RN to MD?

[Moedog]

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Well I have been reading many posts over the past few months, this is my first post. I have been an RN for 5 years..and over the past few yrs decided I wanted to pursue medschool. MY GPA is terrible! 3.0 I have been working full time while attending school...I know this is no excuse for the poor GPA..but feel like it's too late at this point. I am taking Aug MCAT, currently taking Princeton review course, and BOMBED the first practice test!! (except for my written 😳 )

1.) Has anyone improved dramatically from pracitce to MCAT exam?

2.) Is there anyone else in same or similar boat who has strong application but poor GPA???

Thanks in advance! mos79 is my aim if anyone wants to chat! Goodluck to all!

 

[s.a.m.o.]

Well I have been reading many posts over the past few months, this is my first post. I have been an RN for 5 years..and over the past few yrs decided I wanted to pursue medschool. MY GPA is terrible! 3.0 I have been working full time while attending school...I know this is no excuse for the poor GPA..but feel like it's too late at this point. I am taking Aug MCAT, currently taking Princeton review course, and BOMBED the first practice test!! (except for my written 😳 )

1.) Has anyone improved dramatically from pracitce to MCAT exam?

2.) Is there anyone else in same or similar boat who has strong application but poor GPA???

Thanks in advance! mos79 is my aim if anyone wants to chat! Goodluck to all!

I don't think it's hopeless for you at all! Your 5 years of RN experience will definitely get you points and help "ease" the GPA situation. In any case, your 3.0 + your experience makes you a pretty good candidate for DO schools in my book! The one thing that will definitely help you is getting an awesome MCAT score so DONT RUSH IT!! Make sure you study as much as you can and if you don't feel totally confident then I would highly suggest not taking the August MCAT and maybe waiting untill next April and getting those applications in super early (I hear this may be the difference between no acceptances and at least one.) I had friends who had high GPA's and blew off the MCAT thinking they would get in with a 3.6~3.8 and 24~26 MCAT and most are now going to the Caribbean. So I would say, see how the MCAT studying goes and how you do on practice tests and if you don't see improvement, maybe wait till next year and be prepared for not only the MCAT but for the application process as a whole! Whichever way, I totally believe you can do it as long as you ace that MCAT 🙂

Also, I will be applying with (hopefully) a 3.1~3.2 with hardly any clinical experience so I feel your pain 😳

 

[DOmojo]

Well moedog, I totally understand your situation. I have been a medtech for the past 8 years and also decided to go the doc route. I have a 3.7 gpa, but my mcat had much to be desired. Let's just say that I took it enough times to have to ask written permission to take it again. Before I took the Princeton I scored a 20. I took the Princeton as well and began with an 18 on the first diag. I know it's a cliche, but I don't take standardized tests well, especially not the mcat. During the course of the princeton i continued to improve everso slightly. Long story short... I went from an 18 on the diag to a 24 on the real thing. Now I know this isn't a blazing improvement, but it is 6 points--good for me. I think the princeton claims that the avg is a 10 point improvement. Just stick with princeton it will pay off.

As for the MD, this is the pre-DO forum. However, I did apply to many of the MD programs with no response due to the mcat score. I am sure that I will take a lot of heat for this statement, but all of the MD programs I am aware of put most of their weight for admissions on the MCAT score, then a little on the gpa and other application points. I say this after much research.

Last year, I applied only to DO programs after talking to a lot of people. I applied with a 3.7 gpa, 24mcat, 8 years of healthcare experience and numerous other application points (basically the same as what I applied to MD programs with). I received alot of interview offers from the DO programs and have been accepted as well as waitlisted to some other schools-- a total 180!! Not only do DO's practice a comprehensive approach to medicine, but it seems that the admission committees use a comprehensive approach in the admissions process as well and tend to see the overall applicant and NOT just test scores--which we all know do not make good docs.

From my experience, there is very little practical difference between DO and MD in today's healtcare practices. 8-10 years ago, there was a noticeable difference in the way that the two practiced. However, with the way the healthcare pendulum, insurance and patient care is swinging, the prevention and wellness approach is a main practice all the way around. You're an RN, you've probably seen it as well.

