Help with school list

[kalat]

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Hey everyone,

I'm looking for some help with my list of schools. I'm trying to be somewhere in the northeast. I know most DO schools are in suburbs or rural areas, but I'm looking to be within a reasonable distance from at least one metropolitan area. I'm in GA so I will be OOS.

Application will be complete at or around September 21 (All LORs & MCAT score released). I know some consideration will be the MCAT score, but I'd like to submit to get it verified beforehand (and only a few schools prefer unusually high MCAT scores like Touro in NY).

Here's what I have so far with some notes from the AOA CIB:

• PCOM - Biochemistry strongly recommended
• RowanSOM - 85% in-state; biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics recommended
• NYIT-COM - High COL?
• VCOM-VC - Rural area? Biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics recommended
• TouroCOM-NY - High MCAT preferred, biochemistry strongly recommended; expensive secondary
• OU-HCOM - Rural area?
• LECOM - Rural area? Low cost, same OOS price
• VCOM-CC - Biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics recommended
• MU-COM - Biochemistry required
• MSUCOM - Rural? Genetics and biochemistry required; early primary deadline (12/1)
• CCOM/MWU

To what extent do these schools favor their "strong" suggestions? Will they not consider my application if biochemistry is listed as required? If they will, will they basically tell me I need to take it before matriculation? I would love suggestions on what people think should be added or removed from the list. Thanks guys.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Usually how it goes with required courses is that you take it prior to matriculation. So on many secondary applications they will specifically ask you if you have not met all of the requirements. Then there will be an option for how you plan on taking the course before matriculation (community college, university, post-bacc etc).

Obviously, I just have to say it, your list super depends on your MCAT, but I can definitely suggest a couple to take off the list:
MSU, while being an awesome school is like 80K+ tuition a year for OOS students. The availability of scholarships and such is not known. I have personally tried contacting their admin but have received vague answers which caused me to remove it from my list. 320K before living expenses and interest is no joke... I would really suggest taking it off.
OUHCOM, while again being an amazing school, takes something like 85% of their students from in-state. So you have to either be a ridiculously stellar applicant or have some ties to the region to get some love. Also they have a 5 year contract where you stay in the state after graduation. The cost of breaking that contract is astoundingly expensive.
LECOM, you need to be sure about PBL. Also be sure on what location you want because the locations drastically change your opportunities and the learning style they provide.
Maybe CCOM. It is one of the best DO schools in the country, but personally I just could not justify those costs... this one though is really up in the air, I could by no means say definitively that you should take it off, its a great school.

Now for a couple that I would add:
KCUMB is in a pretty big city and has a ton of research opportunities from what I hear.
DMU is also in a good sized city and has a great reputation on here. If you are applying to CCOM, you might as well apply to DMU and KCUMB which are not that much farther into the midwest
PCOM-GA, I mean at least its your neck of the woods and has the PCOM name behind it. I dont know much about the GA campus though, admittedly.
NSU, definitely hit this place up. They are in ft lauderdale which is obviously pretty populated. Overall they have a good reputation and a ton of different opportunities. Pretty freaking high cost of living though
ACOM as a backup (depending on your MCAT scores). They are more suburban, so not quite rural or urban, but they have solid rotations set up which is good. I do not know of any research opportunities though. They are super new, again really just add them if you need to depending on your MCAT.
CUSOM, this school is a hair more rural, but within a 40 minute drive is actually approximately 500K people so you can really get a nice mix. This is one of the newer schools that is actually doing a good job setting up their own residencies and stuff, which is super great. They have a lot of support from their undergrad institution which is cool.

 

[kalat]

Usually how it goes with required courses is that you take it prior to matriculation. So on many secondary applications they will specifically ask you if you have not met all of the requirements. Then there will be an option for how you plan on taking the course before matriculation (community college, university, post-bacc etc).

