Newbie requesting input and help!

[PDX RXM]

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I am new to the forum and need some advice.

cGPA 3.29
MCAT 28P
Great set of EC's (I think)

What are my chances to a MD program? Or do I pursue a DO program?

To be honest, was not aware of the DO route until recently, thus am not fully upto speed. Will be calling around to set up some DO shadow...as my previous shadow experience is with MD.

Do DO schools look unfavourably to candidates who applied to MD schools. What can I do to increase my chances of getting into a DO school

Your insight and feedback is much appreciated.

 

[HalfListic]

What's your sGPA?

MD, no, most likely

DO for sure.

 

[rzoo14]

You're good for most DO's. Apply broadly. As for MD, unless you're URM, chances are slim to none. Apply to your state MD school, as a reach.

 

[PDX RXM]

sGPA 3.20

 

[PDX RXM]

My sGPA is 3.20

 

[drshark]

take this next yr to shadow and build some DO familiarity and you should be a great candidate if you apply early 🙂 also take advantage of retaking classes, DO school will replace your old grade with the higer one.. if you have any grades below a C+ i would recommend doing a few retakes in the meantime

 

[NeuroLAX]

I am new to the forum and need some advice.

cGPA 3.29
MCAT 28P
Great set of EC's (I think)

What are my chances to a MD program? Or do I pursue a DO program?

To be honest, was not aware of the DO route until recently, thus am not fully upto speed. Will be calling around to set up some DO shadow...as my previous shadow experience is with MD.

Do DO schools look unfavourably to candidates who applied to MD schools. What can I do to increase my chances of getting into a DO school

Your insight and feedback is much appreciated.

Chances for MD are low. Chances for DO are decent if you play your cards right. Your MCAT is solid (given that your verbal score isn't horrendous).

DO schools do not look unfavorably to candidates who applied to MD schools. Thousands and thousands apply to both each cycle.

Best chances for DO schools is to start retaking courses you did poorly in, as DO schools grant grade forgiveness.

 

[MedPR]

Chances for MD are low. Chances for DO are decent if you play your cards right. Your MCAT is solid (given that your verbal score isn't horrendous).

DO schools do not look unfavorably to candidates who applied to MD schools. Thousands and thousands apply to both each cycle.

Best chances for DO schools is to start retaking courses you did poorly in, as DO schools grant grade forgiveness.

+1. As long as your MCAT is balanced (e.g 10-9-9 and not 12-12-4) you are fine for DO.

GPA is way too low for MD and so is your MCAT.

 

[PDX RXM]

Many thanks to all who took the time to reply and give feedback.

Just to close on some of the open questions....the break up of MCAT is 8, 10, 10.

 

[PDX RXM]

NeuroLAX - Are you suggesting I do not apply for DO this 2012-13 cycle? Or that I apply and continue to take the replacement classes at a local university? Thanks

 

[MedPR]

NeuroLAX - Are you suggesting I do not apply for DO this 2012-13 cycle? Or that I apply and continue to take the replacement classes at a local university? Thanks

Apply DO this cycle. Do it early (like right now).

 

[NeuroLAX]

NeuroLAX - Are you suggesting I do not apply for DO this 2012-13 cycle? Or that I apply and continue to take the replacement classes at a local university? Thanks

See MedPR's response. Apply now if you can. I would consider retaking some courses in the interim if you can.

Apply DO this cycle. Do it early (like right now).

+1

 

[MedPR]

See MedPR's response. Apply now if you can. I would consider retaking some courses in the interim if you can.



+1

+1. I'm taking classes all the way up until I get an acceptance. Those of us with low GPAs need all the help we can get.

 

[HalfListic]

+1. I'm taking classes all the way up until I get an acceptance. Those of us with low GPAs need all the help we can get.

Im even going to keep taking classes after I get accepted...😀

 

[rzoo14]

Im even going to keep taking classes after I get accepted...😀

You're at 1k now. Congrats 👍


OP, like they've all mentioned, keep working on your application through EC and retakes. This shows dedication and effort on your part. Good luck.

 

[OPH4Life]

Apply right now!!! and start shadowing a DO ASAP! then at least at interviews if you get them, you can say how shadowing a DO reaffirmed your "desire" to be one. Not shadowing a DO has already limited the schools you can apply to.

 

[LawlasaurusRex]

I'm guessing you're from Portland from the PDX in your nickname. If so, you should seriously consider attending the OPSO events thrown once a month in Lebanon and in Portland.

http://www.opso.org/ (click the premed tab, there is a calender of events)

These events are hosted by DO's from Oregon and a few are faculty members (who sit on the admissions committee) at WesternU's new campus. It's a chance for them to get to know you and may help you when applying to that particular school. Topics covered include mock interviews, personal statement development sessions, admissions process, ect.

Going back to topic, you're GPA is pretty low so I would rule out MD schools unless you want to spend 1+ years rehabilitating it (and even then its not guaranteed). I attend WesternU and your MCAT is spot on for our average. GPA is low, but I know students in my class who had worse GPA's that squeaked in. It really helps if you have an upwards trend with more recent grades that are good. DO schools don't care if you applied to MD schools as long as you don't parade around the fact that DO schools are just for backup. We are realistic about the fact that applicants apply everywhere.

If you have any more questions, feel free to fire me a private message.