do I even have a chance?

[hawkfan26]

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Here is my admissions profile:
MCAT:
30Q(12 PS, 7 VR, 11 BS)
GPA:
3.64 cGPA, 3.54 sGPA
ECs:
2.5 years experience working at an Anesthesia Patient Simulator
2.0 years experience working in OR setting helping out anesthesiologists
2.0 years experience volunteering in an intensive care unit
1.5 years experience helping out an anesthesiologist at an regional anesthesia workshop
1.0 years experience in a biochemistry research lab
1.0 years experience tutoring science classes
LORs:
One MD, four PhDs, advisor, supervisor in hospital
Schools Applied to:
University of Iowa
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Mayo Medical School(only cause its free if accepted)
Creighton University
Rosalind Franklin
Rush University
Penn State
Ohio State
Case Western
Brown University
Albany Medical College
VCU
Wake Forest
Drexel

State of Residency:
Iowa

So do you think I have a shot at any of these schools? Or should I apply to some DO schools too which I have thought about? Should I retake the MCAT in a month or so or just wait and see how this application cycle goes and see what happens?

 

[Decicco]

Last I checked Mayo isn't free if accepted (although it is heavily discounted).

I think you have a good shot at Iowa and at an MD acceptance in general. I would only apply to DO if you are actually willing to go to DO school. What were your practice test VR scores?

 

[hawkfan26]

The highest aamc VR score I got was a 10 but most of them were 8 with one or two 9s sprinkled in. I just dont know if it is worth it right now to retake with the chance of only improving my VR score by one and possibly two if I am lucky.

 

[Decicco]

The highest aamc VR score I got was a 10 but most of them were 8 with one or two 9s sprinkled in. I just dont know if it is worth it right now to retake with the chance of only improving my VR score by one and possibly two if I am lucky.

In your situation, I'd apply and hope for the best (you have a good shot). If I didn't get into an MD school I'd retake my MCAT and reapply next cycle. You are so close to a good MCAT score, so this is the easy answer. VR scores can be improved with things like ExamKracker's practice verbal passages.

 

[tomba27]

hawkfan26,

Our MCAT breakout is damn near the same and I feel comfortable about my chances getting into a MD program. I'm also applying to quite a few of the schools you are and I have researched all of mine and chose them based on how competitive I will be.

The only ones I think might be very difficult are Drexel and Brown, but I could be wrong. Just my impression when reading about them.

Also, I'm applying to 5 DO schools due to my 7 on VR (definitely our weakest point), but I am willing to go to a DO school. I actually dig the osteopathic approach. Plus, there are some great ones out there.

Basically, I'd recommend researching DO schools to see if you would be willing to attend. I used to be adamant about going solely the MD route until I did some research. I'm liking them more and more each time I sit down at the computer and do further research.

 

[hawkfan26]

tomba27,

I used to be adament as well about attending an MD school but as of recently I think I would be open to either MD or DO. At this point, I am starting to become comfortable with my chances at some of the MD schools to which I applied but I keep going back and forth in my head whether or not I should retake now or wait and see this year and retake next year. I talked to an anesthesia faculty and he said I wouldnt be an outstanding candidate but I would still be competitive. I also talked to an anesthesia resident and he said that I should retake solely based on the 7 but I feel a little more confident in the faculty's opinion than the resident so I think I will follow his advice.

As far as DO schools, I might just wait until next year and apply to them then if I dont get into any MD schools this year. This is because, although I am beginning to agree more and more with their philosophy, I still am holding on to the belief that they are more of a backup idea and I would still want to attend an MD school.

 

[tomba27]

tomba27,

I used to be adament as well about attending an MD school but as of recently I think I would be open to either MD or DO. At this point, I am starting to become comfortable with my chances at some of the MD schools to which I applied but I keep going back and forth in my head whether or not I should retake now or wait and see this year and retake next year. I talked to an anesthesia faculty and he said I wouldnt be an outstanding candidate but I would still be competitive. I also talked to an anesthesia resident and he said that I should retake solely based on the 7 but I feel a little more confident in the faculty's opinion than the resident so I think I will follow his advice.

As far as DO schools, I might just wait until next year and apply to them then if I dont get into any MD schools this year. This is because, although I am beginning to agree more and more with their philosophy, I still am holding on to the belief that they are more of a backup idea and I would still want to attend an MD school.

