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

[JaggerPlate]

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I think the 7 might be a problem, not the balanced score itself. You shouldn't re-take it now unless you're prepared though. When were you thinking about taking it and how long would you have to prep??

 

[jal06c]

I am currently not prepared to take it, that is why re-taking it would require another year off. I could do the 2 month study plan and re-take in july/august but thats what I did last time, which yielded me a 25, so I don't want to do that again.

I would take it again in January 2011 for the 2011-2012 cycle. I would have plenty of time to prep as I graduate in two weeks. The only plans I have for my year off is a part-time job, shadowing, and volunteering.

 

[Everglide]

Maybe I'm reading your posts incorrectly but if you take it again in January (and delay applying) - you will have two years off post-graduation.

 

[christina30]

Maybe I'm reading your posts incorrectly but if you take it again in January (and delay applying) - you will have two years off post-graduation.

Yeah, that seems a bit late to me. And just one part-time job with some volunteering inbetween isn't going to be enough to explain that kind of a gap - medical schools are going to be wondering what the hell you were doing with all that extra time off.

 

[Queenshawtii]

a word of advice, when you retake the mcat, focus a little more on the writing portion. A bad score like a K could potentially hurt you. It's really not that difficult to raise that too much so just do a few practice prompts and have some one who knows about the mcat look them over.

I did what my instructor felt was needed for an N or an O score.. (I took a Kaplan course) Then I scored a K on the WS, so I was a little mad.. I will focus more on my WS this time around.

 

[ODorDO]

Did u near anything from the WesterU MSMS yet?

 

[CardioPlus]

I think you'll be fine applying this year... I had a friend apply this cycle with me.. had a 24(7,8,9) mcat and 3.6 gpa (accepted to PCOM within the first 2 weeks of interviews, NYCOM, and was able to then turn down interviews at LECOM, TouroCOM, Touro-CA, and withdraw everywhere else).

Just apply broadly so that you can maximize your options and def get all your material handed in by June/July since you won't be waiting for MCAT scores. Best of Luck!

 

[noshie]

I am currently not prepared to take it, that is why re-taking it would require another year off. I could do the 2 month study plan and re-take in july/august but thats what I did last time, which yielded me a 25, so I don't want to do that again.

I would take it again in January 2011 for the 2011-2012 cycle. I would have plenty of time to prep as I graduate in two weeks. The only plans I have for my year off is a part-time job, shadowing, and volunteering.

I know its a bit expensive, but why not apply anyways with your given stats and then if you see you are not getting any interview invites by November just start studying to retake in January and apply again next cycle. That way you don’t lose a year totally and if you end up getting in you don’t have to retake the MCAT needlessly.

 

[Marathon0503]

I'm in the same position as you are (waitlisted at LMU-DCOM) and plan on applying this coming cycle as well. How did you "rewrite" your PS? I have had more job shadowing and volunteering experiences this year that I can add but I don't want to repeat the same things I said in my PS last year. It's nice to read that I"m not the only one on sdn going through this!

 

[DrDre2001]

What about PCOM? Right now that is my #1 choice. Thanks to everyone for the input!

Of course, why not.

I believe their stats are in the middle of the pack of DO schools (they haven't released their scores to US News according to my spreadsheet which was based off 2008 entering stats, but I believe I remember someone on here posting their official stats for the 2008 entering class). While your stats are above every DO school's.

 

[DbDan]

Did u near anything from the WesterU MSMS yet?

I haven't heard anything yet at all. When I e-mailed them to find out what the status is and when we should be hearing back they replied with the fact that their interview dates are 4/26 and 4/30 with tenative dates in May. They didn't give any indication of whether or not they have begun handing out those invites but I'm sure they had to considering for people traveling less than a week's notice is a little absurd.

The whole situation with them for me is mildly irritating since I spoke extensively with the direct of the program before applying and she greatly encouraged me to apply, "I was their ideal applicant" "everything seemed perfect" "they encouraged their linkage program for me" etc. only to not even have an interview invite offered but hey... guess thats how the application stuff works.

I'm in the same position as you are (waitlisted at LMU-DCOM) and plan on applying this coming cycle as well. How did you "rewrite" your PS? I have had more job shadowing and volunteering experiences this year that I can add but I don't want to repeat the same things I said in my PS last year. It's nice to read that I"m not the only one on sdn going through this!

It really depends IMO on what the thesis/theme of your PS was last year. I had no qualms about repeating many of the things that made me pursue medicine and many of the things that I've accomplished over the past few years. Admissions committees may have changed, the person who winds up reading your PS may change, etc. and I don't believe that you should be limited to writing something entirely different than the previous year.

