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

[DbDan]

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Hi guys,
I got 26 😱 on mcat and have solid (gpa ~3.96). Lots of shadowing experience (but haven't shadowed any DO yet), research for 2.5 yrs, and volunteer for 5yrs at a hospital. I am in the process of applying to the DO schools. First and foremost, is it possible to attend a DO school and still get into neurosurgey residency. I really want to become a neurosurgeon. If yes, what are the best DO schools I should apply to in order to increase my chances for getting into neurosurgery residency programs.
Thank you!!

nope. DOs only can do primary care... 🙄

 

[TriagePreMed]

i sortof agree with this. i had to retake my first semester bio class and chose to take it at a CC because i'm strapped for cash. it is NOT a walk in the park. i really had to work my butt off for that class. i'm used to a quarter system in my univ but my CC works in semestral so i guess my prof saw that as an opportunity to bombard us with a GRIP of hw and reading assignments. i worked harder for this class than i did for my university genetics class for the same grade.

God, I know what you mean. I'm taking a chemistry class. The class feels like it's moving extremely slow (also accustomed to the quarter system), but the amount of work I have to put into every lab and homework is insane. Pages and pages.

 

[lmesina]

Just a thought- a lot of you think he should start working on recovering, and some of you think he should take a break, then try again later. One of you thinks he should give up.

What if he takes a break, not just a "re-assessing myself" break, but a longer one- i.e. work for awhile (preferabely healthcare). Then maybe opportunities for post-bacc programs or 2nd bacc's might be ripe enough to overshadow the poor academic stigma of his younger years.

I'm talking YEARS. Like 3-4 years of no school.

Essentially, he'd be starting completely fresh- and if he averages an "A" then... I don't see a glaringly bad reason why he shouldn't be considered. This strategy would also probably legitimize his initial reasons for doing bad since it is a substantial recovery.

OP quoted:

My bio GPA is 2.13 and overall is 2.3. Have had some major setbacks in life.
1). Self supportive.
2). Unstable Family situation (b/w me and my dad rest of my family).
3). No one to inspire motivation and inspiration.
4). No relatives in this country.
5). Dad had a brain surgery.

 

[wolverinepwns]

you can do any residency you choose, it all depends on your level of commitment and just bad you want it and far you're willing to go to get it! (run a simple google search and you'll see there are many D.O. neurosurgeons)

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Honestly, I think if the OP just retook the bad grades (probably through second degree) and got a decent mcat, those could probably overshadow this gpa. Now, this is probably a good 3-5 years of work prior to application, but along with some EC's, I'm sure schools will likely interview at least.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

Hi guys,
I got 26 😱 on mcat and have solid (gpa ~3.96). Lots of shadowing experience (but haven't shadowed any DO yet), research for 2.5 yrs, and volunteer for 5yrs at a hospital. I am in the process of applying to the DO schools. First and foremost, is it possible to attend a DO school and still get into neurosurgey residency. I really want to become a neurosurgeon. If yes, what are the best DO schools I should apply to in order to increase my chances for getting into neurosurgery residency programs.
Thank you!!

There are 3 attending neurosurgery physicians where I work, and one of them is a DO. I was going to post a link to his license. But I don't know if that is proper to do. They might ban me from SDN if I do that.

 

[DbDan]

shhhhh guyssss don't let people know DOs can specialize! It ruins our secrets! 😉 hahaha

I've been on SDN too long

 

[st2205]

Though the standard protocol around here is to ridicule the OP for making a specialty decision before medical school (though nobody else will admit they were once in your shoes with those very questions), I will go ahead and indulge anyway. Any of the more established schools would be fine (run a search if you're not sure which schools are more established than others). I'd attend some of the schools tied to the NS residencies. Run a search on http://opportunities.osteopathic.org if you want to know which ones those are. OU has a couple NS programs at Doctors in Columbus and Grandview in Dayton. There are some other programs that if you're a student there you'll have the opportunity to do your 3rd and 4th years at those hospitals. However, you don't necessarily have to go to those schools to rotate there (I'm saying your clinical years and not just a rotation). Places like DMU, KCUMB, KCOM, etc. all place students into places like Doctors hospital or a lot of MSU's sites, so consider that, as well.

