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

[EricH]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I walked into my advisor's office, having just graduated with a 2.2 gpa, and I got the same thing. I told her that I was not interested in her evaluation of my chances, and that I just wanted to know what courses I needed to take.

Tell your advisor that he should go **** himself.

+1.....

 

[drosu6587]

I am going to graduate this year with around the same stats I got a 27P on the MCAT. I applied to 11 schools, got 9 secondaries, 4 interviews, went to 3 and got accepted at all 3. I only applied to DO because that is the pathway I want to go. Don't listen to your advisor...apply if this is what you really want to do.

 

[stonewall22]

I've heard that it's harder for re-applicants to get in, so I want to make sure I'm not making a bad decision by applying this summer. I'm mainly going to be applying to osteopathic medical schools, but I'll probably also apply to a few allopathic medical schools because of their location.

Here's my situation:
- Junior biochemistry major at a reputable state school
- 3.52 overall GPA - should be pretty stable from here on out.
- ~3.2 science GPA, but it'll be a 3.3 after I retake physics 1 - won't show up until the end of Fall 2009. (My science GPA is higher for the AMCAS since AMCAS includes math.)
- About to get W in an upper level chemistry class, and won't have the new grade until the end of Fall 2009
- I usually do well on standardized tests, but I won't be taking the MCAT until either June 18 or July 2, so my app won't be complete until July 18 or August 1
- Downward trend in the GPA, but I've never had a semester that falls below 3.0
- No shadowing until this summer, and no time to get to know a DO for an LOR until this summer. I was planning on getting a PhD until ~8 months ago, and an ongoing research project kept me from being able to commit to any sort of regular, scheduled shadowing.
- 3 Solid LORs: research mentor, one science professor, one non-science professor.

ECs:
- Camp counselor for kids with disabilities - sporadically on weekends over past year or so
- >200 hours at the hospital in high school, NONE in college
- Relay for Life team captain for 3 years
- Occasionally volunteering in retirement homes with a club, 3 years
- Make conversation with students whose first language isn't English to help them get used to the language, eliminate their accent, etc.
- Leadership role in small choral group.
- 2 years of fairly independent hard-science research, ending this May. Possible pending publication, but I won't be one of the major authors.
- No shadowing until this summer

Basically, should I apply? Is August 1 considered late? Is there anything I should definitely do this summer aside from shadowing, MCAT, and some sort of general volunteer work that I like? Are there any schools that sound like a good/bad fit? Thanks 🙂

Shoot, go for it. What do you have to lose? You don't get blackballed as a reapplicant. I got in my first time around, but on a couple secondary applications it asked, "Have you applied here before? If so, what have you done to improve your application?" Your answer would be easy: I raised my GPA. I say give it a shot.

 

[slick27]

Oh come on now, that's rare and they'd most likely have some other huge red flags in their application. I know of some people who had lower than a 3.2 and lower than a 30 MCAT and got into an MD school...numbers aren't everything 🙂

What state do you live in? Numbers are more important than you think at least with MD schools. The numbers get your foot in the door, but yourself gets you the acceptance after that. Low numbers most MD schools won't even read your file. They just read your file the 5 minutes before you walk into your interview. Telling it like it is. I've reapplied to MD schools off waitlist from the previous year. They didn't even know I reapplied. Most schools migh not even read you application.

 

[Bleurberry]

(Most) undergrad advisors know as much about med school admissions as I know about daytime talk shows in Thailand.

 

[jazzgurl7]

Talk with another advisor and dont let ANYONE tell you that you cant achieve the goals you set for yourself!😡

Agreed. I went in to speak with the premed advisors at my school and they told me the exact same thing. They said that I needed to do a master's program to be competitive and applying would be a waste of time, money and would be demoralizing. I had a 2.88 cumulative GPA in biomedical engineering and a 29O MCAT...I would officially like to give my premed committee the middle finger seeing as how I got accepted and will be going to med school this fall. Also, just as a little "by the way" I did get an interview invite from an MD school and turned it down because I had an acceptance from a DO school that I really liked.

