Reapplying - can I turn lemons into lemonade?

[Kerosene Hat]

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Last year, I applied to osteopathic medical programs. With a lousy 2.95 cGPA and 2.75 sGPA, I don't know how I expected to get in anywhere. I had a 28 (10/8/10) MCAT and a decent variety of extracurriculars, including some work with the local Osteopathic Society, but it wasn't nearly enough.

*Edit: the above numbers were actually from halfway through the cycle, when I had two retakes under my belt. When I first applied, they were about 2.85 and 2.63 - yes, I know.

Since last summer, I retook my worst few classes evenings at a local university (a well-known university with a reasonably priced CE program - not a community college). I figured that in case I was put on a wait list somewhere, I would have something to show.

If I didn't get in anywhere, I thought to myself, I would just bite the bullet and go to the Caribbean. However, I had an accident back in the spring, and I had to take time out of work. I'm getting much better now, thankfully, but there's no way I could be running around a strange island this summer. (Miraculously, I was still able to get A's in the classes I was taking this spring. Between the fall and spring, I received A's in four courses and a B+ in the other, so my cGPA went up to a 3.15 and my sGPA went up to a 3.05.)

Friends and family told me to take this time to study the MCAT and improve it - to turn this lemon of a time into lemonade. My parents keep on offering to pay the fees if it will help me get in somewhere. I've been doing quite a few hours of MCAT studying every day! Now, I know someone will say that a 28 is above average at many osteopathic schools - but let's face it, the rest of my stats are still marginal. Hence, with the time I have, I'll take the opportunity to improve where I can.

I will still keep the "break glass in case of emergency" option - the Caribbean - in mind if this still doesn't pan out, but I am still giving this a shot.

I'd appreciate honest feedback on where I should apply and any other advice the SDN community might have. I plan to send out the primary application by the end of the week.

In summary:
3.15 cGPA, 3.05 sGPA. I may still retake a class or two, depending on availability locally.
28 MCAT (10 BS, 8 PS, 10 VR) - will likely retake.
MA resident, not a URM.
Though I can't say it's exceptional, I have shadowing/volunteering experience (both allopathic and osteopathic).
I have three faculty letters of recommendation (two science and one non-science) and one osteopathic physician letter ready to go.

Off the top of my head, I'm definitely considering:

UNECOM
LECOM
NYCOM
TouroCOM-NY (probably a long shot, but it's in the Northeast)
PCOM (see above)
Marian
WVSOM
KYCOM
ACOM

Where else should I apply? Any to scratch off this list?

Thanks for the help! I'm not expecting anything exceptional to happen with my application, but I'm trying to play the hand of cards I have as best I can.

 

[DocWinter]

Scratch off UNECOM, NYCOM, Touro and probably PCOM. I mean, they get 7K applications each year, your odds are not good and especially not favored with a 3.1. They just don't really take that from what I understand, ditto the two NY colleges.

Add in CUSOM, WVCOM, LECOM-FL and maybe PCOM-GA

 

[FutureDrB]

You might put NYCOM under that long-short heading too. Have you considered adding Liberty to the list?

You don't need us to tell you that your GPAs are still on the low side, but your MCAT is fine. Unless you feel confident that you could get higher than a 28 on a retake, I'd leave it be and focus my attention on doing what I could to raise those GPA numbers.

Just my two pennies.

 

[polylux]

Scratch off UNECOM, NYCOM, Touro and probably PCOM. I mean, they get 7K applications each year, your odds are not good and especially not favored with a 3.1. They just don't really take that from what I understand, ditto the two NY colleges.

Add in CUSOM, WVCOM, LECOM-FL and maybe PCOM-GA

No, OP should keep UNECOM on. S/He's an MA resident, and UNECOM has a regional bias. Chances with a 3.1 are going to be low everywhere, but at UNECOM they will be slightly better.

Ditto to adding those schools though.

 

[Elevencents]

You seem realistic about your stats but your school choice doesn't really reflect that. You need to apply to 15 schools to give yourself the best chance. This includes all of the schools opened in the last 5 years. Sure some reaches are fine, but your list is too short with your GPA's. Best of luck.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Post bac and grade replacement could be options also.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Lets say you have a sweet ride with level 3 Dinan supercharger but 15 inch steel wheels and hubcaps.

Why the hell would you continue to upgrade the engine?

Retake classes unless you're 100% sure you can get a MUCH better MCAT score.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Make sure you're applying to the Middletown campus of Touro for greatest chances.

