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

[dudechiefboss]

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Thank you for the quick reply and advice.

 

[Imlost]

Ok please anyone that have similar experience as me please reply or anyone who knows some1 with the same stats as me but got accepted or rejected.
I have a 3.42 gpa
science 3.1 with
mcat 24.
10phy 8bio 6verbal. (very worried about verbal) is it doable?
EC is 500+hrs ED, 200+ hrs as a volunteer MA in a clinic. I tutor as well as coach basketball. I feel my gpa and mcat score is smacked right in the middle or a little below and I am just feeling lost and confuse. Any help will be appreciated thank you. Just worried about verbal and want to know how bad this is

 

[NPEMTIV]

Hi,

After searching and reading past and present posts, I have found that most people consider august to be late to apply to MD and DO schools. My question is: Do I have any opportunity for DO schools - I applied to 13 total - if I submitted my AAMCAS application two days before labor day (Sept. 3)?

sGPA 3.7 and MCAT 25, w/re-take on 9/10. LORs (and shadowing) from general, urological, orthopedic and gastroentoerologist surgeons, and a chief medical officer (as well as comittee letter). Over a 1000 hours of shadowing in primary care - MD in my family - and currently working in clinical research in the ER.

However, is this all for nothing because my application is very late compared to everyone else?

You'll be fine. It's definitely not too late. I think I was verified around November back when I applied.

 

[mj42]

Hey guys, I just got my MCAT score, 28Q. It's below my AAMC average but I figure it could get me into some DO schools. Which schools do you all feel I should not send secondaries to because of my chances and also should I even bother with any of the MD schools I applied to?

Thanks

 

[nlax30]

Agree with the others..... you should be ok, definitely not too late. I was VERY late to the party and got in with one of the last groups to interview but this particular app was sort of a last minute addition due to numerous factors.... so all hope is not lost, good luck!

 

[demayette]

Hey guys...i just got back my MCAT score and im filling out my secondaries. I just wanna know what kinda shot I have at the schools I applied to...Im a florida resident, but itd be nice to get out of here.

PS 9
VR 9
BS 9
WS Q

27Q

My ugpa is a 3.24 and same goes for my sgpa, but ive had a huge upward trend the past 2 years (past 3 semester gpa's: 3.6, 3.8, 3.8). I started with a 2.3 freshman year so I've been fighting to raise my gpa.

My EC's are pretty broad. Shadowed an MD for more than 100 hours, shadowed a DO for about 35 hours, active member of american red cross, founder and president of the Arab Student Organization at my university (Im Syrian, dunno if that is a URM), volunteering all over the place (nursing home, feed homeless downtown, for a doctors office), head of a middle eastern dancing team.

I have applied to: tourocom NY (my #1 choice), Nova, touro-CA, touro-NV, Western, CCOM, PCOM, MSUCOM, Lecom-Bradenton, NYCOM, and UMDNJ.

Let me know what you guys think. thanks 🙂

Although you have a below average GPA, however, the upward trend show that you are willing to work hard to become a doctor. Your MCAT is right about average for most DO schools... little bit higher for few schools. I think you will definitely get interview invites. If these interviews go well, you are definitely in your way to become a DO...Good luck.

 

[Longshanks]

Send secondaries to all the school's you applied to, or ones you would envision yourself going to if the opportunity existed. Don't let anyone tell you that a 3.66 28 is bad numbers. Off the top of my head I believe that is in the range the AAMC data table gives as the average applicant with a 42% acceptance rate over 2005-2007. Apply both MD & DO if you're interested in both, but don't apply to DO just because you may believe "its easier" or a "back up", don't go to a program you wouldn't be happy at. Its more than a numbers game.

 

[Jumpman04]

.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Send secondaries to all the school's you applied to, or ones you would envision yourself going to if the opportunity existed. Don't let anyone tell you that a 3.66 28 is bad numbers. Off the top of my head I believe that is in the range the AAMC data table gives as the average applicant with a 42% acceptance rate over 2005-2007. Apply both MD & DO if you're interested in both, but don't apply to DO just because you may believe "its easier" or a "back up", don't go to a program you wouldn't be happy at. Its more than a numbers game.

