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

[theswordfish]

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I graduated college in june and have decided that I want to be a DO. Help me plan my life until it's time to apply!! I had a 3.35 gpa as a bio major..

this is what I did while in school..
Student manager/lead in a customer service-esque job - 2.5 yrs
retail - 1 summer
lab assistant - 8 mos
paid TA for a lower div, non bio class - 5 quarters
research w/ project- 6 mos
TA at a middle school nerd camp - 1 summer
nursery volunteer at a church - 3 months
teaching internship at a middle school - 3 months
hospital volunteer - 3 months

What I'm doing this summer:
Caretaker for my grandparents (clean, drive them places, help with meds, etc), i'm gonna get certified as a caretaker too.
volunteer at a free health clinic (started back in april, right now i go about 12-20 hrs/week)
taking a monitor tech class for potential job in a hospital

Fall plans:
retake chem/physics, maybe ochem too, and english at jc
perhaps take an EMT class..(it would help me do more at the clinic)

Christmas break: work on PS??

Spring plans:
cont. retaking classes..
start studying for the MCAT, take in may???
get LORs

June
APPLY!!

Summer:
Go back to that camp and work as the health assistant (give out meds during morning and lunch, fix booboos/owies, watch kids take naps in the nurses office, etc), make $$$ for all those apps/interviews!!


any other suggestions? Thanks so much!!

Hey guys, any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! If there is anything I can do between now and June to get me in, I'd really like to know!!

Thanks so much!

 

[nanaschool2000]

Hi,

I was wondering what my chances were at a DO school, in particular CCOM for this cycle.

cGPA 3.73
sGPA 3.59
mcat: 1st 24Q (8PS, 9VB, 7BS), 2nd 23M (8PS 6VB 9 BS) [will this be too much of a drop in VB? or do schools like CCOM take the best of each section?]🙁

Also, do you think my GPA can make up for the low MCAT?

Lots of EC's, on student organization e-boards, worked 25+hrs/week during my 4 years of college, research, 400+ hrs volunteering - all the good stuff to get into med school.

I have no DO letter, but a very strong MD/PhD letter.

I am very worried, because the first time I took the mcat i studied one week for it and this second time I studied for 1 month+ and did worse (June 18th taker). I have registered for an August MCAT, but I don't know if I am willing to tackle the beast again after my second score was lower than my first.

Any comments and suggestions will be helpful.

So far I've applied to Touro-NY, NYIT, CCOM, PCOM (any others I should add?)

I am an IL resident.

Thank you in advance.

In terms of MCAT, I think most DO schools consider the best score. They are not going to take the best out of each section. In your case, they will look at 24Q. If you do better in August MCAT, that will be awesome. With your GPA, I think 24Q will do the job. NO guarantee though. I'm saying that because there is no guarantee in life. It has nothing to do w/ ur stats.

Don't worry too much. Good luck. Oh yeah. Don't let anyone discourage you. If you really worry, call CCOM and speak to admission counselors.

From what I read on the school website, a strong MD letter is better than a mediocre DO letter. If the schools you are applying to accept MD letter, I think that should be fine. Of course, if you shadow some DO physician and update them in the future, that will be even better.

Again.... Good Luck.

 

[avp6]

 

[hopeinternist]

Hi ,

Just wanted everyones opinion! So basically here is my situation. PLEASE be bluntly honest with me, no sugar coating necessary. I ll be a senior in the fall, i have a 2.71 sgpa and 2.96 overall gpa, not sure about my all other non sciences gpa, its probably around a 3.3. I go to a hard school notorious for deflating grades, but i know that doesn't really do anything for me 😡. Taking the MCAT soon, most likely around a 26- 29. I have excellent extra curricular activities, over 2000 hours of community service, EMS 3 years, volunteer EMT for several ambulances etc. many leadership positions, started two clubs, leadership in fraternity. And i have unique upbringing where i moved to the USA in 2002 and lived all around the world and basically moved around over 18 times in my life so i think i can spin a good story about that in my Personal statement. Now, i know i cant get into med school right out of college, which is why i m looking at LECOMs post bacc. Honestly right now it probably doesn't mean anything, but I d like to be hospitalist internist. I m not going for some crazy competitive residency and I can honestly relate to the DO way of thinking and practicing. Which is why I m not all pissy about being a DO instead of an MD, because its only the stupid pre meds who dont understand the difference and waste thousands of posts on SDN arguing.

