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

[Corpsman Up]

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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.

Ouch...

Christina- 1
arrogant med student prick- 0

 

[ShinyDome19]

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

Yeah, ill back that up... My first three passages in the BS section were straight up OCHEM... not cool AMCAS...not cool.

 

[Lewist02]

haha...this thread is slightly funny. Take all of the classes you need to apply. Retake any class you got below a C in (in all reality, bringing one or even two classes from a C to an A would not be a huge difference in your GPA). Do AS WELL AS POSSIBLE on the MCAT. I promise you not a single one of us can tell you exactly what score you would need.......and in all seriousness - don't worry about O-Chem. It's not a deal breaker for admissions. My friend got C's in both and was accepted to multiple schools. It's about the overall application. Make yourself the best applicant on paper overall and you'll give yourself the best shot for an interview.

 

[MURedHawk10]

These past few months I have been looking at this website because people seem to give great advice and it appears to be very useful for pre-med students so I thought I would ask for advice. I just now finished my second year of under grad and my cGPA is a 3.00 and sGPA is 2.7...... I am just wondering if I have dug myself in too much of a hole to get into an osteopathic medical school. My adviser is not too optimistic when I talk to him which really gets me down. I have had an upward tend since my first semester, I received a 2.4, then a 3.0, then a 3.3 and now a 3.4. I have been doing research through the university as well. I am planning on shadowing a DO this summer. Any advice/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advanced.

 

[christina30]

These past few months I have been looking at this website because people seem to give great advice and it appears to be very useful for pre-med students so I thought I would ask for advice. I just now finished my second year of under grad and my cGPA is a 3.00 and sGPA is 2.7...... I am just wondering if I have dug myself in too much of a hole to get into an osteopathic medical school. My adviser is not too optimistic when I talk to him which really gets me down. I have had an upward tend since my first semester, I received a 2.4, then a 3.0, then a 3.3 and now a 3.4. I have been doing research through the university as well. I am planning on shadowing a DO this summer. Any advice/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advanced.

A lot of pre-med advisors are pretty rough on students - I had similar experiences and so did most of my peers. I think if you keep the upward trend going and score well on the MCAT, you'll be competitive for DO schools, at least.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Yeah, rule #1 in applying to med school should be don't listen to advisers. You still have another two years of undergrad to improve the gpa.

 

[NAVYLABTECH08]

Bump that fool. He/she is just mad because they did not get into med school when they applied. Just keep that upward trend going. Aim for nothing less that a 3.4 and 26 mcat. Those are average for DO schools. form MD, shoot for a 30 and >3.4. Of course, these are just averages. committees tend to look at applicants as a whole. Keep up the good work.

 

[Jumpman04]

.

 

[Mesican24]

I think if English is your third language you will get a little bit of empathy (or so I have been told). you're other stats are pretty good and are very competitive. But I am unsure of where they draw the line with individual scores. I would make sure that you empasize that you are multilingual and are fluent in english, but it is your 3rd language when writing your personal statement. It might help more than you expect.

Maybe if you called an admissions office and asked them what their cutoff is. Some schools say its an 8, but im not sure if thats MD or DO or both. Im sure it couldnt hurt, and you could also apply next cycle and see what happens. You never know. Thats my best advice, and I am sure that other people will know this answer better.

 

[Dr Yiot]

I am in a difficult situation as my fiance and I would actually prefer moving out of state, however I understand that most schools do have some sort of regional preference and take out of state students that are above average in stats. So I am looking at which schools to apply in order to increase my chance of acceptance. I have a unique story and have done a post bacc at my institution which has raised my GPA significantly. However it still isn't that admirable on paper. I do have a good list of Extracurriculars and have accumulated them over my college career. So here goes...

cGPA 3.3 Sci 2.94 MCAT = took it on 4/10/10 waiting for scores to get back.

4 LOR's 1 from Bio ,1 from Advisor(also a bio teacher), 1 from Music teacher, 1 from MD. I also have one from a math professor however it wasn't an upper level math so I doubt I will be using it. I am also going to attempt to get one from my biochem professor as well.

