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

[christina30]

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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.

He hasn't taken organic yet, so obviously getting "awesome grades" in it would bring up his GPA, which is slightly lacking. Seems like common sense to me.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

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.

Oh I don't know, maybe since it's a prereq for us stupid premeds. And advice on this forum is nothing more than opinion...which is only worth as much as u make of it. If u don't understand that by now then maybe u shouldn't spend ur free time here.

And when gpa is near the 3.0 border then it is a critical factor since this grade will either put u above or below the 3.0.

But I guess I'll wait till I'm an admissions director before I write any form of common sense..

Don't u have studying to do or something?

 

[ManUnderFire]

easy there ppl! Remember...the OP had a child! Studying for the MCAT sucks the big one, now throw in a child into the mix and that my friends, is the pits.

It seems that you lack motivation b/c ur frustrated with past results. We've all been there. But forget about the past! Well, actually, first analyze the past and then forget about it. You have to understand which topics/subjects/types of questions trip you up. Emphasize reviewing those thoroughly. There is no point studying crap you already know. Medicine is all about balance, afterall.

Take the test when you're capable of giving a lecture in all each section. If you can't, you're probably not ready. Don't add to your frustration by doing something that you're unprepared to do. I know a few friends that rushed their *ss trying to take this friggin' test only to bomb and then lament as to why they tanked.

The biggest lesson I've learned through this entire stinkin' process is that, amongst the million dichotomies that exist in life, one rings true everytime:

There are TWO kinds of ppl in life, the trained and the untrained. The choice as to which category you'll fall under depends on you, and you alone. Don't give up. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off. The road to docterhood is long and tedious, but nothing (and I mean nothing) truly worth working for is easy. Above all, stay positive and quash even the smallest thought of self-doubt, self pity, etc.

Remember why you're doing all this to begin with.

Best of luck.

 

[BritfutureDO]

Hey
I would suggets using the Examkrackers books, they are only about $300 for the entire set. I had both the Kaplan online course and the Examkrackers and even though I did all the Kaplan classes I still felt like the Examkrackers was better.

Also just so that you are aware, the AAMC practice exams are not as good a determination of your score as the Kaplan practice exams. Before I took the MCAT I took both AAMC and Kaplan and the tests are very different. The AAMC tends to be easier, but surprisingly the actualy MCAT is very similar to the Kaplan practice exams.

Also take lots of Kaplan practice exams because a lot of the questions on the exam are very similar to the ones that they have.

Good Luck

 

[Nate4140]

Hello all,
I am applying for med schools (DO) this year. I have yet to take the MCAT. I am currently scheduled for May 21st, but don't think i'll be ready. I can reschedule for June 17th but i wont recieve my scores till july 17th i think? Is this too late to apply? Should i try on may 21st even though i'll get a lower score? I think that with my experience that once i get an interview i should be fine, just wondering the advantages and disadvantages are. Thanks!! i need the help!
Nate

 

[FutureCTDoc]

Hello all,
I am applying for med schools (DO) this year. I have yet to take the MCAT. I am currently scheduled for May 21st, but don't think i'll be ready. I can reschedule for June 17th but i wont recieve my scores till july 17th i think? Is this too late to apply? Should i try on may 21st even though i'll get a lower score? I think that with my experience that once i get an interview i should be fine, just wondering the advantages and disadvantages are. Thanks!! i need the help!
Nate

No Stats. No Answer. If you're a borderline candidate early is better, July isn't super late, however you may have a bad MCAT score etc. Apply early and let the schools wait on the MCAT. BTW stats?

 

[jal06c]

Hello all,
I am applying for med schools (DO) this year. I have yet to take the MCAT. I am currently scheduled for May 21st, but don't think i'll be ready. I can reschedule for June 17th but i wont recieve my scores till july 17th i think? Is this too late to apply? Should i try on may 21st even though i'll get a lower score? I think that with my experience that once i get an interview i should be fine, just wondering the advantages and disadvantages are. Thanks!! i need the help!
Nate

DO NOT take the MCAT until you are ready! If you need to take it on the later date, so be it. You say that if you get an interview, that your experiences would help you. So I am assuming that you have some pretty strong EC's. You could always submit your application in mid-May, so that you get verified faster, and then when your MCAT scores get released, your primary will be complete. Then not only will you have more confidence in your MCAT scores but you won't be applying "late" either.

