke my head in for a bit. I was reading the last few pages of posts and although all of the questions and related advice are needed and obviously important in "the process," they are quite trivial when compared to the underlying factor that will face you the rest of your lives when/if you eventually become physicians. This is a question that gets thrown around all too often so that its impact and understanding is diluted much like the word we call "love" nowadays. But... "Do you REALLY want to become a physician?"

1. Find out if you want to become a physician. SHADOW, ask questions, don't be timid, volunteer etc. etc. Are you doing all of this b/c you really want to or just to impress some admissions committee?

2. If indeed you do the above and know you want to be a physician, WHY do you want to become one? By spending 2-3 years (at least) on the above, you will know. Becoming a doctor is something you have been working on your whole life so far, whether you knew it or not, if it is your calling in this life. And don't think of an answer that may help get you into medical school via your personal statement. Really think.

3. If you accomplished the first two, genuinely, being truthful and realistic to yourself, you will definitely KNOW.

Keep going in your academic endeavors as they are very important, but the grades will come if you really want to do it. I was fortunate that I found my passion. Undergrad was tough, but it made it a lot easier in the library, after football practice, on a Monday night at 10:00 to study for a test the next day b/c I was really interested in the material and applying it to patients in the future. ECs were always there, you just need to look for them and they will be easier to find if you are gravitated to compassion and really care for others.

I slightly agree with your sentiment that of course this thread is about the numbers as opposed to the motivation/dedication that becoming a physician requires; however, there are plenty of people who completely follow your 1 and 2 advice, get into medical school/residency and hate practicing as a physician. Obviously, you know through looking through the osteopath/allopath section that there are some really upset people. Some of those who spent years shadowing/volunteering in healthcare.

I don't think anyone should just one day decide the oh, I think I'll go to medical school. I believe everyone should volunteer and shadow to at least really know what you are getting into, but if you think that by doing those that you will really know what it is to be a doctor, I don't think so. I think it gives glimpse into a Doctor's life, and if you don't find what you are doing to be interesting and something you can see yourself doing for 30-40 years then yes you should reconsider your decision to continue on this path.

 

[AdemTD]

Hey folks, I am completely clueless on the AACOM and DO schools in general. I have an AACOM GPA of 3.478 and BCP of 3.410, 3.72 OA/3.65 BCP during my last 61 credits of college. I graduated in April 2008, have a balanced MCAT score of 31, Michigan resident, pretty standard ECs, private pilot's license. Just a few questions: when does AACOMAS open? When can it be submitted? Should I request transcripts be sent to AACOM now or wait until after I submit the application? Finally, which schools do I have the most reasonable shot at gaining admission? I really only know that I am fairly competitive at MSUCOM based on some friends that attend there, but would I have a shot at some other top DO programs and which ones should I be looking into? Thanks for your help.

 

[Flushot]

About this list of schools suggested to Cyclone (this also includes other notices):

"I would add LECOM, Touro NV, Touro NY, VCOM, NSU, PCOM-GA and KUCOM. "

From my experience, VCOM prefers those within the region or at least east coast. I was put on pre-interview hold along with many others for probably this reason and since I didn't show additional interest, I guess it worked out.

I also believe that NSU is a little picky about location as well. I don't know their out of state ratio, but I was led to believe on here that it is not as balanced as other schools listed like the Touros, the LECOMs or AZCOM.

 

[CycloneDO]

thanks everyone for the advice on schools. It's given me a good list to look into further.😀

 

[BabyKangaroo]

I slightly agree with your sentiment that of course this thread is about the numbers as opposed to the motivation/dedication that becoming a physician requires; however, there are plenty of people who completely follow your 1 and 2 advice, get into medical school/residency and hate practicing as a physician. Obviously, you know through looking through the osteopath/allopath section that there are some really upset people. Some of those who spent years shadowing/volunteering in healthcare.

I don't think anyone should just one day decide the oh, I think I'll go to medical school. I believe everyone should volunteer and shadow to at least really know what you are getting into, but if you think that by doing those that you will really know what it is to be a doctor, I don't think so. I think it gives glimpse into a Doctor's life, and if you don't find what you are doing to be interesting and something you can see yourself doing for 30-40 years then yes you should reconsider your decision to continue on this path.

