Taking the plunge...need advice!

[deleted726719]

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[Deleted]

 

[OrdinaryDO]

Are you dead set on your ways to apply this semester?

 

[arc5005]

These are the courses I will need to retake (original grades in parentheses):
- General Human Physiology (C+)
- Organic Chemistry, First Semester (C)
- Evolutionary Biology (C-)
- Genetics (B-)
- Introduction to Chemistry (C+)
- Cell Biology (B-)
- Statistics (C+)

- Is re-taking any course that I have a B- or less in overkill? Would it be more worthwhile to focus on taking new upper level classes instead?

I wouldn't re-take the courses that you got a B- in. Instead focus on:
- Intro Bio I & II (C's)
- General Human Physiology (C+)
- Organic Chemistry, First Semester (C)
- Evolutionary Biology (C-)
- Introduction to Chemistry (C+)
- Statistics (C+)
-Don't take inorganic chemistry, instead take Organic Chemistry I & II, & Biochemistry.

- I am first and foremost interested in patient care and I do like the D.O. approach a lot (aside from having awesome grade replacement magic, I think D.O would be a good fit for me personally). However, my concern is this: will having a D.O. instead of an MD would hinder me in any way if I ever want to pursue some sort of research (clinical or translational)? I looked up some open faculty positions online (my employer included) out of curiosity and it seems that they exclusively hire MDs. It makes sense since the hospital I work in is linked to an allopathic med school, but are there opportunities for D.Os to pursue clinical research/academic medicine or is it still skewed towards those with MDs? Should I even bother to apply to MD programs or would that just be a waste of money on my part?

I think the difference is that more MDs have the opportunity to do research, since it is focused-on during med school, whereas there are less opportunities as a DO to get the same opportunities. That being said I know my previous PCP (a DO) now does research instead.

 

[deleted726719]

No-- I haven't taken the MCAT and expect this to take a few years since I'll be working while taking the classes.

Oops! That was in response to OrdinaryDO-- I am on my phone.

 

[deleted726719]

I wouldn't re-take the courses that you got a B- in. Instead focus on:
- Intro Bio I & II (C's)
- General Human Physiology (C+)
- Organic Chemistry, First Semester (C)
- Evolutionary Biology (C-)
- Introduction to Chemistry (C+)
- Statistics (C+)
-Don't take inorganic chemistry, instead take Organic Chemistry I & II, & Biochemistry.



I think the difference is that more MDs have the opportunity to do research, since it is focused-on during med school, whereas there are less opportunities as a DO to get the same opportunities. That being said I know my previous PCP (a DO) now does research instead.

Thanks so much for your insight! I actually took a semester of Biochemistry (3 credit hours), and got a B. Should I retake? I would like to be able to take the MCAT as soon as reasonably possible.

 

[arc5005]

Thanks so much for your insight! I actually took a semester of Biochemistry (3 credit hours), and got a B. Should I retake? I would like to be able to take the MCAT as soon as reasonably possible.

The general rule of thumb is to re-take anything below a B, so any C's, D's, and F's, and try to get A's. That should put you in a good place. I'm going to apply the 2016-2017 cycle with a few C's on my transcript (Non-science/non-prereq classes though)

 

[123456123456]

IMO only retake the class with a C minus and try to ace it. Then take different upper level science courses instead and ace those rather than retake passing grades. Some suggestions are: Anatomy, histology, virology, parasitology, pathophysiology, immune, biochem, ect depending on what your school offers and what you have taken already

 

[deleted726719]

IMO only retake the class with a C minus and try to ace it. Then take different upper level science courses instead and ace those rather than retake passing grades. Some suggestions are: Anatomy, histology, virology, parasitology, pathophysiology, immune, biochem, ect depending on what your school offers and what you have taken already

That's a good idea. I think this would especially be good since my undergrad didn't offer Anatomy, Histology, Virology, or Pathophysiology. Thanks!




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[arc5005]

That's a good idea. I think this would especially be good since my undergrad didn't offer Anatomy, Histology, Virology, or Pathophysiology. Thanks!




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Just get both of your gpas above 3.25, whether that be re-takes or new upper electives.. A lot of average matriculating gpas are now in the 3.4 to 3.6 range for DO school. New upper electives are going to take more time to study for then re-takes, which means less time for the mcat.

 

[deleted726719]

Just get both of your gpas above 3.25, whether that be re-takes or new upper electives.. A lot of average matriculating gpas are now in the 3.4 to 3.6 range for DO school. New upper electives are going to take more time to study for then re-takes, which means less time for the mcat.

Thanks for giving me a number to aim for-- I was just about to ask for one. I think I will focus on retaking those Cs, and take it one class at a time but not kill my self trying to get my sGPA up to a 3.7.

I have a quick question about grade replacement with AACOMAS. I know they only count the most recent grade for a course, but do I still have to report the original scores? Thanks so much!


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[TUVIX]

Retaking courses aside... just realize how absolutely important your MCAT score is going to be. It will make a huge difference in how many interviews you get. Just make sure to only take it when you are ready to take it. For real, do not take the MCAT until you are ready to take the MCAT.

