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

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just one said:
In my OPINION, you are proving my point. You were accepted at two of three schools with a 26, with the third school possibly accepting you with a 28. Still, how on "your experiences" do you say a 28 is the low end for DO schools? The only data available for DO applicants or matriculants is available on the Aacomas website and is not for this cycle. However your "proof" is not applicable. While the closest applicable data shows the average for do being 26. You are the one that presented a source. How about next time not quoting a source that is not applicable? And if you know anything about statistics, you know that numbers don't change dramatically from one cycle to the next. I saw a thread on here that showed averages of do schools (I can't remember which cycle but it was the most recent available). And not a single school was in the 30s, most were under 28. So if you think this year somehow the numbers jumped for every school even two points, you are crazy. At least that's my opinion.

To the op, search the threads and school websites. Most peoples opinion along with the schools data show that up to this year (since this cycle is not completed and reported) DO schools average around a 26. Some schools slightly above or below. Or you could just take the advice of the only one saying a 28 is on the low end.
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Here is the latest data, in this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=710696


The MCAT average for the 2009 entering class (so, matriculants) is 26.19.

With a Standard deviation of 3.27. So, around 66% of all matriculants had scores between 22.90 and 29.45. Around 17 % had a score below 22.90 and another 17% had a score above 29.45.

The averages increase at an average of .13 each year. GPA's hardly increase at all. Furthermore, there will be some new DO schools opening, which I suppose would only lower the increase.
 
The thread has devolved into an ankle biting contest on what defines average MCAT scores. That doesn't matter at all. Simply put, you need the highest score that you can possibly make...
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I submit that you and those of us trying to help you have insufficient data (i.e. past science grades) to provide you any meaningful help.
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It's not about establishing B's in your pre-reqs which are less than ideal at the minute, it's about establishing an upward trend. If you wish to stand as competitive as you want to be, it is crucial for your grades from here on out to be As.
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Also, no one has really addressed this issue from what I've scanned but you need to heavily boost your CV. You have zero clinical experience, shadowing or clinical volunteering which will also kill your application. Make the most of the time you have now before applying/graduating to get this, your grades, MCAT and LOR from professors up to speed.
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👍
 
As mentioned above, strive for A's and an upward trend from here on out. Do as well on the MCAT as you can. Gain some volunteer and clinical experiences. You have to demonstrate your interest and potential for medicine.

As to retaking classes... Well, I don't know if I could come up with any hard and fast rule about this, and I'm hesitant on saying what you should do. My opinion is that if you get a grade of C in any prerequisite class, it might be potentially worth considering a retake in addition to earning A's on more advanced science classes, as long as you can get an A on the retake, have the time and resources to do so, and can keep trending A's. The AACOMAS allows grade replacement in the calculation of your GPA. However, if you end up getting a B in Biology 1, then it's probably not worth retaking, although that's just my personal opinion; just get A's from here on out. It is critical that you develop good study habits and fix anything that would keep you from doing well in science classes, including getting extra help from resources available to you

I wouldn't be in such a hurry. Sometimes, it might help to take an extra year for undergrad. It may buy you some time to get some extracurricular, volunteer, and clinical experiences, to take some extra advanced science classes, and even to study for the MCAT. These are all important facets. I think it's worth taking the time to make your application as best as you can with in reason, even if you take an extra year. Basically, you only want to go through this process once and do it right.

Asking what your chances are isn't that helpful, because as it was already stated, we have little data to work with. Simply place your effort on making yourself as competitive as possible.
 
I thought the latest acceptable MCAT scores for an application cycle were the August tests?
 
spicedmanna said:
As mentioned above, strive for A's and an upward trend from here on out. Do as well on the MCAT as you can. Gain some volunteer and clinical experiences. You have to demonstrate your interest and potential for medicine.

As to retaking classes... Well, I don't know if I could come up with any hard and fast rule about this, and I'm hesitant on saying what you should do. My opinion is that if you get a grade of C in any prerequisite class, it might be potentially worth considering a retake in addition to earning A's on more advanced science classes, as long as you can get an A on the retake, have the time and resources to do so, and can keep trending A's. The AACOMAS allows grade replacement in the calculation of your GPA. However, if you end up getting a B in Biology 1, then it's probably not worth retaking, although that's just my personal opinion; just get A's from here on out. It is critical that you develop good study habits and fix anything that would keep you from doing well in science classes, including getting extra help from resources available to you

I wouldn't be in such a hurry. Sometimes, it might help to take an extra year for undergrad. It may buy you some time to get some extracurricular, volunteer, and clinical experiences, to take some extra advanced science classes, and even to study for the MCAT. These are all important facets. I think it's worth taking the time to make your application as best as you can with in reason, even if you take an extra year. Basically, you only want to go through this process once and do it right.

Asking what your chances are isn't that helpful, because as it was already stated, we have little data to work with. Simply place your effort on making yourself as competitive as possible.
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1. The thread I linked has very up to date stats. I don't see what other stats you need.

