I just got into a Polish medical school, should I take the MCAT and go for DO?

[jonjonk]

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Ok, I have already done countless research on both international MD and DO. I recently applied and got accepted to Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The reason why I applied is because one of my dad's colleagues graduated from that specific university and is currently doing fine in internal medicine. Since I'm already in, should I still take the MCAT and see if I can get into a DO school next year?

The reason why I ask is because one of my colleagues, who is a graduate of a Caribbean medical school, is currently in his second year of residency as a surgeon. He kept on telling me how difficult it was for him to get into residency. In fact, he only got in after the second year of waiting.

Here is where it gets complicated. I have took the MCAT before at around a year ago...and my score was a laughable 21. This is why I am planning on attending Kaplain to help boost my score up. So if I took the MCAT again, what are the odds of getting a high enough score for a good chance at a DO school? Since I'm already accepted to an international medical school, is it still worth it?

Oh and I'm currently 22. My GPA is only 2.85.

@vita
Another piece of information that I forgot to add to my first post. The Poznan school is actually pretty reputable...in Poland lol What's so special about the school is that, for the last year of the program (if you go with the 4yr program), you go to John Hopkins 🙂 Yea, you heard me correct, you spent your last your of school at John Hopkins.

edit: The reason why I'm asking all these questions is because I personally feel like I already have one foot in...but not really. I don't want to have regret 2 years in (for both DO and the Polish school).

 

[medschoolfamily]

I've heard just as many success stories for FMG's as horror stories so it's tough to say what it will be like for you personally as an FMG. That said, I have heard MANY more successful stories of D.O.'s than FMG's, not even comparable really. I was in a similar situation to you last year (21 MCAT and no acceptances, although I didn't apply to carib. or europe) and I really wanted D.O. so I did kaplan online as best I could while working, going to school, and raising a family and raised my MCAT to a 30. I was able to get into my first choice D.O. and couldn't be happier with the way things worked out for me and my family. As a lowly pre-med, I would recommend improving your MCAT (what's your GPA by the way, competitive?) and reapplying U.S. next year. If you have a good GPA (3.5+) you will only need 27 or so on MCAT to be competitive and qualified D.O. candidate. Ultimately, only you kow what will be your best option, so best of luck with your decision.

 

[jonjonk]

(what's your GPA by the way, competitive?)

That's another issue. My GPA is only 2.85. I'll add that info onto my first page. Also, how difficult was it for you to get the 30 on the MCAT? Did you even have ANY free time? Oh and are you still working a job?

 

[Vita]

I don't have any helpful information for you, but I am curious about this Polish medical school. I know that I have met many residents who went to medical schools in India who did not have as much trouble getting a residency spot as say, someone who went to one of the Caribbean schools simply because their specific program preferred the graduates from said Indian schools.

It might be helpful to ask around and see where this particular school sits in the "reputation" field, especially with programs that you are interested in.

I think the bigger concern might be making a move to another country. Do you have family there or something else that would make such a move worth it? If not, then it might be worth it to retake the MCAT and try again for an American school. Maybe the Polish school will let you defer a year, that way in case you don't get in during next cycle you will still have an acceptance.

 

[jonjonk]

@vita
Another piece of information that I forgot to add to my first post. The Poznan school is actually pretty reputable...in Poland lol What's so special about the school is that, for the last year of the program (if you go with the 4yr program), you go to John Hopkins 🙂 Yea, you heard me correct, you spent your last year of school at John Hopkins.

edit: I'm currently looking into the reputation of Poznan.

 

[medschoolfamily]

That's another issue. My GPA is only 2.85. I'll add that info onto my first page. Also, how difficult was it for you to get the 30 on the MCAT? Did you even have ANY free time? Oh and are you still working a job?

That is a pretty low GPA, but maybe if you can re-take some classes that you did poorly in and get A's it wouldn't be a bad idea (since the AACOMAS GPA will re-calculate with the "new" grades.

As far as getting a 30 MCAT, it really wasn't too tough. I didn't study a single bit for the first one (hence the 21) and didn't do nearly as much studying for the 30 as I should have. I did take probable 7 or 8 practice tests which was a huge help. I am still working until I start school this August. I had plenty of free time while studying though. Each online kaplan session is approx. 2-3 hours long followed with some questions. There are about 25 sessions so I did maybe 3/wk and was virtually done with the course in 2 1/2 months. I would just do the sessions after my wife and kids went to bed at around 10 and would be up til 1 or so. It really wasn't that bad for only having to do it a couple times a week, but like I said, I didn't stick to the Kaplan plan as well as I should have. Hope this helps.

