Should I Even Apply This Cycle?

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adrian710

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cGPA = 3.2
sGPA = 3.0
MCAT = Pending, taking August 5th

LoR's = 1 from MD, 1 from DO (strongest I believe), 2 others from my genetics prof and science writing prof

EC's
Clinical Volunteering
St. Johns Providence Hospital
- Emergency Department (148 hours)

Sparrow Hospital
- Emergency Department (60 hours)
- Radiology Department (28 hours)

Community Service
- Forgotten Harvest (Detroit)
- Gleaner’s Food Bank (Detroit)
- St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen (Detroit)
- Haven House (East Lansing)

Clinical Shadowing
Pediatric Urologist, M.D. (12 hours)
Maxillofacial Surgeon, M.D. (44 hours including 12 hours of OR shadowing)
Neurologist, D.O. (16 hours)

Clinical Research
Narrative Assessment Protocol (150 hours)
- Worked with kids 3 - 6 years old on their reading comprehension/writing for entire year

Extra Curricular Activities
Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity
- Philanthropy Committee (Sophomore - Senior)
- Judicial Board Committee (Junior & Senior)

MSU Human Biology Club
- Public Relations Committee (Senior)

MSU Italian Club
- Help tutor new Italian students and continue to strengthen my own ability to speak and write

MSU Intramural Soccer
- Non-fraternity Soccer (Freshman – Senior)
- Fraternity Soccer League (Freshman – Senior)

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES WITH THIS CYCLE WITH A SOLID MCAT SCORE (28+) ???

***Planning on retaking 5 science class pre-req's (gen chem 1 & 2, physic 1 & 2, and bio 2) and take a sociology class during gap year to increase cGPA and sGPA next fall and spring and re-apply next year regardless
 
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I would probably not list the physicians names you shadowed on a public forum like this...
 
Taking the MCAT in August means you won't get your score until September. Assuming you did well on the new MCAT (you said 28+ so whatever the equivalent score to a 28 is on the new MCAT scoring) you would have to apply broadly if you really wanted to try this cycle since you would be complete later.

Last year I took the MCAT in July and applied when my score was returned in August. A lot of schools I talked to didn't even view my application because there were so many applicants ahead of me at that point. I studied and improved my MCAT, shadowed, worked and volunteered to get ready for this cycle. Just sharing my experience.

Good luck with the MCAT!
 
DrPatriot said:
Taking the MCAT in August means you won't get your score until September. Assuming you did well on the new MCAT (you said 28+ so whatever the equivalent score to a 28 is on the new MCAT scoring) you would have to apply broadly if you really wanted to try this cycle since you would be complete later.

Last year I took the MCAT in July and applied when my score was returned in August. A lot of schools I talked to didn't even view my application because there were so many applicants ahead of me at that point. I studied and improved my MCAT, shadowed, worked and volunteered to get ready for this cycle. Just sharing my experience.

Good luck with the MCAT!
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Yeah I'm thinking I'm not getting in this cycle with my low GPA and late MCAT date. Next fall and spring semesters I am planning on taking courses at my CC to redo 3 C's and 2 C+'s grades I received. I also plan on taking a sociology course. Hopefully I will be above a cGPA and sGPA of 3.4 at that point. If need be I can retake MCAT as well. What else should I add to my app or do in my gap year though do you think besides GPA repair and possible MCAT retake? I can volunteer more and increased my hours I guess. Should I do more shadowing?
 
adrian710 said:
Yeah I'm thinking I'm not getting in this cycle with my low GPA and late MCAT date. Next fall and spring semesters I am planning on taking courses at my CC to redo 3 C's and 2 C+'s grades I received. I also plan on taking a sociology course. Hopefully I will be above a cGPA and sGPA of 3.4 at that point. If need be I can retake MCAT as well. What else should I add to my app or do in my gap year though do you think besides GPA repair and possible MCAT retake? I guess I can volunteer every other week and increase my volunteer hours. Should I do more shadowing?
Click to expand...
 
adrian710 said:
cGPA = 3.2
sGPA = 3.0
MCAT = Pending, taking August 5th

LoR's = 1 from MD, 1 from DO (strongest I believe), 2 others from my genetics prof and science writing prof

EC's
Clinical Volunteering
St. Johns Providence Hospital
- Emergency Department (148 hours)