 

[Bacchus]

Agreed. I went in to speak with the premed advisors at my school and they told me the exact same thing. They said that I needed to do a master's program to be competitive and applying would be a waste of time, money and would be demoralizing. I had a 2.88 cumulative GPA in biomedical engineering and a 29O MCAT...I would officially like to give my premed committee the middle finger seeing as how I got accepted and will be going to med school this fall. Also, just as a little "by the way" I did get an interview invite from an MD school and turned it down because I had an acceptance from a DO school that I really liked.

Strong upward trend, possibly? I'm happy for you, but it seems like an anomaly. Where you going?

 

[jazzgurl7]

Oh I definitely attribute my acceptance to pure luck haha. Going to Touro-NY and had gotten an interview invite from Albany Med. (I know a million people will have something to say about that)

p.s. No more Kate Walsh?! what is this? lol

 

[Bacchus]

I like them all! Except, Lexie and Meredith.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Agreed. I went in to speak with the premed advisors at my school and they told me the exact same thing. They said that I needed to do a master's program to be competitive and applying would be a waste of time, money and would be demoralizing. I had a 2.88 cumulative GPA in biomedical engineering and a 29O MCAT...I would officially like to give my premed committee the middle finger seeing as how I got accepted and will be going to med school this fall. Also, just as a little "by the way" I did get an interview invite from an MD school and turned it down because I had an acceptance from a DO school that I really liked.

I can't wait to give my old advisor the super finger as well LOL Congrats on your acceptance.🙂

 

[engineeredout]

So I have a 3.2 gpa overall and I'm hoping to get it to around a 3.3 or 3.4 this semester by the time I apply in July. I met with my advisor today and said "well you have no shot of getting into medical school with that gpa." Is he right? I'm thinking if i get a 30 or above on the MCAT I will have a decent shot at an osteopathic school, but my advisor totally crushed all of my hopes...

My premed advisor asked me during the interview for the committee letter why I even bothered applying this session...



I just mailed out the last of the matriculation forms for LECOM this afternoon.

 

[Krupat]

I am finishing sophomore year, and I have a 3.1 overall gpa. I am hoping for a 3.3 by the end of summer I session here at Rutgers. This semester is going well so I believe I will have at least a 3.2 gpa. I am having a rough time because my dad was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lungs with mets to the brain. I have been told I have time to bring up my gpa, and I will try to do so. I just wanted advice on what you guys think. I am only concerned with osteopathy and not allopathy btw.

 

[Spooner13]

I am finishing sophomore year, and I have a 3.1 overall gpa. I am hoping for a 3.3 by the end of summer I session here at Rutgers. This semester is going well so I believe I will have at least a 3.2 gpa. I am having a rough time because my dad was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lungs with mets to the brain. I have been told I have time to bring up my gpa, and I will try to do so. I just wanted advice on what you guys think. I am only concerned with osteopathy and not allopathy btw.

I definintely don't think that you are out of the running. Your gpa is a little on the low side, but people get in with lower gpa's every year. I'm glad to hear that your gpa is on the rise. Med schools often look favorably on a rising trend in gpa's. Aside from doing well in the rest of your classes, I would make sure that you also work on the other parts of your application: Get some clinical experience, shadow some docs, do some volunteering, join some clubs on campus, etc. Also, do your best on the mcat. Make sure that you do not take this lightly because a good mcat can help make up for a lower gpa. Try your best to show admissions coms that you are a well rounded applicant. Another thing, really work on your personal statement. Write several drafts and have your friends, family members, pre med advisor, strangers, and others read it. A strong personal statement can definitly help you stand out. By the way, if you're only interested in osteopathic schools, shadow a DO. This will give you stuff to talk about in secondary apps and interviews. It will show them that you know what osteopathic medicine is all about. Good Luck!

 

[Watchmeollie]

A little input, please~ schools to apply to, actions to take, etc.

26R MCAT 6PS, 11V, 9 BS
3.68 cgpa (do I count graduate credits towards this? If so, it will be up)
~3.5sgpa
Have shadowed DO, LOR from DO and MD
good ECs, lots of clinical experience

I'm interested in being in the Northeast, but really when you get down to it I'd just like to be going to school in the lower 48.
I'm thinking about retaking the MCAT (I think my app would be stronger with a better PS, even if the score doesn't come up too much).

So- schools to apply to? and what are my chances?
thanks.

 

[ShyRem]

The 6PS will hurt you. Review schools' requirements - many say a 7 minimum in each section.

