Is it already too late to apply & get in for the 15-16 cycle?

[DYiddo]

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Simple but very important question:
Am I too late now since it's November?

The school doesn't matter much to me, but I just want to get in.
And for fyi purposes, my GPA is a 3.8 and MCAT is 24 (PS 8, VR 6, BS 10) .... (first MCAT was a 21 - 7,5,9)
And I believe I have pretty solid LORs and extracurricular activities.

So what to do?
I'm really freaking out right now.

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[deleted407021]

This is actually the 2014-2015 cycle and applying now would be super late, reducing your chances significantly, especially with that MCAT with the VR6. I'd suggest waiting until the 2015-2016 cycle and maybe retaking the MCAT when it changes in 2015.

Take with a grain of salt and let others weigh in too. Great GPA, btw.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Well, for myself, super late would be December, but it is getting late in the cycle. There have been cases where people have applied even in January or February and have landed an acceptance. However, this meant their chances of landing an acceptance was greatly reduced. Your GPA is excellent and an MCAT retake would serve you well if you apply for the next cycle.

If you are satisfied with any school, then you can try your luck with some of the new schools. However, I think applying earlier the next cycle will give you a large chance at even the mid-tiers. I am give perspective here and not a clear cut answer, because it is not extremely late in the cycle and you GPA will be your saving grace (only the MCAT is holding you back). Hope things turn out well.

 

[MintLiminal]

I would agree with the above two posts...it's risky. I do know someone that applied to LMU very late, like February, and got in but am unsure about the stats. If you have the money to spare, it wouldn't hurt, but if you don't get in you will have to have improvements to discuss when you reapply.

 

[Goro]

If you were to get your secondary in now, it's not too late. But if you haven't started the process, then it's better to wait until next year.

The MCAT scores will limit you to the newest schools. Forget AZCOM, CCOM, Western and Touro-NY and -CA.

Simple but very important question:
Am I too late now since it's November?

The school doesn't matter much to me, but I just want to get in.
And for fyi purposes, my GPA is a 3.8 and MCAT is 24 (PS 8, VR 6, BS 10) .... (first MCAT was a 21 - 7,5,9)
And I believe I have pretty solid LORs and extracurricular activities.

So what to do?
I'm really freaking out right now.

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[DYiddo]

Thanks for the replies, guys!

What about for schools like LECOM, MUCOM, CUSOM, etc?
And if I do go ahead to apply right now, what other schools should I look at?

And as for applying for next cycle and taking a new MCAT for it, my main worry is that I will do poorer on the new style of MCAT because I barely had biochem. and socio, etc ... and it was all a while back.

I'm really tried with the MCAT, not becuase of actually studying for the whole of it ... but more so the English part. (It's not my first language)
I understand that my GPA is fine, but this MCAT has messed up my life.

I am starting to regret not applying sooner for this cycle, but there were so many dilemmas, problems to sort out.
Plus the thing is that I'm in my 2nd gap year atm, and I really don't want to go through a third.

Any more critical suggestions or opinions? Thanks!

(Oh and I really don't want to look at the Caribbean schools, unless someone really thinks that I should give it a look.)

 

[yanks26dmb]

Get yourself an EC that will really make you stand out. Apply first day next year.

 

[MintLiminal]

CUSOM has a minimum of 7 for each subject on the MCAT. The direct of admissions told me they're pretty strict about it but may be slightly lenient for verbal reasoning. I don't think I would apply there this late.

I've heard from a lot of doctors that the Caribbean schools are fine. From what I hear, they start out with a lot of students since they're easier to get into and weed out many of them. A few people did tell me don't go to Caribbean schools if you're really interested in a specialty, as those residencies might be more difficult to get into. None of that is definite though, just stuff I've heard.

 

[yanks26dmb]

@DYiddo I would have to disagree with @MintLiminal. There are active posters on this forum who went to a caribbean school, graduated, and were unable to get into residency. I know of at least one that is now applying DO so he can actually practice medicine.

Don't go to the Carib. Things are bad and only getting worse for the students that graduate from these schools.

 

[DYiddo]

Get yourself an EC that will really make you stand out. Apply first day next year.

EC such as?
And apply first day next year when ... like in Jan or when new applications start in June-ish?
And are you suggesting to also retake the MCAt or not?