 

[jonjonk]

That is a pretty low GPA, but maybe if you can re-take some classes that you did poorly in and get A's it wouldn't be a bad idea (since the AACOMAS GPA will re-calculate with the "new" grades.

Will I have trouble getting into DO schools with that GPA even with a 30 MCAT? Sorry for all the questions! I wish there was a "thank you" button on this forum.

 

[Everglide]

@vita
Another piece of information that I forgot to add to my first post. The Poznan school is actually pretty reputable...in Poland lol What's so special about the school is that, for the last year of the program (if you go with the 4yr program), you go to John Hopkins 🙂 Yea, you heard me correct, you spent your last year of school at John Hopkins.

edit: I'm currently looking into the reputation of Poznan.

Everyone does all their rotations at Hopkins hospital/affliated sites? Or is it you can do an away rotation there if you like?

Sounds like sketchy marketing to me.

 

[jonjonk]

I've met two pediatric residents who went to medical school in Poland. I don't remember where the first one I met went, but I know for a fact the second one went to Poznan. Neither seemed to have any complaints. Take it for what it's worth.

But do you know whether or not they matched the first year? Was getting into residency difficult for them because they were considered "international" students?

 

[illegallysmooth]

DO admission would be next to impossible with a 2.85 and 21, IMO. You can either go to Poland or spend another year or two working to raise the GPA with a postbac or SMP. Trouble is, it will be hard to get into one with your stats. I never reccomend going abroad, but in your case it may be the best option.

Edit: if you chose the DO route you will also need to retake the MCAT.

 

[jonjonk]

DO admission would be next to impossible with a 2.85 and 21, IMO. You can either go to Poland or spend another year or two working to raise the GPA with a postbac or SMP. Trouble is, it will be hard to get into one with your stats. I never reccomend going abroad, but in your case it may be the best option.

Edit: if you chose the DO route you will also need to retake the MCAT.

Yea, that's what I wrote. If I'm going the DO route, I'll take the Kaplain MCAT class. So 2.85GPA with maybe a 30 on the MCAT is a no go?

He graduated in '08 and is a second year resident now. I don't know whether this was his first choice residency or how difficult it was to match, but he did the first time around as can be seen by his current PGY.

Thanks for the answer!

 

[211519]

I know of a couple grads from Polish schools doing well in the US. They went primary care, though.

 

[MossPoh]

There are several programs in Poland. The norm is 6 years for schools. They started throwing in a traditional 4th year, but it was more to market towards Americans and whoever had our system. While they are probably comparable to many Carribeans, they are not the same as the true Polish program.

I'm probably one of the few that'd rather be in Poland than the carribean though. At least Poland has plenty of attractive girls and cheap flights to other european cities.

 

[jonjonk]

I'm probably one of the few that'd rather be in Poland than the carribean though. At least Poland has plenty of attractive girls and cheap flights to other european cities.

HAHA, I like the way you think. Girls and site seeing first, medical career second. 😀

 

[thepoopologist]

Take price AND rep in consideration. With your gpa and MCAT it might take 1-2 more years to get in somewhere and if Poznan is good enough, I'd go there, knowing full well what limitations there are to certain residencies. If you do go, study your f'in ass off. I met a girl from Poznan once and she was something. That's all I have to say about Poznan.

 

[illegallysmooth]

Yea, that's what I wrote. If I'm going the DO route, I'll take the Kaplain MCAT class. So 2.85GPA with maybe a 30 on the MCAT is a no go?

Thanks for the answer!

In my opinion, you'd need a really good MCAT (35+) to get into a DO with a 2.85, if it was possible at all. They would be looking at your 2.85 and saying you would probably not be able to pass your classes.

To put some things into perspective, here's my situation: I have a 3.23 undergrad, and a 3.32 (which I was very disappointed with) in a special masters program. My MCAT is 34 and I have almost 4 years clinical experience and research. I applied to about 9 MD programs and the following DO schools: LECOM-E and LECOM-B, CCOM, NYCOM, PCOM, Touro-CA, and Nova. I got interview invites from CCOM, NYCOM and both LECOMs. I interviewed at and was accepted to LECOM-B, CCOM, and NYCOM. I have a very late interview at NYMC. If my GPA was 2.85, even with a 34 MCAT I don't think I would have gotten 4 DO interviews, and I wasn't even expecting that many.

