2013-2014 Underdawgs Thread ( Lets get it)

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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I have a question? I'm trying to figure out where I stand.

SGPA= 3.41
Overall GPA = 3.45
MPH GPA= 3.7
MCAT= 22-26 ( I know it's bad 🙁 )

Good EC's
URM
I applied to about 14 DO schools

Chances? Advice?
 
Last edited:
sillybiogirl38 said:
I have a question? I'm trying to figure out where I stand.

SGPA= 3.41
Overall GPA = 3.45
MPH GPA= 3.7
MCAT= 22 ( I know it's bad 🙁 )

Good EC's
URM
I applied to about 14 DO schools

Chances? Advice?
Click to expand...

You already know the 22 MCAT is the rough patch.

When were you listed as complete at the 14 schools?
 
Western
Western-Oregon
PCOM
TOUROCOM
ACOM
Touro-CA
Nova
CCOM
NYCOM
UMDNJ SOM
Both Midwestern campuses
AT STILL University- Arizona
 
sillybiogirl38 said:
I have a question? I'm trying to figure out where I stand.

SGPA= 3.41
Overall GPA = 3.45
MPH GPA= 3.7
MCAT= 22 ( I know it's bad 🙁 )

Good EC's
URM
I applied to about 14 DO schools

Chances? Advice?
Click to expand...

If you are an URM AA with VR>5 and BS>7, I would say you have a shot of getting somewhere.
 
Thank you Temperature101

My VR>5 and BS>7

Do you think I should add any others schools to the list that I just posted? I'm currently working on my secondaries.
 
I forgot to mention that I applied to VCOM as well.


I've been thinking about adding PCOM-GA. What about LEcom? I've heard that their MCAT cut-off is 23? Is this true?
 
sillybiogirl38 said:
Thank you Temperature101

My VR>5 and BS>7

Do you think I should add any others schools to the list that I just posted? I'm currently working on my secondaries.
Click to expand...

You can also add LUCOM... If you are an African American (AA), you will most likely get in somewhere since you GPAs are above average for matriculated AA and your mcat score is about average.
 
sillybiogirl38 said:
I forgot to mention that I applied to VCOM as well.


I've been thinking about adding PCOM-GA. What about LEcom? I've heard that their MCAT cut-off is 23? Is this true?
Click to expand...

For LECOM that is true. I don't know about PCOM-GA though.
 
Temperature101 said:
You can also add LUCOM... If you are an African American (AA), you will most likely get in somewhere since you GPAs are above average for matriculated AA and your mcat score is about average.
Click to expand...



I'm African American. I will look more into LUCOM. Thanks!


I'm thinking about trying to take the MCAT again in January as well. I just don't want my application to be on hold until February....
 
sillybiogirl38 said:
I'm African American. I will look more into LUCOM. Thanks!


I'm thinking about trying to take the MCAT again in January as well. I just don't want my application to be on hold until February....
Click to expand...

If I were in your spot, the way I would go about it is to wait and see what happen until February. If by February you have not attended 2+ interviews, you should start studying for a mcat retake in June or so and reapply by June 1st next cycle.
 
Last edited:
Hi guys,

Second time applying this year, after applying very late last cycle.

3.50cGPA 3.28sGPA 26MCAT
held a part-time and full-time job while also studying full-time as a student
also worked for a physician as a receptionist and assistant for a year and a half
had some EC's too

Just wondering if I have a chance of hearing back from the schools Ive applied to so far.
Still waiting on:
NOVA
LECOM
PCOM
and FSU

Rejected for an interview at CCOM received today.
Hoping for some good vibes. :xf:
 
oha said:
Hi guys,

Second time applying this year, after applying very late last cycle.

3.50cGPA 3.28sGPA 26MCAT
held a part-time and full-time job while also studying full-time as a student
also worked for a physician as a receptionist and assistant for a year and a half
had some EC's too

Just wondering if I have a chance of hearing back from the schools Ive applied to so far.
Still waiting on:
NOVA
LECOM
PCOM
and FSU

Rejected for an interview at CCOM received today.
Hoping for some good vibes. :xf:
Click to expand...
Why are you applying late now, if you didn't get in after applying very late last year? I would have filled out the application (it should have carried over from last year) the first day the cycle was open.

Best of luck for you this year!
 
oha said:
Hi guys,

Second time applying this year, after applying very late last cycle.