Yes for some people DO is a backdoor into medicine, for a crappy academic record perhaps or a crappy MCAT, but that doesn't mean that they wont be a good physician. Hell, this is random example, but I am an excellent EMT, and have dealt with several car crashes etc, and nothing I learned in orgo or physics helped me save lives at all or with my patient care skills.

Anyways I plan on shadowing DOs and MDs starting in the fall. Most likely i can get my gpa up to a 2.78 for science and very close if not over a 3.0 for my overall gpa before i graduate. I have Cs in orgo and physics 1, i dont want to waste my time retaking these courses, if I can just enjoy my senior year of college, get into the post bacc and get into LECOM or another med school eventually (Fall 2011) . So, basically I don't know my chances of getting into LECOMs post bacc, and I m not sure when you start applying for the program.

What I liked about LECOMs post bacc was that the automatic interview if you pull a 3.0 in the program, and they let you enroll in the same year. Thats awesome, which means you don't have to wait another year to enroll. Right? I hope i have this right in my head.So what do you guys think about my chances and any tips/advice is appreciated. Thanks everyone 🙂

hopeinternist

 

[dctr]

I just got hit with this terribly low MCAT score of 22L. I was averaging 28 on the aamc's! I don't know what happened! Does anyone know if i have a shot at any DO schools if everything else in my application is is good such as 3.8 GPA and great LORS.

 

[MarieMarie]

I just got hit with this terribly low MCAT score of 22L. I was averaging 28 on the aamc's! I don't know what happened! Does anyone know if i have a shot at any DO schools if everything else in my application is is good such as 3.8 GPA and great LORS.

Schedule a retake ASAP.

 

[BigDolla]

If you retake some classes and do well on the MCAT you should be fine statistically for DO programs.

 

[futurepod2014]

Hello all,

Sorry I'm sure you have had this question before...

I am planning on applying to several DO schools (also DPM schools) this fall and I was wondering what type of MCAT score you think I would need to gain acceptance to a DO school?
3.44 cGPA
3.00 sGPA
Shadowed 1MD, 2DO's (one who teaches classes at a DO school), 2DPM's
Worked in a outpatient rehabilitation clinic as a physical therapy tech
Did a semester research project involving biomechanics

Would I need like a 30? 32? Higher? I appreciate the feedback, I have researched myself but the stats vary greatly and I figured people with personal experiences with applying and acceptances/waitlists/rejections could give me some great input.

Thanks

 

[COMBAT MEDIC172]

28 would make you competative if you have more to list in the EC department.

 

[ltw902]

what are your thoughts for a MI resident applying to: MSUCOM, UMDNJ, OSUCOM, and OUCOM

sGPA: 3.4
cGPA: 3.39
MCAT: 30Q (11/8/11). I'll be taking another one in 5 days. Hopefully getting a 34+ with a better verbal score

attending georgetown smp this upcoming term

Patent on Golf Machine
Intern at the Korean CDC
Research Assistant for Neuro-Pharmacology lab
ER Volunteer
Intern at nutrition website
Catechist Teacher at Church
Korean Language Teacher
Tutoring Middle School and High School
Leader for mission trip to Mexico
Fraternity Member
Captain for a lot of IM sports teams
Shadowing an MD
lots of clubs during undergrad

 

[nicoletom]

not traditional in that I am a veterinary student who is applying - I've a had a really eye opening year in veterinary school and found it is not for me...(reasons shall be unnamed unless you all want me to write a lengthy response - but I have had several DVMs back me up in my decision - now only to find a D.O.)

Alright don't laugh at the MCAT - I'm reschedule to take it in Aug: 23P (6P,9B,8V)

Veterinary School:
GPA: 3.46
EC: service trip to provide underserved population with free animal health care
tutor for incoming first year vet students
numerous committees
first year class rep.
numerous clubs
student tech in Clinical Pathology Department

Undergrad, graduated 2008:
GPA: 3.902 overall, 3.85 science
Founded a club
Sorority - three elected positions
Sorority recruitment counselor
Human Anatomy Laboratory Instructor (1 year - 2 semesters)
Research with state department of health - west nile virus study
library assistant
numerous volunteer activities
worked at an animal hospital 2 years - over 2000 hours with doctor/patient relationship

