DOs with 3.4s/30+ MCATs?

[user3]

I think unless I score a 33 I'm applying ED to my state school and soley to DO schools lol.


But on a serious note, I think you should take the acceptance to UMDNJ/ RUSOM. You got into a good DO school, one that truly is in all honesty a MD school in disguise. If you find out later in medicial school that you truly want a super competitive specialty, you can easily just rotate at the AOA program that offers it, impress the directors and get into it. The reality is that the DO route provides certain benefits to compensate for the lack of ACGME spots. I.E the slightly easier to get into AOA spots.
Either way, I would take the DO route and avoid the SMP, potential failure, and a 50k cash trap and another application season.

With a 32, the OP would have to at least flunk out of the SMP to close doors at both MD and DO schools. In Tulane's program, one supposedly just needs to score above the anatomy average to be accepted the MD program. And if he doesn't get in, it isn't like DO school is going anywhere. He could easily get in again if he reapplies during the SMP year, just not at the schools he declined acceptances to of course.

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[NurWollen]

OP, I would definitely take the DO acceptance. UMDNJ is a great DO school that is part of a larger healthcare system. I imagine that that can only be an advantage with securing good clinical rotations, and so on.

A lot of people here have bashed you pretty hard, I'm not trying to do that. I can understand that not meeting your original goal can be a disappointment. Please understand though, going to a DO school is not giving up on your dreams. You'll still get to be a doctor, and probably even a specialist. Yes, you might face a bit of a disadvantage applying for certain residencies, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of DO dermatologists, orthopods, and radiologists out there. Some of the AOA residencies (especially in the northeast) are a huge level I trauma centers.

I would take the acceptance and never look back.

Good luck, whatever you choose.

 

[se20001984]

I honestly hope someone can do a comparison of DO schools with MD..after removing the top 10% of MD schools (which are after all a massive exception to the statistics deviating the MD stats way to the right) while the DO looks average


this is based on the follow...

A. the mcat.. is a scaled score..where many accepted applicants are in between the average

...a 30-32 is a MD mcat average (DO of 26-28)...again it is scaled...meaning that most people would lie in the middle ...ie a 26-28 area..

removing the high scores from Harvard (our expected +35 etc etc (or the 10%)..would show that the mcat averages between md and DO is not statistically significant

The bio/phys section is the "best" predictor of success....and this would also show that its not significant to any degree...as everyone is expected to lie between the 8-9-10 area


we all know that the verbal is where the mcat stats deviate the most...an average of 7-8...and a single answering being write can tick u up a single point!!

...I would expect to see the biggest deviation between md vs do stats...here...which would explain the "difference in scores between the 2 applicant pools)






B. then you have the gpa...which.. cannot be calculated to any degree....a state school vs a private school vs an online computer class...


that has to be taken for what it is..

the fact that DOs are lower..EVEN with grade replacement does not bode...im suprised that this isnt more similar to md stats (bc of the grade replacement)

thats my 2 cents on the scores

 

[MedPR]

This is true, but like I've said before. Medicine is the only field where you can be way above the average, but still not good enough to get in.

I agree, but that doesn't change the fact that serious applicants are competing with other way above average students. And by "serious applicants" I mean applicants who have a chance to matriculate. In other words, being better than most in the big pool doesn't mean anything when you're average/below average in the small pool. Small pool is what matters. Again, I could just be overly cynical, but that's how I think of it and I apply the same thought process to myself. People think I'm too negative and too hard on people with low stats. I'm not babying anyone, myself included. My MCAT is fine, ECs are fine, and my GPA is abysmal. I'll be happy with an MD/DO acceptance, but if I don't get in I know it's because I did something wrong and a below average GPA. It's a hard truth knowing that your own faults can prevent you from achieving something, but people simply have to learn to accept it, move on, and improve. Imo, telling someone with a 3.4/32 that they have "great stats" is just enabling them to continue being mediocre.

 

[MedPR]

I honestly hope someone can do a comparison of DO schools with MD..after removing the top 10% of MD schools (which are after all a massive exception to the statistics deviating the MD stats way to the right) while the DO looks average
thats my 2 cents on the scores

I respect your post, but I disagree completely. Yes, schools with median 3.91/38 (WashU) do drive the MD averages up a little. However, even the middle-tier MD schools have median GPAs upwards of 3.6 and MCATs upwards of 31.

The bottom MD schools have higher stats than the top DO schools. If you'd like to disprove that, go ahead and pull up the numbers and show me.

Edit: As an example, I think we'd all agree that EVMS is a lower tier MD school. Their median matriculant was 3.63/32.

 

[HalfListic]

I respect your post, but I disagree completely. Yes, schools with median 3.91/38 (WashU) do drive the MD averages up a little. However, even the middle-tier MD schools have median GPAs upwards of 3.6 and MCATs upwards of 31.