 

[MintLiminal]

@DYiddo I would have to disagree with @MintLiminal. There are active posters on this forum who went to a caribbean school, graduated, and were unable to get into residency. I know of at least one that is now applying DO so he can actually practice medicine.

Don't go to the Carib. Things are bad and only getting worse for the students that graduate from these schools.

Definitely good to know!

 

[yanks26dmb]

EC such as?
And apply first day next year when ... like in Jan or when new applications start in June-ish?
And are you suggesting to also retake the MCAt or not?

Sorry - I meant first day of the new cycle..so early June. I was hired (as a volunteer/non-paid) by a Peruvian based non-profit to spend 4 months living down there, developing a health education program for the communities they support. I'm sure you can find something similar here in the states or overseas...just get on Idealist.org - that's what I used. Or better yet, start your own service project. During my interviews my business ownership + own service project were brought up multiple times. Maybe I'm naive, but I think they helped me stand out.

Just make sure you try to find something besides the typical, shadowing, hospital volunteering, 1-2 week alternative spring break type trips..

If you can mentally get yourself to study for the new mcat....go for it. Though, I suspect with your GPA you'll be able to get into a school with what you've got, provided you've got a solid application everywhere else.

 

[DYiddo]

If you were to get your secondary in now, it's not too late. But if you haven't started the process, then it's better to wait until next year.

The MCAT scores will limit you to the newest schools. Forget AZCOM, CCOM, Western and Touro-NY and -CA.

I still want to give it a shot at some schools for applying now.

I'd be over the moon to get in LECOM or LECOM at Seton Hill, since both are in-state for me.
Should I give it a go there?

What about MUCOM and CUSOM ... I know CUSOM has a 7 cut-off (and may be lenient for VR), but should I still try for that too, especially if I have a LOR from a DO that went here?
@MintLiminal ... any views from you regarding CUSOM given the LOR in mind?

Any other schools I should look at to apply now?
I really appreciate any help!

 

[DYiddo]

Sorry - I meant first day of the new cycle..so early June. I was hired (as a volunteer/non-paid) by a Peruvian based non-profit to spend 4 months living down there, developing a health education program for the communities they support. I'm sure you can find something similar here in the states or overseas...just get on Idealist.org - that's what I used. Or better yet, start your own service project. During my interviews my business ownership + own service project were brought up multiple times. Maybe I'm naive, but I think they helped me stand out.

Just make sure you try to find something besides the typical, shadowing, hospital volunteering, 1-2 week alternative spring break type trips..

If you can mentally get yourself to study for the new mcat....go for it. Though, I suspect with your GPA you'll be able to get into a school with what you've got, provided you've got a solid application everywhere else.

How does working as a Surgical attendant figure?
I started out as a volunteer there, but now I work part-time there since Spring. And I personally feel that I'm getting loads of experience from being in the OR, which I enjoy a lot.

 

[IslandStyle808]

I still want to give it a shot at some schools for applying now.

I'd be over the moon to get in LECOM or LECOM at Seton Hill, since both are in-state for me.
Should I give it a go there?

What about MUCOM and CUSOM ... I know CUSOM has a 7 cut-off (and may be lenient for VR), but should I still try for that too, especially if I have a LOR from a DO that went here?
@MintLiminal ... any views from you regarding CUSOM given the LOR in mind?

Any other schools I should look at to apply now?
I really appreciate any help!

If you really want to have a go at it then here are some more schools to add to your list: VCOM (all three), LMU-DCOM, ACOM, KYCOM, PNWU, and WVSOM. There are a couple of others, but am not sure of their cut offs for the MCAT (PCOM-ga and Touro-NV).

CUSOM had a hard cut off at 7. I did not make the cut with a VR of 6 myself this cycle. I don't know of any exceptions, but if someone one forum has been one then please comment. As for the letter helping you, I am doubtful that they read it at the pre-secondary portion of the process. Last cycle I had an LOR from a KCUMB grad, but was rejected from KCUMB because I did not meet the cut offs. So I don't think CUSOM will take the LOR into consideration.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

OP:

If you are dead set applying this cycle coming up, do it. In my opinion, if you don't care which school you go to, its worth the shot at starting next year rather than waiting an entire year. It may cost you a few grand this cycle, but in the grand scheme of things that is NOTHING. Add the 2k to your 250k of debt.

