PHD scientist evaluating grades/MCAT scores for chances to get into med School

[SimpleScience]

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Hello SDN-ers, I am a non-trad trying to get a better idea of my chances for admission - I completed a PHD in molecular biology 3 years ago and have been working since, first at one the big bioscience companies and more recently as the research supervisor for a new medical company. My undergrad GPA was a 3.2, my graduate GPA was a 3.8, I have 15 publications, 2 patents, 10 years research experience, and experience as an EMT and hospital transporter. I started too late last year, rushed the prep and application process, ended up getting a 26O on the MCAT (10 BS, 9 V, 7 PS...), and applied in Sept. to 7 allopathic schools - around two months ago each let me know that I wasn't accepted. I have been re-prepping for the MCAT to take early this summer and am trying to gauge my chances when re-applying. Assuming I increase the MCAT score and apply mid-summer, what do you think my chances of admission may be? Should I consider osteopathic schools, and if so what are my chances there? Thanks and please let me know if there is anything I can clarify!

 

[QofQuimica]

Hi, and welcome to SDN. Yes, you should definitely consider DO schools, and you also need to apply to way more than just seven schools, especially since your stats (both GPA and MCAT) are significantly below average for MD schools. Also, you didn't tell us what state you're applying from, but you should make sure to apply to your state schools, as public schools in most states give heavy preference to their own residents. In FL, where I'm from, it is pretty difficult to get into any of our state schools as an OOS applicant unless you have ties to the state.

You might want to PM ChemMed, as she is also a PhD-to-MD and just went through the app process this year. In addition, if you go up to the FAQs sticky at the top of this forum, there is a link for MS/PhD-to-MD that you may find helpful as you navigate this process.

Best of luck. 🙂

 

[Eik Ooc]

Gosh Q,

I don't have a competitive GPA myself. I'd just convinced myself that 10 allopathic applications would be sufficient (in addition to an equal set of osteopathic apps). Having read this post of yours I'm starting to think I should double my application quantity.

 

[QofQuimica]

Gosh Q,

I don't have a competitive GPA myself. I'd just convinced myself that 10 allopathic applications would be sufficient (in addition to an equal set of osteopathic apps). Having read this post of yours I'm starting to think I should double my application quantity.

Twenty schools is fine if they're well-chosen. The OP only applied to seven allo schools and no osteo schools. Big difference there between seven and twenty!

 

[Eik Ooc]

It's a fretful time of year.

 

[shaggy alfresco]

I would probably apply to even more than 20 to be honest with that GPA.

 

[QofQuimica]

It's a fretful time of year.

Indeed. But even without seeing your app, I don't think it's necessary for you to apply to 40 schools. If you really did need to apply to that many, odds would be good that you weren't ready to apply this year at all.

 

[SimpleScience]

Thanks so far for the replies - I would be applying as a PA resident. My plan was to retake the MCAT in July and have my app complete until the new score comes in - I feel that I can be competitive for DO schools but still unsure of my chances for allopathic, I have a very strong PS and research experience - any more wisdom those of you have gone through this path can offer? Thanks again for your help!

 

[clausewitz2]

I'm also a PhD-MD going through the process this year, so feel free to contact me as well.

 

[ChiMedster]

You should have NO PROBLEM

There are just two glaring problems from what I see in your app

1. MCAT, PS=7 huge red flag at least but at majority of schools it is a DEAL BREAKER, you must re-take and score higher

2. Rushing App = Really not good, need to be perfect and turned in early, letters also

Otherwise, you should have no problem. Most SDN'ers are ugrads who believe ugrad GPA is holy grail. Why would any school be that interested in how you did in classes ten years ago?

 

[SimpleScience]

Well, I am definitely retaking the MCAT - this is almost a personal challenge more than anything, I took the 8/19 test last year and I know I can raise the score - especially in PS. This should make me competitive for DO programs and if I do much better I should have a chance at decent allo programs. Has anyone had any luck with or looked into the just starting out med schools (like Cooper/Rowan in NJ)?