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

[Want2Bdoc]

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You would definately benefit from applying early if you do re-apply. I would add some schools you haven't applied to so you are not a reapplicant at all schools, plus you need to have something different to improve your application if you do re-apply to some of the same schools. Don't worry about your age so much, it's only one year more 🙂

 

[Styria]

The new school is going to work to make sure you have good rotation sites. A bigger question is whether or not you like their curriculum. I'll be attending LMU-DCOM, and while no one has started their rotations yet (after May!), I like what they have set up both for the curriculum and the structure of their rotations.

 

[StrivingSurge13]

as long as you feel comfortable with the accepted school I would certainly go there... the name of a school doesn't matter half as much as most people make out. I have not heard of a new school being unsuccessful, every school has to start out eventually. And as it was said before, if you do hold off another year, you should be working on something to improve your application during this time... But I think why work hard to improve your application to get into a medical school for a year, when you could be in medical school already?

 

[chocolaterie]

If everything else makes you happy except for the rotations part - I would accept. The school will work to build its reputation.

 

[JaggerPlate]

People always point this out and while it is true there is a part that people always miss.

Here are ALL the AOAO programs: http://www.aoao.org/aoao/Residencies/Residencies.pdf


There are 341 residency positions in AOA ortho. That includes EVERY RESIDENT in every year. So there are about 70-80 slots per year depending if the interns are counted or not.

Of those 341 positions they weren't even able to fill 300 of those slots. What does that tell you about these programs?

Also, if you want to do a fellowship, say in spine, after doing ortho, do you think you can land one?

I am not trying to be difficult but those who are so adamant about the issue and speak up, are usually those who either havent gone to medical school yet or are still in pre-clinical years. It would seem more credible if it were the 4th years who were speaking up after going through the match, no?

http://opportunities.osteopathic.or...essionid=f030cfaba377a8810b6741316423754c5822

Somebody has to want those AOA ortho spine fellowships that are only open to AOA ortho grads??? Is it also stated that spine fellowships only consider ACGME ortho grads?? I know of certain fellowships that are ACGME that take AOA g-surg grads (ie CV). Also, I was under the impression that AOA ortho completely filled this year. Are you certain those spots aren't going filled because people don't want them due to program quality?? If so, that's quite a leap. Not trying to argue with you, just ask some questions.

 

[13 man]

But I think why work hard to improve your application to get into a medical school for a year, when you could be in medical school already?

I agree, I would accept.

 

[Bacchus]

There are several issues here. The news schools have a varying degree of satisfaction from what I've gathered perusing the boards. However, you are 38. I would say you're approaching the upper limit in age. We're looking at the age of 46 when you finish residency and around 68 or 70 when you retire. You won't be practicing too long when compared to us "young bucks." That said, you might be able to squeak in another year to apply. Something you should consider is the stress of third, fourth and the residency years. Adding age on won't make it any easier.

 

[lastcall]

Take the acceptance and run!

Congrats and best wishes.

 

[Capitankoolaid]

This is what I love about SDN: people coming with honest answers. I am grateful to all for your input.
I have just few days to make up my mind. My first deposit is due next Monday. I surely know that a life of adventure led me to apply later in my life to medical school. And, this is an adventure on its own right.
I was reading somewhere here on SDN that declining an acceptance does not bode well for your application on the following cycle. This is true?

 

[Handy388]

This is what I love about SDN: people coming with honest answers. I am grateful to all for your input.
I have just few days to make up my mind. My first deposit is due next Monday. I surely know that a life of adventure led me to apply later in my life to medical school. And, this is an adventure on its own right.
I was reading somewhere here on SDN that declining an acceptance does not bode well for your application on the following cycle. This is true?

true, but not sure if it applies to DO aswell.

 

[Krupat]

Hi I am taking chem 1 (C) and chem 2 (C+) again but not at rutgers. is it going to help my app a good amount if I get high grades in them? Also my nutrition minor requires me to take take intro to molecular bio and biochem or two semesters of gen. biochem which would u recommend? Also is biochem math or memorization based? One last thing will biochem make my gen chem grade less relevant if i were not to retake the gen chems?

 

[Bamish]

If you have any uncertainty about the "new" school that has accepted you then I would say to reapply. Your stats aren't that bad and if you apply early I think you will fare quite well. I wouldn't worry about the age thing too much. You're not that old and one more year isn't going to make or break anything.