I never said that one would like/love being a doctor when they are one, or that they would really know what it is to be a doctor, but rather they would simply know if they want to be one or not. I thought the latter part of your second paragraph hinted at this well. I guess you could say in order to know this, one must know what being a doctor entails. However I watch people compete in the Iron Man in Hawaii and it really makes me want to train and qualify for one. While I'm doing that, I would be kicking myself daily for ever getting into the mess in the first place, but I know I still want to compete in an Iron Man, and when it's all done, I will be in Hawaii, on a beach, with a small inner victory over my nagging conscience that constantly told me to "get out while you can." Did I really know what it would be like? Of course not. Not until I actually did it. But I did really know that I wanted to do it, without completely knowing what the sacrifice would be, and that was enough to get me started and keep going. Simple faith goes a long way.

 

[ohohpickmepickm]

Hey Rollo,

Thanks for the advice. I will most likely not take the MCAT in July, I want to get this out of the way so I can do some research! lol I understand where you are coming from. I guess I forgot to mention the 2+ years of shadowing a cardiologist and learning patient care first hand. Also, I forgot to mention that I volunteered to tutor mathematics at my former community college. This gave me an additional idea of how to interact one on one. Even if it is not medically orientated, being a doctor means you are a teacher and a lifelong learner with patients being there to help and guide you every step of the way. Actually, (lol) I was also a PLTL leader for General Chemistry 1 and 2 for 1.5 years, and that further helps with being responsible and proactive.

Also, besides Rollo, any other advice would be just as good!!

Thanks for looking!!

 

[ScarletKnights]

will it hurt my chances at admission if i am retaking 4 of the prerequisites(bio 1,2 and chem 1,2)?

 

[Rollo]

Hey folks, I am completely clueless on the AACOM and DO schools in general. I have an AACOM GPA of 3.478 and BCP of 3.410, 3.72 OA/3.65 BCP during my last 61 credits of college. I graduated in April 2008, have a balanced MCAT score of 31, Michigan resident, pretty standard ECs, private pilot's license. Just a few questions: when does AACOMAS open? When can it be submitted? Should I request transcripts be sent to AACOM now or wait until after I submit the application? Finally, which schools do I have the most reasonable shot at gaining admission? I really only know that I am fairly competitive at MSUCOM based on some friends that attend there, but would I have a shot at some other top DO programs and which ones should I be looking into? Thanks for your help.

From here (page 3): http://www.naahp.org/PDFs/HealthProfPDFs/aacom.pdf

The application service will open in May but you won't be able to submit the application until June. Might as well work on filling out the application in May when it opens. I'd say send the transcripts out in May. Transcripts don't take that long to get sent out and received by AACOMAS.

Your stats are very similar to mine (GPA/MCAT) and I got in just fine at PCOM (actually I applied late and interviewed late but still got in). So yeah think about PCOM, UMDNJ, LECOM, any other school in northeast, CCOM, OUCOM maybe?

will it hurt my chances at admission if i am retaking 4 of the prerequisites(bio 1,2 and chem 1,2)?

Just make sure you get A's in all four of them, and admissions won't mind you retaking them. What are your grades in them now? Why do you want to retake them?

 

[MrNew]

I've been to 3 different school. First was CC college than University than transfer to another University. My undergraduate at the final unveristy of BS in Business Management was 2.9.

I have long ways to go but how do I really calculate my GPA ?

When I start taking new pre-reqs course, do I start calculating from 2.9 ?

Thanks

Merc

 

[MrNew]

HOw do many of you get into Graduate Program with low GPA in first place ?

My main goal is to apply to D.O. school

 

[AdemTD]

AACOMAS will take every college class you've ever taken and assign a numerical grade to each class...A = 4.0 A- = 3.7 B+ = 3.3 B = 3.0 and so on...then they'll multiply that numerical value by the number of credits your class was worth and that will be your "quality points" for that course, they'll do the same for each course and then they'll add all your quality points together and then divide your total quality points by your total number of credits and that will be your cGPA. That's how it works on a semester system, I don't know how to calculate a GPA on a quarter system or how to combine quarter and semester since I've never had any experience with it.

So to answer your question, all your GPAs matter.