The big thing that i like about DO is the fact that you have another "tool" at your disposal to aid in your medical practice--osteopathic manipulation.

Good luck with the whole thing. It's a crazy ride, but it's worth it. Hope this helps!

 

[NewNick]

- Kaplan can help you to improve 10 points from the diagnosis test.

- 3.0 GPA is not strong, but it's enough to apply if you have a strong MCAT (I assume 27+ for your case).

 

[Raven Feather]

I'd have to agree, a 3.0 is not competitive for DO schools either but if you do well enough on the MCAT, combined with your clinical experience, you may get in.

I'd have to agree, MD schools way heavily on the MCAT and are also more strict for the GPAs than DO schools. For DO schools, you have to have one or the other. To have an average decent shot, I'd say about a 3.5 and a 25+ MCAT. But with a 3.0, I'd have to agree with the above poster, a 27+. Of course, this is merely my opinion and am not on any admissions committee.

 

[24IdaFire]

Do not get discouraged. I was accepted to an osteopathic school with a GPA about the same as yours. My stats at the time of my admission were GPA – 3.10, MCAT – 26, and 6 years of experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic. As mentioned before your experience will help any shortcomings on your application, as long as they aren’t too severe. Also be sure to knock them away with your personal statements, letter of recommendations, and interview, if you should get one.

 

[Amy B]

Being an RN is a big plus for you, especially with DO schools. They do look favorably on folks that have had life experiences. They tend to look at the overall application and not zero in on just the numbers.
Good luck.

 

[erleichda]

my MCAT score went up 6 points from the beginning of the Kaplan course

 

[OSUdoc08]

my MCAT score went up 6 points from the beginning of the Kaplan course

I went up 11 points. (This was Princeton, however.)

 

[albaniandoc]

I am an RN too. I got a 15 on my first Kaplan Diagnostic. On my last practice test AAMC 9, I got a 30. I studied with Exam Krackers. I guess in a couple of weeks I will let you know how I did on the real thing. I am applying both DO and MD, but I have a feeling I will go the DO route. My GPA is something like 3.50 total but 3.75 at the university because they do not count the ADN courses, only BSN.
I would suggest doing a post-bach degree if you have all the pre-reqs done. It could help your GPA and your chances for admission. Study hard for the CAT and get a 30 and your chances will tremendously improve. Above all be patient. I thought about taking the MCAT last year, but I did not have Orgo or Physics 2, and it just wasn't the right time in my life to do it. I signed up for Kaplan review and went to only two classes, the diagnostic and the second one. This year I was much better prepared.
So, don't rush into things. Do one thing and do it right. (study for the MCAT). Things will slowly fall into place if you focus and do one thing at a time.
If you need more info, don't hesitate to pm me. Good luck to you.

 

[LWestenhofer]

I am an RN too. I got a 15 on my first Kaplan Diagnostic. On my last practice test AAMC 9, I got a 30. I studied with Exam Krackers. I guess in a couple of weeks I will let you know how I did on the real thing. I am applying both DO and MD, but I have a feeling I will go the DO route. My GPA is something like 3.50 total but 3.75 at the university because they do not count the ADN courses, only BSN.
I would suggest doing a post-bach degree if you have all the pre-reqs done. It could help your GPA and your chances for admission. Study hard for the CAT and get a 30 and your chances will tremendously improve. Above all be patient. I thought about taking the MCAT last year, but I did not have Orgo or Physics 2, and it just wasn't the right time in my life to do it. I signed up for Kaplan review and went to only two classes, the diagnostic and the second one. This year I was much better prepared.
So, don't rush into things. Do one thing and do it right. (study for the MCAT). Things will slowly fall into place if you focus and do one thing at a time.
If you need more info, don't hesitate to pm me. Good luck to you.

I am also an RN- three years clinical exp in a regional medical center- Peds floor. My overall science is a 3.48 and overall is a 3.43. I got a 26N(yikes) with a 9bio, 9verb, and 8phys. I have also shadowed a DO for approx 1 year and volunteered for approx 1 year at a local free clinic. I thought my chances were pretty good- so I only planned to apply to four schools- PCOM-GA, NSU, AZCOM, and LECOM-Brad. My husband and I did not want to leave the south- from Alabama. I guess my question is- are my chances ok without applying to more schools or do youguys think I should expand my horizons?

