**2010-2011** "What are my Chances? Where Should I apply? What should I do?"

[exoinsanity]

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[Ride Big Sky]

I finished undergrad with ~ a 3.4 cGPA. I did a year and a half of post bac work and boosted the cGPA to ~3.5 and sGPA of 3.95.

MCAT was a 32S (10,11,11)

close to 100 hours shadowing two doctors (1 DO with a letter)
about 100 hours of clinical volunteering in the ED and pediatrics
currently work in a clinical lab
the usual clubs, hobbies, ect

I'll trying to keep the number of schools I apply to down to save a bit of cash, but don't want to shoot myself in the foot and need to reapply. For DO schools I'm looking at UNECOM, PCOM, Jersey, and possibly Erie. This whole geographical stuff is really handcuffing me.

 

[jslo85]

I don't know as to what you're really asking for but your stats in what you're giving us to work with is pretty solid and you should technically have no problem in getting an interview at all 4 of those schools provided your LOR are strong and you have a relatively well rounded application afterwards.

PCOM will require a pre-health advisor or dean's letter as part of their application so I'd get moving on this if you don't have this if you do want to get their secondary in as soon as possible.

LECOM will require a DO letter but you already have that

Apply early and I don't foresee any major problems that will prevent you from getting looks from those schools.

 

[dudechiefboss]

I am applying this cycle with these stats:

MCAT: 24
sGPA: 3.75
cGPA: 3.6

5000+ hours paid healthcare experience. Some leadership, tutoring, volunteering, and shadowing (but not a lot).

I would like to apply to PCOM, CCOM, and NSU-COM. What are my chances?

Initially, both GPAs are pretty strong, but the MCAT is weak. HC exposure is significant.

What's the break down of your MCAT score? Do you have a DO letter? I would cast a wider net in your application cycle. However, I do know of one individual with a lower MCAT than you who was accepted to one of the schools you listed.

Disclaimer: accepted to PCOM, LECOM-B and Touro-Harelm

I am applying this cycle with

GPA: 3.04
sGPA: ~2.8

MCAT: 35N

Just graduated from UC Berkeley. Majored in Chemistry.

600hrs volunteering in spinal cord injury unit during senior year of high school
60 hrs volunteering at pharmacy in a local hospital
no shadowing
Went on a Christian Doctors mission to China in summer 2007
Taught an SAT class at a high school for a semester
3 years of research experience: 1 year cardiology research, 1 year biophysics research on campus. 1 year bioenergy/molecular bio at government lab. currently doing atherosclerosis reseach at UCSD. Have a couple posters, no publications

My AMCAS app for 2010-2011 is fully complete except for MCAT. I knew my chances for allopathic weren't good thanks to my GPA and I originally planned on hoping my MCAT score from 4/10 would be 40+, in which case I would apply to military MD school and some other safe allo schools but scores were released today and, after getting a 35, I'm giving DO serious consideration.

What are my chances for DO school? I'm a resident of California

I wouldn't give up on MD schools just yet. I think your application is very strong and would open a lot of doors with the right PS.

As far as DO schools, I think you are very strong for PCOM and some other "big" name DO schools. Good luck, and keep everyone posted!

I finished undergrad with ~ a 3.4 cGPA. I did a year and a half of post bac work and boosted the cGPA to ~3.5 and sGPA of 3.95.

MCAT was a 32S (10,11,11)

close to 100 hours shadowing two doctors (1 DO with a letter)
about 100 hours of clinical volunteering in the ED and pediatrics
currently work in a clinical lab
the usual clubs, hobbies, ect

I'll trying to keep the number of schools I apply to down to save a bit of cash, but don't want to shoot myself in the foot and need to reapply. For DO schools I'm looking at UNECOM, PCOM, Jersey, and possibly Erie. This whole geographical stuff is really handcuffing me.

I think you're good to go, unless you have bad interview skills or unusual red flags. Do you plan on applying to TCMC? Anyways, good luck on both AMCAS and AACOMAS

 

[judasreznor]

Initially, both GPAs are pretty strong, but the MCAT is weak. HC exposure is significant.

What's the break down of your MCAT score? Do you have a DO letter? I would cast a wider net in your application cycle. However, I do know of one individual with a lower MCAT than you who was accepted to one of the schools you listed.