The bottom MD schools have higher stats than the top DO schools. If you'd like to disprove that, go ahead and pull up the numbers and show me.

This is absolutely true.

DO schools are quickly closing the gap...but, you would then have to also throw out grade replacement to really compare the two.


edit: I would add for fairness that DO schools have a very broad range of stats that matriculate. MCAT scores from the low 20's to the 40's and GPA all over up to 4.0 as well. After hitting a certain cutoff, DO schools really do take a "holistic" look at the applicant, which is at the expense of higher matriculant stats.

 

[MedPR]

This is absolutely true.

DO schools are quickly closing the gap...but, you would then have to also throw out grade replacement to really compare the two.


edit: I would add for fairness that DO schools have a very broad range of stats that matriculate. MCAT scores from the low 20's to the 40's and GPA all over up to 4.0 as well. After hitting a certain cutoff, DO schools really do take a "holistic" look at the applicant, which is at the expense of higher matriculant stats.

Plus, and this is presuming most applicants have half a brain, the fact that DO schools accept lower stats means that they will get more applicants with lower stats. That fact contributes to DO schools having lower averages than MD. And again, ACGME vs AOA plays a role too. Why take the harder road if the easier one is available to you?

 

[jinobi]

Back to Darksides.

Your stats don't mean diddily once you're in your medical school class, since it's like starting from the beginning in again - all we know is that you got in, and that you earned your spot in the class. You played your cards, and your higher stats didn't get you an MD acceptance. It's ok, you're still going to be a physician - no need to self-question your abilities.

I had a 3.6/32S, and I would have been glad to attend my DO school if I didn't get into MD off waitlist. Like MedPR said, why take the harder road if the easier one is available to you? That being said, I've had some amazing DO attendings in anesthesiology and general surgery teach me during the cases I've worked in. Hell, I didn't even know this most amazing trauma surgeon was a DO until I looked at his white lab coat after.

You can achieve your goal with a DO degree, though it will be harder. Be careful not to lament that your stats could've gotten you into a MD school, and you had to "settle" for a DO school - that kind of mindset could lead to you blaming your degree instead of your own work when it comes to residencies. Keep working hard, take the USMLE for gods sake, and apply broadly.

 

[Mr Kenobi]

No, you are literally the only person with such extraordinarily high stats to be going to a DO school.

Why did you apply to DO schools in the first place? Although your sense of entitlement is annoying and I don't know why you are doubting your current position, you shouldn't do something you aren't completely comfortable with. Give up your spot and give someone on the waitlist who actually wants to go to the school a chance. Seriously. Don't set yourself up for regret.

Also, get over yourself.

Brutal...but I agree.

 

[Darkskies]

I know that my GPA is below average for MD schools but my worry is over the fact that my GPA and MCAT are still much higher than the average DO student. I wish DO schools had higher average stats.

I know UMDNJSOM is a very good school so I was hoping others there also have a similar profile as mine. It would just be nice to know that others are in the same boat as me and that I'm not making a mistake by 'settling' with the DO instead of doing the ACP/SMP year since I don't have that much more to improve in order to qualify for an MD(statistically speaking but obviously it's a crapshoot). I don't even know if I can afford the ACP year which might make it a moot point. I just don't want to have any regrets. I hope I'm making sense..

 

[JaBoomDay]

I know that my GPA is below average for MD schools but my worry is over the fact that my GPA and MCAT are still much higher than the average DO student. I wish DO schools had higher average stats.

I know UMDNJSOM is a very good school so I was hoping others there also have a similar profile as mine. It would just be nice to know that others are in the same boat as me and that I'm not making a mistake by 'settling' with the DO instead of doing the ACP/SMP year since I don't have that much more to improve in order to qualify for an MD(statistically speaking but obviously it's a crapshoot). I don't even know if I can afford the ACP year which might make it a moot point. I just don't want to have any regrets. I hope I'm making sense..

If DO schools had higher average stats then you'd feel better? That still doesn't change the fact that you are going to a DO school. Are you basing the worth of a school based on the stats of their matriculated students?
I guarantee when/if you start attending you will definitely find someone with stats just like yours and even higher. Kind of an odd way to "feel better" if you ask me but if that's what you want to hear, you'll definitely meet people like yourself.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I know that my GPA is below average for MD schools but my worry is over the fact that my GPA and MCAT are still much higher than the average DO student. I wish DO schools had higher average stats.

I know UMDNJSOM is a very good school so I was hoping others there also have a similar profile as mine. It would just be nice to know that others are in the same boat as me and that I'm not making a mistake by 'settling' with the DO instead of doing the ACP/SMP year since I don't have that much more to improve in order to qualify for an MD(statistically speaking but obviously it's a crapshoot). I don't even know if I can afford the ACP year which might make it a moot point. I just don't want to have any regrets. I hope I'm making sense..

You're actually pretty average for UMDNJ, you're probably within a single standard deviation of the class average.