It's a tough call. My school advisor and a few 'advisors' on this website suggested I apply anyway with my 29 (I got a 11 on PS while you got a 12). However, I am a post-bac student with quite a diverse array of experience (ex CPA) and business management (cofounder and officer of a nonprofit) experience.

But, your ECs seem as strong as they come. I have decided to submit this year as I honestly don't want to take the exam and don't feel I could increase my VR score too terribly much without risking a couple points in the sciences. I might be bit in my ass, but I just have faith it will all work out.

DO school is another tough call as historically they interview and accept you on a quicker basis then MD schools. Additionally, I think they want a quick turn around of your acceptance. With that being said, I really dig the 'whole body/holistic' approach to medicine and feel it just adds another tool to my belt for when I actually practice. Secondly, it is a common misconception that a DO student can't specialize. They can, and I feel I will be more competitive coming from a DO background then a MD, which seems it would be a little more cutthroat, IMO.

IMPORTANT EDIT: In response to your 7 VR, yes, we are at a little disadvantage because of it. However, I developed my list of 15 schools based around this (which include quite a few of your schools). These schools accepted up to 10% of their class below an 8 in VR. These are the only MD schools I'm applying to. I'd be happy to post my list if you want.

 

[rockafella12]

It's a tough call. My school advisor and a few 'advisors' on this website suggested I apply anyway with my 29 (I got a 11 on PS while you got a 12). However, I am a post-bac student with quite a diverse array of experience (ex CPA) and business management (cofounder and officer of a nonprofit) experience.

But, your ECs seem as strong as they come. I have decided to submit this year as I honestly don't want to take the exam and don't feel I could increase my VR score too terribly much without risking a couple points in the sciences. I might be bit in my ass, but I just have faith it will all work out.

DO school is another tough call as historically they interview and accept you on a quicker basis then MD schools. Additionally, I think they want a quick turn around of your acceptance. With that being said, I really dig the 'whole body/holistic' approach to medicine and feel it just adds another tool to my belt for when I actually practice. Secondly, it is a common misconception that a DO student can't specialize. They can, and I feel I will be more competitive coming from a DO background then a MD, which seems it would be a little more cutthroat, IMO.

IMPORTANT EDIT: In response to your 7 VR, yes, we are at a little disadvantage because of it. However, I developed my list of 15 schools based around this (which include quite a few of your schools). These schools accepted up to 10% of their class below an 8 in VR. These are the only MD schools I'm applying to. I'd be happy to post my list if you want.

Post the list! please 🙂

 

[tomba27]

Post the list! please 🙂

Here you go rockafella12, hope it helps. 🙂

MD
University of Arizona (both campuses)
Rush Medical College
OHSU
University of Washington
Drexel
University of Vermont
Penn State
University of Nevada
Georgetown
George Washington
Creighton
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind
New York Medical College
Medical College of Wisconsin

DO
University of New England COM
Philadelphia COM
Des Moines COM
NY COM
Western COM

Edit: Almost forgot, Michigan State University COM is going to replace one of those DO bad boys. Top 4 medical school if your interested in primary care.

 

[rockafella12]

That's a pretty decent list, mate. Wanna look at my list? Check it out, and lemme know what you think...

MD:
University of Colorado SOM
Temple
Drexel
Jefferson
Rosalind Franklin
Eastern Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth
Wake Forest
Keck SOM of USC
Michigan State Univ. SOM
Creighton
Oregon Health and Science Univ.
University of Washington
Virginia Tech @ Carilion

I am still debating what DO schools to apply to. I think MSUCOM would be a respectable choice, what other two do you think? PCOM has churned out an awesome ER doc that I work with now...

 

[StephBee]

That's a pretty decent list, mate. Wanna look at my list? Check it out, and lemme know what you think...

MD:
University of Colorado SOM
Temple
Drexel
Jefferson
Rosalind Franklin
Eastern Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth
Wake Forest
Keck SOM of USC
Michigan State Univ. SOM
Creighton
Oregon Health and Science Univ.
University of Washington
Virginia Tech @ Carilion

I am still debating what DO schools to apply to. I think MSUCOM would be a respectable choice, what other two do you think? PCOM has churned out an awesome ER doc that I work with now...

