Critique my DO school list I'm applying to? Chances?

[swolebrah]

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Stats:

• 3.3 cGPA
• 3.47 science GPA
• 10/7/10 (27)MCAT , waiting on retake scores.
• 2 science LOR, 1 non-science LOR, 1 MD letter
• Currently a junior, havn't started on personal statement yet

EC(gonna keep it brief):

• -ED Scribe (1.5 years)
• -Misc Part-time jobs to pay the bills(3 years)
• -Volunteering (healthcare based)~100 hours
• -Intramural sports
• -Shadowing surgeon (~100 hours)
• ~Volunteering at Sunday school for youths (~1 year)

School list:

1. TCOM (instate resident)
2. AZCOM
3. DMU-COM
4. MSU-COM (removed due to expensive tuition)
5. ATSU-KCOM
6. PCOM
7. PCOM-GA
8. VCOM-CC
9. VCOM-VC
10. CCOM-MWU (removed due to much higher competitive stats)
11. KCUMB-COM
12. WVSOM (WV)
13. Western U-COMP
14. NYIT-COM
15. UNE-COM
16. NSU-COM
17. LMU-DCOM
18. WCUCOM
19. ACOM
20. MU-COM

I am apply broadly since my gpa is on the low end. Any schools I should possibly remove or add would be appreciated.

 

[LuluMed]

Stats:

• 3.3 cGPA
• 3.47 science GPA
• 10/7/10 (27)MCAT , waiting on retake scores.
• 2 science LOR, 1 non-science LOR, 1 MD letter
• Currently a junior, havn't started on personal statement yet

EC(gonna keep it brief):

• -ED Scribe (1.5 years)
• -Misc Part-time jobs to pay the bills(3 years)
• -Volunteering (healthcare based)~100 hours
• -Intramural sports
• -Shadowing surgeon (~100 hours)
• ~Volunteering at Sunday school for youths (~1 year)

School list:

1. TCOM
2. AZCOM
3. DMU-COM
4. MSU-COM
5. ATSU-KCOM
6. PCOM
7. PCOM-GA
8. VCOM-CC
9. VCOM-VC
10. CCOM-MWU
11. KCUMB-COM
12. WVSOM (WV)
13. Western U-COMP
14. NYIT-COM
15. UNE-COM
16. NSU-COM
17. LMU-DCOM
18. WCUCOM
19. ACOM

I am apply broadly since my gpa is on the low end. Any schools I should possibly remove or add would be appreciated.

I definitely think you have a good start in mind with your list. Because of your GPA/MCAT, I would consider not applying to TCOM or MSUCOM unless you are instate. You may also want to remove PCOM and CCOM since they are a little stat heavy. Consider adding some newer schools like CUSOM and MUCOM!

 

[Mad Jack]

I definitely think you have a good start in mind with your list. Because of your GPA/MCAT, I would consider not applying to TCOM or MSUCOM unless you are instate. You may also want to remove PCOM and CCOM since they are a little stat heavy. Consider adding some newer schools like CUSOM and MUCOM!

PCOM actually isn't very stat-heavy. They strongly prefer those with solid ECs over MCAT and GPA over a certain cutoff.

 

[swolebrah]

I definitely think you have a good start in mind with your list. Because of your GPA/MCAT, I would consider not applying to TCOM or MSUCOM unless you are instate. You may also want to remove PCOM and CCOM since they are a little stat heavy. Consider adding some newer schools like CUSOM and MUCOM!

Thanks for the response. I'm going to go ahead and research those schools . I am a texas resident, so that helps a little with TCOM. CCOM is most likely going to be off the list if I add these other 2 schools.

 

[s5260205]

Thanks for the response. I'm going to go ahead and research those schools . I am a texas resident, so that helps a little with TCOM. CCOM is most likely going to be off the list if I add these other 2 schools.

Did you calculate your GPA with the TMDSAS scale? The GPA is usually higher if you do that. Also second removing MSUCOM since the OOS tuition is 80k per year.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Your list is pretty well balanced. If you decide to take schools off the list then take the upper tier ones off.

If you get an MCAT score >30 you can also apply to Touro schools.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Did you calculate your GPA with the TMDSAS scale? The GPA is usually higher if you do that. Also second removing MSUCOM since the OOS tuition is 80k per year.

How is it higher? I thought it would be lower if he has had any retakes.

 

[swolebrah]

Did you calculate your GPA with the TMDSAS scale? The GPA is usually higher if you do that. Also second removing MSUCOM since the OOS tuition is 80k per year.

AACOMAS , I'll probably calculate the TMDAS at some point. Yeah MSU is definitely expensive, however the MCAT is within my range. Really trying to apply broadly.

Your list is pretty well balanced. If you decide to take schools off the list then take the upper tier ones off.

If you get an MCAT score >30 you can also apply to Touro schools.

That's the plan, took the jan15 mcat...so I find out soon enough.

How is it higher? I thought it would be lower if he has had any retakes.

