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Many MD schools will tell you that they don't have any minimum acceptable score.

Not officially, but any subsection score below 8 will be viewed with suspicion. Just check the MSAR and you'll see that at a lot of MD schools, 8 is the bottom 10th percentile. Numbers lower than that are generated by people with other exceptional capabilities.
 
So i just got my scores for my re-take and i got a 26R/ VR=6, PS=10, BS=10

While this score isnt HORRIBLE...its a re-take and i got a 25Q on my first one. That means i ONLY improved by one points. Also, to make things worse, i went down in VR from an 8 to a 6.
(1st mcat was BS=9, PS=8, VR=8)

I really have my heart set on CCOM, and was wondering if i even have a shot. I have heard many schools screen and anything below a 7 won't cut it. I do NOT want to retake again, in fear of decreasing in sciences.

My gpa is 3.77 with a 3.86 sci-gpa. Am i completely out of the picture?? I am so devestated about that 6 🙁 🙁
If you have strong extracurriculars, letters of reference, etc, then try. If you fail, you fail. If you get accepted, the slate is clean and the MCAT means nothing. If your heart is truly set on CCOM, make sure you let them know that in a sincere way.

If you're still lacking some of the shadowing, ECs, and LORs, then you might want to practice practice practice and try the MCAT again.
 
So i just got my scores for my re-take and i got a 26R/ VR=6, PS=10, BS=10

While this score isnt HORRIBLE...its a re-take and i got a 25Q on my first one. That means i ONLY improved by one points. Also, to make things worse, i went down in VR from an 8 to a 6.
(1st mcat was BS=9, PS=8, VR=8)

I really have my heart set on CCOM, and was wondering if i even have a shot. I have heard many schools screen and anything below a 7 won't cut it. I do NOT want to retake again, in fear of decreasing in sciences.

My gpa is 3.77 with a 3.86 sci-gpa. Am i completely out of the picture?? I am so devestated about that 6 🙁 🙁

I don't know about CCOM particularly, but I know plenty of people who got into various schools with 25/26s. You are not screwed by any means. If it was an 18/19, then yah, but not with 25/26.
 
So I was playing with a GPA calculator made by one of the talented members of this forum (thank you!), and I found the following out.

cumulative GPA: 3.41
science GPA: 3.20
non-sci GPA: 3.91

Now, granted, I'm sure the Excel sheet isn't perfect in its calculations. And I expected a difference to be significant between the sci and non-sci GPAs,but this is CRAZY! I wish my sci GPA was as near-perfect as my non-sci GPA (I am a double major, biological sciences & history).

Would that difference hurt me in the long run? What if they look at my GPA and think I'm not cut out for the work in the sciences?

Also: what kind of MCAT score should I aim for?
 
just got my mcat back today. 24Q. I'm pretty not thrilled about that.

What do you think my chances are? 24Q...3.46 gpa...2.9 sgpa (ouch)............. I'm basically screwed right?
My EC's are kinda normal (I posted them earlier)

Hmm, are you talking about this cycle? It will be uphill, but you are certainly not screwed if you ship it out as soon as AACOMAS opens. That said, your stuff should be pretty much ready to go as of this week.

I would not consider a retake for this cycle unless you believe you can identify what went wrong and grind out a solid month to retake in July. August is still pretty early, so consider this as an option.

Ill try to keep it short because my story is pretty long.

Non trad Student 29 yo

non sci GPA: 3.3 SCI GPA: 3.83 OVERALL: 3.58

basic science courses were taken over simply because of the amount of time that had lapsed when I took a break from college. I basically had to relearn everything again, the grades replaced were Cs and Bs. Upper division science and non science classes were all A's from my last 3 years.

MCAT: bad part

april 08 10P/8V/10B Q 28Q
sept 08 8P/6V/9B Q 23Q
april 09 11P/6V/10B R 27R

I want to take the MCAT again but i was advised not to.