Sparrow Hospital
- Emergency Department (60 hours)
- Radiology Department (28 hours)

Community Service
- Forgotten Harvest (Detroit)
- Gleaner’s Food Bank (Detroit)
- St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen (Detroit)
- Haven House (East Lansing)

Clinical Shadowing
Pediatric Urologist, M.D. (12 hours)
Maxillofacial Surgeon, M.D. (44 hours including 12 hours of OR shadowing)
Neurologist, D.O. (16 hours)

Clinical Research
Narrative Assessment Protocol (150 hours)
- Worked with kids 3 - 6 years old on their reading comprehension/writing for entire year

Extra Curricular Activities
Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity
- Philanthropy Committee (Sophomore - Senior)
- Judicial Board Committee (Junior & Senior)

MSU Human Biology Club
- Public Relations Committee (Senior)

MSU Italian Club
- Help tutor new Italian students and continue to strengthen my own ability to speak and write

MSU Intramural Soccer
- Non-fraternity Soccer (Freshman – Senior)
- Fraternity Soccer League (Freshman – Senior)

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES WITH THIS CYCLE WITH A SOLID MCAT SCORE (28+) ???

***Planning on retaking 5 science class pre-req's (gen chem 1 & 2, physic 1 & 2, and bio 2) and take a sociology class during gap year to increase cGPA and sGPA next fall and spring and re-apply next year regardless
Click to expand...
score a 26 (501?) or better, apply broadly and to all of the newer schools, and you should get at least 1 acceptance.
 
adrian710 said:
cGPA = 3.2
sGPA = 3.0
MCAT = Pending, taking August 5th

LoR's = 1 from MD, 1 from DO (strongest I believe), 2 others from my genetics prof and science writing prof

EC's
Clinical Volunteering
St. Johns Providence Hospital
- Emergency Department (148 hours)

Sparrow Hospital
- Emergency Department (60 hours)
- Radiology Department (28 hours)

Community Service
- Forgotten Harvest (Detroit)
- Gleaner’s Food Bank (Detroit)
- St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen (Detroit)
- Haven House (East Lansing)

Clinical Shadowing
Pediatric Urologist, M.D. (12 hours)
Maxillofacial Surgeon, M.D. (44 hours including 12 hours of OR shadowing)
Neurologist, D.O. (16 hours)

Clinical Research
Narrative Assessment Protocol (150 hours)
- Worked with kids 3 - 6 years old on their reading comprehension/writing for entire year

Extra Curricular Activities
Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity
- Philanthropy Committee (Sophomore - Senior)
- Judicial Board Committee (Junior & Senior)

MSU Human Biology Club
- Public Relations Committee (Senior)

MSU Italian Club
- Help tutor new Italian students and continue to strengthen my own ability to speak and write

MSU Intramural Soccer
- Non-fraternity Soccer (Freshman – Senior)
- Fraternity Soccer League (Freshman – Senior)

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES WITH THIS CYCLE WITH A SOLID MCAT SCORE (28+) ???

***Planning on retaking 5 science class pre-req's (gen chem 1 & 2, physic 1 & 2, and bio 2) and take a sociology class during gap year to increase cGPA and sGPA next fall and spring and re-apply next year regardless
Click to expand...


I just graduated from State, go Green!
 
user3 said:
score a 26 (501?) or better, apply broadly and to all of the newer schools, and you should get at least 1 acceptance.
Click to expand...
If you were me user3, what would your school list look like?
 
adrian710 said:
Yeah I'm thinking I'm not getting in this cycle with my low GPA and late MCAT date. Next fall and spring semesters I am planning on taking courses at my CC to redo 3 C's and 2 C+'s grades I received. I also plan on taking a sociology course. Hopefully I will be above a cGPA and sGPA of 3.4 at that point. If need be I can retake MCAT as well. What else should I add to my app or do in my gap year though do you think besides GPA repair and possible MCAT retake? I can volunteer more and increased my hours I guess. Should I do more shadowing?
Click to expand...

Yeah if I were you I would plan on waiting until next year and having your MCAT and gpa situation in order and be ready to have everything submitted in June.
As far your gap year you should be doing experiences to show you have continued interest in the osteopathic field and volunteering. You have a lot of great experiences already but it never hurts to add more and stay active. I am a Michigan resident also and I know that MSUCOM loves volunteer hours so I am trying to get as many as I can during my gap year right now!
 
