3.18 science gpa?

[smartwater9698]

Does anyone know the average SGPA for DO schools? I, unfortunately, got a B in my upper-level physics class and it is going to bump my SGPA from 3.21 to a 3.18 - I want to know how much this will hinder my chances and if anyone has comfortably gotten into a DO school with around a 3.18 science GPA.

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[madiso30]

Tough but not nearly impossible with a solid MCAT and ECs.

 

[smartwater9698]

Tough but not nearly impossible with a solid MCAT and ECs.

What's a solid MCAT?

 

[smartwater9698]

Tough but not nearly impossible with a solid MCAT and ECs.

And you think it's "tough" because I'm below the 3.2 thresholds or because it's just generally lower than the average?

 

[mc29012]

Check out the osteopathic underdawgs thread on the DO forum, generally people with lower GPA and/or MCAT that post their results. Solid MCAT for DO seems to be around 505+.

May want to consider an SMP or Post-bacc. Are you a senior or junior?

 

[PapaGuava]

Thread moved to the WAMC subsection.

Also OP,
There were a few people this current cycle (just ended) who posted that received interviews and acceptances with that type of sGPA, including some sub-500 MCAT scores. Granted, those users had decent ECs and everything else to shore up the rest of their application. So if you are willing to share more details we may have a better idea about your outlook. I also recommend applying early and getting everything squared away if decide to enter the upcoming cycle.

 

[madiso30]

And you think it's "tough" because I'm below the 3.2 thresholds or because it's just generally lower than the average?

As said above aim for 505+. But definitely try to go as high as possible. It's tough because of the GPA, no doubt. But again, it's possible. A good friend of mine got in with a 3.5 and a 502. Kind of the reverse of your situation.

 

[smartwater9698]

Check out the osteopathic underdawgs thread on the DO forum, generally people with lower GPA and/or MCAT that post their results. Solid MCAT for DO seems to be around 505+.

May want to consider an SMP or Post-bacc. Are you a senior or junior?

Currently a Junior w/ 3.5 overall GPA/504 MCAT. 1000+ clinical, 100 services, 50 research hours. 2 DO LOR and shadowing exp. If I apply broad (15), you think I can secure an interview. Additionally, how high should I bump my SGPA my senior year (so I know how many credits to take).

 

[smartwater9698]

Thread moved to the WAMC subsection.

Also OP,
There were a few people this current cycle (just ended) who posted that received interviews and acceptances with that type of sGPA, including some sub-500 MCAT scores. Granted, those users had decent ECs and everything else to shore up the rest of their application. So if you are willing to share more details we may have a better idea about your outlook. I also recommend applying early and getting everything squared away if decide to enter the upcoming cycle.

Currently a Junior w/ 3.5 overall GPA/504 MCAT. 1000+ clinical, 100 services, 50 research hours. 2 DO LOR and shadowing exp.

 

[mc29012]

Currently a Junior w/ 3.5 overall GPA/504 MCAT. 1000+ clinical, 100 services, 50 research hours. 2 DO LOR and shadowing exp. If I apply broad (15), you think I can secure an interview. Additionally, how high should I bump my SGPA my senior year (so I know how many credits to take).

Honestly, I think you're gonna be totally fine, especially if you have anything else that helps your app (URM, disadvantaged background, upward trend, leadership in clubs, etc.). Don't overload yourself and just do really well in any science classes that are required for you to graduate/fill out med school pre-reqs, no need to risk anything by taking more credits than you need to. Apply broadly to DO schools and as long as you have decent essays and no major red flags you should snag a few interviews.

 

[PapaGuava]

@mc29012 said it perfectly OP, and with your current stats you should have good chances for interviews especially if you apply broadly.

 

[smartwater9698]

@mc29012 said it perfectly OP, and with your current stats you should have good chances for interviews especially if you apply broadly.

Broadly is like 15 DO schools?

 

[mc29012]

Broadly is like 15 DO schools?

Broadly generally applies to casting a "wide net" (see below), the number of schools you apply to is directly related to how much money you want to spend, For example: I could only afford to apply to 7, some people can send out like 30 apps. If you can afford to you should apply to as many as possible so that you can be sure to net an acceptance.

Apply to some of the older schools that are generally regarded as "better or more respected within their communities" (please don't let this turn into another toxic DO ranking post):
KCU, DMU, CCOM, PCOM, etc.