Also, you dont want to have to take the beast MCAT next year. A 24 will NOT keep you out of a school. My friend got into Western with a 24 and only a 3.5 GPA.

Here are the schools I would apply to if I were you:

ACOM
KYCOM
WCUCOM
PNWU
VCOM (all 3 campuses)
LMU
WVSOM

If you are willing to pay a little extra, I would MAYBE throw in CUSOM and LECOM.

 

[user3]

OP:

If you are dead set applying this cycle coming up, do it. In my opinion, if you don't care which school you go to, its worth the shot at starting next year rather than waiting an entire year. It may cost you a few grand this cycle, but in the grand scheme of things that is NOTHING. Add the 2k to your 250k of debt.

Also, you dont want to have to take the beast MCAT next year. A 24 will NOT keep you out of a school. My friend got into Western with a 24 and only a 3.5 GPA.

Here are the schools I would apply to if I were you:

ACOM
KYCOM
WCUCOM
PNWU
VCOM (all 3 campuses)
LMU
WVSOM

If you are willing to pay a little extra, I would MAYBE throw in CUSOM and LECOM.

to the Pomona campus? this year?

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

to the Pomona campus? this year?

Pomona campus two years ago.

 

[Goro]

How fast can you get your secondaries in? Be aware that you may end up merely interviewing for a spot on a wait list, rather than a seat.

And cut-offs are exactly that. If you fall below them, the school will appreciate your donation in the form the your app fee, but you won't get an II. You are expected to understand simple instructions, after all.

I still want to give it a shot at some schools for applying now.

I'd be over the moon to get in LECOM or LECOM at Seton Hill, since both are in-state for me.
Should I give it a go there?

What about MUCOM and CUSOM ... I know CUSOM has a 7 cut-off (and may be lenient for VR), but should I still try for that too, especially if I have a LOR from a DO that went here?
@MintLiminal ... any views from you regarding CUSOM given the LOR in mind?

Any other schools I should look at to apply now?
I really appreciate any help!

 

[DYiddo]

How fast can you get your secondaries in? Be aware that you may end up merely interviewing for a spot on a wait list, rather than a seat.

And cut-offs are exactly that. If you fall below them, the school will appreciate your donation in the form the your app fee, but you won't get an II. You are expected to understand simple instructions, after all.

Thanks ... point noted about the cutoffs.

As for the secondary, well first I have to send in my primary to the schools. And then if I get secondaries from any, I'll send them asap.

Btw, do you know if the lecom schools have cutoffs?

 

[yanks26dmb]

OP:

If you are dead set applying this cycle coming up, do it. In my opinion, if you don't care which school you go to, its worth the shot at starting next year rather than waiting an entire year. It may cost you a few grand this cycle, but in the grand scheme of things that is NOTHING. Add the 2k to your 250k of debt.

Also, you dont want to have to take the beast MCAT next year. A 24 will NOT keep you out of a school. My friend got into Western with a 24 and only a 3.5 GPA.

Here are the schools I would apply to if I were you:

ACOM
KYCOM
WCUCOM
PNWU
VCOM (all 3 campuses)
LMU
WVSOM

If you are willing to pay a little extra, I would MAYBE throw in CUSOM and LECOM.

I do think OP needs to consider more than just the monetary factors of applying this year. Sure it's possible to get in at this point, but it is getting late and if he doesn't land an acceptance he'll be a re-applicant at all of his non-reach/safety schools. Without having done much to improve his application between now and June, he's going to be at an even bigger disadvantage.

If I were OP I'd just wait and continue building EC's, taking classes, and apply first thing next year.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

I do think OP needs to consider more than just the monetary factors of applying this year. Sure it's possible to get in at this point, but it is getting late and if he doesn't land an acceptance he'll be a re-applicant at all of his non-reach/safety schools. Without having done much to improve his application between now and June, he's going to be at an even bigger disadvantage.

If I were OP I'd just wait and continue building EC's, taking classes, and apply first thing next year.

Although I agree to a point..who says the OP isn't going to improve his/her app if they dont get in? Also, I don't think the reapplicant think is as crazy in the D.O. world as it is in the M.D. world.