 

[rzoo14]

Think about adding these schools: acom, ga-pcom, atsu-soma, kcumb, rvu. you will need to apply to more schools to increase your chances of acceptance. I recommend not retaking the mcat, instead spend your time and money on retaking some F/D/C's at a CC this summer. good luck!

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Think about adding these schools: acom, ga-pcom, atsu-soma, kcumb, rvu. you will need to apply to more schools to increase your chances of acceptance. I recommend not retaking the mcat, instead spend your time and money on retaking some F/D/C's at a CC this summer. good luck!

What about the KCUMB gpa cut off?

I don't know about RVU.

 

[AlteredScale]

What about the KCUMB gpa cut off?

I don't know about RVU.

Hey do you think he can get the special review? As shown below for the policies (I am RELIEVED to see this with my 6 on VR).

"KCUMB-COM Applicants-General Information
• The applicant will complete an application through AACOMAS which will require
submitting to AACOMAS official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Admissions Office staff reviews AACOMAS Applications to determine who will receive a
KCUMB-COM Secondary Application.
• Credentials used to determine Secondary Application invite include:
o Automatic Secondary Application invite from Admissions Office - Minimum 23
MCAT with at least a 7 in all sub-categories, and a minimum 3.25 science and
overall/cumulative GPA.
o Invitation to Complete Secondary Application through Special Review of
Admissions Sub-Committee - Minimum 21 MCAT with at least a 7 in the science
sub-category and a 6 in the physical and verbal sub-categories (if applicable), and
a minimum 3.00 sciences and overall/cumulative GPA"

 

[DocWinter]

I thought I heard that KCUMB had a 3.2 or 3.25 GPA cutoff...perhaps not the official word, but a standard they look for.

 

[DocWinter]

No, OP should keep UNECOM on. S/He's an MA resident, and UNECOM has a regional bias. Chances with a 3.1 are going to be low everywhere, but at UNECOM they will be slightly better.

Ditto to adding those schools though.

UNE is probably the OPs best shot out of the mentioned schools, but the 3.05/3.15 is just really not attractive to the established schools. It's a reach for sure.

 

[user3]

Last year, I applied to osteopathic medical programs. With a lousy 2.95 cGPA and 2.75 sGPA, I don't know how I expected to get in anywhere. I had a 28 (10/8/10) MCAT and a decent variety of extracurriculars, including some work with the local Osteopathic Society, but it wasn't nearly enough.

*Edit: the above numbers were actually from halfway through the cycle, when I had two retakes under my belt. When I first applied, they were about 2.85 and 2.63 - yes, I know.

Since last summer, I retook my worst few classes evenings at a local university (a well-known university with a reasonably priced CE program - not a community college). I figured that in case I was put on a wait list somewhere, I would have something to show.

If I didn't get in anywhere, I thought to myself, I would just bite the bullet and go to the Caribbean. However, I had an accident back in the spring, and I had to take time out of work. I'm getting much better now, thankfully, but there's no way I could be running around a strange island this summer. (Miraculously, I was still able to get A's in the classes I was taking this spring. Between the fall and spring, I received A's in four courses and a B+ in the other, so my cGPA went up to a 3.15 and my sGPA went up to a 3.05.)

Friends and family told me to take this time to study the MCAT and improve it - to turn this lemon of a time into lemonade. My parents keep on offering to pay the fees if it will help me get in somewhere. I've been doing quite a few hours of MCAT studying every day! Now, I know someone will say that a 28 is above average at many osteopathic schools - but let's face it, the rest of my stats are still marginal. Hence, with the time I have, I'll take the opportunity to improve where I can.

I will still keep the "break glass in case of emergency" option - the Caribbean - in mind if this still doesn't pan out, but I am still giving this a shot.

I'd appreciate honest feedback on where I should apply and any other advice the SDN community might have. I plan to send out the primary application by the end of the week.

In summary:
3.15 cGPA, 3.05 sGPA. I may still retake a class or two, depending on availability locally.
28 MCAT (10 BS, 8 PS, 10 VR) - will likely retake.
MA resident, not a URM.
Though I can't say it's exceptional, I have shadowing/volunteering experience (both allopathic and osteopathic).
I have three faculty letters of recommendation (two science and one non-science) and one osteopathic physician letter ready to go.