 

[dtrain5]

The experience is way above average, the GPA is way below average. One positive and one negative equal zero. BUT, a way above average MCAT will put you in the positive!!! Somewhere around a 30, and I woud say that you are in good shape. Maybe retake a couple of classes that you know you can improve your grade (it's the quickest way to boost that GPA). Don't get discouraged by the diagnostic tests with the prep courses (that whole higher score guarantee will only guarantee an impossible diagnostic). I did not even study that much (lied about doing the minimum requirements) with the kaplan class, and still improved 11 points (although my score was still nothing to write home about) from my diagnostic (the practice tests really help). If you take the MCAT very seriously and spend every free moment you have studying I am sure that you can rock that beast. Best of Luck!!!!!

P.S. Sorry for all parenthesis!

 

[ineedhelp85]

Im new to this whole DO thing, and im still searching for more info but correct me if im wrong. I thought there were only 20 DO schools in the nation (http://www.aacom.org/data/cib/16-geographic.asp) according to the aacom webpage, pls someone let em know if there are more or if this person meant 18 instead of 180. Thanks.

Well moedog, I totally understand your situation. I have been a medtech for the past 8 years and also decided to go the doc route. I have a 3.7 gpa, but my mcat had much to be desired. Let's just say that I took it enough times to have to ask written permission to take it again. Before I took the Princeton I scored a 20. I took the Princeton as well and began with an 18 on the first diag. I know it's a cliche, but I don't take standardized tests well, especially not the mcat. During the course of the princeton i continued to improve everso slightly. Long story short... I went from an 18 on the diag to a 24 on the real thing. Now I know this isn't a blazing improvement, but it is 6 points--good for me. I think the princeton claims that the avg is a 10 point improvement. Just stick with princeton it will pay off.

As for the MD, this is the pre-DO forum. However, I did apply to many of the MD programs with no response due to the mcat score. I am sure that I will take a lot of heat for this statement, but all of the MD programs I am aware of put most of their weight for admissions on the MCAT score, then a little on the gpa and other application points. I say this after much research.

Last year, I applied only to DO programs after talking to a lot of people. I applied with a 3.7 gpa, 24mcat, 8 years of healthcare experience and numerous other application points (basically the same as what I applied to MD programs with). I received alot of interview offers from the DO programs and have been accepted as well as waitlisted to some other schools-- a total 180!! Not only do DO's practice a comprehensive approach to medicine, but it seems that the admission committees use a comprehensive approach in the admissions process as well and tend to see the overall applicant and NOT just test scores--which we all know do not make good docs.

From my experience, there is very little practical difference between DO and MD in today's healtcare practices. 8-10 years ago, there was a noticeable difference in the way that the two practiced. However, with the way the healthcare pendulum, insurance and patient care is swinging, the prevention and wellness approach is a main practice all the way around. You're an RN, you've probably seen it as well.

The big thing that i like about DO is the fact that you have another "tool" at your disposal to aid in your medical practice--osteopathic manipulation.

Good luck with the whole thing. It's a crazy ride, but it's worth it. Hope this helps!

 

[rgerwin]

I think thay meant 180 degree turn around inreponse their application between MD and DO.

I don't think 3.0 is so awful. You have a ton of experience, from which you made your decision to pursue medicine. That's huge.

 

[Dotsero]

Well I have been reading many posts over the past few months, this is my first post. I have been an RN for 5 years..and over the past few yrs decided I wanted to pursue medschool. MY GPA is terrible! 3.0 I have been working full time while attending school...I know this is no excuse for the poor GPA..but feel like it's too late at this point. I am taking Aug MCAT, currently taking Princeton review course, and BOMBED the first practice test!! (except for my written 😳 )

1.) Has anyone improved dramatically from pracitce to MCAT exam?

2.) Is there anyone else in same or similar boat who has strong application but poor GPA???

Thanks in advance! mos79 is my aim if anyone wants to chat! Goodluck to all!

