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

[Andres Ponce]

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[Lewist02]

With a 3.6 GPA and a sGPA of a 3.53. What MCAT would I need for PCOM?

Shoot for as high as you can.

 

[ScarletKnights]

Okay so this might be a long post but bare with me please. I am planning on applying this cycle but I am not taking my MCAT until Aug so my scores wont be out until Sept. I am also retaking Chem I & II this summer and I should be able to score an A in those courses. Right now my sGPA is about 2.9 and my cGPA is about 3.0. After the summer I should be able to get my sGPA to around a 3.2.

So here is where my problems start: Should I send out my primaries as soon as possible, list that I am retaking the Chems and planning on taking my MCAT in Aug? I could then update everything after Sept when I get my summer grades back and my MCAT score back. This will allow me to be early in the cycle and let me start on my secondaries. I am not sure if this is right or if I can even do this. Also, I am worried some schools will screen me out because of my GPA. Im having trouble finding GPA cutoffs for schools so if someone can tell me where to look that would be great.

Thanks for the advice and help in advance.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Okay so this might be a long post but bare with me please. I am planning on applying this cycle but I am not taking my MCAT until Aug so my scores wont be out until Sept. I am also retaking Chem I & II this summer and I should be able to score an A in those courses. Right now my sGPA is about 2.9 and my cGPA is about 3.0. After the summer I should be able to get my sGPA to around a 3.2.

So here is where my problems start: Should I send out my primaries as soon as possible, list that I am retaking the Chems and planning on taking my MCAT in Aug? I could then update everything after Sept when I get my summer grades back and my MCAT score back. This will allow me to be early in the cycle and let me start on my secondaries. I am not sure if this is right or if I can even do this. Also, I am worried some schools will screen me out because of my GPA. Im having trouble finding GPA cutoffs for schools so if someone can tell me where to look that would be great.

Thanks for the advice and help in advance.

I remember there being a thread here about gpa and mcat cuttoffs but if u have a hard time finding it then do what I did. I called the schools and asked each one what their minimum and competitive stats were.

 

[istunn]

Btw what is your sci gpa? I believe most schools look into your sci gpa over cGPA but that's just my speculation.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

PCOM is weird. They say their averages are 3.45/24, but the reality is its most likely somewhere around 3.6/28 from what i've heard from many. But they are a school that looks majorly for life experiences.

 

[IndianVercetti]

PCOM is weird. They say their averages are 3.45/24, but the reality is its most likely somewhere around 3.6/28 from what i've heard from many. But they are a school that looks majorly for life experiences.

You've been making a lot of 'over-estimations' on average MCAT scores with great authority recently, so I feel the need to set the record straight.

Earlier, you posted this:

PCOM is a bizarre school. They understate their stats. When the last statistic was done, the average for people getting into PCOM were like 3.6/29~. PCOM is the best DO school in the nation by most people's consideration. It's probably better known then some Midtiers.

PCOM with an average of 29 is extremely over-estimated, and your false advice may dissuade a lot of potential applicants.

Their GPA and MCAT averages are right around where they claim. The reason it is lower than what you would expect for a DO powerhouse is because they have no shame in deciding to take in individuals with far lower MCATs and GPAS. Just look at MDapps, and you will see that there are individuals getting in with MCATs such as 21, 22, 23, etc. which tend to counter the individuals with 27, 28, 29. Also, there is a good number of people that choose to attend PCOM with 30+ scores believe it or not, which gives the illusion that their MCAT average is high.

PCOM looks far more at the fit of the candidate rather than a strict GPA or MCAT cutoff, so please stop perpetuating these false statistics.

edit: Realize that the people who make online MDapps profiles, and choose to post on a pre-med forum are generally the higher performing individuals, so your data may be slightly skewed to assume a higher GPA/MCAT average.

 

[RELAX11]

I agree serenade is notorious for not having the facts straight. Feel free to believe him or her anyone, however don't be surprised when you find contradicting facts elsewhere.

