2013-2014 Underdawgs Thread ( Lets get it)

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Good luck 2018 hopefuls!!

I got in with 26Q, 3.2 c/sGPA, with a 3.82 PB c/sGPA (80cr), and the last 60 cr were a 3.95 c/sGPA... Best of luck! You can do it!
 
I was wondering if I pick some of your brains for some information regarding PBL and non-traditional curriculum. I interviewed at two schools last year that both had traditional lecture based curriculum. I've already sat out two years after graduating from underdgrad and I am really trying to give myself the best chance to get an acceptance. I was hoping I could get some info from some people who have interviewed at the PBL schools or at AT Stills Soma with the 3-1 curriculum. I've read some of the other school specific threads and it's really hard to get a good feel for what it is like. Teaching myself medical school seems incredibly intimidating...
 
Still waiting on one more transcript before submitting my application. Can I submit my app before they receive the transcript?
 
That part blows.

Looking at your loan awards in the eye and doing Entrance Counseling is almost worse, though.

For a lot of people though, I'd argue it's worth doubling down and putting your resources into one app cycle. Was fairly surprised at the schools I had interview invites from, and also surprised at some that put me on hold/rejected me.

I hope I can say the same come next year. You do have stellar ECs though.
 
App verified today! I don't think they changed anything gpa-wise. So I'm probably sitting on 3.5c 3.08s and 26 (8-9-9)
 
Here is my advice. Take other peoples stats with a grain of salt. Take their knowledge of the application/selection process with a grain of salt. I was an underdog 3.2/26. I got in first cycle.

Talk to the admissions staff. They will tell you what you need to know. Apply where you want to go, and know why, this will show in your personal statement.

Decide to be a doctor, then be one.
 
Dam.
Lecom Erie rejected

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
 
This cycle.
Said, after CAREFUL consideration, the committee...
Lol sucks

CGPA 3.25
Mcat 26
With retake score release on the 11th.
Hopefully it's better than a 26.

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
 
This cycle.
Said, after CAREFUL consideration, the committee...
Lol sucks

CGPA 3.25
Mcat 26
With retake score release on the 11th.
Hopefully it's better than a 26.

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

cray. both LECOMs had me on hold for a while before they rejected me and my MCAT was only a point higher.
 
This cycle.
Said, after CAREFUL consideration, the committee...
Lol sucks

CGPA 3.25
Mcat 26
With retake score release on the 11th.
Hopefully it's better than a 26.

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

Sorry to hear that 🙁. LECOM has never been a Canadian-friendly school, according to anecdotal evidence. It's still a long way to go, good :luck: my fellow Canadian!
 
^Yep. Canadian.
Hopefully my retake is over 30!

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
 
This cycle.
Said, after CAREFUL consideration, the committee...
Lol sucks

CGPA 3.25
Mcat 26
With retake score release on the 11th.
Hopefully it's better than a 26.

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

Hey man, sorry to hear that. If it makes you feel any better, I applied there last cycle, and to this day still haven't received a decision from them lol. I assumed silent rejection long ago, but my point is, at least you know and you can move on. It's obviously not the news you wanted to receive, but as underdogs, we have to remember that there will be rejections and holds. That was especially true for me near the beginning of the cycle. With your stats, I think you'll be okay as long as you applied broadly.

Some advice for everyone in here applying this year: find something productive to keep you busy throughout the cycle! There's a lot of waiting and downtime. You don't want to be sitting around on your couch checking your phone for new emails every 30 mins. That being said, good luck everybody!
 
Hey man, sorry to hear that. If it makes you feel any better, I applied there last cycle, and to this day still haven't received a decision from them lol. I assumed silent rejection long ago, but my point is, at least you know and you can move on. It's obviously not the news you wanted to receive, but as underdogs, we have to remember that there will be rejections and holds. That was especially true for me near the beginning of the cycle. With your stats, I think you'll be okay as long as you applied broadly.

Some advice for everyone in here applying this year: find something productive to keep you busy throughout the cycle! There's a lot of waiting and downtime. You don't want to be sitting around on your couch checking your phone for new emails every 30 mins. That being said, good luck everybody!

Yea, definitely.
Applied to 18 schools. No way no secondaries lol

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
 
I thought my sGPA was a 3.0, but it turns out it's a 2.97 (I accidentally entered an A instead of a B-, caught it before I submitted thankfully). Here's hoping they approve my "mental health research" independent study as an "other science" (yea I'm not holding my breath either) otherwise it's looking like I'll get screened out at a bunch of the schools I applied to.

Stats: 2.97 sGPA 3.2 cGPA 34Q MCAT (10 PS 11 VR 13 BS) + current ER technician, lots of volunteering/shadowing

School list:
ATSU KCOM
ACOM MU
CCOM MU
DMU COM
KCUMB COM
LE COM (both campuses)
NSU COM
PCOM
RVU COM
UP KCOM


3/10th of a point makes such a difference...
 