I am a RN who has just finished my 1st year of medical school. My advice to you is to take all the opinions here with a grain of salt. No one here is an adcom, we are all just taking a shot at what we think your chances are, myself included. So here it goes...

What do you mean you bombed the practice exam? This can be very subjective. Did you get a 15? 24? 30? If you did truly bomb (i.e. anything under 23) then you need to rethink what you are doing to prepare for the MCAT. Being a RN with a 3.0 (and good LORs) a score of 24 or greater will probably get you an interview (that is not to say that <24 will exclude you, but the chances decrease).

My 2 cents is to not take the MCAT until you feel ready to take it. Typically scores do not go up from those on the practice tests. It is a much more intense and stressful situation. I took the test 4 times. The first 3 times I used Kaplan and princeton. For me, these are crap. They are too much of a shotgun approach trying to cover far too many picky little details. For the 4th attempt I used Exam Krackers and my composite score went up significantly. EK prepares you to take the test, not so much of a broad review of your first 2 years of undergrad. They also have a set of CDs that I found really helpful as they reinforce the book material.

So all is not lost. Take a step back, take a deep breath and really evaluate your situation. Apply this year if things look good, or take another year to prepare yourself. In the big scheme of things 1 more year is not going to make that big of a difference when you consider the 7+ years of medical training ahead of you (this from someone who started medical school at age 43). Good luck.

 

[albaniandoc]

Dotsero. That is persistence. You took the MCAT four times. Congratulations, that is admirable. Just out of curiosity how much did your score go up the last time. I too love the EK method. I ended up with a 28 on the real thing (although I got 30 on practice exams) from a 15 on the baseline. I hope to not retake it, but I might have too. Are you DO or MD.
Congrats again, yours is an inspiring story.

I am a RN who has just finished my 1st year of medical school. My advice to you is to take all the opinions here with a grain of salt. No one here is an adcom, we are all just taking a shot at what we think your chances are, myself included. So here it goes...

What do you mean you bombed the practice exam? This can be very subjective. Did you get a 15? 24? 30? If you did truly bomb (i.e. anything under 23) then you need to rethink what you are doing to prepare for the MCAT. Being a RN with a 3.0 (and good LORs) a score of 24 or greater will probably get you an interview (that is not to say that <24 will exclude you, but the chances decrease).

My 2 cents is to not take the MCAT until you feel ready to take it. Typically scores do not go up from those on the practice tests. It is a much more intense and stressful situation. I took the test 4 times. The first 3 times I used Kaplan and princeton. For me, these are crap. They are too much of a shotgun approach trying to cover far too many picky little details. For the 4th attempt I used Exam Krackers and my composite score went up significantly. EK prepares you to take the test, not so much of a broad review of your first 2 years of undergrad. They also have a set of CDs that I found really helpful as they reinforce the book material.

So all is not lost. Take a step back, take a deep breath and really evaluate your situation. Apply this year if things look good, or take another year to prepare yourself. In the big scheme of things 1 more year is not going to make that big of a difference when you consider the 7+ years of medical training ahead of you (this from someone who started medical school at age 43). Good luck.

 

[Dotsero]

Dotsero. That is persistence. You took the MCAT four times. Congratulations, that is admirable. Just out of curiosity how much did your score go up the last time. I too love the EK method. I ended up with a 28 on the real thing (although I got 30 on practice exams) from a 15 on the baseline. I hope to not retake it, but I might have too. Are you DO or MD.
Congrats again, yours is an inspiring story.

Maybe its persistence or else I am just stubborn. I think its a bit of both.

When I took the MCAT the last time, my composite increased by 5 points uising Exam Krackes. I am a student at Des Moines University (DO). I applied to 3 DO schools, completed 2 secondaries and interview at both. Accepted at both DO schools. If your GPA is anyway near average (or above) I would not retake the MCAT as you will have a very good shot at getting in, just rock the interview. The interview is really the biggie. The GPA, MCAT scores, the LORs, all that stuff gets your foot in the door for the interview and then it is up to YOU. How you speak, how you relate, how genuine you are etc..., that will get you that acceptence. Don't BS in the interview. Be passionate, be yourself and do your research and you will get in.

Good luck!