Agreed. I sense a pattern here.😀

 

[demayette]

Hey guys, i want to know where I stand...

Just recently took my MCAT and i got a 31P and I want to know what my chances are in getting into a D.O. school

I have a 31P, ~3.45 cGPA, ~3.6 sGPA, and just a few E.C.'s (my downfall 🙁)...

E.C.'s:
- I volunteered at a nearby hospital for ~40 hours (with patient interaction)
- Business Club (I'm a Finance Major)
- AMSA
- Helped coordinate a Cancer Gala for cancer awareness
- I will soon begin shadowing a D.O. doctor and a M.D. doctor


I'm not applying this cycle, but plan on applying this coming May for the following cycle. I still have time for some more E.C.'s so I kinda want to know what you guys would recommend...Thanks in advance...Oh and I live in Illinois

If you will have more ECs under your belt by the time you apply, you might as well apply to some allo schools... Your GPA and MCAT are not that bad for mid to low tiers MD schools. Your chances for DO is almost a 100% guaranteed if you don't come across "foolish" during interviews. I think you have a great chance as well for a lot of MD schools if you know where to apply. Good luck...

 

[DocHomer]

Agreed. I think you have a decent chance at some allopathic schools.

 

[da Vincis World]

Hey guys, I just got my MCAT score, 28Q. It's below my AAMC average but I figure it could get me into some DO schools. Which schools do you all feel I should not send secondaries to because of my chances and also should I even bother with any of the MD schools I applied to?

Thanks

While the average SDN poster seems to have a 34 MCAT most people score about what you scored. With good EC's you should be able to get MD and DO interviews.

 

[Kappy1]

Ok please anyone that have similar experience as me please reply or anyone who knows some1 with the same stats as me but got accepted or rejected.
I have a 3.42 gpa
science 3.1 with
mcat 24.
10phy 8bio 6verbal. (very worried about verbal) is it doable?
EC is 500+hrs ED, 200+ hrs as a volunteer MA in a clinic. I tutor as well as coach basketball. I feel my gpa and mcat score is smacked right in the middle or a little below and I am just feeling lost and confuse. Any help will be appreciated thank you. Just worried about verbal and want to know how bad this is

I think you need to improve your stats a little. You have your EC's covered you need to either up MCAT or GPA. Did you have an upward trend last few semesters? That can make a difference. Look for a science masters program or a biomedical science MS program. I think you need three points on the MCAT's or so with that GPA or above 3.6-3.7's for your GPA with that MCAT score. You need to decide what is easier for yourself to do. I do think you will have a hard time gaining an acceptance with your current stats. But anything is possible.

My advice would be to take a year and either study for the MCAT's again or do biomedical MS program. I think Drexel University offers something like that and many others do as well. As long as you do well in that I think you will be on your way.

Work hard and you will make it.

Good Luck!!!

 

[Mzeep]

ACOMAS cumulative gpa: 3.2
science gpa: 3.0
MCAT: 25 O

Extracurriculars:

2 semesters worth of volunteering at emergency department of a hospital

One semester Psychology research with rats

2 semesters of biomolecular research

About 20 hours of shadowing a doctor

no DO letter as of yet

oh and i AM planning on doing more volunteer work this year

what are my chances? which schools should I apply to? Do i have a chance at MSU??

Hi Laiba,

I'm in the same boat as you! Did you apply this cycle or are you applying next?? No Mcat yet, but sooooon!! Goood luck!!

 

[Imlost]

I have a 24M mcat with a 6 on verbal... Does this mean my chances are slim? my gpa isn't so stellar with 3.42/3.10 science

 

[DocHomer]

I have a 24M mcat with a 6 on verbal... Does this mean my chances are slim? my gpa isn't so stellar with 3.42/3.10 science

I see that you have 32 posts...are all of them from asking the same question in multiple threads?