 

[DbDan]

Though the standard protocol around here is to ridicule the OP for making a specialty decision before medical school (though nobody else will admit they were once in your shoes with those very questions), I will go ahead and indulge anyway. Any of the more established schools would be fine (run a search if you're not sure which schools are more established than others). I'd attend some of the schools tied to the NS residencies. Run a search on http://opportunities.osteopathic.org if you want to know which ones those are. OU has a couple NS programs at Doctors in Columbus and Grandview in Dayton. There are some other programs that if you're a student there you'll have the opportunity to do your 3rd and 4th years at those hospitals. However, you don't necessarily have to go to those schools to rotate there (I'm saying your clinical years and not just a rotation). Places like DMU, KCUMB, KCOM, etc. all place students into places like Doctors hospital or a lot of MSU's sites, so consider that, as well.

The standard procedure SHOULD BE to do a little bit of research before posting "can a DO be XYZ specialty". Honestly, all that makes me think is they are using DO as a backup which is perpetuating the misconception that DO schools are simply an easier route into medical school for those who can't gain an MD acceptance. There are hundreds of threads about the fact that DOs can gain any residency provided they do well on the board exams and have good grades throughout medical school.

This thread reeks of someone who has very little idea of the osteopathic profession as a whole and instead of researching came scrambling to find a "backup" due to a substandard MCAT. At the very least I wish that people like the OP would do a bit of leg work to learn about the profession.

That said, in order to get the neurosurgery residency the OP desires via MD is difficult enough. The average board scores (another standardized test) are among the highest of any specialty. It is made even more difficult if the OP is seeking a MD match (yes I know they didn't say that but there are many more positions for MD) as a DO student. There are currently only 11 programs for an AOA NS residency. They are at Western, CCOMx2, MSUx2, NYCOMx2, OUCOMx2, PCOM, VCOM.

Good luck OP. Try to do some research before getting interviews. When they ask why DO there should be an answer better than I got a 26 MCAT.

 

[asnlady]

If you got a Ds and C-s on your retakes that seems to show that you either aren't very dedicated and are still slacking or that medicine may not be for you. If you are truly trying your best and getting grades like that then you will probably sink when you get to med school and the garden hose turns to a fire hose. If you still aren't trying hard enough then that should also tell you something really needs to change because it is showing a severe lack of motivation

hi. thank you for your input, but i guess i was misunderstood. i meant that i retook 3 classes because i got a D on one and C- on two, but got A's on the retake. i'm sorry i wasn't clear.

i think the OP means that they retook classes they had originally gotten a D and C-'s

^^ yes, this was what i meant. lol

I think you're on the right track, make sure you continue to get good grades in your re-takes and get your sgpa to at least a 3.0, make sure your mcat is good, use ur time to retake if necessary and apply the first day next cycle. If next cycle you're sitting on like cgpa 3.2-3.3 and sgpa 3.0-3.1 MCAT: 27+ you'll be in very good position to land an acceptance.

^^ thank you for this. i just needed someone to tell me this and not make me feel like i don't know what i'm doing. haha.

 

[Dissected]

This thread reeks of someone who has very little idea of the osteopathic profession as a whole and instead of researching came scrambling to find a "backup" due to a substandard MCAT. At the very least I wish that people like the OP would do a bit of leg work to learn about the profession.

I didn't know much about the profession while I was applying. I may have thought that I did, but I was pretty mistaken. If you think his post is ridiculous or 'unresearched', just ignore it. I don't search these forums very much because the specific question I usually have is either not answered directly or really outdated.

