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hey everyone, I been lurking around for a while now, and currently i need some advice on what i should do.

so here's the story, my gpa sits at 3.0. I went to a community college and now entering my senior yr (5th yr senior eheh) at a university. Due to the poor performance at the cc. my gpa suffered. honestly... i just found my study method this spring..sigh.. :/

the question is, if you guys were me, would you retake some intro classes and boost your gpa up to around 3.4 ish or take upper more upper level class such as Biochem, human phys. etc. and end up with a 3.2
 
Hmmm...well your ideal route (if you have the time and patience to do so) would be to retake those intro classes that you did poorly in (C or lower) and also take the upper division science classes and gets A's! 🙂 If you can't or don't want to do both, I would take the upper division classes because those are more important and show the school even though you did poorly in those lower classes, you can handle the harder ones. A 3.2 isn't horrible if you plan on going D.O. just do really well on the MCAT, if you haven't already taken it...if so, how did you do? Also, have lots of strong EC's and experience!
 
thanks for your comment, i am a biology major and will have all my req. completed by next semester. I have all the biology electives fulfill as well.

as for ECs,
I have experience working as a Dialysis tech. and working as a clinical assistance at a dermatologist office. I haev stopped both inorder to improve my grades (which it has, straight A's last semester)

-currently I tutor an Autistic child


- i dont have volunteering as of now. but will start this summer.
 
Thank you, everybody, for taking the time to leave me advice - and encouraging advice , too! I really appreciate it. I've been pretty down ever since I got that score back... but I know I can do better, so I guess I'll just keep working at it until I do. Stupid MCAT... it is so incredibly awful :'( Oh well, anyways, thanks again!
 
googole said:
Thank you, everybody, for taking the time to leave me advice - and encouraging advice , too! I really appreciate it. I've been pretty down ever since I got that score back... but I know I can do better, so I guess I'll just keep working at it until I do. Stupid MCAT... it is so incredibly awful :'( Oh well, anyways, thanks again!
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Listen, you're always going to get **** thrown at you in life. There's no use in crying about it. Figure out what you did to bring it own and then figure out a solution. You're a smart guy and you'll be an awesome doctor one day. Don't let a number drag you down too much.
 
I'm planning on applying to a few osteopathic schools but I'm not sure which ones I should consider. I'm a New York State resident and would prefer to stay in the northeast if possible. Open to any suggestions you might have about where to apply. Here are my stats...
29 MCAT
3.74 cGPA
3.52 sGPA
 
Iceman43 said:
I'm planning on applying to a few osteopathic schools but I'm not sure which ones I should consider. I'm a New York State resident and would prefer to stay in the northeast if possible. Open to any suggestions you might have about where to apply. Here are my stats...
29 MCAT
3.74 cGPA
3.52 sGPA
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Just based on location, perhaps NY or NJ. Sorry, I haven't really researched the schools in the northeast as I have no interest in them. I'm sure other people will post with some more useful information though. In the meantime you could check out both of the ones I listed and see if they look good to you.

Good luck!
 
Northeast DO schools would be NYCOM, LECOM, UMDNJ....if you want to expand out a little from there i would add PCOM, and LECOM. They are in Pennsylvania.
 
Hey guys.....I have a question about the LORs. When should I send have them sent out by? I just submitted my primary about a week ago, and still waiting on verification.

Also, what do you guys think my chances are....I have a cGPA of 3.7, a sGPA of 3.75, and a MCAT of 25P 08/09/08 for a breakdown of VR/PS/BS? I have about 300 hours of shadowing MD and DO, about 250 hours of volunteering (both clinical and community), and couple leadership positions.

Should I retake the MCAT? I talked to someone at CCOM and they advised me to retake if I had a score of 25 or lower? What do you all think?

Thanks!
 
My stats are the same. Minus the EC and 26, P7V8B12.

I would like to know as well.
 
I'm new to examining DO schools and trying to figure out where to apply and wondering if I could get some information on the different schools.

I'm a bigger fan of PBL and CBL versus primarily lecture and was wondering if I could get some advice on which DO schools have a stronger emphasis on either PBL or CBL. I don't mind still having lecture but I'd like to attend a school that emphasizes one or the other for more than just a handful of classes.