 

[HalfListic]

Darkskies, are you a troll? Are these comments for real?

 

[docmayer]

I know that my GPA is below average for MD schools but my worry is over the fact that my GPA and MCAT are still much higher than the average DO student. I wish DO schools had higher average stats.

I know UMDNJSOM is a very good school so I was hoping others there also have a similar profile as mine. It would just be nice to know that others are in the same boat as me and that I'm not making a mistake by 'settling' with the DO instead of doing the ACP/SMP year since I don't have that much more to improve in order to qualify for an MD(statistically speaking but obviously it's a crapshoot). I don't even know if I can afford the ACP year which might make it a moot point. I just don't want to have any regrets. I hope I'm making sense..

Are you serious? Get over yourself. I'm sorry buddy but 3.4 isn't impressive by any means, and everyone know MCAT scores depend on the content tested, if it was testing your strong points, if you had a headache, if you had sleep etc. Just because your MCAT is a bit above average doesn't make you some superior person. Your GPA is average, if that. In my opinion having a strong GPA in university if way more important and takes WAY more work than getting a couple points higher on the MCAT (which can depend on the things I previously mentioned). Again, get over yourself.

 

[rzoo14]

I know that my GPA is below average for MD schools but my worry is over the fact that my GPA and MCAT are still much higher than the average DO student. I wish DO schools had higher average stats.

I know UMDNJSOM is a very good school so I was hoping others there also have a similar profile as mine. It would just be nice to know that others are in the same boat as me and that I'm not making a mistake by 'settling' with the DO instead of doing the ACP/SMP year since I don't have that much more to improve in order to qualify for an MD(statistically speaking but obviously it's a crapshoot). I don't even know if I can afford the ACP year which might make it a moot point. I just don't want to have any regrets. I hope I'm making sense..

If you don't think you're a good fit for the school, do yourself and the school a favor and drop the seat. It'll go to someone who truly wants it and can appreciate it.

 

[abolt18]

.

 

[MedPR]

I know that my GPA is below average for MD schools but my worry is over the fact that my GPA and MCAT are still much higher than the average DO student. I wish DO schools had higher average stats.

I know UMDNJSOM is a very good school so I was hoping others there also have a similar profile as mine. It would just be nice to know that others are in the same boat as me and that I'm not making a mistake by 'settling' with the DO instead of doing the ACP/SMP year since I don't have that much more to improve in order to qualify for an MD(statistically speaking but obviously it's a crapshoot). I don't even know if I can afford the ACP year which might make it a moot point. I just don't want to have any regrets. I hope I'm making sense..

If it makes you feel any better, my GPA over the last 96 credits is a 3.79. I have a 33 MCAT and I very well may be at a DO school next year.

 

[The kitchen sink]

Numbers don't mean ****, imo. All of you will realize this once you are in med school. They are just a means to an end.

Keep it simple. Can you see yourself practicing medicine with a D.O. degree? If so, do it. Otherwise, you gotta figure your own **** out.

Sorry for being harsh.

EDIT* I should clarify that, obviously, numbers do mean a whole lot. But there is so much more to it than just that. Hard work and determination can sometimes nullify your 'lackluster' numbers. There are many paths to the place you may want to be. D.O. happens to be one of them.

 

[Mr Kenobi]

I know that my GPA is below average for MD schools but my worry is over the fact that my GPA and MCAT are still much higher than the average DO student. I wish DO schools had higher average stats.

I know UMDNJSOM is a very good school so I was hoping others there also have a similar profile as mine. It would just be nice to know that others are in the same boat as me and that I'm not making a mistake by 'settling' with the DO instead of doing the ACP/SMP year since I don't have that much more to improve in order to qualify for an MD(statistically speaking but obviously it's a crapshoot). I don't even know if I can afford the ACP year which might make it a moot point. I just don't want to have any regrets. I hope I'm making sense..

If trolling then I applaud your effort. I you are not a troll listen up...it is blatently obvious that you are the type of person who is highly concerned about the "prestige" of being a physician with an MD degree. Believe it or not, there are people who want to go to DO granting institutions. You are not one of these people... which is fine.

If you have the opportunity to improve whatever it is you are lacking (interview skills, stats via ACP/SMP year, etc.) and can increase your chance at getting into the type of program you really want to be a part of, then you should do it. If your feelings of potential regret are even a third of what you express here you will probably be miserable and/or have a giant chip on your shoulder if you "settle" for anything less than what you think you are qualified for.

If you think you can move past your ego and realize that MD and DO are considered equal degrees in the US and both allow you to practice as a physician you may be ok going into UMDNJSOM. However, realize that as soon as old Kenobi gets wind of your bitching about how you coulda/shoulda gone MD, your gonna need one of these

 

[MedicMike13]

I would say do a lot of research into osteopathic medicine before you make a decision, assuming you haven't already. Although I do agree with many of the comments so far (kinda harsh though), I can say from personal experience that it is easy to make very uneducated assumptions about osteopathic medicines if you spend enough time on the Pre-allo forums. Talk to real DOs, visit real DO schools, and ask real MDs what their opinion of DOs are. At least for me it completely changed my outlook, and I am excited to potentially get the opportunity to become a DO. But maybe you will come to a different conclusion, I guess it depends on what's important to you.

