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Since I work in surgery I have had the opportunity to assist a lot of DOs as well as MDs. I just got off the phone with one of my favorite DOs (a hand surgeon) who should write me a very strong letter.

Does scrubbing hundreds of hours with DO surgeons replace the need to shadow?

Thanks for the input!
 
Since I work in surgery I have had the opportunity to assist a lot of DOs as well as MDs. I just got off the phone with one of my favorite DOs (a hand surgeon) who should write me a very strong letter.

Does scrubbing hundreds of hours with DO surgeons replace the need to shadow?

Thanks for the input!

GeronimoJungle,

Shadowing is following a doctor around and watching what they do. So if you got to scrub in with surgeons, that's awesome. I never go to do that for liability and legal issues. Anyway, do you have experience observing a doctor in a clinical setting (not the OR, but when they're meeting with patients one on one after the surgery...i think they call it post-op care). either way, you'll be asked about your experiences from shadowing a doctor and how that affected your desire to become a doctor. just make sure that scrubbing in on surgeries confirms your desires to become a doctor.

also, since you're applying to DO schools, make sure you read about the DO philosophy, what is OMM/OMT, who started it, why he did, etc. I'm pretty sure you did your HW already, but i like to get it out there anyway just in case. 🙂

good luck! PM me if you have more questions.
 
So I'm supposed to shadow another doc this summer (I already have 100+ hours) at the end of June. I was planning on submitting my app before then, but am now reconsidering.

Option A: Should I just list it and in the description describe what type of doctor he is and that this will be happening in the next couple weeks?

Option B: Should I wait to submit my app until I'm done with the experience (June 30)?

Option C: Should I not mention it on the app, but still include the letter of rec once I get it and perhaps mention the experience on a secondary?
 
You can't send your application before you get your MCAT back. You can have it verified and ready to go out to schools. Once your MCAT is reported, the different application services (ie TMDSAS, AMCAS, AACOMAS) will send it out asap. But, make sure you fill out your application asap and enter your grades. YOu want to have your app verified asap so you can send off your app once the MCAT comes in. Good luck!

Unless the policy has changed since last year, that isn't true. Both AACOMAS and AMCAS will verify and send out your application before MCAT scores come in, then update it when they get your score. I was filling out secondaries before I had an MCAT score last year.
 
So I was curious to know if I should do a double major or take higher level classes in my fifth year. My cGPA is 3.05 and science GPA is 3.1 (I think, i'm not sure how to calculate that properly). I'm going for a double major in bioprocessing science but at this point, i'm concerned my GPA is low and might benefit more from taking upper-level science classes than classes in my major. I'm taking my MCATs in June. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
Does it look bad if I my non-science is much higher than my science? My science GPA is not competitive...

AACOMAS calculated my gpa as.....

Non-science GPA = 3.78
Science GPA = 3.28 (will go a slightly down to a 3.2 or 3.1 or something)
Cumulative GPA = 3.59
 
So I kinda wanted to know if I would be a competitive applicant at D.O. schools, my GPA is a 3.21, 3.1bcpm, and I got a 31Q (11PS, 10VR, 10BS) on my MCAT. I've done research, played rugby, and shadowed. Thanks for your help.
 
Does it look bad if I my non-science is much higher than my science? My science GPA is not competitive...

AACOMAS calculated my gpa as.....

Non-science GPA = 3.78
Science GPA = 3.28 (will go a slightly down to a 3.2 or 3.1 or something)
Cumulative GPA = 3.59


My stats were similar. Check my MDapplicants. Do well on the MCAT and all will be forgiven.
 
i'm not sure if your exact major makes a difference or your performance in your classes (esp science). i was a psych major, but i took my pre med courses and the schools look at everything. personally, i believe it looks better to have a unique major but to still have decent grades in the sciences rather than to have only bio/chem/whatever science major.....schools love to see diversity so be yourself and major in what you love but do well in your sciences
 
So I was curious to know if I should do a double major or take higher level classes in my fifth year. My cGPA is 3.05 and science GPA is 3.1 (I think, i'm not sure how to calculate that properly). I'm going for a double major in bioprocessing science but at this point, i'm concerned my GPA is low and might benefit more from taking upper-level science classes than classes in my major. I'm taking my MCATs in June. Any thoughts would be appreciated.