Also I know there is no ranking made available but if there is any idea of ones that seem to do particularly well on the COMLEX. I struggle with standardized tests and would like to attend a school that seems to have a good prep program in place for their students to succeed.
 
Hello SDN,

I am 19 years old and starting my second year of college, sort of. I am at a community college because of the bright futures scholarship here in Florida. I did a dual enrollment class back in high school and I got a C because I skipped class, a lot! I started college off with a 2.0 GPA.. My first real semester I took 4 classes. [Calc 1, spanish, psych, and comp 1] I got a C in calc and aced the rest. Second semester I took 6 classes and achieved a 3.5 GPA. My current GPA is 3.37 . I plan on bring it up even more and I am not afraid to challenge myself. In the fall semester I am taking 8 courses which are Chem 1 and lab, bio 2 and lab, phys 1 w/ calculus and lab and anatomy 1 and the lab. I understand that it is community college so it's not as hard as a four year; but I also have a part time job with the county library where I live and I am going to begin volunteering at a charity clinic in my town, and I am friends w/ some doctors who i'm sure I could shadow. I forgot to mention that I work as a graphic designer for a local sign shop. Also I have about 850 hours community service at the church I go to. I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa at the CC. I don't plan on becoming an MD, I like the DO path much better and I see it as more realistic approach for me. I expect to finish my undergrad with at least a 3.5 GPA overall and a 3.4 sGPA. I left out that I got a C in my Bio 1 lab because the professor's method was terrible to say the least. 10 chapters, she made up fifty questions. Didn't tell us what the questions were we had to guess... C....
I speak English, Spanish, Portuguese. I'm planning on learning more Italian and learning Swahili.
Do DO schools care if you take a heavy load in one term and do well? (I plan on doing it a lot.)
Does the anatomy class in undergrad do anything for me?
Should I retake college algebra, calculus, and the bio 1 lab?
Does working for the county do anything good for me?[since it is a government funded program. ]
Do the many hours of community hours at my church do anything positive for me?

Something that slipped my mind. I come from a very low income family. Less than 14K/year per parent. So I have been working since I was 16.

Thank you and I hope I can get some good feedback. Feel free to criticize however you like I don't get offended easily! Thanks again!
 
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How about these stats for any school, but I'm especially looking at PCOM and LECOM:


Computer Science major
Overall 3.3 (with 2 retakes)
Science 3.6
MCAT 31

Work Experience:
3 years working for Johns Hopkins School of Public Health as a Web Developer

Volunteer:
100 hours at a local Hospice
60 hours DO shadowing (FP)
60 hours MD shadowing (neuro)

Residency: Pennsylvania
 
schilders said:
How about these stats for any school, but I'm especially looking at PCOM and LECOM:


Computer Science major
Overall 3.3 (with 2 retakes)
Science 3.6
MCAT 31

Work Experience:
3 years working for Johns Hopkins School of Public Health as a Web Developer

Volunteer:
100 hours at a local Hospice
60 hours DO shadowing (FP)
60 hours MD shadowing (neuro)

Residency: Pennsylvania
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Nice application package overall. It'll still be tough at PCOM, but I think you have a good shot at both PCOM and LECOM.

To me, the most lacking component in your application (other than research, which there appears to be none of) is the volunteer work. 100 hours is actually on the low end. Your shadowing is fine, but it would be nice if you could expand on the actual exposure to patient interaction, the sick, the impoverished, the underserved, whatever it might be. Try to be active on that end during the cycle so you can talk about it come interview time.
 
Hey guys I would like to get some insight on my chances, and if I should retake the MCAT to boost my chances.

I have a cGPA of 3.7, a sGPA of 3.75, and a MCAT of 25P 08/09/08 for a breakdown of VR/PS/BS? I have about 300 hours of shadowing MD and DO, about 250 hours of volunteering (both clinical and community), 3 years of research, and couple leadership positions.

PCOM and CCOM are my top choices, what do you guys think my chances are?
 
ArsenalEPL4Life said:
Hey guys I would like to get some insight on my chances, and if I should retake the MCAT to boost my chances.

