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

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I went to PT school and am about to finish my second year of medschool. I am definitely glad I have a PT background, but I didn't plan it that way when I went to PT school. PT is gonna be a rough 3 years, not as rough as medschool, but very intense. I would not go to PT school unless you want to practice as a PT, because a 100K is an awful expensive post-bac program. If you add that to what you will acrue as a med student, depending on the school you get into, you could be looking at enormous debt that can only be reasonably paid off with a high paying specialy, which are definitely not a sure thing to land. Also, after 3 hard years, you may not want to go directly into 7-10 more diffiult years. Potential burn out could also affect your med school grades, which could further go against landing one of those high paying specialties (although not so much in the DO residency world).

I think instead of the scope of patient care, you should be more interested in quality of lifestyle. PT will afford u with good flexibility with decent pay. Yeah, ur not the top dog, but the amount of influence over the patient will really depend on how you present yourself and what type of repoire you can set with the patient. Being a physician will give you more say with the ultimate decisions regarding patient care (still doesn't mean they will follow what you say), but your life will never be your own, except for a few cushy fields. PT will also teach you most of what is taught in OMM, and have more scientific evidence to support it. Well, enough of my rambling...it's late, and I've been board reviewing all day. Good luck with ur decision.
 
Hi,

This post seems to be the best place to post my question. I previously posted my stats so far in this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=614025

I'm taking the MCAT on Aug. 25th (already registered) and prep is in full-swing. I am in the process of getting LOR's from prof's & am shadowing a FP M.D. (still working on getting some shadowing exp. w/ a D.O. though). I also have a hospital job offer in the works. Other than that, I'm focusing on MCAT prep so I don't jeopardize it (to quote someone who replied to my previous post.)

My question is: considering that AACOMAS already opened & ppl say that the best chance is to apply early, would it even be worth my while (considering all this + my not-so-stellar stats) to apply this year? (p.s. I'm not entirely sure when AACOMAS closes...)

I'm sure I need to build up my E.C.'s, and I'm not planning on doing any more pre-med or SMP coursework to boost my GPA unless I absolutely need to...all of you more experienced SDN'ers' advice seems to say that a person like me might have a shot.

I would appreciate some guidance on this...all the conventional wisdom suggests to me that I should be waiting till I have a stronger app, but I don't want to dismiss the possibility of applying this year without getting some advice.

Thanks 🙂
 
Ok so Ive always wanted to be a doctor and unfortunately college hasn't been took kind to me, so I pretty feel like I have 0% shot and am trying to figure out if I should even bother applying. I am currently a Junior in a pretty good state school. Major: Psychology, Overall GPA: 3.21---dont know what my Science GPA is but here is what I have gotten so far (brace yourself)

Gen Chem 1: B (Community College)
Gen Chem 2: C
Gen Chem lab: C+
Bio 1: C (after retaking it, actually did better the first time but had made it Credit/No-credit the first time because didnt know why I was taking it.)
Bio 1 lab: A-
Bio 2: B
Bio 2 lab: A
-PS both bio classes are 100 level)

Physics 1: C
Physics 2: A (Community College)

Organic Chem: about to take final, expecting a B in the class
Oranic lab: B

Still need to take Orgo 2 or Biochemistry,

Well, thats where I'm at, I have some research and what I think are some decent L.O.R's

still need to take the MCAT...

Should I apply this cycle?
Should I apply at all?
Should I do a Master's program, will it help?
 
all of this is moot without the MCAT, you cant apply without it and no one can tell you anything about your chances (realistically) without it. Also have you done any shadowing?
 
You still have a year to get good grades, so don't stress out! Also, you can try going for a post-bacc program after graduating to demonstrate that your academic abilities are solid. You can also make up for your relatively low GPA with a great MCAT score.

But again, don't worry! You can still get into medical school. In fact, many people with grades like yours have in the past.
 
gatewasani said:
Ok so Ive always wanted to be a doctor and unfortunately college hasn't been took kind to me, so I pretty feel like I have 0% shot and am trying to figure out if I should even bother applying. I am currently a Junior in a pretty good state school. Major: Psychology, Overall GPA: 3.21---dont know what my Science GPA is but here is what I have gotten so far (brace yourself)

Should I apply this cycle?
Should I apply at all?
Should I do a Master's program, will it help?
Click to expand...

