Essay Question for Those Accepted with Low GPA/MCAT

[cavolley]

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A question for those who have been accepted to a D.O. school that had lower GPA/MCAT scores. What was your essay topic? Did you focus on explaining your scores or did you focus on other areas (ec's)? I have both a low GPA and MCAT scores and am in the process of revising my essay for next years application. What would you suggest focusing on? I need all the help I can get! Thanks for your help!

 

[NewNick]

A question for those who have been accepted to a D.O. school that had lower GPA/MCAT scores. What was your essay topic? Did you focus on explaining your scores or did you focus on other areas (ec's)? I have both a low GPA and MCAT scores and am in the process of revising my essay for next years application. What would you suggest focusing on? I need all the help I can get! Thanks for your help!

I think you should not spend any time or space to explain the low numbers. Instead, use that space to show your passion and determination. If you apply for next year, do you consider to take MCAT again (in April or August) ? I hope this will help. Good luck.

 

[BklynWill]

Admissions personel read so many essays that it probably hurts their vision. At least make it worth their while by making sure your essay isn't boring!

 

[buffalomoose]

Mention your failures, say how they have made you a stronger person, how you've gotten past them, etc. but DONT use more than 1-2 sentences! Like the other posters said, the essay should be about your determination towards medicine....specifically osteopathic medicine.

 

[Jamers]

A question for those who have been accepted to a D.O. school that had lower GPA/MCAT scores. What was your essay topic? Did you focus on explaining your scores or did you focus on other areas (ec's)? I have both a low GPA and MCAT scores and am in the process of revising my essay for next years application. What would you suggest focusing on? I need all the help I can get! Thanks for your help!

Your essay is a chance to say something about yourself that will draw their attention. If you start talking about your failures, your essay will, most likely, soon line the bottom of a trash can. Your greatest effort should be put into selling yourself, try to use a personal story that captures why you decided medicine. I have a low MCAT score, 22Q, and, trust me, the interviewers will ask you enough about your low score, don't make it a point in your essay.

 

[DO Sigma Nu guy]

I wrote nothing at all about my stats in my essay. They just want to get to know you.

I figured I'll post a portion of my essay. I'm not sure if this is the revised copy or not..just found it on my computer.

"My clinical work has demonstrated that not only is a health-care worker a “healer”, but also a counselor and educator. While working for a Physical Therapy clinic over the past year and a half I have been in many situations that tested me emotionally. One patient that I still speak with today has diabetes which consequently led to the amputation of his right leg. This Vietnam and Korean War veteran tested me daily. He forced me to question my own mortality and health. He taught me how to have compassion and empathy, of which I have had to use in cancer units to the ER of a local pediatric hospital. These lessons have shaped and influence my view of medicine and life in general. "

Thats how I ended my essay (I THINK?)..the beginning portions just showed the progress I had from my first thoughts of being a doctor..until I actually decided to pursue it.

Oh yea <24 MCAT and ~3.2 sci GPA 3.4 GPA

HOPE THAT HELPS!!

 

[G. Willie]

A question for those who have been accepted to a D.O. school that had lower GPA/MCAT scores. What was your essay topic? Did you focus on explaining your scores or did you focus on other areas (ec's)? I have both a low GPA and MCAT scores and am in the process of revising my essay for next years application. What would you suggest focusing on? I need all the help I can get! Thanks for your help!

Tell a story, pure and simple. If you do not have any personal stories that attest to your willingness to persue medicine, use this time to get a job in the medical field. I worked in an ER during all 4 years of pre med, had countless stories to tell, so i didn't even have to contemplate what I was going to write about, or say while interviewing.