NJ resident

Extra curriculars (unfortunately no research)
Shadowed Neurosurgeon 20 hours
Shadowed Pediatric Cardiologist 8 hours
Hospital Volunteer ED 200 hours
Nursing Home Volunteer 40 hours
Deans list a few semesters

Work Experience
Personal Trainer (lost 100 lbs sophomore->senior year)
Head Pool Attendant
Vitamin Shoppe Health Enthusiast


I am currently in the process of attaining a letter from a DO as I only have one from the neurosurgeon who is an MD. I am also waiting for my mcat scores to come back in about 10 days. I am hoping I pull upper twentys however I felt like crap coming out of the exam which is appearantly a normal feeling after taking lol. I have rescheduled the exam in case I am not satisfied with my scores. Another issue I am having is finances to apply. I am not the most wealthy individual and I am unsure of how much money it takes to send out a primary app. However I guess we will find out. I am hoping you guys can give me some advice on which schools to apply to given my situation and which schools to say isn't worth it considering money is an important factor( I have looked at instate vs. out of state schools from chocolate bears app). I am working now so I might have to apply for verification and then add on schools as paychecks come in. Anyway, I really don't have a number one choice as I would be happy to attend any of these institutions. Also regarding my upward trend, the final year of college I pulled a 3.6 both semesters and the last 2 semesters of my one year post bacc I have pulled a 4.0 despite starting college off with the first few years at a disrespectfull 2.3. It took me many classes and retakes to get the GPA where it is now. What do you guys think of applying to these schools.

VCOM
LECOM Erie
NOVA
WVSOM
NYCOM
GA-PCOM
LMU DCOM
WCU COM
PCOM
KCOM
UMDNJ SOM

Like I said there are other schools I would like to apply to, however I am worried that me bieng a borderline average applicant that I won't get looked at. A good exampl is DMU, CCOM and Western. I feel like I shouldnt even bother applying there. Schools on this list I would love to attend are nova, vcom, dcom, pcom and kcom. Anyway, What is difficult with the financial situation is I understand that applying to schools such as PCOM and UMDNJ SOM it is very important to apply early, However I do understand that my chances at these schools are less that at others considering these recieve so many applications. I am not saying that the other schools are inferior its just that most people don't really want to take the risk of attending a newer institution, thus they recieve less applications increasing my chance of acceptance. So should I primarily spend my money the first go around on the newer schools or do I still stand a good chance at these other schools and I should spend my first paycheck on the ones that you should apply too early. Maybe I am over thinking this. I will let you guys talk now lol. Thanks again.

 

[Mesican24]

Thank you for the comment- do you think taking it for a THIRD time will be worth it?

If you can keep your Bio and Physical scores high, assuming that those arent your problem spots, and you really believe that you can get at least an 8 then I would suggest giving it another shot.

I took the test twice and improved my verbal score quite a bit, but I also went down in bio and physical cause i focused on verbal. It made my scores more similar, and i had the same overall so it wasnt bad. but I was all MCAT'd out. So i didnt want to take another one. So i applied and got in. If you can get in with your current score, and schools dont see it as an issue, then i dont see why you should have to submit yourself to another roudn of MCAT studying.

 

[FutureCTDoc]

I am in a difficult situation as my fiance and I would actually prefer moving out of state, however I understand that most schools do have some sort of regional preference and take out of state students that are above average in stats. So I am looking at which schools to apply in order to increase my chance of acceptance. I have a unique story and have done a post bacc at my institution which has raised my GPA significantly. However it still isn't that admirable on paper. I do have a good list of Extracurriculars and have accumulated them over my college career. So here goes...

cGPA 3.3 Sci 2.94 MCAT = took it on 4/10/10 waiting for scores to get back.

4 LOR's 1 from Bio ,1 from Advisor(also a bio teacher), 1 from Music teacher, 1 from MD. I also have one from a math professor however it wasn't an upper level math so I doubt I will be using it. I am also going to attempt to get one from my biochem professor as well.

NJ resident

Extra curriculars (unfortunately no research)
Shadowed Neurosurgeon 20 hours
Shadowed Pediatric Cardiologist 8 hours
Hospital Volunteer ED 200 hours
Nursing Home Volunteer 40 hours
Deans list a few semesters

Work Experience
Personal Trainer (lost 100 lbs sophomore->senior year)
Head Pool Attendant
Vitamin Shoppe Health Enthusiast


