Is this wrong advice?

[Mx300]

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So a couple weeks ago I met with a director of a SMP to talk about their program and whether it would be a fit for me. He told me right of the bat that my stats which are 3.8 cgpa 3.7sgpa and mcat of 27 10v 10b 7p are not competitive for ANY med school including DO schools. He then said I shouldn't apply this cycle and do the program retake the mcat and apply next year. Is this even right? He also said I needed to bump up my mcat by 8 points.. This is pretty much contrary to what I've been told by my university advisor. Who said that I should be fine for DO schools if I apply broadly. Idk this kind of took me aback and I don't know if he is trying to get me to do their program or if he doesn't really know much about DO schools. This is in a region that does not have a lot of DOs. So what do u guys think?

 

[bcurtis]

HAHAHA wow, some adviser's ignorance really scares me for the concern of students.

That adviser has no idea what he/she is talking about. For a osteopathic school (DO), those stats would get a lot of love from a wide variety of schools. Maybe the adviser thought you were talking about allopathic schools (MD). In which case your stats would be on the low side. Good GPA, but low MCAT for MD schools. If you want to apply the DO route, I would be speechless if you didn't get an acceptance at most of the top tier schools.

Your university adviser is correct, the SMP adviser is horribly wrong.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Sounds like a load of bull. If you just look at the stats alone, MD is hopefully ONLY if you live in a state that has lower numbers (aka not CA). DO you have a fair enough shot if you apply to enough schools and apply early. I think the average for a lot of DO schools is 28-29 MCAT and like a 3.5-3.6 gpa. So you are right around that ballpark.

Do an smp and bump up your MCAT by 8 if you want to get into a top 20 allopathic haha

 

[JDMcNugent]

Did he mistake your mcat to be a 17 instead of a 27? I would think that you would be competitive for almost any DO program. They may just be trying to get you to enroll in their SMP.

 

[primadonna22274]

Absolutely ludicrous. Ignore anything that idiot told you and talk to somebody else. Good luck.

 

[Ogmora]

Obviously the guy wants you to enroll in his program...$$$

 

[Goro]

*sigh*
That program director is either a *****, avaricious or both. While MD schools maybe problematic, you're fine for any DO program, including mine. The avg MCAT for an MD acceptee is 32, BTW. There's nothing wrong with your GPA..the MCAT is the concern for MD schools, and even then, you might have a chance at some of the low tiers or the newest programs.

Therefore, starting June, get those apps out! And I hope you'll apply to my school...somewhere west of St Louis.

So a couple weeks ago I met with a director of a SMP to talk about their program and whether it would be a fit for me. He told me right of the bat that my stats which are 3.8 cgpa 3.7sgpa and mcat of 27 10v 10b 7p are not competitive for ANY med school including DO schools. He then said I shouldn't apply this cycle and do the program retake the mcat and apply next year. Is this even right? He also said I needed to bump up my mcat by 8 points.. This is pretty much contrary to what I've been told by my university advisor. Who said that I should be fine for DO schools if I apply broadly. Idk this kind of took me aback and I don't know if he is trying to get me to do their program or if he doesn't really know much about DO schools. This is in a region that does not have a lot of DOs. So what do u guys think?

 

[DocWinter]

Is there something about your app your adviser knows but you didn't put on here? 'cus those #s are really strong for DO acceptance. I would avoid advice from people who have something to gain by you taking their advice...like your money while you plug through their SMP.

 

[theworldatlarge]

You look good for most DO programs. Depending on where you live you could even possibly get some love from your in-state MD schools. Complete bad advice given by this person, like previous posters have said it's probably about money!

 

[Sean Lee]

Sounds like a load of bull. If you just look at the stats alone, MD is hopefully ONLY if you live in a state that has lower numbers (aka not CA). DO you have a fair enough shot if you apply to enough schools and apply early. I think the average for a lot of DO schools is 28-29 MCAT and like a 3.5-3.6 gpa. So you are right around that ballpark.

Do an smp and bump up your MCAT by 8 if you want to get into a top 20 allopathic haha

Last time I checked (a couple weeks ago?), the average matriculant to DO schools have a 26 MCAT.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Last time I checked (a couple weeks ago?), the average matriculant to DO schools have a 26 MCAT.

