Reapplicant feeling lost- Caribbean as a back up?

[mdwannabe973]

Hello hello,

This is my current situation:

Stats: GPA 4.0 over-all
MCAT: 1st time= 490, 2nd time= 495, took Kaplan Course then took 3rd time= 495
I have great LOR, have plenty of shadowing,research, volunteer, and health care related job experience. First time college graduate and aspiring physician from a rural, medically underserved town.

I applied to Texas and a few out of state school for the 2017 cycle between my junior and senior year. No interviews.
I am now in the midst of the 2018 cycle after just graduating in May 2017. I have applied to all state schools again, as Florida State, Wayne State, and Ohio State.
I haven't received any interview invitations, yet, and am feeling extremely discouraged.
I am considering applying to SGU. I just want a chance at my dreams. I know I can do it. I know I will become a great doctor- I just need to get into school. I am not interested in going to a DO program, I am not interested in PA or NP. This has been my dream for most of my life, and I will not change it. I have always been a great student. I graduated valedictorian then Sumama Cum Laude, and then screwed up my MCAT. I feel I know the material, just haven't learned to "take"and "beat" the test.

I feel I am just wasting my time working as a receptionist for a doctor's office. I hate my job position, and I feel I am just completely wasting my time, not learning, not advancing, and just being unhappy.

I work 40 hours a week at a job that is mentally draining and leaves me with no time to study, work-out, or enjoy personal activities.

WHAT SHOULD I DO.

I need to be working towards my dreams. I just want to start school soon, not wait to reatke my MCAT, reapply and start in 2019. I hate this. I went through many personal situations that I feel affected my ability to prepare the way I needed for my test.
Am I just out of luck here? Should I apply to SGU and get started on my dreams? I know it is an up-hill battle, but I know a handful of successful Carib doctors that are practicing and enjoying their lives.
Please give me solid advice. I am not looking to be ridiculed about my scores or thoughts about attending SGU.

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[SpoiledMilk]

@gyngyn @Faha @gonnif @Goro @wysdoc

 

[Goro]

Hello hello,

This is my current situation:

Stats: GPA 4.0 over-all
MCAT: 1st time= 490, 2nd time= 495, took Kaplan Course then took 3rd time= 495
I have great LOR, have plenty of shadowing,research, volunteer, and health care related job experience. First time college graduate and aspiring physician from a rural, medically underserved town.

I applied to Texas and a few out of state school for the 2017 cycle between my junior and senior year. No interviews.
I am now in the midst of the 2018 cycle after just graduating in May 2017. I have applied to all state schools again, as Florida State, Wayne State, and Ohio State.
I haven't received any interview invitations, yet, and am feeling extremely discouraged.
I am considering applying to SGU. I just want a chance at my dreams. I know I can do it. I know I will become a great doctor- I just need to get into school. I am not interested in going to a DO program, I am not interested in PA or NP. This has been my dream for most of my life, and I will not change it. I have always been a great student. I graduated valedictorian then Sumama Cum Laude, and then screwed up my MCAT. I feel I know the material, just haven't learned to "take"and "beat" the test.

I feel I am just wasting my time working as a receptionist for a doctor's office. I hate my job position, and I feel I am just completely wasting my time, not learning, not advancing, and just being unhappy.

I work 40 hours a week at a job that is mentally draining and leaves me with no time to study, work-out, or enjoy personal activities.

WHAT SHOULD I DO.

I need to be working towards my dreams. I just want to start school soon, not wait to reatke my MCAT, reapply and start in 2019. I hate this. I went through many personal situations that I feel affected my ability to prepare the way I needed for my test.
Am I just out of luck here? Should I apply to SGU and get started on my dreams? I know it is an up-hill battle, but I know a handful of successful Carib doctors that are practicing and enjoying their lives.
Please give me solid advice. I am not looking to be ridiculed about my scores or thoughts about attending SGU.

The Carib schools grow fat and rich on desperate and gullible marks like you.

You are at high risk for failing out of med school with that MCAT history. Look, you do not perform well on high stakes, career deciding exams. How are you going to handle Boards???

That sound you hear off in the distance is SGU salivating at yet another impatient mark unwilling to fix the deficits in his/her app.

Suggest seeing a counselor for your mental health's sake.