 

[DYiddo]

What are the disadvantages of the re-applicant thing that you guys are referring about?

 

[hallowmann]

I still want to give it a shot at some schools for applying now.

I'd be over the moon to get in LECOM or LECOM at Seton Hill, since both are in-state for me.
Should I give it a go there?

What about MUCOM and CUSOM ... I know CUSOM has a 7 cut-off (and may be lenient for VR), but should I still try for that too, especially if I have a LOR from a DO that went here?
@MintLiminal ... any views from you regarding CUSOM given the LOR in mind?

Any other schools I should look at to apply now?
I really appreciate any help!

Hey, if you have the money and time, go for it. IslandStyle808 and SynapticsDoctah have given you good lists. If LECOM is in state for you, and again you have the money, definitely apply.

I do think OP needs to consider more than just the monetary factors of applying this year. Sure it's possible to get in at this point, but it is getting late and if he doesn't land an acceptance he'll be a re-applicant at all of his non-reach/safety schools. Without having done much to improve his application between now and June, he's going to be at an even bigger disadvantage.

If I were OP I'd just wait and continue building EC's, taking classes, and apply first thing next year.

Being a reapplicant is virtually meaningless at most DO schools. As long as the app is even a little different (like an extra EC), it actually becomes meaningless. Downside is overstated. I know many people that reapplied and the only difference was timing, and they had significantly different outcomes (i.e. many more interviews and multiple acceptances).

It actually is a big deal at some MD schools, but not really at DO schools.

 

[MintLiminal]

I still want to give it a shot at some schools for applying now.

I'd be over the moon to get in LECOM or LECOM at Seton Hill, since both are in-state for me.
Should I give it a go there?

What about MUCOM and CUSOM ... I know CUSOM has a 7 cut-off (and may be lenient for VR), but should I still try for that too, especially if I have a LOR from a DO that went here?
@MintLiminal ... any views from you regarding CUSOM given the LOR in mind?

Any other schools I should look at to apply now?
I really appreciate any help!

I think I said it earlier but I'd recommend LMU-DCOM.

When I went to apply to CUSOM last year, around the same time as you, they told me to wait, especially because of my Mcat (P 6, V 10, B 10). They did tell me if my verbal had been the six I would have maybe had a shot. Applied this year with a new Mcat of 29, gpa around 3.5 and shadowed and had recommendation from DO that worked at the school. I do have a history of bad grades but over 40 hours of all A's afterward, mostly science, that showed my improvement. I was turned down without a secondary, I think even though they are new they're already quite competitive. School was very nice though...Awesome anatomy lab.

 

[yanks26dmb]

Hey, if you have the money and time, go for it. IslandStyle808 and SynapticsDoctah have given you good lists. If LECOM is in state for you, and again you have the money, definitely apply.



Being a reapplicant is virtually meaningless at most DO schools. As long as the app is even a little different (like an extra EC), it actually becomes meaningless. Downside is overstated. I know many people that reapplied and the only difference was timing, and they had significantly different outcomes (i.e. many more interviews and multiple acceptances).

It actually is a big deal at some MD schools, but not really at DO schools.

Did not know that. I assumed being a re-app with a very similar application would make things very tough. If that's the case for DO, I stand corrected.

 

[hallowmann]

Did not know that. I assumed being a re-app with a very similar application would make things very tough. If that's the case for DO, I stand corrected.

Personally, I think the idea of a reapplicant being looked at more negatively is ridiculous. I mean everyone and their mother knows that timing can make or break an app the same way a few MCAT points or a couple tenths of a GPA can, so what's the point of looking down on people who apply late one cycle and reapply early the next.

You're right though. Like I said, it does seem to be an issue at some schools (some MDs), but not really as big of one at DO schools.

 

[awildfandango]

Are you saying a re-applicant in general or reapplying to a same school? I've only applied to a few schools late in the cycle knowing more than likely I won't get in this year.

 

[yanks26dmb]

Are you saying a re-applicant in general or reapplying to a same school? I've only applied to a few schools late in the cycle knowing more than likely I won't get in this year.

Same school

 

[keels99]

Simple but very important question:
Am I too late now since it's November?