You have two options:

1) Apply and see what happens because, honestly, no one here has a clue about how good your chances are. All we can do is compare your stats to the averages for DO schools and our own experiences.

2) Retake the MCAT and apply next cycle.

Your verbal score really hurts your application, your sGPA is low, but your cGPA is OK.

Call some schools you're interested in and get some feedback, so that you get figure out what to do.

Good luck.

 

[Imlost]

thanks, but do any1 know the most updated average for d.o schools because I see the old ones where the avg mcat was still 23

 

[HoboCommander]

No party!

Work!

 

[Exalya]

thanks, but do any1 know the most updated average for d.o schools because I see the old ones where the avg mcat was still 23

Not all schools are 23. Some of them are, but others can be higher... TCOM, for example, stands at about 27, I believe. Research individual schools which interest you. Also, remember that average is just an average... even if you did apply to a school with a 27 average, if you have some great EC's it might push you over the top.

I would still plan on retaking the MCAT with that 6, though.

 

[jfellings]

I have a 24M mcat with a 6 on verbal... Does this mean my chances are slim? my gpa isn't so stellar with 3.42/3.10 science

I have received 7 interview invites and several acceptances with a 25Q and 3.2 gpa. Every application is different, just look at the rest of your app and see if you are strong in other areas besides the academics to help offset the low numbers.

 

[Jumpman04]

.

 

[Imlost]

thank you so much for everyone advice any more it will be great. Thanks

 

[FireMedic4]

Hello all! I posted here way back when...at that point, I was just getting started in getting interested in going into medicine. Now, I have a firmer stand on what I have done and what I have to do and just wanted everyones take on the matter.

First, the nuts and bolts, the numbers!

cGPA (calculated by AACOMAS): 3.03
sGPA (calculated by AACOMAS): 3.00
MCAT: 28R (10 PS, 10 VR, 8 BS)

Undergraduate major: Biomedical Engineering, Cognitive Psychology
Associates: Paramedicine

I understand that my GPA is low. At the time of my UG, I wasn't considering medicine as a future at all, and consequently slacked off considerably. I have done a considerable amount of coursework since (200+ credits) and have managed to get it up, but still not enough.

That being said, I'm in a postbacc program right now taking some more required courses (o chem, bio) and retaking a few sciences (physics, chem).

EC/Work etc:
- Professional EMT for 6 years
> Moved to paramedic for 2 years (and running!)
- Numerous commendations for civil service
- Volunteer firefighter
- Own my own medical device design company holding several patents; 2 products in final design phase with entry-to-market in ~1.5 years
- Many "leadership" positions in college (interfraternity council etc)
- Chairperson on local American Cancer Society

And so on and so forth...

My question is: Is it too late in this cycle to be considered? I just my MCAT results back this week and I'm gonna chug away at the application this weekend. I have most of the data entered; I just have to finalize my PS and wait for my transcripts to be accepted by AACOMAS.

Based on what I've read (and you all have a great site here!), I plan on applying very broadly. There certainly isn't a "rush" to get into medical school, but I'm 23, and this has been something which I have wanted to do for a while now.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[yoman786]

Hey guys, so I'm also pushing the primary application tonight actually, goal to get it out is before I fall asleep so caffiene don't fail me now. Anyways, my stats are
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
cGPA:
3.34
MCATs:
29R
33Q

ECs: More than I'd like to mention, most in leadership positions

Like the guy above me, I'm asking am I too terribly late? I already did my AMCAS, not verified yet 🙁 and as I've stated im working on my AACOMAS tonight. One of my top schools for DO is Midwestern. How do I look? Suggestions besides pushing my application tonight?

Thanks all!

 

[demayette]

Hey guys, so I'm also pushing the primary application tonight actually, goal to get it out is before I fall asleep so caffiene don't fail me now. Anyways, my stats are
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
cGPA:
3.34
MCATs:
29R
33Q

ECs: More than I'd like to mention, most in leadership positions

Like the guy above me, I'm asking am I too terribly late? I already did my AMCAS, not verified yet 🙁 and as I've stated im working on my AACOMAS tonight. One of my top schools for DO is Midwestern. How do I look? Suggestions besides pushing my application tonight?

