Concerns about my coursework

[arjusmc]

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How concerned should I be?

I am currently applying and I was fortunate enough to have an adcom from a fairly prominent DO school speak with me about my application. His recommendation is that I pursue an SMP because although my current coursework has been good, it was at state schools(former CC) and a lower-tier University(It is not a liberal arts school or anything like that). His comment was referring to the fact that they receive a tremendous amount of apps from UCLA, UM, etc.

His second comment was about how I have taken the courses. I have taken classes one or two at a time while working as a paramedic. He said that while I didn't prove that I can't handle medical school, I haven't proved that I can. For reference, I returned to school to pursue a health care career after serving in the Marine Corps and obtaining a business degree, so most of my prereqs have been at state schools. I have taken upper-level coursework at the local university, such as biochem, genetics, anatomy, and physiology.

I figured I'd ask over here on the non-trad forums and see if this is somewhat common. I understand that this may just be one school's opinion, however, If this is going to be a common problem I need to make changes sooner than later.

 

[Agentcross]

What is your GPA? Your GPA and MCAT are what is important here. I’d almost say that adcom is being a bit ridiculous. CC and state college is more than enough for a med school admission and you have a good reason for your course load. I have a similar story as you. I got my associates completely online while working full-time. I’ve taken it “slow” with pre reqs and upper division classes because of my work and my family. I am also a veteran(green side corpsman). I’ve received an interview invite from every DOnschool I applied to but one. I only attended two DO interviews and was accepted at both. I’ve also been invited to three MD interviews with one acceptance so far. My GPA and MCAT are low end too.

 

[arjusmc]

504 MCAT(126/124/127/127) Cars got me
overall undergrad gpa is 3.16(both AMCAS and AACOMAS) 3.30 sgpa(AMCAS) 3.75 sgpa (AACOMAS)
strong upward trend.
graduated with a 2.97 in 2005.
since I've taken 90 hrs to include all prereqs, some upper level coursework and EMT/Paramedic school
3.95 cgpa 3.9sgpa
I had one B early on in genchem 2. I was still learning how to study for science classes.

 

[Agentcross]

504 MCAT(126/124/127/127) Cars got me
overall undergrad gpa is 3.16(both AMCAS and AACOMAS) 3.30 sgpa(AMCAS) 3.75 sgpa (AACOMAS)
strong upward trend.
graduated with a 2.97 in 2005.
since I've taken 90 hrs to include all prereqs, some upper level coursework and EMT/Paramedic school
3.95 cgpa 3.9sgpa
I had one B early on in genchem 2. I was still learning how to study for science classes.

So my MCAT is two points higher. But my GPAs are around 3.5. Your GPA is obvi a little low. How much higher can you realistically bring the GPA before you apply? With solid letters and solid writing, you stand a fair shot if you cast your DO net widely

 

[arjusmc]

So my MCAT is two points higher. But my GPAs are around 3.5. Your GPA is obvi a little low. How much higher can you realistically bring the GPA before you apply? With solid letters and solid writing, you stand a fair shot if you cast your DO net widely

I’ve already applied, if I have to reapply my cgpa would be a 3.2 with the classes I’ve taken since. My sgpa for amcas would be about a 3.4. I applied to 11 DO schools and 5 state MD. I didn’t expect a lot of md success but I figured I would have interview invites for DO. I still have none and have started prep for an mcat retake. I didn’t think an SMP would be necessary, but if I have to I’d rather start applying to those too.

 

[arjusmc]

As far as letters go I have a strong md letter from a mentor that I’ve know for a few years. Local ER doc and medical director of my paramedic school. My faculty letters are good, to the best of my knowledge. I did well and was active in their classes. Last week I submitted a strong letter of rec from a DO I just shadowed.

 

[Agentcross]

As far as letters go I have a strong md letter from a mentor that I’ve know for a few years. Local ER doc and medical director of my paramedic school. My faculty letters are good, to the best of my knowledge. I did well and was active in their classes. Last week I submitted a strong letter of rec from a DO I just shadowed.

i see. i completely misread that you are a current applicant. how many DO schools did you apply to? I wouldnt worry too much yet. It is still "early" for DO as med schools just were able to start sending acceptances.

 

[arjusmc]

11 DO 5 state md

 

[Ell19]

What is your GPA? Your GPA and MCAT are what is important here. I’d almost say that adcom is being a bit ridiculous. CC and state college is more than enough for a med school admission and you have a good reason for your course load. I have a similar story as you. I got my associates completely online while working full-time. I’ve taken it “slow” with pre reqs and upper division classes because of my work and my family. I am also a veteran(green side corpsman). I’ve received an interview invite from every DOnschool I applied to but one. I only attended two DO interviews and was accepted at both. I’ve also been invited to three MD interviews with one acceptance so far. My GPA and MCAT are low end too.

I agree ^ whoever adcom you spoke to is being a bit ridiculous.

I graduated with a BS in 2016, worked for a year, and then decided to finish my 6 remaining courses I needed. I volunteered as an EMT part-time while I took 2 courses per semester (orgo 1, physics 1; then orgo 2, physics 2; biochem over the summer, and then an additional english class). So that might be viewed "not showing I can handle the rigors of medical school", since I only volunteered as an EMT max 12 hours per week while taking only 8 credits per semester. But here I am with 4 interviews (3 DO and 1 MD), and 1 acceptance!