 

[SLC]

OP,

I totally hear ya about wanting to be around students with similar academic profiles to you. And that's exactly why you should go DO.

Let's face it, your GPA is right in line with DO averages, your MCAT is higher, but plenty of DO students have MCAT scores like yours, and plenty have even higher ones.

You think that you're going to be surrounded by people who are stupider than you in school. That's not going to happen since they all have about the same grades as you (as though stats were the way to gauge intelligence). And even if they are stupider than you, isn't that a gunner's dream? If that's the case then you shouldn't have to try very hard to be at the top of your class, right?

If this is about DO vs. MD, well then go to the SMP and try to be an MD, we'll be better off as DO's for not having a colleague who is a self-loathing MD wannabe.

But I'm here to tell you that undergrad stats don't even mean S%$# in medical school once you're admitted. I sucked it up in undergrad, I was so lazy, so unfocused on anything that wasn't directly tied to medical care, that I barely even made it in to DO school. But I wasn't stupid, just really burned out with all the stupid hoop-jumping you have to do. I took the MCAT on a whim after I'd all but written off applying to school. I didn't even study, I just took 3 paper practice tests during the weekend before and went for it. Got an unbalanced 30 (12BS, 11VR, 7PS), and decided to give it a try. I was accepted pretty quickly and have done very well in medical school; a LOT better than my GPA would have led you to believe.

Anyway, I know you didn't want to start a contentious thread. But your arrogance because you managed a lousy 32 on the MCAT is hard to stomach. With a 3.4 and a 32, you're entirely uncompetitive stats wise for MD, and you're not even an all-star stats wise for DO. Take your acceptance at Jersey and run, unless you're going to be pissed about not being in MD school for the rest of your life, in which case you probably need to gamble on the SMP (which I think is suicide with your GPA) or do a post-bacc.

Best of luck with the decision making.

 

[Darkskies]

I'm not trolling. I'm serious. If you do a post history and read some of my other threads you'll see that this has been an ongoing issue for me for the past year up until now. At this point, I hardly have any time and need to make my decision quick(likely going DO). I don't understand the reasoning behind the harsh comments. I'm just being honest with my feelings and just because I'm not 'ecstatic' and relieved to be going to a DO school doesn't mean that they're not legitimate. It would just be nice to know that there are many others at DO schools who have a similar profile as mine. Even though you state that 'plenty' of people at DO schools have 30+ MCATs the averages still make it seem like it would be rather uncommon.

 

[docmayer]

I'm not trolling. I'm serious. If you do a post history and read some of my other threads you'll see that this has been an ongoing issue for me for the past year up until now. At this point, I hardly have any time and need to make my decision quick(likely going DO). I don't understand the reasoning behind the harsh comments. I'm just being honest with my feelings and just because I'm not 'ecstatic' and relieved to be going to a DO school doesn't mean that they're not legitimate. It would just be nice to know that there are many others at DO schools who have a similar profile as mine. Even though you state that 'plenty' of people at DO schools have 30+ MCATs the averages still make it seem like it would be rather uncommon.

Would you like a blanky to sleep with at night too? That might help. Seriously, don't go DO.

 

[The kitchen sink]

I'm not trolling. I'm serious. If you do a post history and read some of my other threads you'll see that this has been an ongoing issue for me for the past year up until now. At this point, I hardly have any time and need to make my decision quick(likely going DO). I don't understand the reasoning behind the harsh comments. I'm just being honest with my feelings and just because I'm not 'ecstatic' and relieved to be going to a DO school doesn't mean that they're not legitimate. It would just be nice to know that there are many others at DO schools who have a similar profile as mine. Even though you state that 'plenty' of people at DO schools have 30+ MCATs the averages still make it seem like it would be rather uncommon.

Maybe I missed this completely, but can you answer this for me... what is giving you pause about entering DO school? Is it the fact that you think you will be surrounded by less intelligent people? Is it because you think you are 'settling' for a DO rather than going for MD?

If you answer yes to any of those questions then it seems clear you need to do whatever you need to do get into an MD school. You do not want to regret it.

But let's say you decide on going to a DO school. You will quickly see that most of the people surrounding you are very intelligent and are there for whatever there reasons may be. The fact that you are putting so much weight on the MCAT is just proof that you are a pre-med student. Let me reiterate, numbers do not mean JACK. I have a friend with subpar MCAT scores, he got accepted to a DO school, and was very humbled and happy by the fact that the school gave him a chance despite his scores. Fast foward 2 years, this same person got a >250 on USMLE STEP 1 and 650+ on the COMLEX, all due to hard work and determination. There are many stories like this of DO students all around the country.