 

[deleted726719]

Retaking courses aside... just realize how absolutely important your MCAT score is going to be. It will make a huge difference in how many interviews you get. Just make sure to only take it when you are ready to take it. For real, do not take the MCAT until you are ready to take the MCAT.

Thanks for your advice, TUVIX! I'll definitely not rush it with the MCAT and I'll probably take a prep course since it's been a while since I last took a standardized test. I'd like to believe slow and steady wins the race 🙂


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[Brorthopedic]

Retake the necessary courses to bring your sGPA up if you have time. However, make sure you prioritize the MCAT above all else. 0.1-0.2 extra points on your GPA is not going to be nearly as helpful as an extra 10-15 percentile on your MCAT.

 

[keepSwimmingNemo]

get a 3.4 gpa in science and overall with at least a 495 mcat to be set for decent DO schools. my goal. i will also retake many C classes at a CC

 

[deleted726719]

Unfortunately, I just found out that there is a cap on how many credits I can take as a non-degree seeking student. Would it be worth my while to apply to a Masters Program then so I can take more courses? Grade replacement will only work with undergraduate courses, correct? I don't want to do a second BA so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!


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[123456123456]

Yeah with your GPA a masters or post bacc would be a good idea to show you can handle rigorous science classes and get your GPA up

 

[deleted407021]

get a 3.4 gpa in science and overall with at least a 495 mcat to be set for decent DO schools. my goal. i will also retake many C classes at a CC

A 495 is about a 22-23 on the old scale at the measly 34th percentile. Definitely not adequate for any med school.

I'd aim for a 503, at the very least.

 

[Glutes]

Unfortunately, I just found out that there is a cap on how many credits I can take as a non-degree seeking student. Would it be worth my while to apply to a Masters Program then so I can take more courses? Grade replacement will only work with undergraduate courses, correct? I don't want to do a second BA so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!


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Retake courses at a community college if they offer them! Just make sure the units are equal or greater than the original science course.

 

[deleted726719]

A 495 is about a 22-23 on the old scale at the measly 34th percentile. Definitely not adequate for any med school.

I'd aim for a 503, at the very least.

Is a 503 about a 28 or so? I believe Western U's average is ~28. I'm interested in applying to Western U so that is why I'm curious.

Do you guys have any suggestions on how to get DO recommendation letters? I have MD mentors but not any DOs, and I'm serious about applying to DO schools. Should I ask to shadow them and get to know them that way? Sorry for all the questions! Thanks!


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[deleted407021]

Is a 503 about a 28 or so? I believe Western U's average is ~28. I'm interested in applying to Western U so that is why I'm curious.

Do you guys have any suggestions on how to get DO recommendation letters? I have MD mentors but not any DOs, and I'm serious about applying to DO schools. Should I ask to shadow them and get to know them that way? Sorry for all the questions! Thanks!


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A 28 is around a 505. Look here for conversions.

DO letters are helpful and sometimes required, depending on the school. An MD will usually suffice and lots of people get in without one from a DO.

 

[123456123456]

A lot of DO schools want DO letters so I would either shadow a DO or I met the DO that wrote my letter through scribing which is a great experience

 

[keepSwimmingNemo]

I don't think a 495 and 3.4 is going to get someone a lot of love.

how about a 503? and 3.4 with retake classes? for DO schools

 

[mathnerd88]

how about a 503? and 3.4 with retake classes? for DO schools

A 503 would be borderline, but a 505 you'll have a good shot if you have good ECs and lots of healthcare experience.

I had acceptances mostly at mid-tier/low-tier schools so far with my stats and one high tier (CCOM)...and I have a 3.7 and equivalent 510 MCAT.

Are you trying to get accepted into the well established DO schools?

 

[deleted726719]

A 28 is around a 505. Look here for conversions.

DO letters are helpful and sometimes required, depending on the school. An MD will usually suffice and lots of people get in without one from a DO.

Thanks @J Senpai. Does it really matter whether the DO practices OMM/is very traditionally DO or not? I have someone in mind but I don't know how much osteopathic medicine really plays a role in their day to day practice of medicine. Thanks for being so helpful with all my questions-- I'm serious about applying for DO so I want to gather as much information as I can!


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[123456123456]

Thanks @J Senpai. Does it really matter whether the DO practices OMM/is very traditionally DO or not? I have someone in mind but I don't know how much osteopathic medicine really plays a role in their day to day practice of medicine. Thanks for being so helpful with all my questions-- I'm serious about applying for DO so I want to gather as much information as I can!


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As long as there is D.O. behind their names it is fine. My letter came from an osteopathic ER doc who practices like no OMM at all

 

[dreee]

get a 3.4 gpa in science and overall with at least a 495 mcat to be set for decent DO schools. my goal. i will also retake many C classes at a CC

I would aim for at least a 502 for MCAT, 505 would be solid for DO. A 495 is like an equivalent 23/24 on the old MCAT.