I have several pubs with a top university in clinically applied diagnostic technologies which focus' on prostate and breast cancer. I have exposure to patients as I work with them through my work. I am also an activist and intern for a public health and preventative care organization which is one of the few thats supported by the NIH. I have a long history of family sickness and death which has put me on the other side of medicine too. Also I have stellar LORs.

So, what are my chances folks? Im really interested in WESTERN/COMP and TOURO. I know my 6 in verbal is a red flag but Im at a complete loss when it comes to how admission committees will evaluate my series of tests. I dont think taking the test a 4th time would be prudent in my case, so I guess all i can really do now is to ask for some advice.

I don't think your 28 is bad, nor is your GPA. Your ECs look good too, so there's nothing to worry about for Western or TouroCA if you apply June/July. You're in good shape, so let us know how it goes.

EDIT - Added this:

So I was playing with a GPA calculator made by one of the talented members of this forum (thank you!), and I found the following out.

cumulative GPA: 3.41
science GPA: 3.20
non-sci GPA: 3.91

Now, granted, I'm sure the Excel sheet isn't perfect in its calculations. And I expected a difference to be significant between the sci and non-sci GPAs,but this is CRAZY! I wish my sci GPA was as near-perfect as my non-sci GPA (I am a double major, biological sciences & history).

Would that difference hurt me in the long run? What if they look at my GPA and think I'm not cut out for the work in the sciences?

Also: what kind of MCAT score should I aim for?

The difference won't be the focus of the adcoms, I don't think. It'll just be the baseline. From how I see it, they just care about sGPA and cGPA. Anyhow, I don't really know what to tell you because really, you should just test as high as you possibly can. I don't get it when people ask for or suggest an MCAT to aim for. If you really want one, just get anywhere around a 30 and you'll be okay, assuming your ECs/shadowing are all lined up and nice.
 
I don't know about CCOM particularly, but I know plenty of people who got into various schools with 25/26s. You are not screwed by any means. If it was an 18/19, then yah, but not with 25/26.

I agree with this. My MCAT score is a 25 and I am going to PCOM-Philly. You will be fine, your high GPA will offset this MCAT. I had a 3.88/3.86 GPA.

However, I did get rejected outright by CCOM without an interview. It would have been my second choice after PCOM. Glad I got in there. But don't think you won't have a shot with that MCAT score.
 
Thanks for the bode of confidence flushot. Anyone else think that beginning with an 8 (4/2008) and ending with a 6(4/2009) on VR will be an extreme obstacle to get over for me? I mean come on, I know schools dont gravitate to the WR section, by no means am I suggesting im a wordsmith or english god but I got an R which means I have some ability with verbal and reasoning.

No problem.

From my understanding, most schools tend to focus on your highest score. Some schools take the newest one and some average (this includes MD schools so I'm not sure about just DO) so if you're really worried, give admissions a ring and they'll be happy to tell you administratively how they look at it.

You're right about the schools not caring too much about WR, but VR is still important. Right you, you stand with an 8 in VR so I wouldn't sweat but a 6 in any section is difficult to work with, and VR is certainly no exception. It's also the hardest section to improve in the shortest amount of time, so I think it is the most special of the three sections.

Again, you're sitting pretty from what I see. Get those apps out early and check with schools for specifics. What schools are you particularly interested in?
 
Last time I posted in What are my chances, I put up my overall GPA calculated from my school during the Fall semester of a 2.72 which included 2 Fs, a D and 11 Ws (I retook the Fs and Ds and havent put in the grade forgiveness yet).

Some said that based on my trend, it would be highly unlikely for me to do well on the next semester which included Organic 2, lab, Public health class, First aid and Food safety. I recieved of 3.79 GPA ( 4 As (1 was an A-) and a B+ (0.65% from A-, i emailed, he didnt give it to me!)).

I'm not bragging; I want to show my potential since I have one last question.