Disclaimer: accepted to PCOM, LECOM-B and Touro-Harelm

I do have a DO LOR. The breakdown is 11 VR, 7 PS, and 6 BS (lots of Organic that I hadn't had yet). Retook the MCAT subsequently and am awaiting the score. I may cast a wider net, but those are the top ones that I want. What MCAT do I need to be really competitive at those schools?

 

[abkvf]

Sorry for changing the subject from the previous person, but I have a quick question.

I posted my gpa/ec's/etc in the MD what are my chances section and got responses telling me to be sure to apply to both MD and DO schools when application time comes (not until 2012)... BUT I have yet to shadow with any DO's.. is this necessary for applying to a DO school?

 

[mainevent]

Long time follower, 1st time poster. Thank you in advance for your input 🙂

I am applying this year to DO schools.
Bio major in undergrad, good upward treand in postbacc gpa.

My sGPA: 3.07, cGPA: 3.15

I have good EC in shadowing doctors, volunteering at multiple hospitals departments, 2 years of research (no publication), and leadership roles in multiple medical student clubs. I will have decent LORs too.

I am planning to take MCAT for the 1st time in July, and in summer I will be re-taking biochemistry (got a C- before).

I think my weakness is my GPA, any suggestions for applying this year? Thank you!

 

[Razmatazz]

I'll have a go since I know my numbers a little better now...

undergrad 1: human bio and psych
cgpa 2.50
sgpa 2.36

undergrad 2: two year post bacc in public health and science
cgpa 3.95
sgpa 4.0

Total: (massive improvement but still very low)
cgpa 3.14
sgpa 3.02
non science gpa = 3.23

latest MCAT: 29Q (11PS, 7VR, 11BS)

EC's:
~200 hours hospital volunteering / patient interaction
~200 hours research assistant, no papers or anything
- VP of a student club, on other clubs, was on a faculty committee etc
- still need to shadow / get a DO letter!!!

Red Flags:
- 2 D's - genetics and 2nd inorganic chem....I might retake genetics but dont have time for the chem. This eliminates me from applying to some schools (CCOM) who want a C or better in the pre reqs.
- 7 in verbal on the MCAT

Fall 2010 plans:
- attending Columbia for masters of science in nutrition that will end in June


What do you think....long shot? I need that shadowing before I submit right? Otherwise If I shadow in June/ July, it wont show up on my application which I plan to submit ASAP.

 

[shenanigans327]

if I'm not mistaken, I thought all of the schools required "at LEAST" a C- in all of the pre-req's? Even still, I'd try to squeeze in Gen ChemII again


BTW great job on the 4.0 🙂Good luck

 

[seap3]

Yes, I agree with the above poster that you really should retake Chem II. I don't think any schools would accept a D for a prereq, but there might be some that take a C-. Most require at least a C.

Genetics isn't a prereq at most schools, so it would be much better to retake Chem II.

 

[seap3]

Just found this in the AACOMAS instructions for this year.

AACOMAS only verifies grades of C (not C-) or better to meet prerequisites. Some colleges will accept
C- grades to meet prerequisities – please check with the individual college.

 

[Razmatazz]

Problem is that I cant find a chem course near me that's offered in the summer session, I found a genetics that I could take in the summer session.

Hmmm, I guess I will call some schools, I know the schools that require at least a C and I wasn't going to apply to them but I thought the other schools had no cut off per say.

 

[DbDan]

I was just accepted, literally a couple hours ago, into Western's new SMP with linkage to their DO school (1 year MS, no gap year). If I were to apply in June I'll be a re-applicant. I got 2 interviews w/ 2 waitlists last year with the stats listed below; and the potential to still get off those lists until July. Western starts June 14th. Looking for opinions on if I should go or what my odds are of getting in next year w/o taking it and accumulating an extra 45k debt (not to mention Western's ridiculous tuition after)

cGPA [last cycle/this cycle/after summer]: 2.80/2.89/2.91
sGPA [last cycle/this cycle/after summer]: 2.79/2.97/3.01
MCAT: 33N [11,11,11]
** Grades for after summer assume "A" in summer course. So far I've taken 4 post bacc courses with a 4.0. I'd also continue courses through fall/winter/spring. Last cycle I wasn't complete at most schools until November, December for PCOM/PCOM-GA

