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

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MSUSpartan642 said:
We almost have identical stats but I applied a lot earlier than you. You have a lot more volunteer experience than me though. Take that for whatever you want. I have 4 interviews though so far (CCOM, AZCOM, LECOM-B, and DMUCOM) and have not heard back from (NYCOM, PCOM, MSUCOM, and NOVA)
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Congrats!! Thats awesome! I just hope i get interviews also. Im pretty upset I didnt send in my application earlier. I dont know what i was thinking. -sigh- how long did it take for yours to be completed? AACOMAS already received my transcripts and MCAT scores and such. Dont know if that would speed things up?
 
lil tiger146 said:
Congrats!! Thats awesome! I just hope i get interviews also. Im pretty upset I didnt send in my application earlier. I dont know what i was thinking. -sigh- how long did it take for yours to be completed? AACOMAS already received my transcripts and MCAT scores and such. Dont know if that would speed things up?
Click to expand...

It was about 3-4 weeks for me, but I submitted mine much earlier than you so you will not be on the same timeline whatsoever. A reasonable expectation would be around 6-8 weeks right now, sadly enough. Get all of your secondaries done so when you hear back from the schools and you submit them immediately.
 
MSUSpartan642 said:
It was about 3-4 weeks for me, but I submitted mine much earlier than you so you will not be on the same timeline whatsoever. A reasonable expectation would be around 6-8 weeks right now, sadly enough. Get all of your secondaries done so when you hear back from the schools and you submit them immediately.
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Thanks for the help/advice.. is there somewhere i can go to look at the secondary applications? like the essay questions or what they ask, so i have it all ready for when they do complete mines?
 
I'm a US citizen with a foreign degree from one of Asia's top schools, National Taiwan University, which is different from the traditional international applicant who have studied in America, but has no citizenship. I've also lived all my life in America and completed my education except college, which I completed in NTU.

Am I considered an international applicant? If not, are my acceptance rates above or below an international applicant (under the conditions that our GPA/MCAT are the same)?
 
It will really depend on the schools you apply to. Some are international friendly, some are not. It won't hurt to have competitive stats, and if international students are looked at by a school you should be on an even playing field. Do some research on different medical school's websites to see what their recommendations and/or requirements are regarding citizenship. I know DMU (the school in my signature) is pretty international student friendly, but outside that I have no idea. Good luck!
 
I have a 3.528 cumulative GPA and 3.5 science GPA. I have taken the MCAT twice, the first time was in August (7PS 8VR 9BS Q) and second time was in September (9PS 7VR 9BS O). I have done a variety of extracurricular activities and volunteer work, including a month as a medical volunteer in Costa Rica. What are my chances to get in to the schools I am applying to (also considering the fact that it is a bit late in the season and my applications are still processing)?

I'm applying to the following schools:
1. NYCOM
2. TOUROCOM
3. CCOM
4. PCOM
5. LECOM - Erie
6. LECOM - Bradenton
7. ATSUK
8. NSUCOM

Your input is greatly appreciated! Thank you🙂
 
Im going to be applying to DO schools with a low 3. Close to a 3.2.
My resume is decent i think
250 hours spent in an african hospital doing clincial work
800 voulnteer hours at a state park
Active members of 4 different community service based clubs
10 more hourse of shadowing in a hospital done in the USA

My degree is in biology and ive taken:
2 semester of
o chem
chem
biology
physics

and all the other classes required or recommended

Im looking to get into a DO program, Anyone have any ideas?

z
 
zackvella said:
Im going to be applying to DO schools with a low 3. Close to a 3.2.
My resume is decent i think
250 hours spent in an african hospital doing clincial work
800 voulnteer hours at a state park
Active members of 4 different community service based clubs
10 more hourse of shadowing in a hospital done in the USA

My degree is in biology and ive taken:
2 semester of
o chem
chem
biology
physics

and all the other classes required or recommended

Im looking to get into a DO program, Anyone have any ideas?

z
Click to expand...

We need to know your MCAT score at this point that can make or break you.
 
DoktorB said:
It will really depend on the schools you apply to. Some are international friendly, some are not. It won't hurt to have competitive stats, and if international students are looked at by a school you should be on an even playing field. Do some research on different medical school's websites to see what their recommendations and/or requirements are regarding citizenship. I know DMU (the school in my signature) is pretty international student friendly, but outside that I have no idea. Good luck!
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Thanks! I hope PCOM is internationally friendly. That's my favorite school. And DMU, I'll have to take a look at. Should be a good school to have a wonderful student like you =D.
 
hey everyone,

ok, so i want to take this opportunity to give a brief summary of my story and get some feedback from you guys on my chances.