2. It is easier said than done to just "do the best you possibly can" and get straight A's from here on out. The OP (and the rest of us) could benefit by knowing what our chances are. For example, you say that he should just concentrate on getting straight A's. That's a huge task and impossible for many. When he gets that one B+ instead of that A in immunology, he needs to know that he still has a chance (a great chance, as a B+ is a 3.33, which is right on point for the DO matriculants science GPA average ). If he listened to you, that B+ would make him feel terrible about his med school chances, and he might just give up.
 
Hello Everyone!

Long time reader, first time posting! Quick question, I just wanted your input on what my chances are at DO schools. I want to apply to DO only, I have no plans on attending a MD school, I have a strong connection to the philosophy.

My SCI Gpa is 3.9
cGPA 3.82

I just took the April 10th MCAT I'm expecting to get between a 27 and a 33

My ECs are average to what I see it most other people.
Lead Technician at a Pharmacy, I teach new technicians how to do their jobs and organize meetings. Work around 25 hours/week.
Researcher in a chemistry lab for over a year now.
I've also shadowed two doctors at about 40-50 hours overall.

Don't be too brutal! =(

Thanks,

NPH
 
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Your chances of getting an interview look great with high gpas like those and an MCAT >27. Your leadership qualities are good as a Lead Technician at a pharmacy, but it is also crucial that you have shadowing experiences with physicians. Some questions that may be asked about your application would definitely be about "Why medicine and not pharmacy?" Overall though, if your ECs are good, shadowing experiences are good, and you pull off that MCAT, you should be fine!
 
DrDre2001 said:
1. The thread I linked has very up to date stats. I don't see what other stats you need.

2. It is easier said than done to just "do the best you possibly can" and get straight A's from here on out. The OP (and the rest of us) could benefit by knowing what our chances are. For example, you say that he should just concentrate on getting straight A's. That's a huge task and impossible for many. When he gets that one B+ instead of that A in immunology, he needs to know that he still has a chance (a great chance, as a B+ is a 3.33, which is right on point for the DO matriculants science GPA average ). If he listened to you, that B+ would make him feel terrible about his med school chances, and he might just give up.
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I'm talking about the OP's actual stats, not the projections he or she gave. 🙄 Without real data to work with, we are just guessing his chances based on thin air. People do this all the time, but how the heck can we figure out his chances when he doesn't have the vast majority of his premedical prerequisite grades and hasn't take the MCAT or even practice tests yet? I'm not going to make predictions based on fake data. Come back when you have actual grades, etc.

Look, dude, medical school is not for the weak of stomach and the admissions process is very competitive. Approximately half of the people who apply don't get accepted (if not more). You need to get A's as much as possible in undergrad, if you are looking to maximize the competitiveness of your application, and it goes without saying that if you have the opportunity to improve a not-so-good application (assuming the timeline allows for it), it makes sense to do so. The academic formula is fairly simple. That's the bottom line. I'm not gonna soften it up for you or anybody else. You are all adults here and if it makes you feel bad, boo hoo: this is not an ego-stroking session. I'm certainly not saying that anything else less than an A will mean that you are screwed (far from it), but you should strive for A's as much as you can, that is to say, you should do the very best that you can. If you strive for A's, and get some B's, that's good, too, but you should strive for A's. Especially so if you didn't do so well previously. You need to prove your academic ability and getting A's as much as possible and establishing an upward trend helps you do that. That helps you become more competitive. Get it? I hope so, because I don't think I can explain it with more detail than I have already. And seriously, if you can't get A's or B's, you need to figure out why that is, and fix the problem, if not to improve your application, to make sure you have a better time with medical school, should you get in.

I think my comments are appropriate for where the OP is at in his process. How he needs to improve is well-established from comments above and not just mine. I was affirming some key points I saw above. I really don't understand how I'm creating this antagonism from people on this forum, when I really don't intend any. And I really don't intend any. I'm getting tired of arguments and I have more important things to do than argue with premeds on silly things.
 
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Hey guys, just took the 4/10/10 mcat... feeling pretty devastated about the PS section lol. Oh well... I was scoring between 27-33 on the practice AAMCs, so hopefully ill be somewhere in that range.

3.74 overall GPA, 3.6 science GPA
Biology major with a chemistry minor

English tutor: 2 years

Leadership: college of arts and sciences senator in SGA (1 year)
Scholarships: Received NASA space grant scholarship for fall 2009.

Research: conducted organic chemistry research for 1 year, presented at university research fair.

Work experience: Human Anatomy TA, Org 1&2 TA, Worked at summer science camp for minority 6-8th graders as teaching assistant.

Volunteering: Free clinic for approx. 1.5 years

Shadowing: none yet, but planning on some intense shadowing this summer with a DO and an MD

with these stats, assuming that I get the lowest probable MCAT (26), how would my chances be for an upper tier DO school (say DMU or MSU)? Does it make a difference if the shadowing experience is all at once, or is it better to have shadowed off and on for a longer period of time?