I have a cGPA of 3.7, a sGPA of 3.75, and a MCAT of 25P 08/09/08 for a breakdown of VR/PS/BS? I have about 300 hours of shadowing MD and DO, about 250 hours of volunteering (both clinical and community), 3 years of research, and couple leadership positions.

PCOM and CCOM are my top choices, what do you guys think my chances are?
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I think you have an excellent shot at interview. Basically, from that point on, it is yours to 'win.' Blow them away at the interview and I think you should be fine. An MCAT retake is not required, but if you think the 25 was a fluke and you average a 28, then maybe consider it. However, don't delay the application cycle just for that.
 
Well the first time I took my MCAT I got a 21 with a 06/07/08 for VR/PS/BS. This time I got that 25 and I feel I can do better, but I dont want to delay my application. I have already submitted it and am waiting for secondaries. If I can take it without delayin my app, then I would consider a Sept date or a January date. What do you think?
 
ArsenalEPL4Life said:
Well the first time I took my MCAT I got a 21 with a 06/07/08 for VR/PS/BS. This time I got that 25 and I feel I can do better, but I dont want to delay my application. I have already submitted it and am waiting for secondaries. If I can take it without delayin my app, then I would consider a Sept date or a January date. What do you think?
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I was more concerned about your breakdown for the 25. The 21 is over and done with.
 
Wait.....is there something wrong with my breakdown?!? I thought having an 8 in each section was more preferable?
 
Exalya said:
3.5 cGPA, 3.3 sGPA
11VR/8BS/8PS - 27Q MCAT
500+ hrs as a Biology Laboratory Technician, 80 hrs Volunteering in Emergency Room, 50 Hrs as a Red Cross Disaster Team Member, 300 hrs volunteering at a public observatory, 100+ hrs volunteering with a biology summer science camp for kids, Currently Shadowing a D.O. in Neurology (so far observed 1 surgery)
Graduate of the Western College of Auctioneering
Worked all throughout college
Graduated highschool at 15, graduating with BA in Biology at 20
As far as personal statement; low-income, poor family background, on my own since I was 16. My husband went to Iraq during my sophomore year. I've had many, many difficulties during college.

.
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^Those are my stats, which I posted earlier. I have applied to only 6 schools--UNT, UT Galveston, UT San Antonio, LMU-DCOM, LECOM-B, and RVU. Until next month I will not have the money to apply to any more, though I'm wondering if I should. I never even filled out the AMCAS since my main concern is getting into osteopathic schools, I'm not sure I even have a chance in the MD world outside of Texas (the Texas schools I applied to still have fairly low averages and pay close attention to socioeconomic status).
 
Exalya said:
^Those are my stats, which I posted earlier. I have applied to only 6 schools--UNT, UT Galveston, UT San Antonio, LMU-DCOM, LECOM-B, and RVU. Until next month I will not have the money to apply to any more, though I'm wondering if I should. I never even filled out the AMCAS since my main concern is getting into osteopathic schools, I'm not sure I even have a chance in the MD world outside of Texas (the Texas schools I applied to still have fairly low averages and pay close attention to socioeconomic status).
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Apply to some more osteopathic programs, that would be my advice. You seem to have a pretty realistic outlook on things. You might have a shot outside Texas, but if money is tight I wouldn't recommend dropping the cash on the AMCAS and everything else.

GL
 
Primary is in... applying to 9 DO schools (see MDAPPS).
I am addicted to school and registered for fall 2009 undergrad UD courses in immu, genetics (never took it), and parasitology. I will be living next to large university and would love to continue learning and strengthening my application. Courses are listed as "planned" on AACOMAS app.

Am I making a huge mistake in taking more classes? I am pre-writing my secondaries and should be interview savvy b4 school starts in late Aug. My fiance (vet school) says I'm making a poor choice, due to potential interview conflicts.