 

[Mzeep]

Not sure if this is the right place to be asking this, but here goes...

I have to retake a cell bio class, but I can't find a school offering the course for this summer. Would schools screen me out because I have a C- in a science class? and what happens if I am not able to retake (assuming I don't get into the class)?

I def want to retake it, it's just frustrating that I can't seem to find an open class anywhere so I'm trying to think of the worst case scenario lol.

Thanks!

 

[aml04143]

Throwing myself out there!

c/o 2008
maj: biology
min: french, health care administration
cGPA: 3.21
sGPA: 2.76
nsGPA: 3.74
MCAT: 06/17/2010

Bio I/Bio II B+/B
Gen Chem I/Gen Chem II C/B-
Orgo I/Orgo II C+/C+
Physics I/Physics II B/A-
Genetics D
Biochemistry C

Study Abroad: JR yr, Paris; lived with French-only speaking family and took all semester coursework in French (6 classes)

UG ECs:
president of pre-med society, biology society, colleges against cancer, relay for life, numerous blood drives/bone marrow drives, special olympics volunteer, mspca animal shelter volunteer; also worked 2 on-campus jobs (library and tour guide)

UG Internships:
1) shadowing mult MDs in hospital setting (radiology, cardiology, OB/GYN, orthopedic surgery)

2) public health internship: National Health Service Corps SEARCH Program (shadowed PCP who cared for inmates in prison, didactic sessions, rotations in culturally-diverse community based systems of care)

Work:
1) one year of hands-on clinical work in pediatric cardiology (vitals, EKGs, echos, etc); work daily with MD/NP/PA/RNs in outpatient and inpatient setting

2) going on one year of clinical research (both retrospective and prospective) in pediatric cardiology with a couple papers/posters

Extras:
1) speak fairly fluent French and American Sign Language
2) runner: numerous 5K and 10Ks, 4 half marathons, 1 full marathon

Planning on applying broadly/widely to both MD and DO although I will probably get screened out of MD schools because of sGPA; retaking Genetics......

Thoughts?Thanks for any input 🙂

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Not sure if this is the right place to be asking this, but here goes...

I have to retake a cell bio class, but I can't find a school offering the course for this summer. Would schools screen me out because I have a C- in a science class? and what happens if I am not able to retake (assuming I don't get into the class)?

I def want to retake it, it's just frustrating that I can't seem to find an open class anywhere so I'm trying to think of the worst case scenario lol.

Thanks!

This isnlt always the best option but have u considered taking an online course? As long as most of ur other grades r good, an online course shouldn't hinder ur application

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Throwing myself out there!

c/o 2008
maj: biology
min: french, health care administration
cGPA: 3.21
sGPA: 2.76
nsGPA: 3.74
MCAT: 06/17/2010

study abroad: JR yr, Paris; lived with French-only speaking family and took all semester coursework in French (6 classes)

ECs: president of pre-med society, biology society, colleges against cancer, relay for life, numerous blood drives/bone marrow drives, special olympics volunteer, mspca animal shelter volunteer; also worked 2 on-campus jobs (library and tour guide)

Internships:
shadowing mult MDs in hospital setting (radiology, cardiology, OB/GYN, orthopedic surgery)
public health internship: National Health Service Corps SEARCH Program (shadowed PCP who cared for inmates in prison, didactic sessions, rotations in culturally-diverse community based systems of care)

Work:

You have some good stuff and a strong nsgpa but I'm worried the admissions committee will be blinded by ur science gpa. All schools look for at least a 3.0 and up on sci and cum gpa. Consider retaking whatever classes that r bringing down ur science gpa so much since AACOMAS will simply replace the old grade wit the newer one. If its more than one class, its better to retake the classes that are worth the most credits since they'll raise ur gpa faster.

