Opinions please

[Supernatural17]

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So I've seen recent posts and I've posted posts about my situation before and have gotten pretty positive feedback but lately I've been worried and have been thinking about my chances recently. I really am concerned about the mistakes I've made in my undergrad and have worked really hard to fix them. I would truly appreciate honest feedback whether harsh or not from anyone willing to give it please.

MCAT 510
GPA should be 3.5+ by the time I apply (July-August)
Graduated in 5 years
Have good ECs, listed in my previous posts

My negatives that I am very concerned about:

Failed classes: 2
Gen Chem 1 (Freshman)
Gen Chem 1 (Freshman)

Withdrawals: 5
-Physics 1 (Sophomore year)
-Anatomy (Junior year because I transferred schools and they wouldn't accept it because they offer A & P combined not separately)
-Orgo 1 (Junior year because I transferred schools and they wouldn't accept it because they require both organic chemistries to be done at the same school)
-Orgo 1 ( Senior year)
-Cell bio (Senior year)

Retakes:
1.Calc 2
2.Bio II
3.Pre calculus
4.Genetics
5.Psych 101
6.Chem 110
7.English 110
8.Cell Biology
9.Orgo 1

Thanks everyone, please ask if you have any questions.

 

[Dr Tony T. Chopper]

Your MCAT is at a good place considering 507 is marginally competitive. Is 3.5 sgpa or cgpa? Any shadowing experiences? Have you met any good letter writers yet?

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

So I've seen recent posts and I've posted posts about my situation before and have gotten pretty positive feedback but lately I've been worried and have been thinking about my chances recently. I really am concerned about the mistakes I've made in my undergrad and have worked really hard to fix them. I would truly appreciate honest feedback whether harsh or not from anyone willing to give it please.

MCAT 510
GPA should be 3.5+ by the time I apply (July-August)
Graduated in 5 years
Have good ECs, listed in my previous posts

My negatives that I am very concerned about:

Failed classes: 2
Gen Chem 1 (Freshman)
Gen Chem 1 (Freshman)

Withdrawals: 5
-Physics 1 (Sophomore year)
-Anatomy (Junior year because I transferred schools and they wouldn't accept it because they offer A & P combined not separately)
-Orgo 1 (Junior year because I transferred schools and they wouldn't accept it because they require both organic chemistries to be done at the same school)
-Orgo 1 ( Senior year)
-Cell bio (Senior year)

Retakes:
1.Calc 2
2.Bio II
3.Pre calculus
4.Genetics
5.Psych 101
6.Chem 110
7.English 110
8.Cell Biology
9.Orgo 1

Thanks everyone, please ask if you have any questions.

As long as you don't have any Fs currently your fine for DO. MD probably not.

 

[Supernatural17]

Your MCAT is at a good place considering 507 is marginally competitive. Is 3.5 sgpa or cgpa? Any shadowing experiences? Have you met any good letter writers yet?

Both Cgpa and sgpa and yea I have shadowed a D.O. Cardiologist in a hospital and a D.O. EM physician in a hospital. I have 3 years of hospital EM research and many more ECs. I will be receiving a committee letter from my school and will be getting one from my research at the EM department and both physicians I've shadowed as well as from other volunteer and research positions Organizations I've been apart of.

 

[Supernatural17]

As long as you don't have any Fs currently your fine for DO. MD probably not.

I don't, and thank you for your reply. I plan on applying only D.O.

 

[adrian710]

Your MCAT is at a good place considering 507 is marginally competitive. Is 3.5 sgpa or cgpa? Any shadowing experiences? Have you met any good letter writers yet?

Lol 507 marginally competitive

 

[adrian710]

You retake the withdrawals?

 

[Dr Tony T. Chopper]

Lol 507 marginally competitive

Do elaborate.

 

[adrian710]

Do elaborate.

504*** is competitive
507 is on the brink of MD qualifications
500+ gives any applicant a decent shot paired with a good GPA/EC and early/broad app

 

[Supernatural17]

You retake the withdrawals?

