Really need some advice in regards to DO schools

[Sumo12]

Hi everyone,

I am in a tough situation in regards to re-applying to DO schools vs attending the caribbeans this year. I had applied to DO schools for the 2010-2011 round, however I had sent my applications a month before the deadline and as a result did not get in anywhere. However, my hope is that if I apply right when the application cycle opens, my chances will be greater. Here are my stats. I am shooting for TUCOM-CA, Western/COMP, or TUCOM-NV.

I hold a BA in Economics and a BA in Biology
My Cum GPA is a 3.42
my SciGPA is a 3.5
my MCAT is a 23R(PS 9 V 6 BS 8) 🙁
My EC activities include:
Currently I work as an EMT and have been doing so for the past 4 months
On campus Tutor for the subjects of General Chem, OChem, Biochem for 3 years
Supplemental Instructions leader for Biochem course offered at my university for 1 year
I was the volunteer and fundraising chair for a organization on campus
I was health science mentor
I was in Alpha Phi Omega Community service fraternity
3 years of Organic Chem research
1 year as an intern for Clinical Care extender( hospital experience)
1 year Intermural basketball
was placed on dean's honor list 6 different quarters and chancellors list

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[nlax30]

I don't know, it's a tough call. While I think in terms of ECs you're probably fine, the 23 MCAT combined with a 3.5 is probably going to be the issue.

Ultimately, I think I would still recommend attending med school in the US, whether MD or DO vs carrib. Are you still fairly young, fresh from undergrad? If so then another year or two won't matter in the end as opposed to if you were a non-trad in say your mid 40's and just don't want ANY further delay.

So, besides the extra money, I don't see much downside in trying to apply this year. Even if you do apply I would seriously consider retaking the MCAT.

 

[intothedark]

Motivation is important, but their number one priority is to select people who are intellectually capable of handling the curriculum. Your score does not show that, and they will seriously question your ability to handle medical school/pass the exams.

Your clinical experience (actually seeing what doctors do, not just time spent "smelling patients") and non-clinical volunteer work may also be perceived as weak.

Can you really give those schools a reason to pick you over others?

 

[TriagePreMed]

I'd say you might have success at the less competitive DO schools. Keep in mind that schools like DMU and WesternU now how averages close to 3.6/27.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

Hi everyone,

I am in a tough situation in regards to re-applying to DO schools vs attending the caribbeans this year. I had applied to DO schools for the 2010-2011 round, however I had sent my applications a month before the deadline and as a result did not get in anywhere. However, my hope is that if I apply right when the application cycle opens, my chances will be greater. Here are my stats. I am shooting for TUCOM-CA, Western/COMP, or TUCOM-NV.

I hold a BA in Economics and a BA in Biology
My Cum GPA is a 3.42
my SciGPA is a 3.5
my MCAT is a 23R(PS 9 V 6 BS 8) 🙁
My EC activities include:
Currently I work as an EMT and have been doing so for the past 4 months
On campus Tutor for the subjects of General Chem, OChem, Biochem for 3 years
Supplemental Instructions leader for Biochem course offered at my university for 1 year
I was the volunteer and fundraising chair for a organization on campus
I was health science mentor
I was in Alpha Phi Omega Community service fraternity
3 years of Organic Chem research
1 year as an intern for Clinical Care extender( hospital experience)
1 year Intermural basketball
was placed on dean's honor list 6 different quarters and chancellors list

You have a shot if you apply early and broadly...Why not retaking the mcat since a 26+ would make your application super competitive. I think you should avoid carib schools with your stats.

 

[Sumo12]

Yea I think I have decided to defer my acceptance to AUC to May of next year, and then just retake the MCAT and reapply

 

[nlax30]

Yea I think I have decided to defer my acceptance to AUC to May of next year, and then just retake the MCAT and reapply

Probably a wise move and what I would've done in a similar situation.

 

[afbdoc]

I've also heard that working as an EMT can be viewed negatively by med schools. I was shocked at that initially, but it was explained to me like this: You get a lot of pt contact that way I guess, but you also learn "short hand" methods instead of the proper techniques and those things can be hard to re-teach.

If you're doing all that tutoring, you should know what you're teaching to these other kids! I'd keep doing something like that, for me the best way to really learn something is to teach it-it might help for your MCAT prep

 

[Sumo12]

I think whomever has the idea that EMT experience doesn't contribute to patient care and management is completely wrong. As an EMT don't forget we are trained to act quickly and must have the ability to not panic and keep our composure at all times when dealing with patients. If anything I think it allows one to be well prepared and have an upper advantage against those who don't have that experience. Also remember as an EMT, I am also at the ER of various hospitals and I like to jump in on different traumas that come in. So I get to see more than the average bunch of students who just volunteer at a hospital.

The only reason I am a bit hesitant on not choosing to go to AUC and spend the extra months studyin for the MCAT and reapplying is I am 23 years old and I feel like an old man........

 

[TriagePreMed]

The only reason I am a bit hesitant on not choosing to go to AUC and spend the extra months studyin for the MCAT and reapplying is I am 23 years old and I feel like an old man........

LOL try being 27 and still needing another year of work before taking the MCAT and applying.