You've been making a lot of 'over-estimations' on average MCAT scores with great authority recently, so I feel the need to set the record straight.

 

[FutureDoc01]

Thanks for the advise. I really want to go to PCOM. I'm a PA resident too. I'm averaging 28-24 on my practice MCAT. I just worry.....A LOT!

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Thanks for the advise. I really want to go to PCOM. I'm a PA resident too. I'm averaging 28-24 on my practice MCAT. I just worry.....A LOT!

Being a PA resident will probably help tremendously. PCOM is known for usually being above average, and last year the MCAT was slightly over 26 for DO schools. I wouldn't doubt that the 24 MCAT that was quoted probably included PCOM-GA.

In the end do your best and let the cards fall where they may

 

[IndianVercetti]

The fact that PCOM-Pa consistently states their MCAT average as: "Average of at least 8 per section" without explicitly stating a cumulative number average, reinforces the notion that they don't have any hard and fast cut-off scores.

My opinion is that they sincerely want good future physicians, and that is their primary concern - not the prestige of having a high MCAT average.

 

[Andres Ponce]

.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I agree serenade is notorious for not having the facts straight. Feel free to believe him or her anyone, however don't be surprised when you find contradicting facts elsewhere.

And your 80% carib acceptance rate is correct? Right.. I stated my opinion, PCOM say's they have a 24 average on the mcat for accepted students. I personally believe that is a underestimate and that somewhere around 28-29 is there actual range. You can get this if you go to MDapp's, most people who get in have high mcat scores. Fake app's might skew the statistic true. But really, lets be honest a 24 as a average for the MCAT is just a underestimate.

 

[RELAX11]

And your 80% carib acceptance rate is correct? Right.. I stated my opinion, PCOM say's they have a 24 average on the mcat for accepted students. I personally believe that is a underestimate and that somewhere around 28-29 is there actual range. You can get this if you go to MDapp's, most people who get in have high mcat scores. Fake app's might skew the statistic true. But really, lets be honest a 24 as a average for the MCAT is just a underestimate.

I quoted you on the 80% get residency from SGU, and found out it was BOGUS. You can't be serious. Oh you are joking right. Good one.


Also pcom never said 24 exactly, they state at least an 8 on each section.
Md apps does not have every matriculant and is the LAST source for seeking statistics on an ENTIRE entering class. The school says 24.5 to 25. You believe it is 28-29 and reasonable people will listen to what the school states it is.

 

[mspeedwagon]

Solicited advice: Do a search for sdn user "Chocolate Bear." He has a sticky that will tell you the cut-offs. It's 2.75 for most places, so you should be ok.

Unsolicited advice: Sit out this cycle. Do something medically related for the year (CNA, EMT etc.) and apply next cycle. Your GPA will be much better next year, you'll have your MCAT in hand and you'll have more experience. You are going to be a re-applicant next year (with the attached stigma) if you apply with your current record.

Okay so this might be a long post but bare with me please. I am planning on applying this cycle but I am not taking my MCAT until Aug so my scores wont be out until Sept. I am also retaking Chem I & II this summer and I should be able to score an A in those courses. Right now my sGPA is about 2.9 and my cGPA is about 3.0. After the summer I should be able to get my sGPA to around a 3.2.

So here is where my problems start: Should I send out my primaries as soon as possible, list that I am retaking the Chems and planning on taking my MCAT in Aug? I could then update everything after Sept when I get my summer grades back and my MCAT score back. This will allow me to be early in the cycle and let me start on my secondaries. I am not sure if this is right or if I can even do this. Also, I am worried some schools will screen me out because of my GPA. Im having trouble finding GPA cutoffs for schools so if someone can tell me where to look that would be great.

Thanks for the advice and help in advance.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I quoted you on the 80% get residency from SGU, and found out it was BOGUS. You can't be serious. Oh you are joking right. Good one.