High School:
Hospital volunteer - I listed this in the application because I mention it in my personal statement.

okay - so be honest. i realize that you might be questioning why I am switching, but it is a long story dealing with family and personal issues that have occurred recently within the past two year. These reasons and other factors also contribute to the reason I will be withdrawing from Vet School after an admissions letter (if I receive one). I never taught I would actually apply to Medical schools because I wanted to be a veterinarian for so long - as a result my experience is minimal with the human side, except for the volunteer experience. I have called several doctors about shadowing, and will continue to do so. Question: Do, I go ahead and submit my application without shadowing and not having a D.O letter writer yet? And does anybody know if retaking the MCAT in August will hold up my application?


Good luck to all of you, and may you never have to apply again and if you end up having to - keep your chin up. I know of many students in the vet program that applied numerous times and are proving themselves to be wonder future clinicians.

 

[ibadi]

I graduated with a psychology major in May with a 3.3 sGPA and a 3.4 cum. I have an MCAT score of 25O (7P, 8V, 10B). I did a year of research, volunteered over 200 hours at a hospital, shadowed an MDs and a DO (130 hours total), held leadership positions in extracurricular clubs, and have LORs from the DO, science professors, research professors, non-science professors. Currently, I am waiting to hear from several research positions that I applied for (for this year).
Do you guys think I will have a good chance, if I apply this year?

 

[STAT EKG]

Hey everyone,

I'm applying somewhat broadly to DO schools for the 2010 cycle. I'm not verified yet, but I should be within the next 2-3 weeks.

Here are my stats:

AACOMAS -

cGPA 3.30
sGPA 3.59

My GPA is so low because I had a horrible freshman year (0.4 GPA, academic suspension... yikes!), but I've retaken most of the classes and have a 3.7 over my last 112 credit hours.

MCAT 30 (9P, 10V, 11B, OW)

As far as ECs go...

I've worked as an ER scribe for ~ 1.5 years (1500+ hours)
Lots of community volunteering
USTA Tennis
(It's kind of awkward just listing ECs because they're much more valuable experiences to me than a list, but I figure it will help give you insight into my situation)

I'm a VA resident (Don't know how much this matters w/ DO schools)

I applied to CCOM, DUCOM, VCOM, both PCOMs, NYCOM, NOVA SE, UMDNJ, WVCOM, and Western

What do you think my chances are at these programs? Should I add more schools?

Thanks for your input
​

 

[hopeinternist]

Hi ,

Just wanted everyones opinion! So basically here is my situation. PLEASE be bluntly honest with me, no sugar coating necessary. I ll be a senior in the fall, i have a 2.71 sgpa and 2.96 overall gpa, not sure about my all other non sciences gpa, its probably around a 3.3. I go to a hard school notorious for deflating grades, but i know that doesn't really do anything for me . Taking the MCAT soon, most likely around a 26- 29. I have excellent extra curricular activities, over 2000 hours of community service, EMS 3 years, volunteer EMT for several ambulances etc. many leadership positions, started two clubs, leadership in fraternity. And i have unique upbringing where i moved to the USA in 2002 and lived all around the world and basically moved around over 18 times in my life so i think i can spin a good story about that in my Personal statement. Now, i know i cant get into med school right out of college, which is why i m looking at LECOMs post bacc. Honestly right now it probably doesn't mean anything, but I d like to be hospitalist internist.


Anyways I plan on shadowing DOs and MDs starting in the fall. Most likely i can get my gpa up to a 2.78 for science and very close if not over a 3.0 for my overall gpa before i graduate. I have Cs in orgo and physics 1, i dont want to waste my time retaking these courses, if I can just enjoy my senior year of college, get into the post bacc and get into LECOM or another med school eventually (Fall 2011) . So, basically I don't know my chances of getting into LECOMs post bacc, and I m not sure when you start applying for the program.