Graduate GPA doesn't count. Sorry. But on the bright side, your GPA is fine.

Apply broadly (and EARLY) and write a kick-butt personal statement. I'd also retake the MCAT due to that 6.

 

[Watchmeollie]

The 6PS will hurt you. Review schools' requirements - many say a 7 minimum in each section.

Graduate GPA doesn't count. Sorry. But on the bright side, your GPA is fine.

Apply broadly (and EARLY) and write a kick-butt personal statement. I'd also retake the MCAT due to that 6.

Thanks! I've scheduled my MCAT retake, and its back to the books for me 😎

 

[Rollo]

A little input, please~ schools to apply to, actions to take, etc.

26R MCAT 6PS, 11V, 9 BS
3.68 cgpa (do I count graduate credits towards this? If so, it will be up)
~3.5sgpa
Have shadowed DO, LOR from DO and MD
good ECs, lots of clinical experience

I'm interested in being in the Northeast, but really when you get down to it I'd just like to be going to school in the lower 48.
I'm thinking about retaking the MCAT (I think my app would be stronger with a better PS, even if the score doesn't come up too much).

So- schools to apply to? and what are my chances?
thanks.

Definitely re-take the MCAT. Shoot for 8+ on the PS, at the very least.

Apply to all the schools in the northeast. I think you have a good shot at even the more competitive of them (such as PCOM).

 

[Bleurberry]

I am finishing sophomore year, and I have a 3.1 overall gpa. I am hoping for a 3.3 by the end of summer I session here at Rutgers. This semester is going well so I believe I will have at least a 3.2 gpa. I am having a rough time because my dad was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lungs with mets to the brain. I have been told I have time to bring up my gpa, and I will try to do so. I just wanted advice on what you guys think. I am only concerned with osteopathy and not allopathy btw.

I think you should talk to someone about the experience of losing your dad, and I think you need to spend time with him if you guys are close. Just saying - be balanced. Don't screw up your GPA any more, but don't ignore the reality of what's going on around you - and that sometimes entails compromises to our fast-track mentality.

 

[nancy0223]

For the 2010 cycle,
chemical engineering undergrad, environ eng. masters student
MCAT: 28O
cGPA: ~3.5 sGPA: ~3.6
EC: some hospital/clinic volunteering, MD/DO shadowing experience, lots of research, some leadership, lil community service, & some tutoring/teaching

I have a strong DO LOR & 2 MD LORs but my cGPA has a huge downward trend as I got 2 Cs in my 3rd yr undegrad 🙁.
and I'm looking to apply to:
UMDNJ
NYCOM
TouroCOM

*overlooked this thread, mistakenly posted the same thing in the 2008-2009 chance 😳

 

[Rollo]

For the 2010 cycle,
chemical engineering undergrad, environ eng. masters student
MCAT: 28O
cGPA: ~3.5 sGPA: ~3.6
EC: some hospital/clinic volunteering, MD/DO shadowing experience, lots of research, some leadership, lil community service, & some tutoring/teaching

I have a strong DO LOR & 2 MD LORs but my cGPA has a huge downward trend as I got 2 Cs in my 3rd yr undegrad 🙁.
and I'm looking to apply to:
UMDNJ
NYCOM
TouroCOM

*overlooked this thread, mistakenly posted the same thing in the 2008-2009 chance 😳

Chem E, huh? That's not an easy major...and that GPA is pretty kickass for such a tough major. If you have the time/money, you could retake the classes that you got Cs in but so long as you have As in upper division science classes, I think you'd be alright. Apply very, very early!! UMDNJ & NYCOM doesn't even look at people outside of their respective states once December/January rolls around. I think you're very competitve at Touro though.

If you don't mind answering, why limit yourself to only those 3 schools? Those are great schools, don't get me wrong. But why not PCOM, LECOM, UNECOM? I'm guessing you want to stay in the northeast...

 

[Krupat]

Can I retake chem I (C) and II (C+) at a school other than Rutgers. This can boost my gpa from 3.1.

 

[Semicolon]

Can I retake chem I (C) and II (C+) at a school other than Rutgers. This can boost my gpa from 3.1.

You can retake them anywhere as long as the retakes are worth the same, or MORE, credits.

