Really Need Advice

[aspiringDO89]

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Hey guys,

I could really use some advice. I'm in the process of applying to DO school for the fall of 2013, but I'm not sure how likely it is that I will be admitted. I have a current overall of a 3.2 and a science gpa of 2.98. I have an mcat score of 30 (10, 11, 9). I have over 400 hours shadowing with direct patient contact. I have shadowed two DO's. Started a fraternity, etc. I have thought about waiting to apply for the fall of 2014 and spending this year getting my masters in basic medical sciences at Wayne State University to boost my science gpa. Do you think it's feasible that I will be admitted anywhere this year? All honesty is appreciated.

 

[dntke1518]

Hey guys,

I could really use some advice. I'm in the process of applying to DO school for the fall of 2013, but I'm not sure how likely it is that I will be admitted. I have a current overall of a 3.2 and a science gpa of 2.98. I have an mcat score of 30 (10, 11, 9). I have over 400 hours shadowing with direct patient contact. I have shadowed two DO's. Started a fraternity, etc. I have thought about waiting to apply for the fall of 2014 and spending this year getting my masters in basic medical sciences at Wayne State University to boost my science gpa. Do you think it's feasible that I will be admitted anywhere this year? All honesty is appreciated.

Can you get an acceptance? Yes. It will be a little more difficult due to the low sGPA, and lower-end-of-average cGPA... Your MCAT is good, if you do decide to take a gap year, retake the classes that are bringing down your GPA, I don't know that a masters is needed.

 

[Goro]

cGPA is on the low end but OK for most schools. However, I have gravbe dounbts about that sGPA. That would prevent you from getting an interview at mine, for example. There's also a disconnect between your good MCAT score and your GPAs,...which implies you're merely a good standardized test taker. You MIGHT get some interviews, but I'm not as confident at acceptance.

My suggestion is to wait the year, get a job, try to save some money, and them rocket that post-bac.

good luck.

Hey guys,

I could really use some advice. I'm in the process of applying to DO school for the fall of 2013, but I'm not sure how likely it is that I will be admitted. I have a current overall of a 3.2 and a science gpa of 2.98. I have an mcat score of 30 (10, 11, 9). I have over 400 hours shadowing with direct patient contact. I have shadowed two DO's. Started a fraternity, etc. I have thought about waiting to apply for the fall of 2014 and spending this year getting my masters in basic medical sciences at Wayne State University to boost my science gpa. Do you think it's feasible that I will be admitted anywhere this year? All honesty is appreciated.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

You have a 60-62 LizzyM score, the average DO matriculate has a 60-62. Apply broadly and early and you'll be accepted.

LizzyM equation: gpa x 10 + mcat score

 

[Mosonik]

I believe some schools have an automatic cutoff at 3.0 That isn't saying you don't have a chance but just be aware of that.. you may have to fight through extra red tape.

 

[dntke1518]

I believe some schools have an automatic cutoff at 3.0 That isn't saying you don't have a chance but just be aware of that.. you may have to fight through extra red tape.

This is worth considering, a number of schools will screen out GPAs or sGPAs for 3.0-3.15 and lower

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

This is worth considering, a number of schools will screen out GPAs or sGPAs for 3.0-3.15 and lower

I'm not familiar with many schools doing this. Which ones?

 

[dntke1518]

DMU, KCUMB, CCOM (and maybe AZCOM) are ones that I have heard of, I'm not sure how many more do this, just speaking from what I have gathered from here. That being said I'm sure there might be an expection or two, but someone can give it a go and see if they get secondaries, and if they do get them, how long it will be until they are rejected or on hold.

 

[NeuroLAX]

Hey guys,

I could really use some advice. I'm in the process of applying to DO school for the fall of 2013, but I'm not sure how likely it is that I will be admitted. I have a current overall of a 3.2 and a science gpa of 2.98. I have an mcat score of 30 (10, 11, 9). I have over 400 hours shadowing with direct patient contact. I have shadowed two DO's. Started a fraternity, etc. I have thought about waiting to apply for the fall of 2014 and spending this year getting my masters in basic medical sciences at Wayne State University to boost my science gpa. Do you think it's feasible that I will be admitted anywhere this year? All honesty is appreciated.