Becoming a neurosurgeon as a DO is possible. It's not going to be any easier than doing it as an MD, and I can't say if it will be harder. That's all speculation. There are some good DO neurosurg residencies, and I imagine not too many DO's go into allopathic programs simply because it is extremely risky to drop out of the DO match and hang it all out on the line for the MD match (which is what you have to do). One of our grads entered Doctor's Hospital's (Ohio) neurosurgery program last year. He was an ace, but it's definitely doable. I can speak to the fact that DMU has excellent surgery facilities on campus and offers a unique surgery skills course that is 20+ hours of very meticulous practice in your second year (and the lab is open all year for you to go in and refine your technique). From what I saw at the surgery conference that UMDNJ hosted last year, they have excellent facilities as well. Doing the best you can at any of the major schools is really your best bet, your biggest deciding factors will be boards and how you do on rotations. Best of luck.

 

[Kuala]

When they ask why DO there should be an answer better than I got a 26 MCAT.[/QUOTE]


This definitely will not be my response.
Thank you for the advice. DO is not a backup plan for me.
In my opinion, both MD and DO are same (I know many will disagree with me). I have searched a lot and did not find much difference (in terms of quality of education that is given). If DO was a backup plan for me, then I would've only applied for MD schools this year and I would've waited to apply for the DO schools next year after giving another try to get better MCAT scores.
I see your point though🙂. Many students do think of going into DO route after not getting any luck at MD schools.

 

[Kuala]

Thank you, DoktorB. I appreciate your insight🙂

 

[st2205]

The standard procedure SHOULD BE to do a little bit of research before posting "can a DO be XYZ specialty". Honestly, all that makes me think is they are using DO as a backup which is perpetuating the misconception that DO schools are simply an easier route into medical school for those who can't gain an MD acceptance. There are hundreds of threads about the fact that DOs can gain any residency provided they do well on the board exams and have good grades throughout medical school.

This thread reeks of someone who has very little idea of the osteopathic profession as a whole and instead of researching came scrambling to find a "backup" due to a substandard MCAT. At the very least I wish that people like the OP would do a bit of leg work to learn about the profession.

That said, in order to get the neurosurgery residency the OP desires via MD is difficult enough. The average board scores (another standardized test) are among the highest of any specialty. It is made even more difficult if the OP is seeking a MD match (yes I know they didn't say that but there are many more positions for MD) as a DO student. There are currently only 11 programs for an AOA NS residency. They are at Western, CCOMx2, MSUx2, NYCOMx2, OUCOMx2, PCOM, VCOM.

Good luck OP. Try to do some research before getting interviews. When they ask why DO there should be an answer better than I got a 26 MCAT.

I'm not quite sure where to start with this. The fact that these questions surface fairly regularly can't be dismissed. Most of the time, however, the OPs are told to use the search function. If one were to use the search function on a plethora of questions, they would probably find numerous threads where people ask the same question, but get yelled at to use the search function. There are numerous things I have read on SDN over the years that months -- or even years -- later I have tried to dig up the thread but to no avail. I do understand that some of these questions have rather simple answers that should be readily searchable, but the entire premise of these forums is to become more educated on the process. The more people that opine, the greater the pool of knowledge to draw from. There are different aspects to each question that make it unique and it's not simply the OP that's reading. Perhaps someone one day will have a question, use the search function, stumble upon this thread, and hava a unique question that they had answered that may not have appeared in some of the other threads.

I would doubt the OP sticks through to become a neurosurgeon. Of course I could be wrong, but I would venture to guess that the number of pre-meds that have started neurosurgery threads who actually have/will become neurosurgeons is pretty dang small. Despite that, I don't think that's a good reason to withhold some standard info that we all have simply because we don't deem an OP or anyone reading ready for such information. I will admit that I'm generalizing a lot of threads where people ask questions and am not necessarily directing this at you. Anytime a premed asks a question about rotations, medical school curriculum, etc. the standard response is "do0d u shldnt worry bout this now u need 2 b focusng on rocking the MCAT!" or a curious MS1 wondering about different residencies being told "You're going to change your mind a million times over before match time. Right now you just need to hit the books, ace your classes, and do your best to prepare to rock step 1" and then they never answer a very simple question.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the process will weed people out by nature. Us attempting to add to that doesn't seem to have much appreciable effect, so we can either ignore it, add something beneficial, or continue to be an ass.

