MCAT score

[FeetforLife]

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[Marine1]

At my intrerviews, I know of two people with an MCAT of 18 that got into Barry, Ohio, and Scholl. One had an overall GPA of 2.5 and a Science GPA of 3.0. Also, there were people at Ohio who were offered a shot at the five-year program who had similar scores as yours. Apply early and see what happens. You might get a chance, but probably not a scholarship. You wont know until you apply. Good Luck!

 

[bigss75]

You plan on retaking the MCAT?

 

[FeetforLife]

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[Dr. Gangrene]

Honestly, you should work on getting your stats up. If podiatry is what you really want to do, one more year of preparation would do you good. Podiatry school is tough, you will have peoples health in your hands. You should either retake some classes or do some advanced level science classes to raise your gpa.

I understand you want to get your career going, but you must be ready for the rigor of a medical program. It has been discussed many times on these forums; getting into school is not the trick, it is keeping up w/ the workload and staying in.

Good luck whatever you decide to do. Just make sure you are prepared for a very thorough education that will be very challenging.

 

[aleenapod]

I know some schools accept the DAT instead of MCAT. So what is better to take DAT or MCAT? I was orginally applying to dental school so I have all the material for the DAT. I even ordered the DAT DESTROYER.

I still need to know is it better to go for a masters or take more advance level science classes or re-take some lower level science classes.

Please advise

thanks

aleena

 

[aleenapod]

I would recommend re-taking your MCAT. I know most med schools take nothing above a 30 now but I am sure podiatry is little different.

 

[FeetforLife]

Thanks again for all the advice....

I got an interview invite to NYCPM. I'm really excited, and am planning on preparing well.

I heard that once you are offered an interview, you basically have a seat....what are your thoughts on that gossip?

 

[WannaBeDPM]

If you are within the normal boundaries of socially decent, I don't see why you wouldn't be granted a seat...

Do you really want to go to NYCPM though? It may be worth re-taking the MCAT, its 4 years and lots of money...be sure of where you are going and whether the program is suitable for you individually...each program is different and has it's pros and cons...make sure you think carefully about this...do some research on these forums....everyone has their own opinion...but you will see trends develop regarding each school....(e.g. - NYCPM's on-site clinical rotations are supposedly top notch..but seems to be poor in the teaching of basic sciences...etc..)

Good Luck! 👍

 

[crhoody12]

You just got an interview to NY? When did you apply? is this for Fall 2007 start? Does anyone know how their start in January program works? I've read the posts about it, but I mean applying for it? Do you apply in the fall (ie. i will be applying this September when the application opens)? If I apply this fall and get in, will I be offered a chance to start in January 2008 or August 2008?

 

[krabmas]

If you are within the normal boundaries of socially decent, I don't see why you wouldn't be granted a seat...

Do you really want to go to NYCPM though? It may be worth re-taking the MCAT, its 4 years and lots of money...be sure of where you are going and whether the program is suitable for you individually...each program is different and has it's pros and cons...make sure you think carefully about this...do some research on these forums....everyone has their own opinion...but you will see trends develop regarding each school....(e.g. - NYCPM's on-site clinical rotations are supposedly top notch..but seems to be poor in the teaching of basic sciences...etc..)

Good Luck! 👍

I agree with your statement about NYCPM.

I think the successful NYCPM student comes in with a high GPA and high MCAT. There are always exceptions but typically the students that do well at NYCPM are the ones that know how to do well already and are independent in their study habbits and are willing to teach themselves what ever is not covered well in class.

If you are already starting with a 2. something and a low MCAT I do not think that you will do well by going to NYCPM. You will want to go to a school that will push you harder than NYCPM will. Try for Scholl, DMU, AZPOD, or Temple. and keep NYCPM as your back-up.

 

[Buspar]

You just got an interview to NY? When did you apply? is this for Fall 2007 start? Does anyone know how their start in January program works? I've read the posts about it, but I mean applying for it? Do you apply in the fall (ie. i will be applying this September when the application opens)? If I apply this fall and get in, will I be offered a chance to start in January 2008 or August 2008?

There is still room for the September 2007 class.🙂

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

There is still room for the September 2007 class.🙂

That is sad. That reflects that the school accepts too many students, too many students means a watered down education.

I would suggest taking the test again. One thing to think about is getting accept is only step one. One of the reasons DMU has such a high board pass rate is they have higher standards. If you struggle in undergrad and on the MCAT what makes you think that the same will not happen in pod school and on the boards???

Some of the schools are more interested in you money that your success. If this was not true with would they take students that will probably never pass the boards or practice medicine. Please reconsider retaking the MCAT to prove to yourself and the schools you will be able to complete the rigorous training.

 

[gustydoc]

That is sad. That reflects that the school accepts too many students, too many students means a watered down education.

I would suggest taking the test again. One thing to think about is getting accept is only step one. One of the reasons DMU has such a high board pass rate is they have higher standards. If you struggle in undergrad and on the MCAT what makes you think that the same will not happen in pod school and on the boards???

