DO Panicked about a 7 - school list advice, please!

[ananasmed]

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[bionerd89]

Hi guys! Long time lurker, new poster. I was hoping you fine people could take a look at my school list and offer me any advice.

I’m a non-trad, graduated 2 years ago as a science major but NOT “pre-med.” Had some pre-reqs already done from the science degree.

*Retook a C- in Orgo I from my original degree and got an A, and took Physics I and II for the first time all at a community college. Took Orgo II at a different 4-year school.
*Also took Anatomy & Physio I and II and Microbiology at the CC.
*I don’t have biochemistry yet but plan to register to take it in the fall. I hope this will be okay for schools that require it - it’s not listed on my app because I have not been able to register yet.

In sum, my AACOMAS cGPA is 3.84, sGPA 3.80. For AMCAS my GPAs are lower, due to the C- in Orgo I and some Bs in math classes.

My MCAT is 27: 7 PS, 10 VR, 10 BS.

I’m worried the 7 PS will be the nail in my application coffin. I’m scheduled to retake on July 25th, but I’m not sure how much my score can improve - I dedicated four months to my initial prep and constantly struggled with the PS section. I’m starting to study again with a fresh approach and somewhat less anxiety since I’m now familiar with the test. Will I be auto screened out of schools because of the 7? I plan to submit my application in early June despite not having the new score yet.

I have clinical experience/volunteering/some research/shadowing with both MDs and DOs. Maybe nothing super outstanding, but I am proud of my experiences and feel I have a lot to offer med schools!

I know there are schools on my list with average MCAT scores several points higher than mine - maybe my higher than average GPA will help me out here? Please let me know if any of these are completely out of the question. I was initially planning to apply to about half MD/half DO schools, but now due to my MCAT I will focus mainly on DO and only apply to the MD schools in my area (Chicago). I would absolutely love to matriculate to any school on this list.

KCOM
SOMA
ACOM
AZCOM
CUSOM
CCOM
DMU
KCUMB
LMU-DCOM
MUCOM
MSUCOM
NYCOM
Nova
OUCOM (I know about the 5 year requirement - my bf is from Ohio and we’ve seriously considered moving there)
RVUCOM
All 3 Touros
WVSOM
Western-COMP
WCU-COM

Plus 4 MD programs (Rush, RFUMS, Loyola, UIllinois) - probably Against Medical Advice .

Obviously I have trouble with concise writing *grumbles about character limit for personal statement* but I do appreciate the time it takes for people to read and post advice on threads like this! I've read a lot on this subforum and have already learned so much.

I don't think you need to apply to that many schools. Your stats are good even with the 7. You should definitely remove some schools from your list. You should remove a few of the newer/lower-tier schools unless you feel very strongly about them.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

You're pretty fine as is tbh. You'll easily get some love from plenty of schools.


Now regarding your list... Did you legitimately just randomly pull out schools from a hat or what?

 

[ananasmed]

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[XFireMedic]

When you complete your secondary statement for OU-HCOM, make sure that you highlight any Ohio ties that you have. As I am sure, OU-HCOM as a heavy in-state bias, but if you have any Ohio ties and/or a strong interest in primary care, that will certainly help. Your GPAs look good, but CCOM gives me cause because they have a very high average MCAT for a DO school.

 

[Trannie]

I think as long s you have a 27+ and your application shines, you'll be fine. Don't let SDNers nitpick your MCAT and scare you away. You'll be surprised what schools call you for an interview

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I think as long s you have a 27+ and your application shines, you'll be fine. Don't let SDNers nitpick your MCAT and scare you away. You'll be surprised what schools call you for an interview

I like your eyeliner.

 

[gocougs339]

Your current MCAT score is fine for DO schools, Apply early and you'll definitely get into somewhere. Last year I got ii's with a 6 in VR (no acceptances, but I also applied late), so you should be fine with a 7 in PS.

 

[Trannie]

I like your eyeliner.

Thanks! I plan to upload y-tube videos for glamour SOS tutorials!

 

[csx]

Your current MCAT score is fine for DO schools, Apply early and you'll definitely get into somewhere. Last year I got ii's with a 6 in VR (no acceptances, but I also applied late), so you should be fine with a 7 in PS.

What did you score in the other sections if you dont mind me asking??

 

[ananasmed]

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[gocougs339]

What did you score in the other sections if you dont mind me asking??

Last year I had a 27, 6 VR 10PS 11BS. This year I had a 28 9VR 8PS 11BS.

I love reading stories like this. I hope that you get in this year.

Thanks! I did, I start at CUSOM in 2 months.

 

[TopTomato]

I'd add PCOM to your list OP

 

[987234]

I got into 3 DO schools and on 2 waitlists with a 7 in PS (and I applied a lot less broadly than you). You won't be auto-screened out because of the 7 so don't let it get you down! Go for it.

 

[ortnakas]

Consider LECOM. I have since retaken the MCAT and improved my score, but I got an interview offer with them when my score was 25 with a PS sub score of 6.

 

[ToKingdomCome]

I would add rowan despite the IS bias.

 

[hev]

Just my experience, but my MCAT was a 6PS, 13 VR, 11 BS and I got into school. Your 7 won't be the thing to hold you back if the other facets of your application are excellent.