So with the new policy coming for DO schools I figured now is about as good a time as any to finally get some advice since my plan is a bit less clear now. General stats and info below:
Ironically, I put off applying last cycle to increase my GPA at DO schools a bit more to hopefully just apply one time. Now I understand my GPA hasn't dropped drastically (although science is dropping by ~0.2) but I went from having a decent DO GPA to average/below average.
My main questions are: Should I now try to apply to an SMP? Should I retake my MCAT? Or, will I have a decent shot still with the app as it is?
The moment I saw the news I thought I should retake my MCAT in spring to try and offset the drop in GPA. My main hope is that schools see that I've practically taken a new degree's worth of hours and done well (3.9+). I will be applying to most DO schools and all Texas schools (only because it's so cheap and TCOM is part of the Texas app anyway).
- cGPA/sGPA should be ~3.4/3.3 assuming the next semester goes well (3.52/3.52 if I had been able to use grade replacement).
- MCAT - 503 (126/124/127/126)
- Texas resident, BS in microbiology, 30+ year old non-trad, caucasian
- 80 - 100 hours of clinical volunteering and around 2,000 hours as a PCT (ongoing as my full-time job)
- Shadowing is at >30 hours and I'm working on getting my DO LOR as well as a few more hours
- 100 hours of non-clinical volunteering and this is ongoing
- In school, I was a TA for 2 semesters and then lead TA of the micro lab for 2 more semesters. After graduating I worked in the food industry before becoming a PCT. Part of that time I was a food safety manager.
Ironically, I put off applying last cycle to increase my GPA at DO schools a bit more to hopefully just apply one time. Now I understand my GPA hasn't dropped drastically (although science is dropping by ~0.2) but I went from having a decent DO GPA to average/below average.
My main questions are: Should I now try to apply to an SMP? Should I retake my MCAT? Or, will I have a decent shot still with the app as it is?
The moment I saw the news I thought I should retake my MCAT in spring to try and offset the drop in GPA. My main hope is that schools see that I've practically taken a new degree's worth of hours and done well (3.9+). I will be applying to most DO schools and all Texas schools (only because it's so cheap and TCOM is part of the Texas app anyway).
