2013-2014 Underdawgs Thread ( Lets get it)

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Hvilledoc said:
do you know if id be screen out at both LECOMs for having a 6 in verbal
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I don't think they screen for MCAT breakdowns, but I could be wrong. Can other more informed members inquire on this?
 
verynice said:
Thank you! 😀 Not quite yet, but I think I am zeroing in between VCOM, DCOM, or PCOM
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Seems to me like good choices all around.
I interviewed at DCOM last year and was very impressed
 
If people with good GPA's and 23 MCATs can get accepted to multiple schools including OU, then a 23 can't be that bad of a score. Postbac premed's case shows that GPA can more than make up for a low 20s mcat, essentially to the point of not being an UD in the first place.
 
user3 said:
If people with good GPA's and 23 MCATs can get accepted to multiple schools including OU, then a 23 can't be that bad of a score. Postbac premed's case shows that GPA can more than make up for a low 20s mcat, essentially to the point of not being an UD in the first place.
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Except it is, and it's an uphill battle. Postbac got in that's great, but whether that can be said about other people in similar positions is debatable.
 
serenade said:
Except it is, and it's an uphill battle. Postbac got in that's great, but whether that can be said about other people in similar positions is debatable.
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Lets compare postbacpremed's results with the next person I find on here with 3.8+/23. I doubt they'll be very different.
 
user3 said:
Lets compare postbacpremed's results with the next person I find on here with 3.8+/23. I doubt they'll be very different.
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Have you ever taken a stats course?
 
I feel like this forum sometimes creates an unneeded doubt of applying with lower stats. I was legitimately scared that I wouldn't get a single acceptance because my MCAT was so low. Because of this, I applied broadly to 11 DO schools. I was pre-secondary rejected from CUSOM (for the 6 in verbal), got iis from 6 schools, 5 acceptances, and one waitlist. My MCAT was discussed in only one interview and they only asked me why I retook it (21->24). So, I feel that, while User3's advice is sometimes a little too optimistic, I feel like their is some warrant for his/her opinion.
 
I haven't posted here in awhile but would like to update my progress:

ii to: LECOM-SH, LMU, ACOM, WCU

I'm freakin' itching to get that first acceptance. First interview is next week. Fingers crossed, please. :highfive:
 
Mehd School said:
I haven't posted here in awhile but would like to update my progress:

ii to: LECOM-SH, LMU, ACOM, WCU

I'm freakin' itching to get that first acceptance. First interview is next week. Fingers crossed, please. :highfive:
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Congrats! What are your stats?
 
Mehd School said:
I haven't posted here in awhile but would like to update my progress:

ii to: LECOM-SH, LMU, ACOM, WCU

I'm freakin' itching to get that first acceptance. First interview is next week. Fingers crossed, please. :highfive:
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Gratz 😀
when were you complete?
 
postbacpremed87 said:
I think the moral of the story is that DO schools look at the entire applicant. I don't want to be compared because everyone is different.
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👎

DO admissions is a NUMBERS game first and foremost-- evidenced by the fact that people have managed to gain acceptances to DO schools with nothing but high gpa's and mcats on their app and zero EC's, while being INTERVIEWLESS with MD's.

you did not got in because DO schools look at the whole applicant. you got in because your numbers were more competitive than you believed.
 
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Mehd School said:
I haven't posted here in awhile but would like to update my progress:

ii to: LECOM-SH, LMU, ACOM, WCU

I'm freakin' itching to get that first acceptance. First interview is next week. Fingers crossed, please. :highfive:
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congrats!... 🙂 do you have a favorite or ideal out of those schools?
 
Mehd School said:
I haven't posted here in awhile but would like to update my progress:

ii to: LECOM-SH, LMU, ACOM, WCU

I'm freakin' itching to get that first acceptance. First interview is next week. Fingers crossed, please. :highfive:
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Good luck!
 
serenade said:
Except it is, and it's an uphill battle. Postbac got in that's great, but whether that can be said about other people in similar positions is debatable.
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When people are getting accepted to 3+ schools with these stats, I think it is hard to call them underdogs. There are multiple examples like that on SDN... 'Postbaccpremed' is not an exception.
 
user3 said:
👎

DO admissions is a NUMBERS game first and foremost-- evidenced by the fact that people have managed to gain acceptances to DO schools with nothing but high gpa's and mcats on their app and zero EC's, while being INTERVIEWLESS with MD's.

you did not got in because DO schools look at the whole applicant. you got in because your numbers were more competitive than you believed.
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"If you lack ECs, you'll get rejected even with a 4.0 GPA and 45 MCAT. My school has and I've seen similar fates for people like this posted in this forum, from both DO and MD schools.