3.50cGPA 3.28sGPA 26MCAT
held a part-time and full-time job while also studying full-time as a student
also worked for a physician as a receptionist and assistant for a year and a half
had some EC's too

Just wondering if I have a chance of hearing back from the schools Ive applied to so far.
Still waiting on:
NOVA
LECOM
PCOM
and FSU

Rejected for an interview at CCOM received today.
Hoping for some good vibes. :xf:
Click to expand...

Add more schools immediately.
 
touchpause13 said:
Did you only apply to those 5 schools?
Click to expand...

No, I applied to 12. 6DO and 6MD. Received all 12 secondaries and decided to go ahead for my top 6 (sorry I forgot to to say that I applied to Tulane too). I finished my DO apps in August and MD apps by Sept.

I guess I have to keep waiting it out this year... even though I've learned my lesson from last year.

thanks for your support guys!
 
U should apply to like 6 more DO schools
 
oha said:
No, I applied to 12. 6DO and 6MD. Received all 12 secondaries and decided to go ahead for my top 6 (sorry I forgot to to say that I applied to Tulane too). I finished my DO apps in August and MD apps by Sept.

I guess I have to keep waiting it out this year... even though I've learned my lesson from last year.

thanks for your support guys!
Click to expand...

I'm going to rudely say that you'll probably want a different strategy of applying your third cycle.

That being said, I think you have a really warped understanding of the application cycle and how it work. You have borderline stats, you're not even average and you're applying to in majority schools far above your stat range.
I think you really need to understand that furthermore getting a secondary doesn't mean that you've got a good shot an interview or that you can already reduce your amount of schools applied, which btw from the beginning was far smaller and poorly chosen than you should have wanted.

I think you need to rectify your mistakes and add a significant amount of DO schools( 4-6 more easily) and finish the secondaries you've already received.
 
serenade said:
I'm going to rudely say that you'll probably want a different strategy of applying your third cycle.

That being said, I think you have a really warped understanding of the application cycle and how it work. You have borderline stats, you're not even average and you're applying to in majority schools far above your stat range.
I think you really need to understand that furthermore getting a secondary doesn't mean that you've got a good shot an interview or that you can already reduce your amount of schools applied, which btw from the beginning was far smaller and poorly chosen than you should have wanted.

I think you need to rectify your mistakes and add a significant amount of DO schools( 4-6 more easily) and finish the secondaries you've already received.
Click to expand...

I strongly concur.
 
serenade said:
I'm going to rudely say that you'll probably want a different strategy of applying your third cycle.

That being said, I think you have a really warped understanding of the application cycle and how it work. You have borderline stats, you're not even average and you're applying to in majority schools far above your stat range.
I think you really need to understand that furthermore getting a secondary doesn't mean that you've got a good shot an interview or that you can already reduce your amount of schools applied, which btw from the beginning was far smaller and poorly chosen than you should have wanted.

I think you need to rectify your mistakes and add a significant amount of DO schools( 4-6 more easily) and finish the secondaries you've already received.
Click to expand...

I would have already if I had the funds for them. Which is why I applied to the schools I thought I had the best chance of getting an ii from. Just wanted to clarify that I'm not trying to brag about the secondaries I've received, since the same thing happened to me last year (probably should have tried to wait until this year and be a smart applicant 😛). I also think that averages are skewed so I chose schools that had my score within their acceptance range. Just hoping that my extracurriculars and early applications will get a second look from the schools I've applied to. And you're right it was very rude, but not unhelpful. 🙂
 
Yup, you need more DO schools. At least one or two "safeties."

I use that term loosely, since I got rejected from some of my safety schools (but not all of them) pre-interview.
 
sGPA: 3.55
overall: 3.68
MCAT: (23 --> 25 with retake)
Experiences: Currently working as ER scribe (like shadowing but more!) and researching under Chemistry department (Alzheimer's Disease project), hospital volunteering (200+ hours), etc.

ii: PCOM-GA
waitlist: Midwestern (AZ)

schools applied to: Midwestern (AZ and IL), DMU, KCUMB, MSU, LECOM (both campus), Touro (NV, CA), NYIT, Nova, Rowan, Marian, PCOM (GA and PA), and couple more.

You guys think I still have a chance to hear back from schools like MSU, LECOM, Western, CCOM, PCOM (PA), NSU, etc. for an interview?