What I liked about LECOMs post bacc was that the automatic interview if you pull a 3.0 in the program, and they let you enroll in the same year. Thats awesome, which means you don't have to wait another year to enroll. Right? I hope i have this right in my head.So what do you guys think about my chances and any tips/advice is appreciated. Thanks everyone

hopeinternist

 

[forrealz]

Hi ,

Just wanted everyones opinion! So basically here is my situation. PLEASE be bluntly honest with me, no sugar coating necessary. I ll be a senior in the fall, i have a 2.71 sgpa and 2.96 overall gpa, not sure about my all other non sciences gpa, its probably around a 3.3. I go to a hard school notorious for deflating grades, but i know that doesn't really do anything for me . Taking the MCAT soon, most likely around a 26- 29. I have excellent extra curricular activities, over 2000 hours of community service, EMS 3 years, volunteer EMT for several ambulances etc. many leadership positions, started two clubs, leadership in fraternity. And i have unique upbringing where i moved to the USA in 2002 and lived all around the world and basically moved around over 18 times in my life so i think i can spin a good story about that in my Personal statement. Now, i know i cant get into med school right out of college, which is why i m looking at LECOMs post bacc. Honestly right now it probably doesn't mean anything, but I d like to be hospitalist internist.


Anyways I plan on shadowing DOs and MDs starting in the fall. Most likely i can get my gpa up to a 2.78 for science and very close if not over a 3.0 for my overall gpa before i graduate. I have Cs in orgo and physics 1, i dont want to waste my time retaking these courses, if I can just enjoy my senior year of college, get into the post bacc and get into LECOM or another med school eventually (Fall 2011) . So, basically I don't know my chances of getting into LECOMs post bacc, and I m not sure when you start applying for the program.

What I liked about LECOMs post bacc was that the automatic interview if you pull a 3.0 in the program, and they let you enroll in the same year. Thats awesome, which means you don't have to wait another year to enroll. Right? I hope i have this right in my head.So what do you guys think about my chances and any tips/advice is appreciated. Thanks everyone

hopeinternist

can't give you much advice since I am sort of in the same boat. I have heard that LECOM's post bacc accepts students with atleast a 22 or above into their post bac program and eventually into their DO program if you show a little improvement (mid 20s) with your mcat and ofcourse your post bac gpa.
some people, including myself, didn't find the post bac program admins not so cooperative. You might want to keep contacting them regarding your application, they seem to put it off till the last minute (march-april) although i had applied way before the deadline.
and you got it right, if you get offered an interview while you are enrolled in their program (say fall 2011), if the interview goes well, you start the DO program in Fall 2012. if you are seriously considering doing the post-bac, please apply ASAP or atleast by sometime this fall although the deadline is next summer. I believe getting into their post bac program is becoming quite competitive.
good luck!🙂

 

[medhacker]

o, basically I don't know my chances of getting into LECOMs post bacc, and I m not sure when you start applying for the program.

Your best bet is to contact that school's post-bac and other post-bacs and inquire about your chances.

Best Wishes!


MH

 

[medhacker]

Hey everyone,

I'm applying somewhat broadly to DO schools for the 2010 cycle. I'm not verified yet, but I should be within the next 2-3 weeks.

Here are my stats:

AACOMAS -

cGPA 3.30
sGPA 3.​

What do you think my chances are at these programs? Should I add more schools?

Thanks for your input

I think you have a moderate chance at those schools. Do you have the money to add more schools?

 

[STAT EKG]

MH,

I have the money to apply to more, but I'm already applying to 20 (including allo b/c I'm also applying to allo schools). The secondary and interview travel costs are more of a concern to me than the cost associated with the primary app. I know that it's better to set myself up for several acceptances, but I don't know if I'll have the funding (or time - because I'm still going to be a full-time student and resident assistant this year) to fly around the country interviewing at many places for months.

This said, I'll still probably add a few schools.

Also, does my app go to the bottom of the verification pile if I add more schools before verification?

Thanks

 

[DbDan]

Sci GPA: 2.77 (will be 2.85 after summer)
Cum GPA: 2.79 (will be 2.86 after summer)
MCAT: 33N (11/11/11)

I will continue taking classes for the next year at UCI ($$$) but may have to do a quarter at community college since I am applying to schools and I don't think i can afford the 2500 to take 2 classes at UCI next quarter. I am retaking the lower division classes to improve GPA a little more quickly since I didn't do well my first 2 years at UCLA

ECs:
9 Months research in microbiology lab
2.5 years as a supervisor at last job (non-medical related, ~20hrs/wk)
2 years as a small group leader at community church
Working ~30 hrs a week in a hospital as an epilepsy tech with direct patient care and contact

Letters of Rec from a professor from my major, lab director (UCLA med school prof), professor from a non-sci class, working on letter from MD and still working on getting in contact with DO (I am still yet to get a response from any i have called)

What do you think my chances are? Any particular schools not to apply to/definitely to apply to? I think I have eliminated MSUCOM and WVCOM simply due to the fact that their OOS tuition is significantly higher than any of the other schools. Also, I am fairly confused as to AT Still's programs. I keep reading things such as the majority of classes are online, etc. Anyone have any insight on what exactly is going on here?

