Genetics by far. DO WELL though. Many genetics concepts are tested on the mcat (mitosis, meiosis, dna replication, inheritance...) and it will look much better if you get an A in an upper level course than an A repeating a course where you have already learned the material once through. Go to office hrs, make yourself known. Solid rec letter from genetics prof > general bio 1 prof
**2010-2011** "What are my Chances? Where Should I apply? What should I do?"
- Thread starter Bacchus
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I sort of agree with this, sort of not. I agree that doing well in an upper division course and having a strong LOR will be beneficial to your app.
The MCAT is going to test mitosis/meiosis, DNA etc. but most of what is tested is covered in Bio 1/2.
How much will the bio course help your sGPA? Is it a matter of 3.05 -> 3.2? is it a matter of improving to a 3.1? How many science units do you have. Also, are you POSITIVE and I mean 100% sure you can and will get an A this go-round? Don't retake a C+ to get a B+/A-, you have to get an A. I'd say if you think you may get anything else, even an A- in an upper div genetics course will serve you better.
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Sorry for the error...good call
This ****s getting repetitive. If you have a 3.5+ and a 31 on your MCAT..what are you worried about? Unless you last minute decided to apply to medical schools in the last 3 months, you should know those stats are competitive. Do some research. Unless you are socially challenged, giddy up.
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You originally listed your GPA as a 3.05, not a 3.01. Not that it makes much of a difference but I'd say a jump of .1 points is pretty substantial. Not to mention I'm going to assume its going to bring your cGPA up to almost a 3.4. If you are absolutely positive you can get an A than go for it. Otherwise I'd go for genetics.
FWIW, I'm re-taking a C+ over the summer as well but taking an upper div science course does little to affect my sGPA or cGPA because of the number of units I've already taken. Much more bang for the buck by retaking courses in my case.
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+1
"I have a 4.0/45T on my MCAT and I cured cancer with a roll of duct tape and a spork, what are my chances?"
"I have a 4.0/45T on my MCAT and I cured cancer with a roll of duct tape and a spork, what are my chances?"
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huh?
hahah money. I Really do feel this way sometimes when i read SDN. With such high grades you think people would be smarter to know their chances and know how to search
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Hey guys! I would really like some input on my stats!
Non science:3.55
Science: 3.34
Cumulative: 3.46
I overloaded on difficult science classes at once.
MCAT: 27R
EXCEPTIONAL letters of rec: one from surgeon, 4 MD's, anatomy prof, advisor. - have committee letter.
EC's:
Trauma surgeon shadowing (100+hrs)
ER scribe x3 years (average 20-30hrs per week)
Summer research internship at primate center -pending manuscript pub.
-gave a presentation of my work to staff/colleagues
Pediatric ED volunteer ~ approx 80 hours.
Service learning study abroad program to Nicaragua -2.5 weeks (health clinics, building houses, etc..)
Running/captain- mostly relays - marathon this fall.
CPR certified (should I put this in there???)
Summers working at family transmission shop
grew up in Montana - have WICHE scholarship
Various hobbies -golf, motorcycles, bouldering, running..
what do you guys think?
Non science:3.55
Science: 3.34
Cumulative: 3.46
I overloaded on difficult science classes at once.
MCAT: 27R
EXCEPTIONAL letters of rec: one from surgeon, 4 MD's, anatomy prof, advisor. - have committee letter.
EC's:
Trauma surgeon shadowing (100+hrs)
ER scribe x3 years (average 20-30hrs per week)
Summer research internship at primate center -pending manuscript pub.
-gave a presentation of my work to staff/colleagues
Pediatric ED volunteer ~ approx 80 hours.
Service learning study abroad program to Nicaragua -2.5 weeks (health clinics, building houses, etc..)
Running/captain- mostly relays - marathon this fall.
CPR certified (should I put this in there???)
Summers working at family transmission shop
grew up in Montana - have WICHE scholarship
Various hobbies -golf, motorcycles, bouldering, running..
what do you guys think?
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take genetics..
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I'd say you are competitive anywhere and will likely net multiple interviews. Your GPA is right around average as is your MCAT. Your ECs look great and well rounded, good shadowing experiences/clinical experiences. I'd say you're golden. Anything obvious you want thrown your way?
In all seriousness though if you have sufficient interview skills, a well written PS and apply early and to more than a couple of schools, I'd be moderately surprised if you didn't get in somewhere.
EDIT: Do you have a DO letter? if not thats going to limit you and you might want to see if one of the Dr.s you worked with was a DO
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Can I list an activity/award after I've submitted the app?
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I'd say you are competitive anywhere and will likely net multiple interviews. Your GPA is right around average as is your MCAT. Your ECs look great and well rounded, good shadowing experiences/clinical experiences. I'd say you're golden. Anything obvious you want thrown your way?