 

[Krupat]

Is it recommended that I do even I am currently in Orgo 2? Do DO schools accept the replaced grade, and is it true they only calculate the new grade into the gpa calculations? Also what are your thoughts on taking human parasitology and/or intro to cancer?

 

[Semicolon]

Is it recommended that I do even I am currently in Orgo 2? Do DO schools accept the replaced grade, and is it true they only calculate the new grade into the gpa calculations? Also what are your thoughts on taking human parasitology and/or intro to cancer?

It makes no difference what classes you're currently taking; if you want to retake a class for a better grade, then do it.

Yes, AACOMAS will accept the retake as long as it's the same or more credits as the original class, and it will replace the original grade (even if it's worse).

I see no reason to take human parasitology or intro to cancer unless it actually interests you or will considerably benefit you in some other way. Don't take it because you think it'll help you in med school. 😛

 

[ScarletKnights]

Is it recommended that I do even I am currently in Orgo 2? Do DO schools accept the replaced grade, and is it true they only calculate the new grade into the gpa calculations? Also what are your thoughts on taking human parasitology and/or intro to cancer?

im also a sophomore at rutgers and im prbly taking over some classes too. im guessing your a bio major thats why you wanna take parasitology and cancer right? i am prbly gonna take those classes too since the word around campus is they are easy and they help us complete our bio major. that would be the only reasons to take these classes

 

[jdwmont]

Hello all. I am interested in applying to DO schools this coming cycle. I will post my rough stats and would appreciate any input on what schools would be worth applying to.

Undergrad: Gonzaga University (Psychology, 3.5 GPA)
Postbacc: Montana State University (3.95 GPA)
Cum GPA: 3.7
Science: 3.8
MCAT: 26, 27 (both AAMC practice tests)

Experience: Several years working in mental health, one year biomed engineering research.

I think I can pull up the MCAT by maybe two points, but I honestly don't have a thinking style that matches up to that test very well.

Anyway, any input and advice on where to apply would be appreciated. I am especially interested in AZCOM and Pacific Northwest.

 

[jdwmont]

I am also very interested in the National Health Service Corps. Is there anyone on this forum that took that route?

 

[engineeredout]

Well your GPA is great and if you can actually pull off a 27 (obviously shoot for higher though) then you'd have a good shot at most DO schools.

Theres a seperate forum for military medical routes where you'll probably get your NHSC questions answered faster.

 

[Semicolon]

Hello all. I am interested in applying to DO schools this coming cycle. I will post my rough stats and would appreciate any input on what schools would be worth applying to.

Undergrad: Gonzaga University (Psychology, 3.5 GPA)
Postbacc: Montana State University (3.95 GPA)
Cum GPA: 3.7
Science: 3.8
MCAT: 26, 27 (both AAMC practice tests)

Experience: Several years working in mental health, one year biomed engineering research.

I think I can pull up the MCAT by maybe two points, but I honestly don't have a thinking style that matches up to that test very well.

Anyway, any input and advice on where to apply would be appreciated. I am especially interested in AZCOM and Pacific Northwest.

Your GPAs look very good and will definitely open doors for you, but your MCAT may be of concern (although you haven't actually taken it yet). A general piece of advice is that you should score a few points HIGHER on your practice tests than what you wish to get on the MCAT itself. If you were to get a 26-27, however, I think you'd have a very good chance at acceptance.

Do you have shadowing experience with a DO? A DO LOR? That would help you as well.

 

[jdwmont]

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely work on pulling the MCAT up but I am scheduled for May 28 and taking classes currently. Don't want to wait any longer because I am now 27 and not getting any younger.

I wish there was more info on Pacific Northwest...

 

[nancy0223]

Chem E, huh? That's not an easy major...and that GPA is pretty kickass for such a tough major. If you have the time/money, you could retake the classes that you got Cs in but so long as you have As in upper division science classes, I think you'd be alright. Apply very, very early!! UMDNJ & NYCOM doesn't even look at people outside of their respective states once December/January rolls around. I think you're very competitve at Touro though.

If you don't mind answering, why limit yourself to only those 3 schools? Those are great schools, don't get me wrong. But why not PCOM, LECOM, UNECOM? I'm guessing you want to stay in the northeast...