I am currently in the process of attaining a letter from a DO as I only have one from the neurosurgeon who is an MD. I am also waiting for my mcat scores to come back in about 10 days. I am hoping I pull upper twentys however I felt like crap coming out of the exam which is appearantly a normal feeling after taking lol. I have rescheduled the exam in case I am not satisfied with my scores. Another issue I am having is finances to apply. I am not the most wealthy individual and I am unsure of how much money it takes to send out a primary app. However I guess we will find out. I am hoping you guys can give me some advice on which schools to apply to given my situation and which schools to say isn't worth it considering money is an important factor( I have looked at instate vs. out of state schools from chocolate bears app). I am working now so I might have to apply for verification and then add on schools as paychecks come in. Anyway, I really don't have a number one choice as I would be happy to attend any of these institutions. Also regarding my upward trend, the final year of college I pulled a 3.6 both semesters and the last 2 semesters of my one year post bacc I have pulled a 4.0 despite starting college off with the first few years at a disrespectfull 2.3. It took me many classes and retakes to get the GPA where it is now. What do you guys think of applying to these schools.

VCOM
LECOM Erie
NOVA
WVSOM
NYCOM
GA-PCOM
LMU DCOM
WCU COM
PCOM
KCOM
UMDNJ SOM

Like I said there are other schools I would like to apply to, however I am worried that me bieng a borderline average applicant that I won't get looked at. A good exampl is DMU, CCOM and Western. I feel like I shouldnt even bother applying there. Schools on this list I would love to attend are nova, vcom, dcom, pcom and kcom. Anyway, What is difficult with the financial situation is I understand that applying to schools such as PCOM and UMDNJ SOM it is very important to apply early, However I do understand that my chances at these schools are less that at others considering these recieve so many applications. I am not saying that the other schools are inferior its just that most people don't really want to take the risk of attending a newer institution, thus they recieve less applications increasing my chance of acceptance. So should I primarily spend my money the first go around on the newer schools or do I still stand a good chance at these other schools and I should spend my first paycheck on the ones that you should apply too early. Maybe I am over thinking this. I will let you guys talk now lol. Thanks again.

Without an MCAT, I can't say. However a sub 3.0 science GPA will definitely hurt and I think it unlikely your getting into NSUCOM the average was a 27 MCAT and 3.45ish gpa overall with a science near that mark. You have only 28 hours of shadowing, many people say 40+. You're also applying to places that are considered more competitive in the DO world, VCOM, NOVA, NYCOM, PCOM, KCOM and UMDNJ SOM are all considered competitive. Bring the science GPA up and do better than "the upper twenties" as you're in a hole right now. I would apply broadly even if it means having to find the money somehow.

 

[Dr Yiot]

Without an MCAT, I can't say. However a sub 3.0 science GPA will definitely hurt and I think it unlikely your getting into NSUCOM the average was a 27 MCAT and 3.45ish gpa overall with a science near that mark. You have only 28 hours of shadowing, many people say 40+. You're also applying to places that are considered more competitive in the DO world, VCOM, NOVA, NYCOM, PCOM, KCOM and UMDNJ SOM are all considered competitive. Bring the science GPA up and do better than "the upper twenties" as you're in a hole right now. I would apply broadly even if it means having to find the money somehow.

Well I am already registering to retake 2 of the prereq's this summer. I am also looking for a DO to shadow and get an LOR from him so that should increase the shadowing hours. Literally everything you have posted I have listed on my original post.

 

[FutureCTDoc]

Well I am already registering to retake 2 of the prereq's this summer. I am also looking for a DO to shadow and get an LOR from him so that should increase the shadowing hours. Literally everything you have posted I have listed on my original post.

I listed the schools you were applying to tell you that they are likely going to be reaches for you. You need to broaden your list and consider the Caribbean or podiatry as well. I put your GPA down to tell you that at present it is not very competitive. Also I stated that without your MCAT it is impossible to judge. Without a strong, 30+ MCAT, your chances are relatively poor. People often misjudge what they will get on the MCAT and are overly optimistic.

 

[Dr Yiot]

I listed the schools you were applying to tell you that they are likely going to be reaches for you. You need to broaden your list and consider the Caribbean or podiatry as well. I put your GPA down to tell you that at present it is not very competitive. Also I stated that without your MCAT it is impossible to judge. Without a strong, 30+ MCAT, your chances are relatively poor. People often misjudge what they will get on the MCAT and are overly optimistic.