He said for a lot, not as an average of all.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

So a couple weeks ago I met with a director of a SMP to talk about their program and whether it would be a fit for me. He told me right of the bat that my stats which are 3.8 cgpa 3.7sgpa and mcat of 27 10v 10b 7p are not competitive for ANY med school including DO schools. He then said I shouldn't apply this cycle and do the program retake the mcat and apply next year. Is this even right? He also said I needed to bump up my mcat by 8 points.. This is pretty much contrary to what I've been told by my university advisor. Who said that I should be fine for DO schools if I apply broadly. Idk this kind of took me aback and I don't know if he is trying to get me to do their program or if he doesn't really know much about DO schools. This is in a region that does not have a lot of DOs. So what do u guys think?

You have been here 7 years?

Your GPA is a bit higher than mine (same MCAT) and I received 7 interview invites this cycle. Apply broadly and you will have 2-3 acceptances by the end.

 

[Mx300]

Is there something about your app your adviser knows but you didn't put on here? 'cus those #s are really strong for DO acceptance. I would avoid advice from people who have something to gain by you taking their advice...like your money while you plug through their SMP.

There are more positive and negative stuff involved in my app but the advisor only knew my stats. And he knew it was a 27 we were talking about it for awhile. I just thought the whole meeting was weird. At one point he said that if I could fix my mcat on my own I wouldn't have to do an SMP and that he just saved me 40k.

 

[Mx300]

Also he backtracked at the end of the convo and said that maybe I would get into one DO school but it would be a new one.. I'm just like soo.... It's medschool.. Anyway I didn't like the program even though it's at a reputable school I'm not going to attend even if accepted. I'm just glad ppl here agree and think it's weird as well.

 

[Kerosene Hat]

Let me put it this way: do you think he doesn't want you to apply to his program?

 

[mke520]

I'd side with Goro on this one and say that the director is a *****...you'll get into a DO program no problem with those stats

 

[chizledfrmstone]

"Proximity to power deludes some into thinking they wield it." - Frank Underwood

27 + 8 points = 35 MCAT.

I have no idea where some pre-med advisors and directors get such high standards from.

 

[CSqueed]

So a couple weeks ago I met with a director of a SMP to talk about their program and whether it would be a fit for me. He told me right of the bat that my stats which are 3.8 cgpa 3.7sgpa and mcat of 27 10v 10b 7p are not competitive for ANY med school including DO schools. He then said I shouldn't apply this cycle and do the program retake the mcat and apply next year. Is this even right? He also said I needed to bump up my mcat by 8 points.. This is pretty much contrary to what I've been told by my university advisor. Who said that I should be fine for DO schools if I apply broadly. Idk this kind of took me aback and I don't know if he is trying to get me to do their program or if he doesn't really know much about DO schools. This is in a region that does not have a lot of DOs. So what do u guys think?

@user3 Put on a good show for us here. A good show.

 

[misseskwee]

So a couple weeks ago I met with a director of a SMP to talk about their program and whether it would be a fit for me. He told me right of the bat that my stats which are 3.8 cgpa 3.7sgpa and mcat of 27 10v 10b 7p are not competitive for ANY med school including DO schools. He then said I shouldn't apply this cycle and do the program retake the mcat and apply next year. Is this even right? He also said I needed to bump up my mcat by 8 points.. This is pretty much contrary to what I've been told by my university advisor. Who said that I should be fine for DO schools if I apply broadly. Idk this kind of took me aback and I don't know if he is trying to get me to do their program or if he doesn't really know much about DO schools. This is in a region that does not have a lot of DOs. So what do u guys think?

OP, coincidentally, we have the exact same cgpa, sgpa, and my mcat was also 27 (although it was 8ps, 9vr, 10bs). I got accepted to DO school for the fall 🙂 if you have good LORs and a variety of meaningful ECs, I would expect you to get into one or more DO schools, if you apply broadly and wisely 🙂

Goodluck!

 

[stlrams22]

So a couple weeks ago I met with a director of a SMP to talk about their program and whether it would be a fit for me. He told me right of the bat that my stats which are 3.8 cgpa 3.7sgpa and mcat of 27 10v 10b 7p are not competitive for ANY med school including DO schools. He then said I shouldn't apply this cycle and do the program retake the mcat and apply next year. Is this even right? He also said I needed to bump up my mcat by 8 points.. This is pretty much contrary to what I've been told by my university advisor. Who said that I should be fine for DO schools if I apply broadly. Idk this kind of took me aback and I don't know if he is trying to get me to do their program or if he doesn't really know much about DO schools. This is in a region that does not have a lot of DOs. So what do u guys think?

