2013-2014 Underdawgs Thread ( Lets get it)

[Poliscidoc]

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I just wanted to say good luck to this years underdawgs!!!

MCAT-23
UGPA-3.3ish

Accepted and starting in August


You can do it!!!

 

[green lantern]

I'm pleased to inform you that you are no longer an underdog.

That is perfectly OK with me. Good luck to you all

 

[user3]

I just wanted to say good luck to this years underdawgs!!!

MCAT-23
UGPA-3.3ish

Accepted and starting in August


You can do it!!!

do you know any other people with similar numbers as you that got in, or do you feel like you are more of the exception? Because I feel like 3.0/3.0/23 is where competitiveness starts for DO schools, and I point to examples like you, but everyone insists people like you have to be outliers...

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

do you know any other people with similar numbers as you that got in, or do you feel like you are more of the exception? Because I feel like 3.0/3.0/23 is where competitiveness starts for DO schools, and I point to examples like you, but everyone insists people like you have to be outliers...

You do realize the average rejected applicant has far above those numbers right ( 3.2/3.0/24.4)? So how can competitiveness start there given that?

 

[CapCrunch]

do you know any other people with similar numbers as you that got in, or do you feel like you are more of the exception? Because I feel like 3.0/3.0/23 is where competitiveness starts for DO schools, and I point to examples like you, but everyone insists people like you have to be outliers...

3.0 most likely starts ability TO compete, not competitiveness if that makes sense. And I think there's a big difference between a 3.0 and a 3.3.

 

[Poliscidoc]

do you know any other people with similar numbers as you that got in, or do you feel like you are more of the exception? Because I feel like 3.0/3.0/23 is where competitiveness starts for DO schools, and I point to examples like you, but everyone insists people like you have to be outliers...

Honestly? No

I had a lot of volunteering, played college football(D2 though), shadowing, and I had a 4.00 in my MBA in Healthcare Admin.

So maybe that had something to do with it?

Honestly it's all about the interview or so I think


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[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Are those really the numbers? I thought the average rejected MCAT score was over 25. This makes me feel better 🙂

Not to my knowledge no. I think 2012 it was 24.X. With X < 5.

 

[touchpause13]

Damn does that me I'm screwed with my 25??

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Damn does that me I'm screwed with my 25??

Not really.

 

[hallowmann]

It means you should be happy you're above the average for rejected people 😎

👍

 

[user3]

Honestly? No

I had a lot of volunteering, played college football(D2 though), shadowing, and I had a 4.00 in my MBA in Healthcare Admin.

So maybe that had something to do with it?

Honestly it's all about the interview or so I think


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ignore spelling and/grammar

problem is, everyone knows that ECs like volunteering, shadowing, etc are extremely BSable/very easily fabricated. I do not think they get anywhere near as much weight as most people here think. So I doubt your EC's made much of a difference...

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

problem is, everyone knows that ECs like volunteering, shadowing, etc are extremely BSable/very easily fabricated. I do not think they get anywhere near as much weight as most people here think. So I doubt your EC's made much of a difference...

You're a very opinionated person.

 

[Mehd School]

I think some level of objectivity should be implemented in the list. Having a guy with a 3.7 and a 31 as an underdog is kind of strange. Even with that one subsection score he's not much of an underdog for anything.

But hey, do as you please. It just seems that in the past there were cut offs (Lizzy M scores I believe). Without cutoffs this may as well be the DO applicant thread.

 

[Mehd School]

problem is, everyone knows that ECs like volunteering, shadowing, etc are extremely BSable/very easily fabricated. I do not think they get anywhere near as much weight as most people here think. So I doubt your EC's made much of a difference...

You are very, very wrong. There have been an uncountable number of borderline students that have matriculated due to stellar extra-curriculars. They won't make up for a weakness, but when push comes to shove they can help you a lot in some instances.

I didn't BS any of my EC's, and I hope you don't either.

 

[user3]

You are very, very wrong. There have been an uncountable number of borderline students that have matriculated due to stellar extra-curriculars. They won't make up for a weakness, but when push comes to shove they can help you a lot in some instances.

I didn't BS any of my EC's, and I hope you don't either.

but how do you know this isn't confirmation bias? The guy that got in with the 3.3/23, at least, has the usual pedestrian set of EC's, nothing amazing nothing terrible. It is easy to assume that borderline applicants that got in must have had amazing EC's, but when you compare them vis-a-vis with other applicants with higher numbers, they really don't stand out as much as you think. And they do not carry as much weight as most people think, either (unless we're talking publications, peace corps, teach for america, etc.). 9 times out of 10, these "underdogs" that get in, do so because their numbers are more competitive than everyone thinks, not because their EC's were "amazing".