You need to show us your altruism and humanism. You need to show us you know what a doctor's day is like, and that you really want to spend the next 40 years around sick and injured people and their families."

-Goro
 
Hi guys, I just had a quick question for the underdogs acceptance this cycle already.

How much of a factor do you guys think networking with the schools (writing emails, meeting with advisers, going to visits etc) helped with your acceptance?

Just curious as to how much of a difference it makes when they review your application. Thanks for the help!
 
I just got accepted to MSU-COM a few days back, so best of luck to you if you're applying there!! I really think it's all about what's on your application and in your updates, since the admissions staff/advisors/current students are (likely) NOT the ones making your admissions decision. However, all of those things may give you much better ideas for what to write in a letter of interest/update/essay, and are definitely helpful in ensuring you make an informed decision.
 
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johnamo said:
I just got accepted to MSU-COM a few days back, so best of luck to you if you're applying there!! I really think it's all about what's on your application and in your updates, since the admissions staff/advisors/current students are (likely) NOT the ones making your admissions decision. However, all of those things may give you much better ideas for what to write in a letter of interest/update/essay, and are definitely helpful in ensuring you make an informed decision.
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Congrats!!!! That's awesome and yup MSU-COM is my number 1... Thanks for your reply!
 
iTcanBdone said:
Congrats!!!! That's awesome and yup MSU-COM is my number 1... Thanks for your reply!
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Thank you! I'll be rooting for you.

I actually got my acceptance just days after sending my second update, so I (anecdotally) would say that displaying your interest is important to them. Of course, she did mention on the phone that they had just reviewed my application that morning... so it might have been coincidence... but definitely keep them aware of your interest, reflect it in your application, and send them updates!
 
premed2113 said:
"If you lack ECs, you'll get rejected even with a 4.0 GPA and 45 MCAT. My school has and I've seen similar fates for people like this posted in this forum, from both DO and MD schools.

You need to show us your altruism and humanism. You need to show us you know what a doctor's day is like, and that you really want to spend the next 40 years around sick and injured people and their families."

-Goro
Click to expand...
premed2113 said:
"If you lack ECs, you'll get rejected even with a 4.0 GPA and 45 MCAT. My school has and I've seen similar fates for people like this posted in this forum, from both DO and MD schools.

You need to show us your altruism and humanism. You need to show us you know what a doctor's day is like, and that you really want to spend the next 40 years around sick and injured people and their families."

-Goro
Click to expand...

"I know I am going to get flamed for this but the more I research DO schools the more I find most of their mission statements to be complete BS. Let me start out by saying that I plan on applying to and if admitted going to a DO school.

I keep hearing that the difference of DO schools from MD's is that DO's are more holistic and the whole OMM thing. I also hear from a lot of DO students that they really believe DO's care more about being well rounded vs just number crazy.

The reason I don't buy this is two reason one being a few years back when I was in grad school I had a few friends with great numbers but no EC's that weren't even offered a interview to MD schools (because of the lack of EC's) but were admitted to ever DO school they applied to (admittedly they only applied to 2 or 3 DO's). This really didn't surprise me because one of the guys had a 36 MCAT and a very high GPA.
The real reason I don't buy the DO field cares more is that I keep finding schools with very high seat deposits and insane no refund policies. I mean LECOM interviews and accepts quickly and you have to submit a non-refundable seat deposit of $1,500.00 ( I think but could be wrong) and I was really shocked to see William Carey a school that is only a few years old requires a $3,000.00 deposit (according to their website).

I will be honest and admit that the reason why I am applying DO is because I don't think I will get into US MD but this really rubs me the wrong way. It seems like DO schools are really in just for the money and are taking advantage of the situation.

I have a good job and saving up for school so I should be able to pay this but I can't see how they honestly expect college kids to be able to pay 3K in a seat deposit.

...

You're def right about LECOM having low tuition rates. If I am not mistaken they use to have 28K annual tuition which is cheaper than some of the MD's in my state. You're also right that most schools are out for money. State schools have a obligation but private schools are really just for profit (maybe a few exceptions).