They want your money. What program and what was the director's name?

 

[Mx300]

They want your money. What program and what was the director's name?

I don't want to say. But it was at a reputable school. I would strongly suggest that if someone wants to do an SMP then they should visit every school that there interested in. I attended two open houses and arranged a private tour and meeting at another. And I'm so glad that I did. Websites can be misleading and my rankings of the schools switched around once I visited them. Even thought the programs can seem repetitive about what they offer the vibe and and attitude of the programs can be very different.

 

[stlrams22]

I don't want to say. But it was at a reputable school. I would strongly suggest that if someone wants to do an SMP then they should visit every school that there interested in. I attended two open houses and arranged a private tour and meeting at another. And I'm so glad that I did. Websites can be misleading and my rankings of the schools switched around once I visited them. Even thought the programs can seem repetitive about what they offer the vibe and and attitude of the programs can be very different.

I understand, I hope you avoid this one since they are misleading you and most likely intentionally. If they don't have an understanding of DO admissions, how can they properly advise you? I hope you avoid an SMP altogether, just retake all classes below a B.

 

[coolingglasses]

lol that encounter alone makes me not want to touch that program with a ten-foot rod.

numerically speaking you should be solid for DO.

 

[Mx300]

I understand, I hope you avoid this one since they are misleading you and most likely intentionally. If they don't have an understanding of DO admissions, how can they properly advise you? I hope you avoid an SMP altogether, just retake all classes below a B.

I don't have any classes below a B. I know that I don't need Gpa repair. I'm looking to so an SMP because of personal issues. I have been out of school now for 2 years and done two cycles (in Texas only) and haven't got any interviews. I want to be prepared for med school and I've talked to many students who have done these types of programs and are now first years and they said it helped tremendously. I feel like it would. I know that many ppl would not be doing an SMP in my position but there are other personal reasons for my decision. And yes I would personally advise ppl to avoid this program but again personally, not over the Internet. All of the program directors for these programs made a mention of SDN so I know they come on here.

 

[Starry]

I don't have any classes below a B. I know that I don't need Gpa repair. I'm looking to so an SMP because of personal issues. I have been out of school now for 2 years and done two cycles (in Texas only) and haven't got any interviews. I want to be prepared for med school and I've talked to many students who have done these types of programs and are now first years and they said it helped tremendously. I feel like it would. I know that many ppl would not be doing an SMP in my position but there are other personal reasons for my decision. And yes I would personally advise ppl to avoid this program but again personally, not over the Internet. All of the program directors for these programs made a mention of SDN so I know they come on here.

I'm surprised you haven't gotten any interviews. I feel like you would at least be alright for TCOM, TT-El Paso, etc. I sincerely feel like a SMP would be a waste of time and money for you, especially since you don't need GPA repair. Yes, students may say that it helped tremendously, but I'm sure most students haven't done a SMP and are doing fine.

Unless your personal reasons are overwhelmingly compelling, I would just avoid SMPs and just save up money, enroll in a prep course, and retake the MCAT.

 

[Mx300]

I'm surprised you haven't gotten any interviews. I feel like you would at least be alright for TCOM, TT-El Paso, etc. I sincerely feel like a SMP would be a waste of time and money for you, especially since you don't need GPA repair. Yes, students may say that it helped tremendously, but I'm sure most students haven't done a SMP and are doing fine.

Unless your personal reasons are overwhelmingly compelling, I would just avoid SMPs and just save up money, enroll in a prep course, and retake the MCAT.

Well I've taken it three times. I made some stupid mistakes regarding the MCAT and now I'm paying for it. I've done everything under the sun besides improving my MCAT, and I'm planning on my fourth and final retake. This time I'm taking things seriously. I am eyeing tcoms SMP because I really like the program and it's cheap I think it will suit me. As there is a built in mcat prep during the summer. If I don't get into tcom then I might not do a SMP. I feel like my reasons are compelling lol. Maybe not to some, but to me yes.

 

[ninjaman22]

I thought SMPs were for someone with lower GPA and not lower MCAT? Your GPA looks fine.

