Post your pre-pod stats here with questions!! C/O 2013

[MaseratiGT]

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As we get close to the 2009 application cycle opening, our board will probably be inundated with "Will I Get Accepted?" questions.

I created this thread where pre-pods can post their stats and get their questions answered. That way, they can not only get answers for their own personal stats, but learn about the stats of their co-applicants.

Pre-Pods - I would suggest posting this information:

Overall GPA
Science GPA
MCAT scores
BRIEF EC's
Personal Pod Experience

Additionally, SDN has a resource for PS reading. But, if you ask here, you may get information specific to help you apply to pod schools. YOU MAY NOT GET ANYONE TO READ IT, but if someone has the time, you might get lucky.

A lot of us went to multiple interviews and can give you thoughts on all of the places we went. Just ask us. Also see spo01's thread on experiences at interviews.

to the Fall 2008 applicants!!

 

[damhsoir]

Overall GPA-3.5
Science GPA-3.4
MCAT scores-will take in Jan.
Do I have a shot at DMU/AZPod/Scholl if I apply in January?


Thanks in advance!

 

[TheBee]

damhsoir- With your GPAs you shouldn't have a problem getting into DMU/AZPod/Scholl if you apply in early Jan 09, so long as you get a decent score on the MCAT (above 20 to be safe). However, do know that by that time in the app cycle, scholarship monies may be lacking. You might want to consider applying without your MCAT score earlier in the cycle, that way you might be granted admission contingent upon a decent MCAT score. I'm not sure if you'd get a scholarship offer that way though... You can always call the schools you're interested in and see what your options are.

 

[MaseratiGT]

Overall GPA-3.5
Science GPA-3.4
MCAT scores-will take in Jan.
BRIEF EC's-Finance Vice President/exec board of Sorority, community service, 3 years of chemistry teaching assistant, 4 years costume shop assistant (work study), 2 independent studies (Parkinson's, neuroscience of dance), senior thesis will be experiment on Parkinson's disease, shadowed a neurosurgeon for several years (family friend).
Personal Pod Experience-OCPM pre-professional internship, will start shadowing DPM in July and continue throughout the year.

I know that I am probably a shoe-in for some of the schools (*knock on wood*) but do I have a shot at DMU/AZPod/Scholl if I apply in January?


Thanks in advance!

Good scores! As Bee said, see about applying as soon as the application opens. Talk to admissions because you want the free money if you can get it. You still have another month to get in contact with schools. GL! 👍

 

[JEWmongous]

damhsoir- With your GPAs you shouldn't have a problem getting into DMU/AZPod/Scholl if you apply in early Jan 09, so long as you get a decent score on the MCAT (above 20 to be safe). However, do know that by that time in the app cycle, scholarship monies may be lacking. You might want to consider applying without your MCAT score earlier in the cycle, that way you might be granted admission contingent upon a decent MCAT score. I'm not sure if you'd get a scholarship offer that way though... You can always call the schools you're interested in and see what your options are.

I had a 3.7 GPA and no MCAT and was conditionally accepted to all the schools. Furthermore, I received scholarships at a few of the schools WITHOUT test scores. I would apply as soon as the application opens up.

Considering acceptable scores, it depended on the school. One said "just take the test", one said 16, another 17, and one said 20, etc. No one required more than 20 though.

 

[HenryH]

I had a 3.7 GPA and no MCAT and was conditionally accepted to all the schools. Furthermore, I received scholarships at a few of the schools WITHOUT test scores. I would apply as soon as the application opens up.

Considering acceptable scores, it depended on the school. One said "just take the test", one said 16, another 17, and one said 20, etc. No one required more than 20 though.

Hmmmmmmm...Henry like! Do you think they ever would've noticed had you never sent in your test scores?

 

[JEWmongous]

Hmmmmmmm...Henry like! Do you think they ever would've noticed had you never sent in your test scores?

