I would like to know what are my interview chances:
1) Science GPA (2.933)
2) Overall GPA (3.22)
3) MCAT (Vastly underestimated exam and received an incredibly low score (below 15), but scored a Q on the essays. I'm retaking it April 28th - in 3 weeks AGGHHHH)
4) Experience (5 years b/w two hospitals as a patient transporter/orderly, Post-Op/Recovery nurse assistant, Registration/Admissions clerk, and currently, a laboratory assistant)
5) Shadowed several D.O.s whom are all OSU alums that can write letters of recommendation for me
6) I have a strong desire to practice rural medicine here in Oklahoma. All my family lives here and I have no interest in moving away, unless an OOS school accepts me and OSU does not.
Lindsay did tell me to go back and take some upper-division courses, which is what I am doing this summer and fall (taking human anatomy/human dissection/mammology/molecular cell physiology/genetics). If I can score A's in these courses, it would raise my science GPA up to 3.1 - 3.14 (since I already have 138 credit hours).
Here are a few questions:
1) What could happen if I get my AACOMAS application/supplemental/letters of recommendation all submitted the first or second week of June when the new application cycle starts?
1) Would they wait to see these upcoming grades before considering an interview, or grant an interview, and wait-list me until they see my final grades for the fall semester?
2) Would a very well-written essay and letters of recommendation, along with my experience, be enough to help SLIGHTLY buffer my just above minimum science/overall GPAs?
Any and all input would be GREATLY appreciated. If anyone honestly thinks I still have a shot, please let me know🙂 You can be as brutally honest as possible, it won't hurt my feelings.
Your chances for an interview are all based on your MCAT score coming up. With a less than 15, I don't think that even makes the minimum for the bridge program. A 21 is the minimum for the regular program. I will tell you from my experience (3rd year applying, 2nd time waitlist currently, the low GPA and very low MCAT are going to keep you out. I have a masters degree in exercise science/physiology, taught at OU as a full time adjunct professor in health and sciences, graduate teaching of physiology courses, tons of research experience, multiple published papers in MSSE, Arthroscopy. SMAR, and advanced orthopedic procedures books, excellent LOR's, and interviews at OSU. All of that stuff does help slightly, but I can tell you most of the weight is placed on your MCAT and GPA to get in the door. If you clear that hurdle, then your experience will shine, but until then you're there, you're just another low number.
They recommended the same thing to me to take upper division science again, which I took Biochem. I'm also taking the MCAT May 19th and shooting for a 27-30 to try and clear this hurdle.
For yourself, I would definitely take the courses Lindsey recommended, but you really need to focus on your MCAT score. If you're not making competitive scores on the AAMC practice exams, especially #10 and #11, I would delay and wait to take it until you are ready. Yes, OSU is not as score based as say OU, but they still put a lot of weight on it if you have scores like you and me. You can apply as early as you want, but you won't be considered for an interview until you meet the minimums for MCAT and GPA. I applied early but didn't interview until February both times. My MCAT hit the minimum, but is simply not competitive enough.
This of course is my perspective and you should definitely communicate with Lindsey, but I would recommend you prepare for your MCAT as priority. Once you have a competitive score (ave. at OSU is ~9; 27), then apply and take the courses while you wait on interviews/acceptances. As for the courses, if you delay the MCAT, take whatever courses you identify as weak on the MCAT.
Good luck and don't give up!