Hey yea I considered it a retake but I realize how it's probably not considered retakes lol

 

[adrian710]

Red flags will be the withdrawals and reason for the plethora of retakes, but if you can explain that and they don't dismiss app off those flags, your 3.5 GPA and 510 MCAT along with solid EC's can land you anywhere I'd think

 

[Supernatural17]

Red flags will be the withdrawals and reason for the plethora of retakes, but if you can explain that and they don't dismiss app off those flags, your 3.5 GPA and 510 MCAT along with solid EC's can land you anywhere I'd think

Thank you, I'm hoping they will overlook that. I retook classes that I got C's on during my first year and a half of college. I didn't do so well during that first year and a half but have tried my best to build myself back up from that. Thank you

 

[adrian710]

Thank you, I'm hoping they will overlook that. I retook classes that I got C's on during my first year and a half of college. I didn't do so well during that first year and a half but have tried my best to build myself back up from that. Thank you

Right and they understand retaking a few C's is fine bc kids may not try their hardest freshman/soph year but I see the problem being that you had to retake so many classes spanning all four years including senior classes such as genetics, that won't fare so well but fortunately for you, ur GPA and MCAT are good for DO so you will get interviews. Just be ready to explain that stuff bc they most def will target those questions to you.

 

[Supernatural17]

Right and they understand retaking a few C's is fine bc kids may not try their hardest freshman/soph year but I see the problem being that you had to retake so many classes spanning all four years including senior classes such as genetics, that won't fare so well but fortunately for you, ur GPA and MCAT are good for DO so you will get interviews. Just be ready to explain that stuff bc they most def will target those questions to you.

Makes sense, thank you for your input. I look forward to hopefully receiving any interview(s) and will be ready to explain when the time comes. Thank you I really appreciate your opinion.

 

[Takeda]

Were the retakes at the same school or a different institution? If at a different institution then make sure to apply to schools that will count course retakes from different schools. I know most schools allow retakes from different institutions but I say this because you're a competitive applicant for top DO programs yet NYCOM for example doesn't accept course retakes unless they're from the original institution. As long as you have an upward GPA trend during your post-bac/last 30ish credits then I see no reason for you to have any problem besides the upper tier DO schools. The Touros will take you in a heart beat.

 

[adrian710]

Were the retakes at the same school or a different institution? If at a different institution then make sure to apply to schools that will count course retakes from different schools. I know most schools allow retakes from different institutions but I say this because you're a competitive applicant for top DO programs yet NYCOM for example doesn't accept course retakes unless they're from the original institution. As long as you have an upward GPA trend during your post-bac/last 30ish credits then I see no reason for you to have any problem besides the upper tier DO schools. The Touros will take you in a heart beat.

Where did you hear this about NYCOM? What other schools follow this ridiculous rule?

 

[Takeda]

Where did you hear this about NYCOM? What other schools follow this ridiculous rule?

From the dean of admissions at NYCOM. I'm in a similar situation as you. I've only checked with NE schools, but NYCOM is the only one I've heard that does this. I will add though that the dean of admissions also said "regardless of us not counting some retakes, getting a 30+ on an MCAT means you have to know something. I'd still apply if I were you".

 

[mathnerd88]

While your retakes are fine, your withdrawals from courses from senior year will also be red flags. It is after all, your most current status as a student right before medical school. If you were doing poorly during freshman year and sophomore year, but then ended up getting straight A's junior and senior year, that would bode confidence for an adcom.

Know that with the amount of retakes and withdrawals you have gone through, you're closing your window for the top tier medical schools. You would be fine at newer schools, however (such as BCOM, ACOM, etc.) Also, be prepared to give a good answer for those interview questions of why so many retakes, withdrawals, F's, etc.

Understand that there are plenty of applicants who have good GPA's without any retakes/F's and good MCAT scores. Your MCAT will make up for some of the bad GPA, but many classes that have been repeated may require some reinvention. Also, know that there is a possibility you may have to take higher level bio, and ace those courses the first time to demonstrate your ability to succeed while in medical school. You should be acing courses for the first time by now if you're planning to apply next cycle.

Do you have a lot of EC's?

 

[OrdinaryDO]

504*** is competitive
507 is on the brink of MD qualifications
500+ gives any applicant a decent shot paired with a good GPA/EC and early/broad app

Just my thoughts from being around here for quite a while. For MD, you want no less than a 510 to be in the "average" pool of MCAT scores for matriculating students. A 504 is pretty good for DO's for now, but not for too much longer..


As for the OP's question, my personal advice is I would be genuinely worried about your chances. You have a good MCAT, but you have failed general chem. 1 two times, which in and of itself is a bad deal. You have retaken 9 courses at least, but every one of those courses are pre-requisites for medical school, so that is VERY concerning. Grade replacement is very handy for DO applications, but it just worries me that your application is what it is since you are going to be weighed against others who have the same stats as you without retaking classes for grade replacement. I would imagine if you scored an interview, which is a good possibility, then you better have a good excuse. I admire your determination, as they may as well. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Supernatural17]

From the dean of admissions at NYCOM. I'm in a similar situation as you. I've only checked with NE schools, but NYCOM is the only one I've heard that does this. I will add though that the dean of admissions also said "regardless of us not counting some retakes, getting a 30+ on an MCAT means you have to know something. I'd still apply if I were you".

