Please need advice about my chances: 501 MCAT 3.92 cGPA 3.88 sGPA

[AspiringDoc955]

As the title says, I would really appreciate if someone could give me advice if I should retake the MCAT to get into D.O. schools or if anyone on here has gotten accepted into an osteopathic school with similar stats.

- My MCAT came back today with a 501 (128/121/127/125). The CARS score really brought me down and I have always been really terrible with that section . It was a huge shock because I scored a 508 on the AAMC full length practice a week before (with a 122 on CARS on that exam).

- cGPA: 3.92, sGPA: 3.88
- SES individual, first generation college graduate, ESL (Russian first language), very strong PS and interesting life story
- EC activities include: 1500 hours of research (no publications), 216 hours volunteering in a hospital, 1100 hours volunteering with people w/ intellectual and development disabilities, 800 hours volunteering on my university's student health board, 250 hours volunteering as an assistant teacher, 100 hours shadowing, 3200 hours as a lifeguard/assistant manager, 500 hours volunteering for a youth soccer camp, and just started working at a hospital as a mental health specialist (about 100ish hours and continuing until matriculation).
- NO LOR from a D.O., but I have a very good one from an M.D. (in addition 4 other solid LORs).

I was basically thinking I really have two options:

1) Apply early with current score and designate I am retaking the exam. Then sign up for something like the Jack Westin CARS course and retake my MCAT in mid July. (would include a lot more money being spent on top of the applications already).

OR

2) Apply early with current MCAT score and hope my stats are good enough (more money saved).

Thank you so much to anyone who replies your comments are appreciated!

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[I'mJustCurious]

Read students with similar stats like yours and they got accepted. However, if you retake and get 505+ you should definitely apply to some MD schools

 

[Goro]

Apply broadly, but skip CCOM, AZCOM and the coastal Touros. I can't recommend LUCOM.

As the title says, I would really appreciate if someone could give me advice if I should retake the MCAT to get into D.O. schools or if anyone on here has gotten accepted into an osteopathic school with similar stats.

- My MCAT came back today with a 501 (128/121/127/125). The CARS score really brought me down and I have always been really terrible with that section . It was a huge shock because I scored a 508 on the AAMC full length practice a week before (with a 122 on CARS on that exam).

- cGPA: 3.92, sGPA: 3.88
- SES individual, first generation college graduate, ESL (Russian first language), very strong PS and interesting life story
- EC activities include: 1500 hours of research (no publications), 216 hours volunteering in a hospital, 1100 hours volunteering with people w/ intellectual and development disabilities, 800 hours volunteering on my university's student health board, 250 hours volunteering as an assistant teacher, 100 hours shadowing, 3200 hours as a lifeguard/assistant manager, 500 hours volunteering for a youth soccer camp, and just started working at a hospital as a mental health specialist (about 100ish hours and continuing until matriculation).
- NO LOR from a D.O., but I have a very good one from an M.D. (in addition 4 other solid LORs).

I was basically thinking I really have two options:

1) Apply early with current score and designate I am retaking the exam. Then sign up for something like the Jack Westin CARS course and retake my MCAT in mid July. (would include a lot more money being spent on top of the applications already).

OR

2) Apply early with current MCAT score and hope my stats are good enough (more money saved).

Thank you so much to anyone who replies your comments are appreciated!

 

[AspiringDoc955]

Apply broadly, but skip CCOM, AZCOM and the coastal Touros. I can't recommend LUCOM.

Thanks so much Goro. Luckily I do not have LUCOM on my list, but I do in fact have both CCOM and AZCOM. Is there anything you can say about the weights of the various subsections on the MCAT? Does my 121 in CARS (which I 100% understand is terrible) not look as bad as lets say if I had a 121 in B/B? Does english being my second language help at all with admissions being more lenient with that CARS score? (I'm mostly asking because you it didn't seem like you recommend retaking the MCAT).