Pick the classes that you feel you can do the best in. Your issue is going to be your GPA so you need to do well. Most admission committees don't care what you take as long as you do well. I know it is stupid but I am not the MAN, just the fool on the hill.
 
I generally agree with the above posts, but if you are looking at it strictly from a double major vs. upper level science course perspective, I would think that the science courses would be more beneficial. You would look pretty good if your GPA climbed upward even just a bit when taking advanced science classes.

I know a lot of people above said they (adcoms) don't care, but in conversations I've had with admissions people or pre-professional advisors, they have mentioned that success in higher level sciences is a selling point. In a way it makes you look more prepared to handle the pre-clinical curriculum.

But that's just my experience.
 
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I am applying to NYCOM and PCOM. NYCOM is the school that I really want to go to. My GPA is a 3.56 and MCAT score is 27O. I have very little research, and only about 350 hours of clinical experience. I shadowed a D.O for 2 days and he said he will write me a LOR. I am a NY resident do you think I would have any shot at downstate or stony brook?
 
I am applying to NYCOM and PCOM. NYCOM is the school that I really want to go to. My GPA is a 3.56 and MCAT score is 27O. I have very little research, and only about 350 hours of clinical experience. I shadowed a D.O for 2 days and he said he will write me a LOR. I am a NY resident do you think I would have any shot at downstate or stony brook?

I am going to NYCOM in the fall, I had better MCAT, lower GPA....as long as you are not completely incapable of holding a conversation during your interview you will be fine....

and unless you are a URM I don't think you have a shot at downstate or stonybrook....I had friends who were ny residents as well with low to mid 30s and not receive interviews, it's kind of a crap shoot but I don't think you are even borderline with a 27....

good luck through the whole process, you'll be happy when it's over and you get into school (bc you will get into NYCOM or PCOM, in my opinion)
 
Now that I am finished with my last final exam of my undergraduate career (excluding genetics and biochemistry during post-bacc), I can devote my full attention to the application process. I figured I would get some advice before submitting the AACOMAS application.

MCAT- 28Q (PS – 9, VR – 9, BS – 10)
cGPA – 3.51
sGPA – 3.04
(non-science double major)

MI - resident

Shadowed a DO
Pediatric Volunteer
Hospice Volunteer
Varsity Cross Country (captain) and Varsity Track

Top choices: MSU-COM and MSU-CHM (one of the few MD programs I will be applying to)
Plan on sending my application to:
MSU-COM, PCOM, Midwestern in Chicago and Arizona, and Bradenton
 
Did you have a lot of clincal experience?
 
350 hrs is a lot of clinical experience, at least i think so.

I have less, about 150 total and don't really plan on getting a lot more
 
Hello all! This is my first post here, and I think it would be most efficient if I simply laid out "the facts" and wait for your advice/ comments. I will submit additional details if you need them for your assessment.


-I would like to retake bio 1 and orgo 1, as I received C's in both of them.
-I also need to take bio 2 and orgo 2.
-I believe I will no longer meet the requirements for sponsorship from Harvard's Health Careers Program, thus I am willing to move back home to NJ and attend CC for those 4 courses.
-I have not yet taken the MCAT.
-I want to gain admission as soon as humanly possible.
-Accredited online courses are a possibility.

I'm having some difficulty planning out a schedule that would allow me to attend med school without a gap year. As it stands, I would take bio1 and orgo 1 next fall, bio 2 and orgo 2 next spring before I take the MCAT and apply. This would leave me a "gap year" before I am actually in a DO program...which I am trying to eliminate.


Constructive advice is appreciated...😳
 
Why are you so against a gap year?
 
I have no direct qualms about the gap year, as I will be able to continue working as a research assistant.

But if it's possible to cram everything in this summer (take bio 1, 2 online; orgo 1, 2 at a summer program; MCAT on the side; apply), I might consider doing this.

I suppose I am hesitant about how to maximize the benefits of my gap year...
 
But if it's possible to cram everything in this summer (take bio 1, 2 online; orgo 1, 2 at a summer program; MCAT on the side; apply), I might consider doing this.