 

[rufflev]

You shouldn't be so eager to start medical school, it's a big step and a big commitment, so make sure the route you decide to pursue is one you're happy with.

My personal advice would be to attempt the MCAT again, figure out what you did wrong, how you can improve, and don't take the exam until you're consistently score above 500 on your practice exams. Generally the rule of thumb is that if you can score above a 500 on your MCAT, you have a fair shot of passing your boards.

Also, why are you against the idea of applying to DO schools? Unless, you're planning on working abroad as a physician (which DO will limit you to some extent), going to a DO school is much better in terms of education, residency, etc. in comparison to Caribbean medical schools.

 

[Goro]

You shouldn't be so eager to start medical school, it's a big step and a big commitment, so make sure the route you decide to pursue is one you're happy with.

My personal advice would be to attempt the MCAT again, figure out what you did wrong, how you can improve, and don't take the exam until you're consistently score above 500 on your practice exams. Generally the rule of thumb is that if you can score above a 500 on your MCAT, you have a fair shot of passing your boards.

Also, why are you against the idea of applying to DO schools? Unless, you're planning on working abroad as a physician (which DO will limit you to some extent), going to a DO school is much better in terms of education, residency, etc. in comparison to Caribbean medical schools.

Indeed. Beggars can't be choosy.

 

[bears1992]

If you don't want to go DO, your only option is the carribean. Even a great fourth MCAT is still not going to overshadow 3 sub 500 previous MCAT scores st many MD schools. I don't think there is any point in retaking as you would need a 510+ just to be considered at the handful of MD schools that don't consider previous attempts. You'd probably be hit or miss for DO as some schools average MCAT scores and some schools have a 500 cutoff. I can't find it on mobile but the AAMC says sub 500 MCAT scores indicate a 20% chance of failing Step 1 and I'm sure that number would be higher for carribean schools.

If you are unwilling to apply DO, I think you should wait to apply carribean until your AAMC practice scores are atleast 505 plus. I think someone with a 505 MCAT and 4.0 GPA would have a decent chance of graduating SGUs program. If I were you, Id just retake the MCAT and apply DO. Carribean really should be a last resort as it's such a life altering risk.

 

[Faha]

You have a chance for interviews at some of the newer DO schools because of your excellent GPA. I suggest all these schools:
ACOM
ARCOM
BCOM
WCU-COM
LMU-DCOM
UP-KYCOM
WVSOM
LUCOM
VCOM (all 3 schools)
UIWSOM
NYIT-Arkansas
RVU-Utah
Idaho
any new schools that may open for 2019 (there will be several).
Many of these schools have MCAT medians in the 498 to 502 range. Your GPA is at the 99th percentile for all of them. Apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July.

 

[mdwannabe973]

You have a chance for interviews at some of the newer DO schools because of your excellent GPA. I suggest all these schools:
ACOM
ARCOM
BCOM
WCU-COM
LMU-DCOM
UP-KYCOM
WVSOM
LUCOM
VCOM (all 3 schools)
UIWSOM
NYIT-Arkansas
RVU-Utah
Idaho
any new schools that may open for 2019 (there will be several).
Many of these schools have MCAT medians in the 498 to 502 range. Your GPA is at the 99th percentile for all of them. Apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July.

Do Texas MD schools average MCAT scores or take most recent?

 

[mdwannabe973]

The Carib schools grow fat and rich on desperate and gullible marks like you.

You are at high risk for failing out of med school with that MCAT history. Look, you do not perform well on high stakes, career deciding exams. How are you going to handle Boards???

That sound you hear off in the distance is SGU salivating at yet another impatient mark unwilling to fix the deficits in his/her app.

Suggest seeing a counselor for your mental health's sake.

I have no worries about failing out of med school. I think I need to take more time for the MCAT. Do you think as a reapplicant for a third cycle, if I don't get in this year by some miracle, if I can get a 505/508 MCAT, I would have better chances as a texas resident at any TX MD schools?

 

[Shotapp]

I don't think you fully understand your predicament. You are a 2x soon to be 3x reapplicant at several schools and you have three terrible MCAT scores. You are not going to get into any MD schools (and DO schools) PERIOD. You show very poor judgment by applying for the third time without a +510 MCAT. A 505/508 MCAT is nowhere near good enough to compensate for your three previous scores if you are boning for the MD. GL with whatever you choose to do cause you don't seem to listen to reason.