 

[bblhoping]

Hi I was browsing for answers to my questions and found you guys and figured you would be experts to answer them. I am a non traditional applicant. I originally applied back when I graduated from undergrad in 2003. I took the MCAT 2x didn't study and got 21, I don't remember the letter. I got an interview at NYCOM but didn't really want to go there so I didn't go. I graduated in 2003 with degrees in biology and sociology so I have all my prereq. I feel I am finally mature this time around and am ready to take the MCAT again. My undergrad GPA was 2.99, not sure what the sci gpa was. I graduated with my MPH in 2007 and gpa was 3.69 which I did while working full time and had a baby. After this I feel as though I am finally mature enough to try again. 1st question, I believe I need to bring up my undergrad GPA but how do I do that? Do I take one or two classes and do they need to be in a certain field? Since I graduated so long ago from undergrad how do I go about getting my recommendation from a natural science professor? I had two write me letters of rec back then including the premed advisor but I don't know if they will even remember me now? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[ScarletKnights]

Just make sure you get A's in all four of them, and admissions won't mind you retaking them. What are your grades in them now? Why do you want to retake them?

i got a d in bio 1 and 2 and a c in chem 1 and 2. i wanna retake them to boost my gpa. the d's i have to retake for my major and the c's to boost my gpa.

 

[liquid8r]

My suggestion: Retake the MCAT (shoot for 24-26 range) and retake a few science courses. You will need to bump your GPA above a 3.0 to get past some secondary screens. AACOMAS will readjust your GPA if you improve your grades in a particular class. So I suggest that you retake a few science courses (2 or 3 courses) and try to get A's in each of them. If you could do that at your undergrad institution, it may serve you better but I think any accredited institution will work. You could also take a post-bac, but those are pretty difficult/expensive and sometimes competitive to get into.

Get a recommendation from your instructor in your MPH program or from the science courses that you choose to retake.

 

[Semicolon]

Hi I was browsing for answers to my questions and found you guys and figured you would be experts to answer them. I am a non traditional applicant. I originally applied back when I graduated from undergrad in 2003. I took the MCAT 2x didn't study and got 21, I don't remember the letter. I got an interview at NYCOM but didn't really want to go there so I didn't go. I graduated in 2003 with degrees in biology and sociology so I have all my prereq. I feel I am finally mature this time around and am ready to take the MCAT again. My undergrad GPA was 2.99, not sure what the sci gpa was. I graduated with my MPH in 2007 and gpa was 3.69 which I did while working full time and had a baby. After this I feel as though I am finally mature enough to try again. 1st question, I believe I need to bring up my undergrad GPA but how do I do that? Do I take one or two classes and do they need to be in a certain field? Since I graduated so long ago from undergrad how do I go about getting my recommendation from a natural science professor? I had two write me letters of rec back then including the premed advisor but I don't know if they will even remember me now? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

May I ask why you didn't want to go to NYCOM? Considering your stats back then, I find it amazing that they offered you one.

Since you already graduated from undergrad, you can't really change your undergrad GPA itself, but you can change your overall science/cumulative GPAs (including undergrad and grad) by taking some science courses. As for your letters, that's a tricky situation. I believe you can get at least a letter from your dean, but it's probably best to direct that question to some of the schools you're interested in and see what they'll allow you to do. Good luck.

 

[MrNew]

So based on that I calculated my GPA and it comes out to 2.8 GPA. I have two options, take the pre-reqs and MCAT and if the GPA is not above 3.1 which it won't be even if I took 50 hour credit with 4.0 straight it still won't go up and after wards enroll in MA of Bio Arts for pre-med at Midwestern.

This will all take mini of almost 3 years, is this route really worth it ? or do I have a shot at D.O. with 3.0 and good MCAT ?

thanks

Merc

 

[PunkmedGirl]

With your 2.8 you are above the cutoff for many DO schools. With a good MCAT score its possible that you can get an acceptance. Also, AACOMAS replaces grades instead of averaging them together like AMCAS. So in theory if you retake some of the courses you did poorly and get a better grade then that will increase your GPA also. So that wouldn't take you three years to improve your GPA if you go that route.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

With your 2.8 you are above the cutoff for many DO schools. With a good MCAT score its possible that you can get an acceptance. Also, AACOMAS replaces grades instead of averaging them together like AMCAS. So in theory if you retake some of the courses you did poorly and get a better grade then that will increase your GPA also. So that wouldn't take you three years to improve your GPA if you go that route.

