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

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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.😕

if you take it in Jan, that means schools won't receive your new score til end of Feb!! how terrible is the current score anyway?
 
IM SUPER EXCITED!!! I just got my MCAT score of 31. I have a 3.5 uGPA and 3.5 sGPA. I had applied to a few Carib schools for Jan. Now I was wondering I might have a shot at some MD/DO schools in the US. I'm from NY so I only know about NYCOM-DO and Downstate-MD. What other schools in the US do I have a decent shot at? It's already September so I guess I'm applying very late in the game too, right?
 
IM SUPER EXCITED!!! I just got my MCAT score of 31. I have a 3.5 uGPA and 3.5 sGPA. I had applied to a few Carib schools for Jan. Now I was wondering I might have a shot at some MD/DO schools in the US. I'm from NY so I only know about NYCOM-DO and Downstate-MD. What other schools in the US do I have a decent shot at? It's already September so I guess I'm applying very late in the game too, right?

Right now its kinda middle of the road of the app cycle I think. I think you (in my pre-med opinion) you have a shot at all the DO schools if you apply to them.🙂
Good Luck.

Edit: ALso Figure out what you want in the school that you attend...like is location, tuition, class size, or curriculum is most important to you.
 
Hey Everyone-

I took an MCAT earlier this year and sent the score in with my primary applications. I took the MCAT a second time but did not inform AACOMAS that I would be taking it with their "Planned/Planning to Take" option. When I received my score, it was considerably lower than the first score. I'm receiving interview invites from some of the schools I've applied to... should I call the schools and let them know that I got a lower MCAT score, or should I just leave out those details?

I was under the impression that DO schools only see the scores that you authorize AMCAS to release. If I haven't authorized the release of my 2nd scores, will the schools see it? Ultimately, I don't want an acceptance to be withdrawn due to seeming sneaky or withholding information. Please help, I'm not sure what to do!

Thanks for all the help in advance,

-DarthyB
 
Hey Rdy Set Go and Welcome to SDN!

If I were you, I'd take a look at this list I found on ATSU's website:

http://www.atsu.edu/faculty/chamberlain/ranmcat.htm

As you can see, there are many schools that are perfectly attainable in your MCAT range. As I'm sure you've heard many times in the past, try not to focus on numbers as much. Osteopathic Medical Schools are known to focus more on the individual as an applicant, not so much the numbers.

Good luck from a fellow applicant!

-DarthyB
 
So I just got back my MCAT score, this was my second time, and like many others, I thought I did much better than the numbers indicate.

July 31, 2009 MCAT 8 PS 10 VR 10 Bio
Aug 2008 MCAT 7 PS 9 VR 10 Bio

For EC's I will have over 100 hours of volunteering in an ER and around 50 hours of community service and another 50 hours of non-hospital medical volunteering. I also, have some undergrad research experience, but no publications. And for two years I have been an academic mentor for a freshman floor.

Oh and my GPA is c3.8 and s3.7

I will be beginning my senior year in a few days, but I will not be applying until the summer following graduation.

Do I have a chance at some of the east coast DO programs: PCOM, NYCOM, LECOM?

Lastly, are there any books you would suggest for learning more about the philosophy of osteopathic medicine? If this is the medical training I am going to be applying for, I would like to know as much about it as I can.

I ask for your constructive comments and suggestions. 🙂
 
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?

(Bumped)
 
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.

According to the CIB, NYCOM does accept January 2010 scores.
 
On paper, it sounds good. Nothing sticks out as a red flag. Write a good personal statement and have a good interview and I don't see any reason they'd shoot you down. There really isn't much I would change about what you've shared. Good luck!

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.

(Bumped)
 
Hey guys,

Sorry to be a pain, but really need some advice.

GPA: 3.42
Major: Biology
Mcat: 27N -- 7 P, 10 V, 10 B

Volunteered at hospital
Tutored for 3 years,
Teaching assistant,
Bio honor society
ect...

