low mcat but high gpa..WHAT TO DO!

[selena7866]

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Is it impossible to get into an MD school with a 25R on the Mcat. Sadly, i took it two times already and each time i had an unfortunate circumstance. I know i could do better but unforunately i cant even show that through my mcat anymore but i believe my gpa reflects my academic ability. My gpa is a 3.92 with my science being 3.91.

I have tremendous amounts of extracurriculars and shadowing experience. I even volunteered in for many health care institutions in my undergrad years I am pretty sure i have gotten really good letters from all the physicians and teachers. I have already sent in my primaries in late july to both MD and DO schools.

Is it pointless to go forth and send in some of the md ones. Do i have at least a shot in my state. I was hoping they could look at my high gpa and well written PS to make up for that but i know mcat is significant and cant be overlooked. I realyl dont kno wwhat to pursue anymore. I am ok with do schools but jus twanted to know if its completely pointless to even apply to MD. I have heard of some stories where ppl get in if they have amazing everythign else. I was hoping i could be one of those lucky people... I am very concerned about this. Does anyone have any suggestions

 

[Catalystik]

I know a number of applicants who got into MD schools with 25s. If you have excellent ECs, it isn't unreasonable for you to submit Secondaries to some less-selective med schools. You probably have a 35-40% chance of an MD acceptance (looking at old AAMCA data), which is way better than having no chance at all.

 

[selena7866]

oh ok. thanks for that.. I live in the state of illinois. I mean there is only one DO school here, which is why i cant be just relying on that to get in. THats why i had applied to MD schools and hoped i would have a chance at least at all schools. I am really scared. Do you think in illinois its easier?

 

[Reaction]

With your scores and ecs I would apply to a mixture of MD/DO schools=]

 

[Meerkatology]

are you hispanic by any chance

 

[Catalystik]

I live in the state of illinois. I mean there is only one DO school here, which is why i cant be just relying on that to get in. THats why i had applied to MD schools and hoped i would have a chance at least at all schools. I am really scared. Do you think in illinois its easier?

Illinois has two fairly forgiving state schools. Your best chance is probably at UIC unless you happen to live south of I-80, in which case SIU will consider you too. I know of someone who got accepted there with a 24.

Certainly you have a better chance at a DO school, but CCOM is one of the more selective ones. It would be a good idea to add more DO schools to your list to improve your odds. Is there some reason you can't leave your home state?

 

[selena7866]

no im not hispanic. im asian. and as for leaving my state, i REALLY do not want to and my family prefers that i am close which is why i applied to closer schools even if out of state like des moines and some schools by where my aunt and uncle are at in NJ and PA. So you're saying i wont have a chance in ccom? i really want to get in there. i was thinking i had a good shot.

 

[Catalystik]

So you're saying i wont have a chance in ccom? i really want to get in there. i was thinking i had a good shot.

I did not at all mean to imply you could not get into CCOM, just that putting all your eggs in a few baskets isn't the best approach to having a successful application year. I would hope that your high GPA compensates for the below average MCAT score, but I can't guarantee you that

Here is CCOM's student profile:

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Class of 2012 Profile:
Average GPA (cumulative): 3.53
Average GPA (science): 3.45
Average MCAT: 27
(source: http://www.midwestern.edu/ccom, @admissions via phone )

Applied: 3,200
Accepted: 380
Enrolled: 173
(source: Princeton Review, Best 168 Medical Schools 2009)