Don't forget about the MCAT. I feel that you would need a high-20 to feel comfortable.

Good luck

 

[aml04143]

Sorry, for whatever reason the end of my post got cut off the first time. Should I retake more than just Genetics? I've heard C- or C and lower...

 

[jal06c]

Sorry, for whatever reason the end of my post got cut off the first time. Should I retake more than just Genetics? I've heard C- or C and lower...

I agree with Skippygonenuts. You have to try to raise that sGPA, so consider retaking any classes you got C's in and definitely retake genetics. The rest of your application looks solid, but the sGPA is a killer. Good luck on the MCAT!

 

[Revenant]

I admittedly applied extremely late in the 2009-2010 cycle. As luck would have it, I was granted an interview at College X (which happened to be my preferred institution). The problem is...the interview date is after the AACOMAS 2010-2011 cycle has already begun.

Question 1: Should I essentially blow $300 on the next cycle making sure I apply in the first weeks when I am still a viable candidate for this year?

Question 2: If I reapply before getting news of my status at College X should I be reapplying at their school even if I'm still viable for the 2009-2010 period?

 

[ShinyDome19]

My opinion is this:

Since its pretty late in the application cycle to be interviewing, figure out what the probability of being accepted vs waitlisted vs rejected are. Depending on what school your interviewing at, for instance, if your interview is at WCU, which according to the forums has only ~50ish students who put down their deposit (meaning roughly 50% of the class is potentially filled), the probability of getting an acceptance and waitlist are much higher than a rejection and as such, might be worth waiting a couple weeks to send in your application for the next cycle. However, if your interviewing at another school which has likely already filled its requirement for its classes and are likely looking for waitlist positions, then I would definately submit my next application since if you are waitlisted, you could be waiting several weeks to months to hear you finally got in or not...not worth it in my opinion.

I dont remember how many schools the $300 dollar application includes, but if your chance of getting an outright acceptance is low, I would atleast submit the AACOMAS application for the next cycle with 1 school listed on it (preferably your top choice). This way your application will get processed fairly quickly. You can always add other schools to the application later in the cycle should you so need. Trust me, you dont want to submit your application a month or two into the cycle, AACOMAS ends up getting jammed up with applications around this time and has a turn around of ~7-8 weeks...

 

[Everglide]

Depends on how late your interview is.

I would at least fill out AACOMAS again and wait on submitting. If you don't hear back from the interview after sometime in late June, it would benefit you to go ahead and submit round #2... assuming you can afford it.

 

[zetabetazeta]

I think I'm so screwed up. I just got my MCAT score back, 27P, and it was actually two points lower than the first one. I'm going to apply to medical schools next month, but I don't know what to do now.

1st MCAT: 29Q V7 PS12 BS10

2nd MCAT: 27P V6 PS12 BS9

I feel so stupid right now. I am really worried about that 6 on verbal. Will it kill my chance for most DO schools? Will DO schools take the highest MCAT score or the most recent one? Maybe I should just start calling schools. Someone, please tell me you got in somewhere with a verbal 6.

I feel like crying at this moment 🙁

 

[singinfifi]

I think I'm so screwed up. I just got my MCAT score back, 27P, and it was actually two points lower than the first one. I'm going to apply to medical schools next month, but I don't know what to do now.

1st MCAT: 29Q V7 PS12 BS10

2nd MCAT: 27P V6 PS12 BS9

I feel so stupid right now. I am really worried about that 6 on verbal. Will it kill my chance for most DO schools? Will DO schools take the highest MCAT score or the most recent one? Maybe I should just start calling schools. Someone, please tell me you got in somewhere with a verbal 6.

I feel like crying at this moment 🙁

Don't cry! That won't help anything! (i don't mean that to sound harsh, I wanted to sound reassuring)

I don't know the answers to your questions. My personal opinion is to call the schools you're interested in and see if they prescreen for scores in a subject below a certain number and see what their MCAT policy is.
I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help. Maybe someone else can. Good luck!