Any advice is well-taken 🙂
 
hey yall, i know this is just a message board and its best to talk to an advisor about this, but i just wanted to get some other opinions...

are there any other science classes yall would recommend taking besides the prereqs? im a biology and history major, but im getting a B.A. not a B.S. so there aren't as many classes required.

the B.A. only requires one semester of organic, so obviously i've got to take the 2nd half as well. i took a biology class called evolution, ecology and biodiversity in a maymester, and after the fall 2009 semester i'll have finished bio 1&2, chem 1&2, and physics 1&2.

whats left in my biology major are:

genetics
plant science w/lab
zoology w/lab
microbiology w/lab
animal physiology
cell physiology w/lab
organic chemistry 1&2 w/labs
biology elective

anyway, are there any of these classes yall think i could do without or any i should take like anatomy, biochemistry, etc.?

thanks in advance
 
Biochem is very helpful for first year and looks good if you do well. The same could be said for Anatomy. Neuroscience classes will also help you get acclimated to that world as well as look good if you do well.
 
Those classes are relatively hard. Could you manage all 3 at the same time? I tried Ochem/Physics/Genetics- got a 1.9 that semester. Then I rebounded and took 5 bio and Got all A's. It really is up to you and what your strength and weakness is. Just don't lump all the weakness together and expect to get a high grade.

Considering ure CUM gpa is already borderline-3.16- just make sure you can keep it up, cuz if it dips lower its going to look badddddddd.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Biochem is very helpful for first year and looks good if you do well. The same could be said for Anatomy. Neuroscience classes will also help you get acclimated to that world as well as look good if you do well.
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+1. Just note that of course, neither is actually required by med schools. Biochem is often recommended.
 
drdave2be said:
Primary is in... applying to 9 DO schools (see MDAPPS).
I am addicted to school and registered for fall 2009 undergrad UD courses in immu, genetics (never took it), and parasitology. I will be living next to large university and would love to continue learning and strengthening my application. Courses are listed as "planned" on AACOMAS app.

Am I making a huge mistake in taking more classes? I am pre-writing my secondaries and should be interview savvy b4 school starts in late Aug. My fiance (vet school) says I'm making a poor choice, due to potential interview conflicts.

Any advice is well-taken 🙂
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I don't think it's a bad idea at all. If you are committed to doing well in the classes and have the self discipline to make it so then go for it! It will look really good for the schools and give you something to talk about when asked what you are currently doing during interviews. Also it will help keep you current on those type of sciences. I didn't get to take almost any of those type of classes last year when I was applying and it made it really hard to care about school at all when I was in courses that had NOTHING whatsoever to do with my chosen career.

Just realize it's gonna be HARD, so if you do it go all out.

As far as interviews go, you just have to use your time wisely and schedule them in advance around your exams. Most professors are understanding if you approach them asap when you know there is going to be a conflict.
 
ACD2007 said:
whats left in my biology major are:

genetics
plant science w/lab
zoology w/lab
microbiology w/lab
animal physiology
cell physiology w/lab
organic chemistry 1&2 w/labs
biology elective
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Genetics is good but it depends a lot on your teacher. I took it during summer school and didn't learn ****.
Microbiology is great for med school and one of the few classes besides biochem that I hear med students say they wish they had taken.
Animal Physiology was the most interesting class I ever took. At my school we used a human physiology text and it was basically the full year of pre-med anatomy but much more in depth and over one semester.
Cell physiology is another one I've heard mentioned second to microbiology.

Over all, just take what you find the most interesting.
 
the B.S. biology major for pre med students has these classes that the B.A. doesn't:

biostatistics
comparative vertebrate anatomy
immuno
human physiology
human anatomy
virology
biochem II

would yall recommend any of these?

the reason why im not getting a B.S. is because all i have left are major classes because i tested out/got AP credit for all the general education classes, and i don't know if i should take more than 2 science classes a semester, but at the same time i was told being a part time student looks bad because a semester of medical school is like taking 8 undergrad classes a semester? so i just double majored in history because i like history and its easy so that i can stay in school full time. B.A. allows room for a minor/double major, and the B.S. doesn't.
 
TeamZissou said:
I don't think it's a bad idea at all. If you are committed to doing well in the classes and have the self discipline to make it so then go for it! It will look really good for the schools and give you something to talk about when asked what you are currently doing during interviews. Also it will help keep you current on those type of sciences. I didn't get to take almost any of those type of classes last year when I was applying and it made it really hard to care about school at all when I was in courses that had NOTHING whatsoever to do with my chosen career.