Fortunately, most schools look at more that just the numbers. Your numbers don't appear to be bad enough for immediate rejection, but you need some strong other areas. Shadowing, volunteering, clinical experience, MCAT, and good reasons (PS) for wanting to go to medical school. Make up for your grades in those areas, and good luck.
So the answers to your questions: yes, yes, yes (and get good grades!)
 
niranjan162 said:
all of this is moot without the MCAT, you cant apply without it and no one can tell you anything about your chances (realistically) without it. Also have you done any shadowing?
Click to expand...


I agree you should just do good for your last year and nail the MCAT. Get some shadowing and volunteering in, don't stress it too much you can make it.
 
Seems to me you arent confused about life at all, if you always wanted to be a doctor then dont let anything get in your way. Seems a little cliche but its true, you wont regret it later.

Im in a similar situation as and heres the advice ive been given, take the mcat try and do as well as you can. If you can get a mid to high 20's or even 30+ grade then you should be fine if you apply broadly to DO schools.

At least you know you want to be a doctor, im still undecided between DO and PT....
if i do PT, dont know how to convince myself that spending 3 years in PT school (plus debt) so i can have the exact same or lower salary if i graduate as an engineer is cost effective... if it wasnt for the debt i would do it in a heartbeat.
 
MrNew said:
So based on that I calculated my GPA and it comes out to 2.8 GPA. I have two options, take the pre-reqs and MCAT and if the GPA is not above 3.1 which it won't be even if I took 50 hour credit with 4.0 straight it still won't go up and after wards enroll in MA of Bio Arts for pre-med at Midwestern.

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

thanks

Merc
Click to expand...

Of course, whether or not it is worth it is totally up to you and want you are willing to do to accomplish this goal.

One of the benefits of the DO is that you can retake a class that you've done really poorly and that would be substituted...it may take some time to repair a poor past, but it is doable. Of course, you will definitely want to make sure you have a good showing on the MCAT, and make sure that your other application materials are in place (ECs, clinical exposure, good LORs, shadowing a DO, etc.).

Good luck!:luck:
 
Piriformis said:
Seems to me you arent confused about life at all, if you always wanted to be a doctor then dont let anything get in your way. Seems a little cliche but its true, you wont regret it later.

Im in a similar situation as and heres the advice ive been given, take the mcat try and do as well as you can. If you can get a mid to high 20's or even 30+ grade then you should be fine if you apply broadly to DO schools.

At least you know you want to be a doctor, im still undecided between DO and PT....
if i do PT, dont know how to convince myself that spending 3 years in PT school (plus debt) so i can have the exact same or lower salary if i graduate as an engineer is cost effective... if it wasnt for the debt i would do it in a heartbeat.
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Forget about the debt and do what makes you happy. If you do what you love, the money part will work itself out. I know it sounds cliche...............I guess don't forget about it. Be responsible. But, it can be manageable, otherwise no one would do it.
 
gatewasani said:
Ok so Ive always wanted to be a doctor and unfortunately college hasn't been took kind to me, so I pretty feel like I have 0% shot and am trying to figure out if I should even bother applying. I am currently a Junior in a pretty good state school. Major: Psychology, Overall GPA: 3.21---dont know what my Science GPA is but here is what I have gotten so far (brace yourself)

Gen Chem 1: B (Community College)
Gen Chem 2: C
Gen Chem lab: C+
Bio 1: C (after retaking it, actually did better the first time but had made it Credit/No-credit the first time because didnt know why I was taking it.)
Bio 1 lab: A-
Bio 2: B
Bio 2 lab: A
-PS both bio classes are 100 level)

Physics 1: C
Physics 2: A (Community College)

Organic Chem: about to take final, expecting a B in the class
Oranic lab: B

Still need to take Orgo 2 or Biochemistry,

Well, thats where I'm at, I have some research and what I think are some decent L.O.R's

still need to take the MCAT...

Should I apply this cycle?
Should I apply at all?
Should I do a Master's program, will it help?
Click to expand...

People have been overall supportive of your case. After I first read your thread, I thought people might get harsh............

I would start by asking yourself honestly why you are grades are what they are? Was it distraction, or were you just not ready to put in the work you needed to in order to get As? If it was just a young thing, or had the desire, but not the work ethic, that is understandable. What you need to show is a forward progression (later grades better than earlier grades). If you are getting a B or higher in OCHEM that is good.