Right now I am thinking of applying to: AZCOM, CCOM, LECOM - Fl, LECOM - PA, NYCOM, OUCOM, PCOM, Touro - NY, Touro - Ca, Touro - NV, UMDNJ, Western.

 

[Sinfest]

I will continue taking classes for the next year at UCI ($$$)

zot zot haha

 

[forrealz]

Sci GPA: 2.77 (will be 2.85 after summer)
Cum GPA: 2.79 (will be 2.86 after summer)
MCAT: 33N (11/11/11)

I will continue taking classes for the next year at UCI ($$$) but may have to do a quarter at community college since I am applying to schools and I don't think i can afford the 2500 to take 2 classes at UCI next quarter. I am retaking the lower division classes to improve GPA a little more quickly since I didn't do well my first 2 years at UCLA

ECs:
9 Months research in microbiology lab
2.5 years as a supervisor at last job (non-medical related, ~20hrs/wk)
2 years as a small group leader at community church
Working ~30 hrs a week in a hospital as an epilepsy tech with direct patient care and contact

Letters of Rec from a professor from my major, lab director (UCLA med school prof), professor from a non-sci class, working on letter from MD and still working on getting in contact with DO (I am still yet to get a response from any i have called)

What do you think my chances are? Any particular schools not to apply to/definitely to apply to? I think I have eliminated MSUCOM and WVCOM simply due to the fact that their OOS tuition is significantly higher than any of the other schools. Also, I am fairly confused as to AT Still's programs. I keep reading things such as the majority of classes are online, etc. Anyone have any insight on what exactly is going on here?

Right now I am thinking of applying to: AZCOM, CCOM, LECOM - Fl, LECOM - PA, NYCOM, OUCOM, PCOM, Touro - NY, Touro - Ca, Touro - NV, UMDNJ, Western.

Good job on the MCAT! Good ECs too.
You might want to check out the min. gpa cut offs to receive secondaries. I know the Touros have a min. gpa (s & c) cut off of 3.0.
LECOM's is 2.7.
PCOM, Western and UMDNJ don't have any cut offs, but they are very competitive.
Can't remember other schools', Check this(http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=567224&highlight=cutoffs) out to expand or limit your choices.
You might want to consider these factors too:
-Check out OOS acceptance rate at some of the state schools you have listed, they do prefer in-state or atleast people from their region. Contact the schools or talk to admissions, most of them were quite helpful.
-Since you are still working on getting a DO letter, check out which schools do NOT require one.

 

[DbDan]

Good job on the MCAT! Good ECs too.
You might want to check out the min. gpa cut offs to receive secondaries. I know the Touros have a min. gpa (s & c) cut off of 3.0.
LECOM's is 2.7.
PCOM, Western and UMDNJ don't have any cut offs, but they are very competitive.
Can't remember other schools', Check this(http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=567224&highlight=cutoffs) out to expand or limit your choices.
You might want to consider these factors too:
-Check out OOS acceptance rate at some of the state schools you have listed, they do prefer in-state or atleast people from their region. Contact the schools or talk to admissions, most of them were quite helpful.
-Since you are still working on getting a DO letter, check out which schools do NOT require one.

Where are you finding the Touros minimum GPA/MCAT? I went on the website and went looking through the CIB and no true minimum is listed. From their website:

"Typically, successful candidates earn Science and Cumulative GPA's of 3.0 or greater and have obtained a minimum combined MCAT score of 23, though the Admissions and Standards Committee will, on a case by case basis, look below these figures."

Not saying I am special in any way but it doesn't seem that below a 3.0 is an automatic dismissal from the Touros. I would love to be able to go to Touro-Ca or at least have the opportunity so I am just curious. I am still working on getting that DO letter, I have faith that if all else fails I can get a DO that I work with in the hospital to write one based solely on my supervisor's recommendation. I am trying to avoid a someone impersonal letter though so I am trying to get ahold of one of the DOs to speak with them face to face first.

