DO Chances of acceptance into a DO school?

[jakeharper]

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Hi guys,

I really haven't got the best advice so far so I am looking for some help. I graduated with a degree in neuroscience and biology from a good New England University. My GPA is pretty bad, not at all up to my standards, but were a result of circumstances regarding health problems in immediate family. Sophomore year was a nightmare but I did end up doing some damage control, with an upward trend my last 3 semesters. I ended with:

Cumulative: 2.91
Science: 2.81
Non-science 3.12

I did much better on the MCAT, scoring a 513 with a lowest section score of 127. I have decent ECs (4 years worth of research at 3 premier research institutions, 1 publication, professional dancer, 2 international clinical missions, volunteering in PACU, shadowing an MD and a DO, etc).

I have letters from 2 professors from upper level science classes that I got an A in, a DO, 2 MDs, and one from my research lab.

I would like some honest advice/opinions on my chances at DO schools.
I am applying to close to 20 of them, working on secondaries right now.

 

[BurntFlower]

Why not do a post-bacc and then apply? Your MCAT is great.

 

[jakeharper]

Why not do a post-bacc and then apply? Your MCAT is great.

Sorry I forgot to mention that I was accepted into the Georgetown SMP and finished it with a 3.25. It's not outstanding, but I really learned good study skills and habits through my year. My lowest grade here was one B- in the cardiopulmonary module, which was also the hardest class. Again, there was an upward trend between semester 1 and 2.

My biggest problem with school was a lack of consistency and stability. I really was not able to pick up good study skills till the SMP when I was around M1s. I am planning on taking a few post-bacc classes at my local university in the spring, but I really can't spend much more money.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

Agree with the above. MCAT is awesome (MD caliber). Unfortunately, GPA is going to be lethal at most places.

I would do a post-bacc and apply broadly to both MD and DO.

Edit: Just saw you did an SMP.....the 3.25 only hurts your app, as it shows that you haven't really made much progress when it comes to your GPA. You blame your undergrad GPA on a bad year sophomore year, but adcoms will just think you are making things up since you didn't earn a good GPA in your SMP X amount of years later (not trying to be harsh!)

Your high MCAT might end up being your saving grace and snagging you some interviews. Apply broadly.

 

[kubyx]

I don't think anyone can really give you a good answer because you have a pretty unique application.. a pretty horrible GPA, but a great MCAT and what sounds like great ECs. I think you could possibly have a chance depending on those health issues you mentioned and your ability to explain them in your essays. You need some kind of redemption because a 2.9 gpa is likely a death sentence otherwise.

Edit - just saw your did an SMP and got a 3.25... that is not a redeeming gpa IMO. I think all your SMP did was reinforce the idea that you struggle to excel in school. I would apply to every DO school you can and hope for the best.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I was accepted into the Georgetown SMP and finished it with a 3.25.

This is a killer unfortunately. Your only option now is to apply extremely broadly and hope someone is interested in your MCAT.

 

[jakeharper]

Thank you guys for the honest replies. Going to explain and hope for the best!