As far as everyone else is saying, I agree. Put some heavy study time into the MCAT. This will help you most. Additionally, never underestimate the power of networking, shadowing, volunteering and LORs. A side benefit to some of the hands on stuff may help motivate you to do better in your classes.

By the way, my stats were similar to yours. I had to reapply, but it was because of the MCAT. So, I speak from experience.

You can do it................best of luck.
 
~3.5 gpa, 35O MCAT
DO letter, shadowing, various clinical experience, ECs


I'm from CA and i have touro and Western down so far.
any suggestions on where i'd be competitive/should apply would be greatly appreciated 🙂 Thanks!
 
thank you rollo, i will be applying. i knew about taking the recent grade btw and thats another reason im down for the DO option. thank you very much
 
if you want to specialized, is it a bad idea to go to one of the schools known for putting out tons of primary care docs? Or does it not matter?


Also, is an applicant consider a non-trad if they are a re-applicant? If so, what sorts of things should I do with my application or do I need to change anything at all?
 
Hi Everyone,

My GPA is above the averages for all of the DO schools, but my GPA is below average for all of them. Where do you think I should apply with:
-3.24 cumulative GPA (~3.2 science)
- 32N MCAT
- 240 hours interning/volunteering in hospital
- 60 hours leadership experience from above internship
- 300+ hours MA at pediatricians office
- some other ECs on campus

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
 
Yes, apply.


Good luck but you won't need it 🙂
 
katiesb said:
Hi Everyone,

My GPA is above the averages for all of the DO schools, but my GPA is below average for all of them. Where do you think I should apply with:
-3.24 cumulative GPA (~3.2 science)
- 32N MCAT
- 240 hours interning/volunteering in hospital
- 60 hours leadership experience from above internship
- 300+ hours MA at pediatricians office
- some other ECs on campus

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

Please see this post,

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=8135665&postcount=34

Everything I said in there applies to EVERYONE applying this year.

Your MCAT is great, hopefully every section is above a 7, if not then you should find out which schools screen out if you scored below a 7. Other than that just apply to every location you can see yourself living in. As I said in my post above, now is not the best time to limit yourself. If you pick 6 schools that should be plenty. Also don't pick them because of their reputation on SDN. This place terribly overrates the original 4 (KCOM, PCOM, CCOM, DMU) (I think those are the original 4?). [People don't flame me for saying this, they have great programs I'm just saying people seem to be too focused on them]. Anyways just pick the one that is the best fit for you after you go on interviews. Success in med school is largely based on YOU, so you're likely to do the best at the school that fits you.

Good luck!
 
Thomas Hearns said:
if you want to specialized, is it a bad idea to go to one of the schools known for putting out tons of primary care docs? Or does it not matter?


Also, is an applicant consider a non-trad if they are a re-applicant? If so, what sorts of things should I do with my application or do I need to change anything at all?
Click to expand...

It doesn't matter. Take MSU-COM for example, they are rated very highly in primary care and a significant number of their class goes into PPC. However, at the same time there are more AOA specialty residencies in Michigan than almost anywhere else (except maybe Ohio but I'm not doing the math). So I'd say that anyone going to MSU-COM has a very slight leg up getting into these residencies since their professors might be more familiar with the programs. That being said a good audition rotation will outweigh any familiarity benefit. Point is that med school is what you make it. (I'm not there yet but I've read a TON of stuff on this website over the last 2 years).

From what I gather, if you are a re-applicant you need to change up your personal statements for starters and then also focus on how you have improved/grown as a person in the last year in addition to what you demonstrated before. Don't make it into like you had some sort of revelation from a deity but just demonstrate that you are still progressing towards your goal.
 
TeamZissou said:
Please see this post,

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=8135665&postcount=34

Everything I said in there applies to EVERYONE applying this year.

