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

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Moving thread to the Pre-Osteopathic Forum


Re-direct link in Osteopathic Forum will be there for 1 week

 

[rc4ch]

I'm kind of new here and don't usually join in, but I can't get a solid answer anywhere else about my numbers and my chances of getting into an osteopathic school. If anyone wants to and could be so kind as to give me some ideas about my chances, I would be grateful.

My Stats
* GPA 3.81
* Science GPA 3.61
* MCAT 24Q
* Bio Major (BYU)
* 100's of hours of undergrad research
* DO shadowing (90%) and MD shadowing (10%)
* Volunteered at a community center for around 5 months and will return
* Other random community service
* Overseas hospital service in Taiwan
* Leadership position in school club
* Own my own computer repair business (which I intend to happily close if accepted to school)

Please no rude comments, if you think I'm dead in the water, just say so without being demeaning - thanks!

-- If my post needs to be moved to the correct place, please do so, like I said, I'm new here and not 100% familiar with the site.

I think you have a good shot at many schools. You have a great GPA and great ECs and your MCAT is not that low.

I got in to DMU, KCUMB, PCOM, interview invites at LECOM, KCOM, AZCOM with a 3.87/3.88 (I can't remember which is which lol) and 25 MCAT. Good luck!

 

[rc4ch]

Hey guys.....so i just got back my second MCAT score, 08/09/08 VR/PS/BS. My previous score from last year was a 06/07/08 VR/PS/BS. I am glad that I increased from a 21 to a 25, but still disappointed as I scored 28-29 on all 5 of my practice tests. My application are filled out and my transcripts are already in at AACOMAS and AMCAS. I have a cum gpa of 3.72 and sci gpa of 3.76 from AACOMAS and cum gpa of 3.69 and sci of 3.69 from AMCAS. Should I even bother in submitting my AMCAS, or just focus on AACOMAS? I am happy to go to either, I just wanted to apply to both to broaden my chances. Also, I have shadowed both an MD and DO for well over 100 hours each, have about 250 volunteer hours from hospitals, and about 150 other volunteer hours. I also have several leadership experiences, as well as various other extracurriculars. I have 5 good/strong LOR's and have a very good personal statement...in my opinion and in those who read it. I applied last year for AMCAS but withdrew when I got my MCAT back. Oh, I also have finished my undergrad and am looking for a job in this year off. Side question, if I got a job working at a career service center (the only job that I have gotten an offer at albeit my degree is in biochemistry), how will that look? I need a job to make money and pay back some of my loans, and this job a family freind arranged for me. Sorry for the long post, I appreciate your responses and thank you!

You have a great shot at DO schools and I recommend you apply to them. The 25 MCAT will hold you back from MD schools. It did for me.

My stats were 3.87/3.88 GPA and 25 MCAT. Good luck!

 

[Mohammed1989]

I GOT A B!!!!! The professor says well your sitting on a C and I'm like oh man he's like fine B- I'm like oh man then he was like fine B. Wow I'm happy now 🙂

 

[ILikeFood]

I GOT A B!!!!! The professor says well your sitting on a C and I'm like oh man he's like fine B- I'm like oh man then he was like fine B. Wow I'm happy now 🙂

You argued yourself from a C to a B? Damn.

 

[Prince Abubu]

AACOMAS:

Non-science GPA: 3.46
Science GPA: 2.99
Cumulative GPA: 3.26

I've finished about 100 credit hours. My GPA trend is slightly upwards. Freshman year: 2.89/ Sophmore year: 2.50/ Junior year: 3.68

I've stopped dicking around in college, so i'm hoping to bust out a 4.0 senior year.

May 22, 2009 MCAT:
10P/9V/9B - 28 O

I am currently studying for a re-take on Aug 6.

My ECs are nothing great. Mostly volunteering, working, cultural clubs, etc.