I did change my application up a bit though and restructured it and added new experiences. I also briefly touched upon being a re-applicant and what I've learned from the process and how I've grown from it, although this was not a main point in my personal statement and I wouldn't recommend dwelling.

What are your plans for this cycle? Are you going to apply right at openning in May or do you plan to wait a bit hoping to hear back from LMU-DCOM?

 

[DbDan]

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 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?

Since this got moved into here I'm quoting so it doesn't get skipped over. Not sure I agree with the move since its not a gpa/where should i apply/should i apply thread so much as what people's opinions are for application timing while on waitlist, but hey... whatevs I'm not a mod 😀

 

[jal06c]

Yeah, that seems a bit late to me. And just one part-time job with some volunteering inbetween isn't going to be enough to explain that kind of a gap - medical schools are going to be wondering what the hell you were doing with all that extra time off.

Yes, I would have two years off, including the application year. And the part-time job, volunteering, and shadowing would be during the time I'd be studying for my MCAT. After the MCAT in January, I would obviously pick things up.

 

[jal06c]

I know its a bit expensive, but why not apply anyways with your given stats and then if you see you are not getting any interview invites by November just start studying to retake in January and apply again next cycle. That way you don’t lose a year totally and if you end up getting in you don’t have to retake the MCAT needlessly.

Yeah, I think that is what I am going to do. Thank you!

 

[Marathon0503]

What are your plans for this cycle? Are you going to apply right at openning in May or do you plan to wait a bit hoping to hear back from LMU-DCOM?[/QUOTE]

I plan on getting my application done in May and then submitting when I come home from my mission trip in early June. That way I am 100 % ready before I leave and if anything happens with LMU-DCOM during that time I haven't wasted the money. I know that means it will take a little bit longer to get verified but hopefully it pays off for me.

 

[Led Zep]

I'm applying to osteopathic school this summer. I'll have a cumulative GPA of 3.45 with a science GPA of 3.40. Very strong upward trend in my GPA (two semesters of 4.0's with all upper level courses).

A 90 hour internship in a private practice, 2 semesters of research, 1 in bio with a focus on protein localization, and 1 in chemistry on biodiesel.

I'm the pre-med club president, I'm a biology mentor, I played a year of rugby, I've done minimal volunteering in a hospital, but I've got a lot of shadowing experience. I'm hoping to work this summer at a hospital as a patient care assistant.

I'm taking the MCAT and applying late July/early August.

I'm a PA resident and I would really like to go PCOM, what are my chances? What do I need on the MCAT?

Anything else you need to know just ask...

 

[Bacchus]

I say a 24 or 25. If you get a 27 or higher you have an excellent shot!

 

[Jasgop]

Why not apply to an MD school? Your GPA is excellent. Take the MCAT and score a 30 or 31 and you will get in to an MD school.

 

[Rzarecta]

Why not apply to an MD school? Your GPA is excellent. Take the MCAT and score a 30 or 31 and you will get in to an MD school.

The GPA improvement is fantastic, but I don't think the 3.4 GPA will be considered "excellent" by adcoms.

 

[DbDan]

The GPA improvement is fantastic, but I don't think the 3.4 GPA will be considered "excellent" by adcoms.

He probably was referring to Jail0c or whatever his name is who has a 3.85 and a 25. This thread turned into a cluster fck when it all got merged because posts get out of place

 

[BoldAsLove]

I am a first time poster but lonnggg time sdn lurker. I was wondering if I could get some insight from you guys.
I am graduating in a couple of weeks after 3 years at my state school with a BS in Psych. Once this semester is over with, I'll have a:

3.46 Cum GPA
3.29 SGPA
-upward trend with
A's in physics 1 and 2
A in biochem
A in genetics
B+ in organic 2
A in stats 2, B in stats 1

Before the upward trend- B's in gen chem 1 and 2, C in orgo 1, C's in bio 1 and 2, and a D in Calc I 🙁

A DO letter, letter from a genetics prof, psych prof, and statistics prof.
Currently doing research at my university's smoking lab [started this past January]
Have been involved in a couple of student organizations, volunteered, & shadowed a DO.
I have worked throughout undergrad to support myself due to being cut off by the parents....long story... I left home to go to a university 6 hours away and they weren't too fond of this.