Hope that helps.

 

[oms2]

get your md degree, be happy and good luck.

 

[MedPR]

OP,

I totally hear ya about wanting to be around students with similar academic profiles to you. And that's exactly why you should go DO.

Let's face it, your GPA is right in line with DO averages, your MCAT is higher, but plenty of DO students have MCAT scores like yours, and plenty have even higher ones.

You think that you're going to be surrounded by people who are stupider than you in school. That's not going to happen since they all have about the same grades as you (as though stats were the way to gauge intelligence). And even if they are stupider than you, isn't that a gunner's dream? If that's the case then you shouldn't have to try very hard to be at the top of your class, right?

If this is about DO vs. MD, well then go to the SMP and try to be an MD, we'll be better off as DO's for not having a colleague who is a self-loathing MD wannabe.

But I'm here to tell you that undergrad stats don't even mean S%$# in medical school once you're admitted. I sucked it up in undergrad, I was so lazy, so unfocused on anything that wasn't directly tied to medical care, that I barely even made it in to DO school. But I wasn't stupid, just really burned out with all the stupid hoop-jumping you have to do. I took the MCAT on a whim after I'd all but written off applying to school. I didn't even study, I just took 3 paper practice tests during the weekend before and went for it. Got an unbalanced 30 (12BS, 11VR, 7PS), and decided to give it a try. I was accepted pretty quickly and have done very well in medical school; a LOT better than my GPA would have led you to believe.

Anyway, I know you didn't want to start a contentious thread. But your arrogance because you managed a lousy 32 on the MCAT is hard to stomach. With a 3.4 and a 32, you're entirely uncompetitive stats wise for MD, and you're not even an all-star stats wise for DO. Take your acceptance at Jersey and run, unless you're going to be pissed about not being in MD school for the rest of your life, in which case you probably need to gamble on the SMP (which I think is suicide with your GPA) or do a post-bacc.

Best of luck with the decision making.

+1.

I'm not trolling. I'm serious. If you do a post history and read some of my other threads you'll see that this has been an ongoing issue for me for the past year up until now. At this point, I hardly have any time and need to make my decision quick(likely going DO). I don't understand the reasoning behind the harsh comments. I'm just being honest with my feelings and just because I'm not 'ecstatic' and relieved to be going to a DO school doesn't mean that they're not legitimate. It would just be nice to know that there are many others at DO schools who have a similar profile as mine. Even though you state that 'plenty' of people at DO schools have 30+ MCATs the averages still make it seem like it would be rather uncommon.

People have said over and over that there are many DO students with stats like yours and stats better than yours.

 

[Mr Kenobi]

I'm not trolling. I'm serious. If you do a post history and read some of my other threads you'll see that this has been an ongoing issue for me for the past year up until now. At this point, I hardly have any time and need to make my decision quick(likely going DO). I don't understand the reasoning behind the harsh comments. I'm just being honest with my feelings and just because I'm not 'ecstatic' and relieved to be going to a DO school doesn't mean that they're not legitimate. It would just be nice to know that there are many others at DO schools who have a similar profile as mine. Even though you state that 'plenty' of people at DO schools have 30+ MCATs the averages still make it seem like it would be rather uncommon.

 

[HalfListic]

I'm not trolling. I'm serious. If you do a post history and read some of my other threads you'll see that this has been an ongoing issue for me for the past year up until now. At this point, I hardly have any time and need to make my decision quick(likely going DO). I don't understand the reasoning behind the harsh comments. I'm just being honest with my feelings and just because I'm not 'ecstatic' and relieved to be going to a DO school doesn't mean that they're not legitimate. It would just be nice to know that there are many others at DO schools who have a similar profile as mine. Even though you state that 'plenty' of people at DO schools have 30+ MCATs the averages still make it seem like it would be rather uncommon.

I guess you don't understand what an average is.

I have held back a bit because I'm trying to be nicer, so I'll continue to try.

Your entire thought process here is flawed. Your reasons are bizarre. And actually, your feelings are not legitimate.

If you are too lazy for an SMP, you should go to SGU or ROSS. Please don't go DO. I just don't think you'll represent us well.

 

[ResearchRetMD]

If the force is not strong don't do it. Lol

 

[thepoopologist]

I'm not trolling. I'm serious. If you do a post history and read some of my other threads you'll see that this has been an ongoing issue for me for the past year up until now. At this point, I hardly have any time and need to make my decision quick(likely going DO). I don't understand the reasoning behind the harsh comments. I'm just being honest with my feelings and just because I'm not 'ecstatic' and relieved to be going to a DO school doesn't mean that they're not legitimate. It would just be nice to know that there are many others at DO schools who have a similar profile as mine. Even though you state that 'plenty' of people at DO schools have 30+ MCATs the averages still make it seem like it would be rather uncommon.