 

[MJS4878]

I would have to agree with everyone else. An SMP is going to cost you both time and money and it doesn't guarantee an acceptance by any means. Not to mention that you clearly don't need any GPA repair. It's march so start studying full time for the MCAT. Retake it in May or June and get that 30+

 

[Mx300]

I would have to agree with everyone else. An SMP is going to cost you both time and money and it doesn't guarantee an acceptance by any means. Not to mention that you clearly don't need any GPA repair. It's march so start studying full time for the MCAT. Retake it in May or June and get that 30+

The way I'm looking at it is that if someone has a good Gpa then they most likely will succeed in an SMP if given focus. I'm gonna have a gap year anyway as I'm applying this cycle. Tcoms med sci program has good linkage if u maintain a 3.5 or higher in their program. So if I do this program then I have a higher chance at getting a tcom acceptance. I also have a year of preparing for med school. I'll be out
20k but I don't have any undergrad debt. Now the out of state smps I'm a bit hesitant about cuz the cost would be around 60k so I'm still on the fence about it.

 

[MJS4878]

The way I'm looking at it is that if someone has a good Gpa then they most likely will succeed in an SMP if given focus. I'm gonna have a gap year anyway as I'm applying this cycle. Tcoms med sci program has good linkage if u maintain a 3.5 or higher in their program. So if I do this program then I have a higher chance at getting a tcom acceptance. I also have a year of preparing for med school. I'll be out
20k but I don't have any undergrad debt. Now the out of state smps I'm a bit hesitant about cuz the cost would be around 60k so I'm still on the fence about it.

How are your EC's and LOR's?

I see your point, but I just think it is a bit of a risk. What if you don't maintain a 3.5? Now you're out 20k, your GPA suffers, and adcoms will wonder why you bothered with an SMP in the first place.

 

[Mx300]

How are your EC's and LOR's?

I see your point, but I just think it is a bit of a risk. What if you don't maintain a 3.5? Now you're out 20k, your GPA suffers, and adcoms will wonder why you bothered with an SMP in the first place.

My ECs are decent and I have a lot of LORs. Students who don't make the cut and are a bit below a 3.5 will usually be good for other DO schools. But to be honest if I don't maintain a 3.5 or something close to it the I would be questioning my ability to succeed in med school. Because ur taking some of the exact same courses at around 75% the speed. It's a good test run. Tcom has this option were u can do an extra 6 months and get a masters in clinical research management. So at least I can get a job with it if all else fails. I know for a fact that there is a need for people in this field in my area. I have connections for a job if I go that route.

 

[MJS4878]

Well the decision is ultimately up to you and it sounds like you've really thought it through.

It's just that I managed to get 7 acceptances to DO schools this cycle with GPA's significantly lower than yours and an MCAT only one point higher so I feel like you can do it without having to do an SMP.

 

[Mx300]

Well the decision is ultimately up to you and it sounds like you've really thought it through.

It's just that I managed to get 7 acceptances to DO schools this cycle with GPA's significantly lower than yours and an MCAT only one point higher so I feel like you can do it without having to do an SMP.

That makes me feel a whole lot better 🙂 and congrats!! Do u mind sharing which schools accepted u? I just want to do something proactive during my gap year. I'm taking genetics now and there really isn't any other course besides microbio that I can really take at an undergrad level. I have not been successful finding a full time job in my area with my degree that doesn't require like a 2 year commitment. So I'm working part time for like 9 an hour. I've done research, volunteer work and shadowing. And I'm itching to get back to school. I'm a nerd lol and I love school and weirdly I can't afford it if I'm not full time.

 

[MJS4878]

That makes me feel a whole lot better 🙂 and congrats!! Do u mind sharing which schools accepted u? I just want to do something proactive during my gap year. I'm taking genetics now and there really isn't any other course besides microbio that I can really take at an undergrad level. I have not been successful finding a full time job in my area with my degree that doesn't require like a 2 year commitment. So I'm working part time for like 9 an hour. I've done research, volunteer work and shadowing. And I'm itching to get back to school. I'm a nerd lol and I love school and weirdly I can't afford it if I'm not full time.

Sure!

I received ii's from LECOM-E, WVSOM, DMU, NSU, ACOM, Marian, ATSU-KCOM, Touro-NY, and Liberty. I went to all of them except for WVSOM and then was accepted to all except for LECOM-E

 

[Starry]

My ECs are decent and I have a lot of LORs. Students who don't make the cut and are a bit below a 3.5 will usually be good for other DO schools. But to be honest if I don't maintain a 3.5 or something close to it the I would be questioning my ability to succeed in med school. Because ur taking some of the exact same courses at around 75% the speed. It's a good test run. Tcom has this option were u can do an extra 6 months and get a masters in clinical research management. So at least I can get a job with it if all else fails. I know for a fact that there is a need for people in this field in my area. I have connections for a job if I go that route.