This is the silliest thing I've ever heard. You are trying to raise your score. Taking all these classes at once in the summer might not be the best way to do it, especially considering taking it at a normal pace with a normal courseload gave you Cs. Additionally, it is unlikely that you will be sufficiently prepared for the MCAT by the end of the summer when you still have yet to learn 1/3 of the material on the test. Finally, even if you manage to do this, you will end up applying quite late, since it will be fall by the time you get your grades and scores back.

Sidenote, what about LORs from science profs? If you take the classes online, do you think a prof will have much to say about you?

I think you already know what to do with a gap year--finish your course work! Study for the MCAT! Shadow doctors, make money for medical school--- the bottom line is, if you do it your way, you will probably not get in on your first cycle and you will have a gap year anyway.
 
I think you'll get an invite from both schools if you apply sometime in the summer.
 
Anita817: although your assumption that I attained Cs "at a normal pace with a normal courseload" is inaccurate (which is justified given the minimal info I've provided), you make several valid points. thank you for your sound judgment.

at this point, would you recommend that i move back to NJ and take classes at a CC to maximize my chances of achieving As? i know the Harvard classes will sufficiently prepare me for the MCAT (not that CC courses won't, necessarily), but from what I have gathered, it might not be such a bad idea to attend CC since improving my grades is vital.

i think i'm just anxious because I'm basically taking three years post-bacc :/
 
I don't think taking CC courses is a good idea. Is there a 4-year state university that you could enroll at? The goal isn't just earning As, but also doing it in a challenging environment. I don't believe a CC will be rigorous enough for you.

Taking the courses at a CC is not going to hurt you provided you perform well on the MCAT thus proving you actually learned the material. As bioman said, yes it would "look better" if you did it at an institution which does not necessarily have the reputation of being "easy" (i.e. a CC), but if it is at the risk of not being able to get As, then you might be better of at the CC-- then of course there is the additional caveat of learning it for the MCAT, which as you said may require extra work at a CC. Many people have gotten into medical school taking courses at CCs.
 
It may also be of help to meet with an adimssions councelor at one of the schools that you are interested in applying to. They may tell you which colleges around the area they hold in high regards as far as level of difficulty is concerned.
 
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Anita817: although your assumption that I attained Cs "at a normal pace with a normal courseload" is inaccurate (which is justified given the minimal info I've provided), you make several valid points. thank you for your sound judgment.

at this point, would you recommend that i move back to NJ and take classes at a CC to maximize my chances of achieving As? i know the Harvard classes will sufficiently prepare me for the MCAT (not that CC courses won't, necessarily), but from what I have gathered, it might not be such a bad idea to attend CC since improving my grades is vital.

i think i'm just anxious because I'm basically taking three years post-bacc :/


I had to make the same decision as you are trying to make now. I was going to load up on summer courses, take the MCAT in Aug, and apply this fall just so I wouldn't have to wait an extra year. My thing was I wanted to be in med school at the age of 30 not 31 (I'm an even stevens kinda gal..I know neurotic). I decided to just wait until next year because I know I will have a better chance of getting into school. The choice is yours, way your pros and cons and then go with it. Good Luck.
 
Anita817: although your assumption that I attained Cs "at a normal pace with a normal courseload" is inaccurate (which is justified given the minimal info I've provided), you make several valid points. thank you for your sound judgment.

at this point, would you recommend that i move back to NJ and take classes at a CC to maximize my chances of achieving As? i know the Harvard classes will sufficiently prepare me for the MCAT (not that CC courses won't, necessarily), but from what I have gathered, it might not be such a bad idea to attend CC since improving my grades is vital.

i think i'm just anxious because I'm basically taking three years post-bacc :/
Were you in the Harvard post-bac program? If so, is Fixen still teaching general biology over there?
 
cGPA: 3.25
sGPA: 2.99
aoGPA: 3.6

-Strong upward trend (2.49--3.6--3.4--3.6)

-200 Volunteer hours at hospital--really patient intensive, I was also in charge of training new volunteers.

-1 year of research in chemistry--presentation of work in front of lab group (15-20 people--probably doesn't mean anything)

-Shadowed DO, LOR from him as well. Also have shadowing set up with other doc's once I get home from school this year. About 30 hours total.

-Job--Manager of a large local store--helped set up new business for owner as well (3 years).

-Lets say above 28 on MCAT (I'm taking it July 2, my last practice was near there, so it should be higher than that...I hope).