The school doesn't matter much to me, but I just want to get in.
And for fyi purposes, my GPA is a 3.8 and MCAT is 24 (PS 8, VR 6, BS 10) .... (first MCAT was a 21 - 7,5,9)
And I believe I have pretty solid LORs and extracurricular activities.

So what to do?
I'm really freaking out right now.

Thanks for any help!!!

Hey OP, I applied in FEBRUARY last year and got accepted, so don't listen to the naysayers! And, no, my stats were not incredible by any means. Message me if you need any advice.

Good luck!

 

[calculatingclipper]

Hey OP, I applied in FEBRUARY last year and got accepted, so don't listen to the naysayers! And, no, my stats were not incredible by any means. Message me if you need any advice.

Good luck!

How come your accepted for Class of 2019? Wouldnt that mean you applied this cycle or do schools give out acceptances for people to defer a year?

 

[IslandStyle808]

How come your accepted for Class of 2019? Wouldnt that mean you applied this cycle or do schools give out acceptances for people to defer a year?

I am going to take a guess and say he/she was accepted for the following year. DO schools have been known to do that.

 

[keels99]

How come your accepted for Class of 2019? Wouldnt that mean you applied this cycle or do schools give out acceptances for people to defer a year?

I was accepted pending an open seat since I interviewed in April and the class was full. I called and purposely deferred my acceptance, because I could have figured out literally the day before class starts that I would have to move across the country.

 

[IslandStyle808]

I was accepted pending an open seat since I interviewed in April and the class was full. I called and purposely deferred my acceptance, because I could have figured out literally the day before class starts that I would have to move across the country.

It is interesting they gave you the acceptance like that. I would think they would give it for the following year in your scenario. Were you put ahead of the wait list or behind in your case? It seems strange that you were waiting so long for an open seat that you had to defer.

 

[keels99]

It is interesting they gave you the acceptance like that. I would think they would give it for the following year in your scenario. Were you put ahead of the wait list or behind in your case? It seems strange that you were waiting so long for an open seat that you had to defer.

Well everyone is like that at SOMA. If you are interviewed when the class is full, you are accepted "pending an open seat". If no seats open up you are automatically accepted for the next year. I just chose to defer rather than wait to see if a seat opened up.

Edit: I would like to add I wasnt "wait listed." I was accepted. The wait list doesn't get accepted for the following year

 

[IslandStyle808]

Well everyone is like that at SOMA. If you are interviewed when the class is full, you are accepted "pending an open seat". If no seats open up you are automatically accepted for the next year. I just chose to defer rather than wait to see if a seat opened up.

Edit: I would like to add I wasnt "wait listed." I was accepted. The wait list doesn't get accepted for the following year

Okay I see what you are saying. I know you weren't waitlist, I just found it strange that you had to wait a long time for a seat to open up. I would think that you would have first shot at the next seat and then the wait list starts after that (again not saying you are in the wait list here). When did you call to defer?

 

[keels99]

Okay I see what you are saying. I know you weren't waitlist, I just found it strange that you had to wait a long time for a seat to open up. I would think that you would have first shot at the next seat and then the wait list starts after that (again not saying you are in the wait list here). When did you call to defer?

Right after I got accepted at the end of April. They said that I could find out as late as July (the month school starts) that I was accepted for the current year. As far as I know, there wasn't much movement after my interview, so it wouldn't have made a difference anyway. I had already signed a new lease prior to my interview invite and didn't want to bargain on paying an early termination fee. Also, I didn't feel like I would have enough time to research places to live (or even find a place to live) if I found out on such short notice. In the end, it worked out better. I was just glad I didn't have to reapply a second year, especially after such a late application.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Right after I got accepted at the end of April. They said that I could find out as late as July (the month school starts) that I was accepted for the current year. As far as I know, there wasn't much movement after my interview, so it wouldn't have made a difference anyway. I had already signed a new lease prior to my interview invite and didn't want to bargain on paying an early termination fee. Also, I didn't feel like I would have enough time to research places to live (or even find a place to live) if I found out on such short notice. In the end, it worked out better. I was just glad I didn't have to reapply a second year, especially after such a late application.

I probably would have done the same in your situation. I was on the wait list for a school last cycle, but decided to withdraw two weeks before (the move would have been far and not enough time to adjust).

Well, congrats again to you and hope things workout well for you in the future.