I actually want to keep my NY residency if at all possible. And I got some really good connections 😉 at UMDNJ. I got all As, B+s in my premed preqs. just 2 Cs in upper chemE classes 🙁. Too bad it'd be pretty impossible for me to retake unless I'm planning on staying in college for an extra yr.

 

[Bacchus]

Hello all. I am interested in applying to DO schools this coming cycle. I will post my rough stats and would appreciate any input on what schools would be worth applying to.

Undergrad: Gonzaga University (Psychology, 3.5 GPA)
Postbacc: Montana State University (3.95 GPA)
Cum GPA: 3.7
Science: 3.8
MCAT: 26, 27 (both AAMC practice tests)

Experience: Several years working in mental health, one year biomed engineering research.

I think I can pull up the MCAT by maybe two points, but I honestly don't have a thinking style that matches up to that test very well.

Anyway, any input and advice on where to apply would be appreciated. I am especially interested in AZCOM and Pacific Northwest.

Moved to WAMC.

 

[medhearter]

Hi All,

I'm an Ontarian... and here... we don't really see any DOs. So I've never gotten to know any osteopathic physicians.... and so i wont be able to get any references from any osteopathic physicians ... how bad of a thing is this?

the other question i had was:

am i uncompetitive as an "intl" with a 3.5 and 34Q and an interest in the philosophy of osteopathic care?

 

[Tuckermans]

Hi All,

I'm an Ontarian... and here... we don't really see any DOs. So I've never gotten to know any osteopathic physicians.... and so i wont be able to get any references from any osteopathic physicians ... how bad of a thing is this?

the other question i had was:

am i uncompetitive as an "intl" with a 3.5 and 34Q and an interest in the philosophy of osteopathic care?

I applied to Osteopathic schools with a letter of rec from an MD. I also had never shadowed any DOs and I got into 4 different DO schools. So, short answer it will not kill your app. However, if there was any way that you could get in contact with a DO that would probably be the best. I know that several schools (ie LECOM) require a DO LOR, so if you want to apply there it would be something you will have to get.
I am not sure about your second question. Your stats look great, but I am not sure what being an international student will do to your application. However, I am sure that there is someone on this forum who knows more than I. Good luck!🙂

 

[slick27]

I wouldn't tell them that you don't have any exposure to DO's. Just keep the interview positive, brush up on the histroy, work in how this is the type of doctor you want to be.

 

[slim78]

I met my first "real live" DO during my first DO school interview.

You'll be fine.

 

[yezzur]

Hey guys, I want to hear what you guys think I'm planning to apply this June...

I graduated from a UC with a Biochemistry BS. but my GPA was really bad, just don't know what happened..I didn't pass 2 of my classes, one was a B**S*** class, but i retook it and got an A and the other one was a 'biochemistry' class but i only got a C+ after.

I graduated with a 2.9 overall gpa 🙁 I am retaking one class of G-chem (5units) and O-Chem (5 units) at a CC, which I'm sure I will get A's in, so GPA should go up.

I'm taking the MCATs in June, I feel confident, I've been scoring 29-31. on practice tests, I'm hoping I can get a 33-34 score *crossing fingers*

EC: As of right now, I'm tutoring kids with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, etc. its a paid job, and its private tutoring thru a program...

I'm also in an internship in a hospital, GREAT!!! patient interaction!! and I should be able to get a strong recommendation letter from the doctor and the manager of the program. **I am interning as well as one of the coordinators for the program**

So ya, i have been keeping myself busy....
What do you guys think???? DO I HAVE A SHOT!??? at least to one medical school??? i'm just venting and stressing out, and want some kind of comfort and honesty. HELP PLEASEEE

 

[Rollo]

Hey guys, I want to hear what you guys think I'm planning to apply this June...

I graduated from a UC with a Biochemistry BS. but my GPA was really bad, just don't know what happened..I didn't pass 2 of my classes, one was a B**S*** class, but i retook it and got an A and the other one was a 'biochemistry' class but i only got a C+ after.

I graduated with a 2.9 overall gpa 🙁 I am retaking one class of G-chem (5units) and O-Chem (5 units) at a CC, which I'm sure I will get A's in, so GPA should go up.

I'm taking the MCATs in June, I feel confident, I've been scoring 29-31. on practice tests, I'm hoping I can get a 33-34 score *crossing fingers*

EC: As of right now, I'm tutoring kids with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, etc. its a paid job, and its private tutoring thru a program...