My first 4 years of college were riddled with errors, mistakes, laziness and, at times, personal problems that hindered me from doing really well (my overall gpa was a 2.1). With that said, I decided to start back from point zero and took classes at a local CC; I retook my core science classes (bio, physics, ochem, and chem), started classes for a second major (philosophy), and then retransferred back to the university and graduated with a 4.0 GPA since my depressing, dismal GPA of 2.1. Afterwards, I took 4 months off and studied for the mcats and scored a 32 on my mcat (11bio, 11ps, and 10verbal).

With all this in mind, do you guys think i have a legitimate shot at allopathy, or is my road to medicine narrowed only to osteopathy? (I'm not trying to say allopathy is superior to osteopathy, but we all know they are far more strict/cut-throat on requirements for admission.)

Thanks for the advice and, i must say, i've been fortunate enough to receive tons of fruitful advice from sdners. Thanks.
 
I don't know if they look at your previous transcript with that 2.1 GPA..

I was gonna do what you did ..start all over ..but I'm unsure as to whether they check all the transcripts


Otherwise.. I'd say you have a shot
 
Absentia said:
I don't know if they look at your previous transcript with that 2.1 GPA..

I was gonna do what you did ..start all over ..but I'm unsure as to whether they check all the transcripts


Otherwise.. I'd say you have a shot
Click to expand...

You must provide full disclosure. This means that you must send ALL transcripts from any college where you have taken at least one class and received a grade. You don't get to pick and choose which transcripts to send.

OP, they will see your 2.1 GPA, and all of those classes that makeup that 2.1 will be factored into your "undergraduate GPA" by AMCAS/AACOMAS. However, if you've retaken classes (which you say you have), AACOMAS will not count your first attempt at a course into your GPA calculation like AMCAS does. Your 32 MCAT is good...your biggest problem is going to be your GPA. But with your strong upward trend, some schools will be forgiving of your previous poor performance. What is your home state?
 
What is your combine GPA? All of the course work you had previously and the coursework from your second undergrad degree will count. If your GPA is above 3.0 you have a shot especially with your MCAT score, but you have to apply EARLY as in FIRST day when apps open.
 
What is your home state?[/QUOTE]

i'm from cali, but finished school in texas. thanks for the reply
 
PunkmedGirl said:
What is your combine GPA? All of the course work you had previously and the coursework from your second undergrad degree will count. If your GPA is above 3.0 you have a shot especially with your MCAT score, but you have to apply EARLY as in FIRST day when apps open.
Click to expand...

I did my osteopathy gpa with one of the calculators i found on this site, and it came out to 3.1 overall and 3.4 science. But, i'm not sure what allopathy will do with my gpa. also, i wanted to make clear that i never graduated from my first university, and that i basically continued my undergrad until finally graduating as a double major (bio, and philosophy).
 
AACOMAS will be much kinder to your GPA than AMCAS will. Expect your allopathic GPA to be a lot less. If I were you, continue to retake classes that you got a C or worse in and get your app in as soon as possible next application cycle. These boards have a ton of information available to you about this whole process. Also, not sure if this is a consolation or not, but math doesn't count into your science GPA.
 
minusthebear24 said:
I did my osteopathy gpa with one of the calculators i found on this site, and it came out to 3.1 overall and 3.4 science. But, i'm not sure what allopathy will do with my gpa. also, i wanted to make clear that i never graduated from my first university, and that i basically continued my undergrad until finally graduating as a double major (bio, and philosophy).
Click to expand...

doesnt matter your gpa is what it is. with that being said amcas averages retakes and does not replace them like aacomas. your gpa/mcat combo should be aite for DO but for MD its a longshot, especially since your gpa is going to be lower.. possible even below a 3.0. Sorry dude, shoulda thought about this x years ago before you dicked around in college, there are wayy too many over-qualified applicants nowadays for allopathic schools and you won't be close enough.
 
I agree with the above. Your amcas gpa will be much lower. Aacomas is more forgiving since they allow a grade replacement.

If you wish to attend a MD school, I would recommend checking Mdapps. It's not the most factual database of applicants, but it will give you an idea of your chances. I would recommend saving a lot of money and casting a very wide net when you apply next cycle. It's a shame Texas isn't your state of residence, from my own research (from some time ago) it's one of the states with high acceptance rates for their own residents. California, is not so nice because the competition is so high. At least this is what people tell me. And congrats on that very nice mcat score and upward trend👍
 
I keep reading different answers on medical forums. Some people say that aacomas averaged their retakes with the original ..while others say the grade is replaced.