 

[Goro]

Thanks so much Goro. Luckily I do not have LUCOM on my list, but I do in fact have both CCOM and AZCOM. Is there anything you can say about the weights of the various subsections on the MCAT? Does my 121 in CARS (which I 100% understand is terrible) not look as bad as lets say if I had a 121 in B/B? Does english being my second language help at all with admissions being more lenient with that CARS score? (I'm mostly asking because you it didn't seem like you recommend retaking the MCAT).

CARS does get cut more slack, especially for ESL or 1st Gen Americans.
A Bio 121 Bio score would earn an autoreject from me!

 

[workaholic181]

As the title says, I would really appreciate if someone could give me advice if I should retake the MCAT to get into D.O. schools or if anyone on here has gotten accepted into an osteopathic school with similar stats.

- My MCAT came back today with a 501 (128/121/127/125). The CARS score really brought me down and I have always been really terrible with that section . It was a huge shock because I scored a 508 on the AAMC full length practice a week before (with a 122 on CARS on that exam).

- cGPA: 3.92, sGPA: 3.88
- SES individual, first generation college graduate, ESL (Russian first language), very strong PS and interesting life story
- EC activities include: 1500 hours of research (no publications), 216 hours volunteering in a hospital, 1100 hours volunteering with people w/ intellectual and development disabilities, 800 hours volunteering on my university's student health board, 250 hours volunteering as an assistant teacher, 100 hours shadowing, 3200 hours as a lifeguard/assistant manager, 500 hours volunteering for a youth soccer camp, and just started working at a hospital as a mental health specialist (about 100ish hours and continuing until matriculation).
- NO LOR from a D.O., but I have a very good one from an M.D. (in addition 4 other solid LORs).

I was basically thinking I really have two options:

1) Apply early with current score and designate I am retaking the exam. Then sign up for something like the Jack Westin CARS course and retake my MCAT in mid July. (would include a lot more money being spent on top of the applications already).

OR

2) Apply early with current MCAT score and hope my stats are good enough (more money saved).

Thank you so much to anyone who replies your comments are appreciated!

I think you'd probably get into a DO school this cycle with your stats. Question is, do you feel like you can improve your MCAT to a 505+? If you do, then it might be prudent to attempt to do so and then apply. It's really a question also of where you feel comfortable going to school. If your cool with a rural, newer DO school (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this! I personally am) than go ahead and apply.

 

[AspiringDoc955]

I think you'd probably get into a DO school this cycle with your stats. Question is, do you feel like you can improve your MCAT to a 505+? If you do, then it might be prudent to attempt to do so and then apply. It's really a question also of where you feel comfortable going to school. If your cool with a rural, newer DO school (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this! I personally am) than go ahead and apply.

I think I definitely have the capability to get a 505. I guess I'm just trying to figure out and weigh my options. If I study a bit more and essentially spend all of my time focusing on CARS and retake mid-July, am I giving up my early application status? Ive heard schools don't just really wait around for your new scores to come in so Im just trying to see if its worth retaking it and waiting till after June to submit it. Overall though, honestly I have absolutely no problem going to a newer DO school!

 

[workaholic181]

I think I definitely have the capability to get a 505. I guess I'm just trying to figure out and weigh my options. If I study a bit more and essentially spend all of my time focusing on CARS and retake mid-July, am I giving up my early application status? Ive heard schools don't just really wait around for your new scores to come in so Im just trying to see if its worth retaking it and waiting till after June to submit it. Overall though, honestly I have absolutely no problem going to a newer DO school!

You still wouldn't be too late with a July MCAT. I guess my point is, your GPAs are so strong that it would almost be sort of unfortunate if you think you can get a better MCAT to let your current one bring you down. But either way I think you're gonna be successful this cycle.

 

[deleted600623]

Just curious, what's the deal with LUCOM?


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[Blessthefall]

Just curious, what's the deal with LUCOM?


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Which "deal" are you referring to?