 

[singinfifi]

Depends on how strapped you are.
If that 300.00 means you can't eat
If that 300.00 means you can't go out to eat for dinner for a few meals (more then a few but you get my drift) then do it.
If you feel like you just don't want to feel like "potentially throwing away 300.00" I'd do it. It's a drop in the bucket once you're accepted somewhere.

I would do it if it were me. Then again I paid a deposit at a school while waiting for an interview at my first choice. When the interviewed (and subsequently accepted me) I wound up just losing a 2,000 deposit.

I would not apply to college X for the next cycle before their interview. Wait on that. If they reject you THEN add them to your list.

I just reread this and realized I sounded like this was the only option. These are just my opinions/what I'd do 🙂 Good luck with your interview!!! 🙂

 

[mspeedwagon]

I'm not sure if I can be of much help, but do a search for Chocolate Bear (an SDN poster) and I believe he has a link to what scores get you screened out at each school.

Your initial scores were ok, so re-taking wasn't the best approach, but what is done is done. I'd go ahead and apply and sign up for another re-take. Unfortunately the 6 is going to hurt.

I think I'm so screwed up. I just got my MCAT score back, 27P, and it was actually two points lower than the first one. I'm going to apply to medical schools next month, but I don't know what to do now.

1st MCAT: 29Q V7 PS12 BS10

2nd MCAT: 27P V6 PS12 BS9

I feel so stupid right now. I am really worried about that 6 on verbal. Will it kill my chance for most DO schools? Will DO schools take the highest MCAT score or the most recent one? Maybe I should just start calling schools. Someone, please tell me you got in somewhere with a verbal 6.

I feel like crying at this moment 🙁

 

[zetabetazeta]

Don't cry! That won't help anything! (i don't mean that to sound harsh, I wanted to sound reassuring)

I don't know the answers to your questions. My personal opinion is to call the schools you're interested in and see if they prescreen for scores in a subject below a certain number and see what their MCAT policy is.
I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help. Maybe someone else can. Good luck!

Thank you for your input. I just called Western, PCOM, and NYCOM. I think I will be screened out by PCOM because they need at least an 8 for each section. But I'm still good for other schools cuz they will take my highest score instead.

I guess I was just depressed and desperate especially I actually studied so much harder than the first time. 🙁 but I'm definitely feeling so much better now. I have to learn from my mistakes and move on.

 

[Cheshyre]

Take a deep breath. Good? What is your goal? Focus.

It's the end of April. If you started studying now, took the MCAT at the end of June, had your scores in hand by late July to be attached to an AACOMAS application that's ready to go... you'd have your secondaries in hand by August and all out within a few weeks. It wouldn't be a killer if your application was pretty good otherwise.

In any case, that schedule would give you two months to study hard for the MCAT and one month to write your application. Modify it how you wish. For what it's worth, from what I've seen most successful MCAT takers study at least 2-3 months before their first taking of the MCAT.

The MCAT, in my opinion, is standardized and therefore fully predictable. Put in the time - review your week areas and just take practice exams. Once you've finished all of your exams, do them again. If you're not scoring 40+ on each one, you haven't gleaned all of the information you can out of them yet. I recommend a mix of AAMC exams and some from whichever test-prep company you prefer.

On the other hand, a 27 really isn't that bad as far as DO schools go. If you have a strong GPA, LORs, extracurriculars, and volunteering, I'd say that you would have no problem getting into at least a few schools.

BTW, what's your avatar? It seems really familiar..

 

[DocHomer]

As long as your GPA is solid, my feeling is that you should be OK. Just remember to apply broadly.

 

[DocHomer]

Hmmm...I have to disagree with all the people telling you to retake. I would just apply.

 

[JRainey]

I would apply early and apply broadly.

The V6 isn't stellar, but my PS was around the same and I'm proof that if you find the right school and have killer EC's and GPA that you will be able to get in. Don't fret too much, just make sure your app is killer by every other standard and you should hopefully get some interviews...if you can get to the interview, make a good impression and show your dedication and focus and you'll be good to go.

