Applying out of a program

[Gunnin]

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So i recently took my MCATs this summer, and scored in the low 30's. I am part of an accelerated 7 year BS/DO program, but i feel like I should apply to other schools including MD schools. Retaking the MCATs in September, hoping for a score closer to 35 this time around. Any opinions on leaving a 7 year program?

 

[Person0715]

Why do you want to leave the program? Are you meeting the stipulations for staying in the program? If so, I would stay.

Do you really want to go through the stress of an application cycle when you are already guaranteed a spot in med school?

Also, don't assume you're MCAT score will go up after retake. There is a possibility it could go down.

 

[Gunnin]

I'm meeting all the requirements (3.5 GPA, 27 MCAT), but I personally feel like with my academic achievements so far I could aim for a better medical school. I'm fairly confident if i score a 33+ on the MCAT that I wouldn't be risking too much.
But i'm not 100% sure, I'd have to go through the stress of the application cycle. Also this particular school does not have any merit based financial aid...and is a private school. So cost wise, maybe applying to an in state school (NJ) would make more sense?

 

[Adjet]

Applying out might be worth considering. Granted, the application cycle can be stressful, the possibility of getting into an MD is there. And even if that does not pan out, you could settle for DO school. At least at that point you know you gave MD a shot.

 

[Jepstein30]

I'm meeting all the requirements (3.5 GPA, 27 MCAT), but I personally feel like with my academic achievements so far I could aim for a better medical school. I'm fairly confident if i score a 33+ on the MCAT that I wouldn't be risking too much.
But i'm not 100% sure, I'd have to go through the stress of the application cycle. Also this particular school does not have any merit based financial aid...and is a private school. So cost wise, maybe applying to an in state school (NJ) would make more sense?

Not the right forum for this (see "What are my chances?") but what are you stats?

Can't really advise anything if you don't fill in those gaps.

 

[Gunnin]

Well my stats are 3.85+ GPA, and competitve ECs. But more to this thread's point I was wondering what a safe MCAT score would be to leave the program? Because applying out would require me to leave the program (give up my guaranteed seat), so right now i'm looking at a 33 as a cutoff for me. Any thoughts?

 

[Jepstein30]

Well my stats are 3.85+ GPA, and competitve ECs. But more to this thread's point I was wondering what a safe MCAT score would be to leave the program? Because applying out would require me to leave the program (give up my guaranteed seat), so right now i'm looking at a 33 as a cutoff for me. Any thoughts?

A 33 will likely get you an acceptance somewhere mid-tier.. but is it worth giving up the guaranteed seat? Depends on which school you have already and what your goals are.

 

[Gunnin]

A 33 will likely get you an acceptance somewhere mid-tier.. but is it worth giving up the guaranteed seat? Depends on which school you have already and what your goals are.

Well I think somewhere mid-tier is preferable compared to a decent DO school? I'm not really sure how the DO schools stack up, but with stats for DO students being generally lower than mid-tier schools would I be better off in a mid-tier MD school residency wise?

 

[Jepstein30]

Well I think somewhere mid-tier is preferable compared to a decent DO school? I'm not really sure how the DO schools stack up, but with stats for DO students being generally lower than mid-tier schools would I be better off in a mid-tier MD school residency wise?

If your program is a DO school, I'd apply out of it for sure. You'll definitely get an MD elsewhere and IMO, any MD > any DO.. especially for residency.

 

[Person0715]

Oh okay, I misread your original post and thought you were in a 7 year BS/MD program. Since that is not the case, it might make sense to apply out of the program. With a 3.85+ GPA and 30+ MCAT, you have a good chance of getting in somewhere.

 

[Gunnin]

Alright thanks for the advice!