 

[Pisiform]

bro, really! you wanna do 7 year of Neurosurgery residency Dammm 🙄

 

[DbDan]

<snip>

I agree that my response was harsh but it doesn't exactly take much to find whether or not a DO can actually become a neurosurgeon rather than posting a question on a forum that has been asked hundreds of times.

In fact, if you google "Osteopathic Neurosurgeon" it will come up with plenty of evidence that it is entirely possible.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Osteopathic+Neurosurgeon

Now, anyone who has been on the DO forums for any period of times knows I am completely helpful when someone has already put in some of the legwork on their own, or even when someone has a question of their chances. The fact that the OP came into the forum with a 3.9 GPA and their recently revealed 26 MCAT and asking a question over whether it is possible to specialized in a certain field, you can see why one would jump to the conclusion that they are trying to use DO as a backup and a spur of the moment one at that. It is just entirely frustrating when people come scrambling for answers in the DO forum because for whatever reason they didn't think they could get into their dream of an MD school. It has since been revealed that may not been the case but its still frustrating and I apologize to the OP.

Bad day, bad mood, whatever I still have a short fuse when it comes to things that are easily googled or found in the FAQs that say read before posting at the top of the forum. There are dozens of match lists there. Now to say I was entirely unhelpful is also debatable. In fact I went out of my way to look up which programs currently offer osteopathic neurosurgery residencies in order to give the OP an idea of where they should look. Now the possibility that it is lost amongst my rant is entirely possible, but it is there.

 

[st2205]

I agree that my response was harsh but it doesn't exactly take much to find whether or not a DO can actually become a neurosurgeon rather than posting a question on a forum that has been asked hundreds of times.

In fact, if you google "Osteopathic Neurosurgeon" it will come up with plenty of evidence that it is entirely possible.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Osteopathic+Neurosurgeon

Now, anyone who has been on the DO forums for any period of times knows I am completely helpful when someone has already put in some of the legwork on their own, or even when someone has a question of their chances. The fact that the OP came into the forum with a 3.9 GPA and their recently revealed 26 MCAT and asking a question over whether it is possible to specialized in a certain field, you can see why one would jump to the conclusion that they are trying to use DO as a backup and a spur of the moment one at that. It is just entirely frustrating when people come scrambling for answers in the DO forum because for whatever reason they didn't think they could get into their dream of an MD school. It has since been revealed that may not been the case but its still frustrating and I apologize to the OP.

Bad day, bad mood, whatever I still have a short fuse when it comes to things that are easily googled or found in the FAQs that say read before posting at the top of the forum. There are dozens of match lists there. Now to say I was entirely unhelpful is also debatable. In fact I went out of my way to look up which programs currently offer osteopathic neurosurgery residencies in order to give the OP an idea of where they should look. Now the possibility that it is lost amongst my rant is entirely possible, but it is there.

I understand. I also tried to emphasize that I wasn't necessarily responding to you. I post infrequently and have a lot of bottled-up frustration that I respond to generally in one post.

 

[DbDan]

I understand. I also tried to emphasize that I wasn't necessarily responding to you. I post infrequently and have a lot of bottled-up frustration that I respond to generally in one post.

👍 no hard feelings. I have pent up frustration that tends to come out in posts like that one. Its my pet peeve not to do research before asking questions so it makes people like the OP an easy target to let out the frustration that a second application cycle builds up not to mention I'm stubborn as hell lol

 

[bioman2006]

.