-Looking at UMDNJ, LECOM-E, UNECOM, PCOM, CCOM, NYCOM

Chances??
 
Hi,

I am planning to apply to DO schools this year, and I was hoping for some advice on which schools to pick. I have a general list of schools I want to apply to, but I mainly based it off of location. Should I add on/eliminate any schools? Do any of these schools have a preference for in-states or out-of-states? Do I have a standing chance for these schools? Any comments will be appreciated!

Here are my stats:
-I'm from CA
-3.87 cgpa, 3.96 bgpa
-MCATs:
PS 10, VR 08, BS 10, TOTAL: 28R
PS 07, VR 09, BS 10, TOTAL: 26R
-normal clinical, research, leadership, tutoring experience. Shadowed doctors abroad.
-letters of rec are okay (No LOR from a DO, though)

Schools I will be applying to:
TOURO-CA
Western
NYCOM
TOURO-NY
TOURO-NV
UMDNJ-SOM



Thanks!
 
I'm a Senior in Fall 2009 and I think I'm spiraling into a deep hole and need your opinions. 🙄 Here's my situation:

I'm going to get a "C" in a upper division science class this semester and don't have more than 2 A's in science courses out of my undergrad. My science GPA will mostly go below 3.0 after this semester.

My current GPA before I get my spring grades are:
AACOM sGPA = 3.28
AACOM non-science GPA = 3.78
AACOM cGPA = 3.53

It looks about average now, but I have a big downward trend, which you'll see below...

AACOMAS counts behavioral sciences and other sciences into science G.P.A., my questions are:

1. To boost up my science G.P.A., will it look horrible if I took some online behavioral science and nutrition courses at a community college during the summer?

2. Does my downward trend of:

First year: 4.0 fall semester/ 3.3 spring/ 4.0 summer
Second year: 3.54 fall/ 3.45 spring/ 3.9 summer
Third Year: 3.18 fall/ most likely 2.73 spring/ most likely 4.0 summer

will greatly affect my chances? I was only considered a full-time student in only my 3.3 GPA semester.... where I had 13 credits. But, I work full-time and family suffers economically if that helps any. 🙄

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any advice/feedback/comments 🙂
 
I'm a Senior in Fall 2009 and I think I'm spiraling into a deep hole and need your opinions. 🙄 Here's my situation:

I'm going to get a "C" in a upper division science class this semester and don't have more than 2 A's in science courses out of my undergrad. My science GPA will mostly go below 3.0 after this semester.

My current GPA before I get my spring grades are:
AACOM sGPA = 3.28
AACOM non-science GPA = 3.78
AACOM cGPA = 3.53

It looks about average now, but I have a big downward trend, which you'll see below...

AACOMAS counts behavioral sciences and other sciences into science G.P.A., my questions are:

1. To boost up my science G.P.A., will it look horrible if I took some online behavioral science and nutrition courses at a community college during the summer?

2. Does my downward trend of:

First year: 4.0 fall semester/ 3.3 spring/ 4.0 summer
Second year: 3.54 fall/ 3.45 spring/ 3.9 summer
Third Year: 3.18 fall/ most likely 2.73 spring/ most likely 4.0 summer

will greatly affect my chances? I was only considered a full-time student in only my 3.3 GPA semester.... where I had 13 credits. But, I work full-time and family suffers economically if that helps any. 🙄

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any advice/feedback/comments 🙂

Sorry to rain on your parade, but behavorial sciences don't count in science GPA (I wish it did). If anything I would repeat a few classes that you have done below a B in since AACOMAS will only count the latest grade for GPA. Since you basically have seen all the material before an A should be easy (easier).
 
I think you should be alright applying this cycle as is. Make sure you nail the summer classes so that committees will see that on your application. Also, I agree with the above poster that behavioral science courses will not count into your sGPA. Good Luck!
 
Bring them up and study your ass off. There's really nothing else you can do except that.
 
So I'm supposed to shadow another doc this summer (I already have 100+ hours) at the end of June. I was planning on submitting my app before then, but am now reconsidering.

Option A: Should I just list it and in the description describe what type of doctor he is and that this will be happening in the next couple weeks?

Option B: Should I wait to submit my app until I'm done with the experience (June 30)?

Option C: Should I not mention it on the app, but still include the letter of rec once I get it and perhaps mention the experience on a secondary?