My heart is set on TCOM in Ft. Worth, but I know it's a long shot. Do you guys think I have a chance? What about other D.O. schools? For which ones will I be competitive?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Mohammed1989]

You argued yourself from a C to a B? Damn.

Trust me I was in shock once he put that letter down. I was sooooooo happy he was hooking me up with a B- I was just like that minus makes that B look bad he said let's take it off then.

 

[stn1983]

Hi guys I have a serious and honest question that maybe you guys can give me some helpful advice on. I took the Mcat twice already and contemplating on whether I should retake the mcat in august or not. Both times I scored a 23. I feel that I can get at least high 20's if I do retake the test. Last cycle I applied real late (beginning of January) to 5 schools and end up getting one interview and being waitlisted. I have a 3.5 GPA with a lot of extra curricular activities. My question is; Do you guys think I should just keep the score and apply a lot earlier this time around (submit my applications in July or early august) or should I retake the MCAT?

Thank you in advance for all advices and comments.

 

[Semicolon]

Trust me I was in shock once he put that letter down. I was sooooooo happy he was hooking me up with a B- I was just like that minus makes that B look bad he said let's take it off then.

Either that prof just got laid or he's taking something incredibly strong. Just wow. 😱

Seriously, you need to give him flowers, a fruit basket, and chocolates.

 

[camaras2480]

AACOMAS:

Non-science GPA: 3.46
Science GPA: 2.99
Cumulative GPA: 3.26

I've finished about 100 credit hours. My GPA trend is slightly upwards. Freshman year: 2.89/ Sophmore year: 2.50/ Junior year: 3.68

I've stopped dicking around in college, so i'm hoping to bust out a 4.0 senior year.

May 22, 2009 MCAT:
10P/9V/9B - 28 O

I am currently studying for a re-take on Aug 6.

My ECs are nothing great. Mostly volunteering, working, cultural clubs, etc.

My heart is set on TCOM in Ft. Worth, but I know it's a long shot. Do you guys think I have a chance? What about other D.O. schools? For which ones will I be competitive?

Thanks for your help!

Apply to all the DO schools. Own the interview, and you're good. If you really are worried, try the MCAT again. Pushing it above 30 would really help put you in the driver's seat.

Good luck.

 

[Prince Abubu]

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it.

 

[Mohammed1989]

Either that prof just got laid or he's taking something incredibly strong. Just wow. 😱

Seriously, you need to give him flowers, a fruit basket, and chocolates.

I did do something like that. We walked to starbucks(on the same block) and bought coffee and some snacks I paid of course. I will get him something nice because I might get a lor since he has a phd in anatomy.

 

[rkaz]

AACOMAS:

Non-science GPA: 3.46
Science GPA: 2.99
Cumulative GPA: 3.26

I've finished about 100 credit hours. My GPA trend is slightly upwards. Freshman year: 2.89/ Sophmore year: 2.50/ Junior year: 3.68

I've stopped dicking around in college, so i'm hoping to bust out a 4.0 senior year.

May 22, 2009 MCAT:
10P/9V/9B - 28 O

I am currently studying for a re-take on Aug 6.

My ECs are nothing great. Mostly volunteering, working, cultural clubs, etc.

My heart is set on TCOM in Ft. Worth, but I know it's a long shot. Do you guys think I have a chance? What about other D.O. schools? For which ones will I be competitive?

Thanks for your help!

If you are planning to apply to DO schools, then a 28 MCAT is just fine (though to be competitive to MD it really helps to have above a 30). If I were in your position, I'd be more concerned about getting that 2.99 science GPA to as far above a 3.0. as you can. Getting a 4.0 this year would certainly help. Unlike MD schools, DO schools replace a low grade if you take a class over... so if you have any prior science classes you did poorly in, certainly retake a couple of those this year (if you can fit them into your schedule without overburdening yourself).

 

[SMC123]

MCAT-23P. (8 phys, 7 verbal, 8 biological)
Overall- 3.71 overall gpa..
Science- 3.74....