I graduate this semester (summer) and I am taking Biochem and a 4000 level physics class and I am wondering with my current GPA (2.8 and sGPA of ~2.99). Should I expect to apply to a SMP or would you think a Adcom would take someone like myself even with my Fs/Ds and Ws?

Having no MCAT makes it hard to assess, but I'd like to reiterate my question:

Even if I did well on the MCAT, would DO schools accept a strange applicant as myself?
 
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Last time I posted in What are my chances, I put up my overall GPA calculated from my school during the Fall semester of a 2.72 which included 2 Fs, a D and 11 Ws (I retook the Fs and Ds and havent put in the grade forgiveness yet).

Some said that based on my trend, it would be highly unlikely for me to do well on the next semester which included Organic 2, lab, Public health class, First aid and Food safety. I recieved of 3.79 GPA ( 4 As (1 was an A-) and a B+ (0.65% from A-, i emailed, he didnt give it to me!)).

I'm not bragging; I want to show my potential since I have one last question.

I graduate this semester (summer) and I am taking Biochem and a 4000 level physics class and I am wondering with my current GPA (2.8 and sGPA of ~2.99). Should I expect to apply to a SMP or would you think a Adcom would take someone like myself even with my Fs/Ds and Ws?

Having no MCAT makes it hard to assess, but I'd like to reiterate my question:

Even if I did well on the MCAT, would DO schools accept a strange applicant as myself?

Your GPA may just be simply to low. You would need to take some of those classes that you got F's and D's over again and then they would be replaced, that should help boost your GPA quite a bit. I would say give yourself another year, retake classes, kill the MCAT, and boost your EC's. I think you would stand a good shot then. :luck:
 
Should I retake the MCAT if I have a GPA =3.69 and MCAT=10PS, 8VR, 11BS if I want to go to PCOM/CCOM/LECOM/Western? I have all the extracurriculars in line.
 
Should I retake the MCAT if I have a GPA =3.69 and MCAT=10PS, 8VR, 11BS if I want to go to PCOM/CCOM/LECOM/Western? I have all the extracurriculars in line.

You're fine. Retaking the MCAT in this situation is risky because if you go down that will be a big negative and for the most part I believe you are at average or above average for those schools.
 
Should I retake the MCAT if I have a GPA =3.69 and MCAT=10PS, 8VR, 11BS if I want to go to PCOM/CCOM/LECOM/Western? I have all the extracurriculars in line.

Sounds like you're fine, don't worry about it.
 
I did retake the courses, i got a C+, C, C.

I'm not expert and I haven't even applied yet but I have seen people pull off getting into a DO school with your GPA and a decent MCAT. If I was in your shoes, I would retake one or two more classes to get my GPA over 3.0 and try my blow the MCAT out of the water. OH and most importantly APPLY EARLY!!!!! Good Luck.
 
so i posted earlier my ec, noone really replied. but i'm currently applying and just found out my sGPA is 2.8, but my cGPA is 3.25
Will my science hurt me a lot? I have A LOT of ECs ( more than 4 years of administrating a 40 bedroom assisted living, shadowed DO, volunteered at clinic as phlebotomist, volunteered at hospital in OR for 5 months, etc...) and I'm shotting for about a 28 + MCAT score.

Do i have a chance at DO schools???? I cannot wait another year =(
I'm shooting for Touro CA and Wester University and Touro Nevada.

INPUTS ANYONE?!?!?!
 
I have over 800 Hours of Volunteer hours and 2 weeks of 6 hour day shadowing that I did during High school. Could I write down those ECs?
 
So i called CCOM and they said that they look at both scores and the overall score from each mcat, rather than sub-sections. So this means i still have a chance with a 6 in VR! The girl i talked to was so nice too. Seems like a great school.

On the other hand, i called loyola and the lady in admissions made me feel like i was inferior 🙁
 
So i called CCOM and they said that they look at both scores and the overall score from each mcat, rather than sub-sections. So this means i still have a chance with a 6 in VR! The girl i talked to was so nice too. Seems like a great school.