My major problem is the fact that DO community preaches that they care more about a "well-rounded" candidate but I know for a fact that several DO schools were willing to accept a few of my friends who had nothing on their resume except a high MCAT and GPA; and the fact that their deposit system is set just to make money and really leaves a lot of poorer students out in the cold." -CF84

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/do-admission-deposits.999111/
 
user3 said:
"I know I am going to get flamed for this but the more I research DO schools the more I find most of their mission statements to be complete BS. Let me start out by saying that I plan on applying to and if admitted going to a DO school.

I keep hearing that the difference of DO schools from MD's is that DO's are more holistic and the whole OMM thing. I also hear from a lot of DO students that they really believe DO's care more about being well rounded vs just number crazy.

The reason I don't buy this is two reason one being a few years back when I was in grad school I had a few friends with great numbers but no EC's that weren't even offered a interview to MD schools (because of the lack of EC's) but were admitted to ever DO school they applied to (admittedly they only applied to 2 or 3 DO's). This really didn't surprise me because one of the guys had a 36 MCAT and a very high GPA.
The real reason I don't buy the DO field cares more is that I keep finding schools with very high seat deposits and insane no refund policies. I mean LECOM interviews and accepts quickly and you have to submit a non-refundable seat deposit of $1,500.00 ( I think but could be wrong) and I was really shocked to see William Carey a school that is only a few years old requires a $3,000.00 deposit (according to their website).

I will be honest and admit that the reason why I am applying DO is because I don't think I will get into US MD but this really rubs me the wrong way. It seems like DO schools are really in just for the money and are taking advantage of the situation.

I have a good job and saving up for school so I should be able to pay this but I can't see how they honestly expect college kids to be able to pay 3K in a seat deposit.

...

You're def right about LECOM having low tuition rates. If I am not mistaken they use to have 28K annual tuition which is cheaper than some of the MD's in my state. You're also right that most schools are out for money. State schools have a obligation but private schools are really just for profit (maybe a few exceptions).

My major problem is the fact that DO community preaches that they care more about a "well-rounded" candidate but I know for a fact that several DO schools were willing to accept a few of my friends who had nothing on their resume except a high MCAT and GPA; and the fact that their deposit system is set just to make money and really leaves a lot of poorer students out in the cold." -CF84

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/do-admission-deposits.999111/
Click to expand...

So people have conflicting anecdotes. Sweet.
 
I read the "debate" about the definition of an underdog and apparently I don't meet that definition...but in no way are my stats good and I just received an admission this week (LU) and an interview at WVSOM (which I'm considering canceling now). Denied by MUCOM, CCOM, LECOM-B, and one other I think. 3.4cum/3.1sci 25, 26 retake.

You can do it!
 
HopefulSpartan said:
I read the "debate" about the definition of an underdog and apparently I don't meet that definition...but in no way are my stats good and I just received an admission this week (LU) and an interview at WVSOM (which I'm considering canceling now). Denied by MUCOM, CCOM, LECOM-B, and one other I think. 3.4cum/3.1sci 25, 26 retake.

You can do it!
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Except for your cum score, I wasn't far off from you. Needless to say, I was also rejected from the three schools you got rejected from.

And if I were you I'd give WVSOM a shot.
 
HopefulSpartan said:
I read the "debate" about the definition of an underdog and apparently I don't meet that definition...but in no way are my stats good and I just received an admission this week (LU) and an interview at WVSOM (which I'm considering canceling now). Denied by MUCOM, CCOM, LECOM-B, and one other I think. 3.4cum/3.1sci 25, 26 retake.

You can do it!
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Your stats are not bad except for your sGPA that is a little low. I would not say that you are an underdog. Had you applied to schools like ACOM, LMU etc.., you would have had multiple acceptances. I am watching the underdog debate as well and I think that I am more on the side of user3 and Temperature101 on it than serenade/touchpause13. You can not tell me someone applies to 10-12 schools, has 5+ iis and 2-4 acceptances--and he/she is an underdog. Most people won't buy that.
 
coolingglasses said:
Except for your cum score, I wasn't far off from you. Needless to say, I was also rejected from the three schools you got rejected from.

And if I were you I'd give WVSOM a shot.
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Interesting. I was a little surprised by MUCOM (raised Catholic, Indiana ties - though those aren't really great factors).

I scheduled the interview for WVSOM already but still debating. It'll be a pain to get there and honestly I have no interest in rural primary care, granted I don't have anything against it - but it seems like they are looking for people who are interested in pursuing it and have a background that proves it.