I definitely will apply for sure, thanks for the feedback and notice about NYITCOMS policy

 

[Supernatural17]

While your retakes are fine, your withdrawals from courses from senior year will also be red flags. It is after all, your most current status as a student right before medical school. If you were doing poorly during freshman year and sophomore year, but then ended up getting straight A's junior and senior year, that would bode confidence for an adcom.

Know that with the amount of retakes and withdrawals you have gone through, you're closing your window for the top tier medical schools. You would be fine at newer schools, however (such as BCOM, ACOM, etc.) Also, be prepared to give a good answer for those interview questions of why so many retakes, withdrawals, F's, etc.

Understand that there are plenty of applicants who have good GPA's without any retakes/F's and good MCAT scores. Your MCAT will make up for some of the bad GPA, but many classes that have been repeated may require some reinvention. Also, know that there is a possibility you may have to take higher level bio, and ace those courses the first time to demonstrate your ability to succeed while in medical school. You should be acing courses for the first time by now if you're planning to apply next cycle.

Do you have a lot of EC's?

I am definitely preparing to be ready and yep,

Volunteering:
-1000 hours/ 3 years in the ER alone
A few hundred hours of:
-Volunteering at different hospitals
-Boy Scouts as well as toy drives and food drives
-Red Cross
-Provided help and relief to refugees and people in need in my country of Palestine.

Shadowing: D.O. ER Doctor and D.O Cardiologist

Research:
-1000 hours/ 3 years of research in the ED performing studies and a ton of patient interaction.
-150 hours of school related research on Animal Behavior.

Have been apart of many clubs:
-AMSA
-National society of leadership and success member
-Biology club
-MSA
-Coached the basketball intramural at my school

I have the following committee letters:
-Letter of rec from my research director
-D.O. ER and cardiologist I shadowed
-Volunteer director
-Professor who I did research with
-Boy Scout scout master
-Letter of rec from the residency coordinator for all emergency department and surgery residents.
-Committee letter from my school

Also first generation college student

 

[Supernatural17]

Just my thoughts from being around here for quite a while. For MD, you want no less than a 510 to be in the "average" pool of MCAT scores for matriculating students. A 504 is pretty good for DO's for now, but not for too much longer..


As for the OP's question, my personal advice is I would be genuinely worried about your chances. You have a good MCAT, but you have failed general chem. 1 two times, which in and of itself is a bad deal. You have retaken 9 courses at least, but every one of those courses are pre-requisites for medical school, so that is VERY concerning. Grade replacement is very handy for DO applications, but it just worries me that your application is what it is since you are going to be weighed against others who have the same stats as you without retaking classes for grade replacement. I would imagine if you scored an interview, which is a good possibility, then you better have a good excuse. I admire your determination, as they may as well. I wish you the best of luck.

I really hope Med schools see my determination as well, I've been through many hardships just as many other people have been through as well. I really want to become a physician and have been working really hard to hopefully get there. I hope med schools give me a chance. Thank you very much for your feedback.

 

[Supernatural17]

Hey @Goro @LizzyM would you be able to provide me any feedback. Thank you

 

[adrian710]

Hey @Goro @LizzyM would you be able to provide me any feedback. Thank you

You're good. High MCAT score for DO and with retakes you are slightly above average even GPA. You have great EC's also. We are only mentioning the many of the retakes as a POTENTIAL problem but everyone has a slight problem wether that be GPA MCAT EC's etc. Yours is the amount of retakes. You will get an acceptance probably mid or top tier DO schools.

 

[AzizImSorry]

From the dean of admissions at NYCOM. I'm in a similar situation as you. I've only checked with NE schools, but NYCOM is the only one I've heard that does this. I will add though that the dean of admissions also said "regardless of us not counting some retakes, getting a 30+ on an MCAT means you have to know something. I'd still apply if I were you".

So NYCOM doesn't necessarily look at your AACOMAS GPA and they calculate it themselves? How do they screen all their applicants for those retakes? I'm not saying I don't believe you, it just seems implausible

 

[deleted719840]

You are an excellent candidate for DO schools. In fact, we are very similar applicants except your MCAT is way higher than mine(I got a 26). I like to share my story and encourage you!

I moved to the States from a foreign country in high school and was struggling very much in my first two years of college. I made a drastic improvement in my 3rd and 4th year and retook a lot of classes to fix up my GPA. (Keep in mind that 2 of my Ws were in junior year and I was still getting some Bs and Cs while making the leap).