 

[JaggerPlate]

There was an ACGME NS match at Loma Linda from UNECOM this past cycle. Having said that a. you'll change your mind and b. LOL

 

[countthestars]

bro, really! you wanna do 7 year of Neurosurgery residency Dammm 🙄

DO NS programs are actually 6 years long. Not that bad given that it also takes 6 years to do Cards, GI, Heme/Onc, Allergy, Plum/CC. And it takes 5 (maybe more if you do a year of research) to do Ortho, ENT, Uro, Optho. With more anesthesiologist doing fellowships, their training is taking 5 to 6 years.

 

[JaggerPlate]

DO NS programs are actually 6 years long. Not that bad given that it also takes 6 years to do Cards, GI, Heme/Onc, Allergy, Plum/CC. And it takes 5 (maybe more if you do a year of research) to do Ortho, ENT, Uro, Optho. With more anesthesiologist doing fellowships, their training is taking 5 to 6 years.

I've heard it's the lifestyle that's a bigger issue. I think some NS guys seriously get paid 7 figures, but they are chained to the hospital and family, leisure, etc, really suffer.

 

[lm1120]

Hi guys i have a 25mcat 9ps 8v 8bs. 3.82 science 3.8 cum. good ec, good volunteer. etc... Im working on shadowing a DO though, I havent had anyone willing to let me shadow but i am still looking hopefully soon.

I have applied to the following schools
LECOM-Florida
LECOM-Penn
NYCOM
NOVA southeastern
OUCOM
TOURO-new york
TOURO-california
WVCOM
WesternU-pomona

So Im wondering which schools i actually have a chance at attending. If anyone has an idea id appreciate the info.

 

[Krupat]

Are my science grades horrible, as in will they prevent me from becoming a DO?

Bio I w/lab-B+
Bio II w/lab-B
Physics I-B
Physics I lab-B+
Physics II-A
Physics II lab-A
Orgo I-B
Orgo II-B
Chem lab-B+
Chem I-C
Chem II-C+
A&P 1-A
Nutrition-A
Human Parasitology-A
Biochem-B+

I go to Rutgers University and my major is Evolutionary Anthropology and my minor is Nutrition. I have an OGPA:3.45; SGPA:3.27. I am just really worried about my progress thus far. I want to take a year off since my dad passed away last year and I want to clear my head. I also want to work that year off to help my mom out financially. I appreciate the advice.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Are my science grades horrible, as in will they prevent me from becoming a DO?

Bio I w/lab-B+
Bio II w/lab-B
Physics I-B
Physics I lab-B+
Physics II-A
Physics II lab-A
Orgo I-B
Orgo II-B
Chem lab-B+
Chem I-C
Chem II-C+
A&P 1-A
Nutrition-A
Human Parasitology-A
Biochem-B+

I go to Rutgers University and my major is Evolutionary Anthropology and my minor is Nutrition. I have an OGPA:3.45; SGPA:3.27. I am just really worried about my progress thus far. I want to take a year off since my dad passed away last year and I want to clear my head. I also want to work that year off to help my mom out financially. I appreciate the advice.

You're pretty much average for DO schools. As long as you have a decent Mcat you'll be fine.

 

[smmossey]

I posted this in school specific discussions but I was wondering if someone could shed some light on a VCOM question if they happen to know anything about it. I received an invitation to the open house for VCOM...I assume that is not an actual invite but it did say one on one interviews with admissions committee so I wasn't sure. Before I email and ask I was wondering if anyone had experience with this. It's not that I don't wanna attend the open house, but living in NH it would cost me quite a bit to go and stay for it, if it wasn't an actual interview.

I am probably going to call them tomorrow, but they said reserve asap for spots so I didn't wanna hesitate.

 

[DoctorJDO]

Hi guys i have a 25mcat 9ps 8v 8bs. 3.82 science 3.8 cum. good ec, good volunteer. etc... Im working on shadowing a DO though, I havent had anyone willing to let me shadow but i am still looking hopefully soon.

I have applied to the following schools
LECOM-Florida
LECOM-Penn
NYCOM
NOVA southeastern
OUCOM
TOURO-new york
TOURO-california
WVCOM
WesternU-pomona

So Im wondering which schools i actually have a chance at attending. If anyone has an idea id appreciate the info.

all of them, except wvcom, western, oucom based on state residency

 

[TriagePreMed]

i love this stigma....

i'm pretty sure SGU wouldn't be so accepting with those grades. sorry to burst your bubble.