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adrian710 said:
cGPA = 3.2
sGPA = 3.0
MCAT = Pending, taking August 5th

LoR's = 1 from MD, 1 from DO (strongest I believe), 2 others from my genetics prof and science writing prof

EC's
Clinical Volunteering
St. Johns Providence Hospital
- Emergency Department (148 hours)

Sparrow Hospital
- Emergency Department (60 hours)
- Radiology Department (28 hours)

Community Service
- Forgotten Harvest (Detroit)
- Gleaner’s Food Bank (Detroit)
- St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen (Detroit)
- Haven House (East Lansing)

Clinical Shadowing
Pediatric Urologist, M.D. (12 hours)
Maxillofacial Surgeon, M.D. (44 hours including 12 hours of OR shadowing)
Neurologist, D.O. (16 hours)

Clinical Research
Narrative Assessment Protocol (150 hours)
- Worked with kids 3 - 6 years old on their reading comprehension/writing for entire year

Extra Curricular Activities
Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity
- Philanthropy Committee (Sophomore - Senior)
- Judicial Board Committee (Junior & Senior)

MSU Human Biology Club
- Public Relations Committee (Senior)

MSU Italian Club
- Help tutor new Italian students and continue to strengthen my own ability to speak and write

MSU Intramural Soccer
- Non-fraternity Soccer (Freshman – Senior)
- Fraternity Soccer League (Freshman – Senior)

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES WITH THIS CYCLE WITH A SOLID MCAT SCORE (28+) ???

***Planning on retaking 5 science class pre-req's (gen chem 1 & 2, physic 1 & 2, and bio 2) and take a sociology class during gap year to increase cGPA and sGPA next fall and spring and re-apply next year regardless
Click to expand...

I think if you score 26-27+ (idk what the equivalent is for new mcat) and apply to new schools, I think you should get some interviews. DO application cycle is longer than the MD cycle.
 
SynapticDoctah said:
I think if you score 26-27+ (idk what the equivalent is for new mcat) and apply to new schools, I think you should get some interviews. DO application cycle is longer than the MD cycle.
Click to expand...
What are the "newer" schools you speak of? What should I do in my gap year other than GPA repair?
 
DrPatriot said:
Yeah if I were you I would plan on waiting until next year and having your MCAT and gpa situation in order and be ready to have everything submitted in June.
As far your gap year you should be doing experiences to show you have continued interest in the osteopathic field and volunteering. You have a lot of great experiences already but it never hurts to add more and stay active. I am a Michigan resident also and I know that MSUCOM loves volunteer hours so I am trying to get as many as I can during my gap year right now!
Click to expand...
I have heard that as well. You are right. I will be volunteering on average about 4 hours a week probably all year, next year.
 
What is your state of residence?
 
adrian710 said:
If you were me user3, what would your school list look like?
Click to expand...
with a 26 (501?), I would apply to Burrell, LUCOM, LMU, ACOM, VCOM-CC, WVSOM, WCU, KYCOM, PCOM-GA, LECOM-SH, Touro-Middletown (NY), Touro-NV, KCOM, SOMA, Campbell, NSU
 
adrian710 said:
What are the "newer" schools you speak of? What should I do in my gap year other than GPA repair?
Click to expand...

My list for you would be:

ACOM, Burrell, CUSOM, LECOM (all campuses), LUCOM, LMU, PNWU, KYCOM, VCOM (all campuses), WCU.

These are just the schools I think you have a chance at getting in at. There are some I don't suggest you attend if you have the choice to go elsewhere, but you can message me in private if you want that info.

I would not apply to WVSOM (out of state tuition is outrageous), PCOM (stats), KCOM(stats), NSU (stats), or SOMA (stats). I just think that you would be throwing money away at these schools and would be better off focusing time, energy, and money at the schools I listed above. This is only my opinion though.

I interviewed at Campbell and think it is an up and coming school. Very nice patient simulation labs and extremely nice faculty. If you like living in the middle of nowhere, this is for you.
 
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SynapticDoctah said:
My list for you would be:

ACOM, Burrell, CUSOM, LECOM (all campuses), LUCOM, LMU, PNWU, KYCOM, VCOM (all campuses), WCU.

These are just the schools I think you have a chance at getting in at. There are some I don't suggest you attend if you have the choice to go elsewhere, but you can message me in private if you want that info.