Also pcom never said 24 exactly, they state at least an 8 on each section.
Md apps does not have every matriculant and is the LAST source for seeking statistics on an ENTIRE entering class. The school says 24.5 to 25. You believe it is 28-29 and reasonable people will listen to what the school states it is.

Blah blah blah... Schools can state what they want to state. 80% what I stated was about who got to take the usmle.
If you check brownbears stat sticky. PCOM states that it has 8-8-8. Which I state is a underestimate.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Don't suppose you guys could keep the SGU vs DO crap contained to a single thread, could you?

 

[IndianVercetti]

Blah blah blah... Schools can state what they want to state. 80% what I stated was about who got to take the usmle.
If you check brownbears stat sticky. PCOM states that it has 8-8-8. Which I state is a underestimate.

Serenade, this is a chances thread, let's end this conversation.

The only thing we ask is that you don't spout incorrect data such as "PCOM has an average MCAT of 29." I think we can all agree this is false.

 

[Lewist02]

PCOM's website states avg MCAT for the entering class of 2008 to be a 24, for the class of 2009 to be a 26, but I would be very surprised if the class of 2010 posts a 29. Maybe 27-28....but we'll have to wait until August to find out. I actually wouldn't be surprised if it stayed at 26.

Futuredoc...if it makes you feel any better, I was accepted to PCOM back in November with a 24, and i'm out of state (Not to say you should settle...I had a family member fall ill the month I received my scores and I chose to take care of him instead of retaking....I definitely would have retaken.) Be a well rounded applicant and make a strong impression regardless of what your MCAT turns out to be.

 

[FutureDoc01]

Sorry to cause a fight, lol. I ment to say 28-34, not 28-24. I'm so bad at typos!

 

[traitorman]

Hi, I asked this before but didn't get a response. 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 3.37 but my science GPA is only 2.87 (freshman year messed me up). Based on AACOMAS's calculation of taking the higher score for a retake over the original, that brings my science GPA up to a 3.0

I display an upward trend in my cGPA and I have some decent ECs and LORs but based purley on numbers, what are my chances?

 

[Cloverly]

Please help!!! I am planning to apply this year to NYCOM, UMDNJ, and TOUROCOM. I have a very unusual situation and nobody seems to have any answers. I am 28.

I have been working full-time in public health for 4 years. I got my undergrad degree in business administration in Asia, with a GPA of 3.1. (Yes, I am a US citizen.) Then I moved to the US and got an MA in Marketing Communications, and my GPA was 3.7. I then decided to switch fields and started a pre-med post-bacc at Harvard Extension; my sGPA was 3.2 and my cGPA was 3.3.

I am taking my MCATs in two weeks and honestly I think I will probably get a total score in the low to mid-20s.

What are my chances?? Any suggestions for other schools? Do I need to take any more classes??? Will my undergrad GPA from abroad even count?? Which GPA will schools look at, my undergrad or my post-bacc??? Will my masters even count??? Anything else I should do??? I listed all my stats and my ECs below. Help and honest advice will be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you so much.


Full time work in public health, 2006-present

Post Bacc, Harvard Extension, 2005-2009:

Fall Term 2009 MATH E-3 Quant Reasoning: Practical Math A
Spring Term 2009 PHYS E-1B Principles of Physics II B
Fall Term 2008 PHYS E-1A Principles of Physics I B
Summer Term 2008 PSYC S-1875 Psychopaths, Terrorists B+
Spring Term 2008 BIOL E-1B Organismic, Evolutionary Biol A-
Fall Term 2007 BIOL E-1A Molecular and Cellular Biology B-
Summer Term 2007 PSYC S-1240 Abnormal Psychology A-
Spring Term 2007 CHEM E-2B Organic Chemistry II B+
Spring Term 2007 ENGL E-157 The Makers of Modern Poetry B-
Fall Term 2006 CHEM E-2A Organic Chemistry I B+
Fall Term 2006 CREA E-25 Intro to Fiction Writing A-
Spring Term 2006 CHEM E-1B General Chemistry II B
Fall Term 2005 CHEM E-1A General Chemistry I B

post bacc Sci + math GPA: 3.2
post bacc Cumulative GPA: 3.3

MA in Marketing Communications, 2005 (IN THE US) GPA: 3.7
Bachelor’s in Business Administration, 2002 (FROM ASIA) GPA: 3.1

