Am I done

[Perrotfish]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I have a 2.8 GPA, with about the same for a science GPA, and 180 hours of undergraduate credits. The rest of my app isn't bad (good LORs, 34T on the MCAT, etc). I don't think any further work on my undergrad GPA is an option, if only because of the number of credit hours I've already finished. Should I be looking at other careers? Would an SMP be enough to boost my application, could I even get in? Could I get into the Carribian with my application? Any ideas?

 

[thewendster]

If you read other threads in this forum about people who had similar stats as you, you will see that people don't usually get in with that kind of GPA. So the quick answer to your question is: no, you will not be getting in with a <3.0GPA, no volunteer/clinical experience and an undetermined MCAT score.

But, don't stop reading here. Because people who started with your stats can and do get into the Carribbian, DO, and sometimes MD programs with lots of hard work to make up for a less than stellar start. Check back with this thread, I am sure people will give you suggestions on how you can work hard to improve your standings.

 

[Meatwad]

If you read other threads in this forum about people who had similar stats as you, you will see that people don't usually get in with that kind of GPA. So the quick answer to your question is: no, you will not be getting in with a <3.0GPA, no volunteer/clinical experience and an undetermined MCAT score.

But, don't stop reading here. Because people who started with your stats can and do get into the Carribbian, DO, and sometimes MD programs with lots of hard work to make up for a less than stellar start. Check back with this thread, I am sure people will give you suggestions on how you can work hard to improve your standings.

Who said anything about undetermined MCAT? The OP did very well, they said they got a 34T.

 

[prionsRbad]

So the quick answer to your question is: no, you will not be getting in with a <3.0GPA, no volunteer/clinical experience and an undetermined MCAT score.

Did you even read the OP's post? 😕 They have a great MCAT score and said nothing about their clinical/volunteer experience.

OP, check out www.mdapplicants.com (this only represents a SMALL number of the applicant pool), but you will find people who got in with your GPA (US MD and DO schools). It's not impossible. If being a doctor is what you really want to do, don't give up!

Good Luck 😀

 

[NjD00]

2.8 is very low to be accepted, but you have a chance with the 34T and if you have some good LORs and experience. I would apply to some of the easier MD schools, a few DO schools of choice, and most of the caribbean schools.

 

[Meatwad]

Due to your 34T, I think you'd get in at any of the top 4 Carib schools as of now (SGU, Ross, Saba, AUC), and maybe a few DO schools; I think an allo school would be a real long shot. If I were you, I'd do an SMP, just because in order to raise your undergrad gpa a fifth of a point to hit that 3.0, you will need a few more semesters of undergrad courses at a 4.0. Even then, all you have is a 3.0 and a 34T; still probably not enough to get a US allo acceptance. You could, of course, get your UGPA to 3.0, then do an SMP, all before your MCAT score expires, and you'd probably have a good shot of at least getting some interviews.

Summar: I'd do an SMP, and apply to a lot of DO schools and some MD schools. Don't worry about the Caribbean right now, that is usually a last resort and it looks like with your stats, you won't have to worry about getting in there if need be.

 

[thewendster]

Who said anything about undetermined MCAT? The OP did very well, they said they got a 34T.

Sorry! I apologize, I didn't catch your MCAT score there in the parenthesis. Well, good for you. That's super news!

 

[prionsRbad]

I was actually wondering about the experience. I have over a year of laboratory research, two full time semesters at a chemical company, and lots of volunteering with the homeless, prisions, and once at a hospice. However my only real 'medical' experience was a summer semester I spent shadowing a surgeon. Is that enough experience, or do I have to be spending more time in a hospital?

Also, my LORs are decent: my orgo teacher, pre-med advisor, ethics teacher, the professor I did the research with, and the doctor I shadowed. Nothing spectacular, though.

Your volunteer and clinical experiences are fine! I personally think that if you feel ready to go to med school now, just apply MD and DO and see what happens! I'm almost certain that you would get some DO interviews with your current stats because your MCAT is way above the DO average.

This is your *magic number*: (GPA*10+MCAT)
(2.8)(10)+34=62

This is the average DO *magic number* (from AACOM website)
(3.4)(10)+24=58

I think you have a shot. Also, you know that Osteopathic schools take the most recent course if you have any retakes, right? This could boost your GPA over 3.0 if this applies to you. 🙂

 

[ana]

Thank you for all the replies. I've already applied to a bunch of SMPs, and just in case none of them accept me I guess that I'm going to spend the weekend applying for the top 4 Caribbean schools. I've already been rejected from MD (unless Howard comes through at the last minute), and I guess I've already dropped the ball on applying to DO, but oh well.

Also, has anyone here done VCU's post-bach pre-health certificate program? Is it worth doing compared to, say, a caribbean medical school? Do you guys know anyone that transfered from Caribbean to US MD, or started as a first year US MD after a year in the Caribbean? I'm trying to prioritize my rather limited options here.

Yes, I had friends who went from off-shore to US MD school during 3rd and 4th year (but some were required to repeat the MS-III year), so it did not save them that much time by going off shore. One is successfully practicing as an FP.

Med schools do not accept transfers before your 3rd year. Also, there are not that many of them that will accept transfers at all.

Actually, the off shore school are the best people to ask. They will have a list of where their graduates went. You should look at those lists very carefully and ask questions about it before you apply. They will only show you the success stories. Ask how many people started out in each class, drop out rate, etc.

Are you opposed to waiting a year to reapply for DO schools? I think you would have a real shot, especially if you got a really good DO letter. You would have a great career without the disadvantages of being an FMG.

Best wishes.

 

[Meatwad]

Yes, I had friends who went from off-shore to US MD school during 3rd and 4th year (but some were required to repeat the MS-III year), so it did not save them that much time by going off shore. One is successfully practicing as an FP.

Med schools do not accept transfers before your 3rd year. Also, there are not that many of them that will accept transfers at all.

Actually, the off shore school are the best people to ask. They will have a list of where their graduates went. You should look at those lists very carefully and ask questions about it before you apply. They will only show you the success stories. Ask how many people started out in each class, drop out rate, etc.

Are you opposed to waiting a year to reapply for DO schools? I think you would have a real shot, especially if you got a really good DO letter. You would have a great career without the disadvantages of being an FMG.

Best wishes.

Good advice.

OP, your MCAT score is very strong. Do an SMP, and reapply for the 2008 cycle with DO schools in the mix. I think you have a good shot at DO schools. The DO vs Caribbean MD is a huge argument that no one here wants to get into I'm sure, but I'd personally go DO; every year DOs match into a multitude of specialties, whereas Caribbean grads getting very competitive specialties are once in a blue moon.

 

[prionsRbad]

Good advice.

OP, your MCAT score is very strong. Do an SMP, and reapply for the 2008 cycle with DO schools in the mix. I think you have a good shot at DO schools. The DO vs Caribbean MD is a huge argument that no one here wants to get into I'm sure, but I'd personally go DO; every year DOs match into a multitude of specialties, whereas Caribbean grads getting very competitive specialties are once in a blue moon.

I totally agree.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Funky]

I agree that getting into a DO is probably better than the Carribeans. Follow the advice stated above. Good luck

 

[Dr2Bee]

Good advice.

OP, your MCAT score is very strong. Do an SMP, and reapply for the 2008 cycle with DO schools in the mix. I think you have a good shot at DO schools. The DO vs Caribbean MD is a huge argument that no one here wants to get into I'm sure, but I'd personally go DO; every year DOs match into a multitude of specialties, whereas Caribbean grads getting very competitive specialties are once in a blue moon.

i agree