I'm also in an internship in a hospital, GREAT!!! patient interaction!! and I should be able to get a strong recommendation letter from the doctor and the manager of the program. **I am interning as well as one of the coordinators for the program**

So ya, i have been keeping myself busy....
What do you guys think???? DO I HAVE A SHOT!??? at least to one medical school??? i'm just venting and stressing out, and want some kind of comfort and honesty. HELP PLEASEEE

You should calculate your science GPA and tell us. That overall is very, very low. Is there an upward trend in your grades?

How many Cs do you have? I suggest you retake upper division science classes (including pre-requisites) in which you got Cs.

Do well on the MCAT (30+).

Shadow a DO too. Shadowing is different from working in the hospital since you aren't following the doctor around and getting an idea of what his/her day is like. DO schools (and MD schools too) want you to shadow a doctor so that you have a direct knowledge of what a day in doctor's life is like. See what I mean? This part is easy because you work in a hospital and you can easily setup shadowing with a doc there.

Apply broadly and early!

 

[Krupat]

Hi I took anatomy and physiology at a CC over the summer, but only the credits trasferred over. When I apply to DO schools will the A in the CC course be calculated into my gpa even if the grade didn't transfer to Rutgers? Thank You.

 

[Rollo]

Hi I took anatomy and physiology at a CC over the summer, but only the credits trasferred over. When I apply to DO schools will the A in the CC course be calculated into my gpa even if the grade didn't transfer to Rutgers? Thank You.

Yes. You will have to request your CC to send over the transcript to AACOMAS though.

Keep in mind that you will have to manually enter the course, which term you took it, where you took it, and what grade you got in it. The verification process is when people at AACOMAS verify the courses/grades you entered with the transcripts from all the colleges you attended.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Hi I took anatomy and physiology at a CC over the summer, but only the credits trasferred over. When I apply to DO schools will the A in the CC course be calculated into my gpa even if the grade didn't transfer to Rutgers? Thank You.

Yes, all of your grades will count when AACOMAS calculates your GPA.

Rollo beat me to it and gave a more in depth answer. 🙂🙂

 

[LearnedHand]

Well, I just got a physics test back that I did very poorly on. I'm guessing that my grade for the semester might be in the C-range again. Here are my grades so far...have I screwed up beyond all hope?
Undergrad GPA (History major): about 3.1
Bio1: C
Bio1 lab: B
Bio2: C
Bio2 lab: A
Chem1: B
Chem1 lab: B
Chem2: in that now...will probably be a D (also have a W previously)
Chem2 lab: A-
Physics1: C+
Physics2: C+ again?
Orgo1/2: ? High, I hope.
MCAT: I plan on this being high
Statistics (math): B

What if I take biochem, anatomy and physiology 1&2 and do really well in them? Would that help? What if I retake the chem 2? Please give me your opinion. I want to cry! 😕🙁

 

[HarMegido]

Well, I just got a physics test back that I did very poorly on. I'm guessing that my grade for the semester might be in the C-range again. Here are my grades so far...have I screwed up beyond all hope?
Undergrad GPA (History major): about 3.1
Bio1: C
Bio1 lab: B
Bio2: C
Bio2 lab: A
Chem1: B
Chem1 lab: B
Chem2: in that now...will probably be a D (also have a W previously)
Chem2 lab: A-
Physics1: C+
Physics2: C+ again?
Orgo1/2: ? High, I hope.
MCAT: I plan on this being high
Statistics (math): B

What if I take biochem, anatomy and physiology 1&2 and do really well in them? Would that help? What if I retake the chem 2? Please give me your opinion. I want to cry! 😕🙁

Well, those are some pretty low science scores. having a W in chem2 and then a D on retake, it's over. chem 2 better be higher than a D. what do you mean C+ again for physics. please don't tell me you have taken this class twice and got the same grade. taking some more science classes and getting higher grades would definitely help reinstate some credibility in your med school credentials but check with the schools you are applying to and with your premed department. Hope you have a good reason as to why your grades are low. But ask yourself this, if you can't do simple basic science courses, what makes you think you can make it through medical school? sure DO seems like an easy back door to get a phyisican degree, but once you're in, the curriculum will be just as hard as any MD school and probably even harder. i just that you be fair to yourself and patients in the future.

good luck in biochem, it's a much different beast than physics, chem, and bio so it might be your strength class.

you will have to take a post-bac program, get STRAIGHT A's in it, and work on your studying habits if you want any hope. also research and clinical experience will definitely help.