Thanks for your responses
 
spicedmanna said:
I'm talking about the OP's actual stats, not the projections he or she gave. 🙄 Without real data to work with, we are just guessing his chances based on thin air. People do this all the time, but how the heck can we figure out his chances when he doesn't have the vast majority of his premedical prerequisite grades and hasn't take the MCAT or even practice tests yet? I'm not going to make predictions based on fake data. Come back when you have actual grades, etc.

Look, dude, medical school is not for the weak of stomach and the admissions process is very competitive. Approximately half of the people who apply don't get accepted (if not more). You need to get A's as much as possible in undergrad, if you are looking to maximize the competitiveness of your application, and it goes without saying that if you have the opportunity to improve a not-so-good application (assuming the timeline allows for it), it makes sense to do so. The academic formula is fairly simple. That's the bottom line. I'm not gonna soften it up for you or anybody else. You are all adults here and if it makes you feel bad, boo hoo: this is not an ego-stroking session. I'm certainly not saying that anything else less than an A will mean that you are screwed (far from it), but you should strive for A's as much as you can, that is to say, you should do the very best that you can. If you strive for A's, and get some B's, that's good, too, but you should strive for A's. Especially so if you didn't do so well previously. You need to prove your academic ability and getting A's as much as possible and establishing an upward trend helps you do that. That helps you become more competitive. Get it? I hope so, because I don't think I can explain it with more detail than I have already. And seriously, if you can't get A's or B's, you need to figure out why that is, and fix the problem, if not to improve your application, to make sure you have a better time with medical school, should you get in.

I think my comments are appropriate for where the OP is at in his process. How he needs to improve is well-established from comments above and not just mine. I was affirming some key points I saw above. I really don't understand how I'm creating this antagonism from people on this forum, when I really don't intend any. And I really don't intend any. I'm getting tired of arguments and I have more important things to do than argue with premeds on silly things.
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1. Okay, I thought by "we have no data to work with" you meant up to date admissions statistics.

2. I think you are definitely giving good advice. I'm just giving an opposing view. I think there is a need, in anything, to realize that it is not all-or-nothing; if you don't get that A +, you are still in this game.
 
IfeelYourPain said:
Hey guys, just took the 4/10/10 mcat... feeling pretty devastated about the PS section lol. Oh well... I was scoring between 27-33 on the practice AAMCs, so hopefully ill be somewhere in that range.

3.74 overall GPA, 3.6 science GPA
Biology major with a chemistry minor

English tutor: 2 years

Leadership: college of arts and sciences senator in SGA (1 year)
Scholarships: Received NASA space grant scholarship for fall 2009.

Research: conducted organic chemistry research for 1 year, presented at university research fair.

Work experience: Human Anatomy TA, Org 1&2 TA, Worked at summer science camp for minority 6-8th graders as teaching assistant.

Volunteering: Free clinic for approx. 1.5 years

Shadowing: none yet, but planning on some intense shadowing this summer with a DO and an MD

with these stats, assuming that I get the lowest probable MCAT (26), how would my chances be for an upper tier DO school (say DMU or MSU)? Does it make a difference if the shadowing experience is all at once, or is it better to have shadowed off and on for a longer period of time?

Thanks for your responses
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1. I wouldn't assume the lowest probable MCAT. I f you were averaging a 30, you'll most likely get a 30 or close to it. You feeling that the real MCAT was harder than your practices doesn't mean anything; because it probably was, and everyone probably felt that way.

2. With a 30 and 3.7, why are you not trying to go MD.

3. With a 26 and 3.7, you are looking good for all DO schools.
 
Figured I would join in… I’m applying this year though AMCAS, TMDSAS and AACOMAS.

Undergrad TMDSAS and AMCAS
Overall GPA- 2.91 Science GPA- 2.87

Undergrad AACOMAS
Overall GPA- 3.02 Science GPA- 3.0

Graduate AACOMAS /TMDSAS/AMCAS
Overall GPA- 3.65 Science GPA- 3.63

MCAT
16P, 19P, 17M (I know it looks pretty bad, but these are from 2006 and 2008)
22O (computer froze, have documentation), and just retook in March 2010

School
BA in Biology
MS in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Immunology (thesis based)

Work/Medical Experience
•Administrative Assistant, Pulmonologists office, part time for 1 year
•Hospital Volunteer- Single Day Surgery, 1-2 times a week for 2 years
•Clinic Appointments- university health center, 5 days a week/25 hours a week for 1 year.
•Physician Scribe, Presbyterian Hospitals Emergency Department, full time for 1.5 years
•Shadowing- I shadowed a family practice D.O. for 3 weeks in his office. My internship with Physician Scribes was really like a 5 day a week shadow experience, I assisted physicians with their patients, both DO and MD docs. Each shift I was paired with one doc and I did all of their documenting, read and ordered xrays and labs, and wrote the prescriptions.
•Clinical Research Specialist- Currently work at UT Southwestern for a trauma surgeon. Conduct clinical research on traumatic head injuries at Parkland, and many other types of trauma related subjects.
•Fort Worth Go Centers- located in a local high school, I was a mentor for high school students by helping them with their college applications, financial aid, and all of their random questions about going to college. Mentored for a semester, 4 hours a week
•Habitat for Humanity Build Team Volunteer, completed 20 hours so far
•Alpha Epsilon Delta, regional member for 4 semesters
•Phlebotomist- received my phlebotomy certificate for research purposes. Needed to be able to take blood from donors for my graduate research projects.
•Played the Violin for 14 years, was competitive in high school