 

[Mehd School]

but how do you know this isn't confirmation bias? The guy that got in with the 3.3/23, at least, has the usual pedestrian set of EC's, nothing amazing nothing terrible. It is easy to assume that borderline applicants that got in must have had amazing EC's, but when you compare them vis-a-vis with other applicants with higher numbers, they really don't stand out as much as you think. And they do not carry as much weight as most people think, either (unless we're talking publications, peace corps, teach for america, etc.). 9 times out of 10, these "underdogs" that get in, do so because their numbers are more competitive than everyone thinks, not because their EC's were "amazing".

I don't really care enough to analyze your response and post a logical counter. You win by submission.

 

[heybigspender]

3.1c/2.9s/30


does that make me the underdog of underdogs?

 

[user3]

the sgpa will limit your opportunities, but you should get in somewhere.

 

[Orchid723]

but how do you know this isn't confirmation bias? The guy that got in with the 3.3/23, at least, has the usual pedestrian set of EC's, nothing amazing nothing terrible. It is easy to assume that borderline applicants that got in must have had amazing EC's, but when you compare them vis-a-vis with other applicants with higher numbers, they really don't stand out as much as you think. And they do not carry as much weight as most people think, either (unless we're talking publications, peace corps, teach for america, etc.). 9 times out of 10, these "underdogs" that get in, do so because their numbers are more competitive than everyone thinks, not because their EC's were "amazing".

And yet, every single poster usually lists "greater than average EC's". How the heck do we know what "average" is in the eyes of the committees? Just a thought. 🙂

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I think some level of objectivity should be implemented in the list. Having a guy with a 3.7 and a 31 as an underdog is kind of strange. Even with that one subsection score he's not much of an underdog for anything.

But hey, do as you please. It just seems that in the past there were cut offs (Lizzy M scores I believe). Without cutoffs this may as well be the DO applicant thread.

In the past I was very hard pressed on making things statistics. But honestly if you feel you're an underdog, then why should I say otherwise? But regardless, numbers and experiences are good regardless for applicants.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

And yet, every single poster usually lists "greater than average EC's". How the heck do we know what "average" is in the eyes of the committees? Just a thought. 🙂

I'm pretty sure having good extracurricular is the only way your adcom or interviewer will actually remember you or even talk to you.

 

[hallowmann]

3.1c/2.9s/30


does that make me the underdog of underdogs?

No, not the underdog of underdogs. Others in your situation have existed and been successful. That being said, if you can bump up that sGPA just up to the 3.0 barrier with retakes, you really should. Something like half of the DO programs in the US have 3.0 cutoffs.

I'm pretty sure having good extracurricular is the only way your adcom or interviewer will actually remember you or even talk to you.

This is huge. I'm pretty sure the only reason I'm waitlisted at a program that is way out of my league was because of my extensive ECs with many different organization, 2-3 of which I talked about in depth with my interviewer.

 

[Mehd School]

In the past I was very hard pressed on making things statistics. But honestly if you feel you're an underdog, then why should I say otherwise? But regardless, numbers and experiences are good regardless for applicants.

Yeah, I guess I can see your point.

 

[Temperature101]

do you know any other people with similar numbers as you that got in, or do you feel like you are more of the exception? Because I feel like 3.0/3.0/23 is where competitiveness starts for DO schools, and I point to examples like you, but everyone insists people like you have to be outliers...

You can not be serious! how can it be so low when the average stats of matriculated students is: 3.46/3.36 c/sGPA and 26.6 MCAT. Yeah some schools accept students with lower stat but not that low...My c/sGPA are 3.15 and 3.35 respectively and will not apply if I got an mcat score lower than 24 since the odds will be against me. Giving people false hope by telling people that they are competitive with the stats you listed is unfair.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

You can not be serious! how can it be so low when the average stats of matriculated students is: 3.46/3.36 c/sGPA and 26.6 MCAT. Yeah some schools accept students with lower stat but not that low...

User has a very optimistic view of the whole admission process. It is best to carry a bag of salt when reading.

 

[touchpause13]

User has a very optimistic view of the whole admission process. It is best to carry a bag of salt when reading.

I concur with this statement

 

[Temperature101]

User has a very optimistic view of the whole admission process. It is best to carry a bag of salt when reading.

I have read some of his/her posts in the WAMC forum and I understand he/she is very optimistic but the stats he/she listed to be competitive for DO is WAY over the top.

