Need major advice

[pinkpurple123]

So just recently thought about going into DO...a junior right now, low sgpa of 2.85. Dont understand what to do? Have alot of 2.0s but would really like to apply this cycle. MCAT will be taken soon..

1) Should I raise my sgpa by taking summer classes (genetics and epidemiology) to 3.0 and apply beggining of July? Would that be to late for the cycle? Is that a disadvantage?
2) Or should I retake the 2.0 classes at a community college and raise my sGPA that way since my university does not offer retakes to any classes 2.0 and above?

Either way, is applying in july lower my chances? Is that to late? How late can I apply?

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[Geo16]

2) won't work because of the recent change (yesterday) on the grade replacement policy (also prior to this change, I think you have to retake it at the same institution).

Number 1 is what other people have recommended that I should do.
https://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/improving-sgpa-with-the-new-grade-policy.1236403/

Also, I think it's better to raise your GPA this upcoming senior year and.. perhaps apply next cycle? 🙂

 

[psu228]

Hey dude,

I was in a similar spot to you my junior year. Wanted to apply so that I could go right to med school but I realized I needed to retake some classes, take some upper division courses, and get clinical experience. I graduated last spring and am applying this upcoming cycle. Its NOT how I would have scripted things but the reality was it was necessary for me to do it this way to get in (hopefully).

I'm just saying from your point of view, I can see how having to apply your senior year or even the year after like I am seems awful, but it's really not, and taking that year could make all the difference for you.

To answer your question, applying that late isn't a huge disadvantage. At most schools it shouldn't matter. At the "old" DO schools like PCOM and CCOM it probably will put you at a disadvantage, but to be honest unless you kill the MCAT you won't get into those programs with your GPA being what it is.

Also, if you've "recently considered DO" I'm assuming you don't have any hours shadowing an osteopathic physician and this is a MAJOR problem for your app. They will want to know why you are interested in osteopathic medicine and you'd better have a good answer. Having no exposure to the field will really make whatever you tell them seem implausible.

If I were you I would take those upper division science classes and get an A. I wouldn't take the MCAT until next fall at the earliest, and I would also retake the core pre reqs you got a C in. Yes, the course retake policy is gone now, but it will still help you GPA and will show your commitment AND help you prepare for the MCAT.

Good luck!

 

[pinkpurple123]

2) won't work because of the recent change (yesterday) on the grade replacement policy (also prior to this change, I think you have to retake it at the same institution).

Number 1 is what other people have recommended that I should do.
https://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/improving-sgpa-with-the-new-grade-policy.1236403/

Also, I think it's better to raise your GPA this upcoming senior year and.. perhaps apply next cycle? 🙂

Is it considered late if i apply in july tho?

 

[pinkpurple123]

Hey dude,

I was in a similar spot to you my junior year. Wanted to apply so that I could go right to med school but I realized I needed to retake some classes, take some upper division courses, and get clinical experience. I graduated last spring and am applying this upcoming cycle. Its NOT how I would have scripted things but the reality was it was necessary for me to do it this way to get in (hopefully).

I'm just saying from your point of view, I can see how having to apply your senior year or even the year after like I am seems awful, but it's really not, and taking that year could make all the difference for you.

To answer your question, applying that late isn't a huge disadvantage. At most schools it shouldn't matter. At the "old" DO schools like PCOM and CCOM it probably will put you at a disadvantage, but to be honest unless you kill the MCAT you won't get into those programs with your GPA being what it is.

Also, if you've "recently considered DO" I'm assuming you don't have any hours shadowing an osteopathic physician and this is a MAJOR problem for your app. They will want to know why you are interested in osteopathic medicine and you'd better have a good answer. Having no exposure to the field will really make whatever you tell them seem implausible.

If I were you I would take those upper division science classes and get an A. I wouldn't take the MCAT until next fall at the earliest, and I would also retake the core pre reqs you got a C in. Yes, the course retake policy is gone now, but it will still help you GPA and will show your commitment AND help you prepare for the MCAT.

Good luck!

Is it better to try and apply this cycle and get rejected and reapply next cycle, or is it better to not apply at all and apply next cycle?

 

[JustAPhD]

Hard truth time: Do not apply this cycle, your app is not ready and in all likihood you will not be successful. Take the time, do it right.

 

[psu228]

Is it better to try and apply this cycle and get rejected and reapply next cycle, or is it better to not apply at all and apply next cycle?

I would't apply this cycle. Get yourself prepared for the MCAT with retakes and get some clinical experience. Honestly this will probably save you time; most adcoms on here recommend that you take a whole year in between applying in order to show "growth" between cycles. Your best bet is to take some retakes, get DO exposure and possibly an LOR, and being prepping for the MCAT to take in the summer or next fall.

Totally up to you, but as it stands you have very little chance of being accepted into an osteopathic school this cycle. You have almost no chance of being accepted into one of the "old" and "good" osteopathic schools that will offer you a wider range of specialties and residencies.

 

[SurgDoc95]

Is it considered late if i apply in july tho?

No as long as you have a good MCAT score (>504 should be fine).

Edit: I wouldn't apply this cycle even with a good MCAT. Get a good next three semesters of upper level science courses and that will strengthen your application.

 

[pinkpurple123]

No as long as you have a good MCAT score (>504 should be fine).

Edit: I wouldn't apply this cycle even with a good MCAT. Get a good next three semesters of upper level science courses and that will strengthen your application.

but what if i still dont get in next cycle 🙁

 

[SurgDoc95]

but what if i still dont get in next cycle 🙁

Then you do a post bacc or SMP! I know the fear of the unknown is scary, but you have the ability to decide whether or not becoming a physician is worth the dedication. Grade replacement provided a route for those who screwed up early to go back and fix it with relative certainty that if they did so they would be looked at very favorably by Adcoms. Now you have to show your even more committed which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Buckle down, crush your MCAT and get a 3.5-4.0 the next three semesters and you will be just fine for applying. Just keep the faith and believe in yourself

 

[John1513]

So just recently thought about going into DO...a junior right now, low sgpa of 2.85. Dont understand what to do? Have alot of 2.0s but would really like to apply this cycle. MCAT will be taken soon..

1) Should I raise my sgpa by taking summer classes (genetics and epidemiology) to 3.0 and apply beggining of July? Would that be to late for the cycle? Is that a disadvantage?
2) Or should I retake the 2.0 classes at a community college and raise my sGPA that way since my university does not offer retakes to any classes 2.0 and above?

Either way, is applying in july lower my chances? Is that to late? How late can I apply?

Are you eligible for post-bach programs?

Also, please do some soul searching.

If you don't know about these programs, please read up on them: podiatry, physical therapy, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, dental, psychology, or optometry.

Good luck. 2.0 is pretty tough. It is very very hard to get into medical school, D.O. Or MD.

A high mcat won't fix 2.o. Busting your behind with As in your next 10 classes won't help. A bad GPA is like a black hole, the gravitational pull is inescapable.

With a 3.0, getting into Med schools' wait lists even is a miracle.

Just wanted you to have some good counsel.

Take care, good luck!!!