Yes, ATSU is more understanding this cycle due to Covid-19 and the inability of many applicants to get DO-related experience. I would just say that due to the pandemic and current restrictions at the hospitals within your region, you are unable to shadow or work with DO's despite making attempts to do so. Then pivot to addressing the question, why DO?
Suggesting it would behoove people to retake a sub 504 on a DO thread where the school's average MCAT is a 504 is very silly.
Sure call it silly, but below-average (even by a point below a school's matriculant mean MCAT) puts you at a disadvantage. Also, many other DO schools have averages higher, so unless you're only applying to ATSU or schools with MCAT averages at or below ATSU's, then you're going to be below average for every other DO or MD school you apply to. Let's be honest, a sub-504 is not THAT competitive even for a DO applicant, and you know that. Of course you can get into ATSU or wherever with a sub-504 but your chances go down when you are not even at the school's average; hence a retake is recommended if you have the ability and confidence to score better. Also, trends for many medical schools have shown MCAT score increases every year, so a 504 may not even be this year's mean matriculant score amongst matriculants with a score on file.
I would just be honest. You can mention that Covid made it more difficult this season to
Just be honest and then move onto why DO. I think it's fine to just say you were unable b/c of geographical barriers and no existing connections with DOs and so forth.
Sure, but lots of things put you at a disadvantage. It'd be better to have a higher GPA, more clinical experience, more non-clinical experience, specific community health center experience (in ATSU's case), more research hours, publications, better letters of recommendation, etc, etc. At some point you just have to be realistic about whether you're competitive or not with what you have. The vast majority of DO schools (29 by my count) have MCAT averages at 504 or below. There's more to an app than an MCAT as well. Some schools weigh GPA heavier than the MCAT. I've seen a number of people with 507+ MCATs being rejected pre secondary due to GPA in other threads, where people with much lower MCATs are getting secondaries.
Virtual.
Thanks!
Your application still mark incomplete?
I've been complete since 6/29 and have not heard anything, so it has been about 8 weeks for me. I sent an email asking about my status on 8/5 and they responded saying my app is still being considered for this cycle and once a decision is made they will email me.
No I've been complete since I submitted
I think it might be through their "Telehealth Assessment Encounters" that occur the Wednesday before your interview. That is what is happening to me, I will let yall know if thats true
*fire emoji* Congrats!! Email or portal? When were you complete!
Email, completed 6/27
I am a current student. I don't know how heavily they look at the secondaries but this school definitely loves to see experience with the underserved and it can make up for other deficits.
Great to hear. Was it open file?
There were questions specifically following up on my activities and things I mentioned in my personal statement/secondaries. Easy prep for interview; reviewed my primary and secondary and information about the school.
when did you get the II?
It's been a little more than an hour since I received the email
7/23/2020 (507/3.9)
Trying to hide that the best I can!
I would highly encourage you to call them and ask what you should do. They will probably be able to help you or let you know the next steps.