Extracurriculars:

Volunteer at a Children’s Hospital 2005-2008
Founder and leader of health-related book club 2006-2007
Shadowed a MD and volunteered at a hospital in Asia, August 2007
Read books and recorded for the blind and dyslexic, Aug 2006

 

[HopefulMD805]

(Please read this first)
So I'm in a pickle.

In community college I had a 3.5 GPA when I transfered to UCSB.
In general chemistry 1 (at CC) I got a B in the class and a C in the lab, then in general chemistry 2 (at CC) I got a B in the class and a B in the lab. Then by the time I transfered I had 8W's on my transcript from random classes, I just didnt care.

Needless to say I gave up on pre-med at the time and changed my major to global studies then transfered to UCSB. I took biology at UCSB just because I needed to fufill the life science requirment and got an A in the lab in lecture so from that point I busted my butt. I got A's in all my science classes from that point (except first quarter Ochem lab, I got a B🙁). I took the MCAT and on my first try I got a 37Q!!!! (so happy😀)
So does anyone know if the W's are going to kill it for me? or the chemistry grades? I'm not able to make the chem grades up.
at UCSB.

So just for a summary
My stats (at UCSB, not sure what it is when you add my CC transcript):

CumGPA: 3.89
SciGPA: 3.87
MCAT 13/12/12/Q

Current school: UCSB
State of residence: California
Major: Global studies
Graduating: 2011
Research: 1.5 Years
Clinical: 350 Hours at local hospital in every department imaginable
Volunteer/EC: Hospiss home, soup kitchen, pre-med society treasurer
LOR: 3 strong letters, 1 from an MD and 2 from my professors.
Ethnicity: Half Latino and Half Iranian

Medical school I want to go to: Anyone that will take me but preferably within california

ANY COMMENTS WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED

 

[avatarftw]

a

 

[JaggerPlate]

37/3.89 > 8 W.

Put it this way ... be ready to "explain" why you have 8 Ws, but you'll be explaining it to ADCOMS at very, very reputable medical schools. I wouldn't stress, at all.

 

[ODorDO]

Possible option. Apply to one school June 1. One that is not your top pick. This gets your application verified. Re-take your mcat in July. Get your score, if it is favorable. Release it . It will take aacomas about a week to update your application before it will show as an "official score". Then release to your top picks from that point. Otherwise,
you run the risk of being weeded out if you submit without the score that you want, even if you check the box saying that you are re-taking.This may help you keep on track with timing in the application process, which as we know is precious.
Just a thought.

By the way, does anyone know how long will it take for a school to receive your AACOMAS?

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Holy crap, your stats are amazing!!! I think you have an excellent chance at getting into the top tier medical schools; many would agree.

Holy crap is right! Dude u have nothing to worry about. Rest assured that you WILL be goin to med school when u apply (assuming ur not a jerk in the interview). The only question is whether ull be goin to harvard, Yale, duke, or Columbia...which by the way, I recommed u apply to even if your just a littlle below their average (Which I don't think u r).

Good luck

 

[enmeds]

Hi everyone,
Just a quick question. I applied late and as a result have a deferred offer for next year. My question is will that deferred offer for next year in any way hinder my chances of getting of a waitlist at other DO schools this year?