 

[deleted480308]

I just need to get into school. I am not interested in going to a DO program

you really need to evaluate the disagreement between those two sentences

 

[mdwannabe973]

I don't think you fully understand your predicament. You are a 2x soon to be 3x reapplicant at several schools and you have three terrible MCAT scores. You are not going to get into any MD schools (and DO schools) PERIOD. You show very poor judgment by applying for the third time without a +510 MCAT. A 505/508 MCAT is nowhere near good enough to compensate for your three previous scores if you are boning for the MD. GL with whatever you choose to do cause you don't seem to listen to reason.

So, dedication shown through applying for a third cycle does not matter, even if I get a 510+ MCAT score?
I am truly asking for advice- I am trying to have a conversation, not just say NO or shoot down the suggestions or advice given. I appreciate your replies because like I just said, I am looking for advice to help with my situation. I am looking for my next steps forward through self-reflection and advice given from people on here, as well as outside resources.

 

[mdwannabe973]

you really need to evaluate the disagreement between those two sentences

I state this because after asking about 7 physicians personally, there seems to be a bigger stigma against DO and their ability, then Carib. MD schools. I was even told by a ped derm from a US MD school that some of the best physicians he knows came from carib schools, and are practicing in derm, as well. He said that if Caribbean is my only option, that it is a viable option. I am willing to put in the work needed to get into a US MD school. The major flaw in my application is my MCAT score. I see so many conflicting opinions, and it is confusing trying to rationalize through them all.

 

[deleted480308]

I state this because after asking about 7 physicians personally, there seems to be a bigger stigma against DO and their ability, then Carib. MD schools. I was even told by a ped derm from a US MD school that some of the best physicians he knows came from carib schools, and are practicing in derm, as well. He said that if Caribbean is my only option, that it is a viable option. I am willing to put in the work needed to get into a US MD school. The major flaw in my application is my MCAT score. I see so many conflicting opinions, and it is confusing trying to rationalize through them all.

The first thing you need to see is the attrition rates from carribean schools. DO students are safer.

This next one is going to sting but know that I’m trying to help you here. Regarding the claim that you are “willing to put in the work to get into a US MD school”. You either don’t know what that actually means or are incapable. Frankly put you aren’t making the cut...repeatedly. The odds that derm, or anything super competitive will in any way be your future aren’t high. If you want to be a doctor, drop the pride and add a bunch of DO schools to your strategy

 

[RocuROMANium]

How much time did you take off between each MCAT?

 

[mdwannabe973]

How much time did you take off between each MCAT?

I messed up the first two times. I only too 3/4 weeks between the first and second. Which, I now know was the worst mistake I could make. I then took about 9 months off between 2 and 3. I did a Kaplan course and made the same overall score. I KNOW I did not take enough practice tests or do enough practice questions. That was my plan for this fourth time around. I feel that I screwed myself with the first two tests, but I am working on turning all of that around and doing things correct this time. I just hope it is actually for a good cause in the end.

 

[EmilKraepelin55]

I messed up the first two times. I only too 3/4 weeks between the first and second. Which, I now know was the worst mistake I could make. I then took about 9 months off between 2 and 3. I did a Kaplan course and made the same overall score. I KNOW I did not take enough practice tests or do enough practice questions. That was my plan for this fourth time around. I feel that I screwed myself with the first two tests, but I am working on turning all of that around and doing things correct this time. I just hope it is actually for a good cause in the end.

I wouldn't readily put down DO schools in your situation. While there is a "stigma" against DO's by some physicians, this does not mean that DO's are incompetent physicians as a whole. Seven MD's does not equal complete agreement amongst all MD's. I've shadowed multiple DO's who work closely with MD's and are well regarded in both Neurology and Pathology. Be willing to question your doctor friends a bit more, and do your research before making such a conclusion.

 

[bears1992]

The first thing you need to see is the attrition rates from carribean schools. DO students are safer.

This next one is going to sting but know that I’m trying to help you here. Regarding the claim that you are “willing to put in the work to get into a US MD school”. You either don’t know what that actually means or are incapable. Frankly put you aren’t making the cut...repeatedly. The odds that derm, or anything super competitive will in any way be your future aren’t high. If you want to be a doctor, drop the pride and add a bunch of DO schools to your strategy

I don't really know of any DO schools that would entertain a 3rd attempt 495 MCAT other than VCOM and maybe some of the new rural schools.