It is my first year applying so I have no clue what to expect.
 
oha said:
I would have already if I had the funds for them. Which is why I applied to the schools I thought I had the best chance of getting an ii from. Just wanted to clarify that I'm not trying to brag about the secondaries I've received, since the same thing happened to me last year (probably should have tried to wait until this year and be a smart applicant 😛). I also think that averages are skewed so I chose schools that had my score within their acceptance range. Just hoping that my extracurriculars and early applications will get a second look from the schools I've applied to. And you're right it was very rude, but not unhelpful. 🙂
Click to expand...

It is worth considering fap then, it maybe even taking loans, because a third cycle and another year lost is going to be far more expensive.
 
oha said:
I would have already if I had the funds for them. Which is why I applied to the schools I thought I had the best chance of getting an ii from. Just wanted to clarify that I'm not trying to brag about the secondaries I've received, since the same thing happened to me last year (probably should have tried to wait until this year and be a smart applicant 😛). I also think that averages are skewed so I chose schools that had my score within their acceptance range. Just hoping that my extracurriculars and early applications will get a second look from the schools I've applied to. And you're right it was very rude, but not unhelpful. 🙂
Click to expand...

I guess im quite confused on how you chose the schools you did. They all have averages much higher than what your stats are. A better use of your money would have been to apply to 10 DO schools
 
touchpause13 said:
I guess im quite confused on how you chose the schools you did. They all have averages much higher than what your stats are. A better use of your money would have been to apply to 10 DO schools
Click to expand...

Naivete? He/she also applied to Tulane, and a quick review of the school-specific thread on SDN will reveal to a prospective applicant that Tulane does not screen pre-secondary, will take his/her $100 secondary fee, and reject him/her if his/her MCAT isn't 31+.
 
sillybiogirl38 said:
I have a question? I'm trying to figure out where I stand.

SGPA= 3.41
Overall GPA = 3.45
MPH GPA= 3.7
MCAT= 22 ( I know it's bad 🙁 )

Good EC's
URM
I applied to about 14 DO schools

Chances? Advice?
Click to expand...

Pretty low, you need to retake.
 
cGPA - 3.21
sGPA - 3.14
MCAT - 26

I have shadowed doctors, volunteering experience, third world country medical field experiences. Please let me know where I Stand. I plan on applying broadly by the end of this week.
 
akumar29 said:
cGPA - 3.21
sGPA - 3.14
MCAT - 26

I have shadowed doctors, volunteering experience, third world country medical field experiences. Please let me know where I Stand. I plan on applying broadly by the end of this week.
Click to expand...

Def an underdog. But you could get some love at the newer schools. You should have applied sooner
 
serenade said:
LMU, SOMA, VCOM, PCOM-GA, KYCOM, CUCOM, WCUCOM. + a few decent schools above your level like NSU, KCUMB, DMU.
Click to expand...

touchpause13 said:
mucom cusom acom pcom-ga atsu-soma touro-nv
Click to expand...

These are the ones I completely left out. Are there are any here that I might have a shot at as well?

A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine,
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University,
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus,
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine,
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine,
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, NY Deadline:
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, OH
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine,
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, WA
Georgia Campus - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, GA
University of Pikeville-Kentucky, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine,
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Nevada, NV

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (formerly UMDNJ SOM),
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, ME
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus, SC
 
akumar29 said:
These are the ones I completely left out. Are there are any here that I might have a shot at as well?

A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine,
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University,
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus,
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine,
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine,
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, NY Deadline:
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, OH
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine,
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, WA
Georgia Campus - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, GA
University of Pikeville-Kentucky, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine,
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Nevada, NV

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (formerly UMDNJ SOM),
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, ME
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus, SC
Click to expand...


Am I correct to assume you're an Alaskan resident? (via your name?). If so, apply to Pacific Northwest. It's the only DO school with a regional bias of Alaska.

In reality, if you have the funds, apply to all DO schools that you'd consider going ton (ie: don't mind the rural area, religious affiliation, etc) and without regional or in state bias. This late in the game, I'd say cast your net as far as possible and hope for the best. Good luck!
 
Look at the Osteo handbook and see where your stats line up with schools averages.
 
AkGrown84 said:
Am I correct to assume you're an Alaskan resident? (via your name?). If so, apply to Pacific Northwest. It's the only DO school with a regional bias of Alaska.

In reality, if you have the funds, apply to all DO schools that you'd consider going ton (ie: don't mind the rural area, religious affiliation, etc) and without regional or in state bias. This late in the game, I'd say cast your net as far as possible and hope for the best. Good luck!
Click to expand...