LORs: 1 Lab, 2 Science, 1 non-sci, 1 work related, 1 DO
Pending: new work letter in clinical setting, 1 DO from another job (MUCH better than last years since last year was a DO I'd met twice for an hour each time)

UG ECs:
1 year Volunteer Microbiology research w/ Virus vectors including being involved with a chemotherapy/cancer project which is hopefully moving forward to clinical trials.
5 years fraternity
Church Smallgroup leader
Various Volunteering

Work:
2.5 years supervisor in on campus gym
ongoing 1 year as an Epilepsy Monitoring Tech (1500+ hrs of direct acute care and supervision of patients)
ongoing 9 months as Front Office/Medical Assistant (~600hrs of working directly with a physician (DO) in a primary care/urgent care office)

Wondering what people in this situation would do. Accept the 350k debt through the next 5 years or try to apply again and hope for the best with potential of delaying school another year.

 

[Wyclef]

Sorry for changing the subject from the previous person, but I have a quick question.

I posted my gpa/ec's/etc in the MD what are my chances section and got responses telling me to be sure to apply to both MD and DO schools when application time comes (not until 2012)... BUT I have yet to shadow with any DO's.. is this necessary for applying to a DO school?

some of the D.O. schools require a letter of recommendation from a D.O. I shadowed one for half a day and he wrote me a letter.

 

[manbeast]

I was just accepted, literally a couple hours ago, into Western's new SMP with linkage to their DO school (1 year MS, no gap year). If I were to apply in June I'll be a re-applicant. I got 2 interviews w/ 2 waitlists last year with the stats listed below; and the potential to still get off those lists until July. Western starts June 14th. Looking for opinions on if I should go or what my odds are of getting in next year w/o taking it and accumulating an extra 45k debt (not to mention Western's ridiculous tuition after)

cGPA [last cycle/this cycle/after summer]: 2.80/2.89/2.91
sGPA [last cycle/this cycle/after summer]: 2.79/2.97/3.01
MCAT: 33N [11,11,11]
** Grades for after summer assume "A" in summer course. So far I've taken 4 post bacc courses with a 4.0. I'd also continue courses through fall/winter/spring. Last cycle I wasn't complete at most schools until November, December for PCOM/PCOM-GA

Wondering what people in this situation would do. Accept the 350k debt through the next 5 years or try to apply again and hope for the best with potential of delaying school another year.

This is a tough and interesting situation. If I was in your shoes, I would not do the SMP program (unless I was in love with going to Western). You already had two interviews and two waitlist spots. If I was you, I would send one or more letters to the schools I was waitlisted at and also call the schools to figure out if there was anyway I could get off the waitlist. These schools love persistence - you might be able to get in if you talk to the right person. Secondly, if you don't get in this cycle, you can reapply EARLY and BROADLY next cycle - and you will probably get in somewhere with your stellar MCAT score and great ECs (you almost got in this time and you applied late). You are going to spend some money reapplying but it will prob. be less than the 47k you pay for the SMP - and a lot less work. Just my 2 pennies homie.

 

[DbDan]

This is a tough and interesting situation. If I was in your shoes, I would not do the SMP program (unless I was in love with going to Western). You already had two interviews and two waitlist spots. If I was you, I would send one or more letters to the schools I was waitlisted at and also call the schools to figure out if there was anyway I could get off the waitlist. These schools love persistence - you might be able to get in if you talk to the right person. Secondly, if you don't get in this cycle, you can reapply EARLY and BROADLY next cycle - and you will probably get in somewhere with your stellar MCAT score and great ECs (you almost got in this time and you applied late). You are going to spend some money reapplying but it will prob. be less than the 47k you pay for the SMP - and a lot less work. Just my 2 pennies homie.

