DO School List - sGPA my limiting factor?

[careebou]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Is my science GPA going to significantly hinder my performance this application cycle?

My U-shaped GPA trend in sophomore/junior year was because of bad time management combined with mom's cancer/personal medical problems. Any prospects regarding my application and school list would be much appreciated.

- ORM
- Overall GPA: 3.09, Overall Science GPA: 2.96

• Freshman uGPA: 3.43 (32 credits)
• Sophomore uGPA: 2.36 (27 credits)
• Junior uGPA: 1.22 (27 credits)
• Senior/Super Senior uGPA: 3.64 (48 credits)
• SMP GPA: 4.0 (36 credits)

- MCAT: 506
- Letters of Evaluation: 1 faculty advisor, 1 grad professor, 1 MD, 1 DO

ECs: 150+ hrs shadowing, 1000+ hrs community service , 1000+ hrs research (molecular & clinical)

SCHOOLS:
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
- Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
- Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lincoln Memorial University–DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (both campuses)
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (both campuses)
- Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine–California
- Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
- Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest
- William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

+ applied to all Texas MD schools

@Goro @Faha

 

[Goro]

It's a good list. You should get some love.

Is my science GPA going to significantly hinder my performance this application cycle?

My U-shaped GPA trend in sophomore/junior year was because of bad time management combined with mom's cancer/personal medical problems. Any prospects regarding my application and school list would be much appreciated.

- ORM
- Overall GPA: 3.09, Overall Science GPA: 2.96

• Freshman uGPA: 3.43 (32 credits)
• Sophomore uGPA: 2.36 (27 credits)
• Junior uGPA: 1.22 (27 credits)
• Senior/Super Senior uGPA: 3.64 (48 credits)
• SMP GPA: 4.0 (36 credits)

- MCAT: 506
- Letters of Evaluation: 1 faculty advisor, 1 grad professor, 1 MD, 1 DO

ECs: 150+ hrs shadowing, 1000+ hrs community service , 1000+ hrs research (molecular & clinical)

SCHOOLS:
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
- Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
- Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lincoln Memorial University–DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (both campuses)
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (both campuses)
- Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine–California
- Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
- Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest
- William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

+ applied to all Texas MD schools

@Goro @Faha

 

[Cath Up]

How did you calculate your GPAs? If you did not calculate those using some sort of self or SDN-user-made GPA calculator that is specific to AACOMAS, your GPA may move up or down a bit, which could be VERY useful if it gets you aboe the 3.0 sGPA cutoff.

I am unsure if this is necessary, but I know it can be useful with some allopathic schools:

Given the sGPA <3.0, you might not meet automated cutoffs for receiving secondaries at some schools. It could possibly be beneficial for you to reach out to schools before or when you submit your primary app, and let them know that your sGPA is likely below their cutoff but you are interested in their school and have reformed as is demonstrated through the SMP. Again, not sure of the necessity of taking that kind of action, but certainly something to consider if you don't find yourself getting many secondaries.

Otherwise, given the great SMP grades and what I would call great ECs, I think it would be worth it to apply this cycle.

I don't see Burrell COM on your list. If you have not included it because you would not be happy as a student there, understandable. Otherwise, would be a reasonable school to add.

 

[getfat]

It's a good list. You should get some love.

Wouldn't OP get screened out of some schools listed?

KCU has a 3.25 requirement
Campbell has a hard pre-screen.
CCOM is a stat enthusiastic school as well as AZCOM

 

[getfat]

Would give PCOM maybe GA-PCOM (if you are SE applicant) a shot as well.

They give evidence that they emphasize reinvention applicants by continuing to honor grade replacement policy.

 

[Goro]

One of our SMP students who did not do well still managed to get into one of those schools.

Hard floors notwithstanding, I believe that the decline in DO apps last year will make schools give a second look to reinvention. Hell, there are plenty of MD schools that do

Wouldn't OP get screened out of some schools listed?