Your MCAT is great, hopefully every section is above a 7, if not then you should find out which schools screen out if you scored below a 7. Other than that just apply to every location you can see yourself living in. As I said in my post above, now is not the best time to limit yourself. If you pick 6 schools that should be plenty. Also don't pick them because of their reputation on SDN. This place terribly overrates the original 4 (KCOM, PCOM, CCOM, DMU) (I think those are the original 4?). [People don't flame me for saying this, they have great programs I'm just saying people seem to be too focused on them]. Anyways just pick the one that is the best fit for you after you go on interviews. Success in med school is largely based on YOU, so you're likely to do the best at the school that fits you.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks! That was basically going to be my approach, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't wrongly assuming my MCAT makes up for my GPA. (btw the distribution is 11BS, 9PS, 12VR)
 
I was expecting to get blasted too,

why have my grades been so low?

well, I have to attribute that to me, being dumb and not prepared at all for college, I dont really have a reason, nothing traumatic happened to me, I just didnt study enough...
that said...

Should I apply this cycle, even though I probably won't take the MCAT until mid-august, at the earliest?

or should I hold off on applying and do a SMP.

I am graduating next semester so I really have to start figuring things out soon.
 
gatewasani said:
I was expecting to get blasted too,

why have my grades been so low?

well, I have to attribute that to me, being dumb and not prepared at all for college, I dont really have a reason, nothing traumatic happened to me, I just didnt study enough...
that said...

Should I apply this cycle, even though I probably won't take the MCAT until mid-august, at the earliest?

or should I hold off on applying and do a SMP.

I am graduating next semester so I really have to start figuring things out soon.
Click to expand...

Well you never mentioned the non-number side of your application. Do you have a good amount of EC, clinical hours, shadowing, ect? A strong showing in this area can overcome GPA esp if you get of 27 on MCAT.

I agree that you need to make a plan very soon and carry it out. I mean AACOMAS is open already so some have already sent in their app to be verified (takes 4-6 weeks) and everyone's advice on here is that you need to apply EARLY.

I don't want to be the person to get 'harsh' with you, but this is your life so YOU need to make the decision to go for it or do the SMP. Good luck!
 
gatewasani said:
I was expecting to get blasted too,

why have my grades been so low?

well, I have to attribute that to me, being dumb and not prepared at all for college, I dont really have a reason, nothing traumatic happened to me, I just didnt study enough...
that said...

Should I apply this cycle, even though I probably won't take the MCAT until mid-august, at the earliest?

or should I hold off on applying and do a SMP.

I am graduating next semester so I really have to start figuring things out soon.
Click to expand...


(GPA calculated assuming your lab classes have the same amount of credits as your regular classes)

Your overall GPA being 3.21, and your science GPA is around 2.9 - with MCAT pending in August (and history of repeating science classes) - I would hold off on applying this year.

Med school admission is competitve, and there will be plenty of applicants with better GPAs than you. And your application will be delayed while you wait for your MCAT scores.

Unless you are in a state that is very supportive of its instate applicants, you will be at a disadvantage for MD schools. You are also at a disadvantage for DO schools.

For the 2008 Osteopathic APPLICANTS, the average total GPA was 3.39 (SD 0.33) with science GPA of 3.24 (SD 0.44).

For the 2008 Allopathic APPLICANTS, the average total GPA was 3.50 (SD 0.35) with science GPA of 3.40 (SD 0.44)

If you were to apply this cycle, you will be applying with a low GPA, an unknown MCAT score, with no clear trends on your science grades. If you were to hold off on applying, take and do well in Orgo 2, and take some upper science classes (and get As in them) - your undergrad GPA and science GPA will put you in a better position to apply next year (the grades from SMP won't be available for adcom to see if you were to apply early in the next cycle.

You want all your ducks in a row before you pull the trigger. Should you apply this year, you will be going against the odds, and if you do not succeed, then you will be facing medical school admission as a re-applicant (which is a tougher position to be in than a first-time applicant)


Source: http://www.aacom.org/about/fastfacts/Documents/FF-2008ApplicantsProfile.pdf

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2008/2008mcatgpa.htm
 
beckhunter116 said:
Well you never mentioned the non-number side of your application. Do you have a good amount of EC, clinical hours, shadowing, ect? A strong showing in this area can overcome GPA esp if you get of 27 on MCAT.
Click to expand...


