Not Sure How to Handle My Situation

[Messiah10]

I am 25 years old and I stupidly let others pressure me into prematurely submitting my medical school primary applications before I received my MCAT scores three times . After I received my scores, I knew I would not be accepted and didn't bother with secondaries and the past two times didn't bother with all the LORs or transcript submission as I knew it would be for naught. (Also, I would like to know if those past 2 are considered attempts since they were never completed even though I am sure they are since I paid the fee.)

I must admit that over the past couple years from school I really didn't get a chance to find my love for medicine on my own and always felt it was pushed on me and this along with personal issues that kept occurring at the worst times in regards to the MCAT, which held me back from performing at the standard I have shown I can perform at.

Anyway, over the past year I have become much more independent and have rediscovered my interest in medicine and am set on becoming a physician, but know I must retake the MCAT. Even though I regularly scored between 29-34 on AAMC practice tests before my last MCAT, I think it is in my best interest to take a class to really improve on this last go around (Got a 24 on actual test).

My only fear is that this would technically be my 4th time applying to allopathic medical school and not only that but I will need to take essentially another 2 years off as I am most likely going to be unable to meet the June 1st date to submit my application and I won't make the same mistake of submitting without my score this time.

Sorry for the long post, but my real question is should I reapply to allopathic school again or would I be better suited going osteopathic or podiatry route?

Stats:
cGPA: 3.9
sGPA: 3.8
MCAT: 24Q
Experience: Research Internship, ACS member, premed society member
Volunteer: ~100 hours
Shadowing: 40 hours podiatry, 12 hours pulmonary internist, 8 oncologist

I would really appreciate any and all advice that you can give me and I apologize for the long story.

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[gyngyn]

Could you list your MCAT scores in historical order and state of residence?

 

[histidine]

You are only 25 - don't rush it again. Apply next year. Over the next year you'll need to get at least a 30, continue/get a related job (research assistant, assistant at a clinical practice, etc), and do some clinical volunteering. If this is something you'd really want to do, consider applying to DO in addition to MD. Of course, you're greatest challenge and determining factor whether you will be accepted to any medical program is your MCAT.

 

[Jamie561]

Please don't waste that GPA on a DO school.

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[WillburCobb]

Please don't waste that GPA on a DO school.

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And this would be a waste why?

OP definitely retake the MCAT with some solid time (several months) devoted to studying with PLENTY of practice tests. Don't hesitate to apply MD/DO either.

 

[Jamie561]

And this would be a waste why?

OP definitely retake the MCAT with some solid time (several months) devoted to studying with PLENTY of practice tests. Don't hesitate to apply MD/DO either.

OP will keep more professional doors open with an MD. This is especially true since OP is scoring between 29-34 in practices. MD is a possibility. Don't settle.

 

[WillburCobb]

Having professional opportunities limited because one is a DO is a myth that seems to really only exist around and be perpetuated by SDN. I've worked with DO cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, CT surgeons, neurosurgeons, researchers, as well as DOs who have served as chair of their department and held administrative positions. It comes down to the individual, their skills, and the effort they put forth, not whether you have two consonants or a consonant and a vowel following your name. If you want to become a physician there is no reason to arbitrarly limit yourself in doing so over some false notion.

 

[EmergDoc2B]

OP will keep more professional doors open with an MD. This is especially true since OP is scoring between 29-34 in practices. MD is a possibility. Don't settle.

 

[WillburCobb]

 

[battousai]

One thing to note is that your ECs seem a little light for being 3-4 years graduated.

 

[Jamie561]

OP, as a DO, your chances of matching into certain specialties is essentially zero and your chances in other specialties are reduced (to differing extents) compared to an MD applicant. Your chances at elite academic programs is effectively zero. Most have not taken a DO in many years.

The contention that the above poster works with tons of DOs in competitive specialties is dishonest. As a proportion of total grads, the number of DO specialists is far fewer compared to MD.

All I'm arguing is that you should give yourself the best chance to realize your goals.


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[Lys Ile Glu Leu]

Please don't waste that GPA on a DO school.

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You make me lol.

 

[Jamie561]

You make me lol.

Wat

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[Lys Ile Glu Leu]

Wat

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This idea that [DO = 2° MD] --> me lol.

Ya know?

For many people, it's a first choice. If it's what one wants, it's not a waste.

 

[WillburCobb]

OP, as a DO, your chances of matching into certain specialties is essentially zero and your chances in other specialties are reduced (to differing extents) compared to an MD applicant. Your chances at elite academic programs is effectively zero. Most have not taken a DO in many years.

The contention that the above poster works with tons of DOs in competitive specialties is dishonest. As a proportion of total grads, the number of DO specialists is far fewer compared to MD.

All I'm arguing is that you should give yourself the best chance to realize your goals.


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Damn those sneaky MDs parading around as DOs making me look dishonest! Apparently SDN+the real world=cognitive dissonance.

 

[Jamie561]

This idea that [DO = 2° MD] --> me lol.

Ya know?

For many people, it's a first choice. If it's what one wants, it's not a waste.

Agreed. I want to make sure OP makes an informed choice. From the post, it doesn't seem that DO is his first choice.


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[Jamie561]

Damn those sneaky MDs parading around as DOs making me look dishonest! Apparently SDN+the real world=cognitive dissonance.

You know what i mean lol


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