Just realize it's gonna be HARD, so if you do it go all out.

As far as interviews go, you just have to use your time wisely and schedule them in advance around your exams. Most professors are understanding if you approach them asap when you know there is going to be a conflict.
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I agree with your advice, but was not aware that I had the option of scheduling my interviews at my discretion. I was under the impression that the schools would send an interview invite for a specific time and date, and that if you wanted to go, it had to be agreed to.
 
drdave2be said:
I agree with your advice, but was not aware that I had the option of scheduling my interviews at my discretion. I was under the impression that the schools would send an interview invite for a specific time and date, and that if you wanted to go, it had to be agreed to.
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Nope, all my interviews gave me multiple dates to choose from and if none of those worked I just had to wait for them to open up more dates in the future. I managed to go to all mine while working full time and being a full time student so it's definitely doable but you just have to budget your time VERY wisely. Also one thing I wish I had done different would have been to spend a full day just experiencing the city where the schools were. Most of mine I flew in the night before then flew out that night after the interview.
 
Wow! That's a relief! I'm sure I can manage to schedule my time wisely. Good call about being able to check out the cities schools are located in 🙂
 
drdave2be said:
Wow! That's a relief! I'm sure I can manage to schedule my time wisely. Good call about being able to check out the cities schools are located in 🙂
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Ya I wish more DO schools had "second looks". For some reason it doesn't seem to be something they do, although when I went back to check out CCOM again the staff was incredibly accommodating.

The other hang up you may run into is that most programs only interview on certain days. There are usually two days a week they interview and what days those are just varies by the program.
 
Long story short. I've completed 5 yrs of undergrad and applying for Med Schools in for 2010. My gpa isn't going to knock any socks off, and i'm sitting for my mcat in august.

Now, i'm considering to apply to a postbacc/smp/masters program so that I don't waist a year doing nothing. A friend of mine went to PCOM completed the masters of science program and is now attending medical school this fall. My question is, do you guys think it makes a difference if one chooses to do the physician assistant program over say the forensic science program? And then more than likely apply for med schools after completion of the program?

let me know what you guys think
thanks
 
sosomali said:
Long story short. I've completed 5 yrs of undergrad and applying for Med Schools in for 2010. My gpa isn't going to knock any socks off, and i'm sitting for my mcat in august.

Now, i'm considering to apply to a postbacc/smp/masters program so that I don't waist a year doing nothing. A friend of mine went to PCOM completed the masters of science program and is now attending medical school this fall. My question is, do you guys think it makes a difference if one chooses to do the physician assistant program over say the forensic science program? And then more than likely apply for med schools after completion of the program?

let me know what you guys think
thanks
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In my opinion, something like a physician's assistant degree would be worth more for the experience that you gain as a PA, not the degree itself. Generally speaking that type of program wouldn't be ideal for someone where the ultimate goal is medical school, unless you plan on taking a bit of time before applying, so you can actually work as a PA. It's not the typical stepping stone. Since this is not your case, as mentioned in your post, I would say you are better off with a smp, post bac classes/retakes, or a more basic masters program. Most importantly, if you do choose additional schooling, pick a program you are INTERESTED in, otherwise you will be bored and yadayadayada.
 
hey guys so i'm applying to DO school this year, my primaries should be sent out by mid-july (in the next couple days) and my mcat's gonna be on august 21. i know the primaries will take about 4-6 weeks to process, u think i'll be a late applicant seeing as my primary will be fully processed in mid-august and my MCAT score will be at hand by Sept. ??? just wanted to know. GPA and ECs are all good. I just wanted to know if this would severly hurt my chances of getting in somewhere???( or specfically CCOM?)
 
