Advice needed!

[rudy45]

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I know that there are similar posts but I am really in need of advice. I am a first gen college grad trying to get into med school. I recently applied to DO schools and have only heard from one so far (got rejected). my stats are not what they probably should be ( gpa 3.5 cumulative, 3.7 science) what I believe really hurts is my MCAT of 23. My question is what and where to go from here. I have been looking into SMP's, post-bacc? Does anyone think they are worth it in my case or should I try and focus my time (and money) into trying a MCAT course prep such as the Princeton Review? Thank you for helping me out in this extremely stressful time.

 

[DrWily]

I know that there are similar posts but I am really in need of advice. I am a first gen college grad trying to get into med school. I recently applied to DO schools and have only heard from one so far (got rejected). my stats are not what they probably should be ( gpa 3.5 cumulative, 3.7 science) what I believe really hurts is my MCAT of 23. My question is what and where to go from here. I have been looking into SMP's, post-bacc? Does anyone think they are worth it in my case or should I try and focus my time (and money) into trying a MCAT course prep such as the Princeton Review? Thank you for helping me out in this extremely stressful time.

Your GPA is good enough. Get that MCAT up no matter what.

 

[shaggybill]

Don't bother with post-bacc, your gpa is plenty good enough.

Plan to take the MCAT in April and spend the next 5-6 months studying for it and boosting your ECs. Some people find the review classes helpful, others are fine studying on their own. Try to be scoring consistently in the high 20's (minimum) before you take it. If you can get 27+, you'll definitely get some bites next cycle. Apply early.

Are you currently working? What kind of ECs do you have?

 

[studentdoctors]

You have very good CGPA, Just focus on MCAT. This forum has so many practice work. You can do here and can get admission in your desired college. If you have any question please let me know

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Agree with the previous posters. An any other program would take a lot longer and be unnecessary. Raising your mcat would make you golden. Just study your butt off and take every aamc practice. I raised a 23 up to a 28 and got accepted to the 2 schools I interviewed at, but withdrew all my other interviews. I had 7 total. So if you can raise to a 28, you will get in. Unless you have a crappy ps and secondaries.

 

[Catalystik]

Many DO schools consider a late January MCAT score. If you think you could get ready to retake by that time, be sure your application reflects that you plan a retake, and schools will hold your application for further consideration until the next score comes back.

Noshie's Hope for those trying to get past an MCAT score in the teens or low 20's:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=774396

 

[rudy45]

Thank you all for the advice. You are saying what I was thinking but now I have more confidence in my decision. I believe my EC's are getting there but obviously they can always be improved.

Shaggybill- I am currently working as a nursing assistant at a local hospital.

Anyone have advice on what EC's look good? (So far I have volunteered/worked in a nursing home, volunteered/worked in a hospital, worked with mano a mano, worked with our local medical examiner and shadowed mult. physicians) What else and or in addition would you all suggest. Although I know the most important thing is to get my score up.

 

[Catalystik]

Leadership, teaching (TA, coach, mentor, tutor), nonmedical community service (ideally helping the poor: perhaps that's what Mano a Mano does?) and hobbies/sports/artistic involvment are other good things to add to one's application.