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

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I gues I wont be taking genetics then.
Aside from the MCAT thing you guys dont think my lack of a science background will hurt me too much? Are there any schools that are off limits because of my background?

Also, does researching outside of the science field help at all?

Thanks
 
I do not know what class you are talking about, but if it's not a req. class to med schools like physics, or organic, do not retake it.

The only thing I know (which makes sense too) is that schools like it better if you do not retake a class that you did bad on it (unless it is req. to entry) but rather take a high level class that you did not take before (Genetics, Micro, Human Phys, etc....) since you highly likely will receive a better grade on a class you are taking a second time, but if you taking a new class an get an A, they will see you are a serious student and not afraid of challenges. Yes, you might have a bad grade on the transcript but they see an improvement with the new classes you took.

In my opinion you come out better as a serious applicant, and you can use it as an advantage compare to a student who retakes every (or some) classes he or she did bad on.

Well, it is just a thought.

Good luck!
 
samuraiR said:
I gues I wont be taking genetics then.
Aside from the MCAT thing you guys dont think my lack of a science background will hurt me too much? Are there any schools that are off limits because of my background?

Also, does researching outside of the science field help at all?

Thanks
Click to expand...

If you have the time and effort to invest into Genetics, then by all means take it but its not required. There are some schools that require biochemistry as a pre-req (DMU, UNECOM, and a another one I believe), but other than that you don't need to have this huge science background. Also, check with the schools you want to apply to and see what courses they recommend or if they think you should take some more classes.
 
another thing I was thinking about is my bio background.
I AP'ed out of bio 1 and 2 (got a 5)
then I took microbio(4 credits) and bio 3( 3 credits)..

thats it for bio. 7 credits. Would that be enough? Or do I still need another credit of bio because I AP'ed out of the first 2?

As for "extra" classes. If I want to take the MCATs in july its going to be impossible for me to take another course next sem along with orgo2. Just the timeframe of it all makes it very difficult.
 
quynhhuong said:
I suggest you call each school directly. However, your primary isn't verified yet so I don't think they have ur info on file. Did you put on the primary that you plan to take the January one? If so, then they'll wait for your MCAT score any way. But to make things easy, wait til your app. is released to school, then call and let them know that you'll be taking (or you've taken) the MCAT in Sept. As soon as the result comes out in Oct., release the score to them.
Click to expand...


Well I was planning on taking it in January is that advisable?
 
I can't give you a definite answer on the Bio credit hour question. But, I do know that the schools I applied to required a minimum of 8 hours. All I can say is check the requirements for the schools in which you are interested.

As for the additional course next semester, keep in mind that the MCAT takes a lot of preparation. I don't know what you've already been told about the MCAT, but it does not simply test your ability to retain information. It tests your ability to apply that knowledge to scenarios that may be unfamiliar to you. If you're not used to that kind of test, it can be a stretch. I highly recommend spending the same amount of time preparing for it as you would spend in a 4-5 credit hour science course. Take a lot of practice exams and do your best to rock it the first time.

Short answer - If you're working full-time and taking Orgo2, then either take genetics (you might want to try to raise your science GPA) or prepare for the MCAT, but not both. It would be a tragedy for you to make C's in Orgo2 and genetics, then do poorly on the MCAT all because you were spread too thin. Then again, you're the only one who truly knows what you're capable of accomplishing.
 
yea thats what I was thinking too. Orgo2 and MCAT prep next spring. That way I can take some of june off with my vacation days and study hardcore/apply and take mcats.

I think I could take genetics (or some other science course) in the winter or summer starting in july after mcats. That way I could have a course done just incase I need it, and it'd be after the mcats and I could tell med schools that I am taking one more science course just so I have the requirements down for sure before I matriculate (if I get in).


So overall, I do have a decent shot at getting in provided I do well in my science courses and mcats.

What about volunteering? Should I consider doing that? I dont know if I'd have the time for that. How crucial would that be to my app?
 
From everything I've been told, volunteering and physician shadowing are pretty important. Do you have any flexibility in your work schedule? It might be tough with your schedule, but if you can, at least try to do a little bit of both. You might want to use the break between fall and spring to do some shadowing. Then maybe focus on doing more volunteering/shadowing next summer.