Some of the schools that aren't quite as established that still have a good track record and are usually just as good as the above:
RVU, UNECOM, WVSOM, PNWU, etc.

Some new schools and branches of existing schools:
ICOM, ARCOM, PCOM Ga/South Ga, etc.

Edit: unless you are a resident of a state that has a state school, I would stay away from these because they are usually very selective when choosing any OOS students, less chance of interview with average/low stats: MSUCOM, TCOM, Ok State

 

[deleted807068]

Broadly generally applies to casting a "wide net" (see below), the number of schools you apply to is directly related to how much money you want to spend, For example: I could only afford to apply to 7, some people can send out like 30 apps. If you can afford to you should apply to as many as possible so that you can be sure to net an acceptance.

Apply to some of the older schools that are generally regarded as "better or more respected within their communities" (please don't let this turn into another toxic DO ranking post):
KCU, DMU, CCOM, PCOM, etc.

Some of the schools that aren't quite as established that still have a good track record and are usually just as good as the above:
RVU, UNECOM, WVSOM, PNWU, etc.

Some new schools and branches of existing schools:
ICOM, ARCOM, PCOM Ga/South Ga, etc.

Edit: unless you are a resident of a state that has a state school, I would stay away from these because they are usually very selective when choosing any OOS students, less chance of interview with average/low stats: MSUCOM, TCOM, Ok State

Im actually from Michigan so I will be applying MSUCOM. Also, I don’t care much about school ranking, at this point I’m really trying to net an acceptance at any US school that will make me a doctor. In terms of the new schools, would you recommend I apply to them?

 

[mc29012]

Im actually from Michigan so I will be applying MSUCOM. Also, I don’t care much about school ranking, at this point I’m really trying to net an acceptance at any US school that will make me a doctor. In terms of the new schools, would you recommend I apply to them?

Disclaimer: I am not an expert, just super familiar with DO cycle/schools as I just went through the process.

I do not have a lot of hard data to back this up, but I would imagine that newer schools have to accept more students to fill their classes than the more established ones and can therefore be less picky with interviews and acceptances.

For the entering class of 2018:
PCOM PA (est. 1899) accepted 2.18 applicants/seat and accepted 9.2% of their 6383 applicants
PCOM GA (est. 2005) accepted 2.75 applicants/seat and accepted 12% of their 3105 applicants

(source: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Program Data | PCOM)

I don't have data for the newest schools like ICOM, BCOM, etc. but I would guess that the number of applicants accepted/seat and total % accepted is even higher

 

[smartwater9698]

Currently a Junior w/ 3.5 overall and 3.19 sGPA. 504 MCAT. 1000+ clinical hrs, 100 hr services, 50 research hrs. 2 DO LOR and DO shadowing exp.
@Faha @Goro I would love to hear your opinions on my June application with above stats. Also, during my senior year, how many science credits should I take to bump my science GPA (how high should I get it to be safe for DO, 3.2? 3.3?)

 

[Goro]

Currently a Junior w/ 3.5 overall and 3.19 sGPA. 504 MCAT. 1000+ clinical hrs, 100 hr services, 50 research hrs. 2 DO LOR and DO shadowing exp.
@Faha @Goro I would love to hear your opinions on my June application with above stats. Also, during my senior year, how many science credits should I take to bump my science GPA (how high should I get it to be safe for DO, 3.2? 3.3?)

You should be able to calculate how many science credits you'll need to bump > 3.2

As of right now, apply broadly to DO, especially targeting the newest schools. Skip CCOM, AZCOM, the Touros, PCOM, Western and KCU. . I can't recommend Touro-NY, Nova, Wm Carey, LUCOM, for different reasons. MSUCOM? Read up on Larry Nasser and you decide. LMU has an accreditation warning, which concerns me.

 

[smartwater9698]

You should be able to calculate how many science credits you'll need to bump > 3.2

As of right now, apply broadly to DO, especially targeting the newest schools. Skip CCOM, AZCOM, the Touros, PCOM, Western and KCU. . I can't recommend Touro-NY, Nova, Wm Carey, LUCOM, for different reasons. MSUCOM? Read up on Larry Nasser and you decide. LMU has an accreditation warning, which concerns me.

Alright, so basically aim for at least a 3.2 science GPA by next cycle (if need be) - but obviously the higher the better, correct?

 

[Goro]

Alright, so basically aim for at least a 3.2 science GPA by next cycle (if need be) - but obviously the higher the better, correct?

Yes and yes