Need some guidance!

[JGChiO11]

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Hello,
I want to apply to DO schools next cycle 2014-2015. I graduated from university in 2011 with a 3.4 cGPA, depending on retakes my science GPA is probably 3.1 range and non-science 3.8

I got a C and C- in orgo I and II so I guess I will need to re-take those. I have a 4.0 post bacc as I have been taking more science classes to boost my GPA. I have been working full time as a patient care tech in the emergency department for 2 years - 4500 direct patient care hours. I also volunteer at a hospice home but have a total of over 2500 volunteer hours.

I did some research in undergrad probably 100 hours worth but patients are my real passion so that's why my patient care hours are so high. I've shadowed PAs and MDs but no DOs yet. However most of the doctors who I work with one-on-one with at the hospital are DOs so I know I can shadow them.

My main question is besides shadowing a DO, what can I do to improve my chances? I will gain more hours of volunteering and patient care experience every week until next June 🙂

Thank you for any advice!!

 

[hallowmann]

Get a high MCAT score. Focus on the retakes and the MCAT. You have more than enough ECs, and your sGPA is a low, but with a decent MCAT, you shouldn't have trouble getting in.

 

[DrEnderW]

First off, I wish you best of luck.

The most important component of your application will be your MCAT. It's hard to provide advice without that score. If you nail the exam, a lot of doors will open for you. That should be your number 1 priority - shoot for >30.

As you said, continue with volunteering and shadowing, but those will all be of secondary importance to a great test score.

 

[JGChiO11]

Thank you both so much!!

I don't know much about the application process for DO schools so my science GPA may be higher because I did re-take 2 science classes in undergrad and received higher grades. I just calculated my GPA including both grades but if they count the re-take as one grade, my science GPA might be slightly higher.

Also, do post-bacc science classes count towards the science GPA or is it separated into a post bacc GPA? I received A's in my science classes post-bacc, hope to continue with that.

My goal for the year will be to study for the MCAT and rock it!! 🙂

Thank you for the encouragement!!

 

[gmcguitar4]

All undergraduate coursework you take, no matter the institution, is factored into the gpa that aacomas calculates. So yes, the science post-bac courses count toward your overall gpa.