Can somebody explain the DO cycle being longer than the MD cycle? I was under the impression they were the same length. I am taking my MCAT saturday and my practice scores are where I want them to be, but if things do not go well I plan on retaking in August. From what I am reading this would be somewhat fatal for an MD app but is fine for a DO app? Also, with a 3.3 GPA (overall and science) what is the lowest MCAT you'd be comfortable with?
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DO cycle
Started by thegreatjaspy
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I don't think an August MCAT is fatal, especially if you will already have a score from the test you're about to take. I would check the application cycle from the class of 2018 thread for the MCAT correlation with your GPA. If I had to pick a number I would say a 26 and apply broadly, but higher is obviously better.
I agree with this...a balanced MCAT of 26 (i.e. 9,9,8 something like that, make sure you have >7 in each), and a 3.3-3.4 GPA with good solid ECs and LORs, its yielded many interviews for many and 1-3 acceptances from what Ive read....
I took my MCAT last year on September 12th. Still got everything in time for Osteopathic Medical schools. Got secondaries, IIs, and acceptances. I am starting this fall. Good luck.
@Indianarn
Did you have above avg GPA?😀 How was your ECs? 🙂
I am in the same situation with the thread owner. Taking it this saturday but might have to take it again(not sure if I will score high enough in VR) in which case my application will be alittle late..
Also did you turn in your secondaries before your MCAT score came in ???
and also Congratulations!
It's not ideal but you should be OK.
Just to give you an example of how the DO cycle is longer, I interviewed at a school earlier this month.
I think most are reading the OP's post wrong. A 3.3 and a subpar August MCAT is indeed likely fatal for MD unless URM. But an August MCAT is not too late for DO, you still want a 28+ tho.
Longer just means that if you apply later in comparison to applying later for MD, you're not very hindered.