 

[herky010]

Hi, I'm looking for some help:
MCAT (6/18/2009) PS 09, VR 07, BS 11 WS Q
sGPA 3.23
nsGPA 3.90
cGPA 3.59
I graduated from a Big Ten University with B.S. in Biology
500+ hours of volunteer work
Full-time hospital employee currently
MD shadowing for 100+ hours

Do I have a good shot at D.O school? I really want to be a doctor...my family says I should go for an RPh but I really want to go to medical school.
Thank you!

 

[Sinfest]

Bump again. Thanks ahead of time 🙂

Hey guys/gals, I just got my MCAT result back, and I'm wondering what my chances will be when I apply early on in the application cycle next year(yeah yeah, I know this is an 09-10 thread, but whatever).

MCAT: 27M(9VR, 8PS, 10BS)
Science GPA: ~3.15
Overall GPA: ~3.05
Undergrad: A top public university
Letters:
-My research PI
-Science faculty member
-Nonscience faculty member
-The MD from the urgent care facility I intern at
-Will have a DO LOR
-I could also get one from the hospital I intern at if I want
Extracurriculars:
-2 & 1/2 years of evolutionary research(>1000 hours)
-1 & 1/3 years of interning on various floors at a big hospital(oncology, telemetry, outpatient surgery, joint works, emergency)(~240 hours)
-7 months of interning at an urgent care facility(~110 hours)
-3 months of working at a pharmacy
-I am a certified pharmacy technician
-3 months of teaching science/english at a local highschool to mostly minorities who had trouble passing the California High School Exit Exam
-Participated in a minority outreach video funded by the NSF.
-I will shadow a DO soon


I'm willing to go anywhere haha

Thanks! 👍

edit: I also just got a part time job at a pharm. corporation where I would test the effectiveness of the drugs being developed by them.

 

[cubicw86]

I was at MDapplicant.com and checked out various stats on applicants who were admitted to DO school. It's quite shocking that a lot of applicants who got admitted have a GPA between 3.0-3.4 and MCAT Scores of 20-25. Isn't that very low for medical school?
However i hardly see anyone with below 3.0 GPA and 35 or above MCAT get admitted.
Does that mean GPA is way more important than MCAT?

What's everybody's opinion? Is MDapplicant accurate or not?

 

[275079]

MDapplicant isn't accurate. It's full of false posts written by people with agendas. Much like I suspect yours is.

 

[RySerr21]

1. do not ever use mdapplicants to gauge gpa/mcat of applicants at different schools

2. the average gpa/mcat for DO schools is about 3.45/26. It may have gone up, but thats the last time i remember it.

GPA and MCAT are equally important. Do your best in both and apply with what youve got. Thats all that matters.

 

[Cp22kjer]

1. do not ever use mdapplicants to gauge gpa/mcat of applicants at different schools

2. the average gpa/mcat for DO schools is about 3.45/26. It may have gone up, but thats the last time i remember it.

GPA and MCAT are equally important. Do your best in both and apply with what youve got. Thats all that matters.

Good advise. I'll also add that sample size should be considered. MDapps is only a fraction of the people who applied/ were accepted.

 

[cubicw86]

OMG, why would people waste their time to put false stats in MDapplicant? I would rather use that time to improve my credentials.

Hahah nah I don't have false agenda, I'm just wondering.

I know mcat and GPA are looked at equally, but what if someone have a GPA between 2.5-2.9 and a very high mcat score over 35. Would they have a chance of getting an interview for an osteopathic school?

 

[JeetKuneDo]

OMG, why would people waste their time to put false stats in MDapplicant? I would rather use that time to improve my credentials.

Hahah nah I don't have false agenda, I'm just wondering.

I know mcat and GPA are looked at equally, but what if someone have a GPA between 2.5-2.9 and a very high mcat score over 35. Would they have a chance of getting an interview for an osteopathic school?

Depends. More to it than numbers. What type of ec's has the person been up to and whether or not there was an upward trend in gpa are a few other factors for acceptance. Personally, I'd say 2.9 with a high mcat might do it, though you can always retake classes to raise gpa and make it a solid 3.0+.

 

[muhali3]

Having a sub 3.0 shoots down your chances at any medical school. There is a point at which if either your MCAT or GPA falls below a certain point, the other (GPA/MCAT) can't make up for it, no matter how high it is.