Now, on the flip side. If you feel confident about the new school and will not have second thoughts on your decision I would accept.

Oh...and as far as if you were to decline the acceptance. I don't think it would weigh too heavily against you if you reapply. Especially being a non-trad, there are often times other factors to decide when making such a decision (wife/husband and their job, kids, etc..) and I'm sure most schools realize this. I could see you being asked why did you apply to "new" school if you weren't willing to accept at the school. But that could be easily explained via any of the circumstances I listed above.

Good luck either way! 🙂

 

[EastWestN2grt]

There is only one new DO school I wouldn't take an acceptance from. Every place else you should seriously consider taking the acceptance. With that said, i think I can give you an opinion from someone at one of the new schools. There are some students who just do not do well in a new school environment. The first few years of a new program naturally require modification. As a student in this type of environment you will be asked to be flexible enough when adjustments/changes are made. I am one who loves the challenge and is very comfortable with being flexible. But there are some who simply cannot stand any bit of change, especially in curriculum and thus are frequently stressed or uncomfortable or pissed when changes occur. If this describes your personality, then I would probably reapply and get into a longer established program. Better to be happy with a program, and give up a year then be bummed and stressed for the next 4. Dont listen to the "advice" givers who say anything abt your age. Its b/s. If you are happy in what you are doing, then do it, one year is nothing, and you are only 38. Hell I hope, one day, Im catching a new born baby in some rural, underdeveloped country as a 99 year old doc and then keel over dead. That would be the way to go...

If you are the flexible type then take the acceptance.

 

[bubble5687]

Hey thanks for the input. My break down was VR: 10 PS: 7 BS: 8 and Q

Some states have the reputation that they accept very few out of state students? Should I still apply to those, how biased would they be?

 

[Rollo]

Hi I am taking chem 1 (C) and chem 2 (C+) again but not at rutgers. is it going to help my app a good amount if I get high grades in them? Also my nutrition minor requires me to take take intro to molecular bio and biochem or two semesters of gen. biochem which would u recommend? Also is biochem math or memorization based? One last thing will biochem make my gen chem grade less relevant if i were not to retake the gen chems?

- Yes, so long as you score better in Chem 1 & 2.

- Hmm, I'd say go ahead and take Intro to Mole. & Biochem. The second semester of biochem is a bit tougher, from what I hear. One semester of biochem is sufficient and Intro to molec. will at least introduce you to molecular biology. I'd definitely take those two than 2 semester of biochem. Understand that by having taken 1 semester of biochem will look "good" to adcoms, but it won't make or break you.

- Biochem, for me, was mostly memorization. There was very little math, which was really some basic algebra.

- If you do get a B or better in biochem, and you have gotten a C+ or higher in gen chem, then I think you won't need to re-take gen chem. I had a B- in Gen Chem, but an A in biochem and I was never asked about the B-. A higher grade in an upper divison class sorta negates the fact that you got a lower grade in lower divison class. It shows maturity and discipline on your part.

Hey thanks for the input. My break down was VR: 10 PS: 7 BS: 8 and Q

Some states have the reputation that they accept very few out of state students? Should I still apply to those, how biased would they be?

I'd say go ahead and apply to them anyway. Nobody can tell you how biased they would be towards you, but you can look at the percentage of out-state applicants they accept and decide how biased they might be.

Your score breakdown looks fine. Like I said, plenty of people get in with a 25.

 

[skiracr456]

I think as long as you take your core prereqs for medical school at a four year institution then you should be ok. Most medical schools don't like it when you take courses such as organic chemistry or physiology, etc. at community colleges.

Good luck!

Also, if this means anything to you I think your life experiences will help shape you into a great doctor, so don't give up!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Moving to the "What Are My Chances?" thread.