Could someone please clarify this??
 
minusthebear24 said:
I did my osteopathy gpa with one of the calculators i found on this site, and it came out to 3.1 overall and 3.4 science. But, i'm not sure what allopathy will do with my gpa. also, i wanted to make clear that i never graduated from my first university, and that i basically continued my undergrad until finally graduating as a double major (bio, and philosophy).
Click to expand...


To figure out what your AMCAS GPA is, use this formula,

Number of credit hours from your first degree x your GPA + number of credit hours from your second degree x your GPA...then divide that answer by the total number of hours from both degrees and you will get your GPA for AMCAS.

Ex. 128(2.1) + 128(4.0)= 780.8
780.8/256 = 3.04

If you are not in a hurry and you really want to apply to allopathic as well then you can always do a SMP program. If you do well in an SMP program (3.7+) then you will definitely improve you chances for allopathic schools. Downside is depending on when you took your MCAT it may expire before you are ready to apply.

If interested, here's a list of SMPs and postbaccs. I would concentrate on the "true" SMP programs.
 
So basically I screwed up real bad during my Undergrad, and now I am starting my road to redemption.

Overall gpa: 2.8 (around there)

BCPM: 2.3

I have retaken about 4 of my pre med courses, however I ended up either getting a B or a C in my retakes. This was couple years ago when I was just plain stupid in my UG. I obviously regret it all, I guess I am one of those who had to learn it the hard way. Anyways, I am thinking of retaking some of my retakes, and this time getting in A in the class. Now should I bother retaking the retakes, and should I just retake all the other science courses that I did poorly in. Or should I do both, retake the retakes and retake the other science courses?

I understand Osteopathic schools accept retakes, and replace the grade however, do they take the better grade, or do they just replace whatever your second grade was. And do they accept any double retake courses?
 
i think you should do a masters in science and get close to a 4.0
 
noorlight said:
So basically I screwed up real bad during my Undergrad, and now I am starting my road to redemption.

Overall gpa: 2.8 (around there)

BCPM: 2.3

I have retaken about 4 of my pre med courses, however I ended up either getting a B or a C in my retakes. This was couple years ago when I was just plain stupid in my UG. I obviously regret it all, I guess I am one of those who had to learn it the hard way. Anyways, I am thinking of retaking some of my retakes, and this time getting in A in the class. Now should I bother retaking the retakes, and should I just retake all the other science courses that I did poorly in. Or should I do both, retake the retakes and retake the other science courses?

I understand Osteopathic schools accept retakes, and replace the grade however, do they take the better grade, or do they just replace whatever your second grade was. And do they accept any double retake courses?
Click to expand...
DO schools replace the good grade for the bad one while MD Schools average all the grades. If you kick it into high gear in the next two years you can lift your GPA significantly. You need a 3.3 or better to be competitive. Less than a 3.0 you are toast (burned at that). Do your best - get serious.

Merely taking other science courses and earning a A will lift your GPA but not nearly as much as grade replacement. Taking other science course like Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics will also be helpful in preparing for the MCAT.
 
lawyerdoc2b said:
DO schools replace the good grade for the bad one while MD Schools average all the grades. If you kick it into high gear in the next two years you can lift your GPA significantly. You need a 3.3 or better to be competitive. Less than a 3.0 you are toast (burned at that). Do your best - get serious.

Merely taking other science courses and earning a A will lift your GPA but not nearly as much as grade replacement. Taking other science course like Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics will also be helpful in preparing for the MCAT.
Click to expand...

In the aacomas application for DO, the retakes get averaged..
correct me if im wrong.. 😵
 
either way, if you haven't graduated yet, go ahead and retake the courses if you think you can ace them, your still gonna need a 28+ mcat
 
GPA
cum:3.25
Science: 3.1

Taking MCAT in the spring
(current jr. in college)

I have my volunteering, shadowing, letters, clubs, ect
Should I retake one of my Gen Chems from freshman year which I got a C in
or should I worry more about doing well on the MCAT in april. I realize both are important but should I re-take or is it not really worth it at this point?
Any help would be great!

Thanks in advance
 
Absentia said:
depends on how well you do on the mcat
Click to expand...