Thats what I'm leaning towards right now, I was curious what other people's thoughts were. My sGPA will be up over a 3.0 after summer which I think is a big step and my clinical experiences as well as interview are what I feel sets me apart this cycle; plus I had JUST started to work at the hospital when I applied last year and I hadn't begun to work at the office until some secondaries had begun being completed. I'm just praying that it won't come back to bite me and set me behind yet another year before matriculating. I've also already sent a letter to LECOM and have called them quite a few times. I'll probably give Touro another call also but they aren't even re-evaluating until June 15th

My school list for this cycle is: AZCOM, CCOM, VCOM, VCOM-SC, PCOM, PCOM-GA, LECOM-E, LECOM-B, NYCOM, Nova, OSUCOM, Touro-NV, Touro-Ca, UMDNJ, Western. I'm trying not to apply to schools I couldn't see myself going to. I thought about adding schools like KCOM, DMU, etc. but I just can't see myself somewhere so rural outside of a big school like OSU. I've lived on my entire life on the coasts and can't see myself living too far from them

 

[IfeelYourPain]

Well, got my MCAT scores back 2 days ago... pretty devastated (10VR, 8BS, 7PS) (25R). It was my first time taking it and I only prepared loosely for about 4 weeks... anyway, I have a 3.8 oGPA, and a 3.7 sGPA. My EC's are pretty decent. I've been working at a rural free clinic for about a year, held a leadership position in SGA, and have approx 30 hours shadowing 2 doctors (1 D.O., 1 M.D.), but I am planning on intense shadowing this summer to raise that.

So, given my stats, do you guys think I have a shot at interviewing at upper tier DO schools? DMU, OSUCOM (not an OK resident), CCOM, AZCOM, PCOM specifically.

BTW, I am retaking the MCAT in August with high hopes, I'm only hoping that the 25R is good enough to sort of "get my foot in the door" at these schools until my new scores are posted in September. Thanks

 

[elektron]

I will graduate in December 2010 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. I have a 3.51 cGPA and a 3.40 sciGPA. I am planning to take the MCAT August 13 and have been scoring 32-36 on practice exams.

I have done about 50 hours of hospital volunteer work (25 hours in the ER and 25 hours in the surgical ward). In the ER, I cleaned beds and checked on patients every 30 minutes or so; in the surgical ward, I helped clean up after the operation, lift patients onto the surgical table and replace spent oxygen tanks.

I have 4 hours shadowing a pediatric gastroenterologist (M.D.) and 20 hours shadowing a rural family physician (D.O.).

For ECs: 1 year as treasurer and 1 year as chair of the local IEEE student branch, 4 semesters (5 hours per week) as a peer mentor for a minority STEM program, 2 semesters (10 hours per week) and 1 summer (8 weeks, 40 hours per week) of research in engineering, and I am doing a 10 week (40 hours per week) research program in biochemistry this summer. Before starting school this time around, I worked about 2 years as a front desk clerk in a hotel and about 2.5 years as an office administrator for a real estate management company.

I plan to start working in January as a CNA until I start med school, which would add significant clinical exposure to my application if I wait until next year to apply.

Should I gain more clinical exposure and wait to apply next year or give it a shot this time around?

 

[mlife]

I'm new to SDN forums but wanted to get people's opinion on whether or not I still have a shot for DO schools or if I should wait next cycle and/or retake the MCAT. Has anyone had this problem or just me?
I recently took the MCAT but did not fare as well as I wanted in fact I went down 2 points from the first time even though i was averaging 28-30 on my practice test. 🙁
I am a non traditional student who graduated with an MPH.
GPA: 3.6, 5 years clinical research/ public health experience, EC's/Volunteer, pretty solid LOR's
I applied last year but was wait-listed at one school and then wasn't accepted but I think a huge part of it was because I sent in my secondaries later in the game. I listened to my advisor who told me to retake.
MCAT: first time: 26O PS7 VR9 BS10
second time: 24O PS7 VR9 BS10 (yes I know)
Feeling frustrated and trying to figure out what to do in the next steps. I'm willing to wait until next cycle if it makes sense. I would love to hear some honest opinions out there. Thanks a bunch!

 

[bigDinLV]

I'd apply, the worst that can happen is you apply again next year (you're thinking about doing that anyway).

Apply to all the schools and apply/interview early.

 

[DbDan]

I will graduate in December 2010 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. I have a 3.51 cGPA and a 3.40 sciGPA. I am planning to take the MCAT August 13 and have been scoring 32-36 on practice exams.