 

[zetabetazeta]

Take a deep breath. Good? What is your goal? Focus.

It's the end of April. If you started studying now, took the MCAT at the end of June, had your scores in hand by late July to be attached to an AACOMAS application that's ready to go... you'd have your secondaries in hand by August and all out within a few weeks. It wouldn't be a killer if your application was pretty good otherwise.

In any case, that schedule would give you two months to study hard for the MCAT and one month to write your application. Modify it how you wish. For what it's worth, from what I've seen most successful MCAT takers study at least 2-3 months before their first taking of the MCAT.

The MCAT, in my opinion, is standardized and therefore fully predictable. Put in the time - review your week areas and just take practice exams. Once you've finished all of your exams, do them again. If you're not scoring 40+ on each one, you haven't gleaned all of the information you can out of them yet. I recommend a mix of AAMC exams and some from whichever test-prep company you prefer.

On the other hand, a 27 really isn't that bad as far as DO schools go. If you have a strong GPA, LORs, extracurriculars, and volunteering, I'd say that you would have no problem getting into at least a few schools.

BTW, what's your avatar? It seems really familiar..

My weak area is VERBAL! 🙁 English is not my first language and I've only been in the US for four years (3 years and 10 months actually). I do want to improve my verbal but there is no way to improve it in two months. Plus I'm a slow reader and I always intend to read and re-read. 🙁

Yea, I'm not worried about that 27 but I do worry about that 6 on verbal section. I called a couple of schools and they told me they will take my highest score (which makes me believe most schools will take my highest score?) but I still have to explain why I scored lower on my second MCAT.

My avatar pic? well, I actually don't know. I just "stole" it from some random websites (but I think it's drawn by a Japanese artist, I guess, lol)

 

[zetabetazeta]

Hmmm...I have to disagree with all the people telling you to retake. I would just apply.

Yea, I won't retake it unless I don't get in anywhere and have to re-apply next year.

 

[zetabetazeta]

I would apply early and apply broadly.

The V6 isn't stellar, but my PS was around the same and I'm proof that if you find the right school and have killer EC's and GPA that you will be able to get in. Don't fret too much, just make sure your app is killer by every other standard and you should hopefully get some interviews...if you can get to the interview, make a good impression and show your dedication and focus and you'll be good to go.

Thank you. I feel so much better now 😛

 

[zetabetazeta]

As long as your GPA is solid, my feeling is that you should be OK. Just remember to apply broadly.

I posted my ECs on "what are my chances" forum before. They all told me it looked good. My GPA is good. cGPA: 3.85 sGPA: 3.75 (but I spent the first two years in a community college though, had almost a 4.0). Anyway, I'm not as depressed as one hour ago. And I know I will be perfectly fine by tomorrow. Again, thank you so much! Thank you for being so nice to me.

 

[bigyihoroi]

Thank you for your input. I just called Western, PCOM, and NYCOM. I think I will be screened out by PCOM because they need at least an 8 for each section. But I'm still good for other schools cuz they will take my highest score instead.

I guess I was just depressed and desperate especially I actually studied so much harder than the first time. 🙁 but I'm definitely feeling so much better now. I have to learn from my mistakes and move on.

Really??? I don't think PCOM will screen you out because I got in with a 5 in verbal. By the way, one of my friends at PCOM had the same situation. He got multiple interviews. I would say just apply and see what happen instead of sitting here and worrying about it.

 

[DocHomer]

I posted my ECs on "what are my chances" forum before. They all told me it looked good. My GPA is good. cGPA: 3.85 sGPA: 3.75 (but I spent the first two years in a community college though, had almost a 4.0). Anyway, I'm not as depressed as one hour ago. And I know I will be perfectly fine by tomorrow. Again, thank you so much! Thank you for being so nice to me.

Your GPA is great. Just do a good job on the rest of your app and you'll be fine. No worries.