I know it depends largely on how the mcat goes,
but I was trying to get advice on if I should put all my attention
into studying for the MCAT or should I retake Gen-Chem in addition to
studying for the MCAT next sem..
I was planning on take a light semester next sem....have to retake genchem would make my semester a little harder, therefore taking away from mcat studying....
but i guess gen chem will be on the mcat...so that is a review course for the mcat right there :laugh:

anymore thoughts?
 
see how you do on a free mcat practice test provided by kaplan, if you score low, study for the mcat ! if not then take the class over
 
Thanks for all of the advice I really appreciate it. I actually have graduated, I have taken the MCAT 2 years ago and scored a 31 ( I studied for about 8 months for that exam). However during my undergrad years I was just irresponsible, and not serious about stuyding and my grades. I am regretting those mistakes, I have spent this past year improving my study habits, and refining my reading and note taking skills. I am very interested in osteopathic medicine, I really admire there approach to treating a patient much more than the allopathic point of view. I would like to go into emergency medicine with a Osteopathic training.

I know if I apply now I will not get into any Osteopathic school. I am considering to retake some of my classes that I have retaken already. I just would like to know if D.O. schools take the higher grade, or do they take the second retake?

I have taken over 175 credit hours, so even if I take additional science courses it will take more than two years of post bacc to get my gpa near 3.0 range. I would like to just retake my poor science courses, and hope for the best, what do you guys think?
 
Hello All! I truly need your advice and it is very much appreciated 🙂

I have completed my AACOMAS application in early September, but at the slower rate at which the applications are being processed this year, my primary application is still being verified. Seeing all of the acceptance threads is making me really anxious about possibly getting accepted and even getting interviews with DO schools at this point.

I have roughly a 3.5 GPA (both cumulative and science) with an upward trend since the end of my freshman year of undergrad. I took the MCAT twice within the last few months: first time was in August and received a 24Q (PS - 7; VR - 8; BS - 9) and took it again in September and received a 25O (PS - 9; VR - 7; BS - 9). Additionally, I have leadership experience in several organizations and a good amount of volunteer work in hospital setting as well as abroad. I also have two letters of recommendation from DOs and one from an MD in addition to a committee letter from the pre-medical committee at my school.

Please help if you can - let me know whether I have an honest chance of gaining acceptance into a DO school at this point. Thanks so much!
 
doxycycline said:
I think you'll be fine
Click to expand...
Thanks for the quick replies! I appreciate it 🙂

Congrats on your acceptance! Approximately how long did it take the schools to send you secondary applications once your primary was processed? Any advice? Thanks again!
 
You'll be just fine 🙂 Sometimes seeing all of the SDN threads can be intimidating, but you just have to remember that some people on here can be over-achievers and it sometimes makes you feel like you're not keeping up! It's only October and your stats look great. Don't worry about all the acceptance threads... just by being on SDN you're ahead of the game! 👍
 
I had a very similar situation. I got a C in both my Intro Bio classes and my first semester of Gen Chem. My cumulative GPA is a 3.1 but my Sci GPA is only 2.98 or something like that. As long as your EC's look good and you have an upward trend (the most important thing), then you'll do just fine. A good MCAT always helps 😉 For reference, mine was a 28R
 
DarthBroosevelt said:
You'll be just fine 🙂 Sometimes seeing all of the SDN threads can be intimidating, but you just have to remember that some people on here can be over-achievers and it sometimes makes you feel like you're not keeping up! It's only October and your stats look great. Don't worry about all the acceptance threads... just by being on SDN you're ahead of the game! 👍
Click to expand...
Thank you for the support! You have definitely helped just with that response 🙂 I appreciate it, and congrats on your acceptance 🙂
 
stlpv07 said:
GPA
cum:3.25
Science: 3.1

Taking MCAT in the spring
(current jr. in college)

I have my volunteering, shadowing, letters, clubs, ect
Should I retake one of my Gen Chems from freshman year which I got a C in
or should I worry more about doing well on the MCAT in april. I realize both are important but should I re-take or is it not really worth it at this point?
Any help would be great!

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I would retake the class, especially since the material will be on the MCAT anyway it might make for a good review. I received a C in an intro bio class and I retook it, it's definitely worth the time. Good luck!
 
I think you're fine, as well 🙂

My advice would be to try your very best to get all your secondaries out before Christmas. You may even want to look into, among the schools to which you have applied, which ones send out secondaries to everyone (not just screened applicants), and go ahead and obtain those questions and get started on the corresponding essays ASAP. You will want to have a quick turn-around time on submitting those apps. It looks good on your behalf, and also makes you a complete applicant before the end of the year--which I think can really differentiate between an acceptance vs a waitlist or a waitlist vs a rejection. Timing (though not the only important aspect of this process) is definitely key.

Good luck! Stick with it and stay positive 🙂
 
Absentia said:
In the aacomas application for DO, the retakes get averaged..
correct me if im wrong.. 😵
Click to expand...

On the AMCAS application, the retakes get averaged, but on the AACOMAS application, they get replaced. According to AACOMAS application instructions, "Only the last instance of a repeated course is included in GPA calculation."

