MD & DO 3.75 sGPA 29 MCAT strong EC's, Halp!

[passerbyca]

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Hey everyone, finally in a spot to apply after years of lurking lol. Open to MD or DO. Here it is:

I attend a decent and recognized Cal State school, and am a resident of CA.
cGPA: 3.72
sGPA: 3.75
MCAT: 11/8/10 (29)

Research (1.5 years)
- 2 pubs (4th author and 3rd author, respectively) in pretty decent microbiology journals
- 2 conferences: one large well-known conference and one local conference
- Graduate of a year long research preparatory program

Teaching (2 years)
- 3 semesters TA'ing General Chemistry 2 and one semester Ochem 1
- 1 semester of leadership within my teaching department overseeing/mentoring incoming TA's and presenting at other schools

Volunteering (2.5 years)
- 250+ hours in local hospital's Emergency Department
- lots of random volunteering through my fraternity and some clubs I've been apart of

Other EC's
- 2 years in my fraternity (one semester philanthropy chairman, one semester scholarship chairman, 3 semesters on the recruitment team)
- One year of leadership in Student Government
- Orientation Leader for one summer
- Random research/premed clubs that I've been apart of and helped out with but nothing long term

What I'm missing:
- Shadowing (I've shadowed tons of EM doctors, but it was "off the books")
- Specific volunteering at an underserved clinic or hospital (have a lot of other experiences with underserved communities though)

Random notes:
-Not URM but I am first generation (both parents immigrated to the US at the ages of 17 and 18)
- No preference in regards to location of the school, but prefer to stay near some sort of big city


Thank you so much in advance!

 

[passerbyca]

Anyone??

 

[Faha]

You should be fine for DO schools. Apply to at least 10. OOS schools where you could receive an interview include Creighton, St. Louis, Rosalind Franklin, Rush, Loyola, Western Michigan, Oakland Beaumont, Penn State, Commonwealth (PA), Drexel, Temple, Jefferson, New York Medical, Albany, Quinnipiac, GW. The CA schools are difficult to get into with a MCAT of 29 but you may as well try for your state schools.

 

[y123]

"- Shadowing (I've shadowed tons of EM doctors, but it was "off the books")"
Most shadowings are off the books. I don't think there are many "official" programs around for pre-meds.
You are competitive for DO schools. Apply broadly and you will get in.

 

[passerbyca]

You should be fine for DO schools. Apply to at least 10. OOS schools where you could receive an interview include Creighton, St. Louis, Rosalind Franklin, Rush, Loyola, Western Michigan, Oakland Beaumont, Penn State, Commonwealth (PA), Drexel, Temple, Jefferson, New York Medical, Albany, Quinnipiac, GW. The CA schools are difficult to get into with a MCAT of 29 but you may as well try for your state schools.

Awesome, thank you!

 

[passerbyca]

"- Shadowing (I've shadowed tons of EM doctors, but it was "off the books")"
Most shadowings are off the books. I don't think there are many "official" programs around for pre-meds.
You are competitive for DO schools. Apply broadly and you will get in.

True. I'll likely log them as shadowing because I've observed ENT's, plastic surgeons, etc. as well. Thanks!

 

[Stagg737]

You'll be fine at any DO school. I would get the MSAR for MD schools. It's about $20 for the online version and gives you very in-depth info on every MD school in the U.S. and some Canadian/Caribbean schools (avoid the caribbean). Your MCAT is low for most of them, but not low enough to completely rule you out given the rest of your app. Faha's list isn't bad, but keep in mind some places, like Drexel and GW, get 12,000+ applicants for around 200 spots, which are terrible odds.

 

[passerbyca]

You'll be fine at any DO school. I would get the MSAR for MD schools. It's about $20 for the online version and gives you very in-depth info on every MD school in the U.S. and some Canadian/Caribbean schools (avoid the caribbean). Your MCAT is low for most of them, but not low enough to completely rule you out given the rest of your app. Faha's list isn't bad, but keep in mind some places, like Drexel and GW, get 12,000+ applicants for around 200 spots, which are terrible odds.

Great, thank you. Would it be safe to apply to 15 MD and 10 DO, or would you guys recommend more/less?

 

[Stagg737]

Sounds about right. I'd say 4-5 mid/low DO schools (the rest wherever you want) and only mid-low MD schools and you should be fine. 10-12 DO schools should give you some acceptances and some choices. Your MCAT is low for most MD schools, but your GPA is very solid and you have very relevant and committed ECs, so I would think you'd get some love if you apply to the right places.

If you really want to go MD over DO, I'd apply to 15-20 of them and use the DO schools as a backup. I know you'd have a shot at RF, Rush, and Loyola, all of which are in or near Chicago. I'm sure there are plenty of schools near decently sized cities that you'd have a chance at. Like I said, the MSAR will be your best friend at figuring out what MD schools you'll like and have a chance at.