Get used to it. MD or DO, these are what your classmates will genuinely be like. Whether they act like it in front of you will be another thing entirely.

If you're aiming to get on with your life I say go to UMDNJ. If you can spare a year or two to get the gpa up, then do that instead, knowing that when you're done you could've been a second or third year DO medical student when you get into an MD program.

Cost vs Benefit. Frankly the sacrifices you will be making will be great regardless, it really depends on how much pain you can endure and whether extending that pain will be worth it.

 

[Mr Kenobi]

Get used to it. MD or DO, these are what your classmates will genuinely be like. Whether they act like it in front of you will be another thing entirely.

If you're aiming to get on with your life I say go to UMDNJ. If you can spare a year or two to get the gpa up, then do that instead, knowing that when you're done you could've been a second or third year DO medical student when you get into an MD program.

Cost vs Benefit. Frankly the sacrifices you will be making will be great regardless, it really depends on how much pain you can endure and whether extending that pain will be worth it.

If you go DO that pain will need to be endured for the rest of your life Darkskies. Don't do that to yourself..and besides you are way too qualified for those second rate medical schools anyhow. Why be a cheeseburger when you could be a lobster dinner?

 

[pattr]

If you go DO that pain will need to be endured for the rest of your life Darkskies. Don't do that to yourself..and besides you are way too qualified for those second rate medical schools anyhow. Why be a cheeseburger when you could be a lobster dinner?

OP, please do not listen to these kinds of comments. You are accepted into medical school. In four years you could be a doctor... why make it five?

The so-called "pain" is learning all of what MDs learn + more, being able to apply to the same residency programs, and being paid exactly the same as MDs. Wow so painful.

 

[HalfListic]

OP, please do not listen to these kinds of comments. You are accepted into medical school. In four years you could be a doctor... why make it five?

The so-called "pain" is learning all of what MDs learn + more, being able to apply to the same residency programs, and being paid exactly the same as MDs. Wow so painful.

Pretty sure Kenobi was being sarcastic here btw...

(and I still think OP could be a troll...I almost hope it as some of the comments made are more than a bit misguided)

 

[Mr Kenobi]

OP, please do not listen to these kinds of comments. You are accepted into medical school. In four years you could be a doctor... why make it five?

The so-called "pain" is learning all of what MDs learn + more, being able to apply to the same residency programs, and being paid exactly the same as MDs. Wow so painful.

Lol...Thank you Half--I was

Anyhow, he sure should listen to these kinds of comments. With his ignorance he will most likely have to deal with far worse in his career not to mention life in general. Maybe you don't understand what is going on in here. From the ego that has been displayed, until he grows up, the kid is going to most likely hate life because he will feel he never lived up to his full potential. He really wants an MD, I say he should go for it and open up a seat for someone who has no reservations about becoming a physician for the right reasons.

 

[pattr]

Lol...Thank you Half--I was

Anyhow, he sure should listen to these kinds of comments. With his ignorance he will most likely have to deal with far worse in his career not to mention life in general. Maybe you don't understand what is going on in here. From the ego that has been displayed, until he grows up, the kid is going to most likely hate life because he will feel he never lived up to his full potential. He really wants an MD, I say he should go for it and open up a seat for someone who has no reservations about becoming a physician for the right reasons.

Hm... I guess I didn't see as much of an ego as simply ignorance. It's not much different from what I saw in myself and many of my peers when I was a pre-med: hypercompetitiveness simply for the sake of being competitive, and basing one's self-value on what everyone around you does/says.

In any case, OP, if you do decide to take the DO track, I'm sure you'll find that you will fit right in with your classmates. You will not be exceptionally well-qualified to attend DO school. Most everyone will be just as smart/qualified/hard-working as you if not more.

 

[HalfListic]

Hm... I guess I didn't see as much of an ego as simply ignorance. It's not much different from what I saw in myself and many of my peers when I was a pre-med: hypercompetitiveness simply for the sake of being competitive, and basing one's self-value on what everyone around you does/says.

In any case, OP, if you do decide to take the DO track, I'm sure you'll find that you will fit right in with your classmates. You will not be exceptionally well-qualified to attend DO school. Most everyone will be just as smart/qualified/hard-working as you if not more.

you may have missed a few comments, or read them too quickly

 

[pattr]

you may have missed a few comments, or read them too quickly

Well, I may be giving him too much credit but judging from the thread he just started about transportation to NYC from UMDNJ, it seems he is at least really considering it and basing his decision on more than just 'MD vs DO'.

 

[HalfListic]

Lol...Thank you Half--I was

Anyhow, he sure should listen to these kinds of comments. With his ignorance he will most likely have to deal with far worse in his career not to mention life in general. Maybe you don't understand what is going on in here. From the ego that has been displayed, until he grows up, the kid is going to most likely hate life because he will feel he never lived up to his full potential. He really wants an MD, I say he should go for it and open up a seat for someone who has no reservations about becoming a physician for the right reasons.

