Okay so I graduate with my BS in Biology this December. I am graduating with about a 3.1 GPA. Obviously that is not ideal for medical school especially because I want to attend either University of Oklahoma (MD) or Oklahoma State University (DO). I have applied, and been accepted, to a Masters of Science program with a concentration in Microbiology. I have a lot of research experience which is what I think helped me get accepted. So here is what I need advice on: is me getting my Masters going to help me get into an osteopathic medical school? My goal is finish my masters with a 3.5 or higher. A lot may say to go ahead and apply to medical school but the main thing stopping me is I have a passion for medicine and Microbiology. So I'm torn in pursuing a PhD or Medical School. Sorry if any of it was confusing. Any advice would be great especially those who pursued a Masters before med school! Thanks!
I need advice!
- Thread starter JDunc
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First off, you need to decide which route to pursue. Shadow some physicians and make sure you know what you are getting into in either field.
Second, Have you taken the MCAT and if so what was your score? If it was a very high score then you may be able to apply to OK state already. If you haven't taken it you need to otherwise no advice on here will be terribly useful.
Third, don't pidgeonhole yourself into 2 medical schools. This is probably the biggest reason qualified applicants don't get accepted to medical school. Apply to 8 schools bare minimum, I would recommend 15-20.
Finally, if you want to get into a DO school grade replacement is your best option. Retake a couple bad grades and that GPA could shoot up to a 3.4 or higher in just a couple semesters. But you need to decide what you want to do first
Second, Have you taken the MCAT and if so what was your score? If it was a very high score then you may be able to apply to OK state already. If you haven't taken it you need to otherwise no advice on here will be terribly useful.
Third, don't pidgeonhole yourself into 2 medical schools. This is probably the biggest reason qualified applicants don't get accepted to medical school. Apply to 8 schools bare minimum, I would recommend 15-20.
Finally, if you want to get into a DO school grade replacement is your best option. Retake a couple bad grades and that GPA could shoot up to a 3.4 or higher in just a couple semesters. But you need to decide what you want to do first
Thank you for the input! My brother is a Medical Student at OSU right now. Honestly I love being around people but I love doing research as well which makes this decision so tough. A lot of people tell me to go where the money is which is why I am not going for a MBA lol joking there but ultimately I want a rewarding career that when I wake up I am excited to go to. I've shadowed several physicians and enjoyed it. I have taken the MCAT once and got a 22. Not that great but it is around the minimum for OSU.
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Yes, if you do well in it. You also need to retake the MCAT. First, though, you need to figure out if you want to be a physician. From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like you do.
Thank you! I can see how that comes off. I could see myself as a physician but at the same time I could see myself as a PhD holder doing research in a large research facility or even academia. I enjoy both. I will get more research experience in the Masters program so I guess best thing is to also shadow more physicians and see which one I enjoy more. I also agree on retaking the MCAT. I knew it was not exactly one that would make me competitive when/if I applied.
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With that GPA and MCAT score you won't get into any medical school. Hello, my fellow Oklahoman! Go ahead and scratch OU off your list, they only care about stats, but Oklahoma state is a lot more forgiving for those students who have put in the time and effort to do well in classes and gain clinical exposure. Oklahoma State has a few pros and cons for you. The down side is that they are nearing 27/28 MCAT average and 3.6-3.6 cGPA and sGPA range for accepted students, but the good news is they accept ~85-90% in-state residents out of around 115 seats. Another thing that is good for OSU is they have several dual degree programs from DO/MPH to DO/PhD and even DO/MBA just to name a few, so if you want that PhD you have a shot to earn both at the same time! I would go ahead and do that masters program so that you aren't stuck in a stalemate doing nothing while time is passing, but one thing you must do is aim higher than a 3.5 in your masters program. OSU accepts higher than that from undergraduates and you can expect to held to a higher standard with you being in a graduate program. I wish you the best of luck in applying to either program!
Thanks for the information! I knew OSU had the dual DO/PhD because my brother has a few in his class right now who are in that particular program. I knew with my undergrad GPA and MCAT that I would not be competitive which is why I am going to pursue my masters. Knowing what I do now, I figure I will do really well in it. As bad as it is, I did not put forth much effort until my junior year which killed me. Had I put forth the effort I do now, I would probably have a 3.6 or higher and had made a 24 or better on the MCAT. Of course that's all speculation and it is something I cannot change. I figure the Masters program will allow me time to think if becoming a physician or a research scientist is what I want. Thanks again for the information!