I have done about 50 hours of hospital volunteer work (25 hours in the ER and 25 hours in the surgical ward). In the ER, I cleaned beds and checked on patients every 30 minutes or so; in the surgical ward, I helped clean up after the operation, lift patients onto the surgical table and replace spent oxygen tanks.

I have 4 hours shadowing a pediatric gastroenterologist (M.D.) and 20 hours shadowing a rural family physician (D.O.).

For ECs: 1 year as treasurer and 1 year as chair of the local IEEE student branch, 4 semesters (5 hours per week) as a peer mentor for a minority STEM program, 2 semesters (10 hours per week) and 1 summer (8 weeks, 40 hours per week) of research in engineering, and I am doing a 10 week (40 hours per week) research program in biochemistry this summer. Before starting school this time around, I worked about 2 years as a front desk clerk in a hotel and about 2.5 years as an office administrator for a real estate management company.

I plan to start working in January as a CNA until I start med school, which would add significant clinical exposure to my application if I wait until next year to apply.

Should I gain more clinical exposure and wait to apply next year or give it a shot this time around?

You need to get some more shadowing time but if you can score in the range you have been practicing on the MCAT you would be competitive this go-round. I'd apply, although you'd be late you'll have a shot. Make sure to submit your primaries early w/o the MCAT score and not wait until your score arrives though, it will save you time. Also, be wary of practice test scores. I scored 37-39 on my last 4 practices and didn't score close to that on the real deal.

 

[seap3]

I'm new to SDN forums but wanted to get people's opinion on whether or not I still have a shot for DO schools or if I should wait next cycle and/or retake the MCAT. Has anyone had this problem or just me?
I recently took the MCAT but did not fare as well as I wanted in fact I went down 2 points from the first time even though i was averaging 28-30 on my practice test. 🙁
I am a non traditional student who graduated with an MPH.
GPA: 3.6, 5 years clinical research/ public health experience, EC's/Volunteer, pretty solid LOR's
I applied last year but was wait-listed at one school and then wasn't accepted but I think a huge part of it was because I sent in my secondaries later in the game. I listened to my advisor who told me to retake.
MCAT: first time: 26O PS7 VR9 BS10
second time: 24O PS7 VR9 BS10 (yes I know)
Feeling frustrated and trying to figure out what to do in the next steps. I'm willing to wait until next cycle if it makes sense. I would love to hear some honest opinions out there. Thanks a bunch!

Must be a typo - what was your breakdown the 2nd time? If you didn't drop below a 7 in any category you might have a shot, but the drop doesn't look good.

You could try applying early this year, but I really think a 3rd retake might be in order. I also think you need to find a new study strategy. How did you study the first 2 times? I was also scoring 28-31 on practice tests, but only ended up getting a 27. Even so, I'm going to give it a shot this year and retake if necessary for next cycle. But I'm going to get different study materials and find a new strategy.

Your GPA is good though. What is your sGPA? Did you get any feedback from the school that waitlisted you last year about why they didn't accept you?

 

[mlife]

sorry about the typo, second time was a 24O PS7 VR9 BS8, I dropped in bio by 2. (that has been my lowest score in bio ever, I was surprised because usually this is my strongest subject) I think the nerves got the best of me and messed up my timing. The drop is my main concern and I'm almost terrified it might get even lower if I take it again. Maybe I'm losing brain cells studying for this!

I took Princeton Review a long time ago but at the time decided I wanted to apply for my Master's so didn't take it that year. My second year into grad school I decided to just study for about two months on my own and took it. This time I still studied on my own, but longer (4months) and more in depth than last. I completed all the AAMC tests and did all the practice probs I had for verbal and PS. Since I was already scoring 9-13 on Bio I didn't focus as much doing the practice probs and maybe that was part of the problem? (I used PR and Ek materials) I'm thinking maybe if I retake, my next study strategy might be to enroll in a course, and focus on changing technique, rehash content, and build test-taking confidence again since I feel it might have been a factor in my anxiety during the test.

My sGPA is 3.2 and no I didn't get any feedback from the school. I just sat down with my advisor to figure out another game plan and both my advisor and mentor told me retaking MCAT would help. I would like to say that this is such a draining process!