I really liked Liberty. I've seen all the negative stuff propagated by SDNers on here but after meeting with their faculty it's clear that they aren't messing around. The head of admissions said that of his staff that he "expects perfection, accepts excellence" and that seems to be a running theme at Liberty. Their campus is beautiful and all their facilities are brand new. All of the people I met at Liberty (admissions office staff and faculty) are passionate and committed to making it a great medical school and I don't doubt that they will.

I applied to 21 DO schools (when the app opened) and I've done around 15 secondaries. I got a secondary from LMU last week. Now that I'm in I'm kinda on the fence about dumping more money into this process.
 
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Someone recently accepted to PCOM-Pa OOS with 3.48/3.28/23
 
HopefulSpartan said:
Interesting. I was a little surprised by MUCOM (raised Catholic, Indiana ties - though those aren't really great factors).

I scheduled the interview for WVSOM already but still debating. It'll be a pain to get there and honestly I have no interest in rural primary care, granted I don't have anything against it - but it seems like they are looking for people who are interested in pursuing it and have a background that proves it.

I really liked Liberty. I've seen all the negative stuff propagated by SDNers on here but after meeting with their faculty it's clear that they aren't messing around. The head of admissions said that of his staff that he "expects perfection, accepts excellence" and that seems to be a running theme at Liberty. Their campus is beautiful and all their facilities are brand new. All of the people I met at Liberty (admissions office staff and faculty) are passionate and committed to making it a great medical school and I don't doubt that they will.

I applied to 21 DO schools (when the app opened) and I've done around 15 secondaries. I got a secondary from LMU last week. Now that I'm in I'm kinda on the fence about dumping more money into this process.
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I didn't really harp on rural PC on my interview and got in. And I think they have nonrural rotation sites as part of their statewide campus but admittedly it's been a while since I've looked. I loved the school.
 
HopefulSpartan said:
I read the "debate" about the definition of an underdog and apparently I don't meet that definition...but in no way are my stats good and I just received an admission this week (LU) and an interview at WVSOM (which I'm considering canceling now). Denied by MUCOM, CCOM, LECOM-B, and one other I think. 3.4cum/3.1sci 25, 26 retake.

You can do it!
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I'm a little surprised you didn't get into LECOM.
 
bcurtis said:
I'm a little surprised you didn't get into LECOM.
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Well their "decision" letter was a really vague rejection suggestion I apply to their post bac. I haven't heard anything from Erie surprisingly. I haven't heard anything good from any of the schools I applied to early. I heard from LUCOM a week after I submitted their secondary (so, early in the cycle for them) and WVSOM I sent the secondary in 3 weeks ago. So I'm not sure what's going on.
 
HopefulSpartan said:
Well their "decision" letter was a really vague rejection suggestion I apply to their post bac. I haven't heard anything from Erie surprisingly. I haven't heard anything good from any of the schools I applied to early. I heard from LUCOM a week after I submitted their secondary (so, early in the cycle for them) and WVSOM I sent the secondary in 3 weeks ago. So I'm not sure what's going on.
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So how much more you going to put into the application process even though you were accepted?
 
bcurtis said:
So how much more you going to put into the application process even though you were accepted?
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1050 on primaries, 1000ish on secondaries, 900 on travel so far....plus all the time I committed to the process and oh interest on my credit card - yeah I'm getting a little tired of spending. My main focus now is getting all my debt settled so when I apply for loans.

I've sent in secondaries to all the places I'd like to go so now I'll just wait.
 
Acceptance letter to PCOM today! OOS, MCAT 25 (6p/10v/9b), c3.45, s3.5, non-traditional. I also interviewed at Drexel (no word back yet), and have an interview at LMU-DCOM next week and PNWU in January (that I may cancel). So insanely excited, as it's been a long road for me thus far and it's my first acceptance!

Keep on truckin', underdogs!! You can do it!
 
zerochaosx said:
Congrats! Did you know when you are expected to hear back from Drexel? When do you have to deposit for PCOM by?
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Drexel is notorious for taking their time with decisions. I've heard anything from 2 to 10 weeks! I interviewed there 11/7, so I'm just hoping I'll know before the Dec 16 deposit deadline for PCOM. Either way, PCOM's deposit is only $250, so it's not as painful as a $1000-$2000 deposit!
 
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