Your research on health decision systems seems intriguing to me (I was in IT for 10 years before returning to school) and worthy of mention on your application. But, I don't know how a med school adcom will view it. Your TA experience is valuable since I've been told they like applicants with an affinity for teaching. Your cumulative GPA is great. Shoot for an A in Orgo2 to boost your science GPA and show improvement. Do well on the MCAT (DO school average is ~26-27). You should have a shot for 2011. I say go for it. However, you'll want to consider the following to have a more competitive application:

- Taking upper division science courses and raising your science GPA (will have to be done at a 4-year institution)
- Doing some community service/volunteering
- Shadowing and clinical exposure
 
I think I could fit in some DO Shadowing somewhere in my schedule... maybe on Fridays. Right now my classes are mon-thurs nights after work. As for volunteering, perhaps I can do that on the weekends?
Of course using the gap between courses to shadow/volunteer more extensively.

I think I'd be best served to take that biology course right after my mcats just so I can say that I will have enough bio before matriculating. I may even be able to take genetics in the winter between terms.

As for courses, I did well in all my science courses except for one in which I missed 4 weeks of class because I got sick towards the end of the semester (my only science C).

Hopefully I can make this work.. .I'm used to taking a concept and applying it to random situations (programming at its finest right there) so hopefully I can take the same idea and apply it to the MCAT.
I am afraid of organic chemistry 2 though, since it has been a few years since I've taken organic chemistry one. I may have to fish for my old notebook or re-read a textbook or something before taking orgo2.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, its gotten me thinking and I hope I can figure something out soon.
 
Hi everyone, I'm new here and I thought this might be a good place to give an introduction.

GPA: 3.37
Science GPA: 3.17
MCAT: 30
Graduated with Honors from University of Chicago in Biology. I wrote a honors thesis and my research data was cited in one of my PI's presentations.

Its been two years since I finished undergrad. Since then I've retaken some O Chem classes (since I did not do so well then), taken the MCAT, and done volunteer work in a community clinic. I recently got accepted into the Loyola MAMS program.
 
Hey guys I just decided to quit on MD schools cause I have too low stats just wondering do you guys think I can get into DO? (I want to get into MSU 'cause I live really close by). My stats include: 3.9 GPA (science) and 3.95 overall. I got on my MCAT BS 12, PS 10 and VR 5 😡 and an S on WS. Which school do you guys think I have a shot at. Oh yeah almost forgot, I got some ECs: Hospital ER volunteer (about a year), nursing home volunteer (about 5 months), research (about 5 months), tutoring, and shadowed 2 docs (cardiologist and uroligist, prob is they are both MD 🙁) so what do you guys think. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
With a 5 on VR I dont know. Probably not too good. Your GPA and other MCAT sections are outstanding. You should probably retake the MCAT. Other than that, you would be competitive for any school.
 
at either an MD or DO program. I am leaning toward DO because my (DO shadow doc) and also my Orthopedic Surgeon is a DO and I like where the profession is going. He said in his day I'd have a great shot - but how about now?

Graduated Spring 2009 Biology major/Chem minor from Univ of Wisc college.
Cum GPA 3.25
Science GPA 3.7
NOT so good MCAT - 24 R - (BS 9, PS 8, VR 7 )

I am a non-traditional student (30 years old).
Work in management, as well as an EMT for several years.
Interned/senior research in the ER and a rehab medicine floor (260+hours). Shadowed DO in Orthopedic Surgery (20 hours),
shadowed an MD in a family practice setting (30 hours).
I also have plenty of volunteer type stuff (hundreds of hours worth).

I am going to apply next cycle 2010, so I am going to further more beef up my application - but I am wondering where I may be lacking ( maybe retake the MCAT?) - or will I at least be able to score a few interviews and go from there?

Thanks all!
 
I don't think it matters where you work but you need to ROCK the MCAT. Seriously. If you pull out a 30 or higher that will more than make up for the gpa shortcomings
 
matrica said:
I do not know what class you are talking about, but if it's not a req. class to med schools like physics, or organic, do not retake it.

The only thing I know (which makes sense too) is that schools like it better if you do not retake a class that you did bad on it (unless it is req. to entry) but rather take a high level class that you did not take before (Genetics, Micro, Human Phys, etc....) since you highly likely will receive a better grade on a class you are taking a second time, but if you taking a new class an get an A, they will see you are a serious student and not afraid of challenges. Yes, you might have a bad grade on the transcript but they see an improvement with the new classes you took.

In my opinion you come out better as a serious applicant, and you can use it as an advantage compare to a student who retakes every (or some) classes he or she did bad on.

Well, it is just a thought.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Umm I think this advice is more oriented towards someone applying to MD schools, however DO schools replace the old grade with the new one, so actually it would be beneficial to retake the class ( but like another poster said, only if its a pre req)

Lets look at the numbers, if the op got a C in one class, and an A in another it averages out to a B, but if the op gets a C in one class, retakes it and gets an A. The op then has an A average..