KCU has a 3.25 requirement
Campbell has a hard pre-screen.
CCOM is a stat enthusiastic school as well as AZCOM

 

[Faha]

Add these schools to your application:
BCOM
UP-KYCOM
WVSOM
VCOM (all 3 schools)
RVU-Utah

 

[careebou]

Add these schools to your application:
BCOM
UP-KYCOM
WVSOM
VCOM (all 3 schools)
RVU-Utah

I cut out BCOM because I met one of their academic reps at my SMP and she said that regardless of my SMP GPA, they will auto screen me for sGPA under 3.0. I confirmed with BCOM over email, and was told the same thing. I'll look into adding those schools!

 

[careebou]

Wouldn't OP get screened out of some schools listed?

KCU has a 3.25 requirement
Campbell has a hard pre-screen.
CCOM is a stat enthusiastic school as well as AZCOM

I contacted KCU specifically through both phone and email -- the admissions rep emphasized that they weigh SMP/graduate GPA into their screens. I don't think it's a strict cutoff per se. Also, many students with stats below their cutoffs have received secondaries according to the school specific thread (all anecdotal). It's worth a shot!

Unsure about Campbell, but I have received secondaries from AZCOM/CCOM. You gotta cast a wide net in these circumstances, even though it sucks financially.

 

[dial1010usa]

If you don't mind asking you when did you take MCAT? after your SMP? did SMP help for MCAT?

 

[careebou]

If you don't mind asking you when did you take MCAT? after your SMP? did SMP help for MCAT?

Prior to my SMP.

However, I can see the utility of taking the MCAT after an SMP. The benefits:

1. SMPs, if used properly, can help you build study skills and endurance.
2. Solidify your understanding of biology and biochemistry (really only useful for 1 MCAT section)
3. Some assignments during my biostats/hard science courses required me to read academic papers -- can be useful for interpreting graphs on the MCAT.

 

[coffemug]

Add these schools to your application:
BCOM
UP-KYCOM
WVSOM
VCOM (all 3 schools)
RVU-Utah

VCOMs have a 3.2 floor in the last 120 credits for s and cgpa but I am unsure if this is soft or not, it's mentioned on their academic requirements page

 

[rabbott1971]

Some of the schools will have a pretty strong in-state bias, like OSU in particular. Are you from Texas, I'm guessing that since you mentioned all Texas medical schools...

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Wouldn't OP get screened out of some schools listed?

KCU has a 3.25 requirement
Campbell has a hard pre-screen.
CCOM is a stat enthusiastic school as well as AZCOM

KCU and AZCOM will really enjoy that SMP GPA. Campbell will probably screen him out though because they do screen hard with basically no exception.

OP I think you are a stronger applicant than you may be thinking, did you apply to any other MD schools? If you are IS at Texas then you might have a decent chance at MD. Your DO list looks good, and if you want to add some more than there have been some excellent suggestions above.

 

[careebou]

KCU and AZCOM will really enjoy that SMP GPA. Campbell will probably screen him out though because they do screen hard with basically no exception.

OP I think you are a stronger applicant than you may be thinking, did you apply to any other MD schools? If you are IS at Texas then you might have a decent chance at MD. Your DO list looks good, and if you want to add some more than there have been some excellent suggestions above.

Thank you for the vote of confidence, it really means a lot. I busted my chops during my SMP and it paid off. I'm also a lot more mature and experienced about the medical field now, having been around a medical school environment. I love KCUMB and AZCOM. I'm submitting my AZCOM/CCOM secondaries tonight.

I have completed all my Texas school applications including their secondary applications (skipped UTSW and Baylor College of Medicine because of stats, and I think I probably got screened out at Dell since they really only take LizzyM 70+ and are looking for super unique students). My wife attends an MD school in Texas and I'm really trying to sell that tie to the area/school. She has some friends that are gonna vouch for me to the adcoms they know, so hopefully that works!