I started a kaplan course a couple of weeks ago and will take my MCAT this summer. Got a 20 on my diagnostic [can only go up from here right? lol]
I'm a Florida resident, although I don't really think it matters much for DO schools as most are private. Also, I'm hispanic, born in the dominican republic...although I don't think this helps much... from what I've seen, the urm "advantage" is more like a myth anyway.

So here are my questions: What do you guys think would be a high enough MCAT to balance my low sgpa? Do I have any hope?

About the D in Calc I... I got it my first semester in college. As the professor is notorious for failing students, I opted to attempt to retake it once I got out of here. Do I really need to retake this class? I know I'll probably have to... just looking for some opinions on this.


I think those are all the questions I have for now. Thank you all for all your help!!! I'll take any advice I can get :/

 

[Amanda21]

I am applying this upcoming cycle and I am beginning to worry about whether or not my MCAT score will be strong enough to get in somewhere

-3.96 cummulative GPA
-300 hours of shadowing, 3 different specialties
-450 hours of community service
-Vice President of our Pre-med club
-I've worked part time at 2 jobs all throughout college
-Member of 2 national honor societies
-applying to roughly 11 schools, with hopes of Western, Nova, or Ohio University (I go to college in Ohio, family lives in Los Angelos)
-Taking the MCAT May 21

So far I have taken 4 practice MCAT exams, scoring 21, 22, 24, 24. I plan on taking about 8-10 more before test day, as I am just finishing up college finals this Thursday and will have TONS more time to study. I'm just nervous that if I cant up my score, that I will just be wasting my money this year.. Any suggestions would help!

 

[jaywalk]

I am applying this upcoming cycle and I am beginning to worry about whether or not my MCAT score will be strong enough to get in somewhere

-3.96 cummulative GPA
-300 hours of shadowing, 3 different specialties
-450 hours of community service
-Vice President of our Pre-med club
-I've worked part time at 2 jobs all throughout college
-Member of 2 national honor societies
-applying to roughly 11 schools, with hopes of Western, Nova, or Ohio University (I go to college in Ohio, family lives in Los Angelos)
-Taking the MCAT May 21

So far I have taken 4 practice MCAT exams, scoring 21, 22, 24, 24. I plan on taking about 8-10 more before test day, as I am just finishing up college finals this Thursday and will have TONS more time to study. I'm just nervous that if I cant up my score, that I will just be wasting my money this year.. Any suggestions would help!

wow well done....have such stats and ec's after working 2 jobs is pretty admirable.

you are good to go...if you get around your practice scores....maybe around a 25,26ish....you could get into all schools mentioned. at least that's what i think. Your gpa will carry you a long way.

good luck 👍


PS: Don't apply thinking that you wont get in. All i know is that you have to apply to get in. So don't worry about everything else and just apply early

 

[Led Zep]

He probably was referring to Jail0c or whatever his name is who has a 3.85 and a 25. This thread turned into a cluster fck when it all got merged because posts get out of place

I agree, this thread is much too complicated to get any real feedback and know who is actually receiving the feedback. I feel every person should be an individual thread under a larger topic heading of "what are my chances?" just like on the MD portion

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

I agree, this thread is much too complicated to get any real feedback and know who is actually receiving the feedback. I feel every person should be an individual thread under a larger topic heading of "what are my chances?" just like on the MD portion

I second this, I'm not sure why this isn't the case. This is my application cycle and I've purusued the last 2 as well and these threads always turn into a huge pile of useless junk.

 

[DbDan]

I agree, this thread is much too complicated to get any real feedback and know who is actually receiving the feedback. I feel every person should be an individual thread under a larger topic heading of "what are my chances?" just like on the MD portion

I agree but until the mods agree to make a subforum for What are my Chances like in the MD portion we aren't going to get individual threads. If we did it'd just overrun the forum.

On a side note, I just got invited to interview at Western's SMP. Hopefully I'll get in and I can stop worrying about next year 👍

 

[SoulinNeed]

Pure speculation, but I'm trying to see how I would stack up when I apply. Let's say my cGPA is a 3.7, my sGPA is like a 3.4, and I get an MCAT like a 27. My ECs will be pretty normal (shadowing an MD+DO), some research, 400 hours or so of volunteer work at a local clinic. What do you guys think my chances would be for something like CCOM, or any other DO school in the US for that matter?

 

[DbDan]

Pure speculation, but I'm trying to see how I would stack up when I apply. Let's say my cGPA is a 3.7, my sGPA is like a 3.4, and I get an MCAT like a 27. My ECs will be pretty normal (shadowing an MD+DO), some research, 400 hours or so of volunteer work at a local clinic. What do you guys think my chances would be for something like CCOM, or any other DO school in the US for that matter?