Are you, like, being serious? 😱

To add in, I may not be a typical applicant:

-4 great letters of recommendation including president of my college and a pod who's head of my county's podiatric medical associaton
-Varsity + Junior Varsity sports
-Many leadership positions (Club Presidents, International orientation chair)
-Shadowed 2 pods at offices, wound care center, and OR / completed OCPM internship
-Studied abroad every year of college (6 week spring term) and spent a separate year living in France
-Volunteered at a hospital, kiwanis, etc

I'm not trying to boost in all honesty, just showing that these things may have helped to throw scholarship money my way (without test scores).

 

[j0ez0r]

Are you, like, being serious? 😱

To add in, I may not be a typical applicant:

-4 great letters of recommendation including president of my college and a pod who's head of my county's podiatric medical associaton
-Varsity + Junior Varsity sports
-Many leadership positions (Club Presidents, International orientation chair)
-Shadowed 2 pods at offices, wound care center, and OR / completed OCPM internship
-Studied abroad every year of college (6 week spring term) and spent a separate year living in France
-Volunteered at a hospital, kiwanis, etc

I'm not trying to boost in all honesty, just showing that these things may have helped to throw scholarship money my way (without test scores).

then why even bring all this BS up? 👎 oh, by the way...its boast

 

[JEWmongous]

then why even bring all this BS up? 👎 oh, by the way...its boast

I didn't want to give people a false idea that all the schools will just throw conditional acceptances (particularly DMU, AZPOD, Scholl). I said the things that probably gave me the best shot of getting in - as they do not have MCAT scores. If you don't like it, thats fine chief.

 

[j0ez0r]

I didn't want to give people a false idea that all the schools will just throw conditional acceptances (particularly DMU, AZPOD, Scholl). I said the things that probably gave me the best shot of getting in - as they do not have MCAT scores. If you don't like it, thats fine chief.

ehh, just seemed a little arrogant even with the "disclaimer". i will agree though that most will not receive a conditional acceptance at the big 3...

 

[damhsoir]

Thanks to everyone that replied. If I can get all of my LORs together by September I will apply then or soon after without the MCAT score. (I'm sure I will probably get a 45billion on it anyway ) One conditional acceptance would be great by the new year!! 😀

 

[TheBee]

ehh, just seemed a little arrogant even with the "disclaimer". i will agree though that most will not receive a conditional acceptance at the big 3...

The OP wanted people to post this kind of info. It's not arrogant, he's just giving people a heads up and good ideas for application builders and letting the student wondering about when to apply know that he had some exceptional activities on his app beyond the norm.

But see, this is the problem with threads like these. People don't want to post their stats and info in case other people will think they're tooting their own horn. If I got a high MCAT score and I post it or have an exceptional app in other ways, will I be arrogant too?!?!

 

[184013]

Greetings,
I am a non-trad with plans to apply this coming fall for 09 conditional acceptance (as my mcat will be taken next spring). Please shoot me your recommendations as you see fit! Thanks in advance.... PM if you prefer.

Overall GPA - 3.45'ish

Science GPA - 3.45'ish

MCAT scores - Tentatively scheduled April 09

 

[iceman69]

It was alluded to during my interview at Scholl that scholarships are awarded mainly on the applicants GPA. Pod schools seem to view applications very differently from MD med schools. Not as much touchy-feely bull**** in the application process. I went through both processes and was successful in both, and choose podiatry school. It is just my opinion that pod schools do not get enough applicants with GPA >3.5 on average to really care about volunteering, shadowing, and "culturally competency" with regards to awarding scholarships... To illustrate this point at my interview I was asked only one question: " What will you do if accepted to both medical school and podiatry school?" Applying to podiatry school is a fairly uncompetitive process compared to the other health professions as there are typically only slightly more applicants than seats to fill, while MD schools there are typically >3000 applicants vying for 100-200 seats at each school.

I received the half-tuition scholarship from Scholl based on merit only. I had great grades, and a great MCAT score, and interviewed well. This is not to say that I didn't volunteer, do research, work in a hospital, or shadow a DPM. I hope this makes people feel better for not having had as many wonderful opportunities to travel and not play sports at a small private college. Feel free to PM me if you would like more information about the pod school application process. Good luck with the process.

 

[HenryH]

iceman69, would you mind sharing the GPA and MCAT scores you applied with? Thanks...