They don't have -/+ scales, so that helps. No retakes, but definitely some B-'s and A-'s in the mix.

 

[AM508]

AACOMAS , I'll probably calculate the TMDAS at some point. Yeah MSU is definitely expensive, however the MCAT is within my range. Really trying to apply broadly.

That 80k/yr will kill you in the debt department...not to mention living expenses on top of that...seriously not worth it.

 

[swolebrah]

That 80k/yr will kill you in the debt department...not to mention living expenses on top of that...seriously not worth it.

You guys have a valid point, honestly one less school wouldn't decrease my chances by much. I'll take it off along side CCOM and add MU-COM and possibly CUSOM.

 

[songl4a]

.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Why are you taking off CCOM?

Expensive and hard to get into.

No offense to OP but he has cookie cutter ECs and would need a MCAT >29 for a really good chance to get in.

Probably won't get an II from AZCOM until later in the cycle unless the MCAT goes up.

DMU is also kind of a reach school. They look for certain characteristics in an applicant so OP might be OK.

Western U has high stats but they have a specific mission.

 

[songl4a]

.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

How do you guys know what school stats are? The AACOMAS pamphlets only list GPAs for most schools and individual websites only list minimum requirements, or averages from classes that are 4+ years old.

Because we have interviewed at some of those schools and seen the wonderful powerpoint presentations with the current stats. We also tend to have the most recent experience when it comes to the application process.

My school posts the c/o 2018 stats on their page.

 

[songl4a]

.

 

[s5260205]

It sure would be helpful if more schools were more transparent with their admissions and matriculant data. Would make it easier to compile a list of schools instead of applying everywhere and handing out free money.

If you have moderately average stats (3.4+ GPA 26/27+ MCAT), you may as well apply to as many schools as you could afford to broaden your chances. While some schools are selective with MCAT (AZCOM, CCOM, Touros prefer 30+ MCAT) and others are highly competitive if you are OOS (TCOM, RowanSOM, MSUCOM, etc.), you wouldn't know your chances unless you apply.

 

[swolebrah]

Thank you all for the responses.

If you have moderately average stats (3.4+ GPA 26/27+ MCAT), you may as well apply to as many schools as you could afford to broaden your chances. While some schools are selective with MCAT (AZCOM, CCOM, Touros prefer 30+ MCAT) and others are highly competitive if you are OOS (TCOM, RowanSOM, MSUCOM, etc.), you wouldn't know your chances unless you apply.

Thanks! I have a 0% chance of getting in if I don't try. Appreciate the input and best of luck in your cycle as well! My friend applied to TCOM this cycle and just got an acceptance a few weeks ago. His stats were 28 MCAT and 3.4/3.3 , granted he is also a instate resident as well.

How do you guys know what school stats are? The AACOMAS pamphlets only list GPAs for most schools and individual websites only list minimum requirements, or averages from classes that are 4+ years old.

There's a spreadsheet out there that has all the avg MCAT/GPA's found on the schools website in a aesthetic format. I can't find the link to it right now, I'll send you a pm I find it.

 

[vikingsking82]

so your 3.3cGPA and 3.47 sGPA are not TMDSAS calculations? If they are, you might as well apply to the rest of the Texas MD schools, even if they are reaches since you're already planning on filling out the TMDSAS app and it wouldn't cost much more.

 

[Harker Heights]

Honestly your friend's 3.4/3.3 is too low for TCOM and 28 is only their average and I'd like to know how he got in.

 

[GypsyHummus]

why are you retaking a 27?

 

[mspeedwagon]

I think that's way too many schools personally. I'd eliminate a few: WCU and ACOM can be cut unless you have a strong desire to be in that region. I'd also cut NYIT (they have a NY bias and most NYers I know didn't even get an interview there... myself included). I'd also consider cutting Marian, since it does seem they want to create doctors for Indiana (I remember their secondary asking something to the effect of what appeals to you about practicing medicine in Indiana.... once I realized my answer was "absolutely nothing" I decided against applying). Also, for VCOM, I'd only apply to their CC campus. Their VA campus has a huge bias toward being from that area. Otherwise, your list looks fine.

School list:

1. TCOM (instate resident)
2. AZCOM
3. DMU-COM
4. MSU-COM (removed due to expensive tuition)
5. ATSU-KCOM
6. PCOM
7. PCOM-GA
8. VCOM-CC
9. VCOM-VC
10. CCOM-MWU (removed due to much higher competitive stats)
11. KCUMB-COM
12. WVSOM (WV)
13. Western U-COMP
14. NYIT-COM
15. UNE-COM
16. NSU-COM
17. LMU-DCOM
18. WCUCOM
19. ACOM
20. MU-COM

I am apply broadly since my gpa is on the low end. Any schools I should possibly remove or add would be appreciated. [/QUOTE]

 

[arewethereyet...]

