OSU-COM Discussion Thread 2011-2012

[MamaOnly4DO]

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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.

You have to score a 27-30 on your MCAT, period! Your gpa is not competitive, and they have close to 2,000 people apply each year.

It sounds like you've done a lot to prepare. Make sure you think about a learning style that works best for you and stick to that one or two methods. Too much could become confusing. I used Exam Krackers. Their Audio Osmosis is amazing!

Most people getting accepted have numerous upper division courses, so it's just to say take more of those.

Have you gone onto OSU's website and looked at the Bridge Program? If you meet one of the requirements of underrepresented in medicine, you'll need a lower gpa and MCAT, but this is where upper div courses and experience become important. The Bridge Program is very competitive, but you could look into it.

For now, I would really focus on your MCAT. If you want this, failure is not an option. If there's a will, there's a way. I echo everyone else, and I can say from experience that your hard work will pay off!

Class of 2016

 

[TMan1787]

You have to score a 27-30 on your MCAT, period! Your gpa is not competitive, and they have close to 2,000 people apply each year.

It sounds like you've done a lot to prepare. Make sure you think about a learning style that works best for you and stick to that one or two methods. Too much could become confusing. I used Exam Krackers. Their Audio Osmosis is amazing!

Most people getting accepted have numerous upper division courses, so it's just to say take more of those.

Have you gone onto OSU's website and looked at the Bridge Program? If you meet one of the requirements of underrepresented in medicine, you'll need a lower gpa and MCAT, but this is where upper div courses and experience become important. The Bridge Program is very competitive, but you could look into it.

For now, I would really focus on your MCAT. If you want this, failure is not an option. If there's a will, there's a way. I echo everyone else, and I can say from experience that your hard work will pay off!

Class of 2016

Thank you for your reply. You have got me thinking....I am of Cherokee descent and eventhough my parents are just now receiving their college degrees, no one in my family has never became or pursued becoming a physician. I have looked at the bridge in the past, but felt I was not qualified enough. I may give the wonderful Bridge Program a second look. I wonder if the Cherokee nation would provide a scholarship if I am admitted and I go back and work in one of their rural clinics after I graduate, thereby satisfying them and OSU, since I would be going into rural medicine after I graduate. It would satisfy me as well, because I would also get to go into rural med and give back to my native tribe🙂. Thanks again for your input, it meant alot!!

 

[bretski47]

Anyone know when they announce the recipients of the scholarships?

 

[Phlame217]

Scholarships are usually announced in late May to June. You will receive a letter or email if you receive one.

 

[docdolphin]

Well I got my waitlist letter today 🙁 There are so many of us... We could/should start our own thread! Lol.

Can you please explain to me the waitlist process? Does a certain number get pulled off every month or so? Do you know how often they go over the waitlist? Any information regarding this process would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Dr Zoidberg 510]

Any idea of how many openings there are or how many are on the waitlist?

I'm not sure. Sarah did tells us that 50% of last year's class spent at least some time on the wait list. Also, when I interviewed (Feb. 22nd) the class was not full; no idea where it's at now.

How long were you on the waitlist?

Interviewed on Feb 22nd, wait listed March 12th and accepted on April 9th.

Can you please explain to me the waitlist process? Does a certain number get pulled off every month or so? Do you know how often they go over the waitlist? Any information regarding this process would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I don't think that there is a certain/set number of apps they pull every month. I do know that the admissions committee reviews all wait listed apps once a month.

GOOD LUCK!!

 

[Phlame217]

Can you please explain to me the waitlist process? Does a certain number get pulled off every month or so? Do you know how often they go over the waitlist? Any information regarding this process would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

The process is not public, only speculated based on information they do give.

What one can infer is that OSU does rolling admissions filling roughly 50% of the class by the end of February-March; They wait list the majority of the others and a few unlucky people get rejected.

When mid May arrives, the time to get a refund of your deposit arrives so many people are forced to choose between their multiple acceptances and withdraw from all the schools they choose not to attend. This opens up many slots at OSU as people who applied broadly release their seat.

Typically by the end of May to mid June, you can count on the class being filled but their will still be movement all the way till the first day of class as seats open up at various schools throughout the summer and people jump on their chance.