Several leadership positions at school clubs

Volunteered in many community events, held positions, study abroad at orphange... exposure to hospitals, 800 hourish


I have done two types of research .. both were classes.. one was at a emergency department in a hospital.. while another was in a doctor's clinic (no publications however)

I have shadowed a few doctors.. MD and DO.. seen surgeries.. and shadowed a DO for 30 hours.. (seeing 2 right now that I didn't put on my app, don't think I could add them now)...


I have applied to 12 DO schools.. including AZCOM,CCOM,LECOMs, MSUCOM, NYCOM, NSU, PCOM, PCSOM, TOUROCOM, and WVCOM...


Please let me know about retaking mcat or not.. thank you!~

btw.. I have already applied on June 4th.. just waiting for secondaries...

 

[Rubisco]

Well the C's you have in the stats and the calc wont count towards your science gpa for AACOMAS but the anatomy will so do your best and get that up as high as possible. I know you have posted your stats elsewhere but how much do the C's affect your overall / non sci gpa?

The W's can be explained as you did above...I had a W (in gen chem in fact) and I never heard about it whatsoever in any interview, so dont stress on those and concentrate on bringing your anatomy up.

IamAriDO

Calculus doesn't count towards your science GPA?

 

[CardioPlus]

Calculus doesn't count towards your science GPA?

nope because calculus is math not science. AMCAS counts math because it has a bio/chem/physics/math GPA not a strictly science GPA like AACOMAS.

 

[Crashoverride]

Non-science gpa: 3.86
Science gpa: 3.80
Mcat: 26O
Anthropology Major
International research experience (no publications)
Won scholarship to fund research
DO shadowing
Over 2000 hours of clinical experience
Volunteer work at elementary school (100 hours)
50 hours of volunteer work abroad
Treasurer of school group for three years.

How competitive is this application?

 

[theswordfish]

Hey all!
I have kind of a weird question. I just got my BS in biology with a 3.35 and I've just started thinking about medicine. My gpa's pretty low, but I know that for DOs they will replace grades if you retake classes.

I really want to retake my Ochem and physics classes (maybe even gen chem) because
1. i could do it at a cc and it would be cheaper
2. i really don't remember anything I learned in those classes and it really bothers me (I was not a good student my first two years of undergrad).
3. i really liked ochem a lot and it would be awesome to learn it right.
4. i took a general physics class in college and I think a calculus based physics class would be more interesting for me since I like math
5. I'm more interested in 'finishing' what i already tried to learn than taking random upper div science courses
6. i'm TIRED of bio classes that are straight memorizing and would like to go back to problem-solving type classes
7. it would help with the MCAT

problems are:
1. I didn't really do that bad in ochem..I got a b- first quarter and b+'s second quarter (thanks to the insanely huge curve...there's a HUGE difference between a's and b's at my school and you can get b's in a lot of the classes without learning very much).
2. I got 2 b-'s and one b+ in physics but didn't learn a thing.
3. two C+s in gen chem, one b
4. I didn't do THAT bad..
5. i'm afraid it would make it look like retaking those pre-reqs would be cake walk..but i don't think it will because i really don't think i learned much the first time around.

I know it's recommended that i take upper div science because it shows that i can handle them..but I found my pre-reqs way harder than many of my upper div science classes! plus i want to take physics with calculus so it wouldn't be exactly retaking the same class....

What do you guys think?

 

[quynhhuong]

I would retake the 2 gen chems that u got Cs on. If u take upper division classes they'd just add in with ur current GPA, not replacing the lower classes. To replace grades, the classes have to be equivalent.
Ur GPA is average/mayb slightly above ave. for DO schools so I wouldn't recommend retaking those b- classes unless u have time and money. Just focus on ur MCAT and kill it. I think that with awesome ECs and PS, u'll get multiple acceptances if u applied broadly.

 

[Semicolon]

Hey all!
I have kind of a weird question. I just got my BS in biology with a 3.35 and I've just started thinking about medicine. My gpa's pretty low, but I know that for DOs they will replace grades if you retake classes.