 

[zetabetazeta]

Really??? I don't think PCOM will screen you out because I got in with a 5 in verbal. By the way, one of my friends at PCOM had the same situation. He got multiple interviews. I would say just apply and see what happen instead of sitting here and worrying about it.

Your Avatar pic is cute, lol. I called PCOM about one hour ago. That lady was like "In order to be competitive, you need at least an 8 for each section". I guess they might not screen me out but a low verbal is still gonna hurt me. Anyway, there is nothing I can do now. I'm just going to apply and see what happens..😳

 

[JRainey]

Thank you. I feel so much better now 😛

Point of my post was simply if you are determined enough to get in it will happen! It by no means happened over night for me, but you've got a good score, solid gpa, ec's, etc. so you have a good application and a good shot to get in!

 

[bigyihoroi]

Your Avatar pic is cute, lol. I called PCOM about one hour ago. That lady was like "In order to be competitive, you need at least an 8 for each section". I guess they might not screen me out but a low verbal is still gonna hurt me. Anyway, there is nothing I can do now. I'm just going to apply and see what happens..😳

Yea. I am sure the low verbal score will hurt. But remember, you are applying to osteopathic medical school now, they will look at the applicant as a whole person like the way osteopathic physican treats patients. So as long as your whole package is hot and you rock the interview with good communication skillz, you have a pretty decent chance.

By the way, they said you need a 8 to be competitive, that doesn't mean they won't consider you or screen you out if you don't have an 8 in each section...good luck

 

[ShinyDome19]

I would not apply to college X for the next cycle before their interview. Wait on that. If they reject you THEN add them to your list.

I would think the OP is probably safe applying to college X in the next cycle since AACOMAS has a 4-6 week turnaround time in getting the application processed. The OP would likely hear back with an acceptance/rejection/waitlist from the school before his/her application even got looked at by AACOMAS.

 

[willen101383]

Hey I will put it out there....I got into medical school with a cGPA of 2.8X because my undergrad was so low...and it was impossible to pull up to a 3.0 even with a full MS worth of almost all As. If the rest of your "portfolio" is good you will be fine getting into medical school.

I know a girl very well who got into Michigan State MD AND DO with a 24 on her MCAT. True story. So keep your head up!

ZBZ just to throw this in there: your biggest issue @ PCOM is going to be your cali status IMO. I am headed there in the fall and know they are very very big on in staters.

 

[Superman DO]

If it makes you feel better, I got a 6 on verbal and still got in. And your score is still higher than mine. I think the rest of my application helped me out because my MCAT was just embarrassing if you ask me. I was ill-prepared for the verbal section and was practicing with the wrong kind of material. It actually never even came up during my interview. I tried much harder to shine in the rest of my application, especially my essays. It may hurt you when it comes to schools screening out people, but just to let you know, you still have a shot. . .good luck!

 

[christina30]

I wouldn't have retaken to begin with - I got into NYCOM with a 29L (the poor WS was, hopefully, offset by a 12 on the VS and a good personal statement/secondary). They usually pre-screen for about a 27 - obviously it's possible to get in with a lower score, but 27 for this past cycle was what they were looking for. DOn't lose hope - you still have a decent chance, especially if your GPA is good.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

Just got my scores today...

so... i'm kinda bummed. i got a 23 R. 7 VR 8 PS 8 BS. This was a fluke. I know I didn't do so well because of the caffeine induced anxiety attack I had during the PS and VR sections. It was so bad at one point that I thought I was going to pass out. I probably should've voided but I was hoping for the best. The R for the writing score is great, too bad it doesn't count for more.

It sucks, but at least retaking is an option.

3.2 gpa
3.3 sgpa

150 hours shadowing (mostly family medicine, some ortho)
about 100 hours clinical volunteering
some other community service
100+ research hours
numerous poster presentations
a few other ec's (mdapps has most of them)

so is this current MCAT going to kill me? i'm pretty positive i'm going to retake, but i want some feed back from the gurus.

 

[Lewist02]

Thank you for your input. I just called Western, PCOM, and NYCOM. I think I will be screened out by PCOM because they need at least an 8 for each section. But I'm still good for other schools cuz they will take my highest score instead.