Off the top of my head, I'm definitely considering:

UNECOM
LECOM
NYCOM
TouroCOM-NY (probably a long shot, but it's in the Northeast)
PCOM (see above)
Marian
WVSOM
KYCOM
ACOM

Where else should I apply? Any to scratch off this list?

Thanks for the help! I'm not expecting anything exceptional to happen with my application, but I'm trying to play the hand of cards I have as best I can.

LMU
CUSOM
Soma
KCOM
PCOM-Ga (instead of Pa)
NSU
Touro NV
VCOM-Auburn

 

[darklordzzz]

Hey do you think he can get the special review? As shown below for the policies (I am RELIEVED to see this with my 6 on VR).

"KCUMB-COM Applicants-General Information
• The applicant will complete an application through AACOMAS which will require
submitting to AACOMAS official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Admissions Office staff reviews AACOMAS Applications to determine who will receive a
KCUMB-COM Secondary Application.
• Credentials used to determine Secondary Application invite include:
o Automatic Secondary Application invite from Admissions Office - Minimum 23
MCAT with at least a 7 in all sub-categories, and a minimum 3.25 science and
overall/cumulative GPA.
o Invitation to Complete Secondary Application through Special Review of
Admissions Sub-Committee - Minimum 21 MCAT with at least a 7 in the science
sub-category and a 6 in the physical and verbal sub-categories (if applicable), and
a minimum 3.00 sciences and overall/cumulative GPA"

Hello!, are you sure the admission sub-committee is still on for this year? I know this sub-committee happens for last year but people said they have the new Dean, who is supposed to take out this sub-committee??

 

[AlteredScale]

Hello!, are you sure the admission sub-committee is still on for this year? I know this sub-committee happens for last year but people said they have the new Dean, who is supposed to take out this sub-committee??

Ah I had no clue whatsoever that that happened! That's a bummer 🙁 but maybe there will still be something like this (hopeful)

 

[darklordzzz]

Ah I had no clue whatsoever that that happened! That's a bummer 🙁 but maybe there will still be something like this (hopeful)

okay thanks, but you find this information recently on their website right?

if that is the case then the sub-comittee still exists!

 

[AlteredScale]

okay thanks, but you find this information recently on their website right?

if that is the case then the sub-comittee still exists!

I sure did! But the thing is it was for the 2013 matriculation class! :/

 

[chizledfrmstone]

okay thanks, but you find this information recently on their website right?

if that is the case then the sub-comittee still exists!

The website hasn't been updated. It doesn't show the most recent stats.

 

[Kerosene Hat]

Thanks for the advice so far!

For those saying to retake classes during the summer, however - the classes I still have C's in are NOT available anywhere during the summer, only in the fall.

So I figure - carpe diem and all that - I'll take the whatever opportunity I have now, and that happens to be an MCAT retake.

 

[Dr. Sophrosyne]

Make sure you're applying to the Middletown campus of Touro for greatest chances.

Need some clarification. I'm under the impression that TOURO-NY is an older established COM with higher stats. But after googling Middletown, I see that's a new TOURO campus opening in Fall2014; however, AACOMAS only allows us to apply to T-NV, T-NY, or T-CA? So how does one apply to Middletown exactly.. I'm surfing the site right now and not getting many answers.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Need some clarification. I'm under the impression that TOURO-NY is an older established COM with higher stats. But after googling Middletown, I see that's a new TOURO campus opening in Fall2014; however, AACOMAS only allows us to apply to T-NV, T-NY, or T-CA? So how does one apply to Middletown exactly.. I'm surfing the site right now and not getting many answers.

Apply to Touro-NY and on the secondary choose Middletown as your choice campus.

 

[Dr. Sophrosyne]

OP, if there's ANY way to raise your gpa (maybe take other sciences classes, retake your classes by travelling to another university where the class is offered over summer, etc.), then you should give priority to that. That'll be the most helpful to you. If you've exhausted every possibility of doing that, then I'd focus on the mcat.

Raising your MCAT score is very difficult, albeit not impossible. It'll require a long time with very consistent practice. If you're 100% confident that you can do it, then go for it. But be aware that 50% of people who retake score the same or below (stat is from MSH podcast). If you approach mcat studying with the mindset of the test-creator, master the concepts, and application, you can beast it! If finances aren't a problem, then maybe even give private tutoring a chance. I had a private tutor, and it was very helpful. Good luck!

 

[Goro]

So help me Kero, if you retake that MCAT, I'm going to reach into the computer and smack you upside the head! Quit fussing and apply now!