 

[iceman69]

GPA: 3.84
sci GPA: 3.88
MCAT: 30 R

 

[HenryH]

Wow -- very impressive! You surely could've gotten into ANY professional school with those numbers!

During your interview, did they ever allude to a minimum "cut-off" GPA for scholarship offers (e.g., 3.6)?

 

[iceman69]

Wow -- very impressive! You surely could've gotten into ANY professional school with those numbers!

During your interview, did they ever allude to a minimum "cut-off" GPA for scholarship offers (e.g., 3.6)?

The cutoffs were: 3.2, 3.4, and 3.6. The 3.6 cutoff was for the half-tuition scholarship. This is what the admissions staff at SCPM told us.

 

[184013]

iceman, do you know what the 3.2 and 3.4 amounts were for scholarship?

 

[InterestedInPOD]

iceman69: Does the 1/2 off tuition scholarship apply to 1st year only or to 2nd, 3rd and 4th years also? Thanks!

 

[MaseratiGT]

GPA: 3.84
sci GPA: 3.88
MCAT: 30 R

👍

 

[MaseratiGT]

Greetings,
I am a non-trad with plans to apply this coming fall for 09 conditional acceptance (as my mcat will be taken next spring). Please shoot me your recommendations as you see fit! Thanks in advance.... PM if you prefer.

Overall GPA - 3.45'ish

Science GPA - 3.45'ish

MCAT scores - Tentatively scheduled April 09

I think your scores are right on par. I'm thinking that you will get your conditionals. Why are you taking your MCAT so late? I'm just taking a stab into thin air with this next comment - I have heard of some schools asking for a specific exam score as part of the conditions. You just want to have enough time to take the exam again, if you needed to. 🙂luck: that you won't have to). Although, because your GPA is right there, the required exam score may not be that challenging to meet.

 

[michk]

when you guys refer to your non-science GPA, are you refering to your cumulative GPA (non science classes and science classes included in the calculation) or are you refering to the GPA based on only your non-science courses?

 

[TheBee]

The half tuition scholarship is for 1st year only, but there are other scholarships you can qualify for in the following years.

At Scholl, I'm not sure what the amount of the 3.2 and 3.4 scholarships are, but I know the next tier down in scholarship money from the half tuition one is $5k. If you want more info, you can call the Admissions office and talk to Mandy (847) 578-3000. She's super nice, and the info's not a secret or anything.

 

[MaseratiGT]

The half tuition scholarship is for 1st year only, but there are other scholarships you can qualify for in the following years.

At Scholl, I'm not sure what the amount of the 3.2 and 3.4 scholarships are, but I know the next tier down in scholarship money from the half tuition one is $5k. If you want more info, you can call the Admissions office and talk to Mandy (847) 578-3000. She's super nice, and the info's not a secret or anything.

To echo Bee, Temple offers scholarships for 1 year only. There are other awards offered for years 2-4.

 

[j0ez0r]

DMU gives out scholarships to many first years. Then if you stay in the top 25% after the first year, you receive it again...

 

[MaseratiGT]

when you guys refer to your non-science GPA, are you refering to your cumulative GPA (non science classes and science classes included in the calculation) or are you refering to the GPA based on only your non-science courses?

I don't remember positively, but I THINK it's only non-science courses...check on aacpm.org 🙂

 

[JEWmongous]

DMU gives out scholarships to many first years. Then if you stay in the top 25% after the first year, you receive it again...

Isn't the max scholarship around 3 K or so?

 

[Danmanwrx]

.

 

[famous]

Overall GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.2.. and hopefully both of these will be going up after my internship gets graded at the end of the summer 🙂
MCAT scores: 24 O
BRIEF EC's: Biology Club, Residence Hall Association, Pre-Med Program, Women in Science, Student Activities Council
Personal Pod Experience: Shadowed two pods last summer, plan on doing so again this August and around Christmas time as well.. basically whenever I have breaks from school I plan on seeing office visits, wound care, surgery, anything I can!