👍

Retake a few C's and lower, and I bet you can raise your GPA pretty quickly.

 

[Rollo]

Hi I was browsing for answers to my questions and found you guys and figured you would be experts to answer them. I am a non traditional applicant. I originally applied back when I graduated from undergrad in 2003. I took the MCAT 2x didn't study and got 21, I don't remember the letter. I got an interview at NYCOM but didn't really want to go there so I didn't go. I graduated in 2003 with degrees in biology and sociology so I have all my prereq. I feel I am finally mature this time around and am ready to take the MCAT again. My undergrad GPA was 2.99, not sure what the sci gpa was. I graduated with my MPH in 2007 and gpa was 3.69 which I did while working full time and had a baby. After this I feel as though I am finally mature enough to try again. 1st question, I believe I need to bring up my undergrad GPA but how do I do that? Do I take one or two classes and do they need to be in a certain field? Since I graduated so long ago from undergrad how do I go about getting my recommendation from a natural science professor? I had two write me letters of rec back then including the premed advisor but I don't know if they will even remember me now? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

Wow, you got an interview invite with a 21 MCAT from NYCOM? Why didn't you go?

You could retake the prerequisite classes in which you got C or lower. AACOMAS accepts your best grade so it might help with the sci GPA. As for recommendation letter, try your professor from MPH or professor from any prereq classes that you decide to retake.

You could always go back and talk to the premed advisor. Yeah they might not remember you right away, but sit down, talk to them, and I'm sure they'll remember. Plus you graduated what 6 years ago? That's not TOO long.

And definitely shoot for 27+ MCAT. MCAT averages have changed since you took them and anything 27+ is a good sign that you're a serious applicant this time around.

i got a d in bio 1 and 2 and a c in chem 1 and 2. i wanna retake them to boost my gpa. the d's i have to retake for my major and the c's to boost my gpa.

Yeah, just go ahead and re-take them. You can probably get them over with during the summer.

 

[MrNew]

👍

Retake a few C's and lower, and I bet you can raise your GPA pretty quickly.

Thank the information I've got from this is priceless.

I was basically thinking if anyone here has taken several load of science class at the same time ?

I plan on not working and take some heavy course load any suggestion on schedule below:

Summer: Chem 1 & Chem 2 w/ Lab
Fall : Bio 1, Phy 1 and O - Chem 1 w/ Lab
Spring: Bio 2 , Phy 2, and O - Chem 2 w/ Lab
Summer Take MCAT

Is that too much course load on science ?

Thanks

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Thank the information I've got from this is priceless.

I was basically thinking if anyone here has taken several load of science class at the same time ?

I plan on not working and take some heavy course load any suggestion on schedule below:

Summer: Chem 1 & Chem 2 w/ Lab
Fall : Bio 1, Phy 1 and O - Chem 1 w/ Lab
Spring: Bio 2 , Phy 2, and O - Chem 2 w/ Lab
Summer Take MCAT

Is that too much course load on science ?

Thanks

Looks fairly standard. It'll be intense, depending on what you're used to, but you should be fine.

 

[gzahalan]

Hey,
To follow-up on this post, I e-mailed the CARMS (Canadian Residency Match Service) and they told me that American DO's education at institutions that are accredited by the AOA (American Osteopathic Association) are regarded as CANADIAN MEDICAL APPLICANTS! WOHOOO.

So, Canadian DO students who gained their education at AOA-accredited Osteopathic Medicine institutions compete for the same positions as Canadian Medical Graduates (CMG's). Good luck!

 

[chocolaterie]

this is wonderful news🙂

 

[ODorDO]

Thank the information I've got from this is priceless.

I was basically thinking if anyone here has taken several load of science class at the same time ?

I plan on not working and take some heavy course load any suggestion on schedule below:

Summer: Chem 1 & Chem 2 w/ Lab
Fall : Bio 1, Phy 1 and O - Chem 1 w/ Lab
Spring: Bio 2 , Phy 2, and O - Chem 2 w/ Lab
Summer Take MCAT

Is that too much course load on science ?

Thanks

your first summer will be extremely rough, but if you can do well in those 2 gen chem classes you will have no problem for next 2 semesters.