I'd say you're likely competitive at every school. If you put out your application early, apply to a variety of schools you will get in somewhere. If you can get your MCAT to a 30 I'd venture to say you are a lock to get in to at least one DO school. Although thats also pure speculation on my part because it also has to do with how you present your ECs, how strong your letters are, how well you interview, etc.

 

[Jtun84]

I'm applying in the upcoming cycle and want to see if it's worth it.
MCAT 26 vr 9 bio 9 ps 8
cGPA 3.86
sGPA 3.83
4 years active duty Air Force as a helicopter gunner in a combat search and rescue unit
DO LOR waiting on an MD LOR, total shadowing is 75+ hrs 3 LORs from Science faculty and one from English Prof.
2 research projects, one was a population study of invertebrates in a restored glade and the current one is a population study of two isolated salamander populations using DNA microsatellites to determine gene flow (Both were team studies and I was not the primary researcher)
3 years of Army ROTC (very active 10-20 hours per week, at least)
Volunteer work includes ecological restoration, Habitat for Humanity, and currently I am working with disabled children doing Hippotherapy (horseback riding)
I live in Missouri and am applying very broadly 25+ schools both MD and DO, what are my chances?

 

[boone95]

I'm applying in the upcoming cycle and want to see if it's worth it.

I live in Missouri and am applying very broadly 25+ schools both MD and DO, what are my chances?

Unless you interview like a rock or have multiple felonies on your record, it's looking good for you. Is there a part of your application that you're worried about? Your MCAT isn't awesome, but it's at least average at most DO schools, so I wouldn't worry if I was you.

 

[istunn]

I'm applying in the upcoming cycle and want to see if it's worth it.
MCAT 26 vr 9 bio 9 ps 8
cGPA 3.86
sGPA 3.83
4 years active duty Air Force as a helicopter gunner in a combat search and rescue unit
DO LOR waiting on an MD LOR, total shadowing is 75+ hrs 3 LORs from Science faculty and one from English Prof.
2 research projects, one was a population study of invertebrates in a restored glade and the current one is a population study of two isolated salamander populations using DNA microsatellites to determine gene flow (Both were team studies and I was not the primary researcher)
3 years of Army ROTC (very active 10-20 hours per week, at least)
Volunteer work includes ecological restoration, Habitat for Humanity, and currently I am working with disabled children doing Hippotherapy (horseback riding)
I live in Missouri and am applying very broadly 25+ schools both MD and DO, what are my chances?

For MD schools, did you have to retake any classes? because those grades will average out, so I can't really comment on MD schools.

For DO school, you are basically in, but that's just my humble opinion.

 

[PsychDO]

I am wondering how I should fare with the DO admissions process.

I will be graduating in two weeks with a BS in Psychology, BA in Spanish and BA in Abnormal Child Psychology. I have a background translating at a medical hospital, lots of volunteer work with special needs students at a local high school (I was originally a special education major) and lots of research (I do nueropsychopharmacology research working with a new drug for treatment of alcoholism and am in the process of being published as a first author). My GPA will be 3.5 and I'm looking at a 30-32 on the MCAT (May 22).

My worries are that I do not have many extra science classes, since my majors did not require many (although, I have taken all of the nuerophysio and stats classes psych offers and I have 100+ hours of surgery experience, if that helps at all) and I don't know any science professors really well. I also have limited shadowing experiences- I never really took the shadowing thing seriously because my mom is an MD (director of a pediatric residency program now) and so I feel like I've done PLENTY of shadowing following her around at work and helping out with various things. I have talked to a DO that I interviewed previously and will be doing shadowing as soon as I graduate.

Sorry this is so long, I'm just curious as to where I stand in your opinions, and whether or not I should apply this cycle.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

I am a first time poster but lonnggg time sdn lurker. I was wondering if I could get some insight from you guys.
I am graduating in a couple of weeks after 3 years at my state school with a BS in Psych. Once this semester is over with, I'll have a:

3.46 Cum GPA
3.29 SGPA
-upward trend with
A's in physics 1 and 2
A in biochem
A in genetics
B+ in organic 2
A in stats 2, B in stats 1

Before the upward trend- B's in gen chem 1 and 2, C in orgo 1, C's in bio 1 and 2, and a D in Calc I 🙁

A DO letter, letter from a genetics prof, psych prof, and statistics prof.
Currently doing research at my university's smoking lab [started this past January]
Have been involved in a couple of student organizations, volunteered, & shadowed a DO.
I have worked throughout undergrad to support myself due to being cut off by the parents....long story... I left home to go to a university 6 hours away and they weren't too fond of this.