While doing a master's may raise your overall science GPA, it won't raise your pre-req science GPA at all (it will remain a 2.98). I think the best advice, which has been stated by others here already, is to retake the courses with unsatisfactory grades.

Use grade replacement to your advantage.

 

[aspiringDO89]

Would it be OK to retake these classes at a community college? The price difference would be great, but I'm not sure med schools would like that because they may look at it as "taking an easier way".

 

[DrWily]

Would it be OK to retake these classes at a community college? The price difference would be great, but I'm not sure med schools would like that because they may look at it as "taking an easier way".

Retake at CC is fine, but make sure that they will count it as a retake. The new class has to be similar in course description and have equal or greater semester units than the old class. If anyone says anything about it like during an interview (which they won't), just say financial issues kept you from taking the class at a university. Perfectly acceptable answer.

 

[LostInPreMed]

I have a bunch of friends that went through interviews this past cycle and one of the most common things that they said about the other interviewees is that they were all over the map. At one school, a buddy said that the people that were willing to share their GPAs (you know how gunners always do) ranged about .5 of a point. That is a HUGE range!

The bottom line is, you just never know. Don't let other peoples' numbers scare you. Talk is cheep. The ad coms are made up of real people, just like you an me. Although your GPA may not be strong, you never know who will pick up your app, like everything else you have to offer and give you a chance! Apply, stand strong and don't worry about anyone else!


Onwards!

 

[Bacchus]

Hey guys,

I could really use some advice. I'm in the process of applying to DO school for the fall of 2013, but I'm not sure how likely it is that I will be admitted. I have a current overall of a 3.2 and a science gpa of 2.98. I have an mcat score of 30 (10, 11, 9). I have over 400 hours shadowing with direct patient contact. I have shadowed two DO's. Started a fraternity, etc. I have thought about waiting to apply for the fall of 2014 and spending this year getting my masters in basic medical sciences at Wayne State University to boost my science gpa. Do you think it's feasible that I will be admitted anywhere this year? All honesty is appreciated.

If you don't mind me asking, what schools are the DOs you shadowed graduates of? Is there anyway you could get them to write a specific letter to the school stating how they feel you'd be a good fit for the school? A little more clout/favoritism/whatever you want to call it from and alum than Joe Schmoe, DO.

 

[Soccer171983]

You could always consider post bac over a masters. This can be a foot in the door if you do well. I know many who did just that at LECOM and got in.

 

[ManBroDude]

I was in the same situation and took summer and fall retakes to bring my 3.10 sGPA to a 3.43. I suggest doing the same. I still applied and kept schools in the loop, but I wonder how many saw my initial GPA and screened me out, as I only got 4 interviews. I had a lower MCAT too. (25 R)

 

[UrshumMurshum]

Can you retake any of your science classes in a 5 week summer course? If you can, you can boost your 2.98 to probably like a 3.1 with just one science retake of a C to an A.

If you can do the 5 week course (some CC's offer it, my uni does)

then turn your application in July with the updated transcript, and you'll be verified by August.

Even if you don't you should get accepted with a 3.2 30. You're at the average LizzyM score for accepted DO applicants.

 

[aspiringDO89]

No problem. I shadowed a cardiologist from Des Moines University and an ER doctor from MSUCOM (MSUCOM doc wrote my LOR). I also failed to mention that I have 0 upper level sciences; this fall I plan on retaking my bio-1 to hopefully bump it up from a C to an A as well as biochemistry. Also, I don't know if I should include this on my application, I've been in two films that have appeared in move theaters (with speaking roles).

 

[DrWily]

Include it. Dont leave off stuff that makes you stand out. However, be prepared to talk about it in an interview. You dont have to relate it to medicine, but the adcoms will look for important information. Say something like it helped you overcome a fear of talking in front of people/camera and you feel that you are a better speaker now..... Sumtinglikedat