I would not apply to WVSOM (out of state tuition is outrageous), PCOM (stats), KCOM(stats), NSU (stats), or SOMA (stats). I just think that you would be throwing money away at these schools and would be better off focusing time, energy, and money at the schools I listed above. This is only my opinion though.

I interviewed at Campbell and think it is an up and coming school. Very nice patient simulation labs and extremely nice faculty. If you like living in the middle of nowhere, this is for you.
Click to expand...
If I was applying, Campbell would be low on my list due to their strict mandatory class attendance and professional dress code requirements.
 
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.
 
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SynapticDoctah said:
My list for you would be:

ACOM, Burrell, CUSOM, LECOM (all campuses), LUCOM, LMU, PNWU, KYCOM, VCOM (all campuses), WCU.

I would not apply to WVSOM (out of state tuition is outrageous), PCOM (stats), KCOM(stats), NSU (stats), or SOMA (stats). I just think that you would be throwing money away at these schools and would be better off focusing time, energy, and money at the schools I listed above. This is only my opinion though.
Click to expand...

Kind of a moot point in 2015. There are schools with tuition at 48K already and WVSOM is at 50K. Cost of living is cheap in Lewisburg and thus the cost of attendance would be similar to such schools as PNWU, all Touros (cheaper than all Touros), KCOM, etc. It is even cheaper than CCOM, AZCOM and Western.
 
IslandStyle808 said:
Kind of a moot point in 2015. There are schools with tuition at 48K already and WVSOM is at 50K. Cost of living is cheap in Lewisburg and thus the cost of attendance would be similar to such schools as PNWU, all Touros (cheaper than all Touros), KCOM, etc. It is even cheaper than CCOM, AZCOM and Western.
Click to expand...
I stand corrected. i thought it was much much more.
 
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iroanyikey said:
Last year I took the MCAT in July and applied when my score was returned in August.
5n.jpg
Click to expand...
August MCAT too late?
 
IslandStyle808 said:
Kind of a moot point in 2015. There are schools with tuition at 48K already and WVSOM is at 50K. Cost of living is cheap in Lewisburg and thus the cost of attendance would be similar to such schools as PNWU, all Touros (cheaper than all Touros), KCOM, etc. It is even cheaper than CCOM, AZCOM and Western.
Click to expand...
Heard to stay away from LUCOM
SynapticDoctah said:
I stand corrected. i thought it was much much more.
Click to expand...
So should I apply to WVSOM then? I would apply to MSUCOM as well (MI resident).
 
user3 said:
If I was applying, Campbell would be low on my list due to their strict mandatory class attendance and professional dress code requirements.
Click to expand...
I want to live in a city more or less!
 
user3 said:
with a 26 (501?), I would apply to Burrell, LUCOM, LMU, ACOM, VCOM-CC, WVSOM, WCU, KYCOM, PCOM-GA, LECOM-SH, Touro-Middletown (NY), Touro-NV, KCOM, SOMA, Campbell, NSU
Click to expand...
I was under impression that the Touro schools are hard to get into
 
adrian710 said:
I was under impression that the Touro schools are hard to get into
Click to expand...

CCOM and PCOM are even more competitive than the Touro's. With a 28-ish score, you would not be competitive for any of the Touro's (except Touro NV), CCOM, PCOM, but I would give MSUCOM a shot because you're a resident.

Add a range of newer schools and you've got yourself a school list.
 
pericardium said:
CCOM and PCOM are even more competitive than the Touro's. With a 28-ish score, you would not be competitive for any of the Touro's (except Touro NV), CCOM, PCOM, but I would give MSUCOM a shot because you're a resident.

Add a range of newer schools and you've got yourself a school list.
Click to expand...
What are the "newer" schools?
 
adrian710 said:
What are the "newer" schools?
Click to expand...

MUCOM, ACOM, VCOM-CC, VCOM-AL, CUSOM, WCUCOM, LMU-DCOM, BCOM. Probably wouldn't hurt to also add KYCOM, NSUCOM, TouroNV and LECOM.

Of these schools, MUCOM, NSUCOM and TouroNV are in densely populated urban/suburban areas.
 
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pericardium said:
MUCOM, ACOM, VCOM-CC, VCOM-AL, CUSOM, WCUCOM, LMU-DCOM, BCOM. Probably wouldn't hurt to also add KYCOM, NSUCOM, TouroNV and LECOM.