 

[cubicw86]

I asked an osteopathic admission person before about retaking classes. they said that they have seen people retake classes till they obtain a 3.5-4.0 and they look unfavorably towards these applicants. I was advised to take upper division courses. I took a year of upper division courses at Harvard and only got Bs ;(. I have excellent EC🙁leadership, shaddowing, volunteers, research, working, and etc..). Plus MCAT of 35 above. Unfortunately, my GPA from another institution really cut me off. Let's jsut say I'm in the middle of 2.5-2.9.

I dunno if I should apply this year or maybe just wait??? What do you guys think.

 

[Kayla]

.

 

[sshashid87]

I just realized that I have no idea where to send LOR's for DO schools...I know for AMCAS, they are going to be uploaded to AMCAS, but I have no idea what to do for DO schools. I have a committee letter, so can they just mail the letters to the individual schools, or do they have to upload it electronically somewhere?

Also, how late in the cycle am I? I'm planning to submit my primary app. within the next few days, and I will be working on secondaries while waiting for verification. Also, my interview for the committee letter isn't til Thurs, and I'm guessing about a month for them to complete and send...sooo I'm guessing I'll be complete somewhere around early-mid September (29 MCAT, 3.7/3.5 c/s GPAs)...Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Send letters to the address given to you by the schools when they invite you to fill out the secondary. It will be in the letter or in the signature of the admissions department member who sent you the letter. If not, then look at the school's admissions website. Or look in the CIB. Or email them and ask them, but the other options are safe and effective, and you won't have to wait for an email response.

 

[Grey Wind]

I asked an osteopathic admission person before about retaking classes. they said that they have seen people retake classes till they obtain a 3.5-4.0 and they look unfavorably towards these applicants. I was advised to take upper division courses. I took a year of upper division courses at Harvard and only got Bs ;(. I have excellent EC🙁leadership, shaddowing, volunteers, research, working, and etc..). Plus MCAT of 35 above. Unfortunately, my GPA from another institution really cut me off. Let's jsut say I'm in the middle of 2.5-2.9.

I dunno if I should apply this year or maybe just wait??? What do you guys think.

if i were you, i'd apply to some schools this year and see what happens with that while you retake some of those classes.

 

[Rcon]

So I just applied and am waiting to get verified. Did I wait too long to apply?

Is there anything else I can do (work on my secondaries?), I'm thinking of sending my LORs to interfolio. What will the secondaries consist of? anything thats common between the schools.

BTW 3.76 3.81 Science and 26 MCAT + basic ECs. What are my chances getting into Touro-CA or western?

Thanks...GL to everyone who's going through app process...it really is daunting.

 

[Kayla]

.

 

[danimjo]

So I just applied and am waiting to get verified. Did I wait too long to apply?

Is there anything else I can do (work on my secondaries?), I'm thinking of sending my LORs to interfolio. What will the secondaries consist of? anything thats common between the schools.

BTW 3.76 3.81 Science and 26 MCAT + basic ECs. What are my chances getting into Touro-CA or western?

Thanks...GL to everyone who's going through app process...it really is daunting.

You are definitely not too late for DO schools they interview into March and April, which means there are lots of people who don't submit applications until much earlier in the season, and plenty of people have to wait for school to start up again in August or September to get their LOR's... you are still an early candidate... most schools just started sending out interview invites two weeks ago... so you are very early in the cycle.

 

[GLENMARK]

So I just applied and am waiting to get verified. Did I wait too long to apply?

Is there anything else I can do (work on my secondaries?), I'm thinking of sending my LORs to interfolio. What will the secondaries consist of? anything thats common between the schools.

BTW 3.76 3.81 Science and 26 MCAT + basic ECs. What are my chances getting into Touro-CA or western?

Thanks...GL to everyone who's going through app process...it really is daunting.

It is not too late. However, would suggest to add some more schools.
Maybe Touro-Hendedrson.

 

[EricH]

+1 you're not too late. However you are also not early. Work on secondary prompts so that you can turn them around quickly. Continue your ec's so that you can talk about them at interviews. I also agree that Touro-NV is a good add.

 

[MadeinLondon]

So I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to go to CCOM. I could list all of my reasons but I will be here forever. I am a big fan of Osteo med. my brother is a DO and wouldn't do an MD if someone paid him to. anyhow - what do people think of my chances?