 

[jd1031]

Hi. so I'm wondering what my chances of getting into DO school are. My main concern is that I do not have a letter of rec from a DO. How would that affect my chances of getting accepted? Where can I apply to without a DO LOR? I heard of people getting into DO schools w/o a DO LOR though. Here's my stats:

cGPA: 3.61
sGPA: 3.51
MCAT: taking May 2nd; 25-27R on practice tests w/ PS as the weakest section

LORs: 2 sci prof, 1 humanities prof, 1 my boss, 2 from MDs

ECs: Ophthalmic Tech, surgical medical mission, shadowed and volunteered for neurologist (~110 hours), officer for a pre-health club (actively involved), Research (1 year), Intramural sports (coach/team captain a couple times), Internaioal Peer Advisor, Studied abroad in Australia


Also, I'm applying to both MD and DO schools this June, and my main goal is to become a physician, whether it's through MD or DO route. Any feedback on my chances, especially regarding the absense of a DO LOR, would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[boone95]

Hi. so I'm wondering what my chances of getting into DO school are. My main concern is that I do not have a letter of rec from a DO. How would that affect my chances of getting accepted? Where can I apply to without a DO LOR? I heard of people getting into DO schools w/o a DO LOR though. Here's my stats:

cGPA: 3.61
sGPA: 3.51
MCAT: taking May 2nd; 25-27R on practice tests w/ PS as the weakest section

LORs: 2 sci prof, 1 humanities prof, 1 my boss, 2 from MDs

ECs: Ophthalmic Tech, surgical medical mission, shadowed and volunteered for neurologist (~110 hours), officer for a pre-health club (actively involved), Research (1 year), Intramural sports (coach/team captain a couple times), Internaioal Peer Advisor, Studied abroad in Australia


Also, I'm applying to both MD and DO schools this June, and my main goal is to become a physician, whether it's through MD or DO route. Any feedback on my chances, especially regarding the absense of a DO LOR, would be much appreciated. Thanks!

ChocolateBear has just the link for you. Look a couple posts up, and click on the DO LOR.
If you aren't happy with what you see, go shadow a DO for a couple days. It's easy to do, it'll be good for you, and s/he will likely offer a letter anyway. They know the LOR is necessary.
Everything else is looking good though. Good luck-

 

[JanikeyDoc]

You should just take the acceptance, your MCAT is only average, you might as well take any opportunity they give you. Honestly, from what I know from other premeds is that the key is to apply as early as possible, submitting the primary as soon as they allow you which is in June. Also not to wait too long to submit secondary applications, I was told they should be mailed out no later than four weeks after receiving them.

New or not, as long as you are in a school within America's borders its generally a good sign. A lot of people are not so lucky and wind up going overseas.

 

[engineeredout]

Unless you're going to make some vast improvements, just take the acceptance and get it started. Congratulations.

 

[Rollo]

Hi. so I'm wondering what my chances of getting into DO school are. My main concern is that I do not have a letter of rec from a DO. How would that affect my chances of getting accepted? Where can I apply to without a DO LOR? I heard of people getting into DO schools w/o a DO LOR though. Here's my stats:

cGPA: 3.61
sGPA: 3.51
MCAT: taking May 2nd; 25-27R on practice tests w/ PS as the weakest section

LORs: 2 sci prof, 1 humanities prof, 1 my boss, 2 from MDs

ECs: Ophthalmic Tech, surgical medical mission, shadowed and volunteered for neurologist (~110 hours), officer for a pre-health club (actively involved), Research (1 year), Intramural sports (coach/team captain a couple times), Internaioal Peer Advisor, Studied abroad in Australia


Also, I'm applying to both MD and DO schools this June, and my main goal is to become a physician, whether it's through MD or DO route. Any feedback on my chances, especially regarding the absense of a DO LOR, would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I got 5 acceptances without a DO LOR (although I did have an MD LOR) so yes, it is very much possible to get into DO schools without a DO LOR. Unless the school requires a DO LOR, then obviously you don't want to waste money and apply there.

Your stats are great and with a good MCAT (26+), you shouldn't have a problem getting in anywhere. Apply early and broadly (to schools that do NOT require a DO LOR).

Although, you should shadow a DO for at least 20 hours just so it looks good. Realistically, there is no difference between an MD and a DO unless the DO specializes in OMM. But DO schools like to see some DO shadowing anyway.

