Texas nontrad with low GPA, good MCAT: how many DOs and which MDs?

[StarSpangled]

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[ggdoc145]

I would be wary about applying to MD schools outside of Texas. Although you have a strong MCAT score, you performed poorly on the chemistry/physics section and only average on the bio/biochem section. Reinvention only works if you come with proof--a successful SMP, very high MCAT, post-bac, usually a combination of both. It doesn't seem like you have that yet.

You said you have an upward trend (last 5 years) but graduated 5 years ago. How long did that trend last (senior year?) was it at the top LAC or a DIY post-bad somewhere that is not nearly as rigorous? The optics look different depending on how the upward trend occurred.

I think you will be fine with AACOMAS schools since a 3.5 is fine, especially from a top LAC. This would be true for MD schools as well; however, a 3.0 if another story.

Your best bet would be to consult with someone at your college's pre-med office. Top schools have lots of premeds and data points on their admissions performance. This will allow you to make the most thoughtful decision so you aren't wasting too much time/$$$ on secondaries.

 

[Gaucho97]

I would be wary about applying to MD schools outside of Texas. Although you have a strong MCAT score, you performed poorly on the chemistry/physics section and only average on the bio/biochem section. Reinvention only works if you come with proof--a successful SMP, very high MCAT, post-bac, usually a combination of both. It doesn't seem like you have that yet.

You said you have an upward trend (last 5 years) but graduated 5 years ago. How long did that trend last (senior year?) was it at the top LAC or a DIY post-bad somewhere that is not nearly as rigorous? The optics look different depending on how the upward trend occurred.

I think you will be fine with AACOMAS schools since a 3.5 is fine, especially from a top LAC. This would be true for MD schools as well; however, a 3.0 if another story.

Your best bet would be to consult with someone at your college's pre-med office. Top schools have lots of premeds and data points on their admissions performance. This will allow you to make the most thoughtful decision so you aren't wasting too much time/$$$ on secondaries.

I know this is SDN but a 128 B/B section isn’t average. It’s actually in the 84th percentile and a 125 is above the national median (54th percentile).

 

[Gaucho97]

**PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE**

Hi! Long time SDN reader just starting to post recently. I had a tough time in college (graduated five years ago) and got some disappointing grades. I won't bore you with my reasons, suffice it to say I didn't balance my athletic and school responsibilities well.

I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing though when it comes to deciding where to apply. I applied to all my state schools (Texas). My mom would like me to apply to some schools near her in FL but I don't think I have any shot. Stats and list below. How many DO schools should I apply to? Do I have a chance at any TX school or was that a waste of $? Should I add any “low-tier” AMCAS schools that reward upward trends?

GPA

• Undergrad GPA= 3.2
• Grad GPA = 4.0
• Overall GPA = 3.4
• sGPA on AACOMAS = 3.5
• BCPM GPA = 3.0
• Upward trend, only As in last five years

MCAT

• 514 —> 125/ 130/ 128/ 131

ECs, etc.

• White
• Undergrad: top liberal arts
• Grad: top major institution
• 3,000 hours clinical paid work/research with underserved
• 700 clinical volunteer EMT and other unique volunteering for which I'm professional certified with underserved
• 1,000 research at top hospital
• 7 publications, 3 first-author, 1 conference talk, multiple abstracts & posters
• 10 hours primary care shadowing DO (because my clinical experience was basically shadowing providers for hundreds of hours) plus have shadowed in pediatrics & surgery
• 60 hours volunteer for organization for underserved in college
• 80 hours volunteer for public health organization (current)
• College athlete & captain
• Married with kids
• Research grant awarded in college
• Want to go into primary care
• Grad thesis focused on underserved communities

School List

UNTHSC (TCOM)
AT-SOMA
BCOM
Touro NV
RVU COM
All Texas schools
Something in FL??

Congrats on the solid MCAT score!

 

[ggdoc145]

I know this is SDN but a 128 B/B section isn’t average. It’s actually in the 84th percentile and a 125 is above the national median (54th percentile).