On the other hand, i called loyola and the lady in admissions made me feel like i was inferior 🙁

different schools have different standards, especially since one is a MD and other is DO.
 
so i posted earlier my ec, noone really replied. but i'm currently applying and just found out my sGPA is 2.8, but my cGPA is 3.25
Will my science hurt me a lot? I have A LOT of ECs ( more than 4 years of administrating a 40 bedroom assisted living, shadowed DO, volunteered at clinic as phlebotomist, volunteered at hospital in OR for 5 months, etc...) and I'm shotting for about a 28 + MCAT score.

Do i have a chance at DO schools???? I cannot wait another year =(
I'm shooting for Touro CA and Wester University and Touro Nevada.

INPUTS ANYONE?!?!?!

I think you should be fine as long as you get a 28+ on your MCAT (more specifically, you have to do well in the science sections because of your sGPA. I don't think it'll help you much if you get a 7P 14V 7B).

It looks like you have good ECs and hopefully good letters too. However, I think your GPAs are going to prevent you from getting interviews from some schools but many schools will overlook them if you do well on your MCAT. You will get at least one interview with good letters, good ECs, good MCAT, and not so great GPA. My only suggestion would be to apply more broadly.

Good luck with everything! It'll all work out. 🙂
 
Should I retake the MCAT if I have a GPA =3.69 and MCAT=10PS, 8VR, 11BS if I want to go to PCOM/CCOM/LECOM/Western? I have all the extracurriculars in line.
My GPA was a little lower than yours (look at my MDApps) and I had the same MCAT, although a bit more balanced. I didn't apply to Western (because I couldn't justify moving to California) but did apply to the three other schools you listed. I was offered interviews at them, attending LECOM and PCOM with acceptances to both schools. I say you have a great chance!
 
I have over 800 Hours of Volunteer hours and 2 weeks of 6 hour day shadowing that I did during High school. Could I write down those ECs?

Technically you should only be mentioning ECs that you have done during your college years.
 
So I know that this MCAT score is going to KILL me, but I'm applying either way and am not going to retake until next year (I honestly don't have time again - work, summer classes, research, volunteering). So what are my chances for DO this year?

Florida resident
MCAT - 8 verbal - 9 physical - and a horrid 6 bio = 23P
GPA - 3.87 with BCPM 3.7 and non-science 4.0

I am an anthropology minor which I'm hoping will complement the DO approach. I have shadowed a number of physicians including an oncologist, nephrologist, and an ophthalmologist that I currently work for. I am currently involved in cardiovascular research in the college of medicine at the University of South Florida. I have also worked in an optometrists office prior to the ophthalmologist. I have a good amount of volunteer experience, clinical and non-clinical. Not a lot of acitivty in academic clubs on campus, more social. I have held jobs most of my college career. I am applying to the instate DO schools NOVA and LECOM (Bradenton) but wasn't sure which out of states would be my best option.

What do you think? Any input/advice would be great.
 
So I know that this MCAT score is going to KILL me, but I'm applying either way and am not going to retake until next year (I honestly don't have time again - work, summer classes, research, volunteering). So what are my chances for DO this year?

Florida resident
MCAT - 8 verbal - 9 physical - and a horrid 6 bio = 23P
GPA - 3.87 with BCPM 3.7 and non-science 4.0

I am an anthropology minor which I'm hoping will complement the DO approach. I have shadowed a number of physicians including an oncologist, nephrologist, and an ophthalmologist that I currently work for. I am currently involved in cardiovascular research in the college of medicine at the University of South Florida. I have also worked in an optometrists office prior to the ophthalmologist. I have a good amount of volunteer experience, clinical and non-clinical. Not a lot of acitivty in academic clubs on campus, more social. I have held jobs most of my college career. I am applying to the instate DO schools NOVA and LECOM (Bradenton) but wasn't sure which out of states would be my best option.

