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

[Shamrocks87]

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So I just graduated from a pretty big university..3.67 GPA and a 23 mcat: 7 verb, 8 bio, 8 phys. I applied for the c/o 2014 pretty late (mid-feb), but becuz of health reasons I didn't continue to fill out any secondary apps. I got an interview at WVSOM, but for the same reason backed out. I then applied to a couple podiatry schools (you can apply all the way up to jun) and got in to all that I applied to. Podiatry is not exactly what I want to do, but if my stats are far from competitive then I may just stick with pod. I really want to be a GP, but could see myself as a pod too. So basically faced with either c/o 2014 podiatry school or apply for c/o 2015 D.O. school asap. I actually put alot of effort into my gpa and mcat, as sad as that may seem considering how low they are, so trying to raise them would not be easy. So bottom line, with my gpa,mcat, decent amount of EC/shadowing, applying early do I have a shot?

 

[christina30]

The GPA isn't low at all, the MCAT is, however. You still have a chance as long as you apply broadly and early as possible.

 

[salazaar]

agreed. you might want to retake the MCAT if you can.

 

[dapdrow]

When you calculate your cGPA, do you calculate EVERYTHING or is there some sort of separation between graduate and undergraduate courses?

 

[aspiringOSTEO]

1

 

[mvp5117]

hey guys,

here are my stats:

cGPA: 3.40
sGPA: 3.55
MCAT: 30R

I'm a PA resident and plan on applying to PCOM, NYCOM, UMDNJ-SOM, UNE-COM and a few other schools. What are my chances?! Thanks for the help!

 

[iheartperfume]

Anyone know any D.O schools I can get into with a Mcat of 22 and gpa of 3.6.....I know lecom has a cut-off of 21...does anyone else know any other d.o schools which I can get into?

 

[iheartperfume]

mcat 22
gpa- 3.6

what d.o schools will accept me?

 

[DbDan]

Anyone know any D.O schools I can get into with a Mcat of 22 and gpa of 3.6.....I know lecom has a cut-off of 21...does anyone else know any other d.o schools which I can get into?

This should go in the what are my chances thread. With a 3.6 and a 21 you stand a very low chance, what is your breakdown? There are a number of schools that have a minimum requirement for each subsection. I believe (not sure) LECOM has a 7/7/7 minimum requirement, hence the 21.

If I were you I would personally get my head back in the books and look at retaking if you plan to apply.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

I agree with dbdan. Unless ur from the appalachain area in kentucky u might have some chance of getting into pikeville. But keep in mind if u apply with these scores n get rejected they expect you to have made significant changes in ur app the next time u apply. So it is a harder to get in second application cycle around if u have really done much to improve ur chances.

And yes, this belongs in the what are my chances, where should I apply thread

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

retake, spend a month+ studying. Honestly with a 21 i'd bet you either didn't study or studied incorrectly.
Please do yourself a favor and go to the mcat prep section and get some advice for mcat studying. If take a prep class and study for 1-3 months you shouldn't get below a 26.

 

[RELAX11]

Wvsom. You are an average matriculant! Trust me!

However if you are not from west Virginia you have extremely high tuition.


If from Appalachian area you stand a decent shot but if not you will not get into pikeville.


Also vcom and lmu you have a chance at.


But definitely wvsom!!

 

[DbDan]

Wvsom. You are an average matriculant! Trust me!

However if you are not from west Virginia you have extremely high tuition.


If from Appalachian area you stand a decent shot but if not you will not get into pikeville.


Also vcom and lmu you have a chance at.


But definitely wvsom!!

.... like I said before, check and see who requires minimum MCAT scores per section. If your MCAT is unbalanced with that low a score it could be immediate death to your application. If your score is 10/7/5 or something it is different than an 8/7/7.

FWIW, Average at WVCOM is 3.5/23 and their tuition is 50k a year out of state. Please make sure you consider retaking the MCAT though before applying this cycle as is. Like was said before, if you have to re-apply they expect significant change in your application, through letters, MCAT, GPA, clinical experience, etc. Your GPA is right around average for DO schools, I would hate to see you not get in because of improperly studying for the MCAT

 

[apumic]

.... like I said before, check and see who requires minimum MCAT scores per section. If your MCAT is unbalanced with that low a score it could be immediate death to your application. If your score is 10/7/5 or something it is different than an 8/7/7.

