2014-2015 Underdawgs Thread

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Just wondering...I know AACOMAS says you cant replace a 4-credit class with a 3-credit class, but what about the opposite? I took 3 credit Bio 1/Bio 2 at my UG (without lab - lab was 1 credit and was taken like a whole separate course), but I retook it at a 4-year school with 4 credits each (including lab). Is this still breaking the rule?
 
treadlightlyx said:
Just wondering...I know AACOMAS says you cant replace a 4-credit class with a 3-credit class, but what about the opposite? I took 3 credit Bio 1/Bio 2 at my UG (without lab - lab was 1 credit and was taken like a whole separate course), but I retook it at a 4-year school with 4 credits each (including lab). Is this still breaking the rule?
Click to expand...
the opposite case is the only time that replacement can occur. If the replacement course is of equal or greater credits.
 
Ash Ketchem said:
What makes schools like PCOM, CCOM, DMU etc put in the first tier as you say?
Click to expand...
Like I said that is just my personal opinion. I think Awesome Saucome covered some of the reasons pretty well. Also those schools generally have big academic teaching hospitals associated with them. I would put those schools on par with the lower tier MD school.
 
treadlightlyx said:
Just wondering...I know AACOMAS says you cant replace a 4-credit class with a 3-credit class, but what about the opposite? I took 3 credit Bio 1/Bio 2 at my UG (without lab - lab was 1 credit and was taken like a whole separate course), but I retook it at a 4-year school with 4 credits each (including lab). Is this still breaking the rule?
Click to expand...

The new 4 credit course with lab, will only replace the 3 credit lecture. The 1 credit lab course grade will remain. You can't replace 2 classes with 1 updated lecture/lab combo.

Some people claim to have been able to do that, but most AACOMAS reps say no.
 
WesternRedCedar said:
The new 4 credit course with lab, will only replace the 3 credit lecture. The 1 credit lab course grade will remain. You can't replace 2 classes with 1 updated lecture/lab combo.

Some people claim to have been able to do that, but most AACOMAS reps say no.
Click to expand...

Interesting...ah well, I think I did much better in the lab so I guess that works out for me.

Another question...I'm having a lot of trouble calculating my GPA with the grade replacements. I'm using that excel spreadsheet, but I haven't taken nearly as many courses as they have listed and when I go to delete the extra classes, I get an error message and it's unable to calculate my new GPA. Does anyone have any pointers or any other advice on some sort of spreadsheet letting me calculate my new GPA?
 
Make your own spreadsheet, its pretty easy

Course Name | Grade | Credits | AACOMAS Quality Score (Grade* credit)
Bio1.................... 4.0 ................... 4 ................... 16
Biol 2 ................... 3.7 ................... 4 ................... 14.8



Then sum up the credits (4+4) = 8

Then sum up the AACOMAS quality score (16+14.8) = 30.8

GPA = (Total AACOMAS quality score) / ( Total credits)
= 30.8/8
=3.85


You can do seperate calculations for sGPA by only including science courses. Otherwise the total will be your cGPA.

And if you replace a class, just modify the cell with the old grade (Biol 2 = 3.7, 2nd take = 4.0) And update the cell, and the rest of your gpa would reflect for a total cGPA of 4.0.
 
Last edited:
treadlightlyx said:
Interesting...ah well, I think I did much better in the lab so I guess that works out for me.

Another question...I'm having a lot of trouble calculating my GPA with the grade replacements. I'm using that excel spreadsheet, but I haven't taken nearly as many courses as they have listed and when I go to delete the extra classes, I get an error message and it's unable to calculate my new GPA. Does anyone have any pointers or any other advice on some sort of spreadsheet letting me calculate my new GPA?
Click to expand...
or you can just put the courses on your application. You will be able to see your calculation when your courses are in, you dont even have to wait for transcripts or anything like that.
 
Input it all into the application on AACOMAS... It will calculate it for you. Takes a while though.

treadlightlyx said:
Interesting...ah well, I think I did much better in the lab so I guess that works out for me.

Another question...I'm having a lot of trouble calculating my GPA with the grade replacements. I'm using that excel spreadsheet, but I haven't taken nearly as many courses as they have listed and when I go to delete the extra classes, I get an error message and it's unable to calculate my new GPA. Does anyone have any pointers or any other advice on some sort of spreadsheet letting me calculate my new GPA?
Click to expand...
 