Research presentations and awards
3rd place poster presentation on HIV work
Over a dozen local oral and poster presentations during grad school

Publications
2 submitted for 2nd author on clinical research conducted at UT Southwestern, submitted to high level trauma journals
1 submitted for 1st author on HIV research conducted at UNT Health Science Center

LORs
MD (work for him at UT Southwestern, teaches in the med school), DO (scribed with him for a year), PhD (PI for graduate work)

I feel there are very good things and very bad things about my profile. First, the 5 MCATs are not going to look good at all. Though I think this MCAT coming back in a few weeks will be around a 26 at least since I was averaging around a 28 on practice tests. Second, my undergrad GPA sucks, but my grad GPA is very good if that matters. What do you guys think?
 
NPHisyourLord said:
Hello Everyone!

Long time reader, first time posting! Quick question, I just wanted your input on what my chances are at DO schools. I want to apply to DO only, I have no plans on attending a MD school, I have a strong connection to the philosophy.

My SCI Gpa is 3.9
cGPA 3.82

I just took the April 10th MCAT I'm expecting to get between a 27 and a 33

My ECs are average to what I see it most other people.
Lead Technician at a Pharmacy, I teach new technicians how to do their jobs and organize meetings. Work around 25 hours/week.
Researcher in a chemistry lab for over a year now.
I've also shadowed two doctors at about 40-50 hours overall.

Don't be too brutal! =(

Thanks,

NPH
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Sometimes it is hard to tell if people are being fasicious or not on the interweb.

However if you're not, you probably know you have an excellent chance at most DO schools.

Though there are some things you didn't mention if you are looking to strengthen your app:

You didn't mention any volunteering nor did you mention if you will have a DO LOR available, if you add both of these things it would be hard pressed for any DO school to turn you away before an interview invite.
 
Hello everyone,

I'm a non-trad, GPA 3.73 (BCMP and other), MCAT ps 8, vr 8, bs 13 = 29M
VA resident

I have 4 years of active military, a years worth of very direct patient exposure, 1.5 years honors research, currently applying for research positions, certified pharmacy tech, runner and musician... basic stuff

Where should I apply, I am really thinking I want to do pathology but that could possibly change.

Thanks for any advice, especially on what schools I should consider and would be competitive at. 😀
 
I had two Ds in computer science classes 6 years ago due to family issues. I have changed my major since then to nursing. I have been a nurse now for four years and I wanna get into a DO school .My cGPA is sitting at 3.1 and my sGPA is 3.4+ ( 27P MCAT). I can get my cGPA to 3.2 after this summer. I wanna know whether I should retake these classes because forgot everything about computer science.
The name of these classes are:
Formal Languages and Automata Theory
Microprocessor Applications
Should I retake these classes or apply with my stats (for 2012) as they are? I can retake the MCAT and up my score to 30+. Advice please
 
Spoonbig21 said:
Hello everyone,

I'm a non-trad, GPA 3.73 (BCMP and other), MCAT ps 8, vr 8, bs 13 = 29M
VA resident

I have 4 years of active military, a years worth of very direct patient exposure, 1.5 years honors research, currently applying for research positions, certified pharmacy tech, runner and musician... basic stuff

Where should I apply, I am really thinking I want to do pathology but that could possibly change.

Thanks for any advice, especially on what schools I should consider and would be competitive at. 😀
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Excellent chance for DO. You should apply to some low tiers MD with these stats.
 
noshie said:
Figured I would join in… I’m applying this year though AMCAS, TMDSAS and AACOMAS.

Undergrad TMDSAS and AMCAS
Overall GPA- 2.91 Science GPA- 2.87

Undergrad AACOMAS
Overall GPA- 3.02 Science GPA- 3.0

Graduate AACOMAS /TMDSAS/AMCAS
Overall GPA- 3.65 Science GPA- 3.63

MCAT
16P, 19P, 17M (I know it looks pretty bad, but these are from 2006 and 2008)
22O (computer froze, have documentation), and just retook in March 2010

School
BA in Biology
MS in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Immunology (thesis based)