I think you'd be better off in Poland, simply due to the time and effort it will take you to raise your GPA if you stay here. Just be a rockstar in Poland and I think you'll be fine 🙂

 

[PunkmedGirl]

In my opinion, you'd need a really good MCAT (35+) to get into a DO with a 2.85, if it was possible at all. They would be looking at your 2.85 and saying you would probably not be able to pass your classes.

To put some things into perspective, here's my situation: I have a 3.23 undergrad, and a 3.32 (which I was very disappointed with) in a special masters program. My MCAT is 34 and I have almost 4 years clinical experience and research. I applied to about 9 MD programs and the following DO schools: LECOM-E and LECOM-B, CCOM, NYCOM, PCOM, Touro-CA, and Nova. I got interview invites from CCOM, NYCOM and both LECOMs. I interviewed at and was accepted to LECOM-B, CCOM, and NYCOM. I have a very late interview at NYMC. If my GPA was 2.85, even with a 34 MCAT I don't think I would have gotten 4 DO interviews, and I wasn't even expecting that many.

I think you'd be better off in Poland, simply due to the time and effort it will take you to raise your GPA if you stay here. Just be a rockstar in Poland and I think you'll be fine 🙂

It's wouldn't be that hard for the OP to raise his GPA above a 3.0 with simply just retaking some courses he did bad in. Couple that with a solid MCAT score and an early application, the OP can gain admission somewhere.

 

[mechanictodr]

Ok, I have already done countless research on both international MD and DO. I recently applied and got accepted to Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The reason why I applied is because one of my dad's colleagues graduated from that specific university and is currently doing fine in internal medicine. Since I'm already in, should I still take the MCAT and see if I can get into a DO school next year?

The reason why I ask is because one of my colleagues, who is a graduate of a Caribbean medical school, is currently in his second year of residency as a surgeon. He kept on telling me how difficult it was for him to get into residency. In fact, he only got in after the second year of waiting.

Here is where it gets complicated. I have took the MCAT before at around a year ago...and my score was a laughable 21. This is why I am planning on attending Kaplain to help boost my score up. So if I took the MCAT again, what are the odds of getting a high enough score for a good chance at a DO school? Since I'm already accepted to an international medical school, is it still worth it?

Oh and I'm currently 22. My GPA is only 2.85.



edit: The reason why I'm asking all these questions is because I personally feel like I already have one foot in...but not really. I don't want to have regret 2 years in (for both DO and the Polish school).

If you like Poland I would say go for it. I certainly would. All of the FMG's that work at my local hospital are in great paying specialties and get to rock the MD at the same time so no patients know that they went to school out of the US, nor do they care. Many countries besides the US will pay for a lot or most of you schooling so this could be a big plus as well. So if you like it, go for it.

 

[jonjonk]

@everyone
Thank you for the great suggestions, I really meant it!

If you like Poland I would say go for it. I certainly would. All of the FMG's that work at my local hospital are in great paying specialties and get to rock the MD at the same time so no patients know that they went to school out of the US, nor do they care. Many countries besides the US will pay for a lot or most of you schooling so this could be a big plus as well. So if you like it, go for it.

They wouldn't give me any money. I didn't really expect any medical schools, be it USA or international, would give out money. I'll have to get as much subsidized loans as possible, with the rest being unsubsidized. I'll try my best to stay away from private loans (Himalaya high interest rates!). What's left of it, my parents said they will support. It's times like these that I'm glade I have supporting parents.

What's good about the DO option is that I have a decent paying (50k a year) night time job lined up for me. But, if I was to take the job, there would be no ways to attend and succeed in classes with a night shift job. So, in the end, I'll be stuck with the night time job with no real progress in my medical education.

In the end, it doesn't seem like I have much of a choice. Poland, here I come! 😀

 

[bleeker10]

In my opinion, you'd need a really good MCAT (35+) to get into a DO with a 2.85, if it was possible at all. They would be looking at your 2.85 and saying you would probably not be able to pass your classes.

I got into DO school with a 27 and a 2.9. The thing going for me was my last 75 hours of undergrad was around a 3.6. I took some time off school and came back and finished up well. You can do it, but it's an uphill battle. I only got 1 DO interview and obviously only 1 DO acceptance. I'd retake some low grades (D's and F's) and shoot for a high twenty or low thirty MCAT. I also had good healthcare experiences for over a year and a half. You can do it but it's gonna be tough

 

[FutureSurg]

Is the Polish school approved in the U.S. state that you ultimately want to practice in? Do they match a lot of graduates in the specialty that you're interested in (in US programs)? Cost? Family? There are many questions to ask before making such a decision.