Some of the schools are more interested in you money that your success. If this was not true with would they take students that will probably never pass the boards or practice medicine. Please reconsider retaking the MCAT to prove to yourself and the schools you will be able to complete the rigorous training.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[FeetforLife]

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[justincredible]

🙂Thanks again for all the replies....I agree with all the statements and fully understand that podiatry school is not a walk in the park. If I was as financially gifted as everybody around me in college, I am sure that I would have been up there in numbers and "statistics". Its sad but true, but without the numbers, your going to be in the situation where people doubt you and your abilities. And that is why I believe the system allows room for considering the extracurricular and essay section...because there are those cases here and there that numbers can overlook. This is the area I believe I can capitalize on to prove my capability to sustain the rigorous curriculum. I have been very involved in the healthcare industry assisting in surgeries, learning several pathologies, etc...probably more so than many applicants who are going into this with eyes closed. Working with 5 doctors now has opened my eyes to the dynamic of the medical field, and my experience definitely has prepared me for the road ahead. I guess at the end of the day, its only yourself that is aware of your own capacity to succeed despite past records or past hurdles.

👍 That's right. Only you truly know what you're capable of and what you're really passionate about- just highlight your strengths and be confident with your application. Just be sure you know what you're getting into. Pick your school wisely. You dont want any regrets in the middle of it, otherwise it'll be a very Expensive regret!! Good luck with your final choice!

 

[Buspar]

🙂Thanks again for all the replies....I agree with all the statements and fully understand that podiatry school is not a walk in the park. If I was as financially gifted as everybody around me in college, I am sure that I would have been up there in numbers and "statistics". Its sad but true, but without the numbers, your going to be in the situation where people doubt you and your abilities. And that is why I believe the system allows room for considering the extracurricular and essay section...because there are those cases here and there that numbers can overlook. This is the area I believe I can capitalize on to prove my capability to sustain the rigorous curriculum. I have been very involved in the healthcare industry assisting in surgeries, learning several pathologies, etc...probably more so than many applicants who are going into this with eyes closed. Working with 5 doctors now has opened my eyes to the dynamic of the medical field, and my experience definitely has prepared me for the road ahead. I guess at the end of the day, its only yourself that is aware of your own capacity to succeed despite past records or past hurdles.

👍I agree! Make sure you work your butt off and I'm sure you will do well. Good to you.

If you don't mine me asking...when did you complete your application? I was going to apply in September but, since there is still room left I was thinking about applying now.

 

[Feli]

There is still room for the September 2007 class.🙂

That is sad. That reflects that the school accepts too many students, too many students means a watered down education.

...One of the reasons DMU has such a high board pass rate is they have higher standards. If you struggle in undergrad and on the MCAT what makes you think that the same will not happen in pod school and on the boards...

I agree also. The fact that school(s) are still accepting applications when the fall semester begins in two months is really not a great sign and provides testament to the lack of quality applicants to some of the programs. There are exceptions to every rule, but I'm pretty sure that anyone with a strong interest in podiatry and decent qualifications would have applied before now for the best chance of securing a seat, getting financial aid and living arrangements in place, and having the best chance at a possible entrance scholarship.

I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with accepting a lot of students, but the problem is when schools let students who are below the minimum competencey levels graduate. If a pod program wants to let in virtually anyone with a pulse until their CPME max number of seats is reached, that is ok by me, and the schools may find the occasional student who was working a job or slacking during undergrad but finds focus and becomes a fantastic graduate student. However, those schools should obviously realize the need to strengthen recruiting efforts and attract better matriculants. The real problem arises when professors do not hold students to reasonable standards and fail students who cannot meet those standards; that is what sets poorly educated graduates up for failure and damages the reputation of podiatrists everywhere. While I'm confident that most of the truly bad students would fail out at any school, some students may find ways to skate by with old tests and professors who just want to keep everyone happy by curving the class so that everyone passes. Having pod students graded with MD/DO students in some or all basic sciences is a great way to ensure that reasonable standards are maintained. The fact that, at some schools, students can graduate - and even be accepted to some residencies - without passing national board exams also does virtually nothing to filter out truly unqualified students.

From all I've been reading, the new Western University school (http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/7390) in California sounds great but may well wipe Samuel Merritt off the map if more strong new applicants are not generated. I'm just not sure where these new good applicants are going to appear from? AZPod seemed to find some strong applicants, but were they essentially just taken out from other schools' pools and replaced with lesser qualified matriculants at those other schools? I like what new Western Univ pod dean Dr. Harkless had to say about strengthening recruiting efforts and agree 100%, but increasing the size of the the national podiatry school applicant pool and the strength of matriculants just won't happen overnight (although it almost needs to when you consider that, once Western Univ opens, the number of pod schools has literally doubled in the past 30 years).

 

[crhoody12]

when does NY Pod start this fall? how can they not have the class filled already? I was going to apply next cycle but if its still open, why not apply.