I have yet to submit applications. Is it too late in the cycle to begin applying for any D.O schools? I'm trying my best to research schools, but I have a bad advisor and i'm really flying solo here. Are these stats competitive at any D.O schools in the North East? I just need someone to point me in the right direction...

Thanks so much.
 
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).
With the 8 hours of Physics I took, plus the 3 hours of AP Physics, indeed 11 hours of Physics appears on my transcript. Actually, I also had 2 additional hours of Electricity and Electronics from a U.S. Navy school on my transcript for a total of 13 hours. All appear on my AACOMAS report. Still, LECOM - Brandenton said that I was 1 hour lab credit short so I had to take the course. So, I took the Physics II course to solve the problem. The A grade at least improved my science GPA a little.
 
Hey Everyone-

I took an MCAT earlier this year and sent the score in with my primary applications. I took the MCAT a second time but did not inform AACOMAS that I would be taking it with their "Planned/Planning to Take" option. When I received my score, it was considerably lower than the first score. I'm receiving interview invites from some of the schools I've applied to... should I call the schools and let them know that I got a lower MCAT score, or should I just leave out those details?

I was under the impression that DO schools only see the scores that you authorize AMCAS to release. If I haven't authorized the release of my 2nd scores, will the schools see it? Ultimately, I don't want an acceptance to be withdrawn due to seeming sneaky or withholding information. Please help, I'm not sure what to do!

Thanks for all the help in advance,

-DarthyB
Same exact thing happened to me. may 28th, 28P july 31st, 25O. I was told by someone not to post it, however, alot of the DO schools like CCOM, UNECOM take the best MCAT score anyway. PCOM takes the best but they say they like to look at both and note improvement. The admissions guy at UNECOM said i should probably submit the socre to AACOMAS but that that drop should not be a factor in me gaining acceptance. I have interviews at UNECOM, PCOM, and CCOM so far and i dont want to submit this new score if it is worse and I already got an invite.
 
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The MCAT ruined my life! (dramatic..yes I know) I fooled myself into thinking I could study 2 weeks before and still do fine. Now that I have my grade I am so scared. I'd appreciate any input to the question that overwhelms this blog: WHAT ARE MY CHANCES?
NY resident, Stony Brook University
Double Major: Biology(Genetics) and Psychology
-sGPA 3.56
-oGPA 3.71
-MCAT-24
-1 year Emergency Med Research
-1 year Neuropsych Research (1 APA poster pub)
-1.5 years Ambulance Corp. Volunteer
-3 Years Pediatric Volunteer
-NCSC, PSI CHI honor soc
-over 100 hours of shadowing diff. doctors
-Psychological Drugs TA
-Anatomy TA
-Worked too many hours throughout college, us poor ppl have no choice.
Please help!
 
I see this kind of question often and have the same question myself. If I don't tell them about the retake in January and they reject me based on my current score how would I go about telling them I'm retaking it? Or is there no hope for a review of the app with the new score if I'm rejected?
 
I see this kind of question often and have the same question myself. If I don't tell them about the retake in January and they reject me based on my current score how would I go about telling them I'm retaking it? Or is there no hope for a review of the app with the new score if I'm rejected?

I hate being in this situation!!🙁
so many people are just putting me down and saying, try next year. A little piece of me dies when I hear that but it's entirely my fault. why am I a terrible test taker?
 
Hey guys, this is my first post on sdn and I had a quick question....

SO I just took the July 31st MCAT and got my results back... I was sooo surprised and sad because I did horribly (lower than 18).