 

[gyngyn]

You'll be fine at any DO school. I would get the MSAR for MD schools. It's about $20 for the online version and gives you very in-depth info on every MD school in the U.S. and some Canadian/Caribbean schools (avoid the caribbean). Your MCAT is low for most of them, but not low enough to completely rule you out given the rest of your app. Faha's list isn't bad, but keep in mind some places, like Drexel and GW, get 12,000+ applicants for around 200 spots, which are terrible odds.

The MSAR only includes LCME accredited schools. No Caribbean schools are accredited.

 

[senzen]

The MSAR only includes LCME accredited schools. No Caribbean schools are accredited.

Last time I checked I'm pretty sure one could apply to those Carribean schools through AMCAS though! I thought that was interesting.

EDIT: Never mind. I may have interpreted this incorrectly.
http://www.sgu.edu/apply-now/

On the side, it says one can send a copy of their AMCAS application to the school admissions email. I guess that's not technically the same as applying through AMCAS.

 

[gyngyn]

Last time I checked I'm pretty sure one could apply to those Carribean schools through AMCAS though! I thought that was interesting.

Canadian schools are LCME accredited as are the Puerto Rican schools. There is no way that AMCAS would be involved with those Caribbean schools.

 

[senzen]

Canadian schools are LCME accredited. There is no way that AMCAS would be involved with those Caribbean schools.

Yes, I definitely read that wrong! See my "EDIT." My apologies!

 

[passerbyca]

Sounds about right. I'd say 4-5 mid/low DO schools (the rest wherever you want) and only mid-low MD schools and you should be fine. 10-12 DO schools should give you some acceptances and some choices. Your MCAT is low for most MD schools, but your GPA is very solid and you have very relevant and committed ECs, so I would think you'd get some love if you apply to the right places.

If you really want to go MD over DO, I'd apply to 15-20 of them and use the DO schools as a backup. I know you'd have a shot at RF, Rush, and Loyola, all of which are in or near Chicago. I'm sure there are plenty of schools near decently sized cities that you'd have a chance at. Like I said, the MSAR will be your best friend at figuring out what MD schools you'll like and have a chance at.

Thank you for all of the advice! Here is my school list so far, let me know what you all think.

MD
Rosalind Franklin
Rush
Oakland Beaumont
Penn State
Commonwealth
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson Medical College
New York Medical College
Albany
Quinnipac
George Washington
Creighton
Indiana
USC (reach)
Loyola-Chicago
Wisconsin Medical College
Oregon Health & Science (Some ties here based on a letter writer)
UC Davis
UC Riverside
University of Illinois
UM, Kansas City (Ties here)
University of Washington (Dream school, have to at least try lol)
VCU

DO (planning on adding at least 3 to 4 more, still researching)
A.T. Still
Touro-CA
DMU
MSUCOM
Western
AZCOM
Ohio U
PCOM


Also want to add that I would really like to pursue academic medicine. Teaching has always been one of my passions so hopefully that fits a few of the schools' mission statements.

 

[WillburCobb]

Thank you for all of the advice! Here is my school list so far, let me know what you all think.

MD
Rosalind Franklin
Rush
Oakland Beaumont
Penn State
Commonwealth
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson Medical College
New York Medical College
Albany
Quinnipac
George Washington
Creighton
Indiana
USC (reach)
Loyola-Chicago
Wisconsin Medical College
Oregon Health & Science (Some ties here based on a letter writer)
UC Davis
UC Riverside
University of Illinois
UM, Kansas City (Ties here)
University of Washington (Dream school, have to at least try lol)
VCU

DO (planning on adding at least 3 to 4 more, still researching)
A.T. Still
Touro-CA
DMU
MSUCOM
Western
AZCOM
Ohio U
PCOM

I'd cut OHSU, they're very strict in following their criteria for considering OOS applicants.

 

[passerbyca]

I'd cut OHSU, they're very strict in following their criteria for considering OOS applicants.

Interesting, will definitely take that into account. Kind of a bummer because I love Portland 🙁 Stupid MCAT

 

[WillburCobb]

Kind of a bummer because I love Portland 🙁 Stupid MCAT

I hear ya'.

 

[Stagg737]

The MSAR only includes LCME accredited schools. No Caribbean schools are accredited.

True, I believe the schools in Puerto Rico are accredited. I know they were in the 2013 MSAR. Besides, I'd say it's a good thing they're not in there. I don't think I could recommend a Caribbean school to anyone who wants to practice in the U.S.

Thank you for all of the advice! Here is my school list so far, let me know what you all think.