FWIW, Average at WVCOM is 3.5/23 and their tuition is 50k a year out of state. Please make sure you consider retaking the MCAT though before applying this cycle as is. Like was said before, if you have to re-apply they expect significant change in your application, through letters, MCAT, GPA, clinical experience, etc. Your GPA is right around average for DO schools, I would hate to see you not get in because of improperly studying for the MCAT

OP's GPA is actually quite good for DO schools (a fair amount above average). The MCAT, however, is going to be the death of your application!

Seriously, OP, you need to bring that MCAT up. Right now, it's below average for test-takers. There's a very small chance a school would be willing to take the risk of accepting a student at that level as a 22 makes it highly probable you would fail Step 1 and they don't want that hurting their stats. Go study and retake it, aiming for a 30 (don't take it again until you are scoring 30s on practice tests). That way, you'll get at least in the high 20s and practically every DO school will gladly interview you.

 

[RELAX11]

If your mcat is 8 7 7 than definitely apply to the schools I mentioned. If not I would definitely retake.

The reason why is because anything less than a 7 is a red flag. Most matriculants have at least one 7 in one section, so schools tend to take chances on those with two 7s, but it is not extremely common.

 

[gomango]

I had a 22 mcat (with a 6 in PS) and about a 3.3 cum gpa (undergrad, grad & post-bacc work), with 3.5 sci and 3.8 grad gpa. I had 4 interviews and got into 3 schools, wait listed at 1, but I feel like I could have done more in the interview to get accepted at that school (I wanted to go to it for the wrong reasons and I think that came across in my interview!). 🙂 I am also NOT from the appalachian region, but got interviews from app region schools. Don't know if this matters, but at both the interviews that were open file I was told my essays were "amazing" and some of the best they had ever read....so I don't know if that helped land me some interviews or not....certainly didn't hurt my chances. 🙂 I also don't know if my masters degree helped at all?

I know of several other people who I met at my interviews that had similar stats and were accepted. Some had grad degrees some didn't. You need at least ONE thing on your application to stand out. And seriously do not be afraid to write LOI to the school. Some helped me some didn't....the effort doesn't hurt though. It shows you are dedicated and interested! Don't lose hope. I was pretty discouraged last year when I got my scores back (especially reading stuff here in SDN), but decided to go ahead and apply. I am SO glad I did that. I just moved 2000 miles to my new home and I am a member of the class of 2014 at a stellar school. 🙂

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!! 🙂

 

[JaggerPlate]

Just retake ... it's not worth it to wait and see or try to slide in somewhere.

 

[DitchDoc73]

Just retake ... it's not worth it to wait and see or try to slide in somewhere.

+1....Could you get in somewhere...Sure...But I would personally retake the MCAT to increase my chances of acceptance!

 

[Sinfest]

Hey everybody, here are my stats:

~3.2 sGPA
~3.1 cGPA
~2.95 non-sGPA
27M MCAT (9VR, 8PS, 10BS)

-300 hours of hospital experience(ER, oncology, etc)
-150 hours of urgent care experience
-30-40 hours at a DO schools medical center
-2&1/2 years of research as an experiment leader(almost 2000 hours)
-Taught at-risk high school students how to pass the high school exit exam
-Bunch of other small experiences/community service

-LOR's: 2 science professors, 1 non-science, 1 DO, 1MD, 1 research P.I., and 1 from the dean just for PCOM.

I'm applying to all DO schools, except for VCOM-VA and UNTHSC, as soon as my spring semester grades come out(early/mid-June). I'm taking three classes over the summer, that will bump my non-sGPA to over 3.0 and my sGPA to around 3.25-3.3.

Thanks 🙂

 

[elliotkw9]

i havent decided if im applying to MD or not just yet. I figure i still have 2 weeks to figure that out. I have some community service thats tied into my fraternity, events and such that might total to 40 hours or so. I actually don't have research and i believe thats the weakest part of my application.

Other than those things, do you think I have a decent shot at schools like umdnj som, pcom, and lecom based on my numbers?