I started a kaplan course a couple of weeks ago and will take my MCAT this summer. Got a 20 on my diagnostic [can only go up from here right? lol]
I'm a Florida resident, although I don't really think it matters much for DO schools as most are private. Also, I'm hispanic, born in the dominican republic...although I don't think this helps much... from what I've seen, the urm "advantage" is more like a myth anyway.

So here are my questions: What do you guys think would be a high enough MCAT to balance my low sgpa? Do I have any hope?

About the D in Calc I... I got it my first semester in college. As the professor is notorious for failing students, I opted to attempt to retake it once I got out of here. Do I really need to retake this class? I know I'll probably have to... just looking for some opinions on this.


I think those are all the questions I have for now. Thank you all for all your help!!! I'll take any advice I can get :/

have some hope in yourself, your grades are not as bad as your tone makes it sound. A 20 is a excellent starting score on a diagnostic, and with studying, time, and patience, you will increase and do great.

Your only C's are bio 1 and 2 and Orgo 1. At this point with you graduating and preparing for MCATs, I wouldn't take them over. However, Calc is a D and clearly does not look good. But since Calc is a math class and not a science class (according to AACOMAS), it is not weighed as heavily. What I'm getting at is: Do you need to take calc over? Yes. Do you need to take it at a 4 year institution, 2 year instititution, or a community college? No. Do a google search and find an online calculus course! Just make sure the course is the same number of credits, and if you want, call AACOMAS and confirm that the course will replace the initial D.

If asked to explain it in your interview, explain how you didn't have the time to go to class since you were preparing for MCATS and didn't want to sacrifice your MCAT grade for a math grade.

This may give your cum gpa a good boost, possibly take you from 3.46 -->3.49ish depending on how many credits your original D was worth.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide.

Remember, everything you hear on SDN is just opinions, you make your own decisions at the end.

 

[Blowflu]

Cumulative GPA = 3.71
Science GPA = 3.75 (with only a B and a B+ in my last 2 years, upward trend)

MCAT = 28Q (2nd time), 26R (1st time)

Research = Currently working as a Special Project Associate at Mayo Clinic in a cancer research lab. My main project is to create cell lines from different types of Thyroid Cancer. This appointment lasts a year (from Sep. 2009 - 2010) and would probably be renewed if I requested. I also performed research in undergrad on pitcher plants, under an ecology professor. Published a thesis though the university in undergrad as well.

Shadowing = experience with pathology, anesthesiology, hematology-oncology. Most of the shadowing is in anesthesiology, and I've racked up around 30-40 hours since this past October

Volunteering = Fraternity events (mostly single days); tutoring 2 refugee kids for a semster my sophmore year. I'm sure this area could be stronger.

Honors = Graduation with baccalaureate honors (honors in major + honors with the college) at UNF; Magna Cum Laude; Deans List; National Collegiate Honor Society; Golden Key Honor Society

Leadership = V.P. of Loss Prevetion, V.P. of Scholarship, Bylaws Chair (for Frat)


That is the cliff notes of my application. I've applied for MD schools in Florida for 2 years. I got an interview at FSU this year, but I've been waitlisted with a low ranking. Also, I've gotten into St. Georges University, but unless they come up with a scholarship, I can't afford to go there. My plan is to re-take the MCAT this summer, and apply to both MD and DO this fall. Would I be competitive at DO schools, and if so, would I be a candiate for the better DO schools? Thank you for your time and help!

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Cumulative GPA = 3.71
Science GPA = 3.75 (with only a B and a B+ in my last 2 years, upward trend)

MCAT = 28Q (2nd time), 26R (1st time)

Research = Currently working as a Special Project Associate at Mayo Clinic in a cancer research lab. My main project is to create cell lines from different types of Thyroid Cancer. This appointment lasts a year (from Sep. 2009 - 2010) and would probably be renewed if I requested. I also performed research in undergrad on pitcher plants, under an ecology professor. Published a thesis though the university in undergrad as well.

Shadowing = experience with pathology, anesthesiology, hematology-oncology. Most of the shadowing is in anesthesiology, and I've racked up around 30-40 hours since this past October

Volunteering = Fraternity events (mostly single days); tutoring 2 refugee kids for a semster my sophmore year. I'm sure this area could be stronger.