In all seriousness though if you have sufficient interview skills, a well written PS and apply early and to more than a couple of schools, I'd be moderately surprised if you didn't get in somewhere.
EDIT: Do you have a DO letter? if not thats going to limit you and you might want to see if one of the Dr.s you worked with was a DO
I do not have a DO letter, however, I did work with multiple ED docs who were DO's in the emergency department.
Do you think that would be okay?
I wasn't fishing for compliments or anything, just needed some reassurance about my app! 🙂
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Some schools require a DO letter. Look them up and make sure its none of the schools you are planning on applying to. If I could, I'd get into contact with the DOs you worked with in the ED and see if one of them would be willing to write you a letter. This is the link in CB's signature of schools that require a letter.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkQjgkrQwlmCdDdPRG15djh5NGJfRFhoVWdLdVJIaFE&hl=en
I can't see it because I'm at work but I do know there are a handful including both LECOM schools.
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Thats a very helpful list, thanks for posting.
I think I will be able to get away with it for the schools I am applying to.
I think I will be able to get away with it for the schools I am applying to.
Anyone?
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MCAT 27+, apply to schools you like and can see yourself going to. Don't waste time/money if you don't think you'd want to go there and see it as a true fall back. No one can really decide on schools for you. Your GPA is average at almost all schools and a good GPA will open doors for you. Look at the CIB to decide which schools seem like a good fit.
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Take a chill pill bro. I am not the one who pulled off a 2.5 and a 20. <--- LOL. I clearly said I am not worried about my stats. It was the ECs that were worrying me.
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So, I've been looking into the military (USHS and HPSP). I was just wondering how competitive I would be for the 4 year HPSP for DO school with a 3.78 GPA and a 25 (10v, 8bs, 7ps, R) MCAT... Also, I'm a registered, card-carrying Cherokee, although I look white as snow lol... I don't know if they take race into consideration or not, just thought it might be helpful.
P.S. I know that the automatic acceptance is a 3.5, 29... I'm just seeking feedback from someone who has gotten the scholarship with lower stats so I can get an idea on my chances.
Thanks
P.S. I know that the automatic acceptance is a 3.5, 29... I'm just seeking feedback from someone who has gotten the scholarship with lower stats so I can get an idea on my chances.
Thanks
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withdrew from AACOMAS




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nycom is not very out of state friendly
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I wouldn't say automatic acceptance stats. there are so many more factors to your application, 3.5 and 29 mcat will get you an automatic review of your app. especially with do schools who tend to accept more non-trad students. That said, most likely every school you apply to will at least review your app and if you have solid extracurriculars you should do fine.
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@isuckatverbal
NY is indeed pretty unfriendly to out of state applicants. UMDNJ is also (but to a lesser degree I believe) .
But umm....
You have a 3.9 and a 30. Your stats are ridiculously high for a DO applicant. Unless most of your college courses were at a community college, I would still apply to NY and UMDNJ if you like those schools.
May I ask if you are also applying MD?
NY is indeed pretty unfriendly to out of state applicants. UMDNJ is also (but to a lesser degree I believe) .
But umm....
You have a 3.9 and a 30. Your stats are ridiculously high for a DO applicant. Unless most of your college courses were at a community college, I would still apply to NY and UMDNJ if you like those schools.
May I ask if you are also applying MD?
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Edit
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Re-read his question. he was wondering his chances for a military scholarship, not for acceptance to medical school. for HSPS, 3.5 and 29 means you are an automatic qualifier.
That said, to the OP. You should ask that question in the Military Medicine forum. You will get much better responses there.
Like the other poster said your stats are quite above avg for DO, but you might want to see if any schools with automatically screen you out with the 6 in verbal. I'm not sure if they do this or not, but I'd look into it just to make sure.
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Oh yeah. I forgot about the screening of individual MCAT sections for a minute there.
Perhaps one of those MD schools you applied to will take you. Maybe you can do your research and find out which MD schools are fine with 6's.
And if most DO school's are fine (which I would guess they are) with a 6 in an individual MCAT section, I have no doubt you will get in and you probably will have many choices of where to go.
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Hey guys,
So I haven't submitted my primary yet, but was wondering what my chances of getting in anywhere are.
3.4 sgpa
3.4 cgpa
MCAT = 27q (11VB, 6PS, 10BS)
Shadowed a DO couple of times
Research in lab for 6 months
Was on committee for social events for 3 years
Wrote articles for college newspaper for 3 years
Starting CCE this month
Did market research for 2 years
Volunteering for over 100 hours
2 science letter of recs, 1 DO letter
TA for nutrition class for 1 quarter
So I haven't submitted my primary yet, but was wondering what my chances of getting in anywhere are.