 

[Help please thx]

Hello everyone.....I have a bad GPA and was wondering what i can do now? can anyone help me ? any ideas of post bac vs MPH or masters medical science .....and where are they located ? and if it is to late to apply for fall 09 ?also i have been reading and some people say you can make your own post bac is that like just going to a school and taking upper division science courses? thank you for reading and this is my first time on this site but i wished i found it earlier.

 

[LateBl00meR]

The D.O. application service replaces grades if you have repeated the course and got a higher grade. Repeat the courses you did poorly in and take a fifth year to get your cumulative gpa and science gpa to as high as possible. What is your gpa right now?

Masters programs wouldn't help out your undergraduate gpa since graduate courses are calculated seperately (I believe) but if you do well they will show that you can be successfull in medical school. Taking course post bac is just as the name implies - taking classes after you have already recieved a bachelors degree. These would not count towards graduate gpa as they are undergraduate courses.

 

[LateBl00meR]

Any more related questions...try using the search function first. The only reason I found out about the questions you are asking is by reading previous threads.

 

[LateBl00meR]

Thank the information I've got from this is priceless.

I was basically thinking if anyone here has taken several load of science class at the same time ?

I plan on not working and take some heavy course load any suggestion on schedule below:

Summer: Chem 1 & Chem 2 w/ Lab
Fall : Bio 1, Phy 1 and O - Chem 1 w/ Lab
Spring: Bio 2 , Phy 2, and O - Chem 2 w/ Lab
Summer Take MCAT

Is that too much course load on science ?

Thanks

Judging from your grammar, I'd say adding a couple English courses wouldn't hurt either. It may also prevent you from bombing the MCAT Verbal section. Is English your first language? Some of foreign students I know have a diffucult time with this.

 

[Ulib]

I did BS in Biology in Canada. Graduated with a ~3.12 average.

Right after I went to school in the U.S. for an MPH degree and am about to graduate with ~3.88 average.

I have been repeating undergrad science courses in excess of my MPH degree and earning A's (Anatomy, Physio, Organic 1 & 2, Biochem, etc.) in classes where my grades were originally C and lower.

I wrote the MCAT in Aug 2005 and Aug 2006, and did terrible both times.

I will write it again in July 2009, and hope to somehow crack the 30 mark.

I have research experience in breast cancer and also animal behavior & endocrinology. Beyond this, I have standard ECs like community volunteering, hospital volunteering, and many leadership positions from my undergrad days.

So what are my chances at DO schools?

 

[Help please thx]

Thank you latebloomer, i tried searching but i have heard different things like do masters program so you can show the schools that you can handle the graduate work load, so with post bac should i find a program or should I just repeat classes over at any university.
My gpa is 3.02 and science 2.8. I have shadowed a DO and now work on clinical research at a government hospital. One of the many problems i have about the GPA is that i got C's on gen chem 2 and OC 1 and 2 and also anatomy. I know most people would discourage me, but I'm not going to quit.
sorry if long reply but thanks again

 

[High Rolla]

I am a Canadian that got into Do school for next year (class of 2013). My undergraduate gpa was 3.45 and I did a Bsc in Life Sciences. I wrote the MCAT twice and on the second time I scored a 32. Also I had similar ECs and research experience just as you described.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Thank you latebloomer, i tried searching but i have heard different things like do masters program so you can show the schools that you can handle the graduate work load, so with post bac should i find a program or should I just repeat classes over at any university.
My gpa is 3.02 and science 2.8. I have shadowed a DO and now work on clinical research at a government hospital. One of the many problems i have about the GPA is that i got C's on gen chem 2 and OC 1 and 2 and also anatomy. I know most people would discourage me, but I'm not going to quit.
sorry if long reply but thanks again

If you want you can just retake those classes and get better grades in them and you will be fine with applying for this coming cycle. There have been applicants that have applied with your stats and gain entrance, but you would have to apply very early in the application cycle. Do well on the MCAT and apply this coming cycle and while retaking those courses. Either way your chances are not lost. Good Luck

 

[MossPoh]

Back to elementary school to learn the difference between "hear" and "here".

These people were kind enough to answer for you. The simple answer is this....keep working. All you can do is keep trying and improving everything.

 

[bioman2006]

.