- Joined
- Oct 29, 2013
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
3.5c/3.4s with practice MCAT's that float between 24-28. Schools I should apply to? Overall chances?
Major: Exercise Physiology
Minor: Chemistry
I've talked with a number of people about what is acceptable for a DO program and get the feeling that while my numbers are acceptable by most DO criteria, they are also very, very average. I realize that my MCAT is a bit weak but I work two jobs to keep a roof over my head and good, solid study time is intermittent and hard to come by. I also work 2 jobs during the school year. I'm hoping that I will be able to squeeze into a program with a 27-28 MCAT. I take my MCAT next week.
In terms of context, my GPA has definitely been on the upward trend (deans list past 4 semesters). I partied too much sophomore year and am currently reaping the consequences. I was at a 3.2 GPA and have been clawing my way back up ever since. Am SC state resident and plan to apply only to DO schools (VCOM in-state & several out of state DO schools). I am applying only to DO programs because of the experiences I have had with a DO that I work with/shadowed under. I am sure that this is the only path to medicine for me.
I have a comfortable relationship with the associate dean of the DO school in-state but I'm not sure how much that helps? I'm definitely not banking on this connection but feel like it's worth mentioning.
Good news is my EC's are pretty solid. Plenty of patient interaction and other activities to demonstrate my ability to articulate and communicate as well as overall passion for the business (I love people/want to be GP).
EC:
-800+ clinical hours (work as a technician in retina specialist office over 2 summers)
-100+ non-clinical volunteer hours (regular relay for life participant / 4 summers of salkehatchie / free-clinic pharmacy but I think that would probably go under clinical.)
-founded FACE AIDS (non-profit) chapter at Univ. South Carolina (lasted 4 semesters)
-An entire summer (2.5 mths) in India working in both an emergency care clinic that doubled as a Urology clinic & at a hospice for the dead and dying (lots and lots of hands on).
-leadership: VP of recruitment for my fraternity (should mention or leave out?) & more importantly a member of the Carolina Judicial Council - basically a board of students elected by staff and faculty to head hearings of fellow students found in violation of the Carolinian Student Code of Conduct.
-Shadow exp: 50+ hrs shadowing ER doc, 50+ hrs shadowing pediatrician, ridiculous amt of hrs with ophthalmologist/retina specialist.
-Employment: During school year work for Kaplan Test Prep Co. as University of South Carolina campus Representative & received promotion to head campus rep. In addition worked as valet during nights/evenings.
-athlete and musician.
There is other stuff that is more trivial but I'm sure y'all get the idea. I feel that the biggest hole in my EC is non-clinical volunteer hrs but since I have to work constantly for financial reasons it is next to impossible to find time to dedicate to this end. Will admissions panels understand this or still be critical?
I would list LOR's but they're good. What I really need is advice on what my chances are, where I should apply, and ENCOURAGEMENT! What is a good way to proceed if I am rejected from all schools? Anything and everything y'all have to offer advice-wise would be most appreciated. Thanks.
Major: Exercise Physiology
Minor: Chemistry
I've talked with a number of people about what is acceptable for a DO program and get the feeling that while my numbers are acceptable by most DO criteria, they are also very, very average. I realize that my MCAT is a bit weak but I work two jobs to keep a roof over my head and good, solid study time is intermittent and hard to come by. I also work 2 jobs during the school year. I'm hoping that I will be able to squeeze into a program with a 27-28 MCAT. I take my MCAT next week.
In terms of context, my GPA has definitely been on the upward trend (deans list past 4 semesters). I partied too much sophomore year and am currently reaping the consequences. I was at a 3.2 GPA and have been clawing my way back up ever since. Am SC state resident and plan to apply only to DO schools (VCOM in-state & several out of state DO schools). I am applying only to DO programs because of the experiences I have had with a DO that I work with/shadowed under. I am sure that this is the only path to medicine for me.
I have a comfortable relationship with the associate dean of the DO school in-state but I'm not sure how much that helps? I'm definitely not banking on this connection but feel like it's worth mentioning.
Good news is my EC's are pretty solid. Plenty of patient interaction and other activities to demonstrate my ability to articulate and communicate as well as overall passion for the business (I love people/want to be GP).
EC:
-800+ clinical hours (work as a technician in retina specialist office over 2 summers)
-100+ non-clinical volunteer hours (regular relay for life participant / 4 summers of salkehatchie / free-clinic pharmacy but I think that would probably go under clinical.)
-founded FACE AIDS (non-profit) chapter at Univ. South Carolina (lasted 4 semesters)
-An entire summer (2.5 mths) in India working in both an emergency care clinic that doubled as a Urology clinic & at a hospice for the dead and dying (lots and lots of hands on).
-leadership: VP of recruitment for my fraternity (should mention or leave out?) & more importantly a member of the Carolina Judicial Council - basically a board of students elected by staff and faculty to head hearings of fellow students found in violation of the Carolinian Student Code of Conduct.
-Shadow exp: 50+ hrs shadowing ER doc, 50+ hrs shadowing pediatrician, ridiculous amt of hrs with ophthalmologist/retina specialist.
-Employment: During school year work for Kaplan Test Prep Co. as University of South Carolina campus Representative & received promotion to head campus rep. In addition worked as valet during nights/evenings.
-athlete and musician.
There is other stuff that is more trivial but I'm sure y'all get the idea. I feel that the biggest hole in my EC is non-clinical volunteer hrs but since I have to work constantly for financial reasons it is next to impossible to find time to dedicate to this end. Will admissions panels understand this or still be critical?
I would list LOR's but they're good. What I really need is advice on what my chances are, where I should apply, and ENCOURAGEMENT! What is a good way to proceed if I am rejected from all schools? Anything and everything y'all have to offer advice-wise would be most appreciated. Thanks.