I guess I was just depressed and desperate especially I actually studied so much harder than the first time. 🙁 but I'm definitely feeling so much better now. I have to learn from my mistakes and move on.

I know for some reason they say they require 8's in each section, but I only had a 7 in PS at was accepted. I have no affiliation to the school besides being a regular applicant. Go for it.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

I know for some reason they say they require 8's in each section, but I only had a 7 in PS at was accepted. I have no affiliation to the school besides being a regular applicant. Go for it.

that's good to know.

 

[boone95]

Just got my scores today...

so... i'm kinda bummed. i got a 23 R. 7 VR 8 PS 8 BS. This was a fluke. I know I didn't do so well because of the caffeine induced anxiety attack I had during the PS and VR sections. It was so bad at one point that I thought I was going to pass out. I probably should've voided but I was hoping for the best. The R for the writing score is great, too bad it doesn't count for more.

It sucks, but at least retaking is an option.

3.2 gpa
3.3 sgpa

so is this current MCAT going to kill me? i'm pretty positive i'm going to retake, but i want some feed back from the gurus.

If you really think it was a fluke and you can do better, you should retake it. Your MCAT and GPA are below average, so bumping your MCAT would be mighty beneficial.

The rest of your app looks pretty decent though (although I don't know the details, at least you haven't been a slacker in the EC area).

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

thanks. yeah, i'm retaking july 8th. one redeeming quality of my GPA is the last 4 semesters I had about a 3.6. 3 of those semesters were with 18 credits each.


edit: i'm guessing it's still to my greatest advantage to apply as soon as possible and then update schools with my new MCAT score...?

 

[roadrunr]

I think I'm so screwed up. I just got my MCAT score back, 27P, and it was actually two points lower than the first one. I'm going to apply to medical schools next month, but I don't know what to do now.

1st MCAT: 29Q V7 PS12 BS10

2nd MCAT: 27P V6 PS12 BS9

I feel so stupid right now. I am really worried about that 6 on verbal. Will it kill my chance for most DO schools? Will DO schools take the highest MCAT score or the most recent one? Maybe I should just start calling schools. Someone, please tell me you got in somewhere with a verbal 6.

I feel like crying at this moment 🙁

osu takes your best overall score, lecom takes most recent. 7 is the minimum for most schools. so it varies. kaplans verbal book helped me go from 9-10 on the practice tests to an 11 on my first test and a 13 on the retake. i think it would be worth giving a try.

 

[kdhmed]

Oh those MD/PhD students...

 

[DbDan]

Re-applicant here. I'm currently on 2 wait lists so I could potentially get in for C/O 2014 but because I'm never confident about anything I'm going to be re-applying come Monday. Here are my stats along with plan.

Major: Physiological Science
cGPA [last cycle/this cycle/after summer]: 2.80/2.88/2.92
sGPA [last cycle/this cycle/after summer]: 2.79/2.9/2.99
MCAT: 33N
Summer grades assume a retake and subsequent A of a class I got a C in the first time through that was 5 units. I am only enrolled in 1 class 2 days a week right now but if I do wind up moving closer to the school (right now its an hr drive without traffic each way) like I plan to if I don't get off a waitlist I plan on finding one more class to enroll in that I got a C in. Assuming its a 4 unit class and another A I'd have a cGPA of 2.96 and a sGPA of 3.05.

LORs:
1 Outstanding letter from Lab PI (MD/PhD) where I did volunteer research (he sent it to me so its the only I have actually seen but he says in it I'm one of the brightest young people he's ever seen in his time working as a professor at UCLA/USC/UCSF med schools go me )
1 Letter from Phy Sci Professor who I had taken a few classes with, worked out with and knew me much better than other professors.
1 Letter from Psychology Professor (non-science/humanities)
1 Letter from Chemistry Professor
1 Letter from Manager at the gym I worked for 2.5 years (not sure how to use this but I'm sure its good because he loved me)
1 Letter from a DO that I met with a couple of times through AOA Mentorship. (I'm not sure this letter is all that astounding since he did not know me well but was used last year because I needed a DO letter to even apply)

Planning on getting letters from both the DO who I work for in the Dr's office as well as from the Registered EEG Tech that is my supervisor at the Hospital. I'm going to ask to see if the Epileptologist will co-sign it (hopefully) because it will carry more weight but my direct supervisor is much more familiar with my work. I see the Dr maybe 5 minutes a day if that.

