low mcat, high grades, worth applying?

[cosmicserp]

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Hi, I'm new to the forums. If someone can offer me some advice on this I would appreciate it. Just got back my MCAT scores for my first try. I got a 21S: 05 Physical, 10 Verbal, 06 Biological. I have yet to take Organic Chem. so that does something to explain the extremely low Physical score. I have about a 3.6 Science and Overall GPA from two state universities. I am a nontraditional student with loads of good volunteer experience. I've spent summers working in Central America. I've been an inner city school teacher for a year. My personal statement is strong as a locomotive. I have a clear passion and desire to be an osteopath and not an allopath.

My question is, is it worth applying to the one or two DO schools with the lowest average MCAT scores. The one I am thinking of said the out of state average (me) is 23-24.

Should I not apply at all and take a test prep and put off my life's work for another two years?

Any good advice?

 

[Doctor Peloncito]

I would apply if I were you. It is still early in the cycle. Get your application in ASAP so that you can start filling out secondaries. You can explain away your MCAT score as test anxiety or whatever you want. The worst that will happen is you won't get in. You can always try again next year after retaking the MCAT. BTW, O-Chem is covered by the Biological Sciences portion of the MCAT.

 

[Monkeyguts]

O-chem is included in the biological sciences section, G-chem and physics are the physical science component. Have you been studying for the MCAT this August, or are you going to forego it? I would apply, you have nothing to lose except some money for the application process (which is nothing to realize a dream of becoming a physician). You should prepare to re-take the MCAT in the event you don't get in...that way you'll be well prepared for next April's MCAT (in case you don't take it this August).

 

[SpiritiualDuck]

It's a tough call. Are you planning to take O'chem this year. You mentioned you wanted to apply to Maine too. Maine has a one semester biochem class too. And Organic chem is a prerequisite for that class. However, UNE does offer a correspondence course for biochem. Call and find out about it. I don't know much about it. Another way to meet that biochem requirement is to go to UCal Berk website. They have an internet class for an intro to biochem. It's only about $400 dollars through their extension school. ANd that might meet the requirement. The way I look at it; you'll cover biochem when you get there. And if you've had cell physiology, you've covered most of what you need to know, i.e., Kreb Cycle, biological molecues like amines.

So, maybe you should apply and then spend this year finishing up prerequisites. Apply and see what happens. Also, have you shadowed a DO? You should. It might make a considerable difference to have a good letter. Also, are you from New England. Visit the school. Talk to Lisa Lane in admissions. She's cool and easy going and she'll be honest with you. If she doesn't think you should apply this year, she'll tell you, but she'll also encourage you and tell you what to do to be a better applicant.

 

[texdrake]

Considering you haven't taken O-Chem yet, I think you should definitely apply, I would consider retaking it though after you take O-Chem. If I were doing your interview I would want to know that otherwise it would be comparing apples to oranges.

 

[cosmicserp]

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. Spiritual Duck, I did not mention Maine as one of the schools. It is not the school I was refering to. I am about to take O Chem this Fall. I confused the fact that OChem is Bio section and GeneralChem is Physical, but I will still use the old excuse that taking it will lift my Bio score.

Also I will take a prep course if I have to sell an organ to pay for it🙂

Another question, is it a bad idea to only apply to one DO school? Do schools like to be pitted against each other, cheated on, scorned, etc? I assume they like this as I am only beginning to grasp the scope of the "game" of getting into a med school.

Hoping I havn't injected too much negativity or sarcasm because I really have interacted with some very helpful folks. Thanks again.

 

[SM-UCLA tech]

It sounds like you are motivated and you definitely have done well in your classes. Just so you know, your gpa was higher than mine. But I do want to play up the importance of your MCAT score. Obviously your verbal score is strong, but your two science scores are fairly weak. I think this may be a very large hurdle for you.

Is it impossible to get into med school with these scores? Absolutely not. But again, it is not extremely likely. Remember, the mean score of each section is generally around 7.5. Although I think someone told me this last April the mean was over 8 in each section. So you were more than one deviation under the mean. My advice would be for you to take the MCAT again. If you are applying this year, you most definitely should take it again in August. And definitely sell whatever organ you need to for a review class. They are extremely helpful, and since everyone else takes one, you don't want to be handicapped by not having taken one.

If you are not applying this year, then I would opt to take next April's MCAT. I also would look into all options for medical education. For example, are you willing to go to school abroad if you don't get into a U.S. school?

As far as you only applying to on D.O. school, I think that is not the smartest thing to do if you are really interested in osteopathic medicine. Even if your MCAT score was stellar, you can never assume that you will ( or will not ) get into any school. Also, I wouldn't make a big deal out of not having taken ochem. Remember, ad com's don't want to hear excuses because most everyone seems to have one. Let your hard work and experiences speak for themselves. I also took the MCAT before I had taken ochem, but I managed to teach myself what I needed to know, ( Plus the review course had a lot to do with it!!! ).

I wish you success and I hope you get into a school of your choice. Good Luck!!!

 

[sacroiliac]

apply now if you can financially afford it...I am also a non-trad with an MCAT not much better (and yes I did take ochem!), I only applied to one school, but my passion, experience, and outright determination showed through. I was aked in my interview why only one school and without hesitation my response was honest and to the point and that I would be right back next year if things did not work out. This caught her attention and it felt great to write a thank you note as I was accepted a week later! Make sure your lors are solid and a DO written one would really shine. Its not too late...cold call any DO's in your area and I'm sure you will find a sympathetic ear. Good Luck!

 

[phdmed07]

you havent taken orgo...I would take orgo and the mcats next aug. Take a review class next summer and apply for class of 2005. With that gpa, and your verbal you have the potential to do very well on the Mcats. Its much easier bringing up science scores. But right now your science scores are too weak to apply to med school in the states. Thus I wouldnt apply now if Iwere you. After you take the mcats I would apply to allopathic and Do schools. Get those science scores to at least 8's and now we are talking!!!! Just my advice.

ECU med 07