^I dont think AACOMAS takes replacements into account for the calculation, until it is verified.
 
Yeah but just go in and replace the old class with the retake and you'll see what your GPA is. Just remember to change it back.
 
I'm pretty sure it does if you calculate it correctly with the Repeats/Last repeats. I just tried.
WesternRedCedar said:
^I dont think AACOMAS takes replacements into account for the calculation, until it is verified.
Click to expand...

Dr Turkelton said:
Yeah but just go in and replace the old class with the retake and you'll see what your GPA is. Just remember to change it back.
Click to expand...
 
Wow, thanks so much guys! I just made one myself, but I'm totally gonna go ahead and look at AACOMAS to double check to make sure the value I got is correct.
 
Having some trouble coming up with my personal statement... Do you guys talk a lot about why you want to be an Osteopathic Physician and OMM in your PS?
 
Also do you guys spend a lot of time focusing on your "Underdogness" in your PS?
 
Dr Turkelton said:
Also do you guys spend a lot of time focusing on your "Underdogness" in your PS?
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You can explain why you want to be DO during interviews.
there isn't that much space to explain your "underdogness."... Maybe 2-3 sentences??
it's only 4300 characters.
 
Dr Turkelton said:
Having some trouble coming up with my personal statement... Do you guys talk a lot about why you want to be an Osteopathic Physician and OMM in your PS?
Click to expand...
Talk about why a physician,not why DO. Why DO will be answered in your secondaries.

Dr Turkelton said:
Also do you guys spend a lot of time focusing on your "Underdogness" in your PS?
Click to expand...
No. General advice seems to be to not talk about any weaknesses in your PS as it usually just comes off as you making excuses.
 
Looks like my AACOMAS sGPA is a 3.25, with my cGPA being exactly 3.00 (if I get the grades I'm anticipating for this semester). SO close to the cutoff that I'm probably going to take a summer class or two just to get it over the 3.0 hump.
 
treadlightlyx said:
Looks like my AACOMAS sGPA is a 3.25, with my cGPA being exactly 3.00 (if I get the grades I'm anticipating for this semester). SO close to the cutoff that I'm probably going to take a summer class or two just to get it over the 3.0 hump.
Click to expand...

FYI, retaking a class will get your GPA more higher. But, that's up to you.
 
polylux said:
Talk about why a physician,not why DO. Why DO will be answered in your secondaries.


No. General advice seems to be to not talk about any weaknesses in your PS as it usually just comes off as you making excuses.
Click to expand...

Ahhh crap... I mean i was in MD school before, withdrew due to health reasons and my sister passed away, realized then I wanted to do DO, theres a story to it...trust me...you think I should change it?
 
radian313 said:
Ahhh crap... I mean i was in MD school before, withdrew due to health reasons and my sister passed away, realized then I wanted to do DO, theres a story to it...trust me...you think I should change it?
Click to expand...
Aaaaand that's why it's a general rule and not a hard rule for everyone. For you, I think it would be prudent to discuss your story and what brought you to DO, as long as you write well. You have a very unique situation though, so it's hard to say what's the right thing to do.
 
polylux said:
Aaaaand that's why it's a general rule and not a hard rule for everyone. For you, I think it would be prudent to discuss your story and what brought you to DO, as long as you write well. You have a very unique situation though, so it's hard to say what's the right thing to do.
Click to expand...

Yeh I already spoke to WVSOM Admissions, they said as long as I have a good standing dean letter from my SOM, I will be ok....which I do have....but thanks...kinda gave me a scare...
 
Although it now seems like forever ago, I actually remember starting the OG underdog thread back in 2010.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/the-underdog-thread.736438/

As a current MS-III (pretty much IV at this point) it's nice to see how far it's come, and how many future doc's it supported.

Glad to see it's alive and well 4 years later.
 
So I've been planning ahead in case I am not accepted this cycle and have a few opportunities. I love this threads insights so...
-I am for sure retaking a single 4 credit class that will bump my GPA from a 3.03 to a 3.22
Do I....
-Continue working as a biology lab technician full time for a professor at my UG university?
-Instead, do research and be a TA for an anatomy and physiology professor with human cadavers at my UG's medical school
-Take a job for a big time prosthetic joint replacement company. (Money is good and I sit on on all surgeries)
-Get certified to be a CNA and work at a hospital for the time being.