3.13 cGPA, 2.93 sGPA - have retaken 8 classes including both orgos, a physics lab, micro, and a few others. I've done shadowing, 2 year mission, leadership experience, CNA work, and am a non trad with a wife and kids. I was a total idiot with my grades, but I really want this. Do I have a shot at DO, carib, or postbac? :scared:
 
toast861 said:
3.13 cGPA, 2.93 sGPA - have retaken 8 classes including both orgos, a physics lab, micro, and a few others. I've done shadowing, 2 year mission, leadership experience, CNA work, and am a non trad with a wife and kids. I was a total idiot with my grades, but I really want this. Do I have a shot at DO, carib, or postbac? :scared:
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I think if you actually apply to all the schools listed on your mdapps then you have a great shot at getting into DO. You were selective in which MD schools that you apply to which is good. Don't take this the wrong way (or anyone else for that matter), if you are Hispanic then you may have a better chance at the MD schools your applying to (I wouldn't add more) and also the DO schools.

If you can get your app in early this year (your secondaries, fees, and LORs) by September then I think your in good shape. One thing you may want to set up immediately is some volunteering. (If the work you've done with the disabled has been volunteering then disregard this next part.) Do you assist with boy scouts in your ward, or anything of that nature? If so, list that. It is definitely volunteering your time and just when talking about it leave the religion aspect out. It was a channel by which you found the volunteer opportunity but not what the opportunity was about.

Personally I wouldn't apply Caribbean but that's my personal preference and that gets debated A LOT on here. Give the DO schools a shot for a cycle but make sure you're giving it a full chance by being early in the cycle. If it doesn't work out your MCAT is plenty fine and you may want to look into SMP programs. From there you could enroll in one of those for a year and your gpa in those would essentially replace your undergrad. At that point, if you did REALLY well you could definitely get into a DO program and also have a good chance at MD programs because your MCAT is strong enough.

Best of luck!
 
Hi Guys,

I took the MCAT in April and got a 20 🙁. I signed up for the exam again in early August but I think I'd be better prepared by September. Does taking the Sept MCAT and still applying for this cycle put me at a huge disadvantage? Let say my score ranges in the 25~.

Thanks in advance!
 
let me just preface this with the fact that i don't really know too much.
however, we are in roughly the same boat. i took it, didn't like my score, and will be retaking it late august. i was planning on getting my application in asap (once i perfect my personal statement) and just indicating my retake. some schools won't accept the september exam, so be sure to know which schools fall into that category. as far as putting you at a huge disadvantage, i don't know. the earlier the better, they say. that's all i can tell you.
 
TeamZissou said:
I think if you actually apply to all the schools listed on your mdapps then you have a great shot at getting into DO. You were selective in which MD schools that you apply to which is good. Don't take this the wrong way (or anyone else for that matter), if you are Hispanic then you may have a better chance at the MD schools your applying to (I wouldn't add more) and also the DO schools.

If you can get your app in early this year (your secondaries, fees, and LORs) by September then I think your in good shape. One thing you may want to set up immediately is some volunteering. (If the work you've done with the disabled has been volunteering then disregard this next part.) Do you assist with boy scouts in your ward, or anything of that nature? If so, list that. It is definitely volunteering your time and just when talking about it leave the religion aspect out. It was a channel by which you found the volunteer opportunity but not what the opportunity was about.

Personally I wouldn't apply Caribbean but that's my personal preference and that gets debated A LOT on here. Give the DO schools a shot for a cycle but make sure you're giving it a full chance by being early in the cycle. If it doesn't work out your MCAT is plenty fine and you may want to look into SMP programs. From there you could enroll in one of those for a year and your gpa in those would essentially replace your undergrad. At that point, if you did REALLY well you could definitely get into a DO program and also have a good chance at MD programs because your MCAT is strong enough.

Best of luck!
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Thanks a lot for your advice. I am submitting all my primaries today (just got summer grades) and just found out I got an F in my physics lab (already a retake) because I turned in all my lab reports late. So I am pretty much freaking out and really needed to hear that there is still a chance for me. Thanks again for the hope. 👍
 
I want to be a DO, especially since I have such a low GPA (3.12) and my science is 2.87. But that's not the real reason, I am not a cookie cut person and I really just feel like I can help people out :/ It should be worth noting that I had a positive trend in my final year of school gradewise (a bulk of sciences), except that I bombed a science class due to coming late on the final and not being able to take it.

I have good work experience (4+ years with direct patient contact - since high school) and long hours of volunteering. I have also done a few clubs, and some random assorted things. Nothing like saving starving children in Africa. Got some shadowing in, etc.