 

[sexyman]

long long shot with the 2.85

 

[jonjonk]

Is the Polish school approved in the U.S. state that you ultimately want to practice in? Do they match a lot of graduates in the specialty that you're interested in (in US programs)? Cost? Family? There are many questions to ask before making such a decision.

Yes, Poznan U is approved.

@everyone else

Thank you for all the suggestions. I meant it! I have decided to go to Poznan. Poland, here I come!

 

[PBMCs]

Looks like a cool place on the website. Sounds like a fun adventure! Good job

 

[Cybii]

In the end, it doesn't seem like I have much of a choice. Poland, here I come! 😀

Powodzenia! I hope my motherland treats you well. 🙂

 

[Manarola]

Honestly...I'd take a postbac year, strengthen your gpa and re-apply. US schools are increasing the number of students they now admit, new schools are opening (MD and DO). Given your age, you're probably better off waiting a year and strengthening your application. Use foreign medical schools as an absolute last resort.

 

[peppy]

Going to a foreign med school used to be a better idea than it is now. By the time you finish in several years, foreign medical grads will likely have an even harder time getting residency spots than they already do because of the increase in American med school enrollment (and in almost every case American graduates will get first preference from residencies). I agree that the safer route would be to go to DO school even if it means waiting a year. Use this next year to improve your application, save up some money working at that good job opportunity, and then when you get into a med school quit that job and focus all your attention on med school.
Good luck!

 

[DrWBD]

I suppose it's verboten in this forum to suggest that someone with a 2.8 GPA and 21 on the MCAT maybe consider another career choice...?

 

[PunkmedGirl]

I suppose it's verboten in this forum to suggest that someone with a 2.8 GPA and 21 on the MCAT maybe consider another career choice...?

I think it would be wiser to suggest that they either choose a postbacc or SMP to have a chance in getting into medical school.

 

[GreenShirt]

I suppose it's verboten in this forum to suggest that someone with a 2.8 GPA and 21 on the MCAT maybe consider another career choice...?

Nope. The average MCAT at most DO schools is 24-26. If the OP has a good resume and can boost the 21 a little, they'll be in range.

 

[jimsanderson3]

thanks for the info.

 

[Mesican24]

I think it would be wiser to suggest that they either choose a postbacc or SMP to have a chance in getting into medical school.

Thats not entirely true. I have a 2.85 cGPA and a 2.98 sGPA and have been accepted and interviewed at multiple DO schools.

Its possible, it just depends on the rest of your application

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Thats not entirely true. I have a 2.85 cGPA and a 2.98 sGPA and have been accepted and interviewed at multiple DO schools.

Its possible, it just depends on the rest of your application

I was commenting on Wanna_be_DO's post about giving up medicine entirely because your GPA is low.

 

[thepoopologist]

Thats not entirely true. I have a 2.85 cGPA and a 2.98 sGPA and have been accepted and interviewed at multiple DO schools.

Its possible, it just depends on the rest of your application

Which ones?

 

[md2010sgu]

Yo JonJonk,
I'm about to hook a brotha up. I have a family friend who is having trouble getting rotations in the U.S.. Don't be mislead by that hopkins crap. Not everyone gets placed there. Originally for asia, jumped at the chance to go to Poznan b/c of what he heard too from his dad's colleagues. I'm telling you right now, don't do it...your better off trying to get into SGU, Ross, AUC, or going to a DO school. Seriously I really urge you to reconsider... PM me if you want more details.

 

[Just Joshin]

Nope. The average MCAT at most DO schools is 24-26. If the OP has a good resume and can boost the 21 a little, they'll be in range.

I think most DO schools these days are in the 26-28 range.

 

[Roberie]

Just thought I'd chime in with my anecdotal experience.

I work with a radiologist who went to this school in Poland. He did his residency at Yale, I believe.

That is all.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Everyone and their mothers were getting radiology 15-20 years ago, just like with anesthesiology. My bet is the guy wouldn't get radiology at Yale coming from a Polish med school at this point, nonetheless a DO program either (but would have a better shot being a DO).

 

[Roberie]

Everyone and their mothers were getting radiology 15-20 years ago, just like with anesthesiology. My bet is the guy wouldn't get radiology at Yale coming from a Polish med school at this point, nonetheless a DO program either (but would have a better shot being a DO).

Well, he's a pretty young guy. I don't think it was quite that long ago. Still, I see your point.