Unless the healthcare experience is significant (physician assistant, army medic, nurse) - don't expect a strong EC and shadowing to overcome a low GPA and low MCAT score (seriously, a 27 isn't that impressive). A lot of applicants will have "strong" LORs, some ECs, and shadowing - unless your healthcare experience is unique compare to the applicant pool, don't expect it to help you that much (although it can hurt you if there is a lack of experience/exposure on your part)
 
Here is my situation. I just graduated with degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. I applied last year only through amcas, however, one of the the two doctors I shadowed were a DO. This year I want to expand my chances so I am retaking the MCAT at the end of May, previous score was 8PS/6VR/7BS. My GPA is about a 3.75 and my science GPA should be a 3.7 or higher. I have a lot of research, volunteering, and shadowing. Also leadership and involvement in other extracurriculars. When should I apply to AACOMAS, should I fill it out now or wait until I get my score back. With my stats, could I get into any school? It doesnt matter to me whether I have an MD or DO at the end of my name, I just want to be a physician. Sorry for the long.
 
travoltage said:
Here is my situation. I just graduated with degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. I applied last year only through amcas, however, one of the the two doctors I shadowed were a DO. This year I want to expand my chances so I am retaking the MCAT at the end of May, previous score was 8PS/6VR/7BS. My GPA is about a 3.75 and my science GPA should be a 3.7 or higher. I have a lot of research, volunteering, and shadowing. Also leadership and involvement in other extracurriculars. When should I apply to AACOMAS, should I fill it out now or wait until I get my score back. With my stats, could I get into any school? It doesnt matter to me whether I have an MD or DO at the end of my name, I just want to be a physician. Sorry for the long.
Click to expand...

Retake the MCAT!!!! That is all that is holding you back. Esp the 6 in VR, is english your second language? Get over a 25 (for DO schools) and apply broadly, you should get good results!
 
Yeah, definitely improve your MCAT. If you've taken in May, the result should be out soon. There two way you can do this. One is prepare all section of the AACOMAS, fill out as much as you can. Mail in the transcript as it takes time to verify. Then once score is out, bam, sumbit. Or you can simply submit first indicating you are taking one, and update the newest score in AACOMAS after. But as previously stated, sounds like you'll have no problem with DO schools with 26+MCAT and should not be a problem too for MDs if has at least 29+MCAT 🙂 Well verbal is definitely something to care for, while DOs has larger range and forgiven on lower verbal, a 7 should be min to be more safe. While for MDs, even 8 could be too low.
 
I would agree, I have always thought to myself that ECs is important but only if it does not affect your grade. Sadly, when it comes down to it, the schools will separate ppl out base on grades FIRST. EC, LoR, shadowing, etc, only comes in handy if both you and another person has similar grades.

I'm not as optimistic as others on the suggestions. I mean I do feel taken aback to learn that there isn't really any particular reasoning that you got what you got for those courses... Med is competitive as ppl stated, and you will definitely need to pick yourself if you are seriously about this. If this is what you want to do, then put some effort into it. I wouldn't even bother apply this cycle. Do another year, re-do some of the courses, pull up the gpas, and do some senior lvl courses that shows upward trend. Ace your MCAT. Then we'll talk.

SMP is good idea typically for ppl with low gpas but "higher" mcat scores. It can be consider if you have at least a 27+ MCAT.
 
Have you got a way to donate a good sum of money to your preferred medical school? lol. Wish I did. 🙄
 
Hi everyone, here are my stats:
-3.33 overall gpa, science is 3.34
-about 40 hours hospital volunteer(just started), I do the usual pushing patients and transporting samples
-Operating room clean up crew, also got some chances to see pretty cool surgeries
-President for habitat for humanity club
-And some other random EC's that aren't academically or medically related
-Infectious Disease Research for a year

I was wondering what I'm lacking to get into a school like Western? I know for MCAT the motto is score as high as possible, but in you guys' opinion, what would I have to score to be competitive, 32+? Are my EC's good enough if I continue them throughout next year?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: I plan on raising my gpa to at least mid 3.4's, possibly breaking plane of 3.5
 
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So I just found out earlier today that I earned a C in Physics I. This is the first C I've made so far in college (I'll be a senior next year). Is this going to screw my chances of getting accepted to an Osteopathic medical school? I would REALLY rather not re-take the class since only one professor teaches it at my school and the tests are comprised of only 3 questions each (i.e., if you miss one of them...you know the rest).

My GPA is a 3.61, and my grades for other classes I took last semester are: A (4 credit course), B (4 credit course), A (3 credit course), and a B (1 credit lab). I'm assuming that my "new" GPA will be ~3.56-3.59.