Option C.

That is what I did when I shadowed an OMM doc. I talked about that experience very briefly in my secondaries and mentioned it during my interviews.

So I was curious to know if I should do a double major or take higher level classes in my fifth year. My cGPA is 3.05 and science GPA is 3.1 (I think, i'm not sure how to calculate that properly). I'm going for a double major in bioprocessing science but at this point, i'm concerned my GPA is low and might benefit more from taking upper-level science classes than classes in my major. I'm taking my MCATs in June. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Focus on increasing your science GPA by taking upper-division science classes. You will definitely benefit from doing good in upper-division science classes than upper-division non-science classes.

Does it look bad if I my non-science is much higher than my science? My science GPA is not competitive...

AACOMAS calculated my gpa as.....

Non-science GPA = 3.78
Science GPA = 3.28 (will go a slightly down to a 3.2 or 3.1 or something)
Cumulative GPA = 3.59

Why is your science GPA going down?

Your stats aren't too bad. Get a good MCAT (28+) and you should be fine.

So I kinda wanted to know if I would be a competitive applicant at D.O. schools, my GPA is a 3.21, 3.1bcpm, and I got a 31Q (11PS, 10VR, 10BS) on my MCAT. I've done research, played rugby, and shadowed. Thanks for your help.

Your stats look fine. You will be a competitive applicant. Go ahead and apply to DO schools if you wish.

I am applying to NYCOM and PCOM. NYCOM is the school that I really want to go to. My GPA is a 3.56 and MCAT score is 27O. I have very little research, and only about 350 hours of clinical experience. I shadowed a D.O for 2 days and he said he will write me a LOR. I am a NY resident do you think I would have any shot at downstate or stony brook?

I'm not familiar with Stony Brook or downstate medical schools (they are MD schools) but your stats look good for NYCOM & PCOM. That 27 is not competitive for MD schools but it is for DO schools. So take that for what it's worth. Apply anyway and see how you fare.

Now that I am finished with my last final exam of my undergraduate career (excluding genetics and biochemistry during post-bacc), I can devote my full attention to the application process. I figured I would get some advice before submitting the AACOMAS application.

MCAT- 28Q (PS – 9, VR – 9, BS – 10)
cGPA – 3.51
sGPA – 3.04
(non-science double major)

MI - resident

Shadowed a DO
Pediatric Volunteer
Hospice Volunteer
Varsity Cross Country (captain) and Varsity Track

Top choices: MSU-COM and MSU-CHM (one of the few MD programs I will be applying to)
Plan on sending my application to:
MSU-COM, PCOM, Midwestern in Chicago and Arizona, and Bradenton

The sci GPA is little low but your MCAT looks fine. I think you have a good shot at DO schools. Have you thought about including schools in the midwest? ATSU, KCUMB, Touro, OSUCOM, OUCOM?

Hello all! This is my first post here, and I think it would be most efficient if I simply laid out "the facts" and wait for your advice/ comments. I will submit additional details if you need them for your assessment.


-I would like to retake bio 1 and orgo 1, as I received C's in both of them.
-I also need to take bio 2 and orgo 2.
-I believe I will no longer meet the requirements for sponsorship from Harvard's Health Careers Program, thus I am willing to move back home to NJ and attend CC for those 4 courses.
-I have not yet taken the MCAT.
-I want to gain admission as soon as humanly possible.
-Accredited online courses are a possibility.

I'm having some difficulty planning out a schedule that would allow me to attend med school without a gap year. As it stands, I would take bio1 and orgo 1 next fall, bio 2 and orgo 2 next spring before I take the MCAT and apply. This would leave me a "gap year" before I am actually in a DO program...which I am trying to eliminate.


Constructive advice is appreciated...😳

There is nothing wrong with taking classes at a community college.

MCAT exists to level the playing field for applicants who went to an ivy league undergrad vs. applicants who took classes at a community college.

With that being said, do well on the MCAT. This one is pretty obvious.

Non-science courses online is fine. But science courses, or really anything with a lab, is not a good idea. How would you do lab anyway? I assume you'd have to go in person once a week to do the lab, right? Then why not suck it up and take classes in person?

Stay away from online courses.