In my senior year, I took 25-34 units per quarter and my MCAT simultaneously(which explains my low score) and made very good grades. At the same time, I was teaching an intro biology course and conducting research. I started out my first two years with an ugly 2.7 but graduated with a 3.6.

I applied this cycle to roughly 20 schools thinking I will not have a chance. I received 6 IIs and withdrew from most schools after my first acceptance. I attended three IIs, was accepted to two but waitlisted at one because I stupidly stated I don't think I can stay and practice there(don't do this!).

During my interviews, none of the schools mentioned my poor 1st/2nd-year grades, 13 retakes, nor 4 withdraws. I was described as a highly competitive candidate given my strong academic work, extracurricular activities, and background. One school even stated that my undergraduate school is very well respected, known for grade deflation and they believe I will do very well in medical school.

Retakes can be viewed as a positive or negative asset depending on the school. The key here is to compile a good and balanced list of school to apply to. I am very sure you will receive many interviews and multiple acceptances. Best of luck to you!

I listed my retake below so you can see -
Bio C+ -> A
Bio- Withdraw -> B+
Genetics - B- -> A
Chem -> B- -> B+
Chem II -> C+ -> A-
Physics I - Withdraw -> A
Ochem I - C- -> B+
OChem II - Withdraw -> B+
OChem III - C -> B
Biochem Lab - Withdraw - A
Econ 1 - C+ -> A
Econ 2 - B -> A
English as a second language - NP -> P

 

[mathnerd88]

You are an excellent candidate for DO schools. In fact, we are very similar applicants except your MCAT is way higher than mine(I got a 26). I like to share my story and encourage you!

I moved to the States from a foreign country in high school and was struggling very much in my first two years of college. I made a drastic improvement in my 3rd and 4th year and retook a lot of classes to fix up my GPA. (Keep in mind that 2 of my Ws were in junior year and I was still getting some Bs and Cs while making the leap).

In my senior year, I took 25-34 units per quarter and my MCAT simultaneously(which explains my low score) and made very good grades. At the same time, I was teaching an intro biology course and conducting research. I started out my first two years with an ugly 2.7 but graduated with a 3.6.

I applied this cycle to roughly 20 schools thinking I will not have a chance. I received 6 IIs and withdrew from most schools after my first acceptance. I attended three IIs, was accepted to two but waitlisted at one because I stupidly stated I don't think I can stay and practice there(don't do this!).

During my interviews, none of the schools mentioned my poor 1st/2nd-year grades, 13 retakes, nor 4 withdraws. I was described as a highly competitive candidate given my strong academic work, extracurricular activities, and background. One school even stated that my undergraduate school is very well respected, known for grade deflation and they believe I will do very well in medical school.

Retakes can be viewed as a positive or negative asset depending on the school. The key here is to compile a good and balanced list of school to apply to. I am very sure you will receive many interviews and multiple acceptances. Best of luck to you!

I listed my retake below so you can see -
Bio C+ -> A
Bio- Withdraw -> B+
Genetics - B- -> A
Chem -> B- -> B+
Chem II -> C+ -> A-
Physics I - Withdraw -> A
Ochem I - C- -> B+
OChem II - Withdraw -> B+
OChem III - C -> B
Biochem Lab - Withdraw - A
Econ 1 - C+ -> A
Econ 2 - B -> A
English as a second language - NP -> P

Your story is unique. You came from a foreign country, and being able to adjust that easily is impressive in itself. Also, you got A's and B's in all your retakes, and you've done it one time. Also, you've never had F's.

If the OP is from the states, then there's way less of an excuse. The difference between you and OP is actually big. You've only done badly in your first two years...the OP has had withdrawals even from senior year.

You've also stated your school is known for grade deflation. If the OP has a good excuse for the reasons for his withdrawals and retakes then it is fine.

 

[Supernatural17]

You're good. High MCAT score for DO and with retakes you are slightly above average even GPA. You have great EC's also. We are only mentioning the many of the retakes as a POTENTIAL problem but everyone has a slight problem wether that be GPA MCAT EC's etc. Yours is the amount of retakes. You will get an acceptance probably mid or top tier DO schools.

Thank You for your reply.

 

[Supernatural17]

You are an excellent candidate for DO schools. In fact, we are very similar applicants except your MCAT is way higher than mine(I got a 26). I like to share my story and encourage you!

I moved to the States from a foreign country in high school and was struggling very much in my first two years of college. I made a drastic improvement in my 3rd and 4th year and retook a lot of classes to fix up my GPA. (Keep in mind that 2 of my Ws were in junior year and I was still getting some Bs and Cs while making the leap).