Goro suggests

UNECOM (only if you live in New England)
LECOM
NYCOM
PCOM
Marian
WVSOM
KYCOM
ACOM
LMU-DeBusk
PCOM-GA
All three VCOMs
Both FL schools
CampbellCOM
Touro-NV
RVU
Both AZ schools
Wm Carey
PacNW

 

[Kerosene Hat]

OP, if there's ANY way to raise your gpa (maybe take other sciences classes, retake your classes by travelling to another university where the class is offered over summer, etc.), then you should give priority to that. That'll be the most helpful to you. If you've exhausted every possibility of doing that, then I'd focus on the mcat.

I have. There is literally NO class that would make sense to retake offered in my area during the summer. I'm still recovering from my accident as well, so moving isn't an option for a few more months.

Believe me, I would MUCH rather retake a class than retake the MCAT!

So I need to do what I can - and unfortunately, that is limited to the MCAT. I should mention that by the time I will have retaken the MCAT, I will have given it much more preparation than I had last time (over 3 months versus about 2 months).

 

[kkosp2451]

I have. There is literally NO class that would make sense to retake offered in my area during the summer. I'm still recovering from my accident as well, so moving isn't an option for a few more months.

Believe me, I would MUCH rather retake a class than retake the MCAT!

So I need to do what I can - and unfortunately, that is limited to the MCAT. I should mention that by the time I will have retaken the MCAT, I will have given it much more preparation than I had last time (over 3 months versus about 2 months).

Just wondering, have you gotten any II's yet? Your stats are similar to mine!

 

[Kerosene Hat]

Update - on 10/7 I received my latest MCAT. 36 (12/12/12). 😎 I updated AACOMAS immediately.

However, I haven't had any interview invites yet (almost 3 weeks). In addition, my LECOM-B status changed from "awaiting MCAT score" since August to "decision made". Probably a rejection. 🙁 What were they waiting for, then?

The continuing-ed. post-bacc classes I'm taking are going quite well. I don't think AACOMAS can do anything with mid-term grades, can they?

 

[AlteredScale]

Update - on 10/7 I received my latest MCAT. 36 (12/12/12). 😎 I updated AACOMAS immediately.

However, I haven't had any interview invites yet (almost 3 weeks). In addition, my LECOM-B status changed from "awaiting MCAT score" since August to "decision made". Probably a rejection. 🙁 What were they waiting for, then?

The continuing-ed. post-bacc classes I'm taking are going quite well. I don't think AACOMAS can do anything with mid-term grades, can they?

Don't MCAT scores get sent out automatically to schools? If so, i think lecom-B is not a rejection at all, they were probably waiting for your new MCAT score.

That MCAT score is awesome. Congrats! Without a doubt you'll get some interviews very soon!

 

[user3]

Update - on 10/7 I received my latest MCAT. 36 (12/12/12). 😎 I updated AACOMAS immediately.

However, I haven't had any interview invites yet (almost 3 weeks). In addition, my LECOM-B status changed from "awaiting MCAT score" since August to "decision made". Probably a rejection. 🙁 What were they waiting for, then?

The continuing-ed. post-bacc classes I'm taking are going quite well. I don't think AACOMAS can do anything with mid-term grades, can they?

I think you can update AACOMAS with new transcripts, but I'm not sure how that works.

Either way, that is a stellar score, congrats. You'll be getting interviews out of your ears.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Not to push this or anything, but if you're not in a huge rush to go to medical school you should consider doing a SMP.

 

[user3]

Not to push this or anything, but if you're not in a huge rush to go to medical school you should consider doing a SMP.

I'm hesitant to recommend SMP's- they are very expensive, risky, and have no guarantees. However, if time and money isn't an issue, then it is worth considering.

Plenty of people go through programs like Georgetown's or Drexel's only to end up in DO schools anyway, with extra debt on top.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I'm hesitant to recommend SMP's- they are very expensive, risky, and have no guarantees. However, if time and money isn't an issue, then it is worth considering.

Plenty of people go through programs like Georgetown's or Drexel's only to end up in DO schools anyway, with extra debt on top.

True, but with a solid SMP and a 36 the OP could easily also end up in Columbia or etc, lionboy ended up doing that a few years ago.

 

[acapnial]

Update - on 10/7 I received my latest MCAT. 36 (12/12/12). 😎 I updated AACOMAS immediately.