I thought my sGPA was a 3.0, but it turns out it's a 2.97 (I accidentally entered an A instead of a B-, caught it before I submitted thankfully). Here's hoping they approve my "mental health research" independent study as an "other science" (yea I'm not holding my breath either) otherwise it's looking like I'll get screened out at a bunch of the schools I applied to.

Stats: 2.97 sGPA 3.2 cGPA 34Q MCAT (10 PS 11 VR 13 BS) + current ER technician, lots of volunteering/shadowing

School list:
ATSU KCOM
ACOM MU
CCOM MU
DMU COM
KCUMB COM
LE COM (both campuses)
NSU COM
PCOM
RVU COM
UP KCOM


3/10th of a point makes such a difference...

Good luck!!! My stats are pretty close to yours (applying to a lot of the same schools too). I hope I can get my MCAT even remotely close to yours. Anyway hopefully we will end up class mates together 🙂
 
I might/am probably also an underdog too. 3.78 GPA (overall)... about the same for my science classes... Biochem major, psychology minor... graduated undergrad in 2007... about 5 years in research (3 years in clinical research) post-graduation... 70 hours of shadowing, volunteer as a health educator, should have decent to great LORs... one from an MD and one from a DO...

I got a 27 on my MCAT in April... I have signed up to retake the MCAT in late July but have been focused on work and my application so I might post-pone to early August...

I was planning on applying to all the DO schools in the NE, one in MI and a few MD schools...

I am interested in primary care and I want to provide health care to under served populations...

what do you all think?
 
I might/am probably also an underdog too. 3.78 GPA (overall)... about the same for my science classes... Biochem major, psychology minor... graduated undergrad in 2007... about 5 years in research (3 years in clinical research) post-graduation... 70 hours of shadowing, volunteer as a health educator, should have decent to great LORs... one from an MD and one from a DO...

I got a 27 on my MCAT in April... I have signed up to retake the MCAT in late July but have been focused on work and my application so I might post-pone to early August...

I was planning on applying to all the DO schools in the NE, one in MI and a few MD schools...

I am interested in primary care and I want to provide health care to under served populations...

what do you all think?

Are you Canadian? I can't see any reason you'd be an underdog for DO.
 
I agree. I think you would be competitive for many low-mid tier MD programs; especially in state
 
I might/am probably also an underdog too. 3.78 GPA (overall)... about the same for my science classes... Biochem major, psychology minor... graduated undergrad in 2007... about 5 years in research (3 years in clinical research) post-graduation... 70 hours of shadowing, volunteer as a health educator, should have decent to great LORs... one from an MD and one from a DO...

I got a 27 on my MCAT in April... I have signed up to retake the MCAT in late July but have been focused on work and my application so I might post-pone to early August...

I was planning on applying to all the DO schools in the NE, one in MI and a few MD schools...

I am interested in primary care and I want to provide health care to under served populations...

what do you all think?


If you're happy with DO then just apply.
 
If you're happy with DO then just apply.

aww thanks guys! You all just lifted my spirits... I work with an INTENSE MD MS MS Ph.D.... yeah that is right... the guy has 4 degrees!!!!... he told me that my only option is Caribbean (and even then my claimed my chances are bleak) after he heard that I got a 27 on the MCAT (9 PS, 8VR, 10 BS)... I was scoring a bit higher on my practice exams... high of 31... but I have not had time to study since I have been so focused at work on and on my application

I am not a Canadian... I am a US citizen, second generation Puerto Rican (from both parents) born in Connecticut

My residency is currently Connecticut but I think I may need to change it to Maryland soon... I don;t think that will affect any of my DO school applications right? There are no DO schools in either state... only public MD schools... both which pretty much require high MCAT scores...

I really appreciate the encouragement from you guys... but I also need to know the reality... I mean we all have to work for it as we all deserve the best physicians, etc.
 
Canada is still more competitive.

Your stats are not underdog lol.

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
 
aww thanks guys! You all just lifted my spirits... I work with an INTENSE MD MS MS Ph.D.... yeah that is right... the guy has 4 degrees!!!!... he told me that my only option is Caribbean (and even then my claimed my chances are bleak) after he heard that I got a 27 on the MCAT (9 PS, 8VR, 10 BS)... I was scoring a bit higher on my practice exams... high of 31... but I have not had time to study since I have been so focused at work on and on my application

I am not a Canadian... I am a US citizen, second generation Puerto Rican (from both parents) born in Connecticut

My residency is currently Connecticut but I think I may need to change it to Maryland soon... I don;t think that will affect any of my DO school applications right? There are no DO schools in either state... only public MD schools... both which pretty much require high MCAT scores...