I think you have a good chance at lecom. I got an interview there. Seemed like a good school, just not for me. From what I've read and heard I think you should be ok at umdnj also. I'm not sure about pcom. I don't know a whole lot about that school's admissions criteria. Most generally if you have a GPA around a 3.5 and an MCAT above 30, you shouldn't have too much trouble getting interviews. Then you can show them why they should select you. Just remember, the grades and the tests are just your foot in the door. The rest of it relies on your personality and presentation in person. I think you'll do fine though. Good luck.

 

[NdStudent]

So I am new here at sdn and was kinda looking for some opinions regarding my situation. Currently I am thinking of Osteopathic medicine because truthfully I just don't think that I have the GPA for MD. Currently my cGpa is a 3.3 with 2 classes retaken. I have not taken the MCAT yet because I have not taken the majority of the science classes that I will need. Another piece of information that I should probably note is that I am currently a Management Information Systems manager in the college of business that is postponing graduation so that I can take the necessary sciences. I am trying to build up my resume for my application when the time comes. I am wondering what kind of things I should look into as far as extra curricular activities go. I am thinking of shadowing as well as taking EMT basic classes around my area. What other kinds of things would be good to look into? I really would like to stay away from research if at all possible since my goals would be patient care and I would prefer not to go into research.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated like I said I am still trying to work out the majority of this plan.

 

[illegallysmooth]

So I am new here at sdn and was kinda looking for some opinions regarding my situation. Currently I am thinking of Osteopathic medicine because truthfully I just don't think that I have the GPA for MD. Currently my cGpa is a 3.3 with 2 classes retaken. I have not taken the MCAT yet because I have not taken the majority of the science classes that I will need. Another piece of information that I should probably note is that I am currently a Management Information Systems manager in the college of business that is postponing graduation so that I can take the necessary sciences. I am trying to build up my resume for my application when the time comes. I am wondering what kind of things I should look into as far as extra curricular activities go. I am thinking of shadowing as well as taking EMT basic classes around my area. What other kinds of things would be good to look into? I really would like to stay away from research if at all possible since my goals would be patient care and I would prefer not to go into research.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated like I said I am still trying to work out the majority of this plan.

Shadowing is a must. The EMT-B would be great, and that can turn into volunteering or a part-time job. I'd also suggest you look for non-clinical volunteering opportunities. If you have time, you can look for a part-time or per-diem job as a nurse assistant or any other patient care job with on-the-job training -- just one or two shifts per week would give you great experience.

 

[NSU14]

It doesn't sound like you have much experience in the medical field so shadowing and volunteering at a local hospital will help you out a lot. I would recomend doing both of those over the summer and builing a relationship if a Dr. who can write a LOR for you. Any school activity will be good to put on an application but shadowing and volunteering are the most important in my opinion. Also make sure you do well on the MCAT since your gpa is a little low. I would aim for 30 and be happy with a 28 or 29 if I were you.

 

[NdStudent]

It doesn't sound like you have much experience in the medical field so shadowing and volunteering at a local hospital will help you out a lot. I would recomend doing both of those over the summer and builing a relationship if a Dr. who can write a LOR for you. Any school activity will be good to put on an application but shadowing and volunteering are the most important in my opinion. Also make sure you do well on the MCAT since your gpa is a little low. I would aim for 30 and be happy with a 28 or 29 if I were you.

I should note the trend in the GPA is only increasing. Not only that but it has increased all while working more hours and taking more credit hours.

 

[Longshanks]

I should note the trend in the GPA is only increasing. Not only that but it has increased all while working more hours and taking more credit hours.

That's fine and good but the application process and admissions is more than just your numbers. You can have great numbers, or below average numbers, and not get in because one lacks ECs or any clinical experience.

As it seems that you're young and don't have much exposure to the profession yet, find a place to shadow at for a bit or a doctor's office to work/intern at. You'll need to see if this is something you actually want to do and experience the health care field in person, and not just what you see on TV. Shadowing isn't necessarily that important in terms of showing commitment, its important in giving you and understanding of what health care professionals do and what goes on in certain specialties.

After that, try to find a place to volunteer. It can be clinically related or non-clinical, just get out there and experience life a bit while also being empathetic and working to better your community. Let yourself define your application, don't let the application define you. Do what you enjoy and participate in ECs that you will put the most effort into and you'll likely get the biggest return out of those.