Honors = Graduation with baccalaureate honors (honors in major + honors with the college) at UNF; Magna Cum Laude; Deans List; National Collegiate Honor Society; Golden Key Honor Society

Leadership = V.P. of Loss Prevetion, V.P. of Scholarship, Bylaws Chair (for Frat)


That is the cliff notes of my application. I've applied for MD schools in Florida for 2 years. I got an interview at FSU this year, but I've been waitlisted with a low ranking. Also, I've gotten into St. Georges University, but unless they come up with a scholarship, I can't afford to go there. My plan is to re-take the MCAT this summer, and apply to both MD and DO this fall. Would I be competitive at DO schools, and if so, would I be a candiate for the better DO schools? Thank you for your time and help!

U have an amazing application for DO. Ur gpa is above average for DO schools and ur mcat is also above the average 27. I'm sorry to hear that things didn't go well with the MD school, however consider applying more broadly for the next cycle. I'm certain you can land quite a few interviews at MD schools with your stats and background.

For DO schools u seem to fit in the "competitive" category for some of the harder-to-get-into schools. I would however try to get into an MD school because, facing the facts, if makes life much less difficult if you ever want to specialize or do a fellowship after your residency.

Disclaimer to those reading: Please don't turn this into a MD vs DO thread. Everything here is just opinion, if you don't like mine then stick to ur own.

Best of luck to you

 

[Blowflu]

U have an amazing application for DO. Ur gpa is above average for DO schools and ur mcat is also above the average 27. I'm sorry to hear that things didn't go well with the MD school, however consider applying more broadly for the next cycle. I'm certain you can land quite a few interviews at MD schools with your stats and background.

For DO schools u seem to fit in the "competitive" category for some of the harder-to-get-into schools. I would however try to get into an MD school because, facing the facts, if makes life much less difficult if you ever want to specialize or do a fellowship after your residency.

Disclaimer to those reading: Please don't turn this into a MD vs DO thread. Everything here is just opinion, if you don't like mine then stick to ur own.

Best of luck to you

Thank you, I appreicate the well-wishes. With that said, are there any top-tier DO schools (or any in general) that offer scholarships/aid to competitive applicants? The biggest concern I had applying to Florida DO schools was how expensive they were. Becoming a physican is my dream, but I don't want to be forced into some crazy residency just to clear a 300k debt in a reasonable period of time.

 

[BoldAsLove]

have some hope in yourself, your grades are not as bad as your tone makes it sound. A 20 is a excellent starting score on a diagnostic, and with studying, time, and patience, you will increase and do great.

Your only C's are bio 1 and 2 and Orgo 1. At this point with you graduating and preparing for MCATs, I wouldn't take them over. However, Calc is a D and clearly does not look good. But since Calc is a math class and not a science class (according to AACOMAS), it is not weighed as heavily. What I'm getting at is: Do you need to take calc over? Yes. Do you need to take it at a 4 year institution, 2 year instititution, or a community college? No. Do a google search and find an online calculus course! Just make sure the course is the same number of credits, and if you want, call AACOMAS and confirm that the course will replace the initial D.

If asked to explain it in your interview, explain how you didn't have the time to go to class since you were preparing for MCATS and didn't want to sacrifice your MCAT grade for a math grade.

This may give your cum gpa a good boost, possibly take you from 3.46 -->3.49ish depending on how many credits your original D was worth.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide.

Remember, everything you hear on SDN is just opinions, you make your own decisions at the end.

Thanks so much for your advice! I was having one of those pre-med melt down days. [Went to a really mean, negative advisor] I'm not too sure about my June 17 date, but if I feel comfortable enough to take the MCAT this June, I'll probably enroll in an online calc 1 during the second half of the summer. The one I originally took was 4 credits, so if I get an A my cum gpa will go up to a 3.52!
Another question: Do you know if DO schools would consider a statistics lor a science lor? Since they only include BCP in the sgpa, I think they may not..... It might be time to go track down my physics professors...

 

[Spanish Guitar]

First off, my apologies for my user name, which is crappy (what the heck was I thinking?) but I switched email accounts and now cannot access my first SDN account. 🙁

Anyway, I'll attempt to summarize my entire undergrad life succintly:

cGPA: 3.0
sGPA: 3.1
Pre-req GPA: 2.85

Bio I: B-
Bio II: B+
Phys I: A
Phys II: C
Org I: B
Org II: C
Chem I: A
Chem II: C

1st uGPA: 2.55 over 110 credits (according AACOMASS, 9 retakes)

2nd uGPA: 3.5 over 81 credits w/ a steady trend except for this past semester which sucked the big one (2.8cGPA).