I understand your situation now. This seems like an awesome plan. MedSci is a great program, relatively cheap too. At least you would be improving your prospects for a job even if things don't go well.

 

[brew]

Well I've taken it three times. I made some stupid mistakes regarding the MCAT and now I'm paying for it. I've done everything under the sun besides improving my MCAT, and I'm planning on my fourth and final retake. This time I'm taking things seriously. I am eyeing tcoms SMP because I really like the program and it's cheap I think it will suit me. As there is a built in mcat prep during the summer. If I don't get into tcom then I might not do a SMP. I feel like my reasons are compelling lol. Maybe not to some, but to me yes.

I'm currently in the Med Sci program at UNT-HSC. I didn't feel like they gave you enough time in the summer to effectively study for the MCAT and take the biostatistics class. I didn't take the MCAT class though. If you have time now, even if you do the med sci program, I would just start studying for the MCAT now. They give you princeton review materials. I liked using Berkeley review stuff, so I probably would not have been happy with this either. Also, you get charged $1xxx for the MCAT prep so you're basically paying for the princeton review prep class.

 

[Mx300]

I'm currently in the Med Sci program at UNT-HSC. I didn't feel like they gave you enough time in the summer to effectively study for the MCAT and take the biostatistics class. I didn't take the MCAT class though. If you have time now, even if you do the med sci program, I would just start studying for the MCAT now. They give you princeton review materials. I liked using Berkeley review stuff, so I probably would not have been happy with this either. Also, you get charged $1xxx for the MCAT prep so you're basically paying for the princeton review prep class.

Thanks for the advice. I am currently studying for the mcat and thankfully I only need to improve in one section to bring my score up (ps). I've been pretty consistent in bio and verbal. So I'm working on that now. When do u usually take the mcat if ur doing the prep? Can your take it in July? Also can I ask when u knew that u were accepted? Like what month? Cuz I'm been complete for about 3 weeks and haven't heard anything.

 

[brew]

Thanks for the advice. I am currently studying for the mcat and thankfully I only need to improve in one section to bring my score up (ps). I've been pretty consistent in bio and verbal. So I'm working on that now. When do u usually take the mcat if ur doing the prep? Can your take it in July? Also can I ask when u knew that u were accepted? Like what month? Cuz I'm been complete for about 3 weeks and haven't heard anything.

I think most people took it during the break between summer semester and fall semester. (early/mid august)
Some people took the MCAT in September and some people are waiting until this upcoming summer. The MCAT class starts in June and ends in early August from what I remember. If you take it in July, you would lose out on some class sessions.

I would read this thread for some useful information and feedback from other students. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/info-on-univ-north-texas-tcom-medical-masters.581527
There is another thread for those applying this year. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/unthsc-ms-med-sci-program-2013-2014.1041706/

I saw that I posted on there that my application was marked complete on 03/08/2013 and I was accepted on 03/27/2013.
I felt like some people were given acceptances really late, which must have been really hard on them to find an apartment and get everything figured out.

Good luck with the MCAT prep!

 

[cabinbuilder]

So a couple weeks ago I met with a director of a SMP to talk about their program and whether it would be a fit for me. He told me right of the bat that my stats which are 3.8 cgpa 3.7sgpa and mcat of 27 10v 10b 7p are not competitive for ANY med school including DO schools. He then said I shouldn't apply this cycle and do the program retake the mcat and apply next year. Is this even right? He also said I needed to bump up my mcat by 8 points.. This is pretty much contrary to what I've been told by my university advisor. Who said that I should be fine for DO schools if I apply broadly. Idk this kind of took me aback and I don't know if he is trying to get me to do their program or if he doesn't really know much about DO schools. This is in a region that does not have a lot of DOs. So what do u guys think?

He's high. Your numbers are fine.

 

[brew]

Thanks for the advice. I am currently studying for the mcat and thankfully I only need to improve in one section to bring my score up (ps). I've been pretty consistent in bio and verbal. So I'm working on that now. When do u usually take the mcat if ur doing the prep? Can your take it in July? Also can I ask when u knew that u were accepted? Like what month? Cuz I'm been complete for about 3 weeks and haven't heard anything.

Sorry, I forgot to mention, I don't think you need the TCOM program. Your stats are really good and once you get your MCAT to say 30, you would have a good shot at most MD schools in TX and TCOM. Good luck with MCAT prep!