Work/Medical Experience
•Administrative Assistant, Pulmonologists office, part time for 1 year
•Hospital Volunteer- Single Day Surgery, 1-2 times a week for 2 years
•Clinic Appointments- university health center, 5 days a week/25 hours a week for 1 year.
•Physician Scribe, Presbyterian Hospitals Emergency Department, full time for 1.5 years
•Shadowing- I shadowed a family practice D.O. for 3 weeks in his office. My internship with Physician Scribes was really like a 5 day a week shadow experience, I assisted physicians with their patients, both DO and MD docs. Each shift I was paired with one doc and I did all of their documenting, read and ordered xrays and labs, and wrote the prescriptions.
•Clinical Research Specialist- Currently work at UT Southwestern for a trauma surgeon. Conduct clinical research on traumatic head injuries at Parkland, and many other types of trauma related subjects.
•Fort Worth Go Centers- located in a local high school, I was a mentor for high school students by helping them with their college applications, financial aid, and all of their random questions about going to college. Mentored for a semester, 4 hours a week
•Habitat for Humanity Build Team Volunteer, completed 20 hours so far
•Alpha Epsilon Delta, regional member for 4 semesters
•Phlebotomist- received my phlebotomy certificate for research purposes. Needed to be able to take blood from donors for my graduate research projects.
•Played the Violin for 14 years, was competitive in high school

Research presentations and awards
3rd place poster presentation on HIV work
Over a dozen local oral and poster presentations during grad school

Publications
2 submitted for 2nd author on clinical research conducted at UT Southwestern, submitted to high level trauma journals
1 submitted for 1st author on HIV research conducted at UNT Health Science Center

LORs
MD (work for him at UT Southwestern, teaches in the med school), DO (scribed with him for a year), PhD (PI for graduate work)

I feel there are very good things and very bad things about my profile. First, the 5 MCATs are not going to look good at all. Though I think this MCAT coming back in a few weeks will be around a 26 at least since I was averaging around a 28 on practice tests. Second, my undergrad GPA sucks, but my grad GPA is very good if that matters. What do you guys think?
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I agree with your self-assessment concerning the MCATs - you need to get a really strong score to show adcoms that you can handle standardized tests under stress.

Your ECs are good - there's some patient contact in there, which I think is crucial.

GPA isn't the greatest, but I think you've shown an improved ability to handle coursework through your grad gpa.

IMO: apply early and broadly; have several people read your PS and give feedback; make sure LORs are good (especially from school faculty)

good luck!
 
BestDoctorEver said:
I had two Ds in computer science classes 6 years ago due to family issues. I have changed my major since then to nursing. I have been a nurse now for four years and I wanna get into a DO school .My cGPA is sitting at 3.1 and my sGPA is 3.4+ ( 27P MCAT). I can get my cGPA to 3.2 after this summer. I wanna know whether I should retake these classes because forgot everything about computer science.
The name of these classes are:
Formal Languages and Automata Theory
Microprocessor Applications
Should I retake these classes or apply with my stats (for 2012) as they are? I can retake the MCAT and up my score to 30+. Advice please
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It really depends on your goals: if you want to broaden your school selection (ie. DO and MD schools), I think retaking the MCAT would be necessary. However, I think your MCAT and sGPA are good for DO schools (average) and I wouldn't see a need for retaking those computer classes.

Your MCAT and sGPA, coupled with your current clinical experience (which is significant IMO), makes you a great applicant with the right PS.

So, are you applying in 2012 regardless of retaking those classes? If those two D's really are bothering you, then retake the courses. If you have the time you can retake them - it certainly won't hurt you - but I don't think you HAVE to retake those courses.
 
dudechiefboss said:
It really depends on your goals: if you want to broaden your school selection (ie. DO and MD schools), I think retaking the MCAT would be necessary. However, I think your MCAT and sGPA are good for DO schools (average) and I wouldn't see a need for retaking those computer classes.

Your MCAT and sGPA, coupled with your current clinical experience (which is significant IMO), makes you a great applicant with the right PS.

So, are you applying in 2012 regardless of retaking those classes? If those two D's really are bothering you, then retake the courses. If you have the time you can retake them - it certainly won't hurt you - but I don't think you HAVE to retake those courses.
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Yes, I am applying 2012 regardless. I dont wanna retake these classes because I dont think I can get As or even Bs on them since I forgot everything about computer science. I am not applying to any MD schools since my cGPA is too low. I might retake the MCAT if I am consistently scoring 30+ on practice test so I can make my application more solid. I was afraid because the DEAN at my University said to a friend of mine with similar stats that he has no chances at DO school. Thanx for your help...
 
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I took the MCAT last summer and scored a 25. I decided then to take a year off to strengthen my application. So I will be graduating in 2 weeks and want to apply this cycle for Fall 2011. Should I re-take the MCAT?

Some info about the rest of my app: My GPA is a 3.85. I'm a chemical science major. I have worked in a doctor's office as a medical assistant for the past 5 months, triaging patients, taking vital signs, drawing blood, etc. I have also volunteered in a hospital for a year. I am currently on the Relay for Life Exec Committee, and have been involved in my schools Relay for 4 years. I also will be serving on another planning committee for a Relay in South Florida during my time off. I participated in an anti-tobacco program, giving presentations to to middle and high school students for the past two years. I have participated in various community service, from coaching a basketball team, to Camp Boggy Creek, to a food shelter.

Thanks!
 
I think you could get in with your current stats, but if it were me, I would want to play it safe. You have enough time for a retake. Go for the overkill.
 
if it was me i would just go ahead and apply and then if some schools tell you specifically to retake, then retake.
 
