504 mcat -- advice??

[dr_of_rock]

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cGPA: 3.40
sGPA: 3.48
MCAT: 504

~ 50 research hours
~ 40 shadowing hours across 6 specialities
~ 400 volunteer hours
~ various leadership positions

Just wondering if that's going to be enough? Or should I wait until next cycle and try to improve some things? If so, what should be my main concern? Thanks!

 

[radian313]

cGPA: 3.40
sGPA: 3.48
MCAT: 504

~ 50 research hours
~ 40 shadowing hours across 6 specialities
~ 400 volunteer hours
~ various leadership positions

Just wondering if that's going to be enough? Or should I wait until next cycle and try to improve some things? If so, what should be my main concern? Thanks!

The only concern I see is the potential lack of "direct patient" experience. Shadowing is just that. Also, any experience in working with DOs?

GPA and MCAT is fine.....but your healthcare experience is a bit lacking in my opinion...

 

[3member]

The only concern I see is the potential lack of "direct patient" experience. Shadowing is just that. Also, any experience in working with DOs?

GPA and MCAT is fine.....but your healthcare experience is a bit lacking in my opinion...

I agree. However, I think what's more important is if you're ready. # of hours won't determine whether a person can be a good doctor, but usually is a good indicator for adcoms with more hours. Really up to you whether you feel confident with your app or not.

 

[hallowmann]

cGPA: 3.40
sGPA: 3.48
MCAT: 504

~ 50 research hours
~ 40 shadowing hours across 6 specialities
~ 400 volunteer hours
~ various leadership positions

Just wondering if that's going to be enough? Or should I wait until next cycle and try to improve some things? If so, what should be my main concern? Thanks!

Why would you wait? Get more shadowing in, get a DO letter, and apply. Easy peasy.

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

Your gpa and MCAT are fine. What kind of volunteer work was it? I also agree with the above comment, a LOR from a DO is something you can acquire relatively quickly. Look for shadowing experience in the next month or so you can do, get your LOR, and submit your secondaries in July. You'll be in great shape.


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[dr_of_rock]

The only concern I see is the potential lack of "direct patient" experience. Shadowing is just that. Also, any experience in working with DOs?

GPA and MCAT is fine.....but your healthcare experience is a bit lacking in my opinion...

Yes, 2 of those 6 were DOs and I have a letter from both of them. What would you suggest is the "norm" for shadowing hours (other than as many as possible)? Should I try to get it up to 70? 100?

 

[dr_of_rock]

Your gpa and MCAT are fine. What kind of volunteer work was it? I also agree with the above comment, a LOR from a DO is something you can acquire relatively quickly. Look for shadowing experience in the next month or so you can do, get your LOR, and submit your secondaries in July. You'll be in great shape.


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I volunteered at a free health clinic for 1.5 yrs, but that was only twice a month so I only got like 70 hrs from it. The rest is non-healthcare volunteering.

 

[DrMikeP]

Yes, 2 of those 6 were DOs and I have a letter from both of them. What would you suggest is the "norm" for shadowing hours (other than as many as possible)? Should I try to get it up to 70? 100?

I'd submit asap and broadly, as that is your best chance. If you can get it in and verified (can take 4 weeks+)/sent out before mid July, you'll still be early. You can continue shadowing or volunteering, and could mention that in your ps. The more the better!

Good Luck

 

[dr_of_rock]

Thanks to everyone that has commented! I guess I was wondering if my ECs (or lack thereof) was going to put me at a serious disadvantage or keep me out. I'll definitely try to find some more volunteering/shadowing and update my app accordingly.