My gpa is a 3.4 overall
science 3.2
non-science 3.6
Over a 1000 hours of volunteering

I have been trying to get a seat for the sept 12th mcat but I'm not ready to take it, considering my super low score and cuz I'm not prepared and I can't find a seat anyway. I don't wanna lose another year, I've been done with undergrad for a year already and just working as a medical assistant. MY thing is... I wanted to re-take the mcat in Jan 2010... I just submitted my AACOMAS app on Aug 28th before I received my score.... what should I do? Will I even get an interview/acceptance if I applied to every D.O. program and I rocked the mcat in JAN? I've also heard the Jan administration is always the hardest mcat they put out each year.... anyways any hope for me for this 09/10 application cycle.... I REALLY WANT TO GET IN AND I REALLY WANT TO BE A D.O.
 
The MCAT ruined my life! (dramatic..yes I know) I fooled myself into thinking I could study 2 weeks before and still do fine. Now that I have my grade I am so scared. I'd appreciate any input to the question that overwhelms this blog: WHAT ARE MY CHANCES?
NY resident, Stony Brook University
Double Major: Biology(Genetics) and Psychology
-sGPA 3.56
-oGPA 3.71
-MCAT-24
-1 year Emergency Med Research
-1 year Neuropsych Research (1 APA poster pub)
-1.5 years Ambulance Corp. Volunteer
-3 Years Pediatric Volunteer
-NCSC, PSI CHI honor soc
-over 100 hours of shadowing diff. doctors
-Psychological Drugs TA
-Anatomy TA
-Worked too many hours throughout college, us poor ppl have no choice.
Please help!

Get some study books, study and take the MCAT again. You can do much better if you study properly.
 
Hey guys, this is my first post on sdn and I had a quick question....

SO I just took the July 31st MCAT and got my results back... I was sooo surprised and sad because I did horribly (lower than 18).

My gpa is a 3.4 overall
science 3.2
non-science 3.6
Over a 1000 hours of volunteering

I have been trying to get a seat for the sept 12th mcat but I'm not ready to take it, considering my super low score and cuz I'm not prepared and I can't find a seat anyway. I don't wanna lose another year, I've been done with undergrad for a year already and just working as a medical assistant. MY thing is... I wanted to re-take the mcat in Jan 2010... I just submitted my AACOMAS app on Aug 28th before I received my score.... what should I do? Will I even get an interview/acceptance if I applied to every D.O. program and I rocked the mcat in JAN? I've also heard the Jan administration is always the hardest mcat they put out each year.... anyways any hope for me for this 09/10 application cycle.... I REALLY WANT TO GET IN AND I REALLY WANT TO BE A D.O.


It is still possible to get an acceptance after Jan, but as you all know it gets very competitive at that point in the app cycle. If you don't get in this year, are you going to apply next year??? I understand the need to get accepted this year, but you really need to make sure you are the best applicant that you can be.
 
To MSUSpartan and biolover:

I know this will probably be tossed in your face again and again, but consider a retake if you already haven't sent everything in. I can't emphasize enough that you should plan to retake after the 1st try always.

MSU, you're in a much better position, but I hate to see your entire app dragged down by not considering to sit again. It's painful, I know, but seriously consider it for this or next cycle. If not, you'll probably be okay for DO schools if you get things in now.
 
Hi Everyone,

I hope you all are doing well. I am in a very strange position to be in right now. Basically my situation is this: I did my freshman and sophomore years at a UCR, my science gpa was a 3.1 and overall a 3.2 and finished all my pre-req's for medical school there. However, we all know how horrible the economic situation was in 2008 (and running onto 2009), money caused problems within the general family environment at home, and I had to transfer to UCLA or else my sister was on the verge of suicide in addition to familial abuse and conflicts. Basically, the women of my family, e.g. mom, sister, and I have a very depressing relationship with my father, and I honestly moved believing that I could fix that. Which unfortunately I failed in fixing the relationships, in that sense.