You would be rolling the dice big time. If you are satisfied with a 25 so be it, but don't wonder what went wrong when you don't get in. D.O.
 
Yes, a 25 balanced MCAT would be less than competitive. Did you score something like 8/8/9 or was one score wildly divergent? If there was a wide divergence I would definitely retake it as many schools have a 7 per section or better minimum.
 
Took MCAT in May, 2008
10P, 9B, 8V
3.59 overall GPA, 3.75 science GPA
Chemistry Major graduated in 2009

Research: conducted material science research for 2 years. Received Research Fundings and offered Research Internships for two summers
Work experience: Organic Chemistry TA, Cell Biology TA, Sports Medicine TA, Physics TA
Shadowing: 1 year in hospital, Student Athletic Trainer for 2 years

What are my shots for DO school?

Thank you
 
cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.6
MCAT: taking on June 17. got 24 on 1st kaplan full length (PS: 6, V: 10, BS: 8). and unfortunately a 22 on the 2nd full length (PS: 8, V: 8, BS: 6) probably looking at 26-28 on real thing.
NY resident. Top choices probably LECOM, NYCOM (not really sure at this point)

clinical: 40 hrs shadowing a MD (psychiatrist), 50+ hrs shadowing DO (family practice), 60+ hrs patient contact as hospital volunteer (E.R, amb. surg., cardiac telemetry)

research: 3 years neuropsychology research (2 posters, 1 pub), independent summer research project (1 poster)

EC's: have worked at a restaurant 10-15 hrs/wk during semesters and 40 hrs/wk during breaks throughout undergrad, play ice hockey, gen chem teaching assistant, member of following clubs: neuroscience club, film society, snowboard club, pre-medical association

awards: president's award for student excellence honorable mention

leadership: gen chem teaching assistant, volunteer youth ice hockey coach

I have good LOR's (1 DO, 2 MD, then various professors)
also I am very passionate about practicing medicine in a rural area that is under served, such as northern New York state.

so, pending my MCAT score..what are my chances at DO? Please be brutally honest. Also, any suggestions for improvement are greatly appreciated!

P.S. I will be working on my personal statement very soon! I'm thinking about focusing on my personal commitment to practice in an underserved, rural area. Do you guys think this is a good idea, or too is it too common?
 
Do you feel you could have performed better, or prepared better? Usually with a "25" the answer is yes. The only way I wouldn't retake is if I felt a 25 was the highest score I could achieve.

Will you have a chance of getting in a DO school? Possibly, with your GPA. Will you have a choice of school, doubtful.
 
i changed my mind. with a 7 in verbal you need to retake.
 
msb1190 said:
i changed my mind. with a 7 in verbal you need to retake.
Click to expand...

Saw you're in NC... where at if you don't mind me asking?

I agree with you though... retake and reach for 9's and 10's in each section.
 
I've been lurking for awhile, but I'd like to get some input on my chances for DO school.

-female Caucasian nontrad w/3 kids - had been out of school for 10 yrs before returning

-sketchy 1st attempt @ college - several W's & a few F's because I quit going to classes - several of these were misguided attempts at a comp sci major - I don't even think some of these classes are still offered for a retake, but I wouldn't want to anyway.

-stellar 2nd attempt - 4.0 for 86 credits w/heavy class load - this is when I took my heavy sciences - I can get excellent LOR's from these

-3.59 cgpa & 4.0 sgpa, accounting for retakes.

-some regular volunteering with some leadership roles, I honestly can't volunteer more because I feel I need to balance with my family life & school

-sad, unbalanced mcat - 27M - I probably took this prematurely. 7p 10v 10b. I hadn't taken org2 or phy2, but there wasn't really anything from phy2 anyway and I studied chem & phy like crazy, also excelled in these classes, so I don't know what happened. I am also a really good writer, have been pressured by English profs to major in English, but apparently I sounded stupid. I had been getting 28-31 on practice exams with no less than a 9. I really don't want to retake this beast.

-lots of great clinical experience. my major is respiratory therapy (last 2 yrs our clinicals & classroom is at the hospital) so I will have lots of direct patient care, shadowing of physicians & surgeons, experience intubating patients, physical exams, etc.

-have recently contacted a DO cardiologist and am waiting to hear back on shadowing, I am optimistic because I've been told he likes students.

What do you think? wait to finish phy2 & org2 (or biochem) and retake mcat? or just apply this year so I don't have a gap yr?
 
Last edited:
seap3 said:
I've been lurking for awhile, but I'd like to get some input on my chances for DO school.

-female Caucasian nontrad w/3 kids - had been out of school for 10 yrs before returning

-sketchy 1st attempt @ college - several W's & a few F's because I quit going to classes - several of these were misguided attempts at a comp sci major - I don't even think some of these classes are still offered for a retake, but I wouldn't want to anyway.

-stellar 2nd attempt - 4.0 for 86 credits w/heavy class load - this is when I took my heavy sciences - I can get excellent LOR's from these

-3.59 cgpa & 4.0 sgpa, accounting for retakes.