 

[judasreznor]

I do have a DO LOR. The breakdown is 11 VR, 7 PS, and 6 BS (lots of Organic that I hadn't had yet). Retook the MCAT subsequently and am awaiting the score. I may cast a wider net, but those are the top ones that I want. What MCAT do I need to be really competitive at those schools?

I'd just like to get a further read on the earlier posts I made regarding my chances. Thanks.

 

[elliotkw9]

Well, got my MCAT scores back 2 days ago... pretty devastated (10VR, 8BS, 7PS) (25R). It was my first time taking it and I only prepared loosely for about 4 weeks... anyway, I have a 3.8 oGPA, and a 3.7 sGPA. My EC's are pretty decent. I've been working at a rural free clinic for about a year, held a leadership position in SGA, and have approx 30 hours shadowing 2 doctors (1 D.O., 1 M.D.), but I am planning on intense shadowing this summer to raise that.

So, given my stats, do you guys think I have a shot at interviewing at upper tier DO schools? DMU, OSUCOM (not an OK resident), CCOM, AZCOM, PCOM specifically.

BTW, I am retaking the MCAT in August with high hopes, I'm only hoping that the 25R is good enough to sort of "get my foot in the door" at these schools until my new scores are posted in September. Thanks

Your stats are almost identical to what mine were. The only real difference was my VR score was lower and my BS and PS were each a tiny bit higher. I was able to receive interviews at DMU, KCUMB, LECOM, and the U of U MD program. I think as long as your MCAT score improves a little you shouldn't have any trouble. Just remember to apply early.

 

[IfeelYourPain]

Thanks, that makes me feel a little better. Oh yeah, submitting primary June 1st lol to 16 DO schools (shotgun burst). Just curious, are you a Missouri or Kansas resident? KCUMB is another awesome school...

 

[Sinfest]

I was just accepted, literally a couple hours ago, into Western's new SMP with linkage to their DO school (1 year MS, no gap year). .

Was that a separate application?

 

[elliotkw9]

Thanks, that makes me feel a little better. Oh yeah, submitting primary June 1st lol to 16 DO schools (shotgun burst). Just curious, are you a Missouri or Kansas resident? KCUMB is another awesome school...

I'm actually an Idaho resident. 16 DO schools is quite a few. I only applied to 4, but I applied to quite a few MD schools. It is good to keep your options open, however, I learned the hard way that 16+ plus schools put a pretty big dent in the pocket book with all the primary and secondary applications.

 

[Led Zep]

3.4cGPA 3.3sGPA taking the MCAT in mid june/july and applying mid july/august, Really strong upward trend 4.0's this year and looking to continue the trend next year (senior year)

EC's include pre-med club president, biology mentor, Supplemental Instructor for Organic Chemistry. Some hospital volunteering, 90 hour Internship in a private practice for credit, shadowing a DO monthly at his Private Practice, Working this summer as an ER scribe which I'll include in my app. Also did research in biology for credit with tissue cultures and autoimmune diseases. I have a DO LOR from the DO I mentioned, and I'm a PA resident.

I want to go to PCOM or UNECOM, what do I need on the MCAT and what are my chances for these schools?

 

[amygdaloideum]

I had a vision reading diagnosis after MCAT of Accommodative and Convergence Insufficiency 4 months after my MCAT. My verbal section is lower than the sciences. I'm not sure I want to retake the test because I don't really know if I will do better. I have gone through 2 rounds of vision therapy since then and they have not yet been successful. I am thinking about just applying because my score voids after this year. & writing about this vision problem in my personal statement.

 

[amygdaloideum]

delete

 

[demayette]

What are my chances?

MCAT (PS 9/ VR 5/ BS 9/ R ) in 2008

I had a vision reading diagnosis after MCAT of Accommodative and Convergence Insufficency 4 months after my MCAT. Now I'm not sure I want to retake the test because I don't really know if I will do better. I have gone through 2 rounds of vision therapy since then and they have not yet been successful. I am thinking about just applying because my score voids after this year. & writing about this vision problem in my personal statement.

Other facts: Summa cum laude at a highly ranked university, double major (BS, BA), tutor, supplementary instructor, 5 LOR, tons of research and potential publications, tons of clinical hours, volunteer, etc.

We need your sGPA/cGPA to evaluate your chances...