Thanks all!

33Q MCAT score for DO is definitely a plus... GPA is a little below average, but good enough. Although you are applying very late, I believe you have an above average chance in getting into Midwestern as long as you have good LORs and EC...Good luck

 

[BestDoctorEver]

3.2 cGPA, 3.37 sGPA .. healthcare experience, good LORs. No EC. What kind of MCAT score do I need in order to have a chance for admission into DO school ?

 

[hopeinternist]

3.2 science 3.2 overall excellent extra curriculars, havent done shadowing yet but will start soon. Over 3000 hours of community service, started several clubs, EMT for over 3 years. decent LORs MCAT - 26 S - 8 9 9

my top choices are umdnj and lecom. what are my chances

 

[Kid A]

3.2 cGPA, 3.37 sGPA .. healthcare experience, good LORs. No EC. What kind of MCAT score do I need in order to have a chance for admission into DO school ?

I'd aim for at least 25+ to give yourself a chance, but upper 20's would make you more competitive.

 

[demayette]

3.2 science 3.2 overall excellent extra curriculars, havent done shadowing yet but will start soon. Over 3000 hours of community service, started several clubs, EMT for over 3 years. decent LORs MCAT - 26 S - 8 9 9

my top choices are umdnj and lecom. what are my chances

You do have a great chance because of the healthcare experience and your EC. However, there is no guaranteed you gonna end up at one of these two schools you have mentioned. Good luck

 

[deleted285117]

Hey guys im gonna give this a shot; my scores are:

3.1 sGPA
3.4 cGPA
22M MCAT

Volunteering: Only about 50 hours so far. Will be volunteering at a hospital starting this Fall.

Research: None.

Shadowing: Will be shadowing an M.D. starting next Janurary.

EC's: My strong point. Im in ALOT of stuff. Student Government, Student Activities, Biology Club, etc. (all together about 11 clubs- ive been Vice President of Public Relations, Treasurer, and Vice President for many of them). Im also on my school's cross country team for this year. Ive studied abroad twice, once in Costa Rica and once in Germany.

Applying to about 8 DO schools. Do my stats look promising?

 

[HB1]

So I knew I was going to be late, but after seeing most of the recent posts I'm afraid my chances of getting into the 2010 cylce are slim to none...but, I guess I'd like to get a little feedback on what to do and just how bad you guys think my chances are...

I'm submitting my primary this week...and I'm not taking the MCAT till January (pretty bad, right?)...
My cGPA is 3.67 and my sGPA is 3.55...I have lots of EC, have worked all through school, received my EMT-b this summer and will hopefully start working soon...I have shadowed and am still shadowing a DO...
...It took me a while to figure everything out, but I know for sure I want to be a DO and I would really like to start in 2010 🙂 ...so, how bad is it...please, you can be brutal...I can take it lol...I need your help...all advice is appreciated!!

 

[CardioPlus]

Hey guys im gonna give this a shot; my scores are:

3.1 sGPA
3.4 cGPA
22M MCAT

Volunteering: Only about 50 hours so far. Will be volunteering at a hospital starting this Fall.

Research: None.

Shadowing: Will be shadowing an M.D. starting next Janurary.

EC's: My strong point. Im in ALOT of stuff. Student Government, Student Activities, Biology Club, etc. (all together about 11 clubs- ive been Vice President of Public Relations, Treasurer, and Vice President for many of them). Im also on my school's cross country team for this year. Ive studied abroad twice, once in Costa Rica and once in Germany.

Applying to about 8 DO schools. Do my stats look promising?

Well with a borderline GPA on the low end I would def retake the MCAT. A 22 is pretty low, so you;d prob wanna raise it by 2-3 points to have a solid shot. Looks like you'll have a nice amount of volunteering after this coming year, so that's good and def also look into finding a DO to shadow. You still have pretty much a whole academic year to do build your clinical experiences.