However, I haven't had any interview invites yet (almost 3 weeks). In addition, my LECOM-B status changed from "awaiting MCAT score" since August to "decision made". Probably a rejection. 🙁 What were they waiting for, then?

The continuing-ed. post-bacc classes I'm taking are going quite well. I don't think AACOMAS can do anything with mid-term grades, can they?

That's a good MCAT, but your GPA is still makes the odds of an interview questionable at most schools. It might happen, might not. If you don't get in, don't give up. If you keep retaking courses and doing well, though, you WILL get interviews somewhere next year. Don't do an SMP. It's not as helpful as retakes to get into DO schools and it wouldn't get you into any MD school. Really, really don't go to a caribbean school.

 

[csx]

turn it into grape juice, and then ill be impressed.

 

[PKA<0]

Wow I am jealous. Congrats on mcat. If you want DO go get it, If you can demonstrate your belief in philosophy and have good ECs, it's yours. If you truly want MD this isn't going to be your cycle. If that is the case listen to serenade about smp. Maybe post bacc. Dat 36 tho.

 

[yanks26dmb]

Last year, I applied to osteopathic medical programs. With a lousy 2.95 cGPA and 2.75 sGPA, I don't know how I expected to get in anywhere. I had a 28 (10/8/10) MCAT and a decent variety of extracurriculars, including some work with the local Osteopathic Society, but it wasn't nearly enough.

*Edit: the above numbers were actually from halfway through the cycle, when I had two retakes under my belt. When I first applied, they were about 2.85 and 2.63 - yes, I know.

Since last summer, I retook my worst few classes evenings at a local university (a well-known university with a reasonably priced CE program - not a community college). I figured that in case I was put on a wait list somewhere, I would have something to show.

If I didn't get in anywhere, I thought to myself, I would just bite the bullet and go to the Caribbean. However, I had an accident back in the spring, and I had to take time out of work. I'm getting much better now, thankfully, but there's no way I could be running around a strange island this summer. (Miraculously, I was still able to get A's in the classes I was taking this spring. Between the fall and spring, I received A's in four courses and a B+ in the other, so my cGPA went up to a 3.15 and my sGPA went up to a 3.05.)

Friends and family told me to take this time to study the MCAT and improve it - to turn this lemon of a time into lemonade. My parents keep on offering to pay the fees if it will help me get in somewhere. I've been doing quite a few hours of MCAT studying every day! Now, I know someone will say that a 28 is above average at many osteopathic schools - but let's face it, the rest of my stats are still marginal. Hence, with the time I have, I'll take the opportunity to improve where I can.

I will still keep the "break glass in case of emergency" option - the Caribbean - in mind if this still doesn't pan out, but I am still giving this a shot.

I'd appreciate honest feedback on where I should apply and any other advice the SDN community might have. I plan to send out the primary application by the end of the week.

In summary:
3.15 cGPA, 3.05 sGPA. I may still retake a class or two, depending on availability locally.
28 MCAT (10 BS, 8 PS, 10 VR) - will likely retake.
MA resident, not a URM.
Though I can't say it's exceptional, I have shadowing/volunteering experience (both allopathic and osteopathic).
I have three faculty letters of recommendation (two science and one non-science) and one osteopathic physician letter ready to go.

Off the top of my head, I'm definitely considering:

UNECOM
LECOM
NYCOM
TouroCOM-NY (probably a long shot, but it's in the Northeast)
PCOM (see above)
Marian
WVSOM
KYCOM
ACOM

Where else should I apply? Any to scratch off this list?

Thanks for the help! I'm not expecting anything exceptional to happen with my application, but I'm trying to play the hand of cards I have as best I can.

Just saw you retook the MCAT so I'm editing my post. Congrats on that score..that's huge. I bet you'll start getting some looks shortly.

 

[Osteopath999]

Don't MCAT scores get sent out automatically to schools? If so, i think lecom-B is not a rejection at all, they were probably waiting for your new MCAT score.

That MCAT score is awesome. Congrats! Without a doubt you'll get some interviews very soon!

New MCAT score is automatically sent to AMCAS, but for AACOMAS you have to send it electronically to AACOMAS by using MCAT THx from AAMC. The schools you designated will receive updates from AACOMAS.

For the OP, I believe there is still a seat waiting for you at a DO school. Good luck with your application !

 

[IslandStyle808]

So help me Kero, if you retake that MCAT, I'm going to reach into the computer and smack you upside the head! Quit fussing and apply now!

You read my mind Goro.