Upon transferring, not only was I now in a cutthroat premed environment, but UCLA is not particularly friendly with it's transfers. In addition, I nearly died of an abdominal perforation linked with appendicitis and a 105 degree fever that was running for a few days. I was on IV at the hospital for a while, and my professors were unsympathetic towards me being able to postpone taking my exam. So basically, I took exams as soon as I walked out of the hospital. Incredible. Anyway, my grades in upper division took a nosedive for the worse. So while my prereq grades are decent. My upper division work at UCLA was horrible at, and led to a average of a 2.7 GPA, and a 2.2 ish sci GPA. I know I can repeat for a higher grade, but the problem is that i despise the science courses at my undergraduate institution that willl award my degree. If need be, I'd prefer avoiding them there.

Now I am in the middle of taking a year off after graduating. I took my MCAT diagnoses and am consistently getting high scores in the upper 30s (Former score expired). Since I am strained on money issues, and cut back on work hours since work was also something tampering with my hours for studying (I needed the money to pay for basic sustenance e.g. food, shelter, etc.) I am now taking courses at a local college for a lower cost, and doing well. However, what do you all advise that I do?

I'd love to apply to NYCOM. But is there a chance?

Thank you very much.
 
Basically needless to say, I feel my GPA in my prereqs are decent (nothing below a C+), but the upper division classes + the life problems screwed things over.
 
Hi all,
I just received my July MCAT score, and I am upset to say that it is much lower than I hoped. I ended w/a 22Q (9BS 8PS 5V) I have a 3.89 overall GPA, a 3.84 science GPA, lots of research experience, medical mission trips, hospital volunteering... but this low MCAT is really holding back my application 🙁🙁 I already applied to about 15 osteopathic schools in June, but now I don't know if I have any chance at all to get in. Do you think that I should start applying to masters programs.. or start looking at back-up plans? I'm a senior in undergrad right now and I'm trying to avoid taking a year off of school. I would really, really appreciate any advice you can offer! Thanks so much.
 
Of course I will reapply again but if I get into a Caribbean medical school for May 2010 I might just go there, but I really do not want to go, I wanna stay in the states where I know I'll have support and have a definite chance to get a residency. I just do not want to wait any longer.
 
Of course I will reapply again but if I get into a Caribbean medical school for May 2010 I might just go there, but I really do not want to go, I wanna stay in the states where I know I'll have support and have a definite chance to get a residency. I just do not want to wait any longer.

I don't want to rain on your parade, but you have to make sure you can at least do reasonably well on the MCAT before you consider entering medical school. Below an 18 is very low (24 is about average), and you will only have to sit for a million more standardized exams in the future. Don't go to a Caribbean school just because they will take you. I doubt the Big 4 would take anyone with an MCAT score that low anyway.

I'm not saying this to discourage you, but I just don't want to see you in a more difficult situation later. I hope you do better next time. Good luck.
 
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Hi all,
I just received my July MCAT score, and I am upset to say that it is much lower than I hoped. I ended w/a 22Q (9BS 8PS 5V) I have a 3.89 overall GPA, a 3.84 science GPA, lots of research experience, medical mission trips, hospital volunteering... but this low MCAT is really holding back my application 🙁🙁 I already applied to about 15 osteopathic schools in June, but now I don't know if I have any chance at all to get in. Do you think that I should start applying to masters programs.. or start looking at back-up plans? I'm a senior in undergrad right now and I'm trying to avoid taking a year off of school. I would really, really appreciate any advice you can offer! Thanks so much.

First, year off isn't as bad as you think. It's the last time in your life you'll have such an opportunity. I doubt you'll get in anywhere with a 5 on your MCAT. Many schools have cutoffs at 6 or 7. Consider a prep course to take care of that. Sounds like the rest of your application isn't too bad, which means I don't think you need to be bound to a masters program. Your GPA certainly doesn't match your MCAT, so I think you should be able to do better. Good luck, and don't stress out.
 
To MSUSpartan and biolover:

I know this will probably be tossed in your face again and again, but consider a retake if you already haven't sent everything in. I can't emphasize enough that you should plan to retake after the 1st try always.