 

[MamaOnly4DO]

Thank you for your reply. You have got me thinking....I am of Cherokee descent and eventhough my parents are just now receiving their college degrees, no one in my family has never became or pursued becoming a physician. I have looked at the bridge in the past, but felt I was not qualified enough. I may give the wonderful Bridge Program a second look. I wonder if the Cherokee nation would provide a scholarship if I am admitted and I go back and work in one of their rural clinics after I graduate, thereby satisfying them and OSU, since I would be going into rural medicine after I graduate. It would satisfy me as well, because I would also get to go into rural med and give back to my native tribe🙂. Thanks again for your input, it meant alot!!

I'm pretty sure you'd have to show proof of tribal membership. I'm actually a registered Cherokee tribal member. My dad's family signed the roll, so we were able to get our paperwork in. The processing can take years. It took 11 months for our 6 years ago, and that was considered quick!
I have Indian health care and had the choice of receiving IHS (Indian Health Services) scholarships where you work for a tribal or government facility or either start or work in practice in a community with a Native American population of 25% or more. That could work for you if you can call the tribal headquarters in Tahlequah and find out if your family is even on the roll (although this is not time effective).

The Bridge Program may not be an option right now, and it is only 9 spots each year. I actually interviewed for Bridge my first go-around and didn't get a spot. I went ahead and did exam krackers and improved my MCAT score (by 4 points). I knew that by making myself competitive for the traditional program I'd increase my odds if getting in since there are closer to 100 spots for that.

Do your research, be patient (your wife too), and don't give up. NSU in Broken Arrow offers some wonderful classes (Lindsay probably told you that). I hope you're taking Advanced Human Anatomy at NSU with Dr. Sloan. It's a wonderful class!!!

I know you're anxious because it's exciting to know what you want to do, and you want to see the end in sight. Just remember this is a process which is emotionally, mentally, and physically trying. You'll need lots of support and understanding from your friends and relatives. Medical school is hard. So, the process is designed to weed the people out who are not committed enough to see it through when times get hard. The MCAT is a hurdle you'll have to get over, but I'm sure it's nothing compared to boards.

Good luck and God bless!

 

[TMan1787]

I'm pretty sure you'd have to show proof of tribal membership. I'm actually a registered Cherokee tribal member. My dad's family signed the roll, so we were able to get our paperwork in. The processing can take years. It took 11 months for our 6 years ago, and that was considered quick!
I have Indian health care and had the choice of receiving IHS (Indian Health Services) scholarships where you work for a tribal or government facility or either start or work in practice in a community with a Native American population of 25% or more. That could work for you if you can call the tribal headquarters in Tahlequah and find out if your family is even on the roll (although this is not time effective).

The Bridge Program may not be an option right now, and it is only 9 spots each year. I actually interviewed for Bridge my first go-around and didn't get a spot. I went ahead and did exam krackers and improved my MCAT score (by 4 points). I knew that by making myself competitive for the traditional program I'd increase my odds if getting in since there are closer to 100 spots for that.

Do your research, be patient (your wife too), and don't give up. NSU in Broken Arrow offers some wonderful classes (Lindsay probably told you that). I hope you're taking Advanced Human Anatomy at NSU with Dr. Sloan. It's a wonderful class!!!

I know you're anxious because it's exciting to know what you want to do, and you want to see the end in sight. Just remember this is a process which is emotionally, mentally, and physically trying. You'll need lots of support and understanding from your friends and relatives. Medical school is hard. So, the process is designed to weed the people out who are not committed enough to see it through when times get hard. The MCAT is a hurdle you'll have to get over, but I'm sure it's nothing compared to boards.

Good luck and God bless!

I believe my family is on the roll. My grandparents receive IHS and food allotments. I know my parents, sister, and I have Cherokee tribal cards. I definitely need to give them a call 🙂

 

[chadk]

*********.com ???? Please enlighten me 🙂 🙂

Google (course saver MCAT). It was a great review for the MCAT.

 

[blahoslovennyy]

.

 

[MamaOnly4DO]

Well I just got a call from admissions.... they picked me up off the waitlist!!!!!!! I'm sooooooooooooo happy!! Just thought I would post and let everyone still on the waitlist know that there is hope and that the waitlist is definitely moving! Good luck to everyone, I hope everything works out for all of you!!

Join our Facebook group. Search OSU-COM Class of 2016.

 

[EdLongshanks]

Join our Facebook group. Search OSU-COM Class of 2016.

Some of our class has suggested that we may also want to have a shared facebook group with you all where we can pass along tips and answer questions during the year. You certainly want a private place for just your class where you can gripe to each other privately, but a shared group might not be a bad idea.

