Factors to determine if you get interview vs admission to DO school..?

[aimhigh1199]

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Hi all just wondering, I read around SDN that the overall, science gpas and MCAT are looked at mainly to determine if you get an interview.
Then once you get an interview, there is a less of an emphasis on the numbers and more on the student... Like during the interview they will ask about any ECs, personal stories, Personal statement letters, red flags, and obviously grade the entire interview.

So is it safe to assume that overall, science and MCAT are more used to secure interviews and then are not that important to determine if you get in, as the interview is the one that ultimately determines your admission decision.

 

[Ophthoseidon]

If you got an interview they assume you deserve to be there. You just have to show them they were correct in their assumption.

 

[Shinobiz11]

If you got an interview they assume you deserve to be there. You just have to show them they were correct in their assumption.

But as Goro said, a good/great interview won't make up for lower stats. Some adcoms won't take a risk with a student and they will probably waitlist you.

 

[Goro]

Yup, you got it. Numbers get you to the door, interviews and ECs get you through the door.

Hi all just wondering, I read around SDN that the overall, science gpas and MCAT are looked at mainly to determine if you get an interview.
Then once you get an interview, there is a less of an emphasis on the numbers and more on the student... Like during the interview they will ask about any ECs, personal stories, Personal statement letters, red flags, and obviously grade the entire interview.

So is it safe to assume that overall, science and MCAT are more used to secure interviews and then are not that important to determine if you get in, as the interview is the one that ultimately determines your admission decision.

 

[aimhigh1199]

Yup, you got it. Numbers get you to the door, interviews and ECs get you through the door.

Thanks.

 

[asdf123g]

how important are the secondaries then? Obviously they have to be fairly well written, but do they have to each be like the best written thing you've ever wrote?

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

how important are the secondaries then? Obviously they have to be fairly well written, but do they have to each be like the best written thing you've ever wrote?

Ironically my first 3 interview invites came from probably my 3 worst secondaries (but I happened to be closer geographically to those schools than the ones I poured my heart and soul into).

The whole process is a crap shoot.

But yea, try and write them to about the quality that you devote to your personal statement. Pre-writing the secondaries is a good idea.

 

[asdf123g]

Ironically my first 3 interview invites came from probably my 3 worst secondaries (but I happened to be closer geographically to those schools than the ones I poured my heart and soul into).

The whole process is a crap shoot.

But yea, try and write them to about the quality that you devote to your personal statement. Pre-writing the secondaries is a good idea.

so basically, write a NY times best seller you're saying? I spent a LOT of time on my PS...like an unbelievable amount of time...

 

[67552931811]

so basically, write a NY times best seller you're saying? I spent a LOT of time on my PS...like an unbelievable amount of time...

I spent a significant amount of time on my PS as well-- as in a lot a lot. My secondaries weren't as deep but I still made sure they were very well-written, concise, and conveyed my heart/ passion well. So, I wouldn't fret over it.

Pro tip: never, ever, read your secondaries after you submit them.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

so basically, write a NY times best seller you're saying? I spent a LOT of time on my PS...like an unbelievable amount of time...

Well I wrote 3 or 4 of mine like a NY times best seller and got no love. I then basically half-@ssed a couple others because I was burning out, I got interviews from those. So take that as it is.

I would say for the schools that are closer to you (midwest vs east coast vs northeast vs southeast etc) spend more time, since more than likely those are who will try and interview you first.

 

[Seth Joo]

The interview is probably the most subjective part of the entire admissions process in medical school. Generally speaking if you get an interview the chances of getting in can be has high as 50 percent at most schools and sometimes higher. You are dealing with people at that point who only have a few moments to get a feeling about you, and that feeling is subjective.

Generally speaking if you get invited to an interview, it usually means the admissions committee thinks you can be a student at their school, now they want to meet you in person to see if you are the right student.

 

[AlteredScale]

Well I wrote 3 or 4 of mine like a NY times best seller and got no love. I then basically half-@ssed a couple others because I was burning out, I got interviews from those. So take that as it is.

I would say for the schools that are closer to you (midwest vs east coast vs northeast vs southeast etc) spend more time, since more than likely those are who will try and interview you first.

Except if you are from CA! Then you're SOL since everyone and some wants to apply to medical schools here.

If you're from CA and don't have a picture perfect application then you will need to apply everywhere.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Except if you are from CA! Then you're SOL since everyone and some wants to apply to medical schools here.

If you're from CA and don't have a picture perfect application then you will need to apply everywhere.

Ahhh very true! CA, the one state that is not good to its own people haha 😉

 

[AlteredScale]

Ahhh very true! CA, the one state that is not good to its own people haha 😉

True dat! 😉 that's why I'm moving haha