MSU, you're in a much better position, but I hate to see your entire app dragged down by not considering to sit again. It's painful, I know, but seriously consider it for this or next cycle. If not, you'll probably be okay for DO schools if you get things in now.

Thanks for the advice. I already know that if I do not get in this cycle I will be retaking my MCAT for next cycle. Im only applying to DO schools and who be very happy if I got into one of them. Your very right that it may be painful but Im prepared to take it over and I really feel like I can do so much better than I did. I mean I NEVER score a 7 in PS my entire life. I still dont know what happened???
 
It is very difficult for me to say because I just got back a low MCAT score too (25Q) and share a very competitive gpa with you. But the 5 in VR really does hurt you because you may be screened out of particular schools. I would still try this cycle for a couple of those schools that you applied to but go in with the expectations that you will probably have to retake.

If you score 27+ (balanced) I think you will probably have the choice between multiple DO schools and possibly even one of your state MD with everything else you have going for you.

Keep your head up and try not letting this really get to you. It is only one test and you are still obviously very competent and will most likely make a great doctor one day.
 
I knew there are some schools (VCOM for sure) that puts more emphasis on the GPA versus the MCAT. I think if you email a couple of schools about your situation they may can give you a yay or nay answer. Are you planning to retake??
 
I know someone who got into an MD school with a 24 on the MCAT. I also know someone who got a 5 on VR the first time, took a year off, and then retook the MCAT and got high enough to be accepted by PCOM -Ga.

Focus your studying on VR - new research is suggesting that it is the best predictor of success in medical school, so some admins are therefore increasing their focus on that score.
 
Get some study books, study and take the MCAT again. You can do much better if you study properly.


I appreciate the advice but I already submitted everything AMCAS veried AACOMAS verified, I didn't think I would do that bad but I did. I do not by any means have the money to register for another MCAT even if there was an opening in NY soon. I am taking 18 credits and working 30hours/week aside from all of my volunteer/research work, so there is no time in my schedule. I just planned everything differently, I didn't think it would come out this way so I didn't register for a second MCAT, which was dumb of me. I guess I just have to take my chances and hope to God I can win them over with a smile....I can always wear a low cut shirt and pray for a male interviewer hahaha...not gonna happen
 
hey guys.. I am really disappointed in my mcat scores.. i got a 6 VR/9 PS/11 BS (26Q). Do you think D.O schools will screen out a 6?

im sorry im really new to this process, any advice would really help
 
There are some that will, some that don't. For specifics, do a search as we have already talked about this earlier.
 
hey guys.. I am really disappointed in my mcat scores.. i got a 6 VR/9 PS/11 BS (26Q). Do you think D.O schools will screen out a 6?

im sorry im really new to this process, any advice would really help

I don't think so. If rest of your application is solid and you are interested in D.O., I would go ahead and apply.
 
hey guys.. I am really disappointed in my mcat scores.. i got a 6 VR/9 PS/11 BS (26Q). Do you think D.O schools will screen out a 6?

im sorry im really new to this process, any advice would really help

Some DO schools have a min score for each section, others just have a min total score. I think a 26 will get you an interview (at DO schools and maybe your state school) and then you will just need to have good reasoning for the interviews with open files. English second language or perhaps reading disability or you just plain didnt study for VR?

Have you already submitted your applications?
 
Same exact thing happened to me. may 28th, 28P july 31st, 25O. I was told by someone not to post it, however, alot of the DO schools like CCOM, UNECOM take the best MCAT score anyway. PCOM takes the best but they say they like to look at both and note improvement. The admissions guy at UNECOM said i should probably submit the socre to AACOMAS but that that drop should not be a factor in me gaining acceptance. I have interviews at UNECOM, PCOM, and CCOM so far and i dont want to submit this new score if it is worse and I already got an invite.

Well, I did well on the first MCAT, 28R, but when I re-took it, it was worse... like... a lot worse. As in, more than 10 points worse, haha. I don't know whether I should submit the score or not.. I mean, if I don't allow AAMC to release it, the DO schools should be able to see it, right? I already have an interview invite. I don't want to lose a potential spot if they find out and think I was trying to be sneaky.
 
