30P and 3.7gpa. What should I do?

[amazer88]

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I was looking for some advice. I got a 30P on the MCAT after a 24N the first time. I'm a black male at a small state school.
ECs-
~200 hrs ER volunteer
1 REU doing Plant Genetics Research
2` years chemical research (computational)
3~4 years of club sport
plenty of on-campus organizations (non-leader)

My questions.
1. Is it to late to have any real shot at any upper level schools like BU or Case-Western or should I apply only to regional schools?
2. How bad does the first MCAT bring me down?

 

[technopoly]

I think it is very late to apply. I'd wait until next cycle. I think you improved pretty significantly on your MCAT, so I don't think that is your biggest concern. You'd serve yourself better by continuing to build your resume, in my opinion, and apply EARLY next cycle.

 

[amazer88]

Do you think I still have a shot at a regional state school? I've also got ~150 shadowing hours physicians. Does it make a difference that I should be verified very soon?

 

[technopoly]

Do you think I still have a shot at a regional state school? I've also got ~150 shadowing hours physicians. Does it make a difference that I should be verified very soon?

Since you've already submitted the primary, maybe. If you feel you have strong recs, a strong PS, and your numbers are comparable or above the average for the regional schools you are applying to, you may well have a chance. I think DO schools allow you to submit later than MD schools if you want to broaden your application. Would you be interested in the DO doctoring philosophy?

 

[amazer88]

Since you've already submitted the primary, maybe. If you feel you have strong recs, a strong PS, and your numbers are comparable or above the average for the regional schools you are applying to, you may well have a chance. I think DO schools allow you to submit later than MD schools if you want to broaden your application. Would you be interested in the DO doctoring philosophy?

Well, I would not mind being a DO as my primary doctor is a DO. But then again, I have had advice not to go DO from people who have seen both. I also don't want to have that negative stigma along with the tag even though I have had a good experience with DOs. Im also wanting to potentially working for DWB or someother program that would allow me to work where I am needed. The DO brand is probably not as well known to them.

 

[technopoly]

Well, I would not mind being a DO as my primary doctor is a DO. But then again, I have had advice not to go DO from people who have seen both. I also don't want to have that negative stigma along with the tag even though I have had a good experience with DOs. Im also wanting to potentially working for DWB or someother program that would allow me to work where I am needed. The DO brand is probably not as well known to them.

I have only had good experiences with DO docs myself, and DOs have their own practices, work in large practices, hospitals, in the military... pretty much everywhere you would expect MDs. Maybe visit the DO forums here to find out more if you might be interested, but I think DOs are only becoming more common and reputable as years go by. Some people prefer the DO philosophy to the MD philosophy, and many DOs also incorporate alt med practices into their knowledge base, such as acupuncture, Reiki... etc... you don't HAVE TO as a DO (from what I understand) and for some that wouldn't be up their alley... but I don't think you should turn your nose up at them.

 

[technopoly]

Im also wanting to potentially working for DWB or someother program that would allow me to work where I am needed.

By the way, I believe this link will answer your question about DOs participating in Doctors Without Borders/MSF.

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/field/faqs.cfm#osteo

 

[amazer88]

I have only had good experiences with DO docs myself, and DOs have their own practices, work in large practices, hospitals, in the military... pretty much everywhere you would expect MDs. Maybe visit the DO forums here to find out more if you might be interested, but I think DOs are only becoming more common and reputable as years go by. Some people prefer the DO philosophy to the MD philosophy, and many DOs also incorporate alt med practices into their knowledge base, such as acupuncture, Reiki... etc... you don't HAVE TO as a DO (from what I understand) and for some that wouldn't be up their alley... but I don't think you should turn your nose up at them.

Oh NO. I was not trying to sound as if I was trying to stick my nose at them. I'm very familiar with the DO schools as I live right next to a DO school. I am considering both. But I also was looking to be in either emergency medicine or surgery which is not very Osteopath related.

 

[technopoly]

Oh NO. I was not trying to sound as if I was trying to stick my nose at them. I'm very familiar with the DO schools as I live right next to a DO school. I am considering both. But I also was looking to be in either emergency medicine or surgery which is not very Osteopath related.

I could see that. I don't know what the DO population is in those specialties. I still stand by my belief that you will likely have a better cycle next year, especially if you submit in June or July and have your rec letters in at the same time, but since you've already submitted your AMCAS, good luck!!

 

[UpQuark]

I think it is very late to apply. I'd wait until next cycle. I think you improved pretty significantly on your MCAT, so I don't think that is your biggest concern. You'd serve yourself better by continuing to build your resume, in my opinion, and apply EARLY next cycle.

Too late to submit AMCAS. Not too late to do secondaries.

 

[Morsetlis]

I think it is very late to apply, but otherwise the application looks solid for state schools.

 

[amazer88]

I was verified today. 🙂. Hope that changes my chances.

 

[OPP24]

Even though it's pretty late to apply, you do have good numbers and if you apply broadly you have a good chance at getting in somewhere. If not, just reapply earlier next year and you should be good to go. Good luck!