Obviously, I just have to say it, your list super depends on your MCAT, but I can definitely suggest a couple to take off the list:
MSU, while being an awesome school is like 80K+ tuition a year for OOS students. The availability of scholarships and such is not known. I have personally tried contacting their admin but have received vague answers which caused me to remove it from my list. 320K before living expenses and interest is no joke... I would really suggest taking it off.
OUHCOM, while again being an amazing school, takes something like 85% of their students from in-state. So you have to either be a ridiculously stellar applicant or have some ties to the region to get some love. Also they have a 5 year contract where you stay in the state after graduation. The cost of breaking that contract is astoundingly expensive.
LECOM, you need to be sure about PBL. Also be sure on what location you want because the locations drastically change your opportunities and the learning style they provide.
Maybe CCOM. It is one of the best DO schools in the country, but personally I just could not justify those costs... this one though is really up in the air, I could by no means say definitively that you should take it off, its a great school.

Now for a couple that I would add:
KCUMB is in a pretty big city and has a ton of research opportunities from what I hear.
DMU is also in a good sized city and has a great reputation on here. If you are applying to CCOM, you might as well apply to DMU and KCUMB which are not that much farther into the midwest
PCOM-GA, I mean at least its your neck of the woods and has the PCOM name behind it. I dont know much about the GA campus though, admittedly.
NSU, definitely hit this place up. They are in ft lauderdale which is obviously pretty populated. Overall they have a good reputation and a ton of different opportunities. Pretty freaking high cost of living though
ACOM as a backup (depending on your MCAT scores). They are more suburban, so not quite rural or urban, but they have solid rotations set up which is good. I do not know of any research opportunities though. They are super new, again really just add them if you need to depending on your MCAT.
CUSOM, this school is a hair more rural, but within a 40 minute drive is actually approximately 500K people so you can really get a nice mix. This is one of the newer schools that is actually doing a good job setting up their own residencies and stuff, which is super great. They have a lot of support from their undergrad institution which is cool.

First off, thanks for the amazing reply. This is exactly the response I was looking for. I definitely understand a lot of this hinges on my MCAT score. As far as the recommendations, it's good to know they'll at least look at the application without, say, biochemistry. If the school requires it and I like the school I wouldn't mind taking it in the interim. Some thoughts:

MSUCOM - Didn't realize it was this expensive. I'll revisit their website and consider removing it depending on what road I do or do not take with scholarships.
OUHCOM - Didn't realize they take primarily in-state students. Definitely didn't realize there was a contract to stay in-state. I'll revisit and consider removing it.
LECOM - I haven't been reading anything too great on this school on these boards, and I'm not sure I like the area. I'll probably remove it.
CCOM - One of my favorites. I love the area. I'll revisit the costs.

KCUMB - I remember looking at this one, but I'm not sure about the area. Not too familiar with Kansas. Will look into it again.
DMUCOM - I also remember looking at this one; seems pretty competitive at around ~3.6 GPA and ~28 MCAT based on their class profile. I'm also not familiar with Iowa. Will look into it again.
PCOM-GA - Forgot this one; will probably add, especially if I end up removing some of the above.
NSUCOM - Doctor I shadowed is from here; nothing wrong with it other than the fact I'm not sure I want to be in FL (also see LECOM-B).
ACOM - Honestly, I'm not sold on being in Alabama. Loud and clear on depending on MCAT though.
CUSOM - I think I remember looking at this one, but I wasn't sure because of it being so new. I wouldn't mind NC, I don't think. I'll revisit it.

 

[kalat]

Just got my MCAT back, and I got a 24 composite 6/10/8 spread. Absolutely crushed with the physics section. Looking for some advice guys. Should I just immediately plan a retake? Waitting a cycle would be fine but there are other considerations: (1) I'm graduating and will need to support myself and (2) the MCAT is going to be completely different. I obviously need to start by removing some schools from my list and adding others...

