Plan of Action

[tyt]

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So getting into D.O. school this year is out of the picture. However I am trying to align myself up to do well for next years application cycle. I'm running into a few dilemma's about what to do. I'm in my last semester of school and am trying to do this right.

1. This semester I bombed a general ecology class and received a 'C' grade. Is it worth retaking or should I take pharmacology which I am currently registered for.

2. MCAT prep; got exam krackers and I don't relieve myself of bodily fluids without one of them in hand.

3. Patient exposure; I'm continuing to get first hand patient exposure at my local hospital and with local EMT's.

4. What should I do during the next year? My thoughts are that I should take graduate level pharmacology, anatomy, etc at a top ranked school (they have already accepted me), proving myself there would show medical schools that I am capable of the work load. Otherwise my job opportunities are pretty limited.

My overall GPA is a 3.5 / science is 3.4

Anyone have some constructive idea's on ways I can improve as an applicant for this next years application cycle?

Thanks

TYT

 

[DoctorJDO]

So getting into D.O. school this year is out of the picture. However I am trying to align myself up to do well for next years application cycle. I'm running into a few dilemma's about what to do. I'm in my last semester of school and am trying to do this right.

1. This semester I bombed a general ecology class and received a 'C' grade. Is it worth retaking or should I take pharmacology which I am currently registered for.
One "C" isn't going to kill you.

2. MCAT prep; got exam krackers and I don't relieve myself of bodily fluids without one of them in hand.
I used EK and it worked great for me as I'm a big picture guy. It isn't best for everyone, since it's more of a review type book. You can also use Kaplan or other books for a more detailed approach.

3. Patient exposure; I'm continuing to get first hand patient exposure at my local hospital and with local EMT's.
Always good!Do you have any shadowing experience, especially with a DO? Not all schools require a DO letter, but every school at least prefers one

4. What should I do during the next year? My thoughts are that I should take graduate level pharmacology, anatomy, etc at a top ranked school (they have already accepted me), proving myself there would show medical schools that I am capable of the work load. Otherwise my job opportunities are pretty limited.
Keep in mind that if you start a grad degree, you will be expected to finish it before matriculating to medical school.

My overall GPA is a 3.5 / science is 3.4
Why is this keeping you out of Med school? a 3.5 is not bad at all. Especially if you can get a decent MCAT score, you are right on track to get into DO School.

Anyone have some constructive idea's on ways I can improve as an applicant for this next years application cycle?
Did you already take the MCAT? What was your score breakdown? Just making sure, you didn't apply this year?

Thanks

TYT

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[tyt]

So I guess let me clarify, I did apply this year and it pretty much isn't going to happen (this year anyways). I applied to a lot of schools and got a few interviews. I did take the mcat and got a 23 (VR 7, PS 7, BS 9).

1. One C isn't going to kill me, but a few repeats will. I already have two and am worried about getting excessive with them.

2. Yes, I am pretty much using the 1001 EK books at this point. The knowledge is solidified, I just need to see practice questions.

3. Yes, I got a D.O. letter and have a ton of shadowing. I didn't realize the emphasis on patient exposure vs shadowing and how big of a deal medical (specifically D.O.) placed on this.

4. I didn't apply as a grad student, I applied as a non matriculated student. Again, if I have solid numbers is this worth doing?

Thanks for the input

.

 

[koan]

I would focus 100% on improving your MCAT score. Agreed that one C is no biggie, as I had two and got in to two schools. Your dilemma about coursework should be secondary to achieving the highest score possible on the MCAT. If you can afford it, take a course. If not, see the 30+ study habits thread on SDN.

Also, I would only retake a class if you think you can improve. If the C is due to a fluke like illness, a bad teacher, laziness, etc you have a good shot at doing better. If ecology was just dang hard and you could barely keep up, leave it at that and worry more about Newtonian mechanics and DNA transcription.

Finally, make sure you take the MCAT early enough that you can apply in June / July. Don't give yourself a disadvantage by putting it off until August, only to get scores in September, and not complete secondaries until October / November. Since you've already applied this part should be easy.

 

[freothalaf]

I agree with Koan. Focus on the MCAT. Your GPA is fine even with that C so focus on doing well your next semester and end with a good semester. If you don't bump up your MCAT you are only hurting yourself.

Second, I also agree with applying early. This does wonders and gives schools a chance to look you over and give you an interview spot(and maybe acceptance) before the bulk of applications are in. In raising your MCAT and applying early you should be set, just keep up with all your EC.

 

[CopToEM]

I would focus on the graduate classes and spend a considerable amount of time building up ECs. Certainly don't take for granted how important ECs are for the application. If you have shown stellar outward participation in your community and shadowing experiences it will make up for inadequacies elsewhere. With that said - I think your stats as they stand now are fine. It largely depends on what school you're applying to.

I have a friend who was accepted last cycle with a 2.8/21 combo. However, he had several international medical mission experiences, leadership experiences, etc. etc. His interview at the school who accepted him moved away from his difficulty early in his undergrad career and on the MCAT and into his dedication for the field. He finished the first semester in the top 10% of the class.