If you really wanted to, you could take lot of courses this summer, take the MCAT in August/September, and finish your pre-requisites by December (end of Fall). But then you're rushing yourself and your grades/MCAT will probably suffer. Not saying that you're a terrible student and can't handle the work load, but why put yourself through that?

Wouldn't you rather take these classes at a normal pace, do well in them, and have a good amount of time on your hand to study for the MCAT and do well in that?

There is nothing wrong with taking a gap year. If you really think about it, most of that time, you'll be filling out secondaries, and interviewing at schools. Before you know it, you'll have 1 acceptance by Christmas...and 1 acceptance will take an incredible amount of stress off your shoulders.

cGPA: 3.25
sGPA: 2.99
aoGPA: 3.6

-Strong upward trend (2.49--3.6--3.4--3.6)

-200 Volunteer hours at hospital--really patient intensive, I was also in charge of training new volunteers.

-1 year of research in chemistry--presentation of work in front of lab group (15-20 people--probably doesn't mean anything)

-Shadowed DO, LOR from him as well. Also have shadowing set up with other doc's once I get home from school this year. About 30 hours total.

-Job--Manager of a large local store--helped set up new business for owner as well (3 years).

-Lets say above 28 on MCAT (I'm taking it July 2, my last practice was near there, so it should be higher than that...I hope).

-Looking at UMDNJ, LECOM-E, UNECOM, PCOM, CCOM, NYCOM

Chances??

Low GPA but a strong upward trend. Little bit of research, some volunteering, shadowing a DO + LOR, leadership experience, those are all good things.

Shoot for 28+ on the MCAT.

Your chances are pretty good for the schools you listed. As I said earlier, the GPA is on the low side but if you apply early, and get a good MCAT, and write awesome PS/secondaries, you should receive interview offers from lot of places.

Good luck.
 
Hi all,

I would like to get your feedback on how my post-bacc history might look to adcoms. I guess I would like to know now, when my MCAT prep is beginning, whether I've successfully done anything to "up" my chances. It's very hard to look past my own mistakes - they haunt me...I know the climb is still steep, but might I have a chance at a serious look now?

First degree: Psych w/ 2.6-ish GPA.
Second degree: Bio w/ 3.57 and new overall GPA = 3.02

Here is my semester breakdown:

Spring '07: Chem 1 + Calc I (both retakes, both A's)
Summer '07: Chem 2+lab (both A's) & Physics 1+lab (B+/A-)
Fall '07: Orgo I+lab (B/A), Physics 2+lab (B+/A-), Intro Public Health (A)
Spring '08: Comparative Vert. Anat, combined lect/lab (B), Micro (A), OrgoI+lab (B/A)
Summer '08: Genetics+lab (A/A), Cell Bio (B)
Fall '08: Biochem (B+), D. Bac, combined lect/lab (B), Ecology (A), Physiology+lab (B/A)

Anyone else out there w/ a similar situation? What else have you done to continue to diminish the past?

p.s. This is kinda out of left field, but I really really want to approach my Biochem prof for an LOR, but I haven't spoken to him since graduation...how do you recommend I get back in touch w/ him? And what do I bring to the table to get a good LOR from him?

A big thank you in advance to any encouragement, further words of advice, and help that you may have for me 🙂
Anyone??
 
Hi,

I am planning to apply to DO schools this year, and I was hoping for some advice on which schools to pick. I have a general list of schools I want to apply to, but I mainly based it off of location. Should I add on/eliminate any schools? Do any of these schools have a preference for in-states or out-of-states? Do I have a standing chance for these schools? Any comments will be appreciated!

Here are my stats:
-I'm from CA
-3.87 cgpa, 3.96 bgpa
-MCATs:
PS 10, VR 08, BS 10, TOTAL: 28R
PS 07, VR 09, BS 10, TOTAL: 26R
-normal clinical, research, leadership, tutoring experience. Shadowed doctors abroad.
-letters of rec are okay (No LOR from a DO, though)

Schools I will be applying to:
TOURO-CA
Western
NYCOM
TOURO-NY
TOURO-NV
UMDNJ-SOM



Thanks!

Some of those schools require a LOR from a DO. Your MCAT is a little low but it is not terrible.

You can definitely add more schools on to that list. Looks like you either want to stay on the west coast or the northeast. Would you be willing to go to schools in the midwest? Look at AACOM website and list of schools and think about it.
 