Take the lab, go big or go home.
 
TibialplateauFx said:
at either an MD or DO program. I am leaning toward DO because my (DO shadow doc) and also my Orthopedic Surgeon is a DO and I like where the profession is going. He said in his day I'd have a great shot - but how about now?

Graduated Spring 2009 Biology major/Chem minor from Univ of Wisc college.
Cum GPA 3.25
Science GPA 3.7
NOT so good MCAT - 24 R - (BS 9, PS 8, VR 7 )

I am a non-traditional student (30 years old).
Work in management, as well as an EMT for several years.
Interned/senior research in the ER and a rehab medicine floor (260+hours). Shadowed DO in Orthopedic Surgery (20 hours),
shadowed an MD in a family practice setting (30 hours).
I also have plenty of volunteer type stuff (hundreds of hours worth).

I am going to apply next cycle 2010, so I am going to further more beef up my application - but I am wondering where I may be lacking ( maybe retake the MCAT?) - or will I at least be able to score a few interviews and go from there?

Thanks all!
Click to expand...

That's good that you're planning ahead now. I'll give me quick advice.

Yes, definitely retake the MCAT, especially if you've only taken it once. Put a good two months into it or however much you need to feel solid for it. You have a lot of time. Again, I can't preach this enough: never assume the 1st time will be the only time. Always plan for a retake.

I really think that's the major thing you have to do, other than apply mad early (June/July) but that shouldn't be a problem since you're starting now.
 
samuraiR said:
another thing I was thinking about is my bio background.
I AP'ed out of bio 1 and 2 (got a 5)
then I took microbio(4 credits) and bio 3( 3 credits)..

thats it for bio. 7 credits. Would that be enough? Or do I still need another credit of bio because I AP'ed out of the first 2?

As for "extra" classes. If I want to take the MCATs in july its going to be impossible for me to take another course next sem along with orgo2. Just the timeframe of it all makes it very difficult.
Click to expand...
I applied to LECOM Bradenton last year. I had AP credit for Physics I and 4 credits for the class in Physics II. My 7 hours wasn't enough so I took Phsics I and now my transcript is complete. So, the answer from my actual experience is 8 hours in Physics is required to include Lab hours.
 
Hey guys! I would also appreciate advice on my chances!

Graduated 2007 with BS in psych

cGPA 3.45; sGPA 3.25 (from AMCAS, which factors in my 4.0 post-bac, so my AACOMAS GPA will be a tiny bit higher)

31Q MCAT (10 BS, 11 VR, 10 PS)

Spent the past 2.5 years as a lab tech in a neuro lab, with some abstract publications

some volunteering and shadowing throughout college, standard stuff, not too much, not too little

My AACOMAS is still processing and so far I have only applied to PCOM, PCOM-GA, and NYCOM. Are those within my reach? Should I add more? I don't have a DO letter, so I am somewhat limited in my choices.

Thanks so much!!!
 
Last edited:
31P mcat 3.1 GPA and 2.6gpa sci.(or 2.75 sci gpa for DO) are my stats....

I graduated with degrees in science and business.....
worked as a marine biologist in australia for a year
worked as a rescue diver in aus..
conducted research for the UN and great barrier reef marine park authority

and now want to become a doc

do I stand a chance this year? and if so specific suggestions where?

or are my only chances......Caribbean schools
or do I retake some undergrad courses to boost my gpa for a yr then apply
IDEAS ANYONE????? thanks! help.
 
jcm14 said:
Hey guys! I would also appreciate advice on my chances!

Graduated 2007 with BS in psych

cGPA 3.45; sGPA 3.25 (from AMCAS, which factors in my 4.0 post-bac, so my AACOMAS GPA will be a tiny bit higher)

31Q MCAT (10 BS, 11 VR, 10 PS)

Spent the past 2.5 years as a lab tech in a neuro lab, with some abstract publications

some volunteering and shadowing throughout college, standard stuff, not too much, not too little

My AACOMAS is still processing and so far I have only applied to PCOM, PCOM-GA, and NYCOM. Are those within my reach? Should I add more? I don't have a DO letter, so I am somewhat limited in my choices.

Thanks so much!!!
Click to expand...


Dude, get a DO letter! You have done so much thus far, why let something as simple as DO letter hold you back. My perception is that many DO's are happy to get eager, motivated, and good students and would be happy to help you with a letter to get you to go the DO route. I'm doing mine sometime this Sept. and have been promised a letter. So, I think not doing the letter is just foolish (sorry to sound harsh, but come on...).