In my senior year, I took 25-34 units per quarter and my MCAT simultaneously(which explains my low score) and made very good grades. At the same time, I was teaching an intro biology course and conducting research. I started out my first two years with an ugly 2.7 but graduated with a 3.6.

I applied this cycle to roughly 20 schools thinking I will not have a chance. I received 6 IIs and withdrew from most schools after my first acceptance. I attended three IIs, was accepted to two but waitlisted at one because I stupidly stated I don't think I can stay and practice there(don't do this!).

During my interviews, none of the schools mentioned my poor 1st/2nd-year grades, 13 retakes, nor 4 withdraws. I was described as a highly competitive candidate given my strong academic work, extracurricular activities, and background. One school even stated that my undergraduate school is very well respected, known for grade deflation and they believe I will do very well in medical school.

Retakes can be viewed as a positive or negative asset depending on the school. The key here is to compile a good and balanced list of school to apply to. I am very sure you will receive many interviews and multiple acceptances. Best of luck to you!

I listed my retake below so you can see -
Bio C+ -> A
Bio- Withdraw -> B+
Genetics - B- -> A
Chem -> B- -> B+
Chem II -> C+ -> A-
Physics I - Withdraw -> A
Ochem I - C- -> B+
OChem II - Withdraw -> B+
OChem III - C -> B
Biochem Lab - Withdraw - A
Econ 1 - C+ -> A
Econ 2 - B -> A
English as a second language - NP -> P

Thank you for your reply I truly appreciate it

 

[Supernatural17]

Your story is unique. You came from a foreign country, and being able to adjust that easily is impressive in itself. Also, you got A's and B's in all your retakes, and you've done it one time. Also, you've never had F's.

If the OP is from the states, then there's way less of an excuse. The difference between you and OP is actually big. You've only done badly in your first two years...the OP has had withdrawals even from senior year.

I definitely see what's your saying and know I'm going to have a lot more to prove/explain if I get an interview. I didn't do so well my first year and a half and had some trouble later on due to some personal circumstances and I will be sure to explain that if I'm given the opportunity but I have stayed determined and have tried my best to continue on my path to applying to med school and will see what the application cycle is like for me when I apply. Thank you for your honest replies, it gives me the chance to put things in perspective.

 

[mathnerd88]

I definitely see what's your saying and know I'm going to have a lot more to prove/explain if I get an interview. I didn't do so well my first year and a half and had some trouble later on due to some personal circumstances and I will be sure to explain that if I'm given the opportunity but I have stayed determined and have tried my best to continue on my path to applying to med school and will see what the application cycle is like for me when I apply. Thank you for your honest replies, it gives me the chance to put things in perspective.

Agreed. If you want to maximize your chances, please apply as soon as the cycle opens to maximize your chances.

 

[deleted719840]

Your story is unique. You came from a foreign country, and being able to adjust that easily is impressive in itself. Also, you got A's and B's in all your retakes, and you've done it one time. Also, you've never had F's.

If the OP is from the states, then there's way less of an excuse. The difference between you and OP is actually big. You've only done badly in your first two years...the OP has had withdrawals even from senior year.

You've also stated your school is known for grade deflation. If the OP has a good excuse for the reasons for his withdrawals and retakes then it is fine.

I had 2 Ws, a C+, and a B- in my last quarter of Junior year due to a biking accident and it was never mentioned in my apps nor interview. It was not really a perfect uphill battle.

With such a strong MCAT and leap in grades, OP probably also has a story to tell and a very strong potential to secure IIs. OP's healthcare experience, shadowing experience, and extracurricular look great too. If OP apply early and broadly, he has an excellent chance to get some IIs.

 

[mathnerd88]

I had 2 Ws, a C+, and a B- in my last quarter of Junior year due to a biking accident and it was never mentioned in my apps nor interview. It was not really a perfect uphill battle.

With such a strong MCAT and leap in grades, OP probably also has a story to tell and a very strong potential to secure IIs. OP's healthcare experience, shadowing experience, and extracurricular look great too. If OP apply early and broadly, he has an excellent chance to get some IIs.

Agree with this. I may have been pessimistic earlier, but upon looking at his EC's, the OP has a great shot.

 

[deleted719840]

I definitely see what's your saying and know I'm going to have a lot more to prove/explain if I get an interview. I didn't do so well my first year and a half and had some trouble later on due to some personal circumstances and I will be sure to explain that if I'm given the opportunity but I have stayed determined and have tried my best to continue on my path to applying to med school and will see what the application cycle is like for me when I apply. Thank you for your honest replies, it gives me the chance to put things in perspective.

Be sure to include some useful information in your personal statement to show how your personal circumstances helped you turn it all around!