What do you think? Any input/advice would be great.

I know the 3 Touro schools only require a 23 MCAT. I would definitely apply to all of them if I were you.
 
Well I finished my 1st year of podiatry school and I am now heavily considering my options of medical school. So here my stats/info.
- I am a Wisconsin resident
- I go to DMU podiatry school
-podiatry and DO programs are identical their 1st year, thus being all the same classes. The only class we didn’t take together was OMM.
- Ended first year at 3.72gpa, class rank is not out yet, but I was ranked 6/59 last semesters with a 3.74gpa.
-Undergrad- graduated with 3.2gpa and MCAT 21
- had 4yrs of outpatient PT experience as a PT aide
-part of several campus clubs during undergrad

Now I would be considering only DO schools due to my large exposure while at DMU. But with my 1st year being totally integrated with the DO program, I feel I have fully proven myself at a higher education institution, especially a DO curriculum. Untimely I don’t want to take the MCAT over again especially when I proved myself with this past year. These are the schools I would like to apply to.
-West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
-Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
-Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine

These are a thought
-Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University
-West Virginia University School of Medicine


So honestly what are my chances at this point and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
I recently got accepted to VCOM's post-bac program and St. Matthew's University School of Medicine in Grand Cayman. My problem is trying to decide which one to choose. Supposedly I would be granted a seat for VCOM 2014 if I have a 3.5 GPA in their post-bac program. They also mentioned wanting me to re-take the MCAT for a few points higher before they would grant me acceptance into their medical school. (kinda fishy) I've always been interested in dermatology, which I know is competitive, and I feel like it would be more attainable through a DO school vs. Caribbean MD. I need help deciding between the 'wild card' which is the Caribbean or the 'safe card' which is VCOM's post-bac program. Advice???
 
hi everyone,

i just wanted to post my info to see if i would be a competitive for DO schools.

I have a science gpa: 3.65 and a cumulative gpa: 3.64
my mcat scores are:
First time i took it i got: PHY: 8 BIO: 9 and Verbal: 8 writing N
Second time i took it i got: PHY: 9 BIO: 10 Verbal: 9 but my writing score is horrible. I got a M.

I have shadowed a MD in the past for about 40 hrs.
I am currently shadowing a opthamologist. just started.
I have also been in research for the past 2 years and still going strong.
I Volunteered at a hospital for about 100 hrs and at a memorial home for about 100.
I worked as a sat tutor and am also currently working as a assistant for a computer consultancy company.

The main problem for me is that the majority of voluntary work has been in the past (2005-2006). The only extracurricular work i have been doing now a days are working and doing research. I also think my writing score is really bad (its in the 25% range). I also can't seem to find a local DO around to shadow.

Good thing is that i am almost done with my primary application. Just need to finish my personal statement.

I really want to go to UMDNJ school of oteopathic medicine. I am also a state resident. I wanted to know if i should retake the mcat or not. Any suggestions to help me improve my application.
 
i've taken three mcat exams. first one i took in 2006 was just to see how i'd do and it was horrible (15-M), luckily it will be expired when i apply for 2010 school year.

my other two have not been good (22-N in Jun 08 and 20-O in mar 09). i signed up for the july 09 mcat test, but feel extremely stressed about not doing significantly better, i wish i didn't take the one in march!

anyway, i'm super nervous about my chances. i have never been good at standardized tests (my SAT was only 1050). however, my gpa has always been on avg 3.7-3.8. i do well in school tests and exams, but for some reason, i'm sucking at taking the mcat (i took the kaplan course and still studying their online material). I feel pretty confident about my EC activities and my gpa, but definitely not my mcat.

so my question is, do i have at least some chances to get into few DO schools with a 22 or 20 mcat score? :scared:

thanks in advance
 
You've studied extensively and still can't pull higher than a 22N? Are you stressing yourself out too much or something? Have you tried Exam Krackers? I too, thought I was a terrible standardized test taker when I got my first MCAT of 19M, however, I used their stuff for about 6 weeks and improved 12 points to 31. Anyway, You may be able to get a DO acceptance with a 22, yes it will hurt, but there is so much more to your application.
 