I'm referring to the average of matriculating students, not applicants. 125 is by definition, supposed to be the average score, although its ever so slightly above the median. 128 is good, but still close to average for matriculants. I wouldn't say it salvages the 125. The average applicant, unfortunately, also does not get into medical school.

Many pre-med advisers will tell you to retake the MCAT if you score below 125 at a section, especially one of the science sections. Having a 125, in addition to a very low sGPA, is not doing the OP any favors.

OP's improvement is to be commended, but it would be unfortunate if they receive zero interviews from AMCAS schools because of the poor science performance in their distant past. That effort may better be applied towards DO apps so they have more choices come decision day.

 

[StarSpangled]

I would be wary about applying to MD schools outside of Texas. Although you have a strong MCAT score, you performed poorly on the chemistry/physics section and only average on the bio/biochem section. Reinvention only works if you come with proof--a successful SMP, very high MCAT, post-bac, usually a combination of both. It doesn't seem like you have that yet.

You said you have an upward trend (last 5 years) but graduated 5 years ago. How long did that trend last (senior year?) was it at the top LAC or a DIY post-bad somewhere that is not nearly as rigorous? The optics look different depending on how the upward trend occurred.

I think you will be fine with AACOMAS schools since a 3.5 is fine, especially from a top LAC. This would be true for MD schools as well; however, a 3.0 if another story.

Your best bet would be to consult with someone at your college's pre-med office. Top schools have lots of premeds and data points on their admissions performance. This will allow you to make the most thoughtful decision so you aren't wasting too much time/$$$ on secondaries.

Thank you for your reply! You are right, the C/P score was a disappointment. Also, yes, I'm sorry that it should have said "upward trend last 3 years"- I took one class a semester starting five years ago but only went full-time with courses starting 3 years ago. Most of these grades were at my grad school in a science-based masters degree.

I have been in frequent contact with my college pre-med office but the advice has never included a school list. I got the impression that was all up to me, although I do feel pretty clueless. I will revisit this with them though, thank you!

@Goro... I'd so love your perspective, do you agree with ggdoc that any AMCAS schools would be a waste of time & money?

 

[StarSpangled]

I know this is SDN but a 128 B/B section isn’t average. It’s actually in the 84th percentile and a 125 is above the national median (54th percentile).

Hahaha, thank you for coming to my defense! 😉 I agree though that the C/P score was not what I needed to prove I'm a stronger student now. But I was happy with B/B!

 

[Goro]

Thank you for your reply! You are right, the C/P score was a disappointment. Also, yes, I'm sorry that it should have said "upward trend last 3 years"- I took one class a semester starting five years ago but only went full-time with courses starting 3 years ago. Most of these grades were at my grad school in a science-based masters degree.

I have been in frequent contact with my college pre-med office but the advice has never included a school list. I got the impression that was all up to me, although I do feel pretty clueless. I will revisit this with them though, thank you!

@Goro... I'd so love your perspective, do you agree with ggdoc that any AMCAS schools would be a waste of time & money?

Stick with TX MD schools, and any DO except for the five on my Bad Boy list.

 

[Gaucho97]

I'm referring to the average of matriculating students, not applicants. 125 is by definition, supposed to be the average score, although its ever so slightly above the median. 128 is good, but still close to average for matriculants. I wouldn't say it salvages the 125. The average applicant, unfortunately, also does not get into medical school.

Many pre-med advisers will tell you to retake the MCAT if you score below 125 at a section, especially one of the science sections. Having a 125, in addition to a very low sGPA, is not doing the OP any favors.

OP's improvement is to be commended, but it would be unfortunate if they receive zero interviews from AMCAS schools because of the poor science performance in their distant past. That effort may better be applied towards DO apps so they have more choices come decision day.

Sorry I didn't catch that. You are right about matriculant stats. Anyways, congrats on your acceptance and good luck to the OP this cycle!!