Maybe I was a little touchy as u were insinuating that high twenties is not a respectable score. It is difficult to break a thirty and I have studied the past entire year. Telling me to consider podiatry or the carribean can also be taken as offensive. Yes the gpa isn't good but people have gotten in with 3.0s and 26s. Not to bank on those numbers but its happened before. I apologize but I think u are a little pessimistic here. Plus I have taken 170 credit hours and I doubt by taking any more classes than the retakes will make a difference.

 

[FutureCTDoc]

Maybe I was a little touchy as u were insinuating that high twenties is not a respectable score. It is difficult to break a thirty and I have studied the past entire year. Telling me to consider podiatry or the carribean can also be taken as offensive. Yes the gpa isn't good but people have gotten in with 3.0s and 26s. Not to bank on those numbers but its happened before. I apologize but I think u are a little pessimistic here. Plus I have taken 170 credit hours and I doubt by taking any more classes than the retakes will make a difference.

At the list you provided a 26 MCAT would be about average, a 3.0 would be on the low side. I'm not attempting to discourage you, however you do have to be realistic as to where you apply. Telling you to consider podiatry or the Caribbean interpreted as offensive, instead these are options in case you do not get into med school. While breaking a 30 is difficult, your GPA at 170 credits is largely set in stone and this is the one thing you can still change. I would apply broadly and consider schools like PCSOM, RVUCOM, Touro NY (Which has a low OGPA/high MCAT and seems to be nice to splitters) and WVSOM. However, without an MCAT, this is very speculative.

 

[Mesican24]

Yoit, I think you should take the MCAT and then evaluate your application then. You can have a better judge of all your options. I myself had 230 credits when i graduated, only had a 2.89 cGPA and a 2.98 sGPA and still was able to get in

 

[Dr Yiot]

Well that was what I was asking for. I wud rather apply to smp's than podiatry. And I will look into applying to the carribean and pcsom and wvsom however ihate nyc so touro is out. Thank u for the suggestions on those two schools. I am just surprised that despite my ruff start since I finished strong schools won't consider my steep upward trend? I mean I'm talking the last three years my average gpa is around a 3.7 its just that I had two years of a 2.3 and then got sickand pulled a 1.5. Then I turned up the heat and started kicking some ass. I guess I am royally screwed cause of my past.

 

[Mesican24]

No, Your upward trend will be a significant positive factor in your application. Apply to those schools you want to. Apply broadly, and absolutely apply ASAP. The earlier the better. I think if you can get a 26+ on your application you will recieve some interview invites.

 

[Dr Yiot]

Yoit, I think you should take the MCAT and then evaluate your application then. You can have a better judge of all your options. I myself had 230 credits when i graduated, only had a 2.89 cGPA and a 2.98 sGPA and still was able to get in

Thanx I get my scores back in 10 days and I'm going crazy. I've also scheduled another exam in may and have continued to study in case I'm unhappy with my scoresi can get some new scores quick. I think I mightb actually do better if I take it again as iive continuedto study anyways. Thanx for the advice. Hopefullly I can crack thirty or at leats get close to it.

 

[Dr Yiot]

No, Your upward trend will be a significant positive factor in your application. Apply to those schools you want to. Apply broadly, and absolutely apply ASAP. The earlier the better. I think if you can get a 26+ on your application you will recieve some interview invites.

Thank you mesican. I will shoot for it.

 

[FutureCTDoc]

Jumpman04

You have a good shot for DO and MD, choose the degree/location you prefer, You look competitive for all DO schools and most low/mid-tier MD schools.

 

[twocentnews]

You guys, now I'm nervous.

I wanted to reschedule taking the MCAT for the first time from 5/27 to 6/17 but 6/17 isn't available anywhere near me. The only date available is 7/8, but will that be too late to take it for the first time?!

I have ~3.6 cGPA, and a ~3.2 sciGPA, but I am planning on retaking organic chemistry Fall 2010 and Spring 2011. Extracirriculars, medically related, community service, etc.

What should I do?!

 

[FutureCTDoc]

You guys, now I'm nervous.

I wanted to reschedule taking the MCAT for the first time from 5/27 to 6/17 but 6/17 isn't available anywhere near me. The only date available is 7/8, but will that be too late to take it for the first time?!

I have ~3.6 cGPA, and a ~3.2 sciGPA, but I am planning on retaking organic chemistry Fall 2010 and Spring 2011. Extracirriculars, medically related, community service, etc.

What should I do?!