I would apply to VCOM. My friend is there and he had a 23 with a 3.6
 
People have said that they know of people who were accepted with a 22. Of course, you have an uphill climb with this. What was the breakdown of each score?

Personally, I would call a few of your top choices and see if you can speak with someone in admissions about their min score required and if they have any advice. Obviously, you should be putting as much effort into the July test, but try to incorporate new ways of reviewing the material as the previous methods have not proven successful and take practice test after test so you desensitize yourself to the stress of the test, even if you have already taken that particular test you still should go through the same process. Have you thought of finding a study buddy or group?

Let us know if you talk to some schools what they say.
 
AdemTD
You've studied extensively and still can't pull higher than a 22N? Are you stressing yourself out too much or something? Have you tried Exam Krackers? I too, thought I was a terrible standardized test taker when I got my first MCAT of 19M, however, I used their stuff for about 6 weeks and improved 12 points to 31. Anyway, You may be able to get a DO acceptance with a 22, yes it will hurt, but there is so much more to your application.

Did you get in DO school, AdemTD???

U r my new bestfriend, 'cause I got 19N my first time and trying to study for my August 5 MCAT hoping to get at least 30. did the EK VR help u much??? wat other materials did u use to improve ur VR?
 
bump? 🙂
It's a little hard to answer your question. I've heard of MD schools favoring their own graduates for their residency programs, but that just might be simply because the students got a chance to know faculty better. You'll want to try your hardest to go to a school close to where you want to do residency, or do a rotation at one of the programs you want to attend once in med school (4th year).
 
just got my mcat back today. 24Q. I'm pretty not thrilled about that.

What do you think my chances are? 24Q...3.46 gpa...2.9 sgpa (ouch)............. I'm basically screwed right?
My EC's are kinda normal (I posted them earlier)

Here are my stats:

- GPA/ScGPA: 3.1/2.99 (literally 2.9999 lol)
- MCAT: 23P
- Worked at CVS pharm as a pharm tech 2 summers and winter breaks
- volunteered at a children's hospital for about 10 months
- shadowed a DO anesthesiologist and a general practioner
- worked at Johnson&Johnson for a summer internship (engineering position)
- what i would guess were pretty solid LORs

I am going to WVSOM 🙂 You def still have a shot...put your heart and soul into your apps and follow up on them...that is 100% how i scored my interview at WVSOM...communication and just putting in that extra interest/effort. That stuff counts for something! Good luck!
 
So i posted in this thread way back but now i've narrowed down my list of schools and would appreciate any input.

MSU, AZCOM, CCOM, DMU, KCOM, SOMA, PCOM, TUCOM-CA

here are my stats (my gpa went up this semester yay!)
Major in neuro at UW-Madison with a certificate in classics
cGPA: 3.31
sGPA: 3.23
MCAT: 29O (9,9,11)

2 years research, poster presentation, 2 years volunteering in the ER, VP of my sorority, numerous clubs, summer internship with the state, alternative spring break, study abroad, DO shadowing and lor
 
I would appreciate your thoughts on the following:

Do I stand a chance getting accepted to any of these schools?

1. University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, school of osteopathic medicine
2. Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
3. Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
4. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
5. Touro University California, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
6. Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
7. Dartmouth Medical School (I am from NH)
8. McGill University
9. Touro Univeristy New York

My GPA is 3.82 and sci GPA is 3.80. My MCAT was 24. I majored in biochemistry and Spanish. I have a lot of volunteer work in hospitals in the US and abroad. I have also participated in clinical research and I am currently in Mexico City on a Fulbright scholarship studying how and why women with gestational diabetes adhere to their treatment.
 