 

[demayette]

3.4cGPA 3.3sGPA taking the MCAT in mid june/july and applying mid july/august, Really strong upward trend 4.0's this year and looking to continue the trend next year (senior year)

EC's include pre-med club president, biology mentor, Supplemental Instructor for Organic Chemistry. Some hospital volunteering, 90 hour Internship in a private practice for credit, shadowing a DO monthly at his Private Practice, Working this summer as an ER scribe which I'll include in my app. Also did research in biology for credit with tissue cultures and autoimmune diseases. I have a DO LOR from the DO I mentioned, and I'm a PA resident.

I want to go to PCOM or UNECOM, what do I need on the MCAT and what are my chances for these schools?

You need a 26 MCAT to have a decent chance; however, a 28+ MCAT score would make you very competitive.

 

[DbDan]

Was that a separate application?

Its an SMP app. It was due the 30th of last month. After getting the interview invite just had to tell them I wanted consideration for linkage. Got it.

 

[DOxidant]

can you retake MCAT w/ some assistance? Maybe you can arrange the pencil-based testing (if that helps) beforehand? I dunno how but I think that will be helpful.

You got a great writing score. Both ps and bs scores are good too. It's just that verbal score can be a red-flag. I've seen many applicants made it to school w/ 23 or even lower (not that many though). I believe these applicants applied broadly and EARLY.

If I were you, I'll just focus on studyin verbal section for a month or two and retake MCAT (June or July). What's there to lose?

 

[amygdaloideum]

can you retake MCAT w/ some assistance? Maybe you can arrange the pencil-based testing (if that helps) beforehand? I dunno how but I think that will be helpful.

You got a great writing score. Both ps and bs scores are good too. It's just that verbal score can be a red-flag. I've seen many applicants made it to school w/ 23 or even lower (not that many though). I believe these applicants applied broadly and EARLY.

If I were you, I'll just focus on studyin verbal section for a month or two and retake MCAT (June or July). What's there to lose?

Ok, thanks.

 

[amygdaloideum]

delete

 

[TurtleGirl]

.

 

[unitas4ever]

Ok so I'm applying soon and wondering if my upward trend will help cover up the semester I got sick.
Majors-Biochemistry and Theology

Freshman
Fall-3.6
Spring-3.6

Sophomore
Fall-2.12 (Semester I got sick)
Spring-3.42
Summer-3.0 (B's in both classes)

Junior
Fall-4.0
Spring-3.42

Overall-3.41
Science Overall-3.1

MCAT-May 21

EC's
Shadowing-25 hours
Nursing Home Volunteering
Vice President of a Professional Club
Starting a Research Project in June

State of Residence
Tennessee

I'm retaking some of the classes I was taking when I got sick, and if I get A's in both my Science GPA will be about 3.45. At which schools would I be most competitive, what MCAT do I need to shoot for, and can I update my courses if I get A's on my application after I submit it?

 

[IfeelYourPain]

MCAT: 26 (9V,8PS,9BS)
cGPA: 3.5
sGPA: 3.7

Went to UVA undergrad, neuroscience major, Virginia resident. I've been living in NYC since Decemeber and my top choices of schools are those surrounding NYC, but my stats are a little low so I'm willing to go back to VA for the in-state advantage if I need to... really I'm willing to go most places that would have me at this point. I volunteered as an EMT for a year, have about 60 hours of ER shadowing, worked in a neuro research lab for a year (no publications), and have various other smaller volunteer ECs (Bio lab TA for 2 semesters, tutored elementary school kids..).

Do I have a realistic shot for out of state schools, or should I be crossing my fingers for VCOM?

I have almost the same stats as you, with a little higher overall GPA and a little lower mcat (10v, 8bs, 7ps, R). I'm applying to a bunch of OOS DO schools (early) with a fair amount of optimism. I think you have a good shot at NYCOM. Also, I'm retaking the MCAT in August and you might want to consider retaking it as well. Especially since you have a high GPA and the only thing really holding you back is that stupid test score. Good luck.

 

[reese07]

Here is my trend for my overall gpa..

Freshman Year: 3.857

Sophomore Year: 2.988

Junior Year: 3.786

Literally, I believe that I did so poorly my sophomore year because I had a girlfriend...

Would this trend benefit or hurt me for med schools?