 

[binko]

This exact thread is cross-posted to pre-allo.

 

[beckhunter116]

Ok well I'm going to be honest and it may be a little harsh, but right now you are not competitive. For a non-sicence major (I'm one myself) we have to do great (A's and a few B's) to show that we can handle the rigorous science coursework of med school. You are not showing that!

If you make a D in Chem 2 you will have to retake it. I don't believe that any med schools accept below a C for any pre-reqs.

I don't know how you think that O-chem and MCAT will be high when nothing else has been. O-chem is typically the class to weed out biology majors at my school.

I think you need to evaluate why this has been a struggle for you. Are you working? Cut back (way back) on hours! Are you taking too many classes in each semester? Cut back! Do you not like the classes? Rethink medicine.

I'm not going to say that it is impossible to get to med school and to succeed there, but what you are doing now is not working and it is hurting your chances.

 

[JaggerPlate]

.
MCAT: I plan on this being high

No offense, but don't. It's impossible to gauge the test before you've even practiced for it, a lot. I think everyone assumes it's going to be 'high.' You're not screwed yet, but start getting A's, stat. Just make it happen, ya know. Sorry I can't really give much more advice.

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

Chill out. Just retake the classes.

I went to a MAJOR party school. Ive made my share of mistakes.


BTW, getting piss drunk the night before a Biochem final does not earn you an A

 

[Hokie06]

nothing is truly over until you say it is.

I agree with what the previous posters have said. If I were you, I would reflect on my study habits and try to figure out what is holding me back from getting the grades you want. Are you truly putting in the effort? Are you not studying consistently and thoroughly? Are you taking short cuts? You can't be lazy when studying, especially for sciences.

If becoming a physician is truly what you want, you will have to go a through graduate program (MS) in the sciences to show the admission committee you are capable of handling science coursework. But your grades in these classes must nothing less than stellar. How are your EC's?

Your other option is to go to to the caribbean, but be cautious in approaching this path because based on the grades you have presented here, med school basic sciences will be a challenge beyond what you've experienced in college.

If this is what you want, don't give up, but don't just keep doing the same thing you've been doing all along. Truly sit and reevalute yourself and your study habits. What's holding you back?

 

[yezzur]

Unfortunately, i would have to say that there is not an upper trend in my grades, at best, its the same.There are C's in the UD biochemistry classes. The grades are going to hurt me in the appplication process. So that' why I need some advice, in preparing my application for the best possible way.

I'm planning to apply soon after my MCAT (June 18th)

As for as shadowing goes, during my hospital internship/volunteer, I actually do get to follow the doctors around from different departments, right now, I'm shadowing a doctor in the emergency department,

As far as recommendation letters, do i need one from a DO or will a MD be just as fine?

help me please, give me your input.

 

[yezzur]

You should calculate your science GPA and tell us. That overall is very, very low. Is there an upward trend in your grades?

How many Cs do you have? I suggest you retake upper division science classes (including pre-requisites) in which you got Cs.

Do well on the MCAT (30+).

Shadow a DO too. Shadowing is different from working in the hospital since you aren't following the doctor around and getting an idea of what his/her day is like. DO schools (and MD schools too) want you to shadow a doctor so that you have a direct knowledge of what a day in doctor's life is like. See what I mean? This part is easy because you work in a hospital and you can easily setup shadowing with a doc there.

Apply broadly and early!

Unfortunately, i would have to say that there is not an upper trend in my grades, at best, its the same.There are C's in the UD biochemistry classes. The grades are going to hurt me in the appplication process. So that' why I need some advice, in preparing my application for the best possible way.

I'm planning to apply soon after my MCAT (June 18th)

As for as shadowing goes, during my hospital internship/volunteer, I actually do get to follow the doctors around from different departments, right now, I'm shadowing a doctor in the emergency department,

As far as recommendation letters, do i need one from a DO or will a MD be just as fine?

help me please, give me your input.