I would appreciate your thoughts on the following:

Do I stand a chance getting accepted to any of these schools?

1. University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, school of osteopathic medicine
2. Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
3. Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
4. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
5. Touro University California, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
6. Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
7. Dartmouth Medical School (I am from NH)
8. McGill University
9. Touro Univeristy New York

My GPA is 3.82 and sci GPA is 3.80. My MCAT was 24. I majored in biochemistry and Spanish. I have a lot of volunteer work in hospitals in the US and abroad. I have also participated in clinical research and I am currently in Mexico City on a Fulbright scholarship studying how and why women with gestational diabetes adhere to their treatment.

Bold = little/no chance. The rest of them you look good for, your above average gpa can comp for the low MCAT.

Mcgill seems like a random choice. I'd avoid it because if it was me I'd be partying it up in montreal every day instead of studying.
 
Here are my stats:

- GPA/ScGPA: 3.1/2.99 (literally 2.9999 lol)
- MCAT: 23P
- Worked at CVS pharm as a pharm tech 2 summers and winter breaks
- volunteered at a children's hospital for about 10 months
- shadowed a DO anesthesiologist and a general practioner
- worked at Johnson&Johnson for a summer internship (engineering position)
- what i would guess were pretty solid LORs

I am going to WVSOM 🙂 You def still have a shot...put your heart and soul into your apps and follow up on them...that is 100% how i scored my interview at WVSOM...communication and just putting in that extra interest/effort. That stuff counts for something! Good luck!

That's encouraging...Did you get any Fs or Ds for a 2.99?

I just put in my grade forgiveness and they updated my unofficial transcript and it shows 2.98; after this semester (my graduating semester) I could theoretically get a 3.0+

I worked at Walgreens for 2 years, i didn't think that would work as EC, guess it will.
 
That's encouraging...Did you get any Fs or Ds for a 2.99?

I just put in my grade forgiveness and they updated my unofficial transcript and it shows 2.98; after this semester (my graduating semester) I could theoretically get a 3.0+

I worked at Walgreens for 2 years, i didn't think that would work as EC, guess it will.

I did not get any Fs or Ds, however, I did get at least once C every single semester expcept for one. A lot of my Cs are science classes, though...both orgos, gen chem I, and physics III (engineering physics is 3 levels bc engineering is the worst major ever).

Were you a pharm tech at Walgreens? That's what I did at CVS and I was able to really touch on that in my personal statement. I talked about how the patient/customer interactions at the pharmacy made me realize how much more rewarding making a difference on a more personal level can be...instead of working in a lab doing research for a pharma (my original career intent, hence my biomedical engineering undergrad major).

I feel like, for DO schools especially (and this is entirely my opinion)...they tend to give a little more weight to the non-numerical details: sincerity and uniqueness of your personal statement, LORs, EC's/well-roundedness, demonstration of your dedication and desire to become a DO and work in that school's surrounding community, etc. How does that stuff look for you?
 
I did not get any Fs or Ds, however, I did get at least once C every single semester expcept for one. A lot of my Cs are science classes, though...both orgos, gen chem I, and physics III (engineering physics is 3 levels bc engineering is the worst major ever).

Were you a pharm tech at Walgreens? That's what I did at CVS and I was able to really touch on that in my personal statement. I talked about how the patient/customer interactions at the pharmacy made me realize how much more rewarding making a difference on a more personal level can be...instead of working in a lab doing research for a pharma (my original career intent, hence my biomedical engineering undergrad major).

I feel like, for DO schools especially (and this is entirely my opinion)...they tend to give a little more weight to the non-numerical details: sincerity and uniqueness of your personal statement, LORs, EC's/well-roundedness, demonstration of your dedication and desire to become a DO and work in that school's surrounding community, etc. How does that stuff look for you?

Hey MissDO,

Where did you do your undergrad? Also, you look really Asian in your avatar but I can't really tell. Care to enlighten?