Don't have a ton of time to decide so I'm kind of panicking.
 
Bowser20 said:
So I've been planning ahead in case I am not accepted this cycle and have a few opportunities. I love this threads insights so...
-I am for sure retaking a single 4 credit class that will bump my GPA from a 3.03 to a 3.22
Do I....
-Continue working as a biology lab technician full time for a professor at my UG university?
-Instead, do research and be a TA for an anatomy and physiology professor with human cadavers at my UG's medical school
-Take a job for a big time prosthetic joint replacement company. (Money is good and I sit on on all surgeries)
-Get certified to be a CNA and work at a hospital for the time being.

Don't have a ton of time to decide so I'm kind of panicking.
Click to expand...

Negative on being a CNA- although clinical experience, it's not heavy on interacting with doctors and the money isn't worth it. Do you like cleaning poop? Because being a CNA is how you clean poop...all shift long...

TAing and doing research for a med school sounds much better than doing basic research at your UG. Besides, then you could rock at A&P in med school! The prosthetic joint company also sounds pretty amazing.

So, IMHO, choices B and C are the best. And retaking just that one course would really do wonders for your GPA. Maybe if you could retake another it would help even more?
 
69293d206d09232b86b38a916141ab92e7a0715af57c398230dff9f355b2e189.jpg

B&C
 
radian313 said:
Im nearly done with mine, you want to read it?
Click to expand...

Would love to!

iWillOneDay said:
You can explain why you want to be DO during interviews.
there isn't that much space to explain your "underdogness."... Maybe 2-3 sentences??
it's only 4300 characters.
Click to expand...

polylux said:
Talk about why a physician,not why DO. Why DO will be answered in your secondaries.


No. General advice seems to be to not talk about any weaknesses in your PS as it usually just comes off as you making excuses.
Click to expand...

Perfect, thanks guys
 
Bowser20 said:
So I've been planning ahead in case I am not accepted this cycle and have a few opportunities. I love this threads insights so...
-I am for sure retaking a single 4 credit class that will bump my GPA from a 3.03 to a 3.22
Do I....
-Continue working as a biology lab technician full time for a professor at my UG university?
-Instead, do research and be a TA for an anatomy and physiology professor with human cadavers at my UG's medical school
-Take a job for a big time prosthetic joint replacement company. (Money is good and I sit on on all surgeries)
-Get certified to be a CNA and work at a hospital for the time being.

Don't have a ton of time to decide so I'm kind of panicking.
Click to expand...

I would actually do the CNA or the job (which sounds awesome btw). I'm beginning to realize that most underdog friendly schools don't really value research that much. Seems there is a much bigger focus on clinical experience which is a thing I'm apparently lacking...
 
If I am taking the MCAT in September, is it ok if I submit my application around mid July for DO?

With a 3.32-3.35 cGPA/3.28-3.30 sGPA(have still yet to really calculate it, haven't had any time and probably won't until early june to start my app, I have been working on my personal statements and asking professors and ECs for letters). So far my MCAT score has improved about 5 points since I started studying (started at 23 (9/7/9) but I have been rising slowly, verbal is still my weakest section) with some practice exams I have taken lackadaisically. I have not really seriously started studying. I'm able to score about a 11-12 in PS, 10 in Bs, and a 8 in VR. I was scoring really high in PS for the Kaplan exams which I heard are harder than the real MCAT so I am not entirely sure how accurate that is. I'm taking upper level bio classes now so I expect my BS to be stronger when I hardcore study this summer.

With lets say a 3.35/3.30/30, and my MCAT score coming out in October be detrimental or too late for me?
 
Bowser20 said:
So I've been planning ahead in case I am not accepted this cycle and have a few opportunities. I love this threads insights so...
-I am for sure retaking a single 4 credit class that will bump my GPA from a 3.03 to a 3.22
Do I....
-Continue working as a biology lab technician full time for a professor at my UG university?
-Instead, do research and be a TA for an anatomy and physiology professor with human cadavers at my UG's medical school
-Take a job for a big time prosthetic joint replacement company. (Money is good and I sit on on all surgeries)
-Get certified to be a CNA and work at a hospital for the time being.