My ideal situation would be to get into TUSPM for Fall 2009 (I graduate from West Chester in May 2009).. other schools I've looked at are NYCPM, Barry, OCPM and Scholl (Can you tell I want to stay on the East Coast? haha). So help me out please and tell me if I have a shot and what I need to do if I don't! 😀

 

[JEWmongous]

Overall GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.2.. and hopefully both of these will be going up after my internship gets graded at the end of the summer 🙂
MCAT scores: 24 O
BRIEF EC's: Biology Club, Residence Hall Association, Pre-Med Program, Women in Science, Student Activities Council
Personal Pod Experience: Shadowed two pods last summer, plan on doing so again this August and around Christmas time as well.. basically whenever I have breaks from school I plan on seeing office visits, wound care, surgery, anything I can!

My ideal situation would be to get into TUSPM for Fall 2009 (I graduate from West Chester in May 2009).. other schools I've looked at are NYCPM, Barry, OCPM and Scholl (Can you tell I want to stay on the East Coast? haha). So help me out please and tell me if I have a shot and what I need to do if I don't! 😀

Scholl is a little tougher to get in but I'm sure you will. The other 3 are cake.

 

[165007]

Overall GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.2.. and hopefully both of these will be going up after my internship gets graded at the end of the summer 🙂
MCAT scores: 24 O
BRIEF EC's: Biology Club, Residence Hall Association, Pre-Med Program, Women in Science, Student Activities Council
Personal Pod Experience: Shadowed two pods last summer, plan on doing so again this August and around Christmas time as well.. basically whenever I have breaks from school I plan on seeing office visits, wound care, surgery, anything I can!

My ideal situation would be to get into TUSPM for Fall 2009 (I graduate from West Chester in May 2009).. other schools I've looked at are NYCPM, Barry, OCPM and Scholl (Can you tell I want to stay on the East Coast? haha). So help me out please and tell me if I have a shot and what I need to do if I don't! 😀

With that mcat score and that gpa, you can probably get in all schools if you apply early.

With those schools you listed, you shouldnt have a problem at all.

 

[illini04alum]

I plan to apply in the fall. I'm a non-traditional student, did poorly in undergrad but graduated, worked for 2 years in the biology research field, then took about 70% of the pre-requisites at a CC(all the ones that I needed better grades in)

Overall GPA - 2.78 Averaged undergrad + post bacc

Science GPA - 2.7 Averaged undergrad + post bacc

Post Bacc GPA(at CC) - 4.0 --> not sure if its relevant as they were not courses that were not pre-req's but I figure an upward trend helps.

MCAT - 27O

Brief EC's - 600+ hours of volunteer work at a local hospital pharmacy, 2 years of ophthalmology research(work)

Personal Pod Exp - Been shadowing a pod who owns a private practice for 2 days a week for the past 6 months and counting. He also works for the APMA so his perspective on relevant podiatry topics(some posted on this forum) have been very interesting.

I plan to apply broadly, possibly all of the schools, all the ones on the east coast and mid-west at least(closer to home). I guess my general question is do I have a good shot at getting in with my stats with applying early this fall. Thanks in advance for any input 👍

 

[MaseratiGT]

I plan to apply in the fall. I'm a non-traditional student, did poorly in undergrad but graduated, worked for 2 years in the biology research field, then took about 70% of the pre-requisites at a CC(all the ones that I needed better grades in)

Overall GPA - 2.78 Averaged undergrad + post bacc

Science GPA - 2.7 Averaged undergrad + post bacc

Post Bacc GPA(at CC) - 4.0 --> not sure if its relevant as they were not courses that were not pre-req's but I figure an upward trend helps.

MCAT - 27O

Brief EC's - 600+ hours of volunteer work at a local hospital pharmacy, 2 years of ophthalmology research(work)

Personal Pod Exp - Been shadowing a pod who owns a private practice for 2 days a week for the past 6 months and counting. He also works for the APMA so his perspective on relevant podiatry topics(some posted on this forum) have been very interesting.

I plan to apply broadly, possibly all of the schools, all the ones on the east coast and mid-west at least(closer to home). I guess my general question is do I have a good shot at getting in with my stats with applying early this fall. Thanks in advance for any input 👍

As a non-trad, I think you can explain away the poor undergrad grades, especially with the MCAT score and your upward trend. You may have a tougher time at a more competitive campus, but I think you would at least get interviews where adcoms can put a face to your stats. That always helps.