Chudat
 
Hey MissDO,

Where did you do your undergrad? Also, you look really Asian in your avatar but I can't really tell. Care to enlighten?

Chudat

Haha, no I am not Asian. I am Italian...no Asian blood in me whatsoever lol. I went to the University of Miami (in florida)...BME major with a minor in Spanish.
 
Hey MissDO,

Where did you do your undergrad? Also, you look really Asian in your avatar but I can't really tell. Care to enlighten?

Chudat

CHudat shopping for your Asian wife early huh??🙄
 
What are my chances at D.O?

3.74 GPA
26 MCAT
Hispanic

ECs:

Alot of research, no publications though
EMT-B - volunteer at a fire department and also worked as an EMT
Shadowing experience
Hospital volunteer experience
E-board member of clubs at school
 
What are my chances at D.O?

3.74 GPA
26 MCAT
Hispanic

ECs:

Alot of research, no publications though
EMT-B - volunteer at a fire department and also worked as an EMT
Shadowing experience
Hospital volunteer experience
E-board member of clubs at school

hmm...why did you feel like you needed to mention that?
 
Why? Because I am Hispanic?

Can someone please seriously evaluate my chances.

You look solid. Great ECs, GPA above average, MCAT ~ average. You'd definitely get some DO interviews. The rest is up to you.
 
You look solid. Great ECs, GPA above average, MCAT ~ average. You'd definitely get some DO interviews. The rest is up to you.

Thanks...I have my eye on NYCOM at the moment...any idea what their average stats are?

I didn't actually take the MCAT yet but that is my projected score.
 
I was in LA the other weekend and took a look around at Western and loved it down there. Also reading around this forum it seems like a school with clout and I think i would be very comfortable in LA. MSU looks great as does TOURO. All in all, beggars cant be choosers but if I could have my wish it would be Western U (COMP).

Ill definitely keep u updated with everything. Im just making some revisions on my PS and then the app is off. AS far as shadowing a DO, Ive made some arrangements already and it seems like its going to work out just fine. I have shadowing experience from my research insitution, where I actually learn with medical students and residents in training. Hopefully all this will compensate my MCAT.

Yeah, let us know how it goes, for others who will be applying in Fall. I figured it's really slow right now. Your situation is pretty solid so just stick with it.

So I know that this MCAT score is going to KILL me, but I'm applying either way and am not going to retake until next year (I honestly don't have time again - work, summer classes, research, volunteering). So what are my chances for DO this year?

Florida resident
MCAT - 8 verbal - 9 physical - and a horrid 6 bio = 23P
GPA - 3.87 with BCPM 3.7 and non-science 4.0


I am an anthropology minor which I'm hoping will complement the DO approach. I have shadowed a number of physicians including an oncologist, nephrologist, and an ophthalmologist that I currently work for. I am currently involved in cardiovascular research in the college of medicine at the University of South Florida. I have also worked in an optometrists office prior to the ophthalmologist. I have a good amount of volunteer experience, clinical and non-clinical. Not a lot of acitivty in academic clubs on campus, more social. I have held jobs most of my college career. I am applying to the instate DO schools NOVA and LECOM (Bradenton) but wasn't sure which out of states would be my best option.

What do you think? Any input/advice would be great.


I wanted to respond to this because I really want make this point again, even though I feel like I'm beating a dead horse. Your gpa is very good and your experiences are great too, but it pains me greatly to see you work with that MCAT. Maybe you took it with the intention of it being a one time thing, but like I keep saying, this is a mistake.

Please consider changing your plans this summer and retaking it if you really want to make this cycle work. I don't think just shooting your app out there to see what bites will do your undergrad work justice. Consider just applying next year and preparing for a retake, maybe even a third run. MCAT may take a few tries, but you really only want to apply once or twice. It's just too painful, maybe even more than the MCAT, at least to me it is.
 
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