Thanks

 

[Swill175]

Hello all, I hope everyone's app process is going well, I figured I see what you all think my chances are - thanks in advance for any responses!

cumGPA: 3.48 ; sciGPA: 3.43 ; MCAT: 25 (8P, 7V, 10B *note, I am retaking it June 17)

ECs:
Alternative Spring Break '08
Non-medical related work for 3.5 years of Undergrad (~20 hours/wk)
Tutor/Mentor for struggling athletes at a local HS
Shadowed 2 Docs - Orthopedic Surgeon & GI
~50 Hours Med-Related Volunteering.
Basketball/Football Intramurals
Organic Chem research for 2 semester, 15 hours/week

I feel as if I'm missing some things, but that's about it lol.

Thanks! 🙂

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Hello all, I hope everyone's app process is going well, I figured I see what you all think my chances are - thanks in advance for any responses!

cumGPA: 3.48 ; sciGPA: 3.43 ; MCAT: 25 (8P, 7V, 10B *note, I am retaking it June 17)

ECs:
Alternative Spring Break '08
Non-medical related work for 3.5 years of Undergrad (~20 hours/wk)
Tutor/Mentor for struggling athletes at a local HS
Shadowed 2 Docs - Orthopedic Surgeon & GI
~50 Hours Med-Related Volunteering.
Basketball/Football Intramurals
Organic Chem research for 2 semester, 15 hours/week

I feel as if I'm missing some things, but that's about it lol.

Thanks! 🙂

With your current stats, I'd go ahead and submit early with your current MCAT. Your MCAT is above the mean for many schools, an slightly below for a small handful. You also don't have anything lower than a "7" in any section, which can automatically DQ you for some schools. Even if you bring your MCAT up 3-4 points you should be looking good.

 

[traitorman]

Hi, I asked this before but didn't get a response. 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 3.37 but my science GPA is only 2.87 (freshman year messed me up). Based on AACOMAS's calculation of taking the higher score for a retake over the original, that brings my science GPA up to a 3.0

I display an upward trend in my cGPA and I have some decent ECs and LORs but based purley on numbers, what are my chances?

how bout me? that gpa is gonna kill me right?

 

[DbDan]

how bout me? that gpa is gonna kill me right?

Apply early and to a number of schools. If you have good ECs you have an outside shot. I have a higher MCAT but <3.0 GPA and I got interviews and waitlisted last cycle. You are still just above average on the MCAT and while your GPA is low, it doesn't completely destroy you if you have an upward trend and display strengths in other areas.

 

[dancingdoctor13]

Are DO schools more receptive to those of us who took a lot of prereqs at the community college instead of four year unlike MD programs? I ask because I did really well at the JC before transferring and was curious if that might hinder my chances of getting into a DO school and likely would have to repeat all those classes again?

 

[DbDan]

Are DO schools more receptive to those of us who took a lot of prereqs at the community college instead of four year unlike MD programs? I ask because I did really well at the JC before transferring and was curious if that might hinder my chances of getting into a DO school and likely would have to repeat all those classes again?

I don't think there is a specific bias in either MD or DO against those who did well at a CC and transfered to a 4 year school. The problem is more if you did extremely well at a CC and then did poorly at a more competitive 4 year school and have a downward trend in GPA. This reflects poorly as it raises questions as to how prepared you really are for something as competitive as medical school.

What I can say is that DO schools are more receptive to looking at the whole package. Someone who doesn't have a the greatest GPA but did well on the MCAT, has great ECs and an upward trend is less likely to be tossed aside at a DO school.

How was your performance at the 4 year school vs. the CC? Is it something as extreme as going from a 4.0 CC GPA to <3.0 GPA at the 4 year? was there other factors that lead to your downward curve in your GPA other than the increased competition? Is this even a factor at all? Without having more knowledge of your application it'd be difficult to say anything

 

[traitorman]

hey thanks for the response but man that outside shot is discouraging. i hate my gpa!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DbDan]

hey thanks for the response but man that outside shot is discouraging. i hate my gpa!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the club. I'm going to be re-applying come June just in case I dont' get off a waitlist. There is hope though. My AACOMAS GPA was listed at 2.78cum, 2.75sci last year and I got 2 interviews at Touro-NV and Lecom-B. Breaking the 3.0 mark is important and a good upward trend and great ECs/LORs can definitely get you in the door. From there the rest of it is up to you to sell yourself.