If I were you, I might try to get a LOR from a professor whose class I got an A in. I bet if you have not spoken to a professor in a while, they will go look up how you did in their class. What about your genetics or micro professors?

But then again, I don't know your situation. If you think he/she will give you a really good letter, then definitely go for it. A good thing to do is to give your professor a copy of your CV. This will give them some idea of what you have been doing. Also, if they will allow you, simply talk to them. Let them know your motivations for becoming a physician, and let them know what things you have been doing (volunteer experience, research, shadowing, etc.). Just make sure your professor knows you're serious about this and that you are diligently working toward your goals. Also, it would be a good idea to wear something business casual when you go to meet with them. I guarantee that when they start to write your letter, they will have a mental picture in their head of what you look like. And that mental picture will be of the last time they saw you (probably).
 
Music-

I'm starting school in August and had a somewhat similar situation to you, so I think you're on the right track! That said I had to apply two cycles and it's been a painful process. Your postbac work should put you in good standing. However, like me, your overall gpa is never gonna be in the stellar category. I think the better you're able to do on the MCAT the less that will matter. I had a low MCAT (26 on last paper and pencil test) and still managed, but I think if you can push for 30+, you will have many options and make your life easier. Helpful to keep involved in clinical oriented ECs if time allows to show your committment, but don't do anything to jeopardize your MCAT prep. Best of luck, you're on your way!👍
 
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Looking aside from the required DO LOR, because I'm not entirely sure which schools require it, I see that you won't mind the east coast (applying to TouroNY). That said, you should add CCOM, PCOM, DMU, NYCOM. Again, I'm not sure of their LOR requirements, but your stats are good/competitive for those schools.

Also, moving to WAMC.
 
Thanks for the feedback, Rollo. I plan on looking into a few of the schools you listed.
 
Some of those schools require a LOR from a DO. Your MCAT is a little low but it is not terrible.

What? His second MCAT is a 28. How is that low for DO schools???
 
Retake whatever low grades you can this summer since your applying DO. Buff up EC's and hows the MCAT score?

And not to be rude or anything, but I work full time (40 hrs min) a week and still managed to pull off a 3.97 sGPA and a 3.95 cGPA
 
Thanks for all the replies! 🙂

I didn't know behavioral sciences don't count towards science gpa... phew. Thanks for letting me know! 👍

I guess this summer I will take Organic Chemistry 2 and lab. Will it look bad if I take it at a community college along with all my other summer courses? It's much, much cheaper and it perfectly fits into my summer schedule.
 
Hi. I just got my disappointing MCAT score: V:7, P:13, B:11, 31R. I was scoring 36 average in AAMC.

My undergrad GPA is 4.00 and I have two Masters' in Science, with 3.9 GPA. Six years of graduate research, teaching, and normal shadow and clinical experience.

What scares me is my V score of 7. Is that a killer for DO schools? Should I retake the MCAT? Any advice would be highly appreciated.
 
I just got my MCAT score: 9VR, 10PS, 10BS = 29Q

My GPA is on the low side: non-science = 3.75, science = 3.05, overall = 3.31

some extra's: bio. peer adviser, hospital volunteering, tutor, and I should have a D.O. letter

I'm hoping for CCOM, but I just want to get in........do i have a decent shot?
 
Some of those schools require a LOR from a DO. Your MCAT is a little low but it is not terrible.

You can definitely add more schools on to that list. Looks like you either want to stay on the west coast or the northeast. Would you be willing to go to schools in the midwest? Look at AACOM website and list of schools and think about it.

Thanks for the response, Rollo. I'll do some research and find out which schools require a LOR from a DO, and then eliminate it from my list.

Looking aside from the required DO LOR, because I'm not entirely sure which schools require it, I see that you won't mind the east coast (applying to TouroNY). That said, you should add CCOM, PCOM, DMU, NYCOM. Again, I'm not sure of their LOR requirements, but your stats are good/competitive for those schools.

Also, moving to WAMC.

Thanks Bacchus! I'll check out the specific schools you listed. Are there any specific reasons why you suggested those schools?


What? His second MCAT is a 28. How is that low for DO schools???

Actually, MedStudentWannaBe... My 28 was my FIRST mcat score, the 26 was my SECOND. I know, doesn't look good at all... =\
 
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