Don't have a ton of time to decide so I'm kind of panicking.
Click to expand...
I have been a CNA for 1.5 years now and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to get into medical school. It gives you good experience seeing how health care really works, both good and bad things. Also like stated before you don't get to interact much with doctors but that really depends on your work location and how outgoing you are in seeking that interaction. Through my CNA job I have been able to network with many physicians. Yes it is not a very glamorous job and pays terribly but it gets you comfortable with physical patient contact and good bedside manners. Just to warn you, it is highly unlikely (though still possible) that you will get a hospital job right after getting certified, usually you have to have at least 1 year of experience first and will have to get that at a nursing home.
 
Bowser20 said:
So I've been planning ahead in case I am not accepted this cycle and have a few opportunities. I love this threads insights so...
-I am for sure retaking a single 4 credit class that will bump my GPA from a 3.03 to a 3.22
Do I....
-Continue working as a biology lab technician full time for a professor at my UG university?
-Instead, do research and be a TA for an anatomy and physiology professor with human cadavers at my UG's medical school
-Take a job for a big time prosthetic joint replacement company. (Money is good and I sit on on all surgeries)
-Get certified to be a CNA and work at a hospital for the time being.

Don't have a ton of time to decide so I'm kind of panicking.
Click to expand...

Both of the bolded ones seem pretty awesome. Can you do both? 🙂

JeBrAs said:
Just to warn you, it is highly unlikely (though still possible) that you will get a hospital job right after getting certified, usually you have to have at least 1 year of experience first and will have to get that at a nursing home.
Click to expand...

+1: agreed. don't expect to work in a hospital just because you got your C.N.A. cert. It can be very competitive depending on where you live. I've have some great jobs since getting my CNA, but hospital CNA was never one of them, try though I did... even with a couple years of relevant CNA experience. Damn I'm remembering back on this now, I applied to like 10 hospitals, once after 1 year of nursing asst experience, then again after 2 years.... Anyway you can do nursing home, assisted living, caregiver pretty easily, and those are fine but no docs, really. If you've never touched a patient then maybe you should do it. you'll get "clinical" hours just thru the required training.... Dunno. depends on what needs a boost in your app. best of luck. sounds like you have some great options.
 
Thanks everyone for the input, there seems to be some trends of what the best path to take is. Prosthetic company it is! Putting together my resume today!

I'm glad you pointed this out! I supposed I was under the impression I could have just walked into the hospital and snagged some sort of job.
JeBrAs said:
I have been a CNA for 1.5 years now and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to get into medical school. It gives you good experience seeing how health care really works, both good and bad things. Also like stated before you don't get to interact much with doctors but that really depends on your work location and how outgoing you are in seeking that interaction. Through my CNA job I have been able to network with many physicians. Yes it is not a very glamorous job and pays terribly but it gets you comfortable with physical patient contact and good bedside manners. Just to warn you, it is highly unlikely (though still possible) that you will get a hospital job right after getting certified, usually you have to have at least 1 year of experience first and will have to get that at a nursing home.
Click to expand...
 
shim0shim said:
Thank you so much for offering to do this. I would really appreciate it if you can take a look at my PS? I have not completed it entirely yet, but I hope to finish it in a week or so. Would you like me to PM it to you when I am done?
Click to expand...
Sure!
 
Anyone check out that 2014-2015 Applicant stats thread? That thread is extremely discouraging... (if you look at the spreadsheet link)
 
Dreamstoo said:
If I am taking the MCAT in September, is it ok if I submit my application around mid July for DO?

With a 3.32-3.35 cGPA/3.28-3.30 sGPA(have still yet to really calculate it, haven't had any time and probably won't until early june to start my app, I have been working on my personal statements and asking professors and ECs for letters). So far my MCAT score has improved about 5 points since I started studying (started at 23 (9/7/9) but I have been rising slowly, verbal is still my weakest section) with some practice exams I have taken lackadaisically. I have not really seriously started studying. I'm able to score about a 11-12 in PS, 10 in Bs, and a 8 in VR. I was scoring really high in PS for the Kaplan exams which I heard are harder than the real MCAT so I am not entirely sure how accurate that is. I'm taking upper level bio classes now so I expect my BS to be stronger when I hardcore study this summer.

With lets say a 3.35/3.30/30, and my MCAT score coming out in October be detrimental or too late for me?
Click to expand...