 

[Temperature101]

Just get a 3.2/23 mcat and you'll get at least 10 interviews. True story.

Wow...user is VERY optimistic then... But these stats might get someone in if has good ECs. However, getting in with these stats is 'somewhat' an outlier nowadays

 

[deleted480308]

In, nontrad with

3.25c, 3.68s, mcat pending

No research, reasonable shadowing, long pastoral history with underpriviledged, great LORs, very strong upward trend

 

[Anicetus]

And yet, every single poster usually lists "greater than average EC's". How the heck do we know what "average" is in the eyes of the committees? Just a thought. 🙂

I think it is safe to say that average ECs are essentially: Involvement in some Pre-med club on campus, about 50-100 volunteer hours, and some shadowing with a doctor.

Average ACCEPTED EC's is an entirely different story.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Average MD applicant has 80 hours of volunteering from what I remember.

 

[LaughingMan]

Average MD applicant has 80 hours of volunteering from what I remember.

🙄🙄🙄🙄

 

[user3]

Yeah, a bag of salt to throw at his face

...I'll go back into hiding now.

I concur with this statement

sheesh, why all the hate? all I am doing is disagreeing. I might not agree with the people that say you need 3.3/26 to be competitive or that someone with 3.8/23 needs to retake the MCAT, but I never get annoyed/upset or tell people to go away or be banned when I disagree with their posts. and I never said someone with 3.2/23 would get 10 interviews, I said that I think they would have a decent shot at the lower tier/newer schools.

 

[Roxas]

I think it is safe to say that average ECs are essentially: Involvement in some Pre-med club on campus, about 50-100 volunteer hours, and some shadowing with a doctor.

Average ACCEPTED EC's is an entirely different story.

What would you say average accepted EC's are?

 

[Anicetus]

What would you say average accepted EC's are?

2000 hours of volunteer at least. 2 years of research. President of 4 different clubs and a TA position at least 3 times. 😎

 

[Dr Dazzle]

Competitive = 3.5 gpa, 26 MCAT

 

[Poliscidoc]

I have home to the conclusion that 75% of the information found on SDN is either grossly over overestimated or underestimated. Lets me honest it's a crap shoot some people get in with 23's and some get rejected with 32's.

At the end of the day did a 23 get my in to medical school-yes

Should any strive to get a 23-no

Competitiveness is for adcoms to judge not a forum full or neurotic premeds


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[drwho14]

there is no hope for me

3.25cgpa, 3.2 sgpa, 21 & 22 mcat.

planning to take mcat for the 3rd and final time in july. i will apply to DO/carribean schools this june or give up being a doctor after that.

 

[hv92]

Honestly, and no offense to anybody..

but is it just me, or was this thread supposed to provide some sort of motivation for people who may be in the same situation when it comes time to apply...?

It is just the constant bickering that is quite annoying...which should go somewhere else. Please. 🙂

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

🙄🙄🙄🙄

No, I'm not even joking. SDN found statistics on it. I was actually surprised when they showed them having less than or about 100 hours. SDN made it seem like everyone had at the minimum 100 hours of clinical not including everything else.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

there is no hope for me

3.25cgpa, 3.2 sgpa, 21 & 22 mcat.

planning to take mcat for the 3rd and final time in july. i will apply to DO/carribean schools this june or give up being a doctor after that.

What are your study habits like?

 

[CapCrunch]

No, I'm not even joking. SDN found statistics on it. I was actually surprised when they showed them having less than or about 100 hours. SDN made it seem like everyone had at the minimum 100 hours of clinical not including everything else.

The "SDN Shift". You either get the over-qualified, neurotic, pre-med students wondering if their 3.8/38 is enough to get into a med school, or the bottom of the barrel students wondering if they have a shot. The data is skewed to the extremes.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

The "SDN Shift". You either get the over-qualified, neurotic, pre-med students wondering if their 3.8/38 is enough to get into a med school, or the bottom of the barrel students wondering if they have a shot. The data is skewed to the extremes.

Yup, but it drives our members to be superior candidates I guess.

 

[LaughingMan]

No, I'm not even joking. SDN found statistics on it. I was actually surprised when they showed them having less than or about 100 hours. SDN made it seem like everyone had at the minimum 100 hours of clinical not including everything else.

That is indeed interesting then...ty for that info.

 

[Roxas]

Hopefully without getting ripped apart, I was wondering if anyone wanted to give me feedback on my ECs. I'm not trying to turn this into a WAMC, nor am I trying to rub anything in since this is the underdog thread, but since this is pretty supportive group (srs) it might help me see where I stand.

