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

[EricH]

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So can anyone tell me where I stand. Thanks guys.

If your mcat is balanced and you have good ecs your in pretty good shape. Was your mcat balanced?

 

[MSUSpartan642]

5....4....3....2....1...MOVED (I bet)

 

[Rcon]

If your mcat is balanced and you have good ecs your in pretty good shape. Was your mcat balanced?

Thats what I'm worried about, it isn't balanced.

P7 V8 B11

 

[sweetsaja]

my cgpa is 3.37 bcpm 3.33 but i do have an upward trend. im taking mcat july 30th but ive been averaging 25s on kaplan practice tests and 30s on aamc practice exams. i have no DO letter of recommendation but i plan on shadowing a DO in aug/sept and sending a lor to the schools later. i have decent extracurriculars and lors including 8 months of research, 2.5+ yrs hospital volunteering, 10 hours shadowing MDs, etc. im a WI resident. i applied to midwestern(chicago), nycom, and lecom. all the other DO schools seem to really favor instate or have higher avg stats,etc. can you guys suggest some other DO schools that I would have good chance at? 🙁

 

[Chocolate Bear]

5....4....3....2....1...MOVED (I bet)

😀

 

[swamprat]

Thats what I'm worried about, it isn't balanced.

P7 V8 B11

Not horrible though, the only thing is the 7 which may raise a flag.

 

[Grey Wind]

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.

by this statement do you mean that if one isn't accepted to ccom, then one can transfer one's application to the master's program? or, do you have to make this decision early in the game instead of seeing how the applic. season plays out?

 

[EricH]

Thats what I'm worried about, it isn't balanced.

P7 V8 B11

I think 7 is a low cut-off for some schools, but I would say that you are probably still in ok shape. Throw the dice....luck may be a lady.

 

[medstudentwanab]

I'm a hopeful med student going into my junior year

GPA 3.8
havn't taken my MCAT yet but plan to in January n(have been getting 30-32 on practice tests)
Great health care experience and LOR
research experience
I want to apply next summer ...
but I have a misdemeanor petty larceny conviction on my record. I was only sentenced to a 50 dollar fine due to the judge wanting to knock down the charge, but the state not allowing it... no jail time or probation. This was over a year ago. The incident was not reflective of who I am as a person - it was a wrong time wrong place bad time in my life peer pressure thing. It hasn't/will never happen again.
I don't know how to make it clear that it was not in any mean reflective of the type of person I am.
I'm terrified this will hurt my chances or keep me from getting in all together.

ADVICE!!! PLEASE HELP

 

[swamprat]

I'm a hopeful med student going into my junior year

GPA 3.8
havn't taken my MCAT yet but plan to in January n(have been getting 30-32 on practice tests)
Great health care experience and LOR
research experience
I want to apply next summer ...
but I have a misdemeanor petty larceny conviction on my record. I was only sentenced to a 50 dollar fine due to the judge wanting to knock down the charge, but the state not allowing it... no jail time or probation. This was over a year ago. The incident was not reflective of who I am as a person - it was a wrong time wrong place bad time in my life peer pressure thing. It hasn't/will never happen again.
I don't know how to make it clear that it was not in any mean reflective of the type of person I am.
I'm terrified this will hurt my chances or keep me from getting in all together.

ADVICE!!! PLEASE HELP

note: html doesn't work in thread titles

also idk i dnt think petit larceny is a big deal, depends what you stole but i doubt it would pose a huge problem. its not like you physically hurt someone or something

 

[droogdoc]

Since you still have some time before you apply I would ask the school to put you into direct contact with someone to discuss it. I doubt it would hurt to ask, even though it will probably require a face-to-face since it is complex issue. Some schools even allow you to schedule personal appointments with admissions people, I know CCOM does.

Plus, the fact that it was knocked down to a $50 fine, well, damn it couldn't have been that bad!! Plus, you have a stellar GPA and will probably do well on the MCAT considering your practice tests.

Bottom line...just call a few schools you are interested in. Ask them.

 

[EricH]

Contact your state licensing board and ask....it's really about your ability to get a license. My guess is that the issue is a non-starter.

 

[medhacker]

If it's only a misdemeanor, why not have your record expunged?

Depending on what state you're in, you could have your record expunged and it would not appear on a record check (unless you are fingerprinted/FBI check etc).