Your pod experience is 👍.

As always, apply early!

 

[PJAG]

I plan to apply in the fall. I'm a non-traditional student, did poorly in undergrad but graduated, worked for 2 years in the biology research field, then took about 70% of the pre-requisites at a CC(all the ones that I needed better grades in)

Overall GPA - 2.78 Averaged undergrad + post bacc

Science GPA - 2.7 Averaged undergrad + post bacc

Post Bacc GPA(at CC) - 4.0 --> not sure if its relevant as they were not courses that were not pre-req's but I figure an upward trend helps.

MCAT - 27O

Brief EC's - 600+ hours of volunteer work at a local hospital pharmacy, 2 years of ophthalmology research(work)

Personal Pod Exp - Been shadowing a pod who owns a private practice for 2 days a week for the past 6 months and counting. He also works for the APMA so his perspective on relevant podiatry topics(some posted on this forum) have been very interesting.

I plan to apply broadly, possibly all of the schools, all the ones on the east coast and mid-west at least(closer to home). I guess my general question is do I have a good shot at getting in with my stats with applying early this fall. Thanks in advance for any input 👍

Make sure to apply to all of the schools. Have 4 solid LOR's and a concrete personal statement. If you don't get accepted into any of the schools you should focus primarily on raising your Science GPA. Remember...... be perseverant.

 

[Makaveliforever]

It was alluded to during my interview at Scholl that scholarships are awarded mainly on the applicants GPA. Pod schools seem to view applications very differently from MD med schools. Not as much touchy-feely bull**** in the application process. I went through both processes and was successful in both, and choose podiatry school. It is just my opinion that pod schools do not get enough applicants with GPA >3.5 on average to really care about volunteering, shadowing, and "culturally competency" with regards to awarding scholarships... To illustrate this point at my interview I was asked only one question: " What will you do if accepted to both medical school and podiatry school?" Applying to podiatry school is a fairly uncompetitive process compared to the other health professions as there are typically only slightly more applicants than seats to fill, while MD schools there are typically >3000 applicants vying for 100-200 seats at each school.

I received the half-tuition scholarship from Scholl based on merit only. I had great grades, and a great MCAT score, and interviewed well. This is not to say that I didn't volunteer, do research, work in a hospital, or shadow a DPM. I hope this makes people feel better for not having had as many wonderful opportunities to travel and not play sports at a small private college. Feel free to PM me if you would like more information about the pod school application process. Good luck with the process.

Right on man👍

 

[hello456]

..

 

[j0ez0r]

I know my stats are lower than average, but I want to wait to apply until mid December so hopefully I'll have my science gpa up to a 3.0 and my overall slightly higher also. Do you think this is a good idea to apply in mid December?

Overall GPA 3.04
Science GPA 2.85
MCAT scores Not yet taken
BRIEF EC's Member of a service fraternity, various clubs, lifeguard
Personal Pod Experience shadowed a pod

I plan on applying to Scholl, NYCPM, and Barry

my personal opinion is go ahead and get you MCAT taken care of as soon as you're ready...the later you wait to apply the lower the chances of admission... im pretty sure you will get an interview at barry with a fair mcat score...best of luck 👍

 

[PJAG]

I know my stats are lower than average, but I want to wait to apply until mid December so hopefully I'll have my science gpa up to a 3.0 and my overall slightly higher also. Do you think this is a good idea to apply in mid December?

Overall GPA 3.04
Science GPA 2.85
MCAT scores Not yet taken
BRIEF EC's Member of a service fraternity, various clubs, lifeguard
Personal Pod Experience shadowed a pod

I plan on applying to Scholl, NYCPM, and Barry

Ya I think your strategy will work out.....just raise your science gpa as much as possible....Do not take your MCAT until you are fully prepared....I am pretty sure you will have a good chance at Barry & NYCPM.....not too sure about Scholl.....also, you will be considered "priority" by applying before April.....AND do not forget your LOR's(gathering my LOR's delayed my application process).