Also, i see your involved in a ton of clubs, but you may want to cut back on a few things so that you can focus on studying for the MCAT (if you retake) and getting solid grades this year. haha I give you props for being a major part in 11 clubs and still getting your work done! Remember that while ECs are important, the first things that admissions will look at are your stats. Good Luck!!

 

[CardioPlus]

So I knew I was going to be late, but after seeing most of the recent posts I'm afraid my chances of getting into the 2010 cylce are slim to none...but, I guess I'd like to get a little feedback on what to do and just how bad you guys think my chances are...

I'm submitting my primary this week...and I'm not taking the MCAT till January (pretty bad, right?)...
My cGPA is 3.67 and my sGPA is 3.55...I have lots of EC, have worked all through school, received my EMT-b this summer and will hopefully start working soon...I have shadowed and am still shadowing a DO...
...It took me a while to figure everything out, but I know for sure I want to be a DO and I would really like to start in 2010 🙂 ...so, how bad is it...please, you can be brutal...I can take it lol...I need your help...all advice is appreciated!!

I would say you'd be fine if you already had your mcat score in, but with a January MCAT I'm not sure if you would have a shot at all. If you take the MCAT in January, you won't be complete at schools until February (when they receive your score). At that point even if they give you an interview, it prob won't be until March/April, at which they may only be interviewing for a wait list/final spot in the class.

If you have money to burn, I would say give it a shot (because there is always a chance!) and also prepare for having to resubmit for the 2011 cycle. My advice would be to just wait until next cycle, so that way you can have all of you material submitted in June/July and granted that you have a solid MCAT score, I don't see why you wouldn't receive early interviews and acceptances.

I'm not sure if anyone on here has experiences with taking a January MCAT or submitting that late in the cycle that could share their stories? Good luck with whatever you decide to do tho!

 

[demayette]

Hey guys im gonna give this a shot; my scores are:

3.1 sGPA
3.4 cGPA
22M MCAT

Volunteering: Only about 50 hours so far. Will be volunteering at a hospital starting this Fall.

Research: None.

Shadowing: Will be shadowing an M.D. starting next Janurary.

EC's: My strong point. Im in ALOT of stuff. Student Government, Student Activities, Biology Club, etc. (all together about 11 clubs- ive been Vice President of Public Relations, Treasurer, and Vice President for many of them). Im also on my school's cross country team for this year. Ive studied abroad twice, once in Costa Rica and once in Germany.

Applying to about 8 DO schools. Do my stats look promising?

I agree with CardioPlus... Retake the MCAT and aim for a 26+, then your chances will be excellent.

 

[MedHopeful221]

So, I always planned on waiting a year in between undergrad and med school, but with the way my loans and the economy are, I recently realized that I cannot do that. Therefore, I am very late in applying (still have not submitted my primary apps, but plan on doing that tomorrow) and my MCAT score is very low.. My stats are:

MCAT: 26Q
GPA: 3.92
Sci-GPA: 3.92

I also did two medical brigades, volunteered at a hospital for about 100 hrs. and have been very involved on my college campus.

I'm only applying to one MD school and the rest DO's (PCOM. UNECOM, Touro, Nova, Ohio, LECOM and a few others).. Do you guys think I have a chance?

 

[Kid A]

So, I always planned on waiting a year in between undergrad and med school, but with the way my loans and the economy are, I recently realized that I cannot do that. Therefore, I am very late in applying (still have not submitted my primary apps, but plan on doing that tomorrow) and my MCAT score is very low.. My stats are:

MCAT: 26Q
GPA: 3.92
Sci-GPA: 3.92

I also did two medical brigades, volunteered at a hospital for about 100 hrs. and have been very involved on my college campus.

I'm only applying to one MD school and the rest DO's (PCOM. UNECOM, Touro, Nova, Ohio, LECOM and a few others).. Do you guys think I have a chance?

