MD & DO Sinking!!! what are my chances, plz Advise ?

[FemaleDoc]

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What are my chances of getting in to DO school with a cGPA of 3.3. I haven't taken MCAT will be taking it in a month. I got my BA in Biology, have 200 hrs of shadowing, volunteer and scribing. I will be receiving letters of recommendation from DOs and MDs, who I been shadowing. Before I took my courses very lightly, I didn't understand the concept of gpa and getting As in classes. Now that I realized that medicine is the only field I want to go into, I have sinking feeling. I am 27. Its not about the age, I wouldn't care if I get into any school. But still need to know some alternatives and thought of experts out there.
My grades bio 1- C, Bio2-B, CHEM1- B, CHEM2- B, PHYSICS 1-C, PHYSICS 2-B, Organic 1-B, Organic 2-C. I am graduating BA in biology with cgpa of 3.292, bio gpa,3.22, science gpa 3.2.

Please advise what route should be taken. I been advised to apply to Caribbean, Atlantic bridge, and masters programs that will bridge to Do schools. But what are the chances of even getting into one of these?

 

[Beth_W737]

So your advantage is DO programs allow grade replacement. If you do well on MCAT and retake some of those classes I think you'd have a good shot. And MCAT ideally 28-32 would be best depending on which schools you want to go to, you can get in to new schools with lower MCAT (24-26), but the top tier schools often have MCAT similar to allopathic programs. Best of luck! I think you'd be fine if you just retake those classes, I wouldn't waste money on a post bacc or masters unless you really need to, with grade replacement your science GPa could come up a bit.

 

[Catalystik]

What are my chances of getting in to DO school with a cGPA of 3.3. I haven't taken MCAT will be taking it in a month. I got my BA in Biology, have 200 hrs of shadowing, volunteer and scribing. I will be receiving letters of recommendation from DOs and MDs, who I been shadowing. Before I took my courses very lightly, I didn't understand the concept of gpa and getting As in classes. Now that I realized that medicine is the only field I want to go into, I have sinking feeling. I am 27. Its not about the age, I wouldn't care if I get into any school. But still need to know some alternatives and thought of experts out there.
My grades bio 1- C, Bio2-B, CHEM1- B, CHEM2- B, PHYSICS 1-C, PHYSICS 2-B, Organic 1-B, Organic 2-C. I am graduating BA in biology with cgpa of 3.292, bio gpa,3.22, science gpa 3.2.

Please advise what route should be taken. I been advised to apply to Caribbean, Atlantic bridge, and masters programs that will bridge to Do schools. But what are the chances of even getting into one of these?

With a decent MCAT score, based on stats alone, you could probably get into a less-selective DO school somewhere. If you aspire to a more selective DO school, you could consider retaking some of those C grades and boosting you GPAs via the AACOMAS grade forgiveness policy (only the most recent grade is calculated into your application GPA, assuming the credit hours are the same or better. Retakes can be done at another school, including a CC).

If MD only was your goal, a GPA enhancing program, like an SMP, would be your fastest path to a more competitive application.

[I can't comment on your ECs, as you were not very specific.]

 

[Goro]

Do well on MCAT and apply broadly and you'll be fine. You definitely can do betetr than Carib diploma mills.

What are my chances of getting in to DO school with a cGPA of 3.3. I haven't taken MCAT will be taking it in a month. I got my BA in Biology, have 200 hrs of shadowing, volunteer and scribing. I will be receiving letters of recommendation from DOs and MDs, who I been shadowing. Before I took my courses very lightly, I didn't understand the concept of gpa and getting As in classes. Now that I realized that medicine is the only field I want to go into, I have sinking feeling. I am 27. Its not about the age, I wouldn't care if I get into any school. But still need to know some alternatives and thought of experts out there.
My grades bio 1- C, Bio2-B, CHEM1- B, CHEM2- B, PHYSICS 1-C, PHYSICS 2-B, Organic 1-B, Organic 2-C. I am graduating BA in biology with cgpa of 3.292, bio gpa,3.22, science gpa 3.2.

Please advise what route should be taken. I been advised to apply to Caribbean, Atlantic bridge, and masters programs that will bridge to Do schools. But what are the chances of even getting into one of these?

 

[FemaleDoc]

What are the SMP Programs that I should be considering at this time, I Literally get into tears when I think I am putting more time searching on the internet instead of putting this time toward my MCAT study. but I have to look for the alternatives as well. I want to be able to apply to the masters or any SMP program now. So I wont be told I am late for even applying for any of the programs after taking my MCAT.

What are the programs that I should be considering applying now besides studying for MCAT?

I have done community service at a local hospital for 100+ hrs. As a front desk receptionist, directing patients and visitors, and answering phone calls. Then I have scribed for 60+ hrs in the ER. And I have 30+ hrs of shadowing gynecologist.

 

[Catalystik]

What are the SMP Programs that I should be considering at this time,

Dr Midlife List: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=640302 Since you won't have an MCAT score until April, keep an eye out for application deadlines.

I have done community service at a local hospital for 100+ hrs. As a front desk receptionist, directing patients and visitors, and answering phone calls. Then I have scribed for 60+ hrs in the ER. And I have 30+ hrs of shadowing gynecologist.

I'd suggest trying to get 20 more shadowing hours, or so. Any research, peer leadership, or teaching? What other employment area would you list?

 

[FemaleDoc]

I will be working on More shadowing hours. I have always tried to get into any research but never got any response back from professors. I had a part-time job at university as a lab assistant for computer lab. However I have done TA (teacher assistance) twice for Microbiology lab, does that count? and as far as employment I worked as a Physician tech In the ER. which would be a 10 hr long shift, twice a week. Which was hurting my classes so I only did 60+ hrs of it. And after that I started shadowing A gynecologist, which was really flexible for my schedule.

 

[Catalystik]

1) I had a part-time job at university as a lab assistant for computer lab. However I have done TA (teacher assistance) twice for Microbiology lab, does that count?
2) and as far as employment I worked as a Physician tech In the ER. which would be a 10 hr long shift, twice a week. Which was hurting my classes so I only did 60+ hrs of it.

1) That all sounds good for the Teaching category.
2) As you are of nontraditional age, I thought you might have additional employment to list.

 

[FemaleDoc]

Yes, I get what you are saying. All the time wasted, was basically from lack of focus and guidance. I thought repeating 10 ten times a day that I want to become a doctor would do it without actually focusing on the things that would take me there. Besides studying I had no other concerns, but it was just lack of awareness and seriousness I would say. I did take extra courses at the university to improve grades.
Should I Be considering Caribbean schools and European schools?

 

[Catalystik]

Should I Be considering Caribbean schools and European schools?

If you leave the US for med school, your statistical chances of eventually matching into a US residency program are much lower, without which you could not practice medicine in the US. Since US residency spots have not increased in number despite many new MD and DO programs opening up, it's logical that the International grads will be competing for fewer and fewer spots in coming years.

Recent Residency Match Stats:
MD (NRMP), 94.40%
DO (AOA and NRMP), 89.19%
and IMG schools = 50%