I really want to retake my Ochem and physics classes (maybe even gen chem) because
1. i could do it at a cc and it would be cheaper
2. i really don't remember anything I learned in those classes and it really bothers me (I was not a good student my first two years of undergrad).
3. i really liked ochem a lot and it would be awesome to learn it right.
4. i took a general physics class in college and I think a calculus based physics class would be more interesting for me since I like math
5. I'm more interested in 'finishing' what i already tried to learn than taking random upper div science courses
6. i'm TIRED of bio classes that are straight memorizing and would like to go back to problem-solving type classes
7. it would help with the MCAT

problems are:
1. I didn't really do that bad in ochem..I got a b- first quarter and b+'s second quarter (thanks to the insanely huge curve...there's a HUGE difference between a's and b's at my school and you can get b's in a lot of the classes without learning very much).
2. I got 2 b-'s and one b+ in physics but didn't learn a thing.
3. two C+s in gen chem, one b
4. I didn't do THAT bad..
5. i'm afraid it would make it look like retaking those pre-reqs would be cake walk..but i don't think it will because i really don't think i learned much the first time around.

I know it's recommended that i take upper div science because it shows that i can handle them..but I found my pre-reqs way harder than many of my upper div science classes! plus i want to take physics with calculus so it wouldn't be exactly retaking the same class....

What do you guys think?

The fact that you don't have any A's in any pre-reqs, I think, might raise some red flags on your application. I would indeed retake those C's (and get A's in them!!) to improve your GPA. As it stands, a 3.35 GPA is NOT average; it is slightly below average, and is becoming more difficult each year, so it would be in your best interest to raise it.

Good luck! 👍

 

[quynhhuong]

my bad, I meant slightly below ave. Thanks Semi for the correction! 😀

 

[countryboydoc]

I have a V 10, P 11, B 10, Writing Q for an overall 31Q. My gpa is 3.9 for both overall and science. I am starting a masters in biochemistry this fall to help make me more competitive since I was a business undergrad. Also I have all the usual i.e. research, clinical and non-clinical volunteering. My question is I am applying to about 20 MD schools but just in case I don't get in how many DO schools should I apply to as a back-up. Do have any certain schools you would recommend?

 

[QuackaDO]

I have a V 10, P 11, B 10, Writing Q for an overall 31Q. My gpa is 3.9 for both overall and science. I am starting a masters in biochemistry this fall to help make me more competitive since I was a business undergrad. Also I have all the usual i.e. research, clinical and non-clinical volunteering. My question is I am applying to about 20 MD schools but just in case I don't get in how many DO schools should I apply to as a back-up. Do have any certain schools you would recommend?

I'm by no means an expert, but with a 3.9 GPA and 31 MCAT I absolutely cannot see a reason why you would have ANY problem getting into an MD program.... unless you selected ONLY the top 20 programs and even at that you still have a good chance. Trust me, I'm not an authority by any means, but as long as your 20 MD applications were to realistic programs and unless you completely sabotage yourself somewhere along the line (LORs, interview) I would be extremely surprised if you don't get in. Then again, if you only applied to top tier/top 20 schools then why would you consider DO as the only available option instead of a mid teir or possibly low tier MD? Apply smartly and you shouldn't need the DO apps, that is unless you REALLY just want to be a DO...

 

[oakland]

in the application for awards/honors. i was on the dean's list every year and it only allows us to pick one year u got the award. how do i mention i got it all four years???

 

[jkmph]

I have a question about when to submit my primaries...

I gave everyone writing me a LOR a deadline of July 31st. From what I am reading, my primary application does not include my LORs. Is it safe for me to submit my primary now with the understanding that it will take 4-6 (or more gulp!) weeks to be verified? In other words, if my LOR's are submitted by interfolio with my secondary, is there any reason to wait until I have them all uploaded on interfolio to submit my primary?

