Need advice for UG Pre-DO

[DoctorUndertaker]

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Hi everyone,

So I could just use some advice. (Don't hate me for posting this here) I am currently a sophomore and at this point I'm trying to figure out how to keep on track for med school, specifically osteopathic.

There are so many things to balance and when it really comes down to it, if feels like you can't do it all. Of course, some pre-med student out there has a 4.0 GPA, 528 on the MCAT, and 200+ hours of clinical experience. However, when realistically trying to balance everything in life it is hard to decide what to focus on.

Do I focus on keeping a very high GPA? And how is that even done? I can realistically get a 3.5 GPA, but is that good enough, especially in regards to osteopathic med schools? Seems like you need 3.7+ to even be competitive when applying to DO schools. Any advice on achieving a high GPA? Also, how do you fit in clinical/volunteer hours while also focusing on achieving a high GPA? Along with something called a job that I think some pre-med students need not worry about.

What is the key here? How am I supposed to do all of this even with life getting in my way? Unfortunately, I don't have a whole lot of time to study to make sure that I get straight A's. I also definitely don't have extra time during the semester that I could volunteer.

Who else has been here? What are your suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[deleted812153]

> Seems like you need 3.7+ to even be competitive when applying to DO schools.

bruh

 

[DoctorUndertaker]

> Seems like you need 3.7+ to even be competitive when applying to DO schools.

bruh

What? Not true?

 

[rufflev]

You don't have to be perfect to be a doctor, nor should you be. I finished my freshman year with a cGPA ~2.5 and I got it up to ~3.7 upon graduation, so don't worry about getting all A's (take this lightly), just do your best and hopefully the results will be evident. For volunteering, I started immediately (second semester of Freshman year.) I only volunteered for ~5 hours a week (at a clinic/environmental club/etc.), but continued with various activities for a span of more than three years.

The average matriculant for most DO schools have stats ranging around c/sGPA of 3.3-3.5 and an average MCAT of around 502-505.

 

[DoctorUndertaker]

You don't have to be perfect to be a doctor, nor should you be.

Well, I appreciate that.I just want to stand out among applicants so that I'll actually be accepted. Hopefully my personal best will turn out to be good enough.

 

[rufflev]

Well, I appreciate that.I just want to stand out among applicants so that I'll actually be accepted. Hopefully my personal best will turn out to be good enough.

Stand out through your ECs and volunteering (and also your essays when application time rolls around.) Best of luck with everything!

 

[bears1992]

I have a 3.1 cGPA, 3.4 sGPA and a 505 MCAT and I got in. The average DO student that got in last year had a 3.55 and a 502 MCAT. A 3.5 will not hold you back and/or prevent you from getting in. A 3.7 is the average GPA for last years accepted MD students.

 

[Tozanzibarbymotorcar]

Hi everyone,

So I could just use some advice. (Don't hate me for posting this here) I am currently a sophomore and at this point I'm trying to figure out how to keep on track for med school, specifically osteopathic.

There are so many things to balance and when it really comes down to it, if feels like you can't do it all. Of course, some pre-med student out there has a 4.0 GPA, 528 on the MCAT, and 200+ hours of clinical experience. However, when realistically trying to balance everything in life it is hard to decide what to focus on.

Do I focus on keeping a very high GPA? And how is that even done? I can realistically get a 3.5 GPA, but is that good enough, especially in regards to osteopathic med schools? Seems like you need 3.7+ to even be competitive when applying to DO schools. Any advice on achieving a high GPA? Also, how do you fit in clinical/volunteer hours while also focusing on achieving a high GPA? Along with something called a job that I think some pre-med students need not worry about.

What is the key here? How am I supposed to do all of this even with life getting in my way? Unfortunately, I don't have a whole lot of time to study to make sure that I get straight A's. I also definitely don't have extra time during the semester that I could volunteer.

Who else has been here? What are your suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Why DO specifically? Are you choosing based on grades or for other reasons? Why not focus on your grades for right now until you get a study routine down then start incorporating research and volunteer. There's no more grade replacement and the pool gets more competitive each year.

There seems to be a lot of turmoil in the DO world with he upcoming merger, etc. unless you have some specific reason that you are passionate for DO then you should also shoot for MD.