Master's programs

[theloop43]

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So I'm applying DO this cycle but I got a low MCAT. Looking at masters programs as a backup so I don't waste a year doing nothing. I've been looking at LMU, Campbell, and LECOM's masters and post-bacc programs. If I end up having to go through a master's program, will I have to retake my MCAT and go through the masters, or will doing well in the program be enough?

Basic Stats:
cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.5
MCAT: 497

 

[Noxy]

Save yourself a ton of money and retake the MCAT after fixing your issues with the test. Your GPA is good. Masters programs/ post bacc seem to be for low GPA students or career changers.

 

[Goro]

It's going to be program specific. We have people in my own SMP who have MCATs < 500, but guess what? They're tanking.

I think that you will be best served by retaking the MCAT. Your GPAs are not the issue, and you don't need an SMP. You need an MCAT score >> 500.

So I'm applying DO this cycle but I got a low MCAT. Looking at masters programs as a backup so I don't waste a year doing nothing. I've been looking at LMU, Campbell, and LECOM's masters and post-bacc programs. If I end up having to go through a master's program, will I have to retake my MCAT and go through the masters, or will doing well in the program be enough?

Basic Stats:
cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.5
MCAT: 497

 

[Peach Newport]

Don't waste your money on a master's program with that GPA. Study your ass off for the MCAT while Volunteering/Reaearching/doing something interesting.

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

I vote what everyone else said, just retake the MCAT and build ECs, your gpa's are fine!

If you REALLY want to, you could take an upper-level science or class or two? Something you're truly interested in though. Maybe something that might cover some MCAT material simultaneously? Physiology is tremendously helpful for the MCAT, I found that Immunology helped me a bit (getting used to reading sections about complex phosphorylation pathways or whatnot inside of cells), maybe an advanced anatomy (cause anatomy is awesome)? Whatever your heart desires. I'm taking a parasite class right now. We dissect cockroaches and worms and stuff. Pretty fun.

But make sure when you study for the MCAT to go "balls to the wall" while you are studying (allocate the appropriate amount of studying time). Make sure you don't have to take it a third time because, well, it sucks lol.

 

[mfrey28]

Hate to do it but gonna piggy-back off this post.

cGPA 3.34
sGPA 3.26
MCAT 510

Non-trad, been working as a medical assistant for the past couple of years. Applied to 10 DO schools and submitted secondaries late September but have yet to hear back.

Is Master's program the best route for me to take as a back up? Looking at TouroCA, TouroNV, Heritage University, Midwestern AZ, Western, and UNTHSC

 

[ATPsynthase123]

Hate to do it but gonna piggy-back off this post.

cGPA 3.34
sGPA 3.26
MCAT 510

Non-trad, been working as a medical assistant for the past couple of years. Applied to 10 DO schools and submitted secondaries late September but have yet to hear back.

Is Master's program the best route for me to take as a back up? Looking at TouroCA, TouroNV, Heritage University, Midwestern AZ, Western, and UNTHSC

Any volunteering or research? Did you only apply to the "Terrible Touros" and high stat schools, or some lower tier schools like VCOM, KYCOM, or LMU-DCOM? I interviewed with multiple people in the 3.0/500 range at those schools. And truth be told, those actually amazing schools KYCOM blew my socks off Saturday at my interview. I truly believe that they are ranked lower on pre-med lists mostly because of the area they are in. If you haven't already applied to those, I strongly recommend you do so.


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[saltydog15]

So I'm applying DO this cycle but I got a low MCAT. Looking at masters programs as a backup so I don't waste a year doing nothing. I've been looking at LMU, Campbell, and LECOM's masters and post-bacc programs. If I end up having to go through a master's program, will I have to retake my MCAT and go through the masters, or will doing well in the program be enough?

Basic Stats:
cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.5
MCAT: 497

LMUs MS program used to be "do well in the program and you'll be accepted". Not the case any longer; last year MS students with high MCAT scores and that did well (4.0) were not accepted to DCOM. Retake your MCAT, don't waste money unnecessarily.


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[ATPsynthase123]

LMUs MS program used to be "do well in the program and you'll be accepted". Not the case any longer; last year MS students with high MCAT scores and that did well (4.0) were not accepted to DCOM. Retake your MCAT, don't waste money unnecessarily.


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I think what it's says now is that if you complete the masters you are guaranteed and interview. And if you can't handle their extremely easy interview, then you probably can't handle any others.


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[mfrey28]

Any volunteering or research? Did you only apply to the "Terrible Touros" and high stat schools, or some lower tier schools like VCOM, KYCOM, or LMU-DCOM? I interviewed with multiple people in the 3.0/500 range at those schools. And truth be told, those actually amazing schools KYCOM blew my socks off Saturday at my interview. I truly believe that they are ranked lower on pre-med lists mostly because of the area they are in. If you haven't already applied to those, I strongly recommend you do so.


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No research but I have accumulated a couple hundred hours of volunteering. The schools I listed were the Master's programs I am thinking about applying to. The DO schools I applied to were AZCOM, SOMA, COMP, COMP-NW, PNWU, KCOM, CCOM, and all 3 VCOM campuses. Still waiting to hear back from VCOM. I am born and raised CA and currently live in the Pacific NW

 

[Shotapp]

@mfrey28

Have you thought of retaking some of your C/D/F grades in the sciences? A masters is a waste of money and risky in my opinion.

 

[saltydog15]

I think what it's says now is that if you complete the masters you are guaranteed and interview. And if you can't handle their extremely easy interview, then you probably can't handle any others.


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You need to have a minimum 3.0 to receive an interview...not everyone gets one. Acceptance is contingent on completing the MS program. Criteria is the same; admissions just got stricter. Not everyone has an easy interview, depends on your interviewers. I know some that had downright antagonistic interviews and some that were cake.


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[inydr]

Save yourself a ton of money and retake the MCAT after fixing your issues with the test. Your GPA is good. Masters programs/ post bacc seem to be for low GPA students or career changers.

I spent a semester at LMU campus and left after one semester. The environment is really not conducive for study. First , the school is in the middle of No where; so they set up a masters program to try to get enough students for their med school. The faculty is helpful but the admissions and administration are Not helpful.
I recently graduated from a top state university with a 3.65 and will be attending OU-Hcom this fall.
In my opinion, LMU-Dcom is NOT worth it. Definitely retake the MCAT Don't do lmu-masters. Just an advise.

 

[inydr]

I think what it's says now is that if you complete the masters you are guaranteed and interview. And if you can't handle their extremely easy interview, then you probably can't handle any others.


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Don't do lmu-masters! I left after one semester. I will be attending another much better med school this fall.

 

[Shotapp]

If you don't mind me asking, what was the problem with lmu-masters and which one are you planning on attending?