3.08 - CumGPA and Science. 27 MCAT, taking them again on friday. I know I need to get over a 30 probably closer to a 32. from what I have read on SDN, CCOM is one of the hardest DO schools to get into - do you think a 32 would compensate for my abissmal GPA?

did i mention I REALLY want to go to CCOM?

 

[fj4288]

So I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to go to CCOM. I could list all of my reasons but I will be here forever. I am a big fan of Osteo med. my brother is a DO and wouldn't do an MD if someone paid him to. anyhow - what do people think of my chances?

3.08 - CumGPA and Science. 27 MCAT, taking them again on friday. I know I need to get over a 30 probably closer to a 32. from what I have read on SDN, CCOM is one of the hardest DO schools to get into - do you think a 32 would compensate for my abissmal GPA?

did i mention I REALLY want to go to CCOM?

your mcat is fine for CCOM. I think you need to bring up your gpa but if you've graduated and don't want to take anymore classes I'd say maybe go for a higher mcat.

On a side note, I think half of the admissions process for med school is luck.

 

[nanaschool2000]

your mcat is fine for CCOM. I think you need to bring up your gpa but if you've graduated and don't want to take anymore classes I'd say maybe go for a higher mcat.

On a side note, I think half of the admissions process for med school is luck.

I completely agree. For that reason...

Good luck everyone

 

[zentel400]

3.4 cGPA with 31 MCAT (10-11-10-P)

4 years of research - 3 published manuscripts - co-author
4 years of clinical shadowing
3 International Medical Mission trips
Volunteering at an underserved elementary as an assistant (non-medical volunteering)
Intercollegiate Athlete -4 years
Club President
Interfraternity Council member
Study Abroad in England (summer)
No DO LOR
CA Resident

What are my chances and where should I apply to? Is this too late to apply? Any comment would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[MadeinLondon]

your mcat is fine for CCOM. I think you need to bring up your gpa but if you've graduated and don't want to take anymore classes I'd say maybe go for a higher mcat.

On a side note, I think half of the admissions process for med school is luck.

yes i graduated two years and just finished a post bacc at penn with a 3.77 so there is an upward trend from my shameful undergrad gpa but my post bacc gpa isnt high enough to raise my overall GPAs any higher and honestly with over 150 credits, i think it's impossible to get my GPA to 3.3. anyhow, i figure a few more points on my MCATs will sort of make up for the few points i need for my GPA.


I agree its all a luck thing - i wish i was luckier 🙁

 

[mommy2three]

yes i graduated two years and just finished a post bacc at penn with a 3.77 so there is an upward trend from my shameful undergrad gpa but my post bacc gpa isnt high enough to raise my overall GPAs any higher and honestly with over 150 credits, i think it's impossible to get my GPA to 3.3. anyhow, i figure a few more points on my MCATs will sort of make up for the few points i need for my GPA.


I agree its all a luck thing - i wish i was luckier 🙁

if not...take the option to transfer your application to their master's program. i did and i recently finished my first year (in may) and have started my second year (in june). we have a really good track record of students in the class going to ccom or the sister campus az-com. at least half the class each year ends up at one of those two schools as their final destination.

 

[Rcon]

Well Touro & Western are my top choice since I'm a CA resident but I've applied to 10 other DO schools as well. My choices go as:

1. Western
2. Touro
3. UMDNJ
4. PCOM
5. CCOM

And I'll start on those secondary questions right away. I asked in the "what are my chances?" thread before but never got a reply. So can anyone tell me where I stand. Thanks guys.

 

[HaveHope]

creepy . . . you could be my twin. look at my mdapps!

 

[aertzin]

3.4 cGPA with 31 MCAT (10-11-10-P)

4 years of research - 3 published manuscripts - co-author
4 years of clinical shadowing
3 International Medical Mission trips
Volunteering at an underserved elementary as an assistant (non-medical volunteering)
Intercollegiate Athlete -4 years
Club President
Interfraternity Council member
Study Abroad in England (summer)
No DO LOR
CA Resident

What are my chances and where should I apply to? Is this too late to apply? Any comment would be appreciated. Thanks.

Why don't you try posting in the "What Are My Chances" thread. If everyone who had the same question started their own thread, the board would be filled with little else.