Honestly a September mcat = an October score = secondaries in October to November = processed almost around the deadline. You might be able to get in, but you'll honestly be settling for a school you may not be entirely keen on applying too.
 
csx said:
Anyone check out that 2014-2015 Applicant stats thread? That thread is extremely discouraging... (if you look at the spreadsheet link)
Click to expand...


really? I mean some people's volunteer hours and stuff seem so ridiculously high to me. But who knows





Sent from my RM-917_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk
 
Awesome Sauceome said:
really? I mean some people's volunteer hours and stuff seem so ridiculously high to me. But who knows





Sent from my RM-917_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


I think he's saying that he feels like people who feel they're underdogs this year make people are low stat'd feel like uber underdogs
 
@Awesome Sauceome + @serenade : I should have been more specific. I wasn't talking so much GPA/MCAT score wise. I was mostly referring to the # of volunteer hours and research hours some people are listing. More often than not people are listing hours in the thousands for service, research, and clinical hours. I could see maybe in the thousands in ONE of those catagories but in several for the same applicant? That's unreal. Unless most of these people are non-trad's who've been out of school for years and have had the time to accumulate these hours over the course of many years. For anyone who is a undergrad or a recent graduate, I dont see how it is remotely possible to compete with those stats.
 
People are compulsive volunteers who have too much time on their hands. But as I've said before, many of the people you'll meet during your interviews will be exceptionally qualified with experiences in military, masters, and work. Compared to them a fresh undergrad will probably tops have on average 200-500 hours of volunteering.
 
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Member cGPA | sGPA | MCAT | AACOMAS Verified | Interviews | Acceptances | Special Consideration
*Special Consideration: Military Service, International Student, IA

  • beanbag2 ---------------- c3.74 | s3.61 | 23 MCAT (retake planned in July)
  • bowser20 ---------------- c3.03 | s3.03 | pending MCAT
  • crazy87--------------------c3.1? | s3.6? | 31 MCAT
  • danny89 ----------------- c3.27 | s3.07 | pending MCAT
  • docemmetbrown --------- c3.07 | s3.0 | pending MCAT
  • doctorcupcake ----------- c3.03 | s3.75 | pending MCAT
  • dotdalamb --------------- c3.2 | s3.1 | 28
  • Dr.bonesmccoy ---------- c3.20 | s3.0 | pending MCAT
  • Dreamstoo --------------- c3.3 | s3.3 | pending MCAT
  • DrTurkelton ------------- c3.08 | s3.13 | 31 (retake planned)
  • dutchie000 -------------- c3.4 | s3.3 | pending
  • Eudaimonia--------------c3.77 | s3.77 | 24 (P6/V10/B8)
  • Happyfeet14--------------c3.48| s3.62 | 29 (P12/V7/B10)
  • IWillOneDay ------------- c3.4 | s3.2-.3 | 26 (retake in July after applying)
  • JeBrAs ------------------ c3.41 | s3.2 | 19, 26 (P10/V6/B10)
  • justbananas -------------- c3.4 | s3.5 | 25 (retake planned)
  • kaygeebee ---------------- c3.28 | s3.14 | pending MCAT
  • kkosp2451 ----------------c3.20 | s3.21 | pending MCAT
  • Mariana Mac-------------c3.20 | s2.86 | 29 [V13,P7,B9]
  • medhopeful811 ---------- c3.3 | s3.3 | pending MCAT
  • oOKawaiiOo--------------c3.24| s3.22 | pending MCAT
  • polylux ------------------- c3.37 | s3.30 | 29 (retaking on 4/5)
  • Radian 313---------------c3.4 | s3.1 | Grad (MPH) 3.85 | pending
  • Saxappeal1---------------c3.5 | s3.34| MCAT 23 (9/7/7), retake on 6/21
  • Sean Lee ----------------- c3.5+ | s3.25+ | 33 (12/10/11), IA (conduct probation for locking myself in the library)
  • Stephanopolous --------- c3.0 | s3.1 | mcat (8/21/14)
  • stickshifthonda ---------- c3.41 (not including study abroad) | s3.1 | 22 (pending retake)
  • Strokezone99 ------------ c3.4 | s3.2 | 29
  • tweety14 ----------------- c3.21 | s2.99 | 32
  • volack881 ---------------- c3.33 | s3.00 | 3.7 Grad. GPA | 24
  • westernredcedar --------- c3.4 | s3.3 | pending
  • xerxesc---------------------c.3.3 | s3.15 |
 
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