 

[pattr]

I mean, there are parts of that I agree with too. But consider this: had OP posted this in the pre-allo forum he likely would've gotten a much different response, probably more responses of understanding/similar thought process.

 

[HalfListic]

I mean, there are parts of that I agree with too. But consider this: had OP posted this in the pre-allo forum he likely would've gotten a much different response, probably more responses of understanding/similar thought process.

I know you are being sincere and giving OP the benefit of the doubt here. But really, have you read all of his comments? Being completely honest, I can't tell if he is being serious or a troll. And if serious, then I feel like there are some issues OP should figure out before applying DO

 

[rzoo14]

I know you are being sincere and giving OP the benefit of the doubt here. But really, have you real all of his comments? Being completely honest, I can't tell if he is being serious or a troll. And if serious, then I feel like there are some issues OP should figure out before applying DO

I agree. Here's my point on this. Don't apply to any school that you're not willing to attend. I know we all want our top choices or the MD programs but your school list shouldn't have any schools that you wouldn't go if accepted (taking preference aside). You need to do your research beforehand.

 

[poopyhead]

OP, if you decide to attend SOM, then just know that you will have at least one classmate with a significantly higher MCAT than you.

Are you serious? Get over yourself. I'm sorry buddy but 3.4 isn't impressive by any means, and everyone know MCAT scores depend on the content tested, if it was testing your strong points, if you had a headache, if you had sleep etc. Just because your MCAT is a bit above average doesn't make you some superior person. Your GPA is average, if that. In my opinion having a strong GPA in university if way more important and takes WAY more work than getting a couple points higher on the MCAT (which can depend on the things I previously mentioned). Again, get over yourself.

This is so wrong. MCAT is standardized and directly compares you to your peers. It focuses less on straight regurgitation and more on critical thinking and analysis, as a good portion of the information you will need is given in the passages.

GPA can fluctuate depending on the institution, major/minor, and even professors.

 

[HalfListic]

This is so wrong. MCAT is standardized and directly compares you to your peers. It focuses less on straight regurgitation and more on critical thinking and analysis, as a good portion of the information you will need is given in the passages.

GPA can fluctuate depending on the institution, major/minor, and even professors.

true dat

 

[Darkskies]

I know you are being sincere and giving OP the benefit of the doubt here. But really, have you read all of his comments? Being completely honest, I can't tell if he is being serious or a troll. And if serious, then I feel like there are some issues OP should figure out before applying DO

I'm seriously not a troll. Read my post history like I mentioned if you don't believe me. I think people on SDN are too quick to brand others as trolls when realistically how many people would go out of their way to create stupid/fake threads?

What are these issues you think I should figure out? Are you just upset that prestige factors into my choice? I'm human. Prestige matters to a lot of people, especially to residency directors. The average DO student has a 3.4/27 MCAT which is much lower than my stats. This is fine but it is also what makes me worry if I am being too hasty in settling for the DO when maybe the MD would only take a little bit more work to obtain(plus the year of loss). I'm just trying to weigh out my options so I can choose the best route for myself at this point especially since the potential negatives of going for the ACP/SMP is another year lost and the bigger issue is that I don't know if I can finance the ACP year(nearly guaranteed acceptance to Tulane but doesn't qualify for federal loans).

 

[pattr]

I'm seriously not a troll. Read my post history like I mentioned if you don't believe me. I think people on SDN are too quick to brand others as trolls when realistically how many people would go out of their way to create stupid/fake threads?

What are these issues you think I should figure out? Are you just upset that prestige factors into my choice? I'm human. Prestige matters to a lot of people, especially to residency directors. The average DO student has a 3.4/27 MCAT which is much lower than my stats. This is fine but it is also what makes me worry if I am being too hasty in settling for the DO when maybe the MD would only take a little bit more work to obtain(plus the year of loss). I'm just trying to weigh out my options so I can choose the best route for myself at this point especially since the potential negatives of going for the ACP/SMP is another year lost and the bigger issue is that I don't know if I can finance the ACP year(nearly guaranteed acceptance to Tulane but doesn't qualify for federal loans).

Darkskies, you cannot really ask someone else to make this decision for you. You have all the information. Now it comes down to... Do I want to become a physician? or... Do I want to become an MD? Which matters more to you? In the end, you will be spending the next 7-11 years of your life (+1 if you do the post-bac) in school/residency so you need to be satisfied with your decision no matter what.

I myself am a 3rd year osteopathic student. I attended UCLA for undergrad. I had a similar MCAT/GPA profile as yours. A great deal of my classmates do as well. I was told all the time by MD attendings and medical students at UCLA "avoid DO at all costs, go for MD." That did not stop me from attending osteopathic school. In the end, I chose a DO school and I have no regrets now. I look back and think about how misguided the advice from those students/doctors was... A DO degree will allow me to apply to AOA + ACGME residencies and gives me extra training in manual manipulation which I find incredibly rewarding. I worked my butt off for 6 months from Dec.-June and scored well on both COMLEX and USMLE Step/Level 1 and now have lots of options as far as residency is concerned.