 

[Shotapp]

So, dedication shown through applying for a third cycle does not matter, even if I get a 510+ MCAT score?
I am truly asking for advice- I am trying to have a conversation, not just say NO or shoot down the suggestions or advice given. I appreciate your replies because like I just said, I am looking for advice to help with my situation. I am looking for my next steps forward through self-reflection and advice given from people on here, as well as outside resources.

You have shown a strong dedication of throwing money away. You took a career deciding exam 3x with poor preparation (considering your GPA). You don't have the luxury to say that you are not interested in DO schools. I'm not even sure if there are any DO schools that would take a chance on you. Don't apply next cycle. If the end goal is to become a doctor, you need to seriously make the MCAT your life. You have to mash the test to smithereens.

 

[EmilKraepelin55]

You have shown a strong dedication of throwing money away. You took a career deciding exam 3x with poor preparation (considering your GPA). You don't have the luxury to say that you are not interested in DO schools. I'm not even sure if there are any DO schools that would take a chance on you. Don't apply next cycle. If the end goal is to become a doctor, you need to seriously make the MCAT your life. You have to mash the test to smithereens.

Could also go Podiatry. MCAT is competitive for that, and a 495 would be considered a good improvement for some schools if I understand it.

 

[mdwannabe973]

You have shown a strong dedication of throwing money away. You took a career deciding exam 3x with poor preparation (considering your GPA). You don't have the luxury to say that you are not interested in DO schools. I'm not even sure if there are any DO schools that would take a chance on you. Don't apply next cycle. If the end goal is to become a doctor, you need to seriously make the MCAT your life. You have to mash the test to smithereens.

Can’t tell if that was utterly rude or tying to be motivational? Either way. I’m looking for advice on how to improve from here, so yes my end goal is to become a doctor.

 

[mdwannabe973]

I don't really know of any DO schools that would entertain a 3rd attempt 495 MCAT other than VCOM and maybe some of the new rural schools.

Some schools state they only use most recent to evaluate though they can see the other scores. Is this not true?

 

[bears1992]

Some schools state they only use most recent to evaluate though they can see the other scores. Is this not true?

Yes. Those schools would be your only shot outside of the carribean. Don't even bother with schools that average MCAT scores or consider previous attempts. You'll still need to score atleast a 505 to have any chance at those schools, even with a 4.0. A 510+ is probably what you'll need to get in though given that you will be very limited in which schools you can apply to.

 

[Shotapp]

Can’t tell if that was utterly rude or tying to be motivational? Either way. I’m looking for advice on how to improve from here, so yes my end goal is to become a doctor.

What further advice are you looking for? The mountain that's impeding your path is your 3 bad MCAT scores. You need to retake it and get at least +510 to have your past scores overlooked. Applying year after year without substantially fixing/improving your MCAT is a HUGE WASTE of time and money (so I don't see how what I said was being rude). Your goal is to get into an MD school, correct? So do what you need to do to get a killer MCAT score. I'm not going to tell you to go DO because that is not for everyone and it is certainly not something you want to hear.

 

[mdwannabe973]

What further advice are you looking for? The mountain that's impeding your path is your 3 bad MCAT scores. You need to retake it and get at least +510 to have your past scores overlooked. Applying year after year without substantially fixing/improving your MCAT is a HUGE WASTE of time and money (so I don't see how what I said was being rude). Your goal is to get into an MD school, correct? So do what you need to do to get a killer MCAT score. I'm not going to tell you to go DO because that is not for everyone and it is certainly not something you want to hear.

Thank you very much. I’m going to work harder than ever before.

 

[Shotapp]

Thank you very much. I’m going to work harder than ever before.

My bad if I was being harsh. I want you to succeed and get to the place you want to be. Your 4.0 GPA proves that you are smart and capable of getting a solid MCAT score if you really push your boundaries. Please, address any test-taking anxieties that you may not be aware you have (it could have caused your previous scores). Take the MCAT when you are hitting your target scores (don't rush). GL.