Definitely work, we could all use some money, and working is a great experience and helps teach personal responsibility. I agree with Smooth, try to find a clinical job or get your EMT-B as you'll learn a lot and it'll give you something to talk about during interviews/secondaries. If you can't find a clinical job, then do something it still somehow interacts with the public or puts yourself in a leadership or service position. Just don't be flipping burgers, pay is bad and it doesn't really show much to your application.

Best of luck.

edit: also really really study hard to kill the MCAT on your first try. If you get 33+ you'll definitely be competitive and in a strong position.

 

[gatewasani]

just got my mcat score back...did really bad

8 6 8= 22Q

should I even submit the app...

I don't know what to do

 

[gatewasani]

If that's the only information for us to base an opinion... no, you should not submit your application. If your GPA and the rest of your application are great... MAYBE, but you should still retake.

I was afraid of that
my stats:

cGPA: 3.4
sgpa: 3.1
MCAT: 22Q :cry:

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

extra post.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I was afraid of that
my stats:

cGPA: 3.4
sgpa: 3.1
MCAT: 22Q :cry:

Realistically to have a good chance, you should retake. Go to the mcat section and look at the 3 month regiment. Take that and compress that into 1 month or 2 or if you can do the 3 months fully that'll get you a 30+.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Just Got my MCAT scores.
PS - 11
VR- 7
BS - 11
WS - M

29M

I started college as a business major and played varsity athletics for my first two years of school. I did poorly in school because I emphasized my focus on football, but after my first two years I decided business wasnt for me and began to pursue medicine. Here is my grad trend.
Freshman - 2.39
sophomore - 1.78
junior - 3.65
senior - 3.69
5th year (current year) - I anticipate 3.65
Total Cum - 3.16
Science GPA - 3.57

I'll be finishing up my BS in biochem next year.

other misc: Marathon runner, Boston marathon qaulifier, volunteering- 150+ hours, shadowing - 40 hrs, lead a relay for life team, this coming fall I will be an anatomy TA and I will also be working in the OR this summer.

What do you guys think. Should I retake the MCAT?

If you keep it up and increase your gpa a bit more to 3.3 , I don't think you need to retake it for DO. However if you truly believe that you can get a better score in the verbal ( getting high scores in practice tests) then go ahead.

 

[joeDO2]

any thoughts would be helpful:

gpa 3.52
mcat 27M (11VR, 6PS, 10BS)

good letters, about 4000 hrs patient care experience as paramedic

planning on applying to about 20 DO schools early in the cycle

thanks for the help!

 

[badgpadoc]

Hi,

What are my chances?

sGPA: 3.49
cGPA: 3.32
MCAT: 26Q (9V, 7P, 10B)

I had a low GPA coming out of college, but through retaking classes, was able to raise them significantly.

Taking two summer classes so hoping to update the app in August. Should get me to 3.6 science and 3.5 overall.

Other stuff:
-200 hours as volunteer in ER
-three years of lab work
-3 publications (one of them is a paper with 50+ authors in Science)
-2 oral talk at national conference
-3 posters at annual meetings of science organizations

I was getting around 30-34 on the AAMC practice tests. I just completely screwed up Physical Sciences this time. Should I retake it?

I was planning on sending in my app on June 1st, but now I'm not so sure. Stupid MCAT!

 

[elliotkw9]

any thoughts would be helpful:

gpa 3.52
mcat 27M (11VR, 6PS, 10BS)

good letters, about 4000 hrs patient care experience as paramedic

planning on applying to about 20 DO schools early in the cycle

thanks for the help!

You should be ok for getting some interviews. You might want to check to see if the schools you would be applying to have a minimum standard for MCAT sections. For example, I know that DMU has a minimum of 7 on any section. If that is the case with the schools you are planning on applying to it might be useful to the MCAT. That's probably not what you were hoping hear. The good news is you can retake the MCAT and submit the new scores even after you have submitted your primaries. Just make sure to mention that you plan on retaking the MCAT.

 

[streudels]

sGPA: ~3.1, and cGPA: ~3.4 -- mcat: 30S (10 PS/9 VR/11 BS). should i do a retake? or do anything for the rest of my application (numbers wise)?

 

[jeffro1080]

Hey guys.

I'm graduating this year with a 3.42 cum and a 3.76 science - this was calculated through AACOMAS.

I started off very bad as a computer science major... GPA was a 2.0.

Since then I've worked for 3 years and had a tremendous upward trend with a lot of difficult semesters.