3.4 sgpa
3.4 cgpa
MCAT = 27q (11VB, 6PS, 10BS)
Shadowed a DO couple of times
Research in lab for 6 months
Was on committee for social events for 3 years
Wrote articles for college newspaper for 3 years
Starting CCE this month
Did market research for 2 years
Volunteering for over 100 hours
2 science letter of recs, 1 DO letter
TA for nutrition class for 1 quarter
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Everything looks okay, except for the 6 on your PS section. Have you signed up to retake the MCAT?
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I guess that is sort of a red-flag...although I did email a couple schools and they said that a 6 doesn't automatically get screened out.
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I am in the same position as you, and was told by the schools I called either >6 in each section or they look at the composite score. Nova requires a >7 in the section though.
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Oklahoma St. is another that is 7 or greater as well. I would say the 7 or greater is "some" schools definitely not the majority
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Nova Southeastern wants no less than a 7 in verbal, but the lady said to just apply anyways. I don't really know if she just tells everyone to apply though. Florida would be an awesome place to go to school, so I'll take my chances.
I agree with this statement, the borderline cases really benefit from some input on there stats, the peer analysis helps show people the weak points in there application package. But if you have great stats, and you know if you do, then ask about ec's of lor's, its like you want a pat on the back
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Someone with a 31 MCAT could have a 15p, 1v, 15b breakdown or any combination of an unbalanced sections scores, maybe not that drastic. Allopathic schools want more of a even distribution, but I can't speak for osteopathic schools. Not everyone with >3.5 GPA/30+ MCAT is a sure acceptance. I am not trying to be a troll, just trying to save some money not applying to a school that wouldn't even consider me.
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here's a borderline case, I'm a 25 year old student, working as a nurse in Infec. Disease for the state prison system in the mid-atlantic for the past 3 years, my GPA from undergrad was pretty sorry...after finishing my post bacc classes this summer I'll be looking at the following stats:
3.35sGPA/3.2 cGPA (undergrad GPA before post-bacc was 3.1)
Post Bacc GPA of 3.6 or so
D.O LOR from vascular surgeon
M.D. LOR from work
LOR from science profs, etc.
MCAT on 5/21, was scoring around 30 on practice tests
8 years in Fire/EMS (a lot of adrenaline and partial hearing loss in my left ear now due to driving fire trucks, haha), 3 years in the state prison system (not as an inmate, don't worry😀, but I would consider this to be an underserved pop.)
I really like my EC's, just afraid that although my numbers will make it past the primary screening, will they be enough to get accepted, especially with my cumGPA being so low? (avg matric. is 3.4-5
I plan on applying to the following:
NYCOM, TUCOM-NY, TUCOM-NV, AZCOM, ATSU-SOMA, Nova, UMDNJ, PCOM, GA-PCOM, LECOM-B, and VCOM-CC.
Thanks.
3.35sGPA/3.2 cGPA (undergrad GPA before post-bacc was 3.1)
Post Bacc GPA of 3.6 or so
D.O LOR from vascular surgeon
M.D. LOR from work
LOR from science profs, etc.
MCAT on 5/21, was scoring around 30 on practice tests
8 years in Fire/EMS (a lot of adrenaline and partial hearing loss in my left ear now due to driving fire trucks, haha), 3 years in the state prison system (not as an inmate, don't worry😀, but I would consider this to be an underserved pop.)
I really like my EC's, just afraid that although my numbers will make it past the primary screening, will they be enough to get accepted, especially with my cumGPA being so low? (avg matric. is 3.4-5
I plan on applying to the following:
NYCOM, TUCOM-NY, TUCOM-NV, AZCOM, ATSU-SOMA, Nova, UMDNJ, PCOM, GA-PCOM, LECOM-B, and VCOM-CC.
Thanks.
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Our GPAs are the same, and bombing VR scares the heck out of me too (score in 20 more days), though I'd never be able to pull a 14 in PS. I can legitimately see where you'd have questions and concerns.
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Hi guys.
I have volunteering experience at two hospitals (total hours >200). I have shadowed a Infectious Diseases Specialist for approximately two months. I have some research experience (one semester) working in a Dental School. I have work experience also, but not much beyond Circuit City and a summer internship.
Recently, I am focusing much more on school and trying to get my grades up, so I have little time for anything else.
tl;dr I did a lot of ECs a few years ago (< 5 years). Not much now.
I am currently in a Master's Program:
cGPA: 3.58
sGPA: 3.58
My undergrad grades...:
cGPA: 2.85
sGPA: 2.82
My MCATs are hovering around 25, but I am planning to retake them this summer, as my practice MCATs are looking much better.