 

[quynhhuong]

Don't wait. submit ur primary as soon as possible. schools only want ur LORs in the secondaries. u have to pass the primary screening before they send u the secondaries. If u haven't submitted ur primary yet. I think u won't need ur LORs til the end of next month.
In some cases, people sent in their LORs just 2 days before the interview day.

 

[Semicolon]

in the application for awards/honors. i was on the dean's list every year and it only allows us to pick one year u got the award. how do i mention i got it all four years???

You can make a separate entry for each year you received the honor.

 

[theswordfish]

The fact that you don't have any A's in any pre-reqs, I think, might raise some red flags on your application. I would indeed retake those C's (and get A's in them!!) to improve your GPA. As it stands, a 3.35 GPA is NOT average; it is slightly below average, and is becoming more difficult each year, so it would be in your best interest to raise it.

Good luck! 👍

mm thanks for your input!

what about physics? I guess my question is not SHOULD I retake these but rather CAN I/would it be bad if I retook these classes instead of taking new ones.. because i would MUCH rather do so due to the reasons listed earlier.

 

[Semicolon]

mm thanks for your input!

what about physics? I guess my question is not SHOULD I retake these but rather CAN I/would it be bad if I retook these classes instead of taking new ones.. because i would MUCH rather do so due to the reasons listed earlier.

I would say...retake the C's, and take upper division courses and try your best to receive A's in them as well. That should prove your aptitude. You could also retake the B-'s if you choose to since those are below 3.0.

 

[rkaz]

MCAT-23P. (8 phys, 7 verbal, 8 biological)
Overall- 3.71 overall gpa..
Science- 3.74....

Several leadership positions at school clubs

Volunteered in many community events, held positions, study abroad at orphange... exposure to hospitals, 800 hourish


I have done two types of research .. both were classes.. one was at a emergency department in a hospital.. while another was in a doctor's clinic (no publications however)

I have shadowed a few doctors.. MD and DO.. seen surgeries.. and shadowed a DO for 30 hours.. (seeing 2 right now that I didn't put on my app, don't think I could add them now)...


I have applied to 12 DO schools.. including AZCOM,CCOM,LECOMs, MSUCOM, NYCOM, NSU, PCOM, PCSOM, TOUROCOM, and WVCOM...


Please let me know about retaking mcat or not.. thank you!~

btw.. I have already applied on June 4th.. just waiting for secondaries...

Your MCAT may take you out of the running of many schools, but you still may have a shot due to your strong GPA. If I were in your shoes would I be nervous? Probably. But it's still possible to get an acceptance, especially if you apply widely. Maybe add some of the newer DO schools to your list, as their stats might currently still be a tad lower... like LMU-DCOM or ATSU-SOMA.

If you can conveniently take the MCAT (without ruining anything else, like current coursework etc), I would do so. However, as long as you apply widely to DO schools, it may not be necessary to retake, as many people have gotten in with your numbers. But if you can get your MCAT above a 25, then you might be in the position to have a few acceptances to choose from, instead of hoping that one single acceptance will come through.

 

[dr am]

I'm just wondering what my chances are for getting into a DO/MD school, here are my stats:

cGPA: 3.49
sGPA: 3.35
MCAT: 28R (10 PS 10 VR 8 BS) but that is my 4th attempt; the reason why i have taken the MCAT so many times is that I was in a fast-track BS/MD program at my university that allowed early and guaranteed admission to an MD school based on the MCAT score -- the MCAT score is the only reason why I am not in school now

activities include: full-time employment as a study technician (toxicology dept) for a pharmaceutical development company, heavy involvement in campus ministry and liturgical music services (with some leadership), hospital volunteering, letters of recommendation from 2 science professors, chair of bio dept, advisor for an activity I was heavily involved in as an undergrad, current supervisor, and MD who is the emeritus department chair of pathology at a hospital I volunteered at

Any input would be great! Do I have a chance at MD? I do have DO schools on my list as well, I think the concept of osteopathy is very fascinating...