I have had a bunch of rough patches getting to where I am. I spent last year living on a friends couch because I had no money and lost my job due to bankruptcy.

This year I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism which caused frequent panic attacks since the beginning of last summer.

I'm taking the MCAT on June 17
I've been scoring well on Kaplans FLs - 30 33 34 32
and okay on the AAMCs - 28, 28, 30 (all in that order)

I'm expecting a 31 on the real thing.


ECs

I've been a volunteer since Winter of 07 (3 hours / week)
lots of research
coordinated 2 big science symposiums
RA for my senior year
clubs (was an officer for a year)
Held a job throughout college
shadowing blah blah

2 MD 1 DO letters
2 from my hospital that I volunteer at
3 from science professors
1 from an english professor


I'm hoping to be competitive for MD schools too. What do you guys think?

 

[Longshanks]

sGPA: ~3.1, and cGPA: ~3.4 -- mcat: 30S (10 PS/9 VR/11 BS). should i do a retake? or do anything for the rest of my application (numbers wise)?

Don't retake. When you already have a 30 there's a chance of doing more harm to your app than help, unless you are extremely confident you can score 3+ points higher. Were your practice test scores significantly higher (4+)??

GPA-wise, depending on what year you are and when you plan to apply you may or may not have options. If you have strong ECs you will probably be competitive at most DOs at the moment, however if you have Cs or Ds you may want to retake as AACOMAS replaces the grades.

 

[Sinfest]

Hey everybody, here are my stats:

~3.2 sGPA
~3.1 cGPA
~2.95 non-sGPA
27M MCAT (9VR, 8PS, 10BS)

-300 hours of hospital experience(ER, oncology, etc)
-150 hours of urgent care experience
-30-40 hours at a DO schools medical center
-2&1/2 years of research as an experiment leader(almost 2000 hours)
-Taught at-risk high school students how to pass the high school exit exam
-Bunch of other small experiences/community service

-LOR's: 2 science professors, 1 non-science, 1 DO, 1MD, 1 research P.I., and 1 from the dean just for PCOM.

I'm applying to all DO schools, except for VCOM-VA and UNTHSC, as soon as my spring semester grades come out(early/mid-June). I'm taking three classes over the summer, that will bump my non-sGPA to over 3.0 and my sGPA to around 3.25-3.3.

Thanks 🙂

Bump 👍

 

[joeDO2]

many sdn users have given the advice, "apply broadly and early." i was just wondering what you all consider to be "broadly", in other words, how many schools? also, i've noticed that many DO schools list strong preference to in-state applicants as described in the information book. are there any schools that are absolutely not worth applying to if you are out-of-state/region?

 

[rawman]

Hey everybody, here are my stats:

~3.2 sGPA
~3.1 cGPA
~2.95 non-sGPA
27M MCAT (9VR, 8PS, 10BS)

-300 hours of hospital experience(ER, oncology, etc)
-150 hours of urgent care experience
-30-40 hours at a DO schools medical center
-2&1/2 years of research as an experiment leader(almost 2000 hours)
-Taught at-risk high school students how to pass the high school exit exam
-Bunch of other small experiences/community service

-LOR's: 2 science professors, 1 non-science, 1 DO, 1MD, 1 research P.I., and 1 from the dean just for PCOM.

I'm applying to all DO schools, except for VCOM-VA and UNTHSC, as soon as my spring semester grades come out(early/mid-June). I'm taking three classes over the summer, that will bump my non-sGPA to over 3.0 and my sGPA to around 3.25-3.3.

Thanks 🙂

Everything looks good except your GPA (even then I think you'd still get some interviews anyway). However, your plan of taking more classes to bump up that GPA would surely help you get more interviews. Keep at it and apply early.

 

[badgpadoc]

Hi,

What are my chances?

sGPA: 3.49
cGPA: 3.32
MCAT: 26Q (9V, 7P, 10B)

I had a low GPA coming out of college, but through retaking classes, was able to raise them significantly.

Taking two summer classes so hoping to update the app in August. Should get me to 3.6 science and 3.5 overall.

Other stuff:
-200 hours as volunteer in ER
-three years of lab work
-3 publications (one of them is a paper with 50+ authors in Science)
-2 oral talk at national conference
-3 posters at annual meetings of science organizations

I was getting around 30-34 on the AAMC practice tests. I just completely screwed up Physical Sciences this time. Should I retake it?