Agreed. SGU has about the same average GPA/MCAT as some Osteopathic schools. You will need at least a 3.0 and 25 to be considered. AUC and Ross are also getting up there. Saba still remains below because they don't have the same financial aid options. If you have under a 2.8 and under a 22 MCAT, you will probably not make it into any of the Caribbean 4.

 

[blueflower]

Agreed. SGU has about the same average GPA/MCAT as some Osteopathic schools. You will need at least a 3.0 and 25 to be considered. AUC and Ross are also getting up there. Saba still remains below because they don't have the same financial aid options. If you have under a 2.8 and under a 22 MCAT, you will probably not make it into any of the Caribbean 4.

Nothing against the Caribbean schools at all, but I would have to disagree with the stats. I've personally gone to Ross to visit some close friends there, and there are many people with below 2.8 gpas and 22 MCATs. From what I saw with personal experience, the Caribbean schools do accept people with low stats but the attrition rate is high. So the schools offer chances for people who may have messed up for whatever reasons before, but are now ready to prove themselves. And while all the people who don't deserve to be there get weeded out, those who remain are those who worked very hard.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Nothing against the Caribbean schools at all, but I would have to disagree with the stats. I've personally gone to Ross to visit some close friends there, and there are many people with below 2.8 gpas and 22 MCATs. From what I saw with personal experience, the Caribbean schools do accept people with low stats but the attrition rate is high. So the schools offer chances for people who may have messed up for whatever reasons before, but are now ready to prove themselves. And while all the people who don't deserve to be there get weeded out, those who remain are those who worked very hard.

The attrition rates at SABA and Ross are abysmal I hear. The attrition rate at SGU and AUC are the most reasonable of all the Caribbean. If people are really going to these schools with below a 2.8 AND a 22, no wonder there's so much attrition. If it's one of both being lower, I guess those people may be capable if they put forth the effort.

 

[blueflower]

The attrition rates at SABA and Ross are abysmal I hear. The attrition rate at SGU and AUC are the most reasonable of all the Caribbean. If people are really going to these schools with below a 2.8 AND a 22, no wonder there's so much attrition. If it's one of both being lower, I guess those people may be capable if they put forth the effort.

Yea definitely. I actually met some really smart people there with lots of interesting life stories. While they might have messed up in college or on the mcat, they made up for it at Ross. One of them actually scored a 250 on the Step, despite getting I think a 21 on the mcat. Shows what perseverance, maturity, etc. can really do for you. But you are right though ... by accepting people with low stats, no wonder their attrition rate is so high. At least they give some deserving people a second chance.

 

[StayOnTop]

Hi, first time post on SDN, but a long time lurker. I'm a Poli Sci major, with a minor in International Studies. My cumulative GPA is around a 3.8, and my science GPA is a 3.36, and my MCAT score is a 27. I have a bit over a hundred shadowing hours (DO+MD, with a DO LOR). I've done volunteer work for a non-profit organization in Chicago that does work with the Cook County legal system (40 hrs.). I've done an internship in a courthouse, as well (around 200 hours). I did Poli Sci research this past summer, but that's it as far as research goes. I volunteer at a health clinic, and I've done over 300 hours, thus far. I'm also a part of a good number of honor societies, and I help them out when they do blood and can food drives.

I don't really care which DO schools I get into, as my long term plan is to do Primary Care (probably IM) in Illinois, but I was looking at LECOM, thanks to its price. What do you guys think?

EDIT: I should clarify, this is not for this cycle.

 

[TriagePreMed]

I think you have a fair shot at both lower tier MD and DO.

 

[asnlady]

I think you have a fair shot at both lower tier MD and DO.

i've always wondered which are these lower tier MD schools. how do people know which ones are what?