 

[Dr Zoidberg 510]

Join our Facebook group. Search OSU-COM Class of 2016.

Good idea!

 

[MamaOnly4DO]

Some of our class has suggested that we may also want to have a shared facebook group with you all where we can pass along tips and answer questions during the year. You certainly want a private place for just your class where you can gripe to each other privately, but a shared group might not be a bad idea.

There's a lot of your classmates on our FB page. They've been posting and answering questions.

 

[Oilsooner]

This may not be the right place for this post, but I wanted to get an idea of chances for next years admissions cycle (2013 entry). OSUCOM is the only school I will be applying to as an adult student (35 years old) and will be apply to OU nursing school (Tulsa) as my other option (just not real secure in my chances for medical school, and am too old to try too many years in a row). I have lived in Tulsa my entire life, and with a family I am staying here.

UG: NSU - Biology, minor in Chemistry
GPA: 3.2 (bad grades 10 years ago bringing grades down)
Science GPA: 3.3
MCAT: 30
2 weeks shadowing a DO, but no other medical experience. Married, with a child with cerebral palsy. Work history at nursing homes, though worked in kitchen staff.

Thanks for all responses.

 

[EdLongshanks]

This may not be the right place for this post, but I wanted to get an idea of chances for next years admissions cycle (2013 entry). OSUCOM is the only school I will be applying to as an adult student (35 years old) and will be apply to OU nursing school (Tulsa) as my other option (just not real secure in my chances for medical school, and am too old to try too many years in a row). I have lived in Tulsa my entire life, and with a family I am staying here.

UG: NSU - Biology, minor in Chemistry
GPA: 3.2 (bad grades 10 years ago bringing grades down)
Science GPA: 3.3
MCAT: 30
2 weeks shadowing a DO, but no other medical experience. Married, with a child with cerebral palsy. Work history at nursing homes, though worked in kitchen staff.

Thanks for all responses.

Your stats will probably get you an interview - once into the interview, your chances are completely about the connection you make with the interviewers.

I'm laughing about your thinking that 35 is too old to try for very many years. I'm a first-year and I turn 50 next year - and I'm not the oldest guy in the class! You have at least 30 years of working life ahead of you. Why spend it doing something that you didn't dream of? 7 years from now you are going to be 7 years older and either a doctor or not a doctor.

If I were you I would apply a lot more broadly. No one is a shoo-in at any school. You also need a really good personal statement and compelling reason for OSU to believe that you would be an asset to the school. Browse some the FAQ's and some posts in the non-trad forum to find out how to make yourself a better candidate.

 

[Oilsooner]

Thanks for your reply, Ed. Also, I would apply more broadly, but I honestly have no intention of moving if I were to be accepted somewhere else. Thus the limited options, but I do realize that its a personal choice.

Also, I am considering applying to the bridge program as a Native American. Are there any numbers out there for the number of applicants to that program, and their stats? I know they only take 9 people, but that's all I can find.

Thanks again.

 

[iansr]

Anybody heard anything about the waitlist or dual degree programs lately?

 

[MamaOnly4DO]

Thanks for your reply, Ed. Also, I would apply more broadly, but I honestly have no intention of moving if I were to be accepted somewhere else. Thus the limited options, but I do realize that its a personal choice.

Also, I am considering applying to the bridge program as a Native American. Are there any numbers out there for the number of applicants to that program, and their stats? I know they only take 9 people, but that's all I can find.

Thanks again.

You really need to call OSU-COM and talk to Lindsey Kirkpatrick. You may be too competitive for Bridge. Schedule to have a tour and meet with her. Don't act as though you're on the fence because with your MCAT you can get in. You'll also be making a first impression. And I agree that you're definitely not too old (old is not even an appropriate term) to spend time doing what you need to do to get in and become a doctor. Do your research, read The Difference a DO Makes, and Lindsey will give you clear advice on where you stand and how you can be proactive to get in (including more clinical experience or shadowing, extracurricular, and strong letters of recommendation).

You deserve to have the knowledge to help others and your child.

 

[auhtum1980]

No 🙁

Not a word on wait list or duel degrees.

 

[aep2878]

I interviewed for the Bridge program this year. Has anyone heard anything?

 

[docdolphin]

There have been acceptances for the bridge program. They made phone calls yesterday.

 

[docdolphin]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had housing suggestions. I would like to get moved to Tulsa by mid-June. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks 🙂

 

[ViciousKicks]

I know a lot of people are looking at Nickel Creek and its sister complex (Tuscany something...).

