A little hardcore truth

[JerseyBelle]

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I am writing for some honest advice. I hold a MS in Microbiology, but I have crappy scores, like this: These are combined mind you. April 99-21 and S, April 01-19 and R. My undergrad GPA is 3.3, and my graduate GPA is 3.4. I have done quite a bit of volunteering, and I have some reserach experience (mostly from summer programs). I guess I needed Kaplan, but my broke ass just could not afford it, and neither could my parents. So, I bought a giant tome by Flowers, and studied on my own both times.
DUMB!
I applied to DO schools for the first time, to all of them in fact. I honestly can appreciate the osteopathic approach to medicine, and felt I would be a good fit there. I only heard from three so far (mind you, my application was complete in August): OU-COM, PCOM, and UMDNJ-SOM. UMDNJ put me on hold (?), I interviewed at PCOM and got shot down the next day, and OU-COM said something to the effect of "You'll know soon". IT'S JANUARY.
Excuse my capital letters. It's very frustrating. I had NO help from my undergrad institution, and my grad institution has no clue, and my advisor keeps telling me I should get a Ph.D.
I would like to know if I should go through with Kaplan, and try one last time; or fight for a spot at the Holland Tunnel to sell roses.
I am not asking for <img src="graemlins/pity.gif" border="0" alt="[Pity]" /> , but I do feel <img src="graemlins/pissy.gif" border="0" alt="[Pissy]" /> at myself and my situation.
I would just like an understanding ear, perhaps from someone who earned their slot the hard way.
Thank you for reading.

 

[ussdfiant]

I hate to tell you, but you've picked some really competitive schools. I don't think that 19 (or that 21) is going to cut it for UMDNJ, even though you are a NJ resident. God knows I didn't want to take the big 'CAT once, and you've already taken it twice, but you may want to consider a third time if you don't get in this cycle. I hope that others disagree with me, but those are my thoughts.

 

[Medical123]

I feel your pain. I just applied to allopathic schools this year with my crummy MCAT scores and have yet to get any good news from any of them, even for an interview. I took the MCAT in August 2000 and got a 22R. This past August, I got a 25R.I did take a review course and really thought it helped, but since I was sick when I took the exam, I honestly can't tell exactly how beneficial it was to me. I have a 4.0 GPA and good clinical experience. The whole situation is just so frustrating! I am presently studying for the April MCAT and hope that I will do a lot better next time around. I did not realize that there even was an osteopathic option until I found this great site. I did some research into osteopathic medicine and now realize that I would really enjoy the field. Good luck to you! I just wanted to know that you are not alone! 🙂

 

[nyskindr]

The fact that you did get an interview at PCOM is very significant as it means that they were prepared to consider your application seriously.You were "shot down" ..meaning rejected the next day??This may have been more of an interview problem than a MCAT issue,I would try to find out directly from the school what the problem was.They may be recpetive to a polite inquiry.I understand your financial problem but your MCATs need to be fixed.Your GPA and other qualifications seem to be fine.You will have to determine how important med school is to you and how much of a sacrifice you and your family are prepared to make.You will likely be able to obtain admission to a carribean med school with your gpa and mcats but this will be an expensive undertaking,and your future will depend on standardized test performance..USMLE.

 

[Thumper]

Hi, I truly feel your pain, because I feel the exact same way. I have a 3.3 cum gpa and a 3.2 science gpa w/ a 22 mcat. So far, two interviews scheduled for TUCOM and COMP, and one very abrupt rejection from Ohio because I didn't fit their qualifications. I know the frustration you are feeling about the MCAT, I got a 21 last Aug, and a 22 last April, after spending over 2K to take the class and register again for use of it's exams. I honestly feel that KAPLAN didn't do S**T for me. I wasted my whole summer studying, thinking the second time would be different, but I only went up by 1 measely point. <img src="graemlins/pissy.gif" border="0" alt="[Pissy]" />
Ok, my point. I say don't waste your time with Kaplan. Look back on your weaknesses and try to improve on those. Secondly, don't lose hope. Politely inquire about the status of your application at the other schools, and maybe write a letter explaining how much you want to attend said school. Ultimately, if you are unsuccessful this year, take some time and study on your own for the MCAT. Trust me when I say that the $1500 could be put to much better use! Most of all, stick to your goal. You seem very dedicated, and I'm sure if you work on your interviewing skills, you will score a spot this year. Good luck with everything, I truly wish for the best for you! 😉

 

[guppies]

I went thru most of the posts for the last 2 years and found that there are applications with MCAT as low as 21 can get in. You may want to search and read those posts. What is strange to me is that from what I've read, rejection after interview is rare. It seems that the school will post people on a waitlist and if you don't get in by the date the school start then you're rejected.
I wonder if there are SDNers who get interviews and rejected after to post to help us out.

 

[DO/MBA]

Kaplan brought my scores up by 11 points. 8,8,7 to 10,12,12. To each their own. Also, AMCAS is having trouble processing apps this year, and D.O. schools are getting flooded with apps (at least UHS is)because of it. You know, panic laden pre meds. Therefore, interveiws that should be going on now will be delayed till later, because a lot of students who want to save money (go to state funded MD schools) are getting worried and applying anywhere and everywhere private DO and MD alike. As the system gets caught up more pre-meds will get selected for state funded schools decline the private schools and spots will open up. This will take some time (May or June just a guess). So, hang in there and you may be suprised for those that haven't gotten interveiws yet.

 

[Toran]

The "hard" truth of the matter is that it doesn't matter where you are currently, because IF you want to be in medical school badly enough you will make it there. However, I must say that the road gets much harder once you are actually in medical school. Everyone told me the hardest part is getting in, and that is a flat out lie. To get in to medical school is difficult, one girl at my school got in on her fifth attempt, however we are all struggling together now to just pass. This is reality, and medical school is beyond difficult.
On the otherside, I realize every once in a while why I am doing all of this work, and a wonderful feeling of warmth fills my belly while a smile paints my face. I made it, and I am in medical school. That is why I did all of the work that you are going through today.
Good luck, and if you have specific questions, feel free to post for a reply.
Toran

 

[DO/MBA]

I disagree, I think that getting in is tougher. Now having said that, if you want to be an orthopod or derm doc then school is tougher. On the other hand if you want to be a FM doc or Pathguy, enjoy life. C= DO or MD.

 

[IceDoctor]

For all those who are worried, don't sweat it. With determination and hard work, one can make it to medical school. Don't fret over the numbers too much. Now, when I say this, I don't mean applying with a 2.7 GPA and a 19 MCAT. You should have solid numbers. I would shoot as high as possible. Anything above a 3.4 in both cum and basic sciences will give a person a good shot at medical school. Also, with the MCAT, do as many practice tests as you can and sacrifice some social life for some time in the books. With all that said one must think that you will be a qualified applicant. WRONG! Most medical schools tend to look at the WHOLE person. they like to see their applicants not only acheive academic success but go through with it learning about life and struggling through hardships. I am in the same boat. I plan on finishing undergrad with a cum of 3.51 and a science gpa of 3.39. However, I set myself apart by taking an active role in the community and health care field. I suggest you also shadow a DO. Most DO schools will give you better notion if you have shadowed a DO and got a good letter of rec. With all this said, I think anyone should be a good candidate. I agree that medical school admissions is tough but a note to all: Medical School Applicants have gone down in total (both allopahtic and osteopathic) the past 5 years and the trend is predicted to head downward as well. So with this in mind, people need doctors. However, the school need qualified candidates! Take care everyone and hoped this has helped anyone. Have a great day everyone!