If I were you, I would try to talk to students at UMDNJ and Tulane and wherever else your options are and see how you feel after that.

 

[Mr Kenobi]

I'm seriously not a troll. Read my post history like I mentioned if you don't believe me. I think people on SDN are too quick to brand others as trolls when realistically how many people would go out of their way to create stupid/fake threads?

What are these issues you think I should figure out? Are you just upset that prestige factors into my choice? I'm human. Prestige matters to a lot of people, especially to residency directors. The average DO student has a 3.4/27 MCAT which is much lower than my stats. This is fine but it is also what makes me worry if I am being too hasty in settling for the DO when maybe the MD would only take a little bit more work to obtain(plus the year of loss). I'm just trying to weigh out my options so I can choose the best route for myself at this point especially since the potential negatives of going for the ACP/SMP is another year lost and the bigger issue is that I don't know if I can finance the ACP year(nearly guaranteed acceptance to Tulane but doesn't qualify for federal loans).

 

[IMDoc607]

Hi,
It turns out that I might be going to UMDNJ-SOM this August and my stats were a 3.46 and a 32R MCAT from a top 40 school. I was rejected from all of the MD programs I applied to(went on 3 MD interviews out of 25+ schools applied to) and had a moderate amount of ECs(250+ hours of volunteering). I was accepted to top nearly guaranteed SMPs(postbaccalaureate programs) including Tulane ACP but I might not be going there since time is running out and I still haven't found a way to come up with the funds for the tuition(since it doesn't qualify for a federal loan program). I just feel like I'm settling by going the DO route but I know I don't want to be in more debt and lose another year. It would make me feel better if I knew that there were other DOs in my boat and not the regular '3.4, 27/28 MCAT' average DO student. I hope going DO will not limit me much in terms of residency placement.

I would like to declare that this is not meant to be an offensive post at all and I am just being completely honest about how I am feeling in my situation. I also don't mean to imply that those with higher stats than the average DO student are 'better' at being physicians. I would greatly appreciate it if people refrain from posting silly replies and it would comfort me to know that there are plenty of DOs who also just missed their chance at an MD and are now happy at their DO school/residency(finding that it hasn't limited them much). Thanks a lot!

I am in my third year of residency and apply for fellowships at this time. I am not offended by your post. I fell in the ranges of 3.92 GPA and 26 MCAT. I mean this sincerely and not to be offensive to you. I strongly recommend you do the postbac program. I have not been limited by being a DO but the reason I recommend this to you is simple. You feel like you are "settling." I don't think you should feel this way and I think it will serve you well to attend an allopathic school. It didn't bother me and never has but it is apparent it will bother you. Most importantly, it is ok to feel that way to. No one should attack you for feeling this way.

Best of luck

 

[Mr Kenobi]

I am in my third year of residency and apply for fellowships at this time. I am not offended by your post. I fell in the ranges of 3.92 GPA and 26 MCAT. I mean this sincerely and not to be offensive to you. I strongly recommend you do the postbac program. I have not been limited by being a DO but the reason I recommend this to you is simple. You feel like you are "settling." I don't think you should feel this way and I think it will serve you well to attend an allopathic school. It didn't bother me and never has but it is apparent it will bother you. Most importantly, it is ok to feel that way to. No one should attack you for feeling this way.

Best of luck

...unless you hold on to this MD is better/more prestigious than thou mentality when you are an actual physician.

 

[oms2]

yeah, do school = bad idea.
you're going to be a permanent outcast, walking around the hospital with your head bowed down and eyes averted in shame.
the county morgue doesn't even want you as a pathologist.
elsewhere you will live in constant fear that the end-stage comatose patient in room 109 might one day discover your real medical degree and scream in horror.
your nights will be filled with envy that the dude from ross gets to call himself an md and tell all his neighbors he's an md, and you can't.
your minimum wage salary will go to buying duct tape to cover up the initials that you despise so much.
surely the do degree shall follow you all the days of your life and you will dwell in the house of poverty and misery for ever.
get out now while you can.

 

[Ost3oclast]

yeah, do school = bad idea.
You're going to be a permanent outcast, walking around the hospital with your head bowed down and eyes averted in shame.
The county morgue doesn't even want you as a pathologist.
Elsewhere you will live in constant fear that the end-stage comatose patient in room 109 might one day discover your real medical degree and scream in horror.
Your nights will be filled with envy that the dude from ross gets to call himself an md and tell all his neighbors he's an md, and you can't.
Your minimum wage salary will go to buying duct tape to cover up the initials that you despise so much.
Surely the do degree shall follow you all the days of your life and you will dwell in the house of poverty and misery for ever.
Get out now while you can.

+1