 

[medstudentwanab]

Virginia, at least the area I live in in VA, doesn't have expungment or "under advisement" or anything. Any infraction what so ever stays on your record

 

[medstudentwanab]

non-starter?

 

[swamprat]

non-starter?

i think he/she means that it is a non-issue.

 

[medhacker]

Virginia, at least the area I live in in VA, doesn't have expungment or "under advisement" or anything. Any infraction what so ever stays on your record

Then you have to make your move...

It's not like you committed a felony involving "moral turpitude", so what are your options?:

1) Meet with a member of an Adcom of one (some?) of the schools you're interested in and ask what her/his advise would be

- The question is, can you afford that, and should you? That is given that your fault is relatively minor.


2) Ask yourself, if you can't get it [see #1 above] from the horse's mouth, would you let that keep you from applying?

- If I was you, since I know my fault was relatively minor, I surely would not let that stop me.


Hope that helps...

 

[Rcon]

I think 7 is a low cut-off for some schools, but I would say that you are probably still in ok shape. Throw the dice....luck may be a lady.

Not horrible though, the only thing is the 7 which may raise a flag.

Thats what I'm doing...playing a luck game with my career. thanks guys.

 

[EricH]

non-starter?

a non-starter or rather nonstarter is an issue that will not cause problems.

 

[demayette]

non-traditional 35y, RN. (BSN in progress) 3.1 cGPA, 3.5 sGPA , MCAT 27P . What are my chances for DO schools... Should I retake the MCAT and get >=30.. would that increase my chances substantially. I think I can get >=30 if I study for 3 months and take a prep class (KAPLAN or PR). The first time I took the MCAT, I did study for less than a month ... stupid me.. I should have waited..

 

[QuackaDO]

Due to the very minor nature I don't think it would prevent you from gaining acceptance, but not positive. One thing I can tell you for sure though is that you should change your approach/ explanation for it and not use the "it's not reflective of who I am" approach or make the excuse that it happened so long ago that it's not an accurate measure of who you are... a year ago is not that long. Unless this happened 5-10 years ago it's hard to make the justification that it was "in a different lifetime"... a year or even just over a year ago is still too recent. Assuming that you did do it (whatever IT is and since you didnt deny I am assuming that you did) your best approach would be to admit that you made a mistake and that it was bad judgement on YOUR part (don't blame anyone else or peer pressure) but that it was a learning experience and that you know how important it is to be on the highest level of moral standard and action. If you try to play it off as it was peer pressure it looks like you are blaming someone else for your mistakes and if you say "but it was so long ago" it doesn't reflect at all that you learned from it. If you even remotely try to assign blame to anyone else you will give the impression that you are the type of person where everything is always "someone elses fault" and you can't accept responsibility for your own actions... not good. You made a mistake... big deal, everyone does... LEARN FROM IT and show that you learned from it and move on. If you show people that it served as a learning and self improvement aspect I think few people will hold it against you enough to say "no" simply based on that fact alone.

 

[DocHomer]

I'm a hopeful med student going into my junior year

GPA 3.8
havn't taken my MCAT yet but plan to in January n(have been getting 30-32 on practice tests)
Great health care experience and LOR
research experience
I want to apply next summer ...
but I have a misdemeanor petty larceny conviction on my record. I was only sentenced to a 50 dollar fine due to the judge wanting to knock down the charge, but the state not allowing it... no jail time or probation. This was over a year ago. The incident was not reflective of who I am as a person - it was a wrong time wrong place bad time in my life peer pressure thing. It hasn't/will never happen again.
I don't know how to make it clear that it was not in any mean reflective of the type of person I am.
I'm terrified this will hurt my chances or keep me from getting in all together.

ADVICE!!! PLEASE HELP

The incident itself probably wouldn't be a big deal, since relatively speaking, petty larceny is minor in comparison to other acts. However, the biggest problem from my perspective is that it happened only a year ago. I would question your ethics and whether you really are mature enough to pursue medicine. We all make mistakes. I've made plenty, but there has to be enough time from then till now to show how you've grown and truly are different.

Sorry if I seem harsh, but you asked us to be honest. I hope it all works out for you. Good luck.

 

[sshashid87]

Hey what are my chances if I apply next week...I know I'm not early, but my essay is pretty strong, as well as LORs (no DO letter though, I may send one later after I shadow a DO physician which I hope to do within the next few weeks)...

cGPA- 3.7
sGPA- 3.4-3.5 (I have two classes, Survey of Human Disease and Foundations of Public Health Immunology which are HSC classes, but I heard they go by course material/title...)