Well, I did well on the first MCAT, 28R, but when I re-took it, it was worse... like... a lot worse. As in, more than 10 points worse, haha. I don't know whether I should submit the score or not.. I mean, if I don't allow AAMC to release it, the DO schools should be able to see it, right? I already have an interview invite. I don't want to lose a potential spot if they find out and think I was trying to be sneaky.


That's a bummer about the second MCAT, man. But I believe you are obligated to report all scores. I could be wrong, hopefully I am. Good luck.
 
I am international (Canadian) with a 3.1 cGPA and a 2.9 sGPA and I have a degree in CLS (clinical laboratory science). I was wondering what MCAT score I need to get into DO schools? I can probably retake some classes to get back up to a 3.3 cGPA
 
You need to check out the CIB to see what schools actually review the applications of international students. There are many threads on this.
 
I think if you do retake a couple classes and score 25+ on the MCAT you would have a very good chance of getting....in my opinion, of course I haven't tested this hypothesis yet.😀
 
Well, I did well on the first MCAT, 28R, but when I re-took it, it was worse... like... a lot worse. As in, more than 10 points worse, haha. I don't know whether I should submit the score or not.. I mean, if I don't allow AAMC to release it, the DO schools should be able to see it, right? I already have an interview invite. I don't want to lose a potential spot if they find out and think I was trying to be sneaky.

Did something major happen the second time you took it? I have heard of people dropping but going from 28 to under 18 is very large. If you were sick or something like that I would explain that on the app.
 
I went to DO school with a 24 MCAT, 3.8 GPA though in post-bacc. Anything is possible. You need to have an overall good, interesting package, and great essay. I had a friend in my class who had a 17 MCAT but great GPA so it's not just about one part of the applications.🙂
 
Well, I did well on the first MCAT, 28R, but when I re-took it, it was worse... like... a lot worse. As in, more than 10 points worse, haha. I don't know whether I should submit the score or not.. I mean, if I don't allow AAMC to release it, the DO schools should be able to see it, right? I already have an interview invite. I don't want to lose a potential spot if they find out and think I was trying to be sneaky.

Can you tell them you were sick, or had some other emergency keeping you from preparing or testing properly? Maybe contact a few schools via phone, tell the person - admissions office secretary - that you applied, your score dropped a lot from one test to the next because of X reason, and ask that person if they require you to send them your recent score. I wouldn't immediately say your name, just flat out describe the situation and ask the question. Then you might be able to determine where to go from there. The person who answers the phone is usually there to answer questions and not make decisions about your application. I've noticed they are usually helpful. But if you want to tell them your name and information about you, they might record the phone call in your file...
 
Hi guys, I just got my score back and hated it. I got a 23Q. (my first was 19N)
8PS/6VR/9BS. I didn't improve on VR. I thought I did much better on VR but i guess not.
cGPA: 3.29. sGPA: 3.22
Do you think I have a chance?
EC:
Volunteer since high school about 1000hrs
Shadowed DO and MD
Been in US for 9 years (English as second language).
Medical interpreter right now.
Acknowledged on 1 published article.
Great story of my struggle getting to the U.S. (I was imprisoned in an immigrant camp for 7.5 yrs)

Please, any inputs would be greatly appreciated.
 
I'm really not trolling, I'm just completely new to the DO thing. So I took my MCAT and got a 30S (low Verbal = 7). My GPA is 3.55, sGPA 3.28. I have a crap load of leadership and ECs. I have also have awesome LORs. The reason why I'm applying to the DO schools (I just submitted ~3 days ago) is that I also applied late to MD schools and I feel that I don't have a great chance of getting in. I just want to be a doctor in the end and I know DO can afford me those opportunities. Once again, I'm new, so do I have a good chance at DO?
 
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