-some regular volunteering with some leadership roles, I honestly can't volunteer more because I feel I need to balance with my family life & school

-sad, unbalanced mcat - 27M - I probably took this prematurely. 7p 10v 10b. I hadn't taken org2 or phy2, but there wasn't really anything from phy2 anyway and I studied chem & phy like crazy, also excelled in these classes, so I don't know what happened. I am also a really good writer, have been pressured by English profs to major in English, but apparently I sounded stupid. I had been getting 28-31 on practice exams with no less than a 9. I really don't want to retake this beast.

-lots of great clinical experience. my major is respiratory therapy (last 2 yrs our clinicals & classroom is at the hospital) so I will have lots of direct patient care, shadowing of physicians & surgeons, experience intubating patients, physical exams, etc.

-have recently contacted a DO cardiologist and am waiting to hear back on shadowing, I am optimistic because I've been told he likes students.

What do you think? wait to finish phy2 & org2 (or biochem) and retake mcat? or just apply this year so I don't have a gap yr?
Click to expand...

Your MCAT isn't terrible for DO, the M on the written section could be better but the 27 isn't terrible. You should at least give it a shot this year, you'll probably do just fine.

SLC
 
People, lets not get carried away here. Most schools cut off around 24. The national average for DO schools is 26 and a 3.4 GPA. The applicant's GPA > average and mcat is 1 point below. I would simply apply broadly. You WILL GET IN SOMEWHERE if you apply broad. By retaking, you run the risk of scoring 1-2 points less. Not worth the gamble to possibly score 1-2 points highers, unless you get rejected from all your school simply due to the 25 MCAT score (VERY UNLIKELY with a 3.85 GPA) I would gander that a 24 and 3.2 GPA could get in somewhere if you apply broad and early. Roll the dice dude and simply apply!
 
seap3 said:
I've been lurking for awhile, but I'd like to get some input on my chances for DO school.

-female Caucasian nontrad w/3 kids - had been out of school for 10 yrs before returning

-sketchy 1st attempt @ college - several W's & a few F's because I quit going to classes - several of these were misguided attempts at a comp sci major - I don't even think some of these classes are still offered for a retake, but I wouldn't want to anyway.

-stellar 2nd attempt - 4.0 for 86 credits w/heavy class load - this is when I took my heavy sciences - I can get excellent LOR's from these

-3.59 cgpa & 4.0 sgpa, accounting for retakes.

-some regular volunteering with some leadership roles, I honestly can't volunteer more because I feel I need to balance with my family life & school

-sad, unbalanced mcat - 27M - I probably took this prematurely. 7p 10v 10b. I hadn't taken org2 or phy2, but there wasn't really anything from phy2 anyway and I studied chem & phy like crazy, also excelled in these classes, so I don't know what happened. I am also a really good writer, have been pressured by English profs to major in English, but apparently I sounded stupid. I had been getting 28-31 on practice exams with no less than a 9. I really don't want to retake this beast.

-lots of great clinical experience. my major is respiratory therapy (last 2 yrs our clinicals & classroom is at the hospital) so I will have lots of direct patient care, shadowing of physicians & surgeons, experience intubating patients, physical exams, etc.

-have recently contacted a DO cardiologist and am waiting to hear back on shadowing, I am optimistic because I've been told he likes students.

What do you think? wait to finish phy2 & org2 (or biochem) and retake mcat? or just apply this year so I don't have a gap yr?
Click to expand...

You will have taken Phy II, Org II and Biochem by next year right? Are you in them now? Since your major is not biology you may want to make sure that your prereqs are correct for the schools you will be applying to if you decide to apply this cycle, and that they are not considered too old by some schools. But other than that, I think you have a great shot! It cant hurt to apply now with the 27, but if you see that you are not getting interviews by December then maybe you should study and retake it for the next cycle...
 
I am a biomedical engineer graduated last year with 3.3 cGPA. I got A's in all my sciences including orgo except Physics#1-B. I have excellent EC and recommendation letters. My cGPA was 3.8 on my sophomore year, I got pregnant and had difficulties adjusting to my new life still (student -->student mom).
I took the mCAT last summer and did very bad (got 15) i didn't really study, took aamc test 3 and got 29 so I decided to gamble and take the test (this was very STUPID). After getting over my appointment, i decided to take one of the prep. courses available in my area (Kaplan). I hated it. So I stopped attending it, lost my money, and decided to study on my own.
Over the last week I have been taking the AAMC full lengths, and have been averaging 26-27 (VERY VERY SAD). Today I took #9 and did worst 16 overall verbal is my weakness because English is my second language (if you are wondering-French).
I don't know what to do at this point, I am tired of studying. Should I gamble again and hope to at least get a 27 and apply to DO schools, or should I try a different course to improve my mcat score; if so what would anyone suggest?
 
Do what you believe will get you the highest score possible. Don't aim low, always aim high 🙂.
 
i would keep studying for the mcat. you felt ready ur first time and got a 15. now you don't feel ready... probably won't do that much better considering your most recent test #9 score.

i didn't take any practice tests until i went through my entire content review thoroughly. maybe you should do a thorough content review? i used tpr and ek.

edit: just wanted to make it clear. i used tpr and ek BOOKS not course.
 