Bottom line, get the letter and you are likely to gain acceptance. Just my opinion.
 
TexasTriathlete said:
I did the same thing. Graduated with a 2.2, went back to school (same school), took some punishing semesters and did well, 33 MCAT. Applied with about a 2.7 or 2.8 GPA overall.

Apply broadly. It is hard to know how each scjool will look at you.
Click to expand...


I think I will have around a 3.1 to 3.2 undergrad gpa by the time I apply...with a 29Q (11 PS, 7VR, 11BS) mcat ...hopefully that will be good enough.

I just have to find a DO to shadow in Canada
 
Razmatazz said:
I think I will have around a 3.1 to 3.2 undergrad gpa by the time I apply...with a 29Q (11 PS, 7VR, 11BS) mcat ...hopefully that will be good enough.

I just have to find a DO to shadow in Canada
Click to expand...


Chocolate Bear posted this in his signature. It might help you find or make contacts with a DO to shadow. I'm not sure if it has Canada or not though.

http://www.osteopathic.org/YOM/mentor_search.htm
 
but that means they included the 3 credits of AP credit into the calculation of credit hours in physics.

I got a 5 on AP bio so 8 credits (including lab) for bio 1 and 2.. Along with microbio (4credits with a lab) and bio 3 (3 credits no lab).
 
Substance P said:
Chocolate Bear posted this in his signature. It might help you find or make contacts with a DO to shadow. I'm not sure if it has Canada or not though.

http://www.osteopathic.org/YOM/mentor_search.htm
Click to expand...


Hmm...I think thats only for the states. I'll keep looking in Canada though, thanks. If worse comes to worse, I'll get a hotel in Buffalo and try to find a DO close by there.


I think my post got merged in this thread but basically I had a 2.4 gpa coming out of undergrad, im doing a post bacc right now (2 year program) and got a 3.96 in the 1st year, bringing my gpa up to a 2.94. I think at max my gpa will be around a 3.1 to 3.2 (when i apply) and my mcat is a 29Q (11PS, 7VR, 11BS).

decent chance?
 
hello everyone, I am applying to DO schools currently. I have just completed the August 14th MCAT and I do not receive my score until Sept. 14. The problem is the last day to take the test this year is Sept. 12th. I dont know if I should blindly take the exam without knowing my score and recieve a similar score or wait untill January and try to send that score out to schools. I would appreciate any guidance.

Thanks,
J
 
Razmatazz said:
Hmm...I think thats only for the states. I'll keep looking in Canada though, thanks. If worse comes to worse, I'll get a hotel in Buffalo and try to find a DO close by there.


I think my post got merged in this thread but basically I had a 2.4 gpa coming out of undergrad, im doing a post bacc right now (2 year program) and got a 3.96 in the 1st year, bringing my gpa up to a 2.94. I think at max my gpa will be around a 3.1 to 3.2 (when i apply) and my mcat is a 29Q (11PS, 7VR, 11BS).

decent chance?
Click to expand...


It's really hard to say. I think it's going to depend on your story, and what your post bacc classes are. I think your MCAT should be good, but in the long run it's going to depend on whoever reads your app.

Good luck! I think if you keep at it you should have a good shot. Your Post Bacc shows a lot of promise.
 
Hey does anyone have any advice about interviewing at Touro NY?
In general or specific to the school?

Or does anyone know about the school?


Thanks
 
cGPA - 3.84
sGPA - 3.84
MCAT - 25 (PS-7, VR-8, BS-10)

Shadowed an MD and a DO and have LOR from both.

Volunteer at a ER and a hospice.

Tutored for anatomy and literacy tutoring

Worked through college.

Very depressed about my MCAT. Any thoughts if I will get in with this score?
 
So I got the dreaded MCAT back. Not so good. 23Q breakdown was VR9 PS6 BS8. I knew the ps was going to get me I ran out of time on a last 4 questions.

cGPA 3.38
sGPA 3.48
post bacc 3.7 (majority of science classes and includes some upper-level)

So my AACOMAS application was just verified...should I even submit secondaires or will I get none due to low MCAT?

Of course I am going to do a retake. I am just wondering about this cycle.

Edit: I do have a good amount of volunteering, a little research, DO letter, some shadowing DO/MD and I worked all through school (non-medical job).
 