I was planning on sending in my app on June 1st, but now I'm not so sure. Stupid MCAT!

Just bumping this up. I'd really like some advice. Thanks!

 

[diamondbot]

I graduated 2 years ago with a gpa of 2.56 c. During that summer after graduation I volunteered at a health clinic translating for Hispanic patients. Doing that motivated me to go back to school and raise my gpa. I went to a university in a different state and I retook general chem and general bio and general physiology. I now have a 2.88 c gpa , 2.65 s. I don't know if I should apply to a Masters in medical science program or go to my state university and do more undergrad science courses. The medical science program is designed for students wanting to go to professional school. I started studying for the MCAT this summer. But I might have to switch to GRE to apply for the MS program. Is that a good idea? I was thinking of applying to DO schools this year, given that I get a good MCAT (28+). Any suggestions or advice is greatly needed and appreciated!! Thanks.

 

[seap3]

I think this belongs in the wamc's thread, but I'll reply anyway.

I honestly think you need to get your GPA up much higher. I think a 3.0 would be the minimum to have a shot.

I don't know if I'd go for a formal masters program. I'd probably do it informally. Have you figured out how many credits you'd need to get your GPA up?

 

[elliotkw9]

I'm going to have to agree with the poster above. I think to have a strong chance you are going to need to get your GPA up, even if you get a 28+ MCAT. I honestly do not know how much a masters will help. Regardless of whether or not you do the masters program or just take more undergrad classes, it would probably behoove to take one more year to boost up this portion of your app and then apply next year. I don't mean this to sound discouraging. Have you thought about doing a med-prep masters program. I know some DO schools offer this and it usually guarantees an interview in the next year's application round. Just something to think about.

 

[elliotkw9]

Just bumping this up. I'd really like some advice. Thanks!

The MCAT might hurt you a little, but I think you probably will be ok to get an interview. My MCAT was the same. I think you need to work on getting a little clinical time outside of just the ER. DO interviewers were big into the internal and family medicine stuff at my interviews. If you get your GPA up, I really don't think you have to worry to much. If you really think you need to retake the MCAT, then retake it. As long as you tell the schools you are applying to that you are planning a retake, they'll put you app on hold until the new scores are received. If I was you I would still submit my app on June 1st and just mark down on the AACOMAS app that you are planning on retaking classes and then let the schools know if you are planning a MCAT retake. Good luck.

 

[jimmypop]

Rock. The. MCAT.

 

[sedaniel]

So I was hoping to get some advice on what my chances are at DO schools for this cycle. I applied two cycles ago for MD schools only because I really didn't know anything about DO schools. I've done a lot of research since then and will be applying to both MD and DO's this time around, here are my stats:

uGPA: 3.05
Grad GPA (Basic Medical Sciences master program after one year): 3.90
Overall GPA that AACOMAS calculated in their app: 3.14
MCAT: 31Q
ECs:

• Psychiatry ER intern for one summer
• MCAT verbal instructor for TPR for almost 2 years now
• MCAT verbal development consultant for TPR for 1 year
• Surgical mission trip to Honduras (1 week last April, and going again in Oct)
• Radiation oncology research assistant (Since Oct 09; submitted abstract to a conference and hopefully will be presenting this fall)
• Shadowing
• Founding president of a local sorority
• Freelance web designer
• In the works: I have an interview coming up for a clinical volunteer position at a free clinic, they are looking for several people so I'm pretty sure I'll be given a position; also planning on more shadowing

LORs: 2 science profs, 1 non-science prof, 1 from the MD in charge of my research project, and one from a DO from the Honduras trip

I am really interested in either CCOM or MSU-COM (even though I am a Wolverine for life!). What do you guys think my chances would be at those two schools, or in general at DO schools? Are there any schools I should be looking at in particular with these stats and ECs?