 

[Kal222]

Hi. so I'm wondering what my chances of getting into DO school are. My main concern is that I do not have a letter of rec from a DO. How would that affect my chances of getting accepted? Where can I apply to without a DO LOR? I heard of people getting into DO schools w/o a DO LOR though. Here's my stats:

cGPA: 3.61
sGPA: 3.51
MCAT: taking May 2nd; 25-27R on practice tests w/ PS as the weakest section

LORs: 2 sci prof, 1 humanities prof, 1 my boss, 2 from MDs

ECs: Ophthalmic Tech, surgical medical mission, shadowed and volunteered for neurologist (~110 hours), officer for a pre-health club (actively involved), Research (1 year), Intramural sports (coach/team captain a couple times), Internaioal Peer Advisor, Studied abroad in Australia


Also, I'm applying to both MD and DO schools this June, and my main goal is to become a physician, whether it's through MD or DO route. Any feedback on my chances, especially regarding the absense of a DO LOR, would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I would STRONGLY suggest you try to shadow a D.O. You would be missing the opportunity to apply to some great programs if you don't get one. I'd suggest going to AOA's website and checking out the D.O's around you and then sending them an email explaining your thoughts on applying and asking to shadow them. It can't hurt you in the long run

 

[drewkumo]

Ok here goes, I applied late last cycle to a couple of schools - just the LECOM's actually. I'm waiting on Erie, I have no idea what they are doing with my app. Bradenton sent me a letter telling me the class was filled and encouraging me to reapply.

I graduated last december cGPA 2.98/ sGPA 3.07 with a 26Q MCAT.

I took the MCAT without any kind of preparation aside from a few practice exams online. Should I reapply next cycle? Or retake the MCAT? Or enter an MSP? I'm confused about the best step forward I could take from here. Thanks!

 

[Limvostov]

Ok here goes, I applied late last cycle to a couple of schools - just the LECOM's actually. I'm waiting on Erie, I have no idea what they are doing with my app. Bradenton sent me a letter telling me the class was filled and encouraging me to reapply.

I graduated last december cGPA 2.98/ sGPA 3.07 with a 26Q MCAT.

I took the MCAT without any kind of preparation aside from a few practice exams online. Should I reapply next cycle? Or retake the MCAT? Or enter an MSP? I'm confused about the best step forward I could take from here. Thanks!

Your MCAT looks fine for most DO schools. A retake could help if you do a lot better, but I would focus on getting your app. in very early and apply broadly if you are set on giving it another go this year. Make sure that you have solid letters and outstanding essays. Also, just to be safe I would work on EC's and possibly retake a few core courses to up the GPA. I imagine that your GPA was your biggest weakness, but since that takes a lot of time to improve the only way to make it budge will be to do both at the same time. If you want to wait a couple of years and do a MSP it could give you better chances as long as you do well, but it will set you back some $ and time.

I had similar numbers, applied early, and got in this time around so it can be done. Good Luck!!!

 

[jd1031]

Hi. so I'm wondering what my chances of getting into DO school are. My main concern is that I do not have a letter of rec from a DO. How would that affect my chances of getting accepted? Where can I apply to without a DO LOR? I heard of people getting into DO schools w/o a DO LOR though. Here's my stats:

cGPA: 3.61
sGPA: 3.51
MCAT: taking May 2nd; 25-27R on practice tests w/ PS as the weakest section

LORs: 2 sci prof, 1 humanities prof, 1 my boss, 2 from MDs

ECs: Ophthalmic Tech, surgical medical mission, shadowed and volunteered for neurologist (~110 hours), officer for a pre-health club (actively involved), Research (1 year), Intramural sports (coach/team captain a couple times), Internaioal Peer Advisor, Studied abroad in Australia


Also, I'm applying to both MD and DO schools this June, and my main goal is to become a physician, whether it's through MD or DO route. Any feedback on my chances, especially regarding the absense of a DO LOR, would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks for the fast replies! I'm email DOs right now....

 

[Rollo]

Ok here goes, I applied late last cycle to a couple of schools - just the LECOM's actually. I'm waiting on Erie, I have no idea what they are doing with my app. Bradenton sent me a letter telling me the class was filled and encouraging me to reapply.

I graduated last december cGPA 2.98/ sGPA 3.07 with a 26Q MCAT.

I took the MCAT without any kind of preparation aside from a few practice exams online. Should I reapply next cycle? Or retake the MCAT? Or enter an MSP? I'm confused about the best step forward I could take from here. Thanks!

Your sci GPA is pretty low so I'd suggest you re-take science classes that you got Cs in. You can still apply early and broadly though. You will just have to send a new transcript to AACOMAS should you re-take any classes.