MCAT (Love it when ppl write "MCATs"): Writing in August, 28Q on practice tests

EC's:
130 hrs of uber-close direct Pt contact in a rehab dept of Hospital (outpatient/inpatient). Current.
50 hrs ESL animator (2008)
4 years recreational program animator for children w/ special needs (2004-2008)
Day camp sports program co-ordinator (2005, one summer)
Lots of competitive intramural/house league soccer, entire life
Currently work as a personal trainer (2 years)
140 hrs summer stint of research in 2009 (learned a bunch of techniques, no actual research)
Another research stint this summer (project based)

LOR:
1 Phd, 1 DO (also my teach, believe it or not), and plan on doing some shadowing with another DO (w/ possibility of another ref).

Finally, I'm born North of the 49th and am a URM (if that's even considered a factor).

What say ye? 👍 OR 👎

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Thanks so much for your advice! I was having one of those pre-med melt down days. [Went to a really mean, negative advisor] I'm not too sure about my June 17 date, but if I feel comfortable enough to take the MCAT this June, I'll probably enroll in an online calc 1 during the second half of the summer. The one I originally took was 4 credits, so if I get an A my cum gpa will go up to a 3.52!
Another question: Do you know if DO schools would consider a statistics lor a science lor? Since they only include BCP in the sgpa, I think they may not..... It might be time to go track down my physics professors...

stats will not be counted as a science LoR...but don't quote me on it, best thing you can do is contact the schools admissions office and confirm with them.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

First off, my apologies for my user name, which is crappy (what the heck was I thinking?) but I switched email accounts and now cannot access my first SDN account. 🙁

Anyway, I'll attempt to summarize my entire undergrad life succintly:

cGPA: 3.0
sGPA: 3.1
Pre-req GPA: 2.85

Bio I: B-
Bio II: B+
Phys I: A
Phys II: C
Org I: B
Org II: C
Chem I: A
Chem II: C

1st uGPA: 2.55 over 110 credits (according AACOMASS, 9 retakes)

2nd uGPA: 3.5 over 81 credits w/ a steady trend except for this past semester which sucked the big one (2.8cGPA).

MCAT (Love it when ppl write "MCATs"): Writing in August, 28Q on practice tests

EC's:
130 hrs of uber-close direct Pt contact in a rehab dept of Hospital (outpatient/inpatient). Current.
50 hrs ESL animator (2008)
4 years recreational program animator for children w/ special needs (2004-2008)
Day camp sports program co-ordinator (2005, one summer)
Lots of competitive intramural/house league soccer, entire life
Currently work as a personal trainer (2 years)
140 hrs summer stint of research in 2009 (learned a bunch of techniques, no actual research)
Another research stint this summer (project based)

LOR:
1 Phd, 1 DO (also my teach, believe it or not), and plan on doing some shadowing with another DO (w/ possibility of another ref).

Finally, I'm born North of the 49th and am a URM (if that's even considered a factor).

What say ye? 👍 OR 👎

I'd say you have some work you need to do. first question is, why do you have two UGPAs? did you transfer schools? If so, did you start a new program when you transferred that was more science oriented? If you did, then it may look good for you having a higher gpa there.

I'll be honest with you, that last semester doesn't look very good for you with the 2.8 since it doesn't really show a positive trend of good grades. Med schools look more for students who (even if they had bad grades in the past) have been able to learn to study and now have at least 4 semesters of only good grades. If grades go up and down in those final semesters, then they may feel that the student is still learning how to study and won't do very well with the fast pace of a medical school.

If I were in your position I would ROCK the mcat (30 or above) and consider doing a post-bac to strengthen your science gpa. However if you do decide to opt for that option, make sure that you get amazing grades during the postbac. And I would recommend looking for a school that guarantees interviews to students who do their postbac at that school (for example, i think LECOM-erie does)..

Good luck..

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Thank you, I appreicate the well-wishes. With that said, are there any top-tier DO schools (or any in general) that offer scholarships/aid to competitive applicants? The biggest concern I had applying to Florida DO schools was how expensive they were. Becoming a physican is my dream, but I don't want to be forced into some crazy residency just to clear a 300k debt in a reasonable period of time.

Unfortunately DO schools aren't really ranked, and even the ones in the usnews rank are just ranked by how many students they are able to place into primary care residencies, which doesn't really say much about the school. So my advice while applying is don't really worry too much about the school ranking. The only way students really decide whats a "top-tier" school is by if its harder to get into (DMU, or PNWU looking for 27s on MCATS as opposed to LMU-DCOM or PCSOM looking for 23 and 24).