I was wondering what my target score (to make me a strong candidate) is for getting into ANY DO School, but I'd prefer to go down to a school in FL since that's where I reside. I want to apply for FALL 2010 cycle and my application for AMCAS/AACOMAS is practically finished, with the exception of actually submitting it with the premed committee's letter. I can provide other pieces of information if need be but I don't know what else to say, just looking for a decent indicator of the score I need.

The test is the 30th of July, and I'm wondering if it's worth post-poning so that I can get a superior score (few points I'd assume) and take it in late August/early september. Would this ruin my chances of getting in? I'm really looking at FL (my homestate) but I will apply to all the lower tier DO/MD schools. I mean to ask if the sacrifice is worth it in actually getting a better mcat score and applying a couple months later? At first I was just going to do the July 30th test but I feel like I'm not close exactly ready and don't wanna take it and send a low MCAT score again (already did it last year). So I'm beginning to believe that taking it with another 4-6 weeks preparation should make me ready to go and submitting a more fulfilling AACOMAS. I'm really looking for you guys for some great suggestions/help.
 
21 on MCAT
3.7 total GPA

Do I have a chance for DO schools? if yes which ones?
 
People have gotten in with a 21 on the MCAT. You may want get a Kaplan book and shoot for a 25 or better. If you are already applying, continue as planned. If you are applying next season, retake the MCAT. It might not hurt to retake it sooner so that you can let the schools know that you will have a new, and hopefully better, score soon.
 
jhu1 said:
21 on MCAT
3.7 total GPA
random.gif


Do I have a chance for DO schools? if yes which ones?
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Just improve your scores a bit, a 26 27 28 should be doable with a few months under your belt.
 
PlentyOLulz said:
I was wondering what my target score (to make me a strong candidate) is for getting into ANY DO School, but I'd prefer to go down to a school in FL since that's where I reside. I want to apply for FALL 2010 cycle and my application for AMCAS/AACOMAS is practically finished, with the exception of actually submitting it with the premed committee's letter. I can provide other pieces of information if need be but I don't know what else to say, just looking for a decent indicator of the score I need.

The test is the 30th of July, and I'm wondering if it's worth post-poning so that I can get a superior score (few points I'd assume) and take it in late August/early september. Would this ruin my chances of getting in? I'm really looking at FL (my homestate) but I will apply to all the lower tier DO/MD schools. I mean to ask if the sacrifice is worth it in actually getting a better mcat score and applying a couple months later? At first I was just going to do the July 30th test but I feel like I'm not close exactly ready and don't wanna take it and send a low MCAT score again (already did it last year). So I'm beginning to believe that taking it with another 4-6 weeks preparation should make me ready to go and submitting a more fulfilling AACOMAS. I'm really looking for you guys for some great suggestions/help.
Click to expand...


What are you scoring on practice tests? I think that anything above a 30 would be good for DO, but that's just me. You have to weigh how you think you'll do now with the time you'll lose in the application cycle. Are you talking about going up 5 points or just one or two? You can always submit your application now, and it will probably be verified around the same time your new MCAT scores would be available in August to prevent a time delay. Under almost no circumstances should you wait to submit your primary until August or September. But if you really feel like you are going to bomb it, don't risk it. If you are just getting nervous because it's two weeks away, take a few practice tests and focus on your weak areas. Good luck.
 
toast861 said:
What are you scoring on practice tests? I think that anything above a 30 would be good for DO, but that's just me. You have to weigh how you think you'll do now with the time you'll lose in the application cycle. Are you talking about going up 5 points or just one or two? You can always submit your application now, and it will probably be verified around the same time your new MCAT scores would be available in August to prevent a time delay. Under almost no circumstances should you wait to submit your primary until August or September. But if you really feel like you are going to bomb it, don't risk it. If you are just getting nervous because it's two weeks away, take a few practice tests and focus on your weak areas. Good luck.
Click to expand...

+1 👍
 
I want to apply for DO admission but I have a F in gen. chem., I re-took the class and received an A. I have a cum. GPA of 3.4 and a sci.GPA of 3.5. On my gpa standpoint am I ok? Does my F hinder my application since I re-took it and received an A? Thanks
 
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