I really appreciate the encouragement from you guys... but I also need to know the reality... I mean we all have to work for it as we all deserve the best physicians, etc.

Yeah, apply to some low-to-mid tier MDs as well. URM status will give you a little boost. Never take one person's advice as holy when it comes to your chances. You'll want to talk to a LOT of people.
 
Good luck!!! My stats are pretty close to yours (applying to a lot of the same schools too). I hope I can get my MCAT even remotely close to yours. Anyway hopefully we will end up class mates together 🙂


Thanks!! I've kind of got my heart set on CCOM. Not sure if I'm ready to leave the SO. He just took the bar in IL (I'm a resident as well) so he's here to stay. I'm really hoping I don't have to make that choice.
 
aww thanks guys! You all just lifted my spirits... I work with an INTENSE MD MS MS Ph.D.... yeah that is right... the guy has 4 degrees!!!!... he told me that my only option is Caribbean (and even then my claimed my chances are bleak) after he heard that I got a 27 on the MCAT (9 PS, 8VR, 10 BS)... I was scoring a bit higher on my practice exams... high of 31... but I have not had time to study since I have been so focused at work on and on my application

I am not a Canadian... I am a US citizen, second generation Puerto Rican (from both parents) born in Connecticut

My residency is currently Connecticut but I think I may need to change it to Maryland soon... I don;t think that will affect any of my DO school applications right? There are no DO schools in either state... only public MD schools... both which pretty much require high MCAT scores...

I really appreciate the encouragement from you guys... but I also need to know the reality... I mean we all have to work for it as we all deserve the best physicians, etc.

I think that you have a good shot at an MD school and a very good one at any DO school.
 
3.30 cGPA, 3.20 sGPA, MCAT TBA, took it 5/18/13 (but I got 30-32 on all my practice tests and feel really good about the actual one, so fingers crossed).

Applying to MSUCOM (Michigan resident), Marian University COM, CCOM, LECOM-Erie... not sure where else to apply, also applying to in-state MD schools (we've got 6 in Michigan, so it's worth a shot since all but one have in-state preference and I go to U of M).

I'm confident about my MCAT but not so much about my grades, so there you go, underdog!
 
Here are the #'s:

cGPA: 3.97
sGPA: 3.92
MCAT: 7(PS), 9(VR), 8(BS), retake scheduled for August

Paid Employment - Clinical: 3 years as an EMT for an ambulance company, 3 Years as an emergency room technician working with and assisting MD's and DO's
Letters: Committee letter, one DO letters (from work and shadowing experience)
Volunteer work: volunteer fire fighter, soup kitchens, church youth group ~1000+ hrs.
Shadowing ( 2 docs; emergency and internal medicine): 32 hrs.
Research: Been involved with the clinical research team at my hospital for over a year now; publications in the works
Various other less important things
(Not underrepresented or disadvantaged)
Florida Resident

AACOMAS School List:
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus, SC
Georgia Campus - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, GA
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus, FL
Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, TN
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, FL
Rocky Vista University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, CO
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Admissions Office, WV
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, NC
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT, NY
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

So...Will I get any love?
 
So...Will I get any love?

I think that if you won't then the rest of us are just plain screwed. Most people would kill for that GPA, and the ECs and work experience are really impressive. The only possible area of improvement is your MCAT score, and you're already retaking it. Rock it and you're golden.
 
I think that if you won't then the rest of us are just plain screwed. Most people would kill for that GPA, and the ECs and work experience are really impressive. The only possible area of improvement is your MCAT score, and you're already retaking it. Rock it and you're golden.

Unfortunately my GPA means nothing with my crappy MCAT.
 
Unfortunately my GPA means nothing with my crappy MCAT.

24 MCAT with that GPA isn't a death sentence. You're making alot of people in this thread feel self concious lol.
 
Here are the #'s:

cGPA: 3.97
sGPA: 3.92
MCAT: 7(PS), 9(VR), 8(BS), retake scheduled for August

Paid Employment - Clinical: 3 years as an EMT for an ambulance company, 3 Years as an emergency room technician working with and assisting MD's and DO's
Letters: Committee letter, one DO letters (from work and shadowing experience)
Volunteer work: volunteer fire fighter, soup kitchens, church youth group ~1000+ hrs.
Shadowing ( 2 docs; emergency and internal medicine): 32 hrs.
Research: Been involved with the clinical research team at my hospital for over a year now; publications in the works
Various other less important things
(Not underrepresented or disadvantaged)
Florida Resident

AACOMAS School List:
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus, SC
Georgia Campus - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, GA
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus, FL
Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, TN
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, FL
Rocky Vista University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, CO
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Admissions Office, WV
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, NC
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT, NY
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

So...Will I get any love?