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

So I was hoping to get some advice on what my chances are at DO schools for this cycle. I applied two cycles ago for MD schools only because I really didn't know anything about DO schools. I've done a lot of research since then and will be applying to both MD and DO's this time around, here are my stats:

uGPA: 3.05
Grad GPA (Basic Medical Sciences master program after one year): 3.90
Overall GPA that AACOMAS calculated in their app: 3.14
MCAT: 31Q
ECs:

• Psychiatry ER intern for one summer
• MCAT verbal instructor for TPR for almost 2 years now
• MCAT verbal development consultant for TPR for 1 year
• Surgical mission trip to Honduras (1 week last April, and going again in Oct)
• Radiation oncology research assistant (Since Oct 09; submitted abstract to a conference and hopefully will be presenting this fall)
• Shadowing
• Founding president of a local sorority
• Freelance web designer
• In the works: I have an interview coming up for a clinical volunteer position at a free clinic, they are looking for several people so I'm pretty sure I'll be given a position; also planning on more shadowing

LORs: 2 science profs, 1 non-science prof, 1 from the MD in charge of my research project, and one from a DO from the Honduras trip

I am really interested in either CCOM or MSU-COM (even though I am a Wolverine for life!). What do you guys think my chances would be at those two schools, or in general at DO schools? Are there any schools I should be looking at in particular with these stats and ECs?

You said you applied two cycles ago, your MCAT is only good for 3 years at most schools. With this is mind I would apply broadly to DO schools, your GPA is very low though your MCAT makes up for it. Your major problem is CCOM and MSU both usually get higher than average stats for their applicants.

If your MCAT is nearly up, I would go all in this app cycle or else you may have to retake come next year.

 

[DitchDoc73]

So I was hoping to get some advice on what my chances are at DO schools for this cycle. I applied two cycles ago for MD schools only because I really didn't know anything about DO schools. I've done a lot of research since then and will be applying to both MD and DO's this time around, here are my stats:

uGPA: 3.05
Grad GPA (Basic Medical Sciences master program after one year): 3.90
Overall GPA that AACOMAS calculated in their app: 3.14
MCAT: 31Q
ECs:

• Psychiatry ER intern for one summer
• MCAT verbal instructor for TPR for almost 2 years now
• MCAT verbal development consultant for TPR for 1 year
• Surgical mission trip to Honduras (1 week last April, and going again in Oct)
• Radiation oncology research assistant (Since Oct 09; submitted abstract to a conference and hopefully will be presenting this fall)
• Shadowing
• Founding president of a local sorority
• Freelance web designer
• In the works: I have an interview coming up for a clinical volunteer position at a free clinic, they are looking for several people so I'm pretty sure I'll be given a position; also planning on more shadowing

LORs: 2 science profs, 1 non-science prof, 1 from the MD in charge of my research project, and one from a DO from the Honduras trip

I am really interested in either CCOM or MSU-COM (even though I am a Wolverine for life!). What do you guys think my chances would be at those two schools, or in general at DO schools? Are there any schools I should be looking at in particular with these stats and ECs?

Your gradGPA helps to make up some concerns about your undergrad cGPA. Your MCAT is fine, as long as they still accept it. If you are going to apply, apply broadly...Don't just limit your scope to 2 schools...I would personally apply to a variety of schools (some older / established programs CCOM, DMU, KCUMB, KCOM, PCOM, NSUCOM....some newer schools LMUDCOM, LECOM, Touro...and some expansion schools GAPCOM, AZCOM, LECOM-B, etc) I just used these schools as examples...Do your research and find programs that you are happy with...Best of luck!

 

[DitchDoc73]

Hi,

What are my chances?

sGPA: 3.49
cGPA: 3.32
MCAT: 26Q (9V, 7P, 10B)

I had a low GPA coming out of college, but through retaking classes, was able to raise them significantly.

Taking two summer classes so hoping to update the app in August. Should get me to 3.6 science and 3.5 overall.

Other stuff:
-200 hours as volunteer in ER
-three years of lab work
-3 publications (one of them is a paper with 50+ authors in Science)
-2 oral talk at national conference
-3 posters at annual meetings of science organizations

I was getting around 30-34 on the AAMC practice tests. I just completely screwed up Physical Sciences this time. Should I retake it?

I was planning on sending in my app on June 1st, but now I'm not so sure. Stupid MCAT!

If I were you, I would personally go ahead and apply while preparing to retake the MCAT. Your MCAT won't eliminate you from most programs, but it is not going to help you either. Get your app in, and maybe you will get an acceptance before you have to retake! And if not, then you are set to follow up with an MCAT that (hopefully) is more in line with your practice tests... Best of luck!