 

[DOsteopathic]

Go DO

 

[SoppyElk]

What makes you think that you're going to smash the MCAT the 4th time if you your first 3 scores were sub 500? Working hard is great and all, but working smarter is better. Don't do the same things you did for the first 3 tests studying-wise because clearly they didn't work. You're going to need to revamp your studying strategy completely.

 

[kubyx]

You sound like a homeless man turning up his nose to a ribeye because it isn't a filet mignon. I don't think you could get into any decent DO school, frankly, so I'd drop the attitude.

Retake the mcat, turn around your abysmal performance, and maybe you'll get into a decent do school. Or, go carrib, maybe fail out, maybe go on to become a physician with worse options than a comparable do. All for vanity.

 

[mdwannabe973]

What makes you think that you're going to smash the MCAT the 4th time if you your first 3 scores were sub 500? Working hard is great and all, but working smarter is better. Don't do the same things you did for the first 3 tests studying-wise because clearly they didn't work. You're going to need to revamp your studying strategy completely.

Which is exactly what I said in a previous post thanks

 

[mdwannabe973]

You sound like a homeless man turning up his nose to a ribeye because it isn't a filet mignon. I don't think you could get into any decent DO school, frankly, so I'd drop the attitude.

Retake the mcat, turn around your abysmal performance, and maybe you'll get into a decent do school. Or, go carrib, maybe fail out, maybe go on to become a physician with worse options than a comparable do. All for vanity.

This sounds more like you are upset that I said I didn’t want to go DO. No attitude here. I actually love theory behind DO, but we all have to make decisions we think is best for us, RIGHT. Lol I’m preparing for the MCAT using different techniques this time, as I said earlier. If you have any real advice to give me about ways you may have studied for the MCAT, I’m open to receiving that. On another note, choosing between the ribeye and filet mignon, I wouldn’t take either. I’m vegetarian...

 

[DrRedstone]

Speaking as someone who bought into the stigma against DO physicians, I agree that you are being too closed minded in regards to attending an osteopathic school. I applied 4 times to MD schools with a 3.9 GPA and 510+ MCAT and got nowhere.
Real honestly, the DO stigma is fading quickly. Some regions of the country hold on to the backwards notion that DOs are inferior, but I would argue that most physicians consider the degrees to be equivalent now. The biggest difference I can see is that DO schools don't focus on research as much as MD schools seem to.

My biggest advice to you would be to swallow your pride and apply DO. Humility is a wonderful trait for physicians to have.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using SDN mobile

 

[kubyx]

This sounds more like you are upset that I said I didn’t want to go DO. No attitude here. I actually love theory behind DO, but we all have to make decisions we think is best for us, RIGHT. Lol I’m preparing for the MCAT using different techniques this time, as I said earlier. If you have any real advice to give me about ways you may have studied for the MCAT, I’m open to receiving that. On another note, choosing between the ribeye and filet mignon, I wouldn’t take either. I’m vegetarian...

I'm not upset about anything. You are the one risking a real opportunity at becoming a physician purely for vanity reasons, but it's your life, so do as you wish.

I personally just think the world of healthcare needs less arrogance and more humility. If you could give even one plausible reason for why "DO is not right for you", but a carrib MD is, I would feel differently. However, there is quite literally no real reason that DO isn't right but carrib MD is other than wanting the words 'MD' behind your name. Do you really think people who go to RossU are more generally respected than someone who goes to DMU? Do you think they have better opportunities in medicine and academia? Do you think they receive a better education, or more support from their school? I don't.

It's okay to want to be recognized for your efforts, and the coveted 'MD' is certainly a great reward for your efforts. Unfortunately for you, you have not earned that title. Go ahead and retake the MCAT, I wish you the best of luck because that test indeed is awful, but just be cognizant of the fact that you'll be a 4th-time test taker with 3 very unfortunate scores, and that will be harshly held against you. Go carrib MD if you wish, but realize you're very likely sacrificing opportunities for title.

 

[mdwannabe973]

I'm not upset about anything. You are the one risking a real opportunity at becoming a physician purely for vanity reasons, but it's your life, so do as you wish.

I personally just think the world of healthcare needs less arrogance and more humility. If you could give even one plausible reason for why "DO is not right for you", but a carrib MD is, I would feel differently. However, there is quite literally no real reason that DO isn't right but carrib MD is other than wanting the words 'MD' behind your name. Do you really think people who go to RossU are more generally respected than someone who goes to DMU? Do you think they have better opportunities in medicine and academia? Do you think they receive a better education, or more support from their school? I don't.