Ugh, just got my MCAT score back:
07/31/2009 11VR 07PS L 10BS 28L Total

My cGPA is 3.5, science is 3.28. It's hard to be optimistic 🙁 How awful is that 7? And the L. ughhhhhhh

Edit: Laffo at all the 7/30 and 7/31 MCAT posters (Myself included)
 
MarieMarie said:
Ugh, just got my MCAT score back:
07/31/2009 11VR 07PS L 10BS 28L Total

My cGPA is 3.5, science is 3.28. It's hard to be optimistic 🙁 How awful is that 7? And the L. ughhhhhhh

Edit: Laffo at all the 7/30 and 7/31 MCAT posters (Myself included)
Click to expand...

Id rather have your score than mine. Ill tell ya that.

PS - 7
VR - 8
BS - 10
WS - Q

Id trade that Q for an L to get ur 3 points in VR.
 
At least yours are more balanced. I'm also sitting on a 2.0 in Biochem, which I think is going to shut me out of MSU. Bleh
 
hey there..those are my stats..3.4 sgpa and 3.5 ogpa calculated on Aacomas, and 26 mcat..bs-8, ps-9 v-9 writ-Q
what schools so I have a real chance at? the advice would be GREATLY appreciated..
 
beckhunter116 said:
So I got the dreaded MCAT back. Not so good. 23Q breakdown was VR9 PS6 BS8. I knew the ps was going to get me I ran out of time on a last 4 questions.

cGPA 3.38
sGPA 3.48
post bacc 3.7 (majority of science classes and includes some upper-level)

So my AACOMAS application was just verified...should I even submit secondaires or will I get none due to low MCAT?

Of course I am going to do a retake. I am just wondering about this cycle.

Edit: I do have a good amount of volunteering, a little research, DO letter, some shadowing DO/MD and I worked all through school (non-medical job).
Click to expand...

Should I withdraw my application???
 
just got my score...24M.....V5, P9, B10...i have no idea what to do......?
 
I am new to SDN, and applying to DO schools this cycle. Could anyone please share their insight as to how I might fare this cycle?

My gpa is a 3.2, I am a sports med. major (will have B.S. this May), and my MCAT is a 24Q. ( 9V, 7P, 8B).

I have adequate ECs, recommendations, and a few unique ECs, which I wont mention to ensure anominity.

Any suggestions to which schools I would have at least a shot at?

Thank you all
 
24M...V5,P9,B10
GPA 3.6
SGPA 3.5
NSGPA 3.7

good volunteering hrs, shadowed PA/NP not any doctors...but i do have recommendatio from a DO.. submitted aacomas
Do i have any chance? pls help...🙁
 
Can I take the January 2010 MCAT and still be accepted to NYCOM for the 2009-2010 cycle? I took the July 30th exam but I am not satisfied with my score and I just want to know if I have a shot at NYCOM for next year if I take the test in January.
 
nychica27 said:
Can I take the January 2010 MCAT and still be accepted to NYCOM for the 2009-2010 cycle? I took the July 30th exam but I am not satisfied with my score and I just want to know if I have a shot at NYCOM for next year if I take the test in January.
Click to expand...

these schools won't accept jan score
forrealz said:
CCOM
DMU-COM considered on case-by-case basis
KCUMB File must be complete for consideration
MSUCOM
NSUCOM considered if there is no competitive pool of applicants
OUCOM accepted if prior scores on file
UNECOM scores accepted but secondaries won't be offered before MCAT scores
TCOM
VCOM considered but high chance of being put on a waitlist
Click to expand...
 
browneyedbeauty said:
hey there..those are my stats..3.4 sgpa and 3.5 ogpa calculated on Aacomas, and 26 mcat..bs-8, ps-9 v-9 writ-Q
what schools so I have a real chance at? the advice would be GREATLY appreciated..
Click to expand...

Apply to all the schools that you are interested in, because there's no definite answer to which school will accept you and which won't.🙂
 
Although most schools will accept jan scores, i am worried about getting put on HOLD till I report my new Jan scores. but then if I don't let them know that i am retaking the MCAT in Jan, I am worried that I might just get rejected because of my terrible current score.😕
 
forrealz said:
Although most schools will accept jan scores, i am worried about getting put on HOLD till I report my new Jan scores. but then if I don't let them know that i am retaking the MCAT in Jan, I am worried that I might just get rejected because of my terrible current score.😕
Click to expand...


I know I have the same problem. I think I'm just going to wait until I report the new score.
 
nychica27 said:
Can I take the January 2010 MCAT and still be accepted to NYCOM for the 2009-2010 cycle? I took the July 30th exam but I am not satisfied with my score and I just want to know if I have a shot at NYCOM for next year if I take the test in January.
Click to expand...

You might have a chance with NYCOM because they interview later in the cycle than other schools, I believe they start interviewing in Oct or Nov. I would check past application threads and see how others faired who took the MCAT in Jan.
 
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