Good Evening Everyone,
I’m looking into receiving some advice from the community regarding a DO package in the (potentially) 2026-2027 application cycle, as I’m kind of at a crossroads.
A little about me: I’ve been in the Marine Corps now for 10+ years, I’m a father of 3 (soon to be 4) and married now for 9 years. I have completed both a BS of Exercise Science and a Masters in Healthcare Admin.
For the longest time, I’ve wanted to pursue medical school but never did due to the fact that I wasn’t sure if I was “smart enough” or if my education background would hold me back (took 6+ years to get my bachelors while in the Marines and my earlier years are now haunting me with horrible cumulative GPA). As I’m now older, I’ve decided to give it what I’ve got and actually pursue my dream.
My stats so far:
•Cumulative GPA: 2.61 (though last 45 credits was a 4.0 if that matters)
•Graduate GPA: 3.81
•Science GPA: 3.45??? (Is this just pre-requisite sciences? If not, it’s different. Also, I still need Orgo Chem 1 & 2, Physics 2 and Biology 2)
•MCAT: Will be taking in April 2026
•Clinical Hours: 3000+ (from time spent working as a CNA and phlebotomist)
•Non-Medical Volunteer Hours: 1000
•Leadership: 10+ years Marine Corps
•Shadowing: Will have somewhere between 300-500 hours at time of application (June 2026)
Also worth noting: my undergraduate was ALL online (including labs - done via lab kits). It was just the only way feasible given my work. And yes, my next few pre-requisites that I need to take will also be taken online. However, I have checked DO Explorer and the MSAR and will be applying to schools that state they accept online classes (including labs).
What advice would y’all have for me? How feasible is getting an A to a DO program? Do my ECs help write a better narrative for my non-trad application?
What MCAT do I need to strive for to officially “balance” out my GPA and online schooling (yes, of course as high as possible is always the proper answer)?
I’m looking into receiving some advice from the community regarding a DO package in the (potentially) 2026-2027 application cycle, as I’m kind of at a crossroads.
A little about me: I’ve been in the Marine Corps now for 10+ years, I’m a father of 3 (soon to be 4) and married now for 9 years. I have completed both a BS of Exercise Science and a Masters in Healthcare Admin.
For the longest time, I’ve wanted to pursue medical school but never did due to the fact that I wasn’t sure if I was “smart enough” or if my education background would hold me back (took 6+ years to get my bachelors while in the Marines and my earlier years are now haunting me with horrible cumulative GPA). As I’m now older, I’ve decided to give it what I’ve got and actually pursue my dream.
My stats so far:
•Cumulative GPA: 2.61 (though last 45 credits was a 4.0 if that matters)
•Graduate GPA: 3.81
•Science GPA: 3.45??? (Is this just pre-requisite sciences? If not, it’s different. Also, I still need Orgo Chem 1 & 2, Physics 2 and Biology 2)
•MCAT: Will be taking in April 2026
•Clinical Hours: 3000+ (from time spent working as a CNA and phlebotomist)
•Non-Medical Volunteer Hours: 1000
•Leadership: 10+ years Marine Corps
•Shadowing: Will have somewhere between 300-500 hours at time of application (June 2026)
Also worth noting: my undergraduate was ALL online (including labs - done via lab kits). It was just the only way feasible given my work. And yes, my next few pre-requisites that I need to take will also be taken online. However, I have checked DO Explorer and the MSAR and will be applying to schools that state they accept online classes (including labs).
What advice would y’all have for me? How feasible is getting an A to a DO program? Do my ECs help write a better narrative for my non-trad application?
What MCAT do I need to strive for to officially “balance” out my GPA and online schooling (yes, of course as high as possible is always the proper answer)?