 

[ODorDO]

I'm by no means an expert, but with a 3.9 GPA and 31 MCAT I absolutely cannot see a reason why you would have ANY problem getting into an MD program.... unless you selected ONLY the top 20 programs and even at that you still have a good chance. Trust me, I'm not an authority by any means, but as long as your 20 MD applications were to realistic programs and unless you completely sabotage yourself somewhere along the line (LORs, interview) I would be extremely surprised if you don't get in. Then again, if you only applied to top tier/top 20 schools then why would you consider DO as the only available option instead of a mid teir or possibly low tier MD? Apply smartly and you shouldn't need the DO apps, that is unless you REALLY just want to be a DO...

👍 seriously, dont just go to a DO school because you cant get into a MD school, ull be really disappointed when u get done with school

 

[PreMedHopeful]

Here's what happened to me:

I got a W my freshman year in gen chem 2 honors and I took the W because I was getting a C and the class was difficult...but in the end, is it better to get a C or W?

You don't know until it happens to you and when you apply to med school and what each school is going to think...I'm hoping that's my only W and it won't happen again as long as I explain myself the best I can...but what does everyone think?

Take the C and do bad and show them you tried your best OR
take the W and it won't impact GPA but you took the easy way out and were lazy???

What looks best to med schools?

 

[wongb18c]

👍 seriously, dont just go to a DO school because you cant get into a MD school, ull be really disappointed when u get done with school

That's the exact reason why I decided to go to a DO school 😕, because I had no MD interviews, I guess I'm setup for a disappointment in the upcoming future.

 

[wongb18c]

I GOT A B!!!!! The professor says well your sitting on a C and I'm like oh man he's like fine B- I'm like oh man then he was like fine B. Wow I'm happy now 🙂

Lol.... yea ok I believe that.

I actually didn't like how the AACOM doesn't count math courses toward you sci gpa because I did very well in calc II and calc III with A and B+ respectively, and that would have boosted my overall sci gpa .4 or so points.

 

[Semicolon]

Here's what happened to me:

I got a W my freshman year in gen chem 2 honors and I took the W because I was getting a C and the class was difficult...but in the end, is it better to get a C or W?

You don't know until it happens to you and when you apply to med school and what each school is going to think...I'm hoping that's my only W and it won't happen again as long as I explain myself the best I can...but what does everyone think?

Take the C and do bad and show them you tried your best OR
take the W and it won't impact GPA but you took the easy way out and were lazy???

What looks best to med schools?

In general, I'd say the W is a better choice, as long as you don't say "it was too hard for me" or "I was lazy". It's okay to have one W on your transcript, and it's okay to have a C there too. The next time you take it though, make sure you give it your all; you don't want to run into this question again.

 

[Laiba]

That's the exact reason why I decided to go to a DO school 😕, because I had no MD interviews, I guess I'm setup for a disappointment in the upcoming future.

No. lol. Its perfectly fine to go into either MD/DO if u couldnt get into one or the other. I would go MD if I didnt get into DO and I would go DO if I didnt get into MD. The problem is when you think any of those is any less than the other. Both fields are unique in their own ways and philosophy and personally I would be happy in either one because I believe either one works 🙂

 

[Kayla]

.

 

[Crashoverride]

Hello all,

My stats are below. I posted once before but did not see a response.

Non-science gpa: 3.86
Science gpa: 3.80
Mcat: 26O (10V, 8BS, 8PS)
Anthropology Major
International research experience (no publications)
Won scholarship to fund research
DO shadowing with LOR.
Over 2000 hours of clinical experience
Volunteer work at elementary school (100 hours)
50 hours of volunteer work abroad
Treasurer of school group for three years.

How competitive is this application with my mcat score? I'm not sure if I should retake the mcat or just stick with this score.

Thanks.

 

[Rcon]

Hello Everyone!