Don't take the MCAT till your ready, aim for a balanced score, the higher the better. Aim for 30+ on practice as people seem to lose a few points on the real deal. cGPA is great, the sGPA will be better with retaken orgo, you're in relatively good shape.

 

[twocentnews]

Don't take the MCAT till your ready, aim for a balanced score, the higher the better. Aim for 30+ on practice as people seem to lose a few points on the real deal. cGPA is great, the sGPA will be better with retaken orgo, you're in relatively good shape.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I decided to reschedule so I could have the extra practice time. Let's hope I do awesome!

 

[FutureCTDoc]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I decided to reschedule so I could have the extra practice time. Let's hope I do awesome!

Also I would consider taking a commercial prep course, even though they are costly, many people don't have the mindset to really work through problems well enough. If you value the structure of a commercial prep course do it. Even though $1000 seems like a lot, it maybe helpful and for someone like you who is in good shape in terms of GPA, it makes a lot of sense.

 

[dreamer21]

Hey guys, just looking for a little insight on what my chances may or may not be. Here are my stats:
cGPA: 3.52
sGPA: 3.05
MCAT: 23Q (VR8 PS7 BS8)

ECs:
EMT for 2 years
Pharmacy Tech for a little over 1
Anatomy TA
Advocate for Rape Response program at a local crisis center
Tutoring
Published in Historical Review (History major)
Shadowing 2 MDs ~120 hours
Plan to shadow a DO before applying

So, long story short. I had a lot of hardship in undergrad, and I worked full time for the most part throughout college. My grades reflect this. However, I do have a good upward trend. Following my soph year I had a 2.7 sGPA and a 3.2 cGPA. I'm hoping that will matter to someone. I plan to retake the MCAT this summer, but am still looking for some general feedback on if I even stand a chance. I am also from a rural area, if that helps any. These are the schools that I am interested in:

LECOM-Bradenton
NOVA
WVSOM
GA-PCOM
LMU DCOM
WCU COM

I appreciate any feedback you guys can give me.

 

[FutureCTDoc]

Hey guys, just looking for a little insight on what my chances may or may not be. Here are my stats:
cGPA: 3.52
sGPA: 3.05
MCAT: 23Q (VR8 PS7 BS8)

ECs:
EMT for 2 years
Pharmacy Tech for a little over 1
Anatomy TA
Advocate for Rape Response program at a local crisis center
Tutoring
Shadowing 2 MDs ~120 hours
Plan to shadow a DO before applying

So, long story short. I had a lot of hardship in undergrad, and I worked full time for the most part throughout college. My grades reflect this. However, I do have a good upward trend. Following my soph year I had a 2.7 sGPA and a 3.2 cGPA. I'm hoping that will matter to someone. I plan to retake the MCAT this summer, but am still looking for some general feedback on if I even stand a chance. I am also from a rural area, if that helps any. These are the schools that I am interested in:

LECOM-Bradenton
NOVA
WVSOM
GA-PCOM
LMU DCOM
WCU COM

I appreciate any feedback you guys can give me.

Start shadowing a DO, because you need the LOR, retake some classes in science, Ogpa is good, MCAT is low retake it after studying more, also consider Kaplan/Princeton Review or another commercial test prep program. Your GPA is largely set, working on increasing the MCAT and shadow with primary care if you haven't already. LECOM-B and NSUCOM are definitely reaches for you. GA-PCOM is a wild card and you are close to average at the other 3. I suggest you add some more schools to the list.

 

[nvphleb]

Hi everyone,
Thought I would throw out my stats to get some feedback.

sGPA: 3.25
cGPA: 3.15

Taking MCAT in May
4 years experience as clinical phlebotomist working in trauma hospital
first gen college student, father of one
Taken classes in Anatomy, Physiology, Immunology, Genetics

Top pick: COMP

 

[FutureCTDoc]

Hi everyone,
Thought I would throw out my stats to get some feedback.

sGPA: 3.25
cGPA: 3.15

Taking MCAT in May
4 years experience as clinical phlebotomist working in trauma hospital
first gen college student, father of one
Taken classes in Anatomy, Physiology, Immunology, Genetics

Top pick: COMP

Without an amazing MCAT, no chance at WesternU COMP. The average MCAT was 28 in '07, it's gone up. You are below the average GPA in both science and overall. Apply broadly and don't expect an acceptance in Cali, it's hyper-competitive.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

what do you guys think? applying this June...