GalaxyXYZ said:
What prep course would you recommend other than kaplan?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I'm not familiar with prep courses. If you go to the Mcat prep section you can get some better information.
That being said I've heard that exam krackers books for the mcat are very effective. Princeton review is also good from what I heard.
 
GalaxyXYZ said:
What prep course would you recommend other than kaplan?
Click to expand...

Although Im Canadian and we arent offered Exam Krackers courses, their books are unbelievably useful. I assume their course would be pretty good. I bought their books and got a 30R on the real MCAT.

I took an actual course called Princeton Review. I dont know if you guys have that the in the states. I cant stress enough that if you take a course, do all the practice tests... ALL OF THEM (We got like 30 practice tests or something) and do them efficiently. Its not useful to write 3 tests in a day. WRite a test, review your mistakes for a day.....study the following day...and next day write another test.

Courses are expensive but are useful. However, if you can study on your own (many students think they can but really cant, hence the REALLY low marks on SDN) than go ahead.

GOod luck
 
Dear Galaxy,

i know ur super stressed right now!!🙁

maybe u were just freaking out or weren't feeling well when u took the last practice test. 😳

I agree with the previous post, study the content hard, then take the practice test. Once u take a practice test it isn't worth taking it again if u r looking for an accurate score estimation. So maybe slow down on the test taking and concentrate on the material more. i know Kaplan has a TON of practice problems, use those instead of the tests to help boost your score!😀

Good luck!!!!🙂

-Radhika
 
Why did you hate kaplan? I mean I took Kaplan, and while I admit it wasn't the highlight of my weeks (actually it probably was because the other week nights were spent in the library until close, after working a full time in a research lab and commuting 60 miles through NY/NJ rush hour traffic, while listening to Jordan and John Exam kracker's on my Ipod, and saturdays and sundays were spent in the library from open until close), I didn't feel like I was wasting my time (especially because a Mass Spec Physical Sciences question on one of Kaplan's practice exams was strikingly similar to a question I got on my actual MCAT).

I don't think the other nationally available courses are very different from kaplan. But I felt the exam kracker material was a good supplement, and was more stimulating (with colors and pictures) than the black and white kaplan text.

Good luck with studying! I know how annoying, time consuming, frustrating, mind bending etc it can be.....and I don't have to take care of a child! I give you a lot of credit for your efforts.

Much Respect from the guard,


Hookin
 
re: Need Advise

Advice.

My advice? Spell the title of a thread correctly if you want to be taken seriously. :laugh:

And don't badmouth Kaplan. Kaplan is the reason I got into med school at all. Went from a 21 diagnostic to a 32 MCAT. If it didn't work for you, you need to study harder and pay more attention in the class, period. I'm more-or-less ADD and can't pay attention to anything, and it helped me. Focus, focus, focus... or find something else. The people that I noticed Kaplan not working for were the guys/gals that strolled into class an hour late, didn't do the assignments, and generally had a bad attitude.

Good luck, and put your nose to the grindstone. Once you start pushing yourself, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
 
And honestly? Kaplan cost me probably around $1500, why would you just give up and let that money go to waste? How awful.

I mean, it's CLASS, it's not supposed to be fun. 🙄
 
Thanks for the advice guys! I'm still torn whether to retake or not.
 
I say no retake.

You should get in somewhere (probably multiple places) with the Ecs and GPA.

Good Luck. Apply Early.
 
Thanks everyone!

I do feel I could do better than a 25 if I studied for months and spread out the material, instead of doing a 2 month study schedule like I did last time. However, that would mean taking another year off. And if there is a good chance I can be accepted in this coming cycle, I would rather do that.

I think I am leaning towards applying early with the stats I got, with the back up plan of taking another year off & studying for the MCAT again.
 
I'm just curious what people's take on this situation is and I'm sure I'm not the only one in this position. I'm currently on 2 waitlists at LECOM-B and Touro-NV for the class of 2014. Additionally, I'm on 2 waitlists for SMPs starting this fall (Tufts, EVMS) and I have 2 outstanding SMP apps in Tulane and WesternU.

I was planning on re-applying this cycle in the event that I didn't get into any of the afformentioned programs or re-applying the following year if I were to get into Tufts (since they recommend completion of the program first). The application opens in 2 weeks, I've written a somewhat revised PS, have new ECs and I'm currently retaking a course as well as retook a couple this past summer, so may application has changed since last cycle.

My application could definitely be submitted ASAP so that I could complete much earlier this year than last (I waited to submit till my MCAT scores were in on July 20th and wasn't complete till Aug/Sept) the problem is that if I happen to get off a waitlist come June/July I'm looking at 500 bucks down the drain, something I'm not sure I could afford because that'd likely be my deposit/moving funds if I were to get in :laugh: What would you do? Should I suck it up and submit ASAP and update w/ spring grades or summer if I dont' get into the programs or should I wait until I hear everything first?
 
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