I have a 3.75 and 3.7 science GPA and 26 on the MCAT (only took it once). I'm currently in the process of applying to both DO and carib schools. I have very little EC (just research and non hospital volunteer work). I'm a California resident. Hoping to apply to September 2010.

I'm pretty confident with the carib schools but not sure about DO schools. I know I don't stand a chance with US MD schools. But heres where I'm not your typical applicant: I went to a no name carib school for almost a year and dropped out because I didn't think it was the right choice. I still want to be a doctor but just didn't want to take that route. I have a bunch of clinical related experience on the ilsand. So how will that affect me? Should I mention it in my application? What do you think SDN? Can I spin this story to make it a good one?

In summary:
-3.75, 3.7 Science, 26 MCAT.
-Applying to DO (Touro or Western #1 choice)
-Went to no-name Carib school for a while.
-No LOR from/or shadowing of DO
What are my chances?
To late to apply for September 2010?

 

[googole]

Hello!

I am having some serious problems. I bombed my first MCAT. I ended with a 19 P. My practice tests (Kaplan/AAMC) averaged at a 26, so my real test fell 7 points below my average. I've been devastated for the past few days. I have a 3.89 GPA and an awesome resume, so I never really doubted that I could get into an osteopathic medicial school... however, after recieving my score, I realize that my chances are slim.

I'm going to re-take on July 31, but I was wondering... does anybody have information on Masters of Biomedical Science programs at osteopathic schools? I'm wondering if I would be a viable applicant (19 MCAT, 3.89 GPA) for MBS , how helpful is this program, which schools have the best MBS programs, etc. ANY advice would be appreciated. Thank you!!

 

[rddoms]

I did the MBS program @ KCOM. The program is very solid, leads to a published paper, and has a great track record of people going on to the DO program. I can't compliment the program enough, so PM me if you have more questions.

 

[NewJersey]

I just completed two semesters of Masters in BioMedical Science at UMDNJ with a 4.00. If your looking to apply to one of the umdnj's, then this would be the ideal program.

 

[NewJersey]

i have applied 2 years ago and did not get into do schools back. then, i had a 3.28 gpa and 24 mcat( which was 7 verb 9 phys 8 bio). Now after a year of graduate school in biomedical sciences, where I got a 4.00, my GPA is apx 3.4 cum and science gpa I also retook my mcat for the fourth time and got a 27M (6 verbal, 11 phys, 10 Bio). E.C are pretty good, shadowed a D.O, EMS for 4 years, did clinical research in anesthesia for the past year..)

Any advice would be appreciated. I sent out my application to get verified about a week ago and am basically applying to every D.O school out there.(minus probably like 3-5 schools)

 

[ensuii]

I've always been one to believe that the main reason people do post-bacc's was to raise their GPAs. Your GPA however is very solid and won't hold you back. Since its the MCAT score that's going to hold you back, I'd consider why. Do you think you did poorly becuase you didn't understand the content? Or did you just freak out? A post-bacc might help...but I'd think either way, you're best course of action at this point is to send in an app to a select few school (unless money isn't an issue), inform them that you are retaking the MCAT and send in the scores when you get it. Worse comes to worse, you've spent a couple hundred dollars trying to take a chance on a school. Best case scenario is that you get an acceptance at a school you'd like to go to. The chance is worth taking imo. Keep in mind that every year you're not in med school is a year of physician salary lost.

 

[ILikeFood]

Hello!

I am having some serious problems. I bombed my first MCAT. I ended with a 19 P. My practice tests (Kaplan/AAMC) averaged at a 26, so my real test fell 7 points below my average. I've been devastated for the past few days. I have a 3.89 GPA and an awesome resume, so I never really doubted that I could get into an osteopathic medicial school... however, after recieving my score, I realize that my chances are slim.

I'm going to re-take on July 31, but I was wondering... does anybody have information on Masters of Biomedical Science programs at osteopathic schools? I'm wondering if I would be a viable applicant (19 MCAT, 3.89 GPA) for MBS , how helpful is this program, which schools have the best MBS programs, etc. ANY advice would be appreciated. Thank you!!