Your mcat is about average for do schools, but your gpa is amazing. Although it is late and you may not be verified till late November, I still think you have a decent shot.

 

[HB1]

Medhopeful221,
Just curious...where did you do your undergrad at?...you are in a way better position then me...I would not be very worried if I were you...GOOD LUCK!

 

[MedHopeful221]

Medhopeful221,
Just curious...where did you do your undergrad at?...you are in a way better position then me...I would not be very worried if I were you...GOOD LUCK!

I'm currently finishing my undergrad and Penn State

 

[millee3]

Hey I was curious what you guys think is the lowest MCAT score i'd need to be competitive for DO programs. Here are my stats:

Residence: Minnesota
Cum GPA: 3.7
Bio GPA: 4.0
SciGPA: 3.7
Research for the last 2 years-present
Job as a PCA/Nurse's aide/Orderly since jan 09
EMT certified
Officer in the TriBeta National Biological honor society chapter on campus
Volunteered this past summer--do a little during school year
*Born in Finland* (who knows if this makes any difference)
-Father is MD (not sure if this helps at all)
**My GPA trend is great; I did awful (2.5) my first semester when i was undecided, but once i went pre-med ive had a 3.95**

Let me know what you guys think the lowest MCAT score i should apply with, Thanks!

 

[Compass]

Just get a 30.

 

[just one]

24, no wait... 26, nah 22, you know what just do your best. Setting low score goal is setting yourself up for a low score. Take practice tests, evaluate your weak areas and adjust your studying

 

[EyEnStein 07]

to be competitive, i would say nothing less than a 28-29...30 as the above poster said would definitely be nice.

I dont think Finland matters, but thats cool, i have family that lives there =]

 

[just one]

If anyone can tell you an accurate low score number, that means the entire process is predictable, which it isnot. You have not told us any schools so how can we say you'd be competitive, each school is different

 

[Longshanks]

Just kill the test. Never set your goals low in life. Aim for your best performance that you can possibly do. You're excellent upward trend demonstrates that. Take that experience and motivation to this test and you'll be in an amazing position with your already top-notch GPA.

 

[millee3]

Thanks for the replies. Whoever said they have family in finland...where? I have family that live in Kuopio.

 

[jkdynasty]

33P MCAT, 4.0 GPA and decent ECs. Just sent out secondaries to AZCOM, CCOM, and DMU last weekend. Any idea on my chances?

 

[jkdynasty]

just worried because I applied a little late.

 

[matrica]

33P MCAT, 4.0 GPA and decent ECs. Just sent out secondaries to AZCOM, CCOM, and DMU last weekend. Any idea on my chances?

OMG, your stats are terrible. Never get in anywhere. 😀

OK, ok I am just kidding. Why are you even posting?
You get in!!!! If you have 2 eyes, 2 ears, 1 mouth, you good. Even if you don't you get in.
Make sure you write good essays, address everything they ask you, and don't hurry to send the secondaries back. MAKE sure your essays are the best you could write. Let somebody else check it too.
If you have EC's you get in somewhere. You good to go.
Don't worry.
You are not late to apply. Yes, people are interviewing, and some already got accepted, but you are NOT late, so just take your time, and make sure what you send back is quality.
Good luck

 

[bagger123]

If I had a science gpa of 3.5 and a 25O mcat score and have shadowed 2 DO physicians and both have written letters for me. Also decent EC. I was wondering if I should bother applying because of these stats. Also, i know its somewhat late.
thanks for your help

 

[mj42]

Thanks guys for your support. I stated above I had a 28Q MCAT and 3.66 overall GPA. Most of you mentioned that with good EC's, I'll definitely get interviews. Here are most of my ec's, what do you all think:

-President of Iranian Student Organization for 2.5 years
-Shadowed MD and 2 DOs, total of about 80 hours* so far
-AMSA member
-volunteered at local hospital ER service desk for a summer
-Extremely active jazz musician, play many shows at local venues, part of a house band for a local restaurant.
-Worked at a pharmacy as pharmacy technician for a few months.