UG ECs:
1 year Volunteer Microbiology research w/ Virus vectors including being involved with a chemotherapy/cancer project which is hopefully moving forward to clinical trials. (unfortunately no publications as of yet and even then I'd be low on the list)
5 years Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity - many positions held
American College of Sports Medicine Conferences as an attendee
Church Smallgroup leader for first 2 years in college, member of the church for 9 years now.
6 months "Reading to Kids" volunteering - 2 saturdays per month, 5hrs/day
6 months Habitat for Humanity volunteering - organized a large group of 15 people to work with delivery and stocking at a Habitat re-store, 6hrs/day 2 days/month

Work:
2.5 years supervisor in on campus gym
**ongoing** 1 year as an Epilepsy Monitoring Technician in a level 4 epilepsy center ~28hrs/wk resulting in ~1500hrs of direct acute care and supervision of patients
**ongoing** 9 months as Front Office/Medical Assistant ~15hrs/wk resulting in ~600hrs of working directly with a physician (DO) in a primary care/urgent care office

Extras:
Powerlifting Team
Ironbruin Triathlon
Epilepsy Case Conferences (voluntary, not required by job)

I think I'm going to apply to 13 schools this year. Removing some of the ones I applied to last year for one reason or another and applying to a few new ones. What do any of you think of this list?

Re-applying
AZCOM
CCOM
LECOM-B
LECOM-E/SH
Nova
PCOM
Touro-Ca
Western-Ca

New Apps
Western-Oregon (I think this is open this year)
KCOM
OSUCOM

Possibly
DMU
KCUCOM
Touro-NV -> I'm waitlisted here for 2010 but based on their CoA of 75k I came away slightly unimpressed. I don't really know about this
NYCOM -> Debatable here but I love NY, still trying to decide on this one. I grew up on long island

EDIT: Damn Long post lol

 

[christina30]

I don't think anyone is arguing that his organic chemistry grade is important simply because its Ochem. The idea is this: it's worth a lot of credits, and an A can make a huge difference in an otherwise non-competitive GPA.

 

[NAVYLABTECH08]

28+ is nice, but just make sure you have nothing less than 24. Everyone on this thread likes to 28++++ for DO schools. This is not needed, especially with your DPT. 3.5 grad GPA +24 or 25 means multiple acceptances for you at DO level. Just apply early and broad. If you want MD, you need nothing Less than 28 or 29 and you "should" get in somewhere if you apply early and broad.

 

[da Vincis World]

Historically, Organic Chemistry has been used by medical schools a strong indicator course, arguably out of proportion to other courses. In many ways it has become less important as other upper level biology course such as molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry have become popular. This can be scene best by both the lesser importance Organic Chemistry has taken on the MCAT and by the trend of biochemistry accepted in lieu of second semester Organic Chemistry.

Despite all that, there is a perception that it is still a key course. My perception is that the culture of med schools and adcoms are slow to change. Check with specific schools that you are interested in and see what they suggest you do to improve. Do not be shy about contacting them.

Lesser than what? The BS section on my MCAT, last July, was about half OChem.

 

[175961]

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

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.

how carefully are you even reading the posts??? Especially the OP. If you were actually reading them you would have seen that he hasnt taken ochem, so naturally an "awesome" grade in ochem would help out his gpa. So the post quoted below should now make some sense to you, ok....you got it? Are you sure? Need a little help?

He hasn't taken organic yet, so obviously getting "awesome grades" in it would bring up his GPA, which is slightly lacking. Seems like common sense to me.