Could I still score an acceptance to a DO school without re-taking this class? I haven't taken the MCAT yet. Won't it look bad to have the lone C on my transcript be for a pre-requisite class?

I really want to go to PCOM-GA if it matters.
 
From what I have read on SDN, one C isn't going to break you. You have a pretty decent GPA for osteopathic schools. Just be prepared to explain why you got the C. Also, make sure to do good on Physics 2, and on the PS section of the MCAT.
 
One "C", even in a pre-req, will not break you. I speak from firsthand knowledge... I had an old "C" in Gen. Physics II and got in everywhere I applied this year. I wasn't even asked about it in a single interview. I did have a strong MCAT, though, so maybe that compensated somewhat.
 
Ok, thanks for all your advice,

here is what I can't really decide on,
I am graduating in the fall so...
Should I retake my pre-reqs at another college (I am not going to be able to remain at my current institution after graduation) so I would have to re-take the pre-reqs at a different university in the Spring/Summer

or should I apply to SMP's?

Here is my understanding of the two...
Pros to retaking pre-reqs..

-DO's will take the higher of the two grades
-I will be able to apply next cycle

Cons
-I will not be elegible for FInancial Aid and this would get very expensive...very fast (probably not something I could afford)
-may look badly, because I will be retaking the classes at a different school (like I said earlier, my current situation, requires that I graduate next semster)

SMP
Pros
-program geared toward helping me get into med school
-will be elegible for Financial Aid
Cons
-Probably wouldnt be ready to apply for another 2 years so not entering med school until 2012, at the earliest...


All advice is welcome
 
You're fine, chill. I had 4 f's....not in physics, but still.
 
LastPolarBear said:
Hi everyone, here are my stats:
-3.33 overall gpa, science is 3.34
-about 40 hours hospital volunteer(just started), I do the usual pushing patients and transporting samples
-Operating room clean up crew, also got some chances to see pretty cool surgeries
-President for habitat for humanity club
-And some other random EC's that aren't academically or medically related

I was wondering what I'm lacking to get into a school like Western? I know for MCAT the motto is score as high as possible, but in you guys' opinion, what would I have to score to be competitive, 32+? Are my EC's good enough if I continue them throughout next year?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: I plan on raising my gpa to at least mid 3.4's, possibly breaking plane of 3.5
Click to expand...

Yeah your plan about your gpa is good. Obviously for Med, the higher MCAT the better. With a 32+ you can prob try out MDs. For Western D.O, in my opinion, a 29 would've been safe. Make sure your verbal is not too low.
 
gatewasani said:
Ok, thanks for all your advice,

here is what I can't really decide on,
I am graduating in the fall so...
Should I retake my pre-reqs at another college (I am not going to be able to remain at my current institution after graduation) so I would have to re-take the pre-reqs at a different university in the Spring/Summer

or should I apply to SMP's?

Here is my understanding of the two...
Pros to retaking pre-reqs..

-DO's will take the higher of the two grades
-I will be able to apply next cycle

Cons
-I will not be elegible for FInancial Aid and this would get very expensive...very fast (probably not something I could afford)
-may look badly, because I will be retaking the classes at a different school (like I said earlier, my current situation, requires that I graduate next semster)

SMP
Pros
-program geared toward helping me get into med school
-will be elegible for Financial Aid
Cons
-Probably wouldnt be ready to apply for another 2 years so not entering med school until 2012, at the earliest...


All advice is welcome
Click to expand...

Well, re-taking courses in different institute will not look that bad, if you manage to pull an excellent grade in it. I personally repeated an inorg chem in another Univeristy. No big deal. If financial is a big problem for you, then I guess you've already made your decision (SMP). Other than that, there is not much more we can give you until you provided us with a solid MCAT score.
 
I'm gonna say 30+ on the MCAT and a LOT more volunteering. Research would help as well.
 
Even if that institution was significantly less prestigious?
 
gatewasani said:
Ok, thanks for all your advice,

here is what I can't really decide on,
I am graduating in the fall so...
Should I retake my pre-reqs at another college (I am not going to be able to remain at my current institution after graduation) so I would have to re-take the pre-reqs at a different university in the Spring/Summer

or should I apply to SMP's?

Here is my understanding of the two...
Pros to retaking pre-reqs..