29S MCAT

Very normal/avg. ECs, plus some awards for thesis and research publications...

 

[Grey Wind]

Hey what are my chances if I apply next week...I know I'm not early, but my essay is pretty strong, as well as LORs (no DO letter though, I may send one later after I shadow a DO physician which I hope to do within the next few weeks)...

cGPA- 3.7
sGPA- 3.4-3.5 (I have two classes, Survey of Human Disease and Foundations of Public Health Immunology which are HSC classes, but I heard they go by course material/title...)

29S MCAT

Very normal/avg. ECs, plus some awards for thesis and research publications...

i think you look like a pretty strong applicant. get a DO letter and you'll be that much stronger. apply asap, though.

 

[simbalimba]

I just finished a masters in Biology.

gpa- 3.5 (good upward trend in masters)
sgpa- 3.3

above average but not great LORs, extracurrics, and essays.

MCAT- still to be taken, I am averaging a 28-30 and assume I will get that.

The biggest problem for me is that I will not be able to submit my secondaries until the end of october due to when my school will send out my LORs. Do I still stand a good chance at most schools? Or is that too late in the cycle? My top choices are CCOM and DMU. Thanks

 

[sshashid87]

i think you look like a pretty strong applicant. get a DO letter and you'll be that much stronger. apply asap, though.

Awesome...I don't think the DO letter will make it in time for my HPAC committee letter, but I could probably set up an interfolio account or something and have them send it...or if the doctor is nice, i could provide him with 8-10 pre-addressed envelopes with stamps if he's willing to do 8-10 signatures...thanks for the help!

 

[Mzeep]

My problem is I can't afford UC extension classes/or cal state extension fees, it's been so difficult especially with jobs being so difficult to find, and let's just say the rents are doing just as bad, so I can't ask them either. So, I'm going to take them at a CC since I qualify for some type of aid there. I'm going to finish physics, math, and 3 bio courses. Would this look bad? I've called almost all the D.O. schools and they say they've accepted people who have taken classes at CCs but I don't know if it's 2/100 people. =( Any advice on this one?

I have really good EC's
-Lead coordinator for two medical programs
-Face aids PR officer
-research in neurochemistry for 2.5 years
-facilitator in campus climate study with dean of students
-worked in a physiology/biophysics lab for 1 year
-participatesd in other diversity programs
-volunteer at hospital (started last month)
-volunteer at low income clinic
-currently shadowing a D.O.
-assistant at daycare

I also will have really good LOR's all my PI's and docs I have really good relationships so hopefully that helps.

I just hope I can somehow get through the screening process, because if not they my EC's and LORs don't really mean much.

If anyone has any advice/criticism please comment!

Thanks!

 

[djd2187]

If anything you really need to take your mcats and see how well you do. If there is a chance that you can do really well and hopefully pull your overall gpa to 3.0 so you can meet the cut off line for most schools and explain them a reason for your low gpa, there is always a chance. Also, so far I have noticed as I am a first time applicant, it really comes down to your gpa and mcat scores for most schools, so really try to pull it up to 3.0 and try your hardest on the mcat. good luck!!!

 

[antapolar]

Perhaps you were in too many extra curriculumn activities? well, only your mcat can tell your ability and chances for schools. If you mcat is well, heck, you could prob even try out post-bac programs. Hang in there, and do your MCAT 😉

 

[EricH]

You are going to have to craft you PS carefully to explain all of this.

IMO you NEED to get both of your GPAs over 3.0 to have a real shot at any D.O. school, and 30+ MCAT is basically a necessity for you. Your move from bio to a non-science major is going to hurt you as is the step to cc. It looks like you had to go easier to survive. Apply broadly and early.

best of luck

 

[Nimzy328]

Hey guys! I was wondering if i could get some help on where to go next...sometimes i feel that the pre med advisers at my school shoo me away..

So im going to be a sophomore this year and just finishing up with a summer session of good 'ol inorganic chemistry and I will be starting with orgo in the fall..as for my pre reqs. i think I will be ok with them..so far i have a 3.5 gpa from freshman year with about a 3.3 science..and i am about 80% sure about going to an osteopathic school...I was wondering if my numbers (i know its early) are ok so far? It was a rough first year, but i know how to buckle down for next year so im pretty sure that will go up..but what would be a 'good' and competitive gpa for a DO school? I am looking at east coast and midwest schools...

as for the mcat, im not sure as when i should take it..ive heard to study for at least three months in advance..so say the fall of my senior year and study that summer? ive never been good with standerdized tests so will be taking a kaplan course for sure..

as for ECs, i volunteered last year and plan on doing more this year, i plan on getting certified as an EMS in the spring and minor in EMS services, i am on waitlists for hospital volunteer postions and at a community health center, and i will be contacting a DO to shadow in the spring as well...