 

[zetabetazeta]

cGPA: 3.85 (DOWNWARD trend but I'm doing better this quarter and hopefully I can get a 3.7-4.0 for this quarter).
sGPA: 3.73

MCAT: 1st 29Q (V7 PS12 BS10) 2nd 27P (V6 PS12 BS9)

My ECs are ok, but I have a couple of questions.

1. I shadowed a DO doctor but only have 20 hours so far. Is that enough?
2. This DO doc doesn't have letter head! But he attached his business card on the letter. How bad does it look? (he wrote a lot of good things about me though).

 

[DbDan]

cGPA: 3.85 (DOWNWARD trend but I'm doing better this quarter and hopefully I can get a 3.7-4.0 for this quarter).
sGPA: 3.73

MCAT: 1st 29Q (V7 PS12 BS10) 2nd 27P (V6 PS12 BS9)

My ECs are ok, but I have a couple of questions.

1. I shadowed a DO doctor but only have 20 hours so far. Is that enough?
2. This DO doc doesn't have letter head! But he attached his business card on the letter. How bad does it look? (he wrote a lot of good things about me though).

I'd say you are fine, your GPA and MCAT are both above average, your GPA is far beyond most DO averages. Some schools have minimums in each section of the MCAT but I think your first MCAT will satisfy any minimums, its also above the average.

I'd say you are competitive for all DO and most MD programs personally. I'd aim to add some more hours shadowing if you could. I'd try to get to 50 if possible, you could also send updates after your secondaries are complete showing your continued participation in shadowing. Try to branch out to different specialties, etc. I'd say with the DO letter a letterhead isn't required. It may be nice to have one, but its not going to hurt your application because the doc doesn't have one. Attaching his card would work fine I'd say and its the content of the letter that matters.

 

[jslo85]

Normally there is no "enough" or exact number you need to have in shadowing, but I think I will go out and safely say that is not near enough.

A doctor does not have letter head? How does he send out his external correspondances?

As long as it's not a severe downward trend and does not begin with you taking upper division courses, I personally would reason out that it would not be too damaging considering your GPA is still relatively high. Your MCAT is troubling though in that even though you have a great physical science score, your verbal section is troubling. Most if not all DO schools require at least a 7 in each section. Not to mention your second MCAT score was lower than your first which is another red flag.

 

[zetabetazeta]

I'd say you are fine, your GPA and MCAT are both above average, your GPA is far beyond most DO averages. Some schools have minimums in each section of the MCAT but I think your first MCAT will satisfy any minimums, its also above the average.

I'd say you are competitive for all DO and most MD programs personally. I'd aim to add some more hours shadowing if you could. I'd try to get to 50 if possible, you could also send updates after your secondaries are complete showing your continued participation in shadowing. Try to branch out to different specialties, etc. I'd say with the DO letter a letterhead isn't required. It may be nice to have one, but its not going to hurt your application because the doc doesn't have one. Attaching his card would work fine I'd say and its the content of the letter that matters.

I've shadowed two physicians so far---one MD (FM, 25 hours) and one DO (EM, 20 hours). But I will definitely shadow the DO doctor more during summer. Thanks for your input. 😛

 

[zetabetazeta]

Normally there is no "enough" or exact number you need to have in shadowing, but I think I will go out and safely say that is not near enough.

A doctor does not have letter head? How does he send out his external correspondances?

As long as it's not a severe downward trend and does not begin with you taking upper division courses, I personally would reason out that it would not be too damaging considering your GPA is still relatively high. Your MCAT is troubling though in that even though you have a great physical science score, your verbal section is troubling. Most if not all DO schools require at least a 7 in each section. Not to mention your second MCAT score was lower than your first which is another red flag.

I also shadowed a MD doc (FM) and have about 25 hours so far.