-DO's will take the higher of the two grades
-I will be able to apply next cycle

Cons
-I will not be elegible for FInancial Aid and this would get very expensive...very fast (probably not something I could afford)
-may look badly, because I will be retaking the classes at a different school (like I said earlier, my current situation, requires that I graduate next semster)

SMP
Pros
-program geared toward helping me get into med school
-will be elegible for Financial Aid
Cons
-Probably wouldnt be ready to apply for another 2 years so not entering med school until 2012, at the earliest...


All advice is welcome
Click to expand...


The prestige of a university doesn't matter. Physics is physics no matter where you go. I happen to know for a fact that many of the prestigious universities have ****ty programs. I wouldn't worry.

I would retake a semester or a semester and a summer only. Do only what you can afford. I would retake the classes that you think you can get a better grade in. Perhaps the lower level ones. You could even consider these classes as a review for the MCAT. I might even recommend studying for the MCAT while you're taking the classes. I would really beef up your MCAT score. Take it in January if you can. Right after you have retaken a few of your classes then everything is fresh. Near the end of the month is when i recommend most or beginning of feb. So you have a few more weeks to concentrate just on MCAT study. Really rock your MCAT.

Don't apply this go around, you're not ready. Don't apply until you are ready. Extra time gives you more time to shadow and volunteer.

But if you can make B's or A's in all of the retaken classes, I know that you will have a good shot.

You could even make it your personal statement if it bothers you that much. About your personal growth and struggle through your classes, about being unprepared and pushing yourself to do it again. They like that kind of personal growth. But i wouldn't worry.

DO what you can now to enhance your application as best as possible.
If you want to know more details, more information about schools, and more advice tailored to your specific situation, PM me.

and good luck.
 
EricH said:
I'm gonna say 30+ on the MCAT and a LOT more volunteering. Research would help as well.
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Thanks for the input. I'm definitely going to do more volunteer work, hopefully get 200+ hours by next year's application time.

I forgot to mention, I've been doing infectious disease research for about a year now, and a pub may be on the way, though it's not for sure yet.
 
Hi guys,

I am new to this forum and I just wanted to get input about my stats. I graduated with a biochem degree and my GPA is 3.7. My mcats are horrible. The first mcat was 21 with an 8 Physical sciences, 7 Bio, and 6 in verbal. The second time i took the mcat was this past month, April, and got a 24 with a 5 in verbal, 10 Bio, and 9 in the physical sciences. I am really devastated/ concerned about my drop in verbal and I know that a 5 is not good enough to even apply. I know I have to take the mcat again but am worried to take it three times. I probably won't take it this year but next so that I can find a way to get my verbal scores up. I really don't know if I should take a chance and go ahead and apply this year. What do you guys think.
 
I actually got a question since you guys finished physics and all. Should I keep my pre-cal book or sell it. The only reason I ask is because some people say that you might need the equations and all, like tan, sin, cos etc. So keep or sell it? I'm not sure if the physics book has forumlas.
 
I do not know what to do. I applied to D.O. school twice and have not been accepted anywhere. I received no interviews this year and one last year.

I spoke to a few schools and my only weakness is my MCAT scores. I took the MCAT 3 times and just do not feel I can take it again. It is definitely a time issue for me.

I am a non-traditional student and about ready to give up. My heart is truly into osteopathic medicine and I know I would make a great doctor if given the chance. I also have tons of experience working in healthcare.

Are there any other options for me? I have been told that taking more classes or getting a masters is not going to help me. Are there any programs I can apply to that when completed sucessfully you will be admitted to D.O. school?
 
Mohammed1989 said:
I actually got a question since you guys finished physics and all. Should I keep my pre-cal book or sell it. The only reason I ask is because some people say that you might need the equations and all, like tan, sin, cos etc. So keep or sell it? I'm not sure if the physics book has forumlas.
Click to expand...


Sell.
 
Mohammed1989 said:
I actually got a question since you guys finished physics and all. Should I keep my pre-cal book or sell it. The only reason I ask is because some people say that you might need the equations and all, like tan, sin, cos etc. So keep or sell it? I'm not sure if the physics book has forumlas.
Click to expand...

Only keep it, if you are planning on using it exclusively as your MCAT prep (which is probably a bad idea actually). I would sell and get prep materials.
 
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