 

[zetabetazeta]

i've always wondered which are these lower tier MD schools are. how do people which ones are what?

Get a MSAR book! The schools that have lower grade standards are probably considered as lower-tier schools. But you should be aware that the students at lower-tier schools usually have a hard time graduating as well :] Good luck!

 

[asnlady]

Get a MSAR book! The schools that have lower grade standards are probably considered as lower-tier schools. But you should be aware that the students at lower-tier schools usually have a hard time graduating as well :] Good luck!

oh ic. i never bought the MSAR book and it shows. LOL. thanks!

 

[StayOnTop]

I think you have a fair shot at both lower tier MD and DO.

Lower tier MD and all DO schools (or most of them)? Sounds like I should hopefully get in somewhere. I'm hoping either LECOM or CCOM (just cause it's near Chicago).

 

[StayOnTop]

Hi, first time post on SDN, but a long time lurker. I'm a Poli Sci major, with a minor in International Studies. My cumulative GPA is around a 3.8, and my science GPA is a 3.36, and my MCAT score is a 27. I have a bit over a hundred shadowing hours (DO+MD, with a DO LOR). I've done volunteer work for a non-profit organization in Chicago that does work with the Cook County legal system (40 hrs.). I've done an internship in a courthouse, as well (around 200 hours). I did Poli Sci research this past summer, but that's it as far as research goes. I volunteer at a health clinic, and I've done over 300 hours, thus far. I'm also a part of a good number of honor societies, and I help them out when they do blood and can food drives.

I don't really care which DO schools I get into, as my long term plan is to do Primary Care (probably IM) in Illinois, but I was looking at LECOM, thanks to its price. What do you guys think?

EDIT: I should clarify, this is not for this cycle.

OK, I just made some corrections, my SciGPA is actually a 3.32, and my overall GPA is actually a 3.77. Will these hurt me too badly?

 

[motoko013]

Hi guys,
3rd try applying! Really need to get in this round.
Science GPA 3.72
Cum GPA 3.78
MCAT 38O (previous score from 2 years ago 31M)
EC: Tutor, Volunteer, Shadowing, Research, Club Exec. Board, PBK

My first choice is JABSOM at the University of Hawaii Medical School, but I'm open to mainland schools now. Where should I apply?

 

[NYhopefulfellow]

Here is my Statistics.
Undergraduate Major: biochemistry
SGPA: 3.54
CGPA:3.52 good upward trends last 4 semesters GPA is always above 3.6ish
MCAT: 24M 10 biological, 8 physical, 6 verbal ( English not my 1st language)
Schools applying to: LECOM-B, LECOM-LE, CCOM, AZCOM, ASTU (both campuses), Touro-NY, Touro-Nevada, NYCOM, NOVA,Edward Via com, WVCOM.

Volunteer experience:
Shadowed a DO for 25 hours
Worked in ER for 20 hours
worked as TA for organic chemistry/ part-time tutor in the afternoon
Research for 2 semesters ( no publications)
work an average of 20+ hours while being school
worked in a doctors office during the summer for almost 20 hours a week for 6 weeks which counts as health related experience
Just submitted accomas this week and waiting for verification. I am too late?

 

[angryazn88]

Hi guys,
3rd try applying! Really need to get in this round.
Science GPA 3.72
Cum GPA 3.78
MCAT 38O (previous score from 2 years ago 31M)
EC: Tutor, Volunteer, Shadowing, Research, Club Exec. Board, PBK

My first choice is JABSOM at the University of Hawaii Medical School, but I'm open to mainland schools now. Where should I apply?

you didn't get into med school with those stats? wow....

 

[Nicksam]

Aug 2009 MCAT
11 BS
11PS
6VR
writing S


going to retake 3/27/10

top 20 undergrad university
cGPA 3.86
sGPA 3.9

extensive clinical volunteering experience in state and abroad, research at ucsf for 3+ years, recent publication and more coming, teaching/tutoring biology and organic chem for 4 years

applying this upcoming june

chances?