I got some bad grades last quarter (all B's), but I'm doing well this quarter and I think I will get at least a 3.7 this quarter.

I understand. My score is not evenly distributed. English is not my first language (I have only been in the US for 4 years). I tried to improve my verbal score but I failed, unfortunately 🙁 I know my second MCAT score is going to hurt me but there is nothing I can do now. I wish myself all the best. If I don't get in anywhere this year, I can always try one more time :]

Thank you for your input.

 

[ilikepie1232]

I have decent grades

sGPA: 3.62
cGPA: 3.59

MCAT: May 21 (practice exams ~28-30)

But my clinical experience is somewhat sub-par, I feel
1. 3 Months of Hospice care ~ 3 hours a week
2. 9 Months of ER volunteer ~ 2 hours a week
3. Shadowing both MD and DO - 30 hours

My outside experience is a bit better (I hope )
1. Organized a philanthropy event for Kids with Cancer (St. Baldrick's Foundation if you've heard of it) raising nearly $10,000
2. 3 Years of Relay for Life- Captain and Committee member for 2 years
3. Alternative Spring Break
4. Peer Mentor for a Health Science Program - 1 year
among a bunch of other random community based volunteering

will my low clinical volunteering ruin my chances?

 

[jslo85]

It's not so much of how much you've done as opposed to how meaningful it is and what you've gained from your clinical experiences.

Such as if you only have say 60 hours of clinical shadowing but during that time, your physician treated it like a medical student preceptorship and taught you how to use differential diagnosis, allowed you to take vitals, scribe, draft his patient notes after the visit, etc. then it means a whole lot more. This is also valid by if the physician supports your claims by submitting a great LOR on your behalf attesting to all that you have done and how he ranks you among his other students who have worked with him etc.

Your MCAT if you can hit a 28-30 with your GPA would put you at a competitive level. I'd shoot for a bit higher on the practice MCATs by hitting a 32 or something because my rule of thumb is when I take the actual test, I will realistically score 2-3 points lower and it's far better to shoot higher than to go midway and end up with a low score you know?

Other than that I think you have a good shot if you can follow through with your MCAT.

 

[zmkelchn]

I'm considering doing an MPH degree at Columbia after becoming interested in PH while volunteering sending med supplies to Haiti and shipping education books to underdeveloped countries. I looked into doing a MPH/DO dual degree, but would like to concentrate on one at a time. Would having a MPH degree increase my chances of being accepted into a DO program? I do truly want to pursue a MPH degree because I have an interest in PH, but would also like to become a DO to serve in underdeveloped areas, which is where the MPH would help. Thanks.

 

[iheartmcats]

How much can a high MCAT make up for a lower GPA? Say for example a 3.4 GPA with a 33 MCAT? Especially at DMU.

 

[munchymanRX]

There's no set rule. One can offset the other, but its hardly a concrete number. Suffice it to say that you're fine though....for both MD and DO. apply early and broadly.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

No way to be certain because we don't know about the rest of your app. But based on numbers remember that the 3.6 GPA and the 27 MCAT are averages. Many people got into DMU with lower GPAs. You should be ok.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

A 3.4/33 is a very nice score. The best choice of action for someone like you would honestly be to like 20+ MD schools and 5ish DO schools and APPLY EARLY.

Personally I think you've got a very good shot at DMU. However I wouldn't put all of my eggs into one basket you know?

 

[iheartmcats]

No way to be certain because we don't know about the rest of your app. But based on numbers remember that the 3.6 GPA and the 27 MCAT are averages. Many people got into DMU with lower GPAs. You should be ok.

anywhere I can find such examples? I have been searching the SD forums relentlessly with no luck.

 

[judasreznor]

I am applying this cycle with these stats:

MCAT: 24
sGPA: 3.75
cGPA: 3.6

5000+ hours paid healthcare experience. Some leadership, tutoring, volunteering, and shadowing (but not a lot).

I would like to apply to PCOM, CCOM, and NSU-COM. What are my chances?