As far as retaking the MCAT, you could but with your GPA, you'd ideally want a 29+ score. Average matriculant GPA for DO schools is 3.3 sci GPA and 3.4 overall GPA. Your stats are well below the average so counter that with a 30 MCAT or higher and you become competitive since average MCAT for DO schools is 25-26.

But if you don't prepare well and don't think you can do better on MCAT, then by all means do not take it. Stick with the 26.

 

[MSUSpartan642]

I know I should be aiming for as high as possible. What Im looking for is what you all think I would need to get with my graduating numbers to get an acceptance.

cGPA: 3.84
sGPA: 3.80

I know EC's count and all but just looking for a minimum Mcat to shoot for.
DO is not safety either but something that I have been interested in for quite some time.
Thoughts?

 

[Uranium678]

The better you do, the more opportunities you will have.

 

[boone95]

I know I should be aiming for as high as possible. What Im looking for is what you all think I would need to get with my graduating numbers to get an acceptance.

cGPA: 3.84
sGPA: 3.80

I know EC's count and all but just looking for a minimum Mcat to shoot for.
DO is not safety either but something that I have been interested in for quite some time.
Thoughts?

Don't set a low limit. Go in there looking for a 45, then work with anything else that you get.
You have a nice GPA, go do your thing on the MCAT and you'll be sitting fine.

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Oh I'm not trying to set a low limit, I'm just getting worried I think. I see a lot of HUGE scores on here and get intimidated. I'm averaging around
PS - 9-11
VR - 8-10
BS - 9-11

Maybe im just being a little to paranoid. But if by chance I scored at the low end of all of those (25-26) Im worried about not gettin an acceptance this time. :/

 

[slick27]

anything under 28 overal with any subsection under 9 will really limit opportunities for MD.

 

[Capitankoolaid]

After reading your replies I came to the conclusion that I can live with the doubt of not knowing if others schools would accept me. But, I would never forgive myself for not getting in any school. And I had a great feel for the school, its students and professors. So, I thank everybody for the input. I am beginning to feel the calm of having made a tough decision.

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Im more interested in DO for the most part, unless there is something special or i get some type of "motivation" to go to an MD school I wont be going that route.

 

[Longshanks]

Shoot for the stars, reach for the moon?Land on the moon?

Is that the right motivational phrase or did I just have one of my polak moments? lol

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Shoot for the stars, reach for the moon?Land on the moon?

Is that the right motivational phrase or did I just have one of my polak moments? lol

Yes.... I know all of these motivational quotes already. I hear them all the time from friend/family/etc. Thanks for trying tho 🙄

 

[slick27]

I had a 29O and 3.8 and had many DO opptions.

 

[MSUSpartan642]

I had a 29O and 3.8 and had many DO opptions.

Did u solely apply to DO schools, or MD too? Do u mind sharing which schools you had success at?

 

[slick27]

DMU, kirksville, western, midwestern downers grove were the only do schools i applied to. I received interviews from all, but declined all of them once accepted dmu (first choice.)

I applied MD too, but had a 7 in verbal which I think took me out of receiving an acceptance.

 

[TRN1983]

IMHO, if you want to go MD you always want to shoot for at least a 30 (with all >=8 sections) even if you have a great GPA. Also, I know the difference between a 29 and a 30 is essentially negligible, but the human brain is odd... for the same reason people sell items at 19.99 rather than 20.00, a 30 looks way bigger than a 29 to most people.

JM.02

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Well I got two weeks about left so hopefully I'm going to be able to solidify my chance of getting all of the sections towards the top end and get that 32 🙂

 

[slick27]

IMHO, if you want to go MD you always want to shoot for at least a 30 (with all >=8 sections) even if you have a great GPA. Also, I know the difference between a 29 and a 30 is essentially negligible, but the human brain is odd... for the same reason people sell items at 19.99 rather than 20.00, a 30 looks way bigger than a 29 to most people.

JM.02

I agree with this, but would try to aim for at least 9 or greater in each section. A single 8 might not be the end of the world, but most MD programs would prefer nothing less than 9 and overall at least 30.

 

[Anita817]

After reading your replies I came to the conclusion that I can live with the doubt of not knowing if others schools would accept me. But, I would never forgive myself for not getting in any school. And I had a great feel for the school, its students and professors. So, I thank everybody for the input. I am beginning to feel the calm of having made a tough decision.

Congrats and best of luck!