Are there any good DO schools I have a shot at? (Preferably in the NE)
I have volunteering experience at two hospitals (total hours >200). I have shadowed a Infectious Diseases Specialist for approximately two months. I have some research experience (one semester) working in a Dental School. I have work experience also, but not much beyond Circuit City and a summer internship.
Recently, I am focusing much more on school and trying to get my grades up, so I have little time for anything else.
tl;dr I did a lot of ECs a few years ago (< 5 years). Not much now.
I am currently in a Master's Program:
cGPA: 3.58
sGPA: 3.58
My undergrad grades...:
cGPA: 2.85
sGPA: 2.82
My MCATs are hovering around 25, but I am planning to retake them this summer, as my practice MCATs are looking much better.
Are there any good DO schools I have a shot at? (Preferably in the NE)
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Your experience is a plus. If you score 27+ in the MCAT, you will receive multiple acceptances at DO schools.
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25 is too low try to get a higher score. An 3.6 in a master might help a bit.
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3.59 cum
3.67 sci
31S (12VR, 7PS, 12BS)
2nd try: 32R (11VR, 10PS, 11BS)
Not a lot of volunteering, I have ~150 hrs from high school. About 100 hrs of shadowing. No research, although I just started working in a lab. I worked as a tutor and a lab TA during my ugrad. My letters will most likely be mediocre since the professors don't even really know who I am. I have one strong letter from an MD, but that's about it.
Chances at Western, AT Still (AZ), and Midwestern (AZ)? And maybe Nova?
3.67 sci
31S (12VR, 7PS, 12BS)
2nd try: 32R (11VR, 10PS, 11BS)
Not a lot of volunteering, I have ~150 hrs from high school. About 100 hrs of shadowing. No research, although I just started working in a lab. I worked as a tutor and a lab TA during my ugrad. My letters will most likely be mediocre since the professors don't even really know who I am. I have one strong letter from an MD, but that's about it.
Chances at Western, AT Still (AZ), and Midwestern (AZ)? And maybe Nova?
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No clinical experience during undergrad = kiss of death. I think those schools don't require DO letters, but check chocolatebear's sig.
Stat-wise your very well of.
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I have shadowing, just no clinical volunteer work.
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Shadowing = watching.
Clinical volunteering = you doing something.
Therefore Shadowing =/= Clinical volunteering.
Hey everyone,
new member here and just wanted to thank all of you for all your tips advice and all the information I ve learned on sdn. I am applying this cycle and i was verified today and i d really like to know what my chances are this cycle.
mcat 26 S ( 9,8,9)
scpa 3.07
gpa 3.17
extra curriculars
-emt for 3 years - worked for three squads - combined 3000 documented hours
-violinist for 10 years - 4000 hours
-excellent LORS w/ DO letter ( 170 hours shadowing)
-fraternity ( philanthropy chair, rush chair)
-started a local university chapter of larger NGO which provides aid for war affected civilians- currently has 12 members
RA type role for freshman for a year
4 research projects - 450 combined hours, no name on papers though
applying to
A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, AZ
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Admissions Office, IL
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IA
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Campus, VA
Georgia Campus - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, GA
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus, FL
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Erie/Seton Hill, PA
Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, TN
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT, NY
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, FL
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, OH
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
Pikeville College, School of Osteopathic Medicine, KY
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine, NJ
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Admissions Office, WV
Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Pomona, CA
thanks everyone!
new member here and just wanted to thank all of you for all your tips advice and all the information I ve learned on sdn. I am applying this cycle and i was verified today and i d really like to know what my chances are this cycle.
mcat 26 S ( 9,8,9)
scpa 3.07
gpa 3.17
extra curriculars
-emt for 3 years - worked for three squads - combined 3000 documented hours
-violinist for 10 years - 4000 hours
-excellent LORS w/ DO letter ( 170 hours shadowing)
-fraternity ( philanthropy chair, rush chair)
-started a local university chapter of larger NGO which provides aid for war affected civilians- currently has 12 members
RA type role for freshman for a year
4 research projects - 450 combined hours, no name on papers though
applying to
A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, AZ
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Admissions Office, IL
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IA
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Campus, VA
Georgia Campus - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, GA
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus, FL
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Erie/Seton Hill, PA
Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, TN
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT, NY
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, FL
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, OH
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
Pikeville College, School of Osteopathic Medicine, KY
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine, NJ
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Admissions Office, WV
Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Pomona, CA
thanks everyone!
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Yeah umm...with his stats he's fine for at very least one of those three if not all three. Don't care if his only job to this point has been working in a Wendy's
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If I had to wager you'll probably get acceptances from 1/3-1/2 your listed schools. I think your median MCAT looks better than a random "26" because of the balance. Though there is nothing wrong with your MCAT, your GPA is a bit low, if you wanted to try and retake your MCAT you could probably be more selective of your schools. Either way you should be looking at a few acceptances
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