It's okay to want to be recognized for your efforts, and the coveted 'MD' is certainly a great reward for your efforts. Unfortunately for you, you have not earned that title. Go ahead and retake the MCAT, I wish you the best of luck because that test indeed is awful, but just be cognizant of the fact that you'll be a 4th-time test taker with 3 very unfortunate scores, and that will be harshly held against you. Go carrib MD if you wish, but realize you're very likely sacrificing opportunities for title.

Someone mentioned podiatry earlier.. what’s your views on that route?

 

[kubyx]

Someone mentioned podiatry earlier.. what’s your views on that route?

It's a fine profession if that's what you want. I'm not sure why you would deviate towards pod if you want to be a physician, though. Two different careers.

 

[Wiggly Tuff Da Ruff]

This sounds more like you are upset that I said I didn’t want to go DO. No attitude here. I actually love theory behind DO, but we all have to make decisions we think is best for us, RIGHT. Lol I’m preparing for the MCAT using different techniques this time, as I said earlier. If you have any real advice to give me about ways you may have studied for the MCAT, I’m open to receiving that. On another note, choosing between the ribeye and filet mignon, I wouldn’t take either. I’m vegetarian...

It might surprise you, but some osteopathic techniques DO (pun intended) work and are helpful. If you refuse to look into DO that's your choice, but implying DO docs are inferior is out of line.
With that out of the way, my suggestion for MCAT would be to grab 1 complete review book, like Kaplan, and learn it cover to cover. There's no need to have 5 different resources ... it's all about how you use the 1 you have. When you go into med school, you'll see that it's pretty much the same concept.
With your 1 resource, make sure you understand the major concepts. The social/psych part should be free points. Biochemistry is needed for medical school, so you might as well devote some decent time into it while studying for the MCAT. Biology is pretty basic, and once again, just learn the basic concepts. Chemistry and Physics I did terrible in, so I can't really comment. But if you have 3 sections down and 1 section decent, you should get a good score extremely easily. The way my life/schedule went, I had 2 weeks to study for the MCAT. Divided up my time and attention to different sections and I did fine. Stick to your timeline ... reapplicants CAN and DO get into med school. Good luck!

 

[SpoiledMilk]

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

If you decide take another shot at the MCAT, try The Berkeley Review for content and Testing Solutions for CARS. Using Kaplan material again won't do much good.

 

[SpartanWolverine]

I state this because after asking about 7 physicians personally, there seems to be a bigger stigma against DO and their ability, then Carib. MD schools. I was even told by a ped derm from a US MD school that some of the best physicians he knows came from carib schools, and are practicing in derm, as well. He said that if Caribbean is my only option, that it is a viable option. I am willing to put in the work needed to get into a US MD school. The major flaw in my application is my MCAT score. I see so many conflicting opinions, and it is confusing trying to rationalize through them all.

Yes, I also know a pediatric dermatologist who spoke down on DO schools (though he also doesn't consider MD applicants unless they score 2+ SD above the mean on both USMLE 1/2... perhaps some dermatologists care a lot about appearance? Could that be?). Now I'm coming up on the end of my 4th year and interviewing in radiology at his very hospital. From being told DO will get me nowhere to potentially working at the same place. At the same time I'm meeting Caribbean students where the norm is applying to 200+ FM/IM programs and not getting a single bite. Doesn't quite add up, does it. Some people are closed minded but many are becoming less and less so. The acceptance of DOs is to the detriment of FMG/IMGs.

Consider DO after seriously reconsidering and remediating your standardized test-taking skills. That's the best advice we have.

 

[Goro]

Some schools state they only use most recent to evaluate though they can see the other scores. Is this not true?

Even if they do, there is no accounting for individual screeners or admissions committee members.

 

[ParallelLines]

Before starting school, I worked in a facility where both MDs and DOs trained together and there was an easily recognizable air of mutual respect between both types of physicians. Both MD and DO graduates at this program received generous and enviable starting contracts at the end of their training from other employers both in and out of the state.