MD
Rosalind Franklin
Rush
Oakland Beaumont
Penn State
Commonwealth
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson Medical College
New York Medical College
Albany
Quinnipac
George Washington
Creighton
Indiana
USC (reach)
Loyola-Chicago
Wisconsin Medical College
Oregon Health & Science (Some ties here based on a letter writer)
UC Davis
UC Riverside
University of Illinois
UM, Kansas City (Ties here)
University of Washington (Dream school, have to at least try lol)
VCU

DO (planning on adding at least 3 to 4 more, still researching)
A.T. Still
Touro-CA
DMU
MSUCOM
Western
AZCOM
Ohio U
PCOM


Also want to add that I would really like to pursue academic medicine. Teaching has always been one of my passions so hopefully that fits a few of the schools' mission statements.

For MD you look pretty good imo. Indiana accepts a lot of students, but they are very heavily biased towards instaters as they're the only med school there. I'm from the Chicago area and thought I'd have an advantage over other oos applicants but was told by admissions that it didn't matter. You may get pre-screened out at Washington. They have some kind of formula they use to screen applicants, though I don't know what the cut offs are to make it past that screen. If it's your dream school go for it, maybe you'll hit the jackpot on that one and get in.

For DO schools, I would do some research on Ohio before applying. They are heavily in-state (9% of class was oos last year) and I believe you are required to stay in Ohio for several years after graduating or residency or something if you are an oos and are accepted. I would ask some people in their school specific thread for more details. I'd also think twice about MSU. It's a great school (top 10 DO or MD for primary care), but tuition for oos applicants is 82k/year. 4 years at MSU would pay for 7 years at my current school. If money doesn't matter to you then definitely keep it. I'd also add RVU and KCU(mb) to your list. Both are among the better DO schools and don't cost an arm and a leg.

 

[Goro]

I suggest the following. And a teaching moment: Ties to a state only count if you've spent significant time there. Your parents living in FL now don't count for FL.


Rosalind Franklin
Rush
Oakland Beaumont
Commonwealth
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson Medical College
New York Medical College
Albany
Quinnipac
Creighton
Loyola-Chicago
MCW
UC Davis
UCI
VCU
Wake Forest
EVMS
SLU


DO (planning on adding at least 3 to 4 more, still researching)
A.T. Still
Touro-CA
DMU
Western
AZCOM
PCOM
KCUMB
CCOM
TUNCOM
Western-OR
SOMA
MUCOM
AT Still

 

[passerbyca]

True, I believe the schools in Puerto Rico are accredited. I know they were in the 2013 MSAR. Besides, I'd say it's a good thing they're not in there. I don't think I could recommend a Caribbean school to anyone who wants to practice in the U.S.



For MD you look pretty good imo. Indiana accepts a lot of students, but they are very heavily biased towards instaters as they're the only med school there. I'm from the Chicago area and thought I'd have an advantage over other oos applicants but was told by admissions that it didn't matter. You may get pre-screened out at Washington. They have some kind of formula they use to screen applicants, though I don't know what the cut offs are to make it past that screen. If it's your dream school go for it, maybe you'll hit the jackpot on that one and get in.

For DO schools, I would do some research on Ohio before applying. They are heavily in-state (9% of class was oos last year) and I believe you are required to stay in Ohio for several years after graduating or residency or something if you are an oos and are accepted. I would ask some people in their school specific thread for more details. I'd also think twice about MSU. It's a great school (top 10 DO or MD for primary care), but tuition for oos applicants is 82k/year. 4 years at MSU would pay for 7 years at my current school. If money doesn't matter to you then definitely keep it. I'd also add RVU and KCU(mb) to your list. Both are among the better DO schools and don't cost an arm and a leg.

I suggest the following. And a teaching moment: Ties to a state only count if you've spent significant time there. Your parents living in FL now don't count for FL.


Rosalind Franklin
Rush
Oakland Beaumont
Commonwealth
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson Medical College
New York Medical College
Albany
Quinnipac
Creighton
Loyola-Chicago
MCW
UC Davis
UCI
VCU
Wake Forest
EVMS
SLU


DO (planning on adding at least 3 to 4 more, still researching)
A.T. Still
Touro-CA
DMU
Western
AZCOM
PCOM
KCUMB
CCOM
TUNCOM
Western-OR
SOMA
MUCOM
AT Still

Super helpful, thanks!

 

[gyngyn]

True, I believe the schools in Puerto Rico are accredited.

They are absolutely LCME accredited. When I refer to Carib medical schools I refer to the unaccredited places.

 

[gyngyn]

Delete:
Rosalind Franklin
Rush
Oakland Beaumont
Penn State
Commonwealth
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson Medical College
New York Medical College
Albany
Quinnipac
George Washington
Creighton
Indiana
USC (reach)
Loyola-Chicago
Wisconsin Medical College
Oregon Health & Science (Some ties here based on a letter writer)
UC Davis
UC Riverside, unless you are are from the IE
University of Illinois
UM, Kansas City (Ties here)
University of Washington (Dream school, have to at least try lol)
VCU