We've got 1 person from Texas at UNECOM (~180/class), and some people from California, Minnesota, and some other states over there, but it's predominantly the north east (including PA, NY, NJ). Now obviously I don't know what percentage of applicants are from the northeast vs. elsewhere so don't take it too seriously. You're 27 is definitely fine, not sure about the 3.3. Just might want to keep in mind that it's ****ing cold up here and snows a lot and you might have to spend you're third year up in Bangor (google map it). Another thing, from what I've heard from people at other schools, we are really OMM, anatomy, and clinical skills heavy so we are really prepared third year, but we're kind of on our own for boards. OMM we have 4 hours every week for 2 years, anatomy we have 8 hours every week for first year.

Also, are you going to get a DO letter? I remember needing one for a bunch of schools (at UNECOM you have to have shadowed them for a certain number of hours for them to accept your letter).

Maybe I missed something, but what about LECOM?

 

[Goro]

Fine list.

Stats:

• 3.3 cGPA
• 3.47 science GPA
• 10/7/10 (27)MCAT , waiting on retake scores.
• 2 science LOR, 1 non-science LOR, 1 MD letter
• Currently a junior, havn't started on personal statement yet

EC(gonna keep it brief):

• -ED Scribe (1.5 years)
• -Misc Part-time jobs to pay the bills(3 years)
• -Volunteering (healthcare based)~100 hours
• -Intramural sports
• -Shadowing surgeon (~100 hours)
• ~Volunteering at Sunday school for youths (~1 year)

School list:

1. TCOM (instate resident)
2. AZCOM
3. DMU-COM
4. MSU-COM (removed due to expensive tuition)
5. ATSU-KCOM
6. PCOM
7. PCOM-GA
8. VCOM-CC
9. VCOM-VC
10. CCOM-MWU (removed due to much higher competitive stats)
11. KCUMB-COM
12. WVSOM (WV)
13. Western U-COMP
14. NYIT-COM
15. UNE-COM
16. NSU-COM
17. LMU-DCOM
18. WCUCOM
19. ACOM
20. MU-COM

I am apply broadly since my gpa is on the low end. Any schools I should possibly remove or add would be appreciated.

 

[swolebrah]

We've got 1 person from Texas at UNECOM (~180/class), and some people from California, Minnesota, and some other states over there, but it's predominantly the north east (including PA, NY, NJ). Now obviously I don't know what percentage of applicants are from the northeast vs. elsewhere so don't take it too seriously. You're 27 is definitely fine, not sure about the 3.3. Just might want to keep in mind that it's ****ing cold up here and snows a lot and you might have to spend you're third year up in Bangor (google map it). Another thing, from what I've heard from people at other schools, we are really OMM, anatomy, and clinical skills heavy so we are really prepared third year, but we're kind of on our own for boards. OMM we have 4 hours every week for 2 years, anatomy we have 8 hours every week for first year.

Also, are you going to get a DO letter? I remember needing one for a bunch of schools (at UNECOM you have to have shadowed them for a certain number of hours for them to accept your letter).

Maybe I missed something, but what about LECOM?

No DO letter. I have a really good MD letter since I worked with this doctor all throught my scribe experience, I value his input more since I wouldn't be able to shadow a DO for more then 1-2 months. I wish I had one, but I'm compromising on that.

Fine list.

Thanks for your feedback. Was hoping some adcom member's would chime in!

 

[s5260205]

No DO letter. I have a really good MD letter since I worked with this doctor all throught my scribe experience, I value his input more since I wouldn't be able to shadow a DO for more then 1-2 months. I wish I had one, but I'm compromising on that.


Thanks for your feedback. Was hoping some adcom member's would chime in!

There is a few schools on the list that explicitly require DO LORs; you should double check the LOR requirements for each school to see if you could fulfil them and adjust your school list accordingly (consult AACOM CIB).

 

[swolebrah]

There is a few schools on the list that explicitly require DO LORs; you should double check the LOR requirements for each school to see if you could fulfil them and adjust your school list accordingly (consult AACOM CIB).

I have checked all the schools websites listed interms of their LOR requirements . A lot prefer DO but accept MD letters. LECOM stated on their website they don't accept md letters .

I will probably double check again since some people have brought it up though.

 

[Stagg737]

I'd say keep AZCOM, not sure why everyone is saying they only look for people with 30+ MCAT when that's total speculation right now.

I have checked all the schools websites listed interms of their LOR requirements . A lot prefer DO but accept MD letters. LECOM stated on their website they don't accept md letters .

I will probably double check again since some people have brought it up though.

If it's not a requirement, then you're better off with an MD letter from someone you've worked with for years than a DO letter from someone you've shadowed for 1-2 days.

Honestly your friend's 3.4/3.3 is too low for TCOM and 28 is only their average and I'd like to know how he got in.

Just because a person is a below average applicant doesn't mean they won't be accepted. Average means around half the class had lower states than that, so 3.4/3.3 and 28 MCAT aren't unreasonable at all for TCOM. Especially if their ECs and personal statement were solid.