~30 hrs shadowing, planning on shadowing for another 20 hrs before I submit my app.
~200 hrs clinical volunteering
~25 hrs community volunteering

-1 year research but no publications
-Various leadership positions, including VP of honor society, trainer at my job, and a couple others.

-Spent 2 years in the Philippines on a religious mission in very poor rural areas, and did a lot of community service while there. Also fluent in the Tagalog language.
-Medical mission trips to Panama and a rural area in Arizona.


How do I look?

 

[Poliscidoc]

Hopefully without getting ripped apart, I was wondering if anyone wanted to give me feedback on my ECs. I'm not trying to turn this into a WAMC, nor am I trying to rub anything in since this is the underdog thread, but since this is pretty supportive group (srs) it might help me see where I stand.

~30 hrs shadowing, planning on shadowing for another 20 hrs before I submit my app.
~200 hrs clinical volunteering
~25 hrs community volunteering

-1 year research but no publications
-Various leadership positions, including VP of honor society, trainer at my job, and a couple others.

-Spend 2 years in the Philippines on a religious mission in very poor rural areas, and did a lot of community service while there. Also fluent in the Tagalog language.
-Medical mission trips to Panama and a rural area in Arizona.


How do I look?

Solid EC's but what about GPA and MCAT? Also what about LOR's- do you think there strong did your writers let toy see them?

You probably have a pretty solid PS based on your EC's.


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[Ogmora]

Hopefully without getting ripped apart, I was wondering if anyone wanted to give me feedback on my ECs. I'm not trying to turn this into a WAMC, nor am I trying to rub anything in since this is the underdog thread, but since this is pretty supportive group (srs) it might help me see where I stand.

~30 hrs shadowing, planning on shadowing for another 20 hrs before I submit my app.
~200 hrs clinical volunteering
~25 hrs community volunteering

-1 year research but no publications
-Various leadership positions, including VP of honor society, trainer at my job, and a couple others.

-Spend 2 years in the Philippines on a religious mission in very poor rural areas, and did a lot of community service while there. Also fluent in the Tagalog language.
-Medical mission trips to Panama and a rural area in Arizona.


How do I look?

Compared to most of the pre-meds i've met IRL (not the SDN super-freaks), this is above average. I'd say, in my unprofessional opinion, that if you have average stats these will make you a competitive applicant. Make sure you write descriptions that capture what you learned, and what you gained out of each experience.

 

[NurWollen]

Hopefully without getting ripped apart, I was wondering if anyone wanted to give me feedback on my ECs. I'm not trying to turn this into a WAMC, nor am I trying to rub anything in since this is the underdog thread, but since this is pretty supportive group (srs) it might help me see where I stand.

~30 hrs shadowing, planning on shadowing for another 20 hrs before I submit my app.
~200 hrs clinical volunteering
~25 hrs community volunteering

-1 year research but no publications
-Various leadership positions, including VP of honor society, trainer at my job, and a couple others.

-Spend 2 years in the Philippines on a religious mission in very poor rural areas, and did a lot of community service while there. Also fluent in the Tagalog language.
-Medical mission trips to Panama and a rural area in Arizona.


How do I look?

When you list your mission on AACOMAS, try to estimate how many community service hours you did week, even if it was only 2-3, that's a lot of hours. I think the majority of DO schools look very favorably on LDS missions (I think it helped me quite a bit) as long as you have other, non-religious ECs to round it out, which you do. I think you're good to go with ECs, just keep doing a little so that you still look busy when you apply.

 

[Roxas]

Thanks everyone for the responses, it really helps to have some good feedback like that.

When you list your mission on AACOMAS, try to estimate how many community service hours you did week, even if it was only 2-3, that's a lot of hours. I think the majority of DO schools look very favorably on LDS missions (I think it helped me quite a bit) as long as you have other, non-religious ECs to round it out, which you do. I think you're good to go with ECs, just keep doing a little so that you still look busy when you apply.

So I was kind of wondering about this, because I know you can't double dip an experience like that, but I want to make sure I convey that we did a lot of community service (about 3 hrs a week for the whole 2 years) in addition to the discipline and rigor of the LDS mission experience, as well as leadership experiences. Should I put the # of service hours in the # box, and then use the 750 character limit to explain everything else? I would ask my advisor these kinds of questions, but they are blatantly anti-mormon (living in Utah ironically) and tries to downplay the significance of the mission to all of us. I really appreciate your help 🙂

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Mormonism, the leading cause of Utah's EC expansion ( average Utah app has over 3-5x as much volunteering as other states).