hello, i am brand new to this, this is my first message here. i am going to apply to osteopathic schools for entry into fall 2000 and would like other people's opinions as to my realistic chances. some bits about myself: i'm 24 and have been working as a physical therapist for 1 1/2 years, trained specifically as a spine specialist. as such, i have extensive direct patient care experience and knowledge of today's health care environment. undergraduate gpa not impressive, about 3.2, but graduate gpa in master's program in PT so far is a 3.9 and i just got A and A- in summer organic chem (which i just finished)... so basically i have turned my grades around since having matured after graduating college. i have lived in 5 countries (grew up primarily in puerto rico), speak 3 languages, and thus can communicate w/ many different kinds of people. basically my motivation for applying to osteopathic schools is that i have begun to feel limited by my profession and would like to become independent in my decision-making as well as enter a field where i will feel more challenged. i will be taking my mcat this august. because of my poor undergraduate grades, i am unsure where i stand as far as chances of getting in. i am just looking for any opinions or any bits of advice. thank you.
How is your science GPA? If you can do that well in organic chem, i believe your science gpa should be good. Did you calculate a combined gpa? (Master + undergrad). DO schools tend to look at the overall picture. Although your undergraduate gpa is slightly weak, your combined gpa may be good enough. If you do well on the MCAT (~ 29 or above), you will have a pretty good chance. Good luck and study hard for the MCAT.
Go for a high 20s/low 30s composite score on your MCAT to ensure an interview. Your reasons for going into medicine from PT are sound, and I'm sure you're not the first one to make the attempt. Study hard, do well on this August's MCAT, and I bet you'll be an osteopathic medical student come Fall 2000. Tim of New York City.
Hey- I was in a similar situation: 3.2 undergrad, did well in grad school, had a 30 MCAT. I am going to KCOM next week. APPLY! Medical schools will see that you have promise as a physician! Philbert