You want to be a physician but you have dug yourself a hole with your MCAT history. You either need to crush your next attempt at the MCAT to even think about US MD or consider the osteopathic route. Have you taken a look at the match lists of any DO schools? Even the low ranking ones crush the Carribean schools.

If you're still not convinced I suggest you read this: Million $ Mistake

 

[EmilKraepelin55]

It's a fine profession if that's what you want. I'm not sure why you would deviate towards pod if you want to be a physician, though. Two different careers.

Main difference between DPM, DO, and MD is the fact that you specialize right off the bat. Pod's are still considered physicians. The only thing is that OP would have to be okay with working solely on feet for the rest of their life. It's definitely a pretty straight path to a sub-specialty of orthopedic surgery if OP is interested in such a path. Just remember the limitations on the scope of practice when making that determination.

 

[DrRedstone]

The only thing is that OP would have to be okay with working solely on feet for the rest of their life.

I felt the need to give you a shout out for this righteous pun.

 

[EmilKraepelin55]

I felt the need to give you a shout out for this righteous pun.

*Takes a digital bow*

 

[EmilKraepelin55]

Before starting school, I worked in a facility where both MDs and DOs trained together and there was an easily recognizable air of mutual respect between both types of physicians. Both MD and DO graduates at this program received generous and enviable starting contracts at the end of their training from other employers both in and out of the state.

You want to be a physician but you have dug yourself a hole with your MCAT history. You either need to crush your next attempt at the MCAT to even think about US MD or consider the osteopathic route. Have you taken a look at the match lists of any DO schools? Even the low ranking ones crush the Carribean schools.

If you're still not convinced I suggest you read this: Million $ Mistake

Probably the most frightening, yet compelling, piece of blogging I have read in a long time.

 

[bears1992]

Probably the most frightening, yet compelling, piece of blogging I have read in a long time.

A 495 MCAT is still 7 points below the matriculant average. That's like applying to MD with a 501 MCAT. DO is without a doubt, easier to get into than MD but OP is still not in a great position for DO either. OP needs to retake the MCAT regardless of if he/she decides to open up to DO.

 

[WyomingMedStudent]

A 495 MCAT is still 7 points below the matriculant average. That's like applying to MD with a 501 MCAT. DO is without a doubt, easier to get into than MD but OP is still not in a great position for DO either. OP needs to retake the MCAT regardless of if he/she decides to open up to DO.

Right? This whole forum turned into an MD v DO flame war (again. . .). As if OP's current stats or attitude are even remotely close to the vast majority of DO schools.

OP, I'm not really sure why you posted in this particular forum. You know your MCAT (MCATs in this case) seriously lack, so talk over on the MCAT forums. Sort that out and apply for your coveted MD programs. If you want opinions on Caribean schools, use the search function. The plethora of wise adcoms here have talked extensively about that unfortunate decision-making process. Good luck.

 

[physgal]

With the merge, I don't see why people rule out DO.

 

[stickgirl390]

I state this because after asking about 7 physicians personally, there seems to be a bigger stigma against DO and their ability, then Carib. MD schools.

1) Your sample size of 7 opinions is too low. Every single physician I've spoken to (also about 7) has said the opposite. MD/DO are virtually identical, and as the years go on and the physician shortage increases, you're going to see less and less of a stigma.

2) As someone who has interviewed with multiple MD and DO programs, I can say from personal experience that there are amazing programs in both fields. One of my DO interviews in particular blew the MD interviews out of the park. You have to find out for yourself before totally crossing DO off your list of opportunities.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

OP, unless you can find some type of program that offers special matriculation for rural students, you will need to swallow your pride. Heck, I would love to attend my local MD school, but I know the risk and pitfalls that are ahead. You are throwing away precious money and time waiting on that coveted MD spot. My first MCAT was worse than yours, but I refuse to sit for that wretched test until I am scoring WELL above 500. Good luck, kid.

 

[thinkchangeflow]

OP, unless you can find some type of program that offers special matriculation for rural students, you will need to swallow your pride. Heck, I would love to attend my local MD school, but I know the risk and pitfalls that are ahead. You are throwing away precious money and time waiting on that coveted MD spot. My first MCAT was worse than yours, but I refuse to sit for that wretched test until I am scoring WELL above 500. Good luck, kid.

How many times did you take it? What was your subsection breakdown?

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