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
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.
Lesser than what? The BS section on my MCAT, last July, was about half OChem.
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.
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.Thank you for the comment- do you think taking it for a THIRD time will be worth it?
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.
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.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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, I decided to reschedule so I could have the extra practice time. Let's hope I do awesome!
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.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.
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
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 🙂
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.
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?
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.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
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.
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!
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
... 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.
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