Help with my DO school list

[Judson]

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I'm thinking about only applying DO. I am a PA resident, but I want to apply mainly to schools below the frost line (I get pretty depressed in the cold weather). My current stats are:

cGPA: 3.45 (upward trend from 2.89)
sGPA: 3.34
MCAT: will take in Spring 2015 (Neuropsychology major, hoping to rock the new sections)

I have many good ECs and interesting life details that can be found on my WAMC post: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/3-45-3-34-many-ecs.1073555/#post-15268265

**Something to keep in mind - I have a misdemeanor (criminal mischief) and an expunged misdemeanor (paraphernalia) that will both be over 5 years old when I apply. Not sure if some of these school will auto-reject me, but I'm confident that if I get an interview I can win them over (see WAMC post).

My top picks (in order):
1. NSUCOM
2. PCOM
3. AZCOM
3. ATSU-SOMA
5. VCOM
6. WesternU/COMP
7. ???
8. ???
9. ???
10. ???

Help me fill this in!

 

[cliquesh]

You need an mcat score for anyone to provide you with any meaningful advice.

Anyway, kcumb, ccom, and dmu are decent schools.

Lecom Erie might be a good choice because you're a PA resident. It isn't the best school, though.

 

[Elevencents]

Apply where you want to. Read all of the other school list threads. A lot could change based on your MCAT.

 

[Roxas]

Assuming you get a decent MCAT, you need to figure out your priorities. Cost, location, school reputation, and class size are some of the biggies. I personally started with the more established schools as top picks, and eliminated schools based on the other factors.

 

[Judson]

You need an mcat score for anyone to provide you with any meaningful advice.

Anyway, kcumb, ccom, and dmu are decent schools.

Lecom Erie might be a good choice because you're a PA resident. It isn't the best school, though.

All are a little farther north than I would like, but I will keep them in mind. Have yet to hear anything about Lecom so I will be looking into that. Thanks!

Apply where you want to. Read all of the other school list threads. A lot could change based on your MCAT.

I understand my MCAT will play a big role in where I apply. Definitely hoping I will rock the new MCAT w/ my major being a branch of psychology.

Assuming you get a decent MCAT, you need to figure out your priorities. Cost, location, school reputation, and class size are some of the biggies. I personally started with the more established schools as top picks, and eliminated schools based on the other factors.

All very good points. Do you consider the founding schools to be more established or is there more I should be looking for?


***Also, does anyone think the misdemeanor situation will hinder me from getting an interview/wait listed?
Maybe @Goro can shed some light on this matter.***

 

[Goro]

Every baby boomer is familiar with "paraphernalia"...That includes nearly all my fellow Adcom members. So...as long as you explain it well on your secondaries, and own if asked about it in interviews, you'll be fine.

**Something to keep in mind - I have a misdemeanor (criminal mischief) and an expunged misdemeanor (paraphernalia) that will both be over 5 years old when I apply. Not sure if some of these school will auto-reject me, but I'm confident that if I get an interview I can win them over (see WAMC post).

My top picks (in order):
1. NUSCOM
2. PCOM
3. AZCOM
3. ATSU-SOMA
5. VCOM
6. WesternU/COMP

 

[Judson]

Every baby boomer is familiar with "paraphernalia"...That includes nearly all my fellow Adcom members. So...as long as you explain it well on your secondaries, and own if asked about it in interviews, you'll be fine.

Thanks @Goro! I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the existing Criminal Mischief charge. It was given due to property damage (young and stupid) which I plead guilty to immediately after turning myself in.

 

[Roxas]

All very good points. Do you consider the founding schools to be more established or is there more I should be looking for?

For starters, yeah

KCOM
PCOM
CCOM
DMU
KCUMB

but I would also consider:

NSU
AZCOM
Western
TCOM (if you don't mind filling out another app)
MSU
Rowan
OSU
The Touros


Since there aren't too many to begin with, it's pretty easy to eliminate the ones you don't want to go to, and apply to the rest. For example I avoided newer schools, as well as LECOM, expensive OOS schools, and super urban areas that didn't seem family friendly.

 

[Beth_W737]

I second Rowan. Any questions PM me

 

[Judson]

For starters, yeah

KCOM
PCOM
CCOM
DMU
KCUMB

but I would also consider:

NSU
AZCOM
Western
TCOM (if you don't mind filling out another app)
MSU
Rowan
OSU
The Touros


Since there aren't too many to begin with, it's pretty easy to eliminate the ones you don't want to go to, and apply to the rest. For example I avoided newer schools, as well as LECOM, expensive OOS schools, and super urban areas that didn't seem family friendly.

Looks like I have some homework to do! Also, I'm happy to see that some of those are already on my list. What are your thoughts on VCOM? Honestly, I can't remember why I was so interested in it when I made the list!!

 

[Roxas]

Looks like I have some homework to do! Also, I'm happy to see that some of those are already on my list. What are your thoughts on VCOM? Honestly, I can't remember why I was so interested in it when I made the list!!

Admittedly I don't know much, but Goro recommends it and I would trust his judgement

 

[Judson]

Admittedly I don't know much, but Goro recommends it and I would trust his judgement

I think he may have just copied my list or accidentally left it in when quoting me. I realized I spelled NSUCOM as NUSCOM (stubborn lysdexia I'll tell ya!). Had to edit my OP.

 

[Roxas]

I think he may have just copied my list or accidentally left it in when quoting me. I realized I spelled NSUCOM as NUSCOM (stubborn lysdexia I'll tell ya!). Had to edit my OP.

oh I didn't even notice haha. Yeah I don't know. Do some research about it on your own

 

[Goro]

Crimes against property are much less serious than crimes against persons, or theft. Fives years of exemplary behavior does much to wash away the stain of past misdeeds.

Your GPA is fine for any DO school, but I suggest adding AT Still, MUCOM, the Touros, Western-OR and PacNW

Thanks @Goro! I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the existing Criminal Mischief charge. It was given due to property damage (young and stupid) which I plead guilty to immediately after turning myself in.

 

[Judson]

oh I didn't even notice haha. Yeah I don't know. Do some research about it on your own

Will do! Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Judson]

Crimes against property are much less serious than crimes against persons, or theft. Fives years of exemplary behavior does much to wash away the stain of past misdeeds.

Your GPA is fine for any DO school, but I suggest adding AT Still, MUCOM, the Touros, Western-OR and PacNW

Thanks Goro! That's exactly what I needed to hear! Looking into all those schools!