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

I have always found that a re-take right away won't help out unless you were really having an off day (Sick/sleep deprived/nerves were crazy). However, in this situation I would probably do the re-take and try to concentrate all my efforts on bumping up physics while lightly reviewing verbal/biology. Even if you get a bump up by 2 points, you will be still be ok for LECOM-B, PCOM-GA, DMU, and etc. I would take off RowanSOM right off the bat since it would be a really long shot due to your OOS status. But yea, a re-take maybe in a month and tell all the schools you are applying that another MCAT score will be coming. Best of luck and don't give up.

 

[kalat]

Thanks for the kind words and advice @WhyDoWeFall.

As far as schools right now I have PCOM, PCOM-GA, VCOM-CC, VCOM-VC, and CUSOM set up. The latter three have lower MCAT scores for matriculates AFAIK, and of course, PCOM-GA is in my area. I'm seeing a lot of schools won't accept MCAT scores with a subsection under 7 which is troublesome. I've got a retake date on October 25, exactly a month from now. There are no other times available anywhere near me until January which is not acceptable for this application cycle.

After one set of applications is verified does it take additional time to verify future applications? That is, if I apply to this smaller set of schools now and more broadly apply to a second set of schools - say, in a month when I know where I'm at with the second MCAT - will it take time to verify again? It seems as though the time line just got so short... I said before if I got below a 26 I'd feel like I am wasting money by applying most places, and I definitely feel that way right now.

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

I think it will take time to verify your application for future apps to different schools but the best way to find out is to call AACOMAS and ask them or find the application booklet and do a search for that subject. I am pretty sure it will take some time for your MCATs to hit AACOMAS and then for AACOMAS to send out the reupdated score so keep on top of it and remember to contact the schools and ask whether they got the MCATs when you have your other score out.

I know it feels like a waste of money, I also got an MCAT score similar to yours once but I also had a crap GPA so I def know the feeling. Just know that many people have been in your position and now some of them are Medical Students/Doctors. What's the difference you ask? Determination. Remember to keep that in mind and as people always say "This is a marathon, not a race". So get back to studying for the MCATs and I hope you kick butt next time.

 

[n2192]

I am looking for some advice concerning my DO list

my stats - 32 mcat 11vr/11ps/10bs
3.64 cum 3.52 sci - business major bio minor

i currently have
1) nyit
2) pcom
3) touro ny
4) western
5) touro cali
6) ccom - mwu
7) rowan ( I'm a nj resident )
8) une
9) nova

I'm looking to add 3 more schools to my list and i am between these 5 -
kcumb
pcom - ga
touro nevada
lecom
lecom fl

any advice would be great! thanks !

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

kcumb
pcom - ga
touro nevada

You have the stats that 9 is enough though if you are applying soon or have already applied.

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

Agreed with Awesome Sauceome as always. I would put PCOM-Ga above the other two however since you are from the Tri-state area and PCOM affiliations may open up more doors for you if you plan to stay in the Northeast coast.

 

[n2192]

thanks so much for the advice! any specific reasons why not lecom b/c I've heard mixed things about that school

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

thanks so much for the advice! any specific reasons why not lecom b/c I've heard mixed things about that school

You answered your own question. Mixed things about the school. All I will say is you get what you pay for, you will have to dig more for some meaty info.

 

[EarthToDoc]

Thanks for the kind words and advice @WhyDoWeFall.

As far as schools right now I have PCOM, PCOM-GA, VCOM-CC, VCOM-VC, and CUSOM set up. The latter three have lower MCAT scores for matriculates AFAIK, and of course, PCOM-GA is in my area. I'm seeing a lot of schools won't accept MCAT scores with a subsection under 7 which is troublesome. I've got a retake date on October 25, exactly a month from now. There are no other times available anywhere near me until January which is not acceptable for this application cycle.

After one set of applications is verified does it take additional time to verify future applications? That is, if I apply to this smaller set of schools now and more broadly apply to a second set of schools - say, in a month when I know where I'm at with the second MCAT - will it take time to verify again? It seems as though the time line just got so short... I said before if I got below a 26 I'd feel like I am wasting money by applying most places, and I definitely feel that way right now.