Also, it would be a good idea to find out the oldest MCAT score that the schools you are interested in will take (they usually don't take scores older than two to three years). This can be found in the Osteopathic Medical College Information Book (here is a link to it: http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Documents/cib2010/2010-CIB-complete.pdf). Hope this helps 🙂
 
MG2005 said:
I would retake the class, especially since the material will be on the MCAT anyway it might make for a good review. I received a C in an intro bio class and I retook it, it's definitely worth the time. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I would retake it as well. Even though its still a passing grade, its one of the pre req classes. It will help with the MCAT, show your dedication, blah blah blah blah blah. But most importantly, get an A in it.
 
I kind of have a unique story, please give any insight that you have! I am graduating from a state university with a 3.3 cGPA and a 2.95 sGPA. In my first month of undergrad I was mugged by a couple of drunk kids and had to go through surgery and the like but never pulled out of that semester (biggest mistake). During recovery I missed some exams and my university gave little help (being 1 of 45,000 isn't always a good thing) so needless to say my starting GPA was low... a 2.3. I managed to raise it up to what it currently is but I feel that it is still low. I took the MCAT in sept. and got my scores back in oct. with a MCAT=31o. I submitted my primary on OCT. 16th. I have a good amount of EC including study abroad, international mission work, D.O shadowing, M.D shadowing ect. I have some strong letters of rec. from professors and both a D.O and an M.D. I am 100% interested in Osteopathic schools and applied to 15 of them but my top choices are PCOM or CCOM, however I would be more than happy to get in anywhere hahaha! I guess what I am asking are the perpetual questions.. What are my chances? Am I too late? Any insight at all?

Thanks so much! Im new to this forum but I am sure it will soon become my second home
 
Eurobackpacker said:
I kind of have a unique story, please give any insight that you have! I am graduating from a state university with a 3.3 cGPA and a 2.95 sGPA. In my first month of undergrad I was mugged by a couple of drunk kids and had to go through surgery and the like but never pulled out of that semester (biggest mistake). During recovery I missed some exams and my university gave little help (being 1 of 45,000 isn't always a good thing) so needless to say my starting GPA was low... a 2.3. I managed to raise it up to what it currently is but I feel that it is still low. I took the MCAT in sept. and got my scores back in oct. with a MCAT=31o. I submitted my primary on OCT. 16th. I have a good amount of EC including study abroad, international mission work, D.O shadowing, M.D shadowing ect. I have some strong letters of rec. from professors and both a D.O and an M.D. I am 100% interested in Osteopathic schools and applied to 15 of them, however here are my top choices are PCOM or CCOM, however I would be more than happy to get in anywhere hahaha! I guess what I am asking are the perpetual questions.. What are my chances? Am I too late? Any insight at all?

Thanks so much! Im new to this forum but I am sure it will soon become my second home
Click to expand...

Nah, it's not too late. Your MCAT helps make up for your low GPA. But your story helps too. Fortunately, most DO schools don't focus on the numbers, they take your entire application into consideration. It doesn't sound like you've been a slacker, so I surely think you have a chance at some schools. Do you have any clinical experience (not shadowing)? That goes a long way as well, but isn't always completely necessary.

Good luck! Get ready to fill out those secondaries and ship them out.
 
Not really, the D.O I shadowed is actually my neighbor and so he would let me help out here and there when we were in the ER but nothing exceptional... this summer I was thinking about taking a CNA course.. would that do anything? I forgot to mention I have been researching in a Lab for 2 years during undergrad.

Thanks for the response!
 
I'm a non traditional student with a BSc Honours Geophysics from Canada. I screwed up pretty badly when I was 18-19 so my GPA was really low back then. The last two years I've had a Science GPA 3.6 and same w/ my overall. My total for my degree is 3.4 and total overall is 3.2. My MCAT was 28p.

I have lots of life/volunteer experience.

Is it WAY too late for me to apply for Fall 2010???
 
Hello All! I'm feeling kind of doomed this year with US MD schools. Recently I decided to go the DO route if possible instead of going to SGU. Seems to be better. I am interested in surgery (general) or EM.

My stats:

cgpa: 3.55
sgpa: 3.28
MCAT: 29S

I have a lot of volunteering (>2000 hours) and Leadership. I just got my first secondary today! What are my chances? Am I competitive? I did apply a little bit later.

Also any advice on how to impress them on my secondaries would be greatly appreciate. To be honest, I just want to be a doctor treating patients at the end of the day and actually don't know much about DOs. I have never shadowed one but work with them all the time. So I know that DOs function identically to MDs.

Thanks everyone!
 
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