You will definitely get some love. You are not an underdog IMO...
 
Yes I did... You will definitely get multiple interviews/acceptances...I even think you will most likely get into Nova since you are a FL resident.

I like your optimism. Novas avg for MCAT is a 28 I think :-/ I was thinking my retest would determine acceptance this year or not.
 
I like your optimism. Novas avg for MCAT is a 28 I think :-/ I was thinking my retest would determine acceptance this year or not.

It's ok that you are retaking so you can make your app more competitive or having the MD option as well...If you get 28+ in your retake, you will have a shot at MD as well. As it stands right now, you will have multiple DO acceptances to choose from...By the way Nova's average mcat is 27...
 
It's ok that you are retaking so you can make your app more competitive or having the MD option as well...If you get 28+ in your retake, you will have a shot at MD as well. As it stands right now, you will have multiple DO acceptances to choose from...By the way Nova's average mcat is 27...

That's good to hear.
 
Hello everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster. I figured I would put my stats out there:

3.2 c/sGPA
27 MCAT (10PS, 9BS, 8VR)
ER Tech for over 1 year
Lots of other various EC's

Applied 6/3. Waiting to get verified....
Best of luck to everyone!
 
Last edited:
Hello everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster. I figured I would through my stats out there:

3.2 c/sGPA
27 MCAT (10PS, 9BS, 8VR)
ER Tech for over 1 year
Lots of other various EC's

Applied 6/3. Waiting to get verified....
Best of luck to everyone!

Welcome!
 
Unfortunately my GPA means nothing with my crappy MCAT.

You're kidding me...right? My stats were 3.65/3.43/25 and I got 4 interviews last cycle. And that was with my LORs being late. I was accepted into WVSOM by November.
 
You're kidding me...right? My stats were 3.65/3.43/25 and I got 4 interviews last cycle. And that was with my LORs being late. I was accepted into WVSOM by November.

When did you apply last cycle ?

I'm a true underdog applying this cycle, but I wont be able apply till I take my test on the 25th of july, will that be too late ?
 
Underdog here

3.1ish cgpa
2.85ish scpa
26mcat and 25mcat, retaking next month

edit: applied in 2011 for entering in 2012, got interviewed and waitlisted at 1 school
 
Last edited:
You're kidding me...right? My stats were 3.65/3.43/25 and I got 4 interviews last cycle. And that was with my LORs being late. I was accepted into WVSOM by November.

Were your EC's stronger than mine. When I posted my stats in the WAMC thread, I got no love even for DO. Everyone has said that even with my GPA, 24 is below the bottom.
 
Might as well stop being shy...

cGPA: 3.23
sGPA:3.36
MCAT: 21, retake TBA (July 25th test)

4 decent LOR's: premed committee, DO, volunteer supervisor, and Dr. I work under now as an MA.
500+ related volunteer hours
80 DO shadowing hours
Over a year work experience as medical assistant in private practice
10 day volunteer medical trip to Haiti
Summer internship at Cancer Center

Just have to conquer that pesky MCAT.
 
When did you apply last cycle ?

I'm a true underdog applying this cycle, but I wont be able apply till I take my test on the 25th of july, will that be too late ?

Retaking July 25th as well. So worried about applying late but trying to stay hopeful!
 
Were your EC's stronger than mine. When I posted my stats in the WAMC thread, I got no love even for DO. Everyone has said that even with my GPA, 24 is below the bottom.

I wouldn't consider you an underdog. Yes, 24 is a below average score, but all of the sections are 7+. Besides, your GPA rocks. YOU SHOULD GET INTERVIEWS.

That being said, if I were in your shoes, I would sell myself short. I would retake and aim for 28+. Such score will make you ultracompetitive at any DO school, as well as MD schools. However, if you are tired of the MCAT and don't want to go through the whole process again (I completely understand the pain), I think you are golden as is. Maybe, you won't get into MCAT-loving schools (AZCOM or TouroNV) but you will definitely find love from other GPA-loving ones (DMU, Western, etc).

With that GPA, I have no doubt that your chances are better than mine.

Good luck!
 
Guys, don't forget that this is an underdog thread.

Most of us WILL be screwed over in the cycle. If we ALL got in, then this is definitely not an underdog thread and people next year need to up (down) the requirements for being an underdog haha.
 
Guys, don't forget that this is an underdog thread.

Most of us WILL be screwed over in the cycle. If we ALL got in, then this is definitely not an underdog thread and people next year need to up (down) the requirements for being an underdog haha.

I don't get why they declared you an underdog.

Even with that 6 on verbal, only a handful of DO schools will be hesitant to interview you. Your overall MCAT is 4 points above average and you GPA is above the average of any school, including DMU.

As Goro would say, "Stop Fussing".
 
Top