My advice is make sure to apply to Alabama COM, they are new and have large percentage of student from the tri state area (georgia, florida, alabama). This is solely based on your MCAT score. I can understand that you do not wish to go to Alabama but with your MCAT score it is vital. I got my MCAT early this month and made 26 (7 PS, 9 Verbal, 10 BS) and I am applying to 19 DO schools. Right now I am waiting on getting IIs. I feel kind good right now because I applied to so many schools (hard and easy) and feel like I will get at least 1 II. If I had applied only to a small number of schools I would be freaking out right now.

Medical students on SDN and Goro always say that if you got below average MCAT or gpa apply broadly and strategically.

PM me if you have any questions or want to know if I get any IIs.

 

[kalat]

Hey guys, I hate to keep bumping, but I'm still kind of in a rut here. For some reason my AACOMAS I submitted like a month ago now is still "Processing" per the AACOMAS Status. Is there a way to check when it was submitted? I know it takes at least a month, but I'm pretty sure it's been over a month now though. It doesn't seem to be available on the receipt. The other thing is the DO I was talking to and shadowing seems to have gone MIA, and I can't seem to get in contact with him. He was in the process of getting ready to switch jobs before so I don't know if he's just too busy or what, but it's making me nervous I'll have that on my application without the LOR (as he already said he'd do it)...

I'm still trying to iron out what I would be comfortable with as far as locations are concerned. The real problem here is my relationship is not really going to remain very healthy if I stray too far from the east coast (and definitely not my wallet either), and it's limiting my options. My girlfriend is also career focused and will not be able to leave the area she is in for a while. She supports herself, but obviously, the further away I go the more of a problem this becomes. If I didn't have that concern I would be able to apply more broadly with less of a conscience. I know everyone has to go their own way and everything, but this isn't just a few month fling.

My other two considerations are just waiting until next cycle or applying to an SMP, MPH, or other masters program before applying again in a more convenient area. There's pros and cons to both, and while waiting a year seems like the most reasonable option, I'm going to almost 100% have to take biochemistry, sociology, and possibly other courses while I'm waiting, and I'm already almost broke as it is. If my MCAT doesn't go as well as I'd hope this second time it's going to be more issues as well, but I also suppose I'd have a lot more time to study.

 

[EarthToDoc]

Mine was finished processing exactly 7 weeks later. Submitted on July 24th. I would first call AACOMAS to get in touch as 4 weeks have passed, usually that helps out.

I can't help you with your others problems, you will just have to figure it out. If you are "serious" about this girl, then its up to you to take the risk. I wouldn't recommend putting relationships over medical school acceptance but that is my choice. Like your girlfriend I am also career oriented because I know that the relationship will not last if I don't try to create a path for a stable/secure future (i.e. getting accepted into medical school).

I can assure you that you are shooting yourself in the foot and wasting serious $$$$ by not applying broadly. 3 weeks later after completion I am still waiting on IIs (19 schools).


My suggestions (in order of importance):

1. Retake MCAT, try to get 25+, take those classes that you mentioned.
2. SMP, with an MCAT retake
3. Masters with an MCAT retake.

 

[karling]

I've been in a long distance relationship (very long distance; she lives in Sweden) for over 6 years. We recently filed the papers and she'll be immigrating here as soon as the government gives the OK.

Despite the distance, our relationship is as strong as anyone's I know. If you both want it to work, it will work.

Apply broadly, my friend...

 

[kalat]

I did some thinking and you guys are right. Here's my new list: ACOM, CUSOM, VCOM-AL, VCOM-SC, VCOM-VA, LECOM-FL, LECOM-PA, NOVA, PCOM-GA, PCOM-PA, KYCOM, and WVSOM.

I think it's a reasonable list without expecting my MCAT to increase significantly. Already got secondary requests from some, so here we go.