I went to a state college and took my courses at a different state college. I also the same MCAT with a more unequal split and I have interviews, and a strong upward GPA trend and my cGPA and sGPA are ~3.5

I think your issue right now is your cGPA, which could get you screened out at some schools. What DO schools did you apply to?

Also it is still kind of early for DO, you can receive interviews up until April/May of next year

 

[arjusmc]

I agree ^ whoever adcom you spoke to is being a bit ridiculous.

I graduated with a BS in 2016, worked for a year, and then decided to finish my 6 remaining courses I needed. I volunteered as an EMT part-time while I took 2 courses per semester (orgo 1, physics 1; then orgo 2, physics 2; biochem over the summer, and then an additional english class). So that might be viewed "not showing I can handle the rigors of medical school", since I only volunteered as an EMT max 12 hours per week while taking only 8 credits per semester. But here I am with 4 interviews (3 DO and 1 MD), and 1 acceptance!

I went to a state college and took my courses at a different state college. I also the same MCAT with a more unequal split and I have interviews, and a strong upward GPA trend and my cGPA and sGPA are ~3.5

I think your issue right now is your cGPA, which could get you screened out at some schools. What DO schools did you apply to?

Also it is still kind of early for DO, you can receive interviews up until April/May of next year

congrats on the acceptance

I agree with you on my cgpa, especially for MD, likely some DO
I applied to the following schools when I was submitted back in June
PCOM GA
PCOM South GA
LECOM-B
VCOM-all 4 campuses( I have a 3.65cgpa, 3.9sgpa with their last 120-hour policy)

Last month I added
NYIT-Arkansas
ACOM
UP-KYCOM
WVSOM

as you can see I'm trying to stay in the southeast for family reasons.

I agree it's early and all for DO. I get that I may still get interviews, and I knew MD was a long shot. I'm overall concerned with my application because of what I was told by the adcom that was nice enough to speak with me. I'm really grateful for him taking the time, they don't have to do that and all. It's their school and their policy, so they can screen how they see fit. I just want to make sure this isn't a hurdle that I will be trying to clear with every school. If it's just a no from that school, then that's fine. If it's going to be a problem at every school, then I need to start looking into a masters program, rather than just an MCAT retake. Not getting in is not my biggest fear, applying again without fixing my issues is.

 

[Goro]

How concerned should I be?

I am currently applying and I was fortunate enough to have an adcom from a fairly prominent DO school speak with me about my application. His recommendation is that I pursue an SMP because although my current coursework has been good, it was at state schools(former CC) and a lower-tier University(It is not a liberal arts school or anything like that). His comment was referring to the fact that they receive a tremendous amount of apps from UCLA, UM, etc.

His second comment was about how I have taken the courses. I have taken classes one or two at a time while working as a paramedic. He said that while I didn't prove that I can't handle medical school, I haven't proved that I can. For such as biochem, genetics, anatomy, and physiology.

First off, many thanks for your service to our country. Semper Fi!!

I'm also an Adcom member at a DO school. That person first comments are off the mark.

The second comment about only taking 1-2 classes a semester (or was it per year?) is more of a concern. Med school will be a lot more intense than what you have taken, and no school is doing you any favors by accepting you if you cannot handle the rigor of the curriculum.

You should add a few more schools to your list, there is still time. And see how this cycle shakes out. If you get shut out, then I suggest an SMP next year

 

[arjusmc]

First off, many thanks for your service to our country. Semper Fi!!

I'm also an Adcom member at a DO school. That person first comments are off the mark.

The second comment about only taking 1-2 classes a semester (or was it per year?) is more of a concern. Med school will be a lot more intense than what you have taken, and no school is doing you any favors by accepting you if you cannot handle the rigor of the curriculum.

You should add a few more schools to your list, there is still time. And see how this cycle shakes out. If you get shut out, then I suggest an SMP next year

1-2 classes per semester while working. I did drop down to part-time at work and took a full load on for one semester. I remained at a 4.0 taking a physics 2 w/lab, genetics w/lab, a sociology course and a biology skills course(1-hour lab). I just could not financially continue.

I understand the curriculum will be much more rigorous at medical school. I have a hard time taking more classes due to where I live. The closest university is over an hour away and does not have a lot of class availability. It makes taking more classes logistically impossible without quitting work and taking loans. I'm doing everything I can to avoid taking on loans before I'm accepted(I'm late in the game at 36yo).

I understand their concern overall. None of us really know what medical school is like. I just know what it takes to be successful in general. I feel that I could make a great case to someone that I can handle the academic rigors if I were to interview. I spend 40-48 hours a week working in a high-stress environment, another 10 hours a week in just commuting to class and maintain high averages in my coursework. My days are often spent waking up 3 hours before my shift to study for an MCAT retake, working all day, getting 5 hours of sleep and doing it again. I'm not saying what I am doing is more difficult, it's just that I'm not sitting on my rear end all day and only taking one class to protect my GPA.

I appreciate the responses. As of now, I'm studying for an MCAT retake and I will start looking into SMPs. Hopefully, I won't need to do either, but as you said before, rejected until you are accepted.