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

when does NY Pod start this fall? how can they not have the class filled already? I was going to apply next cycle but if its still open, why not apply.

I would IM Krabmas and see what she thinks of her alumater before doing this. Yes, you are getting in a year earlier, but not all schools are "equal."

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

🙂Thanks again for all the replies....I agree with all the statements and fully understand that podiatry school is not a walk in the park. If I was as financially gifted as everybody around me in college, I am sure that I would have been up there in numbers and "statistics". Its sad but true, but without the numbers, your going to be in the situation where people doubt you and your abilities. And that is why I believe the system allows room for considering the extracurricular and essay section...because there are those cases here and there that numbers can overlook. This is the area I believe I can capitalize on to prove my capability to sustain the rigorous curriculum. I have been very involved in the healthcare industry assisting in surgeries, learning several pathologies, etc...probably more so than many applicants who are going into this with eyes closed. Working with 5 doctors now has opened my eyes to the dynamic of the medical field, and my experience definitely has prepared me for the road ahead. I guess at the end of the day, its only yourself that is aware of your own capacity to succeed despite past records or past hurdles.

I agree that you only you know your ability. That being said statistical the MCAT is the best predictor of success. Why? Because extracurricular activities don't have a lot of effect on the score. Yes you can study but I have always heard that that will only buy you a few points. Again, good luck but you need to really work hard so that you don't fall into the trap and come out owing a ton of money without anyway to make an income.

 

[Feli]

when does NY Pod start this fall? how can they not have the class filled already? I was going to apply next cycle but if its still open, why not apply.

If you're sure that's where you want to go and feel that you are truly ready, then go right ahead. The reason some pod schools have rolling admissions and sometimes do not fill is simply because they accept too many students. Like Carribean MD schools, they may accept some less than stellar applicants until they reach max capacity, but many of those students will never make it through the basic sciences and to the board exam (therefore, the school collects the bad students' tuition $ for awhile but does not have those students adversely affecting the institution's board pass %s).

As to "why not apply?", here are things for people applying late to any program to be aware of:
1) All entrance scholarships are probably all spoken for
2) Your financial aid checks may be late since the government and schools need significant time to process
3) Some of your classmates at a less selective school will be poor/lazy students (who you may get lumped in with if you do not work hard to distinguish yourself).

I think you can do well at any pod school, but you have to be prepared to work hard wherever you end up. Some programs' reputation might make success easier for their graduates (hence their being on wait lists since March while other programs are accepting in late July). However, keep in mind that the tougher programs are also more likely to downgrade your rank/GPA or boot you out in order to keep their standards (and all-important board pass %) very high. On the other end of the stick, I don't think it ultimately does someone a whole lot of good to be a bottom end graduate from a less selective pod school; board pass for those students is surely very low and residency and practice options may be quite limited.

 

[krabmas]

when does NY Pod start this fall? how can they not have the class filled already? I was going to apply next cycle but if its still open, why not apply.

NYCPM starts either the last week in august or the first week in September. That info should be on the website somewhere.

NYCPM is capable of accepting 126 students. This is very large and they almost never fill-up because there are not that many people that are qualified. To fill all the seats they would have to take too many unqualified people.

Be sure that you are very self motivated even when those around you are not. Be sure that podiatry is your passion and you want to teach youself all that is not taught in class. This is what it takes to be successful at NYCPM. I got a decent education, but through no fault of the school. They merely presented the bear oppurtunity. Then I faught for the rest. You will see pathology that the other schools only see in books and you will see tons of patients. You must read on your own to learn about what you have seen no one will take the time to teach you. You must convince the attendings on your gen surg, ER, I med rotations that you want to learn and to teach you. So it is possible to learn lots - but you must do it on your own, it will not just happen.

 

[FeetforLife]

Krabmas-

Where do most students live....I saw on the website that they have reserved an amount of apartments for the students....but it didn't say specifically where.

Also, does their financial aid package cover living costs?

I have deferred my interview to January....just trying to learn more about the school and etc.


Thanks 🙂

 

[krabmas]

Krabmas-

Where do most students live....I saw on the website that they have reserved an amount of apartments for the students....but it didn't say specifically where.

Also, does their financial aid package cover living costs?

I have deferred my interview to January....just trying to learn more about the school and etc.


Thanks 🙂

now parkchester. before draper.

financial aid is just a lump sum.

 

[crhoody12]

are these apartments reserved by the school for students only? Does anyone know what the arrangements are? 1 or 2br? Students only? Do they pair students or can you live with whomever. Costs?

 

[krabmas]

are these apartments reserved by the school for students only? Does anyone know what the arrangements are? 1 or 2br? Students only? Do they pair students or can you live with whomever. Costs?

1 and 2 bedroom apartments, furnished by the school with AC, internet, cable all included.

Call or email the school for costs , but about 1200 a month for a 1 bedroom.

you can room with another student if you want.

you can also rent those apartments with out the school.

www.parchesterapartments.com (i think).