Private medical school? *Check*

Formal and informal religious requirements/ norms? *Check*

Policies regarding the recreational consumption and participation in modern, legal indulgences? *Check*




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[deleted600623]

@Blessthefall I was referring more to whether or not it was actually a solid medical school. I know about all of those.


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[deleted831695]

If you think you can score a 505 or higher, then retake MCAT in July. You won't be late for DO, and you'll have a better shot at the public and established schools.

 

[Blessthefall]

@Blessthefall I was referring more to whether or not it was actually a solid medical school. I know about all of those.


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Hard to tell as there's no NRMP or AOA match information. It's currently on provisional accreditation status by COCA and AOA. Their COMLEX data shows that 13% of the '18 class failed to pass the COMLEX and the average of those that did was a 507 (low for most specialties).

I didn't apply there and wouldn't recommend anyone else to either but that's just me.


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[Mr. D.O.five]

...

 

[ChiDr]

Thanks so much Goro. Luckily I do not have LUCOM on my list, but I do in fact have both CCOM and AZCOM. Is there anything you can say about the weights of the various subsections on the MCAT? Does my 121 in CARS (which I 100% understand is terrible) not look as bad as lets say if I had a 121 in B/B? Does english being my second language help at all with admissions being more lenient with that CARS score? (I'm mostly asking because you it didn't seem like you recommend retaking the MCAT).

Any luck? Any updates? Did you apply? What were the outcomes from schools if you did? Can you write an update?

I am wondering because I pulled a 505 but my CARS was terrible, a dang 121 when I was pulling 125/6 on AAMC practice tests. In a similar spot and curious on your outcome.

 

[AspiringDoc955]

Any luck? Any updates? Did you apply? What were the outcomes from schools if you did? Can you write an update?

I am wondering because I pulled a 505 but my CARS was terrible, a dang 121 when I was pulling 125/6 on AAMC practice tests. In a similar spot and curious on your outcome.

Yeah the 121 in CARS is definitely a bummer and i know how you feel! But don’t lose hope! I received 8 DO interviews and 1 MD and currently am in med school!

 

[ChiDr]

Yeah the 121 in CARS is definitely a bummer and i know how you feel! But don’t lose hope! I received 8 DO interviews and 1 MD and currently am in med school!

Congrats. Awesome. Did you retake or just apply?

Do you mind sharing which DO schools and MD schools you got interviews from? At least DO schools?

 

[ChiDr]

Yeah the 121 in CARS is definitely a bummer and i know how you feel! But don’t lose hope! I received 8 DO interviews and 1 MD and currently am in med school!

I’m asking because I know schools screen based on percentiles. Some do not tell you or state it on their site. Would love to know where I possibly stand a chance for an interview.

 

[AspiringDoc955]

I’m asking because I know schools screen based on percentiles. Some do not tell you or state it on their site. Would love to know where I possibly stand a chance for an interview.

Sure thing!

DO:
LECOM - Erie
LECOM - Bradenton
KCUMB
KCOM
PNWU
MUCOM
WCUCOM

MD:
OUWB

 

[AspiringDoc955]

Congrats. Awesome. Did you retake or just apply?

Do you mind sharing which DO schools and MD schools you got interviews from? At least DO schools?

Oh also sorry didn’t see the other part to your question. I did not retake!

 

[ChiDr]

Oh also sorry didn’t see the other part to your question. I did not retake!

Thank you for this. I am in IL so my pref is CCOM (I’m in state) and MU ( I would like to stay in the Midwest) so it’s nice to see you had that. Perhaps, one of these would give me an interview. There are other great programs that are on my top list that you have as well so may be, just may be.

I applied to MD (mainly Midwest and Drexel) but I haven’t heard anything yet. Head up, right?

Obviously, I would be happy with anything with that section score, it really deflated my confidence. Never in any tests did I score anything near that. Anyway, I would be grateful for any interviews. Good luck with your program.

 

[puahate]

Damn bro CARS is really out here slaying premeds left and right like Thanos

 

[ChiDr]

Oh also sorry didn’t see the other part to your question. I did not retake!