I'mma thread highjack for a second just to make some comments.
Some of this is going to be personal opinion so take it with a grain of salt and I Don't know your state residency so I'm going to assume OOS for all of them. If you're IS, ignore those comments 😛. I would nix Oregon for 2 reasons. 1. their OOS acceptence rate isn't great and considering youre near their 10th percentile, you're at even more of a disadvantage. 2. they have a huge focus on serving underrepresented communities so unless your ECs show this dedication, it's an uphill battle.
Washington has an OOS acceptence rate of less than 10%. (18/216) and again have a huge focus on serving underrepresented communties.

Univ. Colorado (my state school <3) has a decent OOS acceptence rate but their av MCAT is rather high and I"m willing to bet that most of those falling in the lower percentiles are a. non-trad or b. state residents.

Keck is also a bit of a reach school (high MCAT average) and therefor is also a reach.

Overall theme : I would suggested maybe nixing some of the above and adding other schools with a better OOS acceptence rate in your range.

 

[rockafella12]

Im a CO resident, and I have done internships with the Rural Med program, as well as the CO AHEC program.

I'm an extremely disadvantaged student, also from a rural area, with (IMO) excellent EC's...
Oregon and UW are definitely both reach schools. USC, I'm banking on the diversity aspect, and my cGPA (3.6) is very close to most of my schools x-bar... I am taking the MCAT Friday, so it will be a while before I figure out where I sit with that...

Thanks for the prompt reply though, and I appreciate your advice. What other schools do you think I should go for? I wouldn't mind nixing UW and Oregon for schools that I def have a better shot at...

 

[tomba27]

Im a CO resident, and I have done internships with the Rural Med program, as well as the CO AHEC program.

I'm an extremely disadvantaged student, also from a rural area, with (IMO) excellent EC's...
Oregon and UW are definitely both reach schools. USC, I'm banking on the diversity aspect, and my cGPA (3.6) is very close to most of my schools x-bar... I am taking the MCAT Friday, so it will be a while before I figure out where I sit with that...

Thanks for the prompt reply though, and I appreciate your advice. What other schools do you think I should go for? I wouldn't mind nixing UW and Oregon for schools that I def have a better shot at...

rockafella12,

I must of missed your scores/ECs so I can't really comment on your chances. I will agree with StephBee that OHSU is tough to get in as OOS. I'm from Montana and our schools has had pretty good success with them for some reason (thus, I haven't taken it off my list).

The rest of the list looks sweet. And reach schools? You never know until you try so go for it.

As far as DO schools go, there are some very good ones. MSUCOM probably leads the way for me (#4 in primary care), but damn expensive for OOS. I think they have pretty good payment plans though.

Check this link out for some other great ones:

http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/Pages/best-graduate-school-rankings.aspx

Additionally, NYCOM, Chicago COM, PCOM, and NOVA SE COM are other top dogs worth looking into (didn't make the list above as they relatively put more peeps into specialty positions compared to primary).

 

[rockafella12]

Thanks for the reply. I am going crazy now with this post-primary/pre-secondary no mcat score limbo...

Question: If I take the MCAT on 7/29, is it worth it to schedule an MCAT retake? Or is my first exam late enough in the cycle to make a retake impossible/non-essential?

 

[rockafella12]

Oh and Montana has good luck due to the WWAMI alliance. Too bad they don't do WICHE, as CO would be there... I don't know why they don't, CO only has one med school...

 

[tomba27]

Thanks for the reply. I am going crazy now with this post-primary/pre-secondary no mcat score limbo...

Question: If I take the MCAT on 7/29, is it worth it to schedule an MCAT retake? Or is my first exam late enough in the cycle to make a retake impossible/non-essential?

Yeah it definitely sucks waiting for your score. Painfully brutal.

You will probably get your MCAT score back around the end of August I'm guessing. Thats a tough call. I'd follow up with your advisor or someone to see if it is possible to take it mid to late September. If so, I would sign up immediately. If I were you and I felt their was the slightest chance I scored below a 30, I would apply to several DO schools. But that is just me.

Montana and North Dakota are very interesting with WICHE. We actually qualify for some weird reason, but several schools barely recognize us with it. But I know U of Arizona and U of Nevada are all for it. Weird huh?