 

[NYDOC112]

Medical Schools usually look at your overall GPA, and your Science GPA, not the GPA for individual years. Keep your GPA and sGPA up and you should be in good shape, Besides the MCAT of course

 

[kpatel226]

hey guys,

getting ready to apply june 1st and i'd appreciate any input.

3.44 cGPA and 3.33 sGPA for DO
31 Q MCAT

Huge upward trend, had a 3.0 at the end of sophomore year. To increase my grades i decided to take a year off. Im graduating in a few days.

100 hours of volunteering between a hospital and private practice. Shadowed 3 doctors (2 MD and 1 DO) for around 100 hours also. Chartered a pre medical fraternity and part of a few other clubs.

Letter of Rec from an MD and the DO, along with 5 other letters.

Thanks!

 

[elliotkw9]

hey guys,

getting ready to apply june 1st and i'd appreciate any input.

3.44 cGPA and 3.33 sGPA for DO
31 Q MCAT

Huge upward trend, had a 3.0 at the end of sophomore year. To increase my grades i decided to take a year off. Im graduating in a few days.

100 hours of volunteering between a hospital and private practice. Shadowed 3 doctors (2 MD and 1 DO) for around 100 hours also. Chartered a pre medical fraternity and part of a few other clubs.

Letter of Rec from an MD and the DO, along with 5 other letters.

Thanks!

Are you applying both MD and DO? Not that it matters. Just curious. The only real input that I can provide is that when reviewing your primary apps the schools do look to see if you have any community service. If you haven't done much it could be a pretty significant hole in your app. The other thing they look for is research. Just a couple of things for you to think about.

 

[amygdaloideum]

If I were you, I'll just focus on studyin verbal section for a month or two and retake MCAT (June or July). What's there to lose?

If retaking the exam meant I couldn't apply until next year, would you retake or apply? I'm non-trad and work full time, 1 month wouldn't be enough for me to prepare to retake the exam.

 

[kpatel226]

Are you applying both MD and DO? Not that it matters. Just curious. The only real input that I can provide is that when reviewing your primary apps the schools do look to see if you have any community service. If you haven't done much it could be a pretty significant hole in your app. The other thing they look for is research. Just a couple of things for you to think about.

i havent decided if im applying to MD or not just yet. I figure i still have 2 weeks to figure that out. I have some community service thats tied into my fraternity, events and such that might total to 40 hours or so. I actually don't have research and i believe thats the weakest part of my application.

Other than those things, do you think I have a decent shot at schools like umdnj som, pcom, and lecom based on my numbers?

 

[reese07]

but don't medical schools take gpa trends into consideration?

 

[illegallysmooth]

Will it benefit you that you had a crappy GPA that year? No. Is it good you pulled it up? Yes.

 

[aspiringOSTEO]

1

 

[DbDan]

Hey guys, wondering if someone could give me some good advice on what to do. I want to apply this cycle but pretty much bombed the MCAT as I did not finish the biology section. I am really worried that if I retake in August it is going to be to late. I was doing ok on the practice tests, with my scores ranging from 24-27 most of the time. I do not really understand how I did so bad on the test. I plan on retaking and have started to study all over again. I am strictly applying DO because I pretty much fell in love with osteopathic medicine on my shadowing experiences. I am an Ohio resident and am willing to go anywhere that will take me. Do you guys think it is worth applying this cycle? If so, is there any hope at all? Here are my stats:

-sGPA: 3.72
-Overall GPA: 3.84
-MCAT: 21R (Breakdown was PS: 8, V: 8, B: 5)
-70+ hours shadowing (Already have the DO letter lined up which should be awesome)
-Involved in numerous clubs such as the running club and a fraternity on campus
-Have been working as a tutor in chemistry, biology, and math for about two years now
-I have about 300 hours of volunteering and medically related experience as most of them are combined (e.g. Counselor at Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camps).

Contact schools, many required a 7 or better in each section and it may disqualify you from them. If you can do well on the MCAT you can still make it if you take the test in August because your GPA is very high. Make sure you have your secondaries ready to go the second you get them back and I would probably pre-emptively submit too showing a pending MCAT date. They will only see your initial MCAT when they first get your file but if you wait until September to submit your primaries you won't even get secondaries back until November/December and that IMO is too late.