Your gpa is very good. You don't need an MBS degree, they're for low gpa people. You need a higher MCAT. If you find yourself in a gap year, do something else other than spend thousands of dollars on a degree you don't need.

 

[ILikeFood]

I've always been one to believe that the main reason people do post-bacc's was to raise their GPAs. Your GPA however is very solid and won't hold you back. Since its the MCAT score that's going to hold you back, I'd consider why. Do you think you did poorly becuase you didn't understand the content? Or did you just freak out? A post-bacc might help...but I'd think either way, you're best course of action at this point is to send in an app to a select few school (unless money isn't an issue), inform them that you are retaking the MCAT and send in the scores when you get it. Worse comes to worse, you've spent a couple hundred dollars trying to take a chance on a school. Best case scenario is that you get an acceptance at a school you'd like to go to. The chance is worth taking imo.

Yes 👍

Keep in mind that every year you're not in med school is a year of physician salary lost.

But don't settle for the first school that accepts you, OP. If you don't get a solid MCAT and get into a decent DO/MD school, I'd regroup and reapply for next year. People with low gpas should settle. People with high gpas should take the MCAT a few times before they settle.

 

[rddoms]

Your gpa is very good. You don't need an MBS degree, they're for low gpa people. You need a higher MCAT. If you find yourself in a gap year, do something else other than spend thousands of dollars on a degree you don't need.

The MBS degree isn't necessarily for people with low GPA's. You finish with a MS in Biomedical sciences. It can help get you ready for med school, get you training in research (at least my program did), and give you something valuable to do before medical school (if you have some time off). There are people who use it as their terminal degree. It has been a great experience for me, and my residency applications will be helped by this extra training.

 

[JW08]

Hello!

I am having some serious problems. I bombed my first MCAT. I ended with a 19 P. My practice tests (Kaplan/AAMC) averaged at a 26, so my real test fell 7 points below my average. I've been devastated for the past few days. I have a 3.89 GPA and an awesome resume, so I never really doubted that I could get into an osteopathic medicial school... however, after recieving my score, I realize that my chances are slim.

I'm going to re-take on July 31, but I was wondering... does anybody have information on Masters of Biomedical Science programs at osteopathic schools? I'm wondering if I would be a viable applicant (19 MCAT, 3.89 GPA) for MBS , how helpful is this program, which schools have the best MBS programs, etc. ANY advice would be appreciated. Thank you!!

You have a great GPA, just need to improve MCAT. Practice practice practice.. and make MCAT your b!&$#... Spend time to come up with better strategies to take MCAT and resubmit your scores for this year. Some schools even take Jan 2010 scores.

 

[rc4ch]

Hello!

I am having some serious problems. I bombed my first MCAT. I ended with a 19 P. My practice tests (Kaplan/AAMC) averaged at a 26, so my real test fell 7 points below my average. I've been devastated for the past few days. I have a 3.89 GPA and an awesome resume, so I never really doubted that I could get into an osteopathic medicial school... however, after recieving my score, I realize that my chances are slim.

I'm going to re-take on July 31, but I was wondering... does anybody have information on Masters of Biomedical Science programs at osteopathic schools? I'm wondering if I would be a viable applicant (19 MCAT, 3.89 GPA) for MBS , how helpful is this program, which schools have the best MBS programs, etc. ANY advice would be appreciated. Thank you!!

Hey, I know how you feel, the MCAT is a really horrible test. I have the same GPA as you and I only got a 25 on the MCAT, took it twice, and received the exact scores. 🙁

But anyways, my advice to you is to def retake it and try to get at least a 24. I think with your GPA, a 24 would make you a very competitive applicant. Of course you still need the extra curriculars, but that's not the hard part.

Forget about the first time you took the MCAT and focus on the next, and try again. Good luck friend.