 

[StephBee]

Unfortunetly WICHE doesn't really apply that much to Medical school (or at least so I was told). I'm a CO resident too so I feel you on trying to find schools with good OOS acceptences since CU is slightly harder to get into than some state schools. Though, they do end up accepting something like 25% of those who are IS who apply. Decent odds.

I took the july 29th MCAT last year and wasn't really happy with my score but by late august, i'ts just too late for a retake. Apply with what you get and if you don't get in, just retake by May next year.

As far as schools to apply to, I'll get back to you. I'm going to assume you get a 30 on your MCAT so I'll look through my MSAR and see if I can help ya out some.

 

[rockafella12]

Unfortunetly WICHE doesn't really apply that much to Medical school (or at least so I was told). I'm a CO resident too so I feel you on trying to find schools with good OOS acceptences since CU is slightly harder to get into than some state schools. Though, they do end up accepting something like 25% of those who are IS who apply. Decent odds.

I took the july 29th MCAT last year and wasn't really happy with my score but by late august, i'ts just too late for a retake. Apply with what you get and if you don't get in, just retake by May next year.

As far as schools to apply to, I'll get back to you. I'm going to assume you get a 30 on your MCAT so I'll look through my MSAR and see if I can help ya out some.

Haha, thanks for the assumption! I hope that I score as well as the benefit of your doubt.

From what I calculated, I thought CU was closer to 20%, let me know if that is off. I think that I may just take it the one time, especially if it is not going to be a factor in this years application cycle.

 

[rockafella12]

You will probably get your MCAT score back around the end of August I'm guessing. Thats a tough call. I'd follow up with your advisor or someone to see if it is possible to take it mid to late September. If so, I would sign up immediately. If I were you and I felt their was the slightest chance I scored below a 30, I would apply to several DO schools. But that is just me.

Montana and North Dakota are very interesting with WICHE. We actually qualify for some weird reason, but several schools barely recognize us with it. But I know U of Arizona and U of Nevada are all for it. Weird huh?

Yeah, the WICHE thing seems to be more prevalent for grad schools. Do you think that also applies for post bacc's? I may end up doing a post bacc anyways, for a MS in Physio or something similar.

I have my application ready for the DO schools, but I am waiting for the Fee Assistance Program, so that may be another week or two to worry about.

 

[tomba27]

Yeah, the WICHE thing seems to be more prevalent for grad schools. Do you think that also applies for post bacc's? I may end up doing a post bacc anyways, for a MS in Physio or something similar.

I have my application ready for the DO schools, but I am waiting for the Fee Assistance Program, so that may be another week or two to worry about.

I'm not too sure on the post bacc question. Maybe someone else can better field that?

 

[rockafella12]

I know that WICHE applies to Dental, and Graduate schools... Or at least what I have experienced. I am wondering if I will be able to use the WICHE status to make myself a more appealing candidate to partnered schools. Does anyone know which schools these are?

 

[JRG]

I know that WICHE applies to Dental, and Graduate schools... Or at least what I have experienced. I am wondering if I will be able to use the WICHE status to make myself a more appealing candidate to partnered schools. Does anyone know which schools these are?

I'm also a Montana resident applying this cycle so I feel I can give you some insight. While the WICHE program doesn't quite have guaranteed spots like our WWAMI it truly does help out quite a bit. Many schools (and I will list them in a minute) will consider applicants from Montana and Wyoming as "in-state" status when applying to their medical school. Now that doesn't mean you get in state tuition necessarily (that's all determined by how much Montana wants to give you if you are accepted to a WICHE school) but it does help out with many public schools that have a high in-state preference.

Schools list off of the top of my head is:
Oregon health and sciences university
Colorado
University of Arizona (which does give Montana close to in-state tuition)
University of Nevada
University of New Mexico (only if you apply EDP)

University of North Dakota (Technically isn't associated with WICHE but still gives MT and WY in-state preference)

From what I have seen WICHE holds a good amount of weight for at least getting us interviews.

If you want to read more the program is called WICHE PSEP: www.wiche.edu/psep

EDIT: haha sorry I didn't read that very well, I was thinking you were a MT resident Rockafella but that's tomba, ma bad.