What else should i do? both academically and EC-wise..I would like to be able to apply to MD and DO schools, but hopefully get to go to a DO school...

 

[Nimzy328]

Hey guys! I was wondering if i could get some help on where to go next...sometimes i feel that the pre med advisers at my school shoo me away..

So im going to be a sophomore this year and just finishing up with a summer session of good 'ol inorganic chemistry and I will be starting with orgo in the fall..as for my pre reqs. i think I will be ok with them..so far i have a 3.5 gpa from freshman year with about a 3.3 science..and i am about 80% sure about going to an osteopathic school...I was wondering if my numbers (i know its early) are ok so far? It was a rough first year, but i know how to buckle down for next year so im pretty sure that will go up..but what would be a 'good' and competitive gpa for a DO school? I am looking at east coast and midwest schools...

as for the mcat, im not sure as when i should take it..ive heard to study for at least three months in advance..so say the fall of my senior year and study that summer? ive never been good with standerdized tests so will be taking a kaplan course for sure..

as for ECs, i volunteered last year and plan on doing more this year, i plan on getting certified as an EMS in the spring and minor in EMS services, i am on waitlists for hospital volunteer postions and at a community health center, and i will be contacting a DO to shadow in the spring as well...

What else should i do? both academically and EC-wise..I would like to be able to apply to MD and DO schools, but hopefully get to go to a DO school...

thanks for the help!!

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Hey guys! I was wondering if i could get some help on where to go next...sometimes i feel that the pre med advisers at my school shoo me away..

So im going to be a sophomore this year and just finishing up with a summer session of good 'ol inorganic chemistry and I will be starting with orgo in the fall..as for my pre reqs. i think I will be ok with them..so far i have a 3.5 gpa from freshman year with about a 3.3 science..and i am about 80% sure about going to an osteopathic school...I was wondering if my numbers (i know its early) are ok so far? It was a rough first year, but i know how to buckle down for next year so im pretty sure that will go up..but what would be a 'good' and competitive gpa for a DO school? I am looking at east coast and midwest schools...

as for the mcat, im not sure as when i should take it..ive heard to study for at least three months in advance..so say the fall of my senior year and study that summer? ive never been good with standerdized tests so will be taking a kaplan course for sure..

as for ECs, i volunteered last year and plan on doing more this year, i plan on getting certified as an EMS in the spring and minor in EMS services, i am on waitlists for hospital volunteer postions and at a community health center, and i will be contacting a DO to shadow in the spring as well...

What else should i do? both academically and EC-wise..I would like to be able to apply to MD and DO schools, but hopefully get to go to a DO school...

thanks for the help!!

My advice is to continue to do well in classes and you will be fine. It's ideal to take the MCAT before you start the application process just so that everything runs smoothly.

 

[Mzeep]

Thank you for the replies! I know my gpa needs a lot of work and I'm definitely working on it! If I saved enough money and took maybe one class a semester at a UC/cal state would that be better? while taking some at a cc? Also, should I state that I'm the first in my family to go to college? I didn't know if this would seem like I'm making an excuse for doing poorly.

My PH major was still a science major the only difference from the bio major was that it didn't include physics or bio labs. But I know that will also hurt me as well.

Is there any other advice you guys have on how I could help my application? Should I start working on my PS now? and would I have to explain the trend in my gpa in my PS? or somewhere else on the application?

Did anyone have 3.0-3.3 gpa and get into medical school? I'm hesitant to check Mdapps after hearing about all the false info on there.

Thanks again for the responses, appreciate it!

 

[123165]

My advice is to continue to do well in classes and you will be fine. It's ideal to take the MCAT before you start the application process just so that everything runs smoothly.

I agree, shoot for May or June of your application cycle. I took it May 28th and had a good 3 weeks to study after finals.

 

[EricH]

If I saved enough money and took maybe one class a semester at a UC/cal state would that be better? while taking some at a cc?

It'll probably take too long to get your GPA up this way. CC may be your only choice unless you can find more funding.