Did you have to explain your CARS score during interviews? If so, what did they ask and what did you say? Hopefully, I have a chance to interview in the near future.

 

[AspiringDoc955]

Did you have to explain your CARS score during interviews? If so, what did they ask and what did you say? Hopefully, I have a chance to interview in the near future.

Nope, never had to explain it. Most interviewers don’t have access to your MCAT/GPA.

 

[ChiDr]

Nope, never had to explain it. Most interviewers don’t have access to your MCAT/GPA.

Great, thanks. When did you apply and when did you start hearing back about interviews? I applied in early July and have not heard back from schools about interviews yet so I am a bit nervous. I know it is a long process but I am seeing that people are already getting multiple interviews. I am concerned a bit. I have about 15 or so seconday apps out. Any feedback to calm me down? Thanks.

 

[JimBone905]

We have almost the same MCAT lol.
128
121
128
124

but my gpa is lower 3.45 cgpa 3.75 sgpa. Hope ill have the same luck as you!

 

[aleesuun]

im so late to this thread but I am in the same boat !!!!! applying right now and I feel like my life is over since im a retaker & reapplicant can i message you for advice?!

 

[JimBone905]

I got accepted so u should b good lol

im so late to this thread but I am in the same boat !!!!! applying right now w/ 505 MCAT and 122 CARs and I feel like my life is over since im a retaker & reapplicant can i message you for advice?!

You'll be fine

 

[hungrydoc710]

You are perfect applicant for my school, VCOM, as they prefer high GPA's and lower MCAT's

 

[aleesuun]

I got accepted so u should b good lol

You'll be fine

where did you apply? I'm having trouble forming a new list since i applied ED to my state school where i completed a masters but im pretty sure my mcat has kicked me out of the running.

MD schools:
Albany
Cooper
Seton Hall
Wayne State
Oakland
Indiana
FIU miami
MC Wisc
Toledo
EVMS
WVU
Howard
Arizona- Tucson
Loyola
Rosalind Frankliin
Cali San B
Kaiser
Geisinger
Rush
Morehouse
Meharry
Tulane

I have no idea where to start with DO except my state schools and nearby.

 

[aleesuun]

You are perfect applicant for my school, VCOM, as they prefer high GPA's and lower MCAT's

awesome. I will definitely apply. Thank you so much!

 

[hungrydoc710]

where did you apply? I'm having trouble forming a new list since i applied ED to my state school where i completed a masters but im pretty sure my mcat has kicked me out of the running.

MD schools:
Albany
Cooper
Seton Hall
Wayne State
Oakland
Indiana
FIU miami
MC Wisc
Toledo
EVMS
WVU
Howard
Arizona- Tucson
Loyola
Rosalind Frankliin
Cali San B
Kaiser
Geisinger
Rush
Morehouse
Meharry
Tulane

I have no idea where to start with DO except my state schools and nearby.

Yes you are not competitive for any MD in my opinion

 

[hungrydoc710]

awesome. I will definitely apply. Thank you so much!

Shadow and get a DO letter

 

[aleesuun]

Shadow and get a DO letter

i currently have 3 MD/professor letters and have never ever shadowed a DO. Would it be too late to shadow and get a letter? I also havent even submitted my DO app, just finished it today but waiting to see if i get the fee assistance.

 

[hungrydoc710]

i currently have 3 MD/professor letters and have never ever shadowed a DO. Would it be too late to shadow and get a letter? I also havent even submitted my DO app, just finished it today but waiting to see if i get the fee assistance.

It's not gonna kill you to not have, but I always rec that people get one to show you are interested in osteo prof, not just doing it bc your MCAT was not good enough...

 

[aleesuun]

It's not gonna kill you to not have, but I always rec that people get one to show you are interested in osteo prof, not just doing it bc your MCAT was not good enough...

Makes perfect sense, i agree. Definitely on the to-do list! thank you for your help!!!