Another "Am I competitive"

[Rgvmed]

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[Yhorm the Giant]

GPA wise you are great for DO, and with that upward trend and high science GPA I would guess MD may be possible with a good enough MCAT. I'm just going to assume that you are a decent test-taker, especially with a good GRE, the biggest thing I actually see missing from what you've talked about is volunteering. Do you have much that you haven't mentioned? Any other clinical work besides EMT? If not that's fine I think, but you still would want some physician shadowing. I think as long as you can get in a few more quality extracurriculars and good letters recommendation, do well on the MCAT, I don't think that 3.3 is going to hold you back at all from acceptance. A 508+ I think would seal the deal enough for osteopathic schools that I would eat my shoes if you didn't get in, but I bet 505 or above would do the trick to. Obviously the higher the better. It's harder to say for MD, 513+?

 

[Rgvmed]

GPA wise you are great for DO, and with that upward trend and high science GPA I would guess MD may be possible with a good enough MCAT. I'm just going to assume that you are a decent test-taker, especially with a good GRE, the biggest thing I actually see missing from what you've talked about is volunteering. Do you have much that you haven't mentioned? Any other clinical work besides EMT? If not that's fine I think, but you still would want some physician shadowing. I think as long as you can get in a few more quality extracurriculars and good letters recommendation, do well on the MCAT, I don't think that 3.3 is going to hold you back at all from acceptance.

Thank you for the detailed response! My EMT hours are actually with the volunteer EMS station that supports the county (we ran BLS with EMT Basics and EMT Intermediates in the state of NC). 12 hours shifts, pretty busy station, 50 dollar stipended per shift to pay for gas/food/uniforms. I have several hundred hours with them. Outside of that, not much else in the volunteering realm outside of some 20 or 30 hours doing random events during my 2nd undergrad (animal shelter type stuff). Thankfully, I'm close with a couple physicians and should be able to land some decent LORs. And yes, I'm hoping that my previous test-taking success will translate (well aware that the MCAT is a different beast but I love a good challenge!).

 

[Yhorm the Giant]

Thank you for the detailed response! My EMT hours are actually with the volunteer EMS station that supports the county (we ran BLS with EMT Basics and EMT Intermediates in the state of NC). 12 hours shifts, pretty busy station, 50 dollar stipended per shift to pay for gas/food/uniforms. I have several hundred hours with them. Outside of that, not much else in the volunteering realm outside of some 20 or 30 hours doing random events during my 2nd undergrad (animal shelter type stuff). Thankfully, I'm close with a couple physicians and should be able to land some decent LORs. And yes, I'm hoping that my previous test-taking success will translate (well aware that the MCAT is a different beast but I love a good challenge!).

Ok great well that's good it was volunteer! Yeah do what you can to get some more EC's in and you'll be just fine.

I had a 3.1 cgpa a 3.7 sgpa and 512 MCAT with an upward trend just like yours, 3.9 over 100 credits, low GPA from criminal justice program first couple years. I had multiple acceptances this last cycle. You're in an even better position.

 

[dial1010usa]

Thank you for the detailed response! My EMT hours are actually with the volunteer EMS station that supports the county (we ran BLS with EMT Basics and EMT Intermediates in the state of NC). 12 hours shifts, pretty busy station, 50 dollar stipended per shift to pay for gas/food/uniforms. I have several hundred hours with them. Outside of that, not much else in the volunteering realm outside of some 20 or 30 hours doing random events during my 2nd undergrad (animal shelter type stuff). Thankfully, I'm close with a couple physicians and should be able to land some decent LORs. And yes, I'm hoping that my previous test-taking success will translate (well aware that the MCAT is a different beast but I love a good challenge!).

Make sure get DO LOR and do some clinical and non clinical volunteer here and there. Your 10+ year ugpa should be most likely ignored because your 2nd degree has high gpa. For sure your sgpa is great. Must get DO letter because they ask during interview why DO? Your overall cgpa 3.3 will get you in most of the schools because majority of them are 3.0 except few 3.25. It will all depend on your MCAT. If you get 505+ for most DO and if you hit 515 chances are good for some MD. Do not rush for taking MCAT, take only when you are ready. In the meantime you can apply for DO schools and add throw away school so your app gets verified and once you get your mcat score add more schools.
All the best!!!

 

[DoctorB18]

WVSOM alum here... if you score average on the MCAT, you will likely be offered an interview. They are the best school for looking at the entire applicant. I didn't study for the MCAT (applied on a whim) so my score was barely at their average, but since everything else was above average, they gave me a chance. I really enjoyed the vibe there. I was happy with my choice to go there.

 

[Rgvmed]

WVSOM alum here... if you score average on the MCAT, you will likely be offered an interview. They are the best school for looking at the entire applicant. I didn't study for the MCAT (applied on a whim) so my score was barely at their average, but since everything else was above average, they gave me a chance. I really enjoyed the vibe there. I was happy with my choice to go there.

Appreciate the input! I will definitely look into it.

 

[Rgvmed]

Make sure get DO LOR and do some clinical and non clinical volunteer here and there. Your 10+ year ugpa should be most likely ignored because your 2nd degree has high gpa. For sure your sgpa is great. Must get DO letter because they ask during interview why DO? Your overall cgpa 3.3 will get you in most of the schools because majority of them are 3.0 except few 3.25. It will all depend on your MCAT. If you get 505+ for most DO and if you hit 515 chances are good for some MD. Do not rush for taking MCAT, take only when you are ready. In the meantime you can apply for DO schools and add throw away school so your app gets verified and once you get your mcat score add more schools.
All the best!!!

Thanks! Any recommendations on volunteer options? Your input is appreciated.

 

[rg2o3]

Thanks! Any recommendations on volunteer options? Your input is appreciated.

Habitat for humanity, volunteering at local hospital, food bank, etc. Just off the top of my head.

Also, why does it say you're a PT student? Sorry if you already explained this.

 

[Rgvmed]

Habitat for humanity, volunteering at local hospital, food bank, etc. Just off the top of my head.

Also, why does it say you're a PT student? Sorry if you already explained this.

Thanks, and yeah I should change that. This account dates back to when I was matriculating into PT school.

 

[Magus5454]

You've successfully reinvented your GPA. Get in some volunteering to those less fortunate to you and come back with a MCAT score and we can further advise you.

Also, dont mention the pod shadowing on your DO/MD apps

 

[sab3156]

You will get into any DO school, and with a good enough MCAT score you are probably good for getting into MD schools, as well. Work hard on the MCAT so you can be competitive for MD.

 

[gensurghopeful]

492+ = Podiatry
500+ = DO
508+ = MD

All depends on that 7 hour exam at this point - good luck!

 

[LukaDoncicLuk]

Ive found that test taking abilities usually translate well. The MCAT is quite a bit more content heavy but at the end of the day test taking skills really do matter. Good luck!