Finance Major

science GPA = ~3.6
cumm GPA = 3.45
MCAT = 31P (11PS - 10VR - 10 BS)


E.C.'s
-started a group for cancer awareness
-shadowed D.O. for 100 hours
-business/investment club member (stock analyst)
-volunteered at hospital for ~50 hours
-couple other clubs in school
-intramural sports (captain for all of them)

LOR

-one from school board and another legit one from D.O. shadowed



what are my chances for D.O.? Possibly M.D.? Thanks 🙂

U have a great shot at both DO and MD. I'd apply to both and make ur decisions after u get accepted. If ur only applying to DO as a backup for MD then make sure u have good reasons for applying to both because you may be asked about that during interviews.

Good luck...

 

[sloh]

Hey guys,

2nd mcat test 12 PS, 12, BS, 6 VR
1st mcat test 11 PS, 10 BS, 8 VR

cGPA- 3.787
sGPA - 3.91

EC's --> shadowing, volunteering, research, tutor, TA

What are my chances? what about for Western? Thanks

Do they consider the highest scores from each section or just the highest SET of scores?

 

[dreamer21]

Start shadowing a DO, because you need the LOR, retake some classes in science, Ogpa is good, MCAT is low retake it after studying more, also consider Kaplan/Princeton Review or another commercial test prep program. Your GPA is largely set, working on increasing the MCAT and shadow with primary care if you haven't already. LECOM-B and NSUCOM are definitely reaches for you. GA-PCOM is a wild card and you are close to average at the other 3. I suggest you add some more schools to the list.

Assuming I score better on the MCAT, do you think that I could apply this year and have any kind of shot? I plan to add more school to the list, but those are the main schools I would like to get into. Thank you for your feedback!

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Hey guys,

2nd mcat test 12 PS, 12, BS, 6 VR
1st mcat test 11 PS, 10 BS, 8 VR

cGPA- 3.787
sGPA - 3.91

EC's --> shadowing, volunteering, research, tutor, TA

What are my chances? what about for Western? Thanks

Do they consider the highest scores from each section or just the highest SET of scores?

ur verbal going down doesn't look good however the 12s also look amazing. You have strong chances for both MD and DO. I'm pretty sure western doesn't take the highest of each section however if I recall correctly (and I could be wrong) I think I remember reading on George Washington med school and I think they said they take the highest of each section from all of the retakes. So I think they would consider u as having a 32 MCAT. I would check with the school before taking this as a fact but I'm pretty sure.

 

[GreatScott]

Sooo, what are my chances?

School stats:
BA in Biology from private liberal arts school in May of 09
3.4 cGPA
3.2 sGPA
Honors grade on neuroscience project for year-long senior thesis (didn't factor into GPA though).
I took some science classes during a semester abroad in Australia but my school only takes them as pass/fail, and grades didn't count towards my gpa. I got A's, but I don't think it will matter to schools I apply to.

EC:
Semester abroad in Australia
International Student Committe member
TriBeta and PsiChi national honor societies member
VP for student peer counseling center
3 years as Resident Assistant
Eagle Scout (I know it's a highschool thing, but still...)
Intramural Soccer

MCAT:
Waiting to hear back about MCAT (took it 4/10), got 30's on AAMC practice tests

Work/Clinical:
11 Months experience (at time of posting )drawing blood in hospital & ER
3 Months summer research position at MD school during college

LoRs from:
College pre-health board (including summer reserach prof, academic advisors, 2 past profs, and thesis prof)
Hospital supervisor
4th year DO student (soon to be ER resident) from one of the schools I'm applying to
DO ER doc

Thinking of applying to KCUMB and OUCOM as main choices

 

[Mesican24]

Sooo, what are my chances?

School stats:
BA in Biology from private liberal arts school in May of 09
3.4 cGPA
3.2 sGPA
Honors grade on neuroscience project for year-long senior thesis (didn't factor into GPA though).
I took some science classes during a semester abroad in Australia but my school only takes them as pass/fail, and grades didn't count towards my gpa. I got A's, but I don't think it will matter to schools I apply to.