I followed up on an email that Lindsey sent and got a fabulous house in Midtown, just a five minute drive from the school and hospital. I am partial to midtown - my best friend lives a mile from me, my parents put an offer down on a house a few blocks from me, and I am walking distance to Whole Foods. There are houses in a variety of sizes and price ranges in the area.

On our facebook page someone is looking for a few roommates to join them in a house they have now.

What sort of place are you interested in? Apartment? Duplex? House? What part of town do you want to live in? Do you need to consider school districts for children?

 

[saylorsdad]

I am finishing my MS1 year and was a bridge student last year, as per low gpa, low mcat required to get in to the bridge program that isn't the case. You just have to be elgible for the program, the requirements are listed on OSU's webpage. I have heard MCAT's ranging up to near 30 for bridge students, but nobody at med school talks about their mcat since it is worthless at this point.

My advice to everyone is to Relax improve your application if you haven't got in yet, if you have relax this summer take the pre histo class if you don't want to get killed on first histology test.

 

[blahoslovennyy]

^Thanks.
For those of us still waiting, it's becoming hard work to relax.

 

[docdolphin]

Hey!

If anyone has more information about the summer course required for bridge students it would be greatly appreciated. I am hoping to find out the duration of the course (start/end date, free time on weekends, daily schedule). Also, can anyone provide info about the format of the course. Thanks!

 

[Phlame217]

Hey!

If anyone has more information about the summer course required for bridge students it would be greatly appreciated. I am hoping to find out the duration of the course (start/end date, free time on weekends, daily schedule). Also, can anyone provide info about the format of the course. Thanks!

It runs the month of July. Bridge students have to go to the school for lab/lecture where as traditional students take a completely online version.

I don't know if you have to go everyday (m-f) but I know you're there more days than not.

 

[JuneBugg]

I found out yesterday that I was accepted to OSU-COM, after being wait listed for about a month. I interviewed mid-March and was wait listed in the middle of April.

Congrats to everyone else that got accepted, and for those that haven't yet or are still on the wait list, trust me, we all feel for you. It's so nerve wracking!!

 

[TraumaJunky]

Been on the waitlist since Nov!!! Bangerrang!!

 

[auhtum1980]

Congrats, JuneBugg! 🙂

 

[Dr Zoidberg 510]

Anyone know the average MCAT score for students in the Bridge program?

 

[trustmetoday]

<DING>

Did anyone hear anything about this school??? Any waitlist movement?

Its been about 25 days and no one has said anything about this school.

Almost every school thread on SDN has seen some waitlist movement.

 

[auhtum1980]

<DING>

Did anyone hear anything about this school??? Any waitlist movement?

Its been about 25 days and no one has said anything about this school.

Almost every school thread on SDN has seen some waitlist movement.

Not a word...

 

[Phlame217]

not to fear, but I know of a few people who got called 2-3 weeks ago so there was movement of some kind then.

 

[auhtum1980]

Email today with a no...BOO...I better get working on my 2013 application 🙂

 

[TraumaJunky]

Well...email today on final wait list...the wait continues

 

[blahoslovennyy]

Email today with a "try again next year."
4.5 agonizing months on the wait list.
::sigh::

 

[doclahoma]

I gave up my spot today, hopefully that will get some movement on the wait-list.

 

[TraumaJunky]

Could I ask what fer? Another school? Ps thanks from another waitlisted bum..

 

[doclahoma]

Yes, I got off the wait-list at another school

 

[TraumaJunky]

Well congrats sir/madam...

 

[trustmetoday]

Has anyone heard of any recent wailtlist movement? Acceptances?

Does anyone know anything about the final waitlist? Size? Ranked?

It has been pretty quiet on this thread.

 

[TraumaJunky]

The waitlist was cut to a finalized one...haven't heard anything since the letter saying u are on the final list...

 

[sooterone]

Does anyone know if OSU still has the physician-mentoring program?

 

[EdLongshanks]

Does anyone know if OSU still has the physician-mentoring program?

Yes. The new students are introduced to their mentors the first week of school

 

[trustmetoday]

Hey guys

Has anyone heard of any recent news or updates about the waitlist?

Have you heard anything yourself PHLAME217?

I didn't hear about any acceptances after DOCLAHOMA drop his/her spot.

 

[Phlame217]

Nope nothing heard on my side but I am away from the school on rotations now.

 

[Drsport85]

I know of one guy who was accepted today.