Im from Chicago....You are right but I just don't want to apply to schools where I will be outright rejected
 
Elevencents said:
Is that a list of schools you want to attend or did you just copy/paste a list of DO schools?
Click to expand...

These are the schools that are not in the list of schools I plan on applying to so far. I will be finishing my application friday
 
akumar29 said:
Im from Chicago....You are right but I just don't want to apply to schools where I will be outright rejected
Click to expand...

Barring a super unbalanced MCAT (any subsection of <6), you shouldn't get autoscreened out of any school.
 
serenade said:
I thought it was 3.25/3.0/no sections below 8?
Click to expand...

3.25 for cumulative and science GPA. Judging by the school-specific thread, they seem to enforce the qualifications rather strictly so no reason to throw away money.

No section below 7 for MCAT with the composite equal to or greater than 24.
 
dkskyline17 said:
sGPA: 3.55
overall: 3.68
MCAT: (23 --> 25 with retake)
Experiences: Currently working as ER scribe (like shadowing but more!) and researching under Chemistry department (Alzheimer's Disease project), hospital volunteering (200+ hours), etc.

ii: PCOM-GA
waitlist: Midwestern (AZ)

schools applied to: Midwestern (AZ and IL), DMU, KCUMB, MSU, LECOM (both campus), Touro (NV, CA), NYIT, Nova, Rowan, Marian, PCOM (GA and PA), and couple more.

You guys think I still have a chance to hear back from schools like MSU, LECOM, Western, CCOM, PCOM (PA), NSU, etc. for an interview?

It is my first year applying so I have no clue what to expect.
Click to expand...

Any suggestions guys?
 
dkskyline17 said:
Any suggestions guys?
Click to expand...

When were you complete?

You're an average applicant for DO. I don't think you're an underdog. Your MCAT is average, and your GPA is above average. You stand a good chance if you applied early. Some of the big name DO schools may snob you if you recently submitted, but if they invite you for interview, you will really need to shine. The good thing is that you have the ER scribe experience. You can really spin the ER scribe activity and tailor the experience to the school's mission.

Many DO schools are proponents of increasing accessibility to primary care. ER is not primary care, but depending on the location, some PCPs do admit their own patients to the hospital. So you can talk about your interactions with PCPs there. Also at places with integrated EMR systems, you get to see notes documented by the PCP
 
Jumpstartmy5HT said:
When were you complete?

You're an average applicant for DO. I don't think you're an underdog. Your MCAT is average, and your GPA is above average. You stand a good chance if you applied early. Some of the big name DO schools may snob you if you recently submitted, but if they invite you for interview, you will really need to shine. The good thing is that you have the ER scribe experience. You can really spin the ER scribe activity and tailor the experience to the school's mission.

Many DO schools are proponents of increasing accessibility to primary care. ER is not primary care, but depending on the location, some PCPs do admit their own patients to the hospital. So you can talk about your interactions with PCPs there. Also at places with integrated EMR systems, you get to see notes documented by the PCP
Click to expand...

First of all, thank you for the great feedback.

I used to be an underdog because I was standing at a 23 MCAT in April and I retook the MCAT in August and ended up with the 25. I didn't apply super early like in May-June but I got my Primary Application in by beginning of August, so I am assuming I am in the "middle of the pack." But I knew it would not really matter if I applied earlier only because I was already planning on retaking the MCAT by May (after I received my score).

Yeah the ER scribe position is great because I do see the ER physician interact with the PCP's and I get to talk with some of the PCP's who are admitting their patients in the hospital. Primary care is one of my big interest in medicine so I guess that also helps.

I was just getting a little anxious because I had submitted all my secondaries pretty much as soon as I received them but I just heard back from my first DO school (PCOM-GA) about 1 week ago. And I still have not really heard back from any of the other school (except Midwestern AZ who put me on their waitlist for ii's).

Hopefully I can do well in the interview to land an acceptance before I even think about exploring other options/schools.

Does being Asian make me more of an underdog applicant? I was not sure how the basis is for DO schools as compared to MD schools...
 
not that many people seem to be applying to LUCOM...if you are an UD and paranoid about your chances and don't mind the religious affiliation, I would recommend applying there (even if you don't meet their minumums). I would not be surprised if lots of 3.1/22's were accepted.
 
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