Of these schools, MUCOM, NSUCOM and TouroNV are in densely populated urban/suburban areas.
Click to expand...

My list:

ATSOM - AZ (add ATSOM - Kirksville?)
ACOM - (add ACOM - Midwestern?)
BCOM
CUSOM
KCUCOM
LECOM (both)
LUCOM
LMU-DCOM
MUCOM
MSUCOM
NSUCOM
TouroNV
KYCOM
WVSOM
WUCOM (both)
WCUCOM
VCOM (both)

The one you picked I have bolded in my list. Why would you not submit to other schools (non bold) exactly? Thanks!


 
adrian710 said:
My list:

ATSOM - AZ (add ATSOM - Kirksville?)
ACOM - (add ACOM - Midwestern?)
BCOM
CUSOM
KCUCOM
LECOM (both)
LUCOM
LMU-DCOM
MUCOM
MSUCOM
NSUCOM
TouroNV
KYCOM
WVSOM
WUCOM (both)
WCUCOM
VCOM (both)

The one you picked I have bolded in my list. Why would you not submit to other schools (non bold) exactly? Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'm not saying you shouldn't apply to these schools, but your chances are best to the schools I listed (plus a few more perhaps). Your GPA is significantly lower than the average of many of these schools and you don't have an MCAT score yet, so as far as we know, your chances are poor there. In fact, KCUMB has a minimum cGPA/sGPA of 3.25 and other schools might have similar requirements as well that I can't remember off the top of my head.

Also, AZCOM prefers high MCAT scores, so if you do score well on the MCAT (equivalent to at least 29) then its worth a shot. MSUCOM and WVSOM would be a good idea to be on your list. Also, if youre wondering about LUCOM, look up what people have to say about that school here.
 
pericardium said:
I'm not saying you shouldn't apply to these schools, but your chances are best to the schools I listed (plus a few more perhaps). Your GPA is significantly lower than the average of many of these schools and you don't have an MCAT score yet, so as far as we know, your chances are poor there. In fact, KCUMB has a minimum cGPA/sGPA of 3.25 and other schools might have similar requirements as well that I can't remember off the top of my head.

Also, AZCOM prefers high MCAT scores, so if you do score well on the MCAT (equivalent to at least 29) then its worth a shot. MSUCOM and WVSOM would be a good idea to be on your list. Also, if youre wondering about LUCOM, look up what people have to say about that school here.
Click to expand...
You seem very knowledgable about this subject. I will keep the schools you bolded. I will add MSUCOM since I am a MI resident and also add WVSOM. I have heard things about LUCOM but will keep them just to have options. I will take out KCUCOM and ATSOM's. WUCOM (both) thoughts? PCOM - GA since their new thoughts?
 
adrian710 said:
You seem very knowledgable about this subject. I will keep the schools you bolded. I will add MSUCOM since I am a MI resident and also add WVSOM. I have heard things about LUCOM but will keep them just to have options. I will take out KCUCOM and ATSOM's. WUCOM (both) thoughts? PCOM - GA since their new thoughts?
Click to expand...

I'm flattered that you say that, but in all honesty, there are many other people here that are more knowledgeable than me on the subject. Western probably isn't a great idea, since their average GPAs are above 3.5 at both campuses and many of their applicants come from the area. PCOM-GA probably isn't a bad idea as their average GPAs are lower, but similar average MCAT compared to western.
 
adrian710 said:
My list:

ATSOM - AZ (add ATSOM - Kirksville?)
ACOM - (add ACOM - Midwestern?)
BCOM
CUSOM
KCUCOM
LECOM (both)
LUCOM
LMU-DCOM
MUCOM
MSUCOM
NSUCOM
TouroNV
KYCOM
WVSOM
WUCOM (both)
WCUCOM
VCOM (both)

The one you picked I have bolded in my list. Why would you not submit to other schools (non bold) exactly? Thanks!


Click to expand...
Drop KCU.
 
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oOKawaiiOo said:
@pericardium Thanks for the input. Would it be worth to apply with a cGPA 3.24 & sGPA 3.26 ?
Click to expand...

Are you sure those are your exact numbers? AACOMAS verified and all?

Honestly I don't know what to tell you since you're so close, not sure if they would or wouldn't count your cGPA.
 
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