 

[keels99]

I probably would have done the same in your situation. I was on the wait list for a school last cycle, but decided to withdraw two weeks before (the move would have been far and not enough time to adjust).

Well, congrats again to you and hope things workout well for you in the future.

Thanks! I am already itching to start in July. I guess I will focus on completing my HPSP scholarship for now.

 

[GameTheory29]

I got a little behind on filling out secondaries and I was planning to knock the rest out this week (I finished two over the last couple days). I'm sensing there's a split among posters about whether or not it is too late. I've had the primary in for a while but I got sidetracked as I became chief scribe at our program in a hurry when the other one left all of a sudden and I got a little pushed back trying to adjust to all the changes.

I have a 3.45 32 MCAT, I know the GPA isn't superb but do I have a fighting chance for some interviews if I were to finish all the secondaries over this Thanksgiving weekend. Graduated in 2012. I wanted to be really on the ball but then I just got a little behind and now it's late November.

Also does applying this late in the cycle have interviewers give you a tough time (i.e. are you applying to DO schools as a backup? is that why you're applying in November?) I do believe the osteopathic philosophy is more in line of what I feel it means to be a physician, even though I did learn more in-depth about osteopathic medicine just this year.


Any feedback would be appreciated. I wasn't as anxious seeing some of the late deadlines, but then these threads have me getting very concerned.

 

[keels99]

I got a little behind on filling out secondaries and I was planning to knock the rest out this week (I finished two over the last couple days). I'm sensing there's a split among posters about whether or not it is too late. I've had the primary in for a while but I got sidetracked as I became chief scribe at our program in a hurry when the other one left all of a sudden and I got a little pushed back trying to adjust to all the changes.

I have a 3.45 32 MCAT, I know the GPA isn't superb but do I have a fighting chance for some interviews if I were to finish all the secondaries over this Thanksgiving weekend. Graduated in 2012. I wanted to be really on the ball but then I just got a little behind and now it's late November.

Also does applying this late in the cycle have interviewers give you a tough time (i.e. are you applying to DO schools as a backup? is that why you're applying in November?) I do believe the osteopathic philosophy is more in line of what I feel it means to be a physician, even though I did learn more in-depth about osteopathic medicine just this year.


Any feedback would be appreciated. I wasn't as anxious seeing some of the late deadlines, but then these threads have me getting very concerned.

I was never asked if I was applying to MD or if DO was a back up. However, in my personal statement I wrote about the reasons why I was interested in Osteopathic medicine. So they may not have asked me strictly because of that.

 

[IslandStyle808]

I got a little behind on filling out secondaries and I was planning to knock the rest out this week (I finished two over the last couple days). I'm sensing there's a split among posters about whether or not it is too late. I've had the primary in for a while but I got sidetracked as I became chief scribe at our program in a hurry when the other one left all of a sudden and I got a little pushed back trying to adjust to all the changes.

I have a 3.45 32 MCAT, I know the GPA isn't superb but do I have a fighting chance for some interviews if I were to finish all the secondaries over this Thanksgiving weekend. Graduated in 2012. I wanted to be really on the ball but then I just got a little behind and now it's late November.

Also does applying this late in the cycle have interviewers give you a tough time (i.e. are you applying to DO schools as a backup? is that why you're applying in November?) I do believe the osteopathic philosophy is more in line of what I feel it means to be a physician, even though I did learn more in-depth about osteopathic medicine just this year.


Any feedback would be appreciated. I wasn't as anxious seeing some of the late deadlines, but then these threads have me getting very concerned.

Since you are already in the secondary phase, you should be fine (your stats are above average so this helps). Late to me would be filling out secondaries at the end of December.

 

[GameTheory29]

Since you are already in the secondary phase, you should be fine (your stats are above average so this helps). Late to me would be filling out secondaries at the end of December.

Appreciate the quick responses, I asked something similar in another thread. I felt like I was alright in the general ballpark. Ideally earlier would be better, but can't dwell on that now

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Although I agree to a point..who says the OP isn't going to improve his/her app if they dont get in? Also, I don't think the reapplicant think is as crazy in the D.O. world as it is in the M.D. world.

Actually I think it is. Many schools I interviewed at last year outright rejected me this year. So yes, reapplication without improvement is not good. Better to apply next year.