Your primary problems is your grades, focus your energy there....it is the best thing you can do for your app today.

 

[Semicolon]

Also, don't put a lot of faith in your pre-med advisors. 😉

You seem to be on top of things and that's great; keep it up and you won't need a pre-med advisor.

 

[123165]

Also, don't put a lot of faith in your pre-med advisors. 😉

You seem to be on top of things and that's great; keep it up and you won't need a pre-med advisor.

I almost forgot about that. My goodness. Most of my advisers have been terrible. Telling me I can't get in with a C in a prereq, that I have no chance. I should wait a year. Well boom. 6 interview invites so far. In your* freaking face.

*by your I mean my advisers that all but told me to give up.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

I second the don't follow your advisor's advice UNLESS they are qualified to give you that information.

 

[Semicolon]

I second the don't follow your advisor's advice UNLESS they are qualified to give you that information.

Alas, if they were qualified to give you that info they wouldn't be advisors. 😀

And Kevon, I feel the same way. I totally ignored my pre-med advisor's comments and did what I felt was right for me. I don't regret my decision one bit, and I wish I had the drive to go to her office with a nice "BOOYA!".

 

[engineeredout]

My premed advisor told me I shouldn't have bothered applying without completing all the prereqs before sending in my application.

I'd like to staple my embryology notes to his face right now.

 

[275079]

My premed advisor told me I shouldn't have bothered applying without completing all the prereqs before sending in my application.

I'd like to staple my embryology notes to his face right now.

 

[275079]

My premed advisor told me I shouldn't have bothered applying without completing all the prereqs before sending in my application.

I'd like to staple my embryology notes to his face right now.

So how's medical school so far?

 

[demayette]

non-traditional 35y, RN. (BSN in progress) 3.1 cGPA, 3.5 sGPA , MCAT 27P . What are my chances for DO schools... Should I retake the MCAT and get 30+ to augment my chances....
I need an honest opinion please because I reaaaaly wanna become a DO

 

[Nimzy328]

I appreciate the help guys!
it feels good knowing that im actually doing something right, especially when the ppl who are PAID TO dont..
thanks again!

 

[Exalya]

Alas, if they were qualified to give you that info they wouldn't be advisors. 😀

And Kevon, I feel the same way. I totally ignored my pre-med advisor's comments and did what I felt was right for me. I don't regret my decision one bit, and I wish I had the drive to go to her office with a nice "BOOYA!".

I think almost everyone hates their pre-med adviser... mine called my 3.5 GPA "marginal." It's not a 3.7, but come on, marginal? They are just such rays of sunshine.

 

[DO3]

GPA: ~3.5
Science GPA: ~3.35
MCAT: Verbal: 9; Biological Science: 8, Physical Science (ouch): 6, Total 23O
College Athlete, Shadowing, other extracurriculars

Do I have a shot? Thanks.

 

[malikman]

Hey guys, i need some help i'm planning on sending my aacomas in now (aug 1, 2009) but it wont have my mcat in (im taking that for my first time this month august 21) and i was wondering is it really late if i send aacomas in with mcat by the time i get my mcat back sept 21ish???? Or should i submit aacomas now? Or should i submit aacomas in right after i take my mcat? I know it takes 4-6 weeks to process. But i need a good mcat to be competitive so please if anyone can help me out that'd be great!

 

[dr am]

Hello all,

Just got my CCOM application last week, waiting for a couple of more DO schools (my list is MD heavy -- please see my MDApps link for details) and will hopefully be submitting that application tonight, tomorrow at the latest. What are my chances of getting into a DO or MD school -- just any medical school for that matter?

Basics: 28R MCAT (10 PS/10 VR/8 BS) with a 3.49 cGPA, working full-time as a study technician for a big CRO doing early development for big pharma, it's all in the profile. My letters of recommendation should be good (science profs, one prof/advisor in my big activity during undergrad, chair of the biology department, supervisor at work, doctor I did volunteer work with for a number of years).

Any feedback would be great!

Thank you.

 

[Crisoneogenesis]

Chances?
GPA (science and cum) 3.68, MCAT 29Q (10PS, 8VR, 11BS). EC: Biochem and bioengineering lab (5months), shadow orthopedic DO, 1 nuclear medicine publication and 1 abstract (first author), 2 years of Varsity Sport Intercollegiate DivisionII. High school math teacher. Graduating this june.

Lookin solid! 👍