Did you have a Bachelor??

 

[seiferoth10]

Hi guys, gonna post my stats, tell me what you think.

Undergraduate Major: Biological Sciences
SGPA: 3.2
CGPA:3.28
MCAT: 26P 9BS, 10PS, 7VR
ECs: Have ~100 hours volunteering ER, and ~40 hours shadowing.
Letters: 1 science prof, 1 non-science prof, 1 DO, 1 MD, 1 head of volunteer program at hospital
Schools applying to: Pretty much everywhere, but my dream school would be WesternU.

Chances? I'm strongly considering retaking the MCAT to get my VR up because it was much lower than I expected. I'm pretty sure I need a stronger MCAT to offset my lowerish GPA. Thoughts?

Edit: Forgot to add, I'm a California resident.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Hi guys, gonna post my stats, tell me what you think.

Undergraduate Major: Biological Sciences
SGPA: 3.2
CGPA:3.28
MCAT: 26P 9BS, 10PS, 7VR
ECs: Have ~100 hours volunteering ER, and ~40 hours shadowing.
Letters: 1 science prof, 1 non-science prof, 1 DO, 1 MD, 1 head of volunteer program at hospital
Schools applying to: Pretty much everywhere, but my dream school would be WesternU.

Chances? I'm strongly considering retaking the MCAT to get my VR up because it was much lower than I expected. I'm pretty sure I need a stronger MCAT to offset my lowerish GPA. Thoughts?

Edit: Forgot to add, I'm a California resident.

This doesn't really help, but is your name supposed to be a blend of seifer and sephiroth from ff8 and ff7 respectively?

 

[seiferoth10]

This doesn't really help, but is your name supposed to be a blend of seifer and sephiroth from ff8 and ff7 respectively?

Yes, though people usually think I just misspelled Sephiroth.

 

[amara0101]

hey guys, i really want to go into DO school, so planning a bit earlier
m going into 3rd yr now ...
m taking MCAT in upcoming summer. I got a 25 in Kaplan Diagnostics. So hopefully after taking the kaplan course, will be able to aim for a 33.
cgpa till now: 3.2
I m planning on repeating 4 courses, worth of half-a year. Does anyone know what is the limit of repeated courses being counted in the DO application?
Repeating courses really boosts up the gpa.
I have researched individually for 4 years, and am about to publish a paper.
few hundred hours in ER, clinical in neuro-surgical dept. Am shadowing an MD right now + will be shadowing a DO for few months this year as well.
So any tips on where to apply?
from my bro's experience, as long as I submit my application on the 1st date the application process begins in may, they tend to accept as long as we meet the minimum requirements.
Thanks

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Yes, though people usually think I just misspelled Sephiroth.

Well, those people need to broaden their horizons and go play some more final fantasy games. 😀

 

[whiteout]

Hi everyone, I need some idea of where to apply to this cycle. I have a 23 (9p, 5v, 9b) on the mcat, 3.37 cgpa and 3.28 sgpa, decent EC and research awards. I applied late this cycle to 3 schools and got waitlisted at one school atm. This time, i'm goin to turn everythin in on June 1st

 

[MedicineMike]

Hi everyone, I need some idea of where to apply to this cycle. I have a 23 (9p, 5v, 9b) on the mcat, 3.37 cgpa and 3.28 sgpa, decent EC and research awards. I applied late this cycle to 3 schools and got waitlisted at one school atm. This time, i'm goin to turn everythin in on June 1st

That MCAT is a little low, especially the 5 in verbal. Might be a red flag

 

[TriagePreMed]

Hi everyone, I need some idea of where to apply to this cycle. I have a 23 (9p, 5v, 9b) on the mcat, 3.37 cgpa and 3.28 sgpa, decent EC and research awards. I applied late this cycle to 3 schools and got waitlisted at one school atm. This time, i'm goin to turn everythin in on June 1st

I wouldn't apply with a 5. Anything under 7 and a re-take is a must.