Need of advice about applying this cycle, thank you!

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jjv123

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I am totally at lost at what to do and I am in need of some guidance!

Background about myself:

I graduated from university four years ago with a BS in Biology. I graduated with a cGPA of 3.16 and a science gpa of 2.79. I completed my core pre-med classes during this time with a mostly B- average and D+ in Orgo 1, which I retook and passed. My poor undergraduate gpa was associated with health issues, which I have now addressed.

After I graduating, I worked as an ER scribe and then became chief scribe. I was chief scribe for two and half years. I have also been volunteering as well.

During this past 2019 to 2020 academic year, I completed a DIY post bacc. I completed 31 credits of upper level science courses with a 4.0 gpa.

I am lost at what to do next? I believe with my post bacc, my cGPA will be around a 3.3X and my sgpa will be about a 3.1X.

I am planning to apply to only DO schools as I feel this is within my reach given my stats. I need advice on the following.

  • When Should I take MCAT? I have not taken the MCAT, when is it too late for me to take it this summer? I was thinking of August 14 with a score back date of September 7.
  • When Should I apply? Should I submit my primaries without my MCAT? Due to my low stats I feel this may not work well in my favor. (I was hoping that a high MCAT score would help to offset my previous stats).
  • Do I need a non-STEM LOR? I do have multiple LOR from DO’s (thanks to my scribe job), and I also could get two LOR from STEM teachers, however it has been 4 years since my last non-science class. Do I need a non-STEM LOR? I also do not think I would get a committee letter from previous school.
  • What are my next steps, so that I am ready to apply for this cycle?
I am so sorry that this post is long. I am just super anxious and I am completely loss. It’s been a challenging four years since graduating, but I finally feel that things are looking up. I appreciate any advice and thank you in advance for your time and help! It means the world to me to have a community like this!

Forever grateful,

Jjv123
 
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Where is your state of residence ? For DO schools you can apply as late as October or November. You need a MCAT of at least 500 for DO schools so do not take the MCAT until your practice scores are consistently over 500. Post your score here in the future.
 
Thank you Faha, I greatly appreciate your advice and time! My state or residency is Connecticut! I am also an ORM.
 
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