As far as scholarships, most DO schools are private schools. The only one that comes to mind that is not private is UMDNJ-SOM. For this reason, there are not that many scholarships to private schools. However private schools do offer some scholarships, just not that many, and not that much $$ in each scholarship. I would call each school and find out info about their scholarship options and ask them how much tuition is.

I wouldn't worry about residency just yet at this point. Apply everywhere you feel you can go and worry about whether you actually will go or not after you get an acceptance. No matter what residency you get it, you'll still pay off your loans, live a comfortable life financially (maybe not make $600,000 a year but you'll still be comfortable). Worry about getting in first, and then worry about residency when you need to. Otherwise you'll never get anything done.

Good luck...

 

[DPTnotMD]

Profile:​

Graduate School GPA 3.5 Doctor of Physical Therapy -Licensed PT​

Undegraduate GPA Freshman 2.8, Sophmore 2.2, Junior 3.5, Senior 3.5​

Cummalitive 3.0​

Overall 3.3 sGPA 3.130 - I have not taken Organic I or II​

Note: GPA is only including the repeat for classes in undergraduate.​

Would it be pointless for me to matriculate into a SMP since I have 274 credit hours/Doctorate degree already?​

Do I have a chance of getting in with such a low overall and science GPA. Will the DPT help in my favor.​

What's the best prep-course for the MCAT?​

Thanks everyone in advance for the advice!​

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Profile:​

Graduate School GPA 3.5 Doctor of Physical Therapy -Licensed PT​

Undegraduate GPA Freshman 2.8, Sophmore 2.2, Junior 3.5, Senior 3.5​

Cummalitive 3.0​

Overall 3.3 sGPA 3.130 - I have not taken Organic I or II​

Note: GPA is only including the repeat for classes in undergraduate.​

Would it be pointless for me to matriculate into a SMP since I have 274 credit hours/Doctorate degree already?​

Do I have a chance of getting in with such a low overall and science GPA. Will the DPT help in my favor.​

What's the best prep-course for the MCAT?​

Thanks everyone in advance for the advice!​

in my opinion the SMP would be useless since u already have ur DPT with a good gpa. I would keep things the way they are and bang out a 28+ on the MCAT. U have above a 3.0 ugpa with a 3.5 grad gpa. It'll be okay with a good mcat and awesome grades in organic.

Good study material is with Kaplan and exam krackers...

 

[stoptouchingme]

in my opinion the SMP would be useless since u already have ur DPT with a good gpa. I would keep things the way they are and bang out a 28+ on the MCAT. U have above a 3.0 ugpa with a 3.5 grad gpa. It'll be okay with a good mcat and awesome grades in organic.

Good study material is with Kaplan and exam krackers...

"...awesome grades in organic?" LOL When did med schools start caring about O Chem grades. You premeds crack me up!!!

 

[avatarftw]

a

 

[Melicopter]

I liked the Exam Krackers MCAT prep books, and I personally would aim for an MCAT score of 30+. People get in with less, but if you want to be competitive, I'd aim a little higher. My opinion, anyway. Take a lot of MCAT practice exams, as the MCAT questions are a particular style, and you'll get used to them with time.

 

[FirefighterDoc]

"...awesome grades in organic?" LOL When did med schools start caring about O Chem grades. You premeds crack me up!!!

Well your avatar cracks me up

 

[Skippygonenuts]

"...awesome grades in organic?" LOL When did med schools start caring about O Chem grades. You premeds crack me up!!!

Since it's worth 8 credits towards your science and cum gpa.

Out of curiousity, do all premeds become egotistical a-holes and start condescending everyone once they get accepted to med school?

 

[spicedmanna]

Out of curiousity, do all premeds become egotistical a-holes and start condescending everyone once they get accepted to med school?

No, not all, but some do, especially on an "anonymous" forum. That is, until medical school actually starts and begins to kick them in the nuts. Then, for most, the condescension goes away and is replaced by cynicism over time.

Let's drop it.

 

[stoptouchingme]

Since it's worth 8 credits towards your science and cum gpa.

Out of curiousity, do all premeds become egotistical a-holes and start condescending everyone once they get accepted to med school?

O Chem is a very small component of the premed experience. It's also a very small component of the MCAT. So, why in the world would medical schools look at O Chem as a critical factor? No, I am not egotistical. However, a premed who throws advice as if s/he is a medical school admissions director is very egotistical.