EC:
Semester abroad in Australia
International Student Committe member
TriBeta and PsiChi national honor societies member
VP for student peer counseling center
3 years as Resident Assistant
Eagle Scout (I know it's a highschool thing, but still...)
Intramural Soccer

MCAT:
Waiting to hear back about MCAT (took it 4/10), got 30's on AAMC practice tests

Work/Clinical:
11 Months experience (at time of posting )drawing blood in hospital & ER
3 Months summer research position at MD school during college

LoRs from:
College pre-health board (including summer reserach prof, academic advisors, 2 past profs, and thesis prof)
Hospital supervisor
4th year DO student (soon to be ER resident) from one of the schools I'm applying to
DO ER doc

Thinking of applying to KCUMB and OUCOM as main choices

I think your GPA's are hovering right aroudn competitive. maybe a little lower. The MCAT score is going to help you out if you can keep it close to that average you've been getting.

Another LOR from a physician could be helpful. Im nor sure how much weight they will put into the letter from the student/resident. Otherwise i think your EC's are good. and your application will look good. Apply early, and while you have those two as your top, dont just apply to those.

 

[sloh]

ur verbal going down doesn't look good however the 12s also look amazing. You have strong chances for both MD and DO. I'm pretty sure western doesn't take the highest of each section however if I recall correctly (and I could be wrong) I think I remember reading on George Washington med school and I think they said they take the highest of each section from all of the retakes. So I think they would consider u as having a 32 MCAT. I would check with the school before taking this as a fact but I'm pretty sure.

Do you know if the DO schools even consider your first set of scores at all? I know my verbal is going to hurt me whether I go DO or MD. Just hoping they don't screen me out just because of that. It's really the only hole in my app.

 

[FutureCTDoc]

Assuming I score better on the MCAT, do you think that I could apply this year and have any kind of shot? I plan to add more school to the list, but those are the main schools I would like to get into. Thank you for your feedback!

Your sGPA is lowish but above 3.0 so it's not going to be killer, retake any Cs or lower. If you do better on the MCAT, you certainly have a shot, your MCAT is the weakest spot and also the one, you have the most power to change. Don't apply for SMPs or post-baccs, the reason being, it isn't your GPA so much as your MCAT. Assuming you're 27+ on your MCAT, you should get in somewhere. I'd add PCSOM, KCUMB, TU-COM NY to the list.

 

[jd1031]

what are my chances? thanks

BS Biological Sciences (minor in Anthropology) june 2009
cGPA: 3.61
sGPA: 3.51
MCAT: 28Q PS 9 VR 10 BS9
California Resident

Clinical:
(currently employed) Hospital Assistant - O.R. transporter and front desk
Patient Safety Rounder (volunteer) - 4 hrs/week currently
Ophthalmic Tech - 2 years during college
Medical Mission to the Philippines - 1 month
Shadowed physician - 112 hours

Research:
Undergraduate Research Assistant - Neurobio lab 1 year

ECs:
Officer (various positions) for a pre-health club - 4 years
Intramural Sports - team captain/coach for flag football and basketball
Semester in Australia - included ecology research
International Peer Adviser - 1 year (after Australia)
Alpha Epsilon Delta - member 2 years

Awards:
Humanities Scholarship Nominee (only 24 out of 1000) people are nominated each year
Deans list...

I'm thinking of applying to PCOM, Western U, Touro COM - NY and Vallejo, NYCOM, and AT Stills

 

[DbDan]

what are my chances? thanks

BS Biological Sciences (minor in Anthropology) june 2009
cGPA: 3.61
sGPA: 3.51
MCAT: 28Q PS 9 VR 10 BS9
California Resident

Clinical:
(currently employed) Hospital Assistant - O.R. transporter and front desk
Patient Safety Rounder (volunteer) - 4 hrs/week currently
Ophthalmic Tech - 2 years during college
Medical Mission to the Philippines - 1 month
Shadowed physician - 112 hours

Research:
Undergraduate Research Assistant - Neurobio lab 1 year

ECs:
Officer (various positions) for a pre-health club - 4 years
Intramural Sports - team captain/coach for flag football and basketball
Semester in Australia - included ecology research
International Peer Adviser - 1 year (after Australia)
Alpha Epsilon Delta - member 2 years

Awards:
Humanities Scholarship Nominee (only 24 out of 1000) people are nominated each year
Deans list...