 

[Animus]

Yes.... I know all of these motivational quotes already. I hear them all the time from friend/family/etc. Thanks for trying tho 🙄

I wouldn't be so quick to criticize this poster. The main problem here is what kind of person looks for the easy way out? Why would you ever not try for your best? To ask "what do I need" tells me you are lazy and not worth people's time. You should be striving for your best at all points, and if you do not continue to, medical school could be very tough for a person like you.

 

[MSUSpartan642]

I wouldn't be so quick to criticize this poster. The main problem here is what kind of person looks for the easy way out? Why would you ever not try for your best? To ask "what do I need" tells me you are lazy and not worth people's time. You should be striving for your best at all points, and if you do not continue to, medical school could be very tough for a person like you.

Believe me. Im not looking for the easy way out. I've studied for months for this test and have kept up a, what i consider good GPA, so I dont consider myself lazy at all. Im just trying to gauge where I stand right now. Thanks though.

 

[rc4ch]

I had a 25, with sGPA: 3.87, oGPA: 3.88.

Got 3 acceptances to the 3 interviews I went to(PCOM, DMU, and KCUMB). Had other interviews as well (AZCOM, LECOM). CCOM rejected me without an interview.

So I say 25-26 maybe? No one really knows.

 

[slamindesi]

I agree with rc4ch...seems like a lot of my friends were getting into DO schools with 25-26...

I also had another question, just for anyone..

Do you know when the AACOMAS is going to open for 2009-2010 applicants? I heard it would be sometime in May, but I believe I saw the new MSAR for DO's said it was June..

Oh, and for all those applying I have a:
Overall GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.67

MCAT: 25
Major: Biomedical Engineering

would really like to attend PCOM!!..Good luck to all!!

 

[Rollo]

I know I should be aiming for as high as possible. What Im looking for is what you all think I would need to get with my graduating numbers to get an acceptance.

cGPA: 3.84
sGPA: 3.80

I know EC's count and all but just looking for a minimum Mcat to shoot for.
DO is not safety either but something that I have been interested in for quite some time.
Thoughts?

Minimum you should shoot for is 26-27. 25 is the average but by looking at your GPA (which is very nice), the adcoms will wonder why you weren't able to score a little nicer on the MCAT. I understand that GPA is not universal, and that's why MCAT levels the playing field for everyone, but majority of the time, you'd expect an applicant with strong GPA to have a strong MCAT. Otherwise, the low MCAT will speak volumes about the difficulty of undergraduate that the applicant went to and work ethic of the applicant.

Looking at your practice scores, you should be fine unless you get insanely crazy difficult passages or you sleep through half of the test.

I agree with rc4ch...seems like a lot of my friends were getting into DO schools with 25-26...

I also had another question, just for anyone..

Do you know when the AACOMAS is going to open for 2009-2010 applicants? I heard it would be sometime in May, but I believe I saw the new MSAR for DO's said it was June..

Oh, and for all those applying I have a:
Overall GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.67

MCAT: 25
Major: Biomedical Engineering

would really like to attend PCOM!!..Good luck to all!!

AACOMAS opens in May, and you will be able to submit your applicantion in June. So you get a month to fill out the application and pick schools.

I think your stats are fine, especially for PCOM. I believe PCOM's average MCAT is around 26-27, but a 25 isn't going to hurt you if you apply early and the rest of your application is solid.

How are your ECs?

 

[Postictal Raiden]

I am not sure if my question is under the same topic of this thread, but I would rather ask it here than starting a new thread.

I attended CC for few years, and I am planning to transfer next semester to a 4-year university that has quarters system. When time comes to apply and I start calculating my gpa, should I account for that the units I earned at the CC weigh more than the units earned at the university?

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Minimum you should shoot for is 26-27. 25 is the average but by looking at your GPA (which is very nice), the adcoms will wonder why you weren't able to score a little nicer on the MCAT. I understand that GPA is not universal, and that's why MCAT levels the playing field for everyone, but majority of the time, you'd expect an applicant with strong GPA to have a strong MCAT. Otherwise, the low MCAT will speak volumes about the difficulty of undergraduate that the applicant went to and work ethic of the applicant.

Looking at your practice scores, you should be fine unless you get insanely crazy difficult passages or you sleep through half of the test.

Ah. Thank you, just what I was looking for. Ill "shoot for the stars though". Good luck to all.