 

[hello456]

Thanks everyone for your quick responses it really gives me hope. I forgot to add that I might apply to Samuel Merrit and Western do you think I have any chances there? Also do you think Western will be easier to get into since it will be its first class?

 

[PJAG]

Thanks everyone for your quick responses it really gives me hope. I forgot to add that I might apply to Samuel Merrit and Western do you think I have any chances there? Also do you think Western will be easier to get into since it will be its first class?

I think if you raise your scientific gpa to at least a 3.0 and an MCAT of 20+ you would have a decent chance at any school(especially if you apply before April 2009). You should probally start narrowing down your top schools that you would like to go to. Do your own research of what type of school will fit you best. You should probally get in contact with admission counselors from both Samuel Merritt & Western if you are considering those schools. Good luck.......btw what is your major if you don't mind me asking?

 

[hello456]

..

 

[MaseratiGT]

bump

😀

 

[215512]

Overall GPA 3.77
Science GPA 3.83
MCAT 19M-6PS 7VR 7BS (****ty I know 😉 )
ECs:
Theta Chi Fraternity-Greek/Social/Service
Volunteer various positions mayo clinic hospital 140+hours
Research at 2 labs totalling 1.5 years exp and 1 publication on valley fever

I WILL have a few months shadowing experience once my senior year college starts Sept 2008 (yay!)

Thanks!

btw im retaking the mcat in 2 weeks and maybe again in a few months if needed.

 

[MaseratiGT]

Overall GPA 3.77
Science GPA 3.83
MCAT 19M-6PS 7VR 7BS (****ty I know 😉 )
ECs:
Theta Chi Fraternity-Greek/Social/Service
Volunteer various positions mayo clinic hospital 140+hours
Research at 2 labs totalling 1.5 years exp and 1 publication on valley fever

I WILL have a few months shadowing experience once my senior year college starts Sept 2008 (yay!)

Thanks!

btw im retaking the mcat in 2 weeks and maybe again in a few months if needed.

I think you may get conditional acceptances with your current MCAT scores. Study like a beast for your exam in two weeks. I would say that you would only need to bring up your GPA a few points in order to be very competitive.

Truthfully, I didn't do so hot in the PS or VR sections, probably because I was moving very slowly. However, I did well on the bio section. I still got a scholarship, so it IS possible.

I don't know if certain schools even LOOK at the essay, but make sure that you write a few before next week.

Make sure that you shadow your pod enough times so that they will be able to write a solid letter for you.

Quite a few months ago, someone started a pod shadowing thread and we listed some good etiquette for shadowing. I'll see if I can dig it up and post it.

GL!

 

[MaseratiGT]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=494854

 

[215512]

arent the school avg's like 3.3 or something isnt my gpa already pretty competetive? or did you mean it IS competitive but it could be VERY competitive by cracking that 3.8 mark?

Also I think ill be able to raise the score for that stupid MCAT by a few points hopefully maybe like 22-23ish which i think would be good since my gpa is where its at but i idk. what do you think? and THANKS for the quick reply i have never been in a forum or anything so its cool to see how it all works🙂

 

[MaseratiGT]

arent the school avg's like 3.3 or something isnt my gpa already pretty competetive? or did you mean it IS competitive but it could be VERY competitive by cracking that 3.8 mark?

Also I think ill be able to raise the score for that stupid MCAT by a few points hopefully maybe like 22-23ish which i think would be good since my gpa is where its at but i idk. what do you think? and THANKS for the quick reply i have never been in a forum or anything so its cool to see how it all works🙂

I meant your MCAT. Sorry. 😀 Your GPA is very competitive already. Keep your grades steady your last year.

22-23ish is good, but aim for that 45. 😉 As you already know, the higher the better. Some of the top tier's MCAT scores are around 26's-28's.

I like the pod forum a lot. Out of all of them, I think we coexist in here better than the rest. 🙂

 

[215512]

so when are you going to apply for pod school? are u from wales?

 

[MaseratiGT]

so when are you going to apply for pod school? are u from wales?

I'm already in. 😀 First year starts in 3 weeks!

I'm actually English, but my Nan was born and grew up in Wales. She taught me a little Welsh. These days, students take Welsh and most students can speak it fluently.