I'm thinking of applying to PCOM, Western U, Touro COM - NY and Vallejo, NYCOM, and AT Stills

I'd say you have a great shot, your GPA and MCAT are both competitive, you have good ECs, Research and clinical experiences. You also have a good amount of shadowing hours. Get your apps in early and you should feel good 👍

 

[RTaspiringDO]

I have an associates degree of science how important is it for me to apply and have my bachelors.
what would my chances be?
I wasnt to go to Western and PCOM
2 choices
however i am open to still going back to school and getting my bachelors if that swhat it takes.
Whats your opinion?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

~99% of Medical school acceptee's have bachelors degree. I'd go back and get one honestly. I most medical schools require them.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

not necessary in the slightest. most people that apply don't have a bachelors. HOWEVER 99% of matriculants will have said bachelors by the time they matriculate. and the problem with school websites is they say things like "must have a 2.75gpa to apply and 90 credit hours, blah blah," but that means zero for actually getting in. without a bachelors you need to be in a program that allows the bachelors to be awarded after the first year of med school (they are out there). but other than that.....no.

 

[Jrsharp70]

... that is funny. I wonder if I could have just taken the pre reqs and taken the MCAT instead of a full degree... probably wouldn't have worked, but a damn cool idea.

 

[christina30]

... that is funny. I wonder if I could have just taken the pre reqs and taken the MCAT instead of a full degree... probably wouldn't have worked, but a damn cool idea.

Woulda saved me a whole lotta time/headaches, that's for sure...

130+ credits for nothing!

 

[funnybones66]

Hi,
I was just wondering when exactly do you send in your LOR to the schools, is it after you received secondaries or before? I did some research and it seemed like some schools were saying that they will review my application after they have received them? So, if someone could clarify that up for me...

Also, this is for people who applied last cycle or I guess are applying this cycle, I am taking MCAT on May 27 and want to fill out my application and have it sent off by June 1, how long will it take for my application to be verified? and then once it is sent to your choice of schools, how long do most schools take to sent you secondaries assuming you meet their minimum standards?

Lastly, if anyone has any other advice in general, it would be greatly appreciated, i.e mistakes made or lessons learned a little too late?
Thanks

 

[christina30]

Hi,
I was just wondering when exactly do you send in your LOR to the schools, is it after you received secondaries or before? I did some research and it seemed like some schools were saying that they will review my application after they have received them? So, if someone could clarify that up for me...

Also, this is for people who applied last cycle or I guess are applying this cycle, I am taking MCAT on May 27 and want to fill out my application and have it sent off by June 1, how long will it take for my application to be verified? and then once it is sent to your choice of schools, how long do most schools take to sent you secondaries assuming you meet their minimum standards?

Lastly, if anyone has any other advice in general, it would be greatly appreciated, i.e mistakes made or lessons learned a little too late?
Thanks

Letters are usually considered part of the secondary application, but it depends on how you're sending them - i.e: what letter service are you using, or are you mailing them?

As for the MCAT, you can fill your application out and submit it before your scores are released, I believe you can check a box that says you haven't received scores yet/will be taking the MCAT at a later date.

 

[GuitarFreak]

You can send your letters using various services like Interfolio or you can stick to the old faithful USPS (I chose the latter). Once the schools receive your letters, only then will your file be considered 'complete' (assuming you've sent everything else they require).

Regarding the verification, I believe AACOMAS verifies applications as they receive them, so your time of verification depends on how many other apps they have to verify before you. Typically its 3-6 weeks, from what I've read with other people but your mileage may vary.
You will probably not see any action from schools at least until your MCAT scores are in. But to give you some reference, My application was verified August 31st, most schools sent out their secondaries within the first week (stretching into second week) of September.

As for advice regarding the application process, it will be extremely stressful & frustrating as far as the waiting is concerned. Dont let it get the best of ya 🙂

 

[traitorman]

I'm a NJ resident and would love to attend UMDNJ-SOM. I just took my 3/27 MCAT and got a 28O. My cGPA is 3.375 but my science GPA is only 2.8 (freshman year messed me up)

I display an upward trend in my cGPA but only a minor upward trend in my sGPA (dug myself a whole freshman year that was difficult to get out of)

I have some decent ECs and LORs but based purley on numbers, what are my chances?

 

[Revenant]

3.3 Overall/3.1 Science (upward trend)
28 MCAT

Undergrad: Engineering
1 Year Research Experience
Multiple internships, professional experiences (1 publication)
100+ hours clinical volunteering
25+ hours shadowing
2 leadership positions
2 major organizations + intramural sports