The 2011-2012 Underdog Thread

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Well I thought I would get in somewhere with a 2.6 cgpa and 27 mcat seeing as I have 40 hours of post Bacc pre reqs at a 3.5 gpa but I guess schools can't get over my crappy grades from 10 years ago. Why did I even try? Why quit A 6 figure job, bust your butt to prove you are not the same person you were 10 years ago and then get rejected despite performing well in school and the mcat. This system sucks! People can walk out on mortgages, basically steal money, and in 7 years it is off your credit history, never to effect you again. But be an immature 20 year old and blow off classes and not only does it stay on your record but people actually use it to make judgments on whether or not you are qualified to get into a medical program. How ridiculous is that? This country has it's priorities so backward. Sure am glad I gave up 2 years worth of 6 figure salary to learn basic science I will now never use except on a lonely night of playing trivial pursuit......awesome
 
AvarysDad said:
Well I thought I would get in somewhere with a 2.6 cgpa and 27 mcat seeing as I have 40 hours of post Bacc pre reqs at a 3.5 gpa but I guess schools can't get over my crappy grades from 10 years ago. Why did I even try? Why quit A 6 figure job, bust your butt to prove you are not the same person you were 10 years ago and then get rejected despite performing well in school and the mcat. This system sucks! People can walk out on mortgages, basically steal money, and in 7 years it is off your credit history, never to effect you again. But be an immature 20 year old and blow off classes and not only does it stay on your record but people actually use it to make judgments on whether or not you are qualified to get into a medical program. How ridiculous is that? This country has it's priorities so backward. Sure am glad I gave up 2 years worth of 6 figure salary to learn basic science I will now never use except on a lonely night of playing trivial pursuit......awesome
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All isn't lost. A 3.5 post bacc is a bit low for someone trying to make a comeback, it needs to be higher than the average matriculant gpa at the schools you're applying to to make a big difference, upper level classes with As help too. For a 2.6 I think two or three years at 3.7+ is needed to be convincing, or at least one year with a 30+ MCAT.

Did you retake your lowest grades to boost your overall gpa? What was your final uGPA?

Another year of classes with upper level As, not Bs, and a few retakes of any Ds and Fs or Cs if you have none should hopefully boost you to 3.0+ overall and add to your academic credibility. Think of it this way, it took you 4+ years to dig the 2.6 hole, why would only 40 credits at an low to average DO school GPA get you out? Keep your head up, it can be done if you want it bad enough!
 
AvarysDad said:
Well I thought I would get in somewhere with a 2.6 cgpa and 27 mcat seeing as I have 40 hours of post Bacc pre reqs at a 3.5 gpa but I guess schools can't get over my crappy grades from 10 years ago. Why did I even try? Why quit A 6 figure job, bust your butt to prove you are not the same person you were 10 years ago and then get rejected despite performing well in school and the mcat. This system sucks! People can walk out on mortgages, basically steal money, and in 7 years it is off your credit history, never to effect you again. But be an immature 20 year old and blow off classes and not only does it stay on your record but people actually use it to make judgments on whether or not you are qualified to get into a medical program. How ridiculous is that? This country has it's priorities so backward. Sure am glad I gave up 2 years worth of 6 figure salary to learn basic science I will now never use except on a lonely night of playing trivial pursuit......awesome
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I do understand your frustration...I am kind in the same boat as you, tough my GPAs are little bit better than yours (3.17 cGPA and 3.3 sGPA) I have no postbacc work and I am gonna keep taking classes until I got my cGPA 3.3+ as well. I think you should do the same thing tough. Since DO schools have grade replacement, retake classes you had C or lower and you will be able to get your GPAs up quickly. If you get both of them up to 3.0+, I think you will have a shot with good ECs, LORs ect...Don't give up if you really wanna be a doctor.
 
SLC said:
Plan on stat repair, but don't give up hope. I had a lower sGPA than you, and a lower uGPA too. I had a 30 MCAT though. Either way, I got in late in the season. I'm an OMS-1 now and I'm kickin' ass and takin' names so far.

It's obviously wise to begin planning for next year should you not get in. It's wise for everyone to do that regardless of stats. But you need to stay positive about this year. You never know what might happen. Optimism goes a long way IMO.
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Thanks so much, that's really encouraging =) ... and keep kicking ass😎
 
Temperature101 said:
I do understand your frustration...I am kind in the same boat as you, tough my GPAs are little bit better than yours (3.17 cGPA and 3.3 sGPA) I have no postbacc work and I am gonna keep taking classes until I got my cGPA 3.3+ as well. I think you should do the same thing tough. Since DO schools have grade replacement, retake classes you had C or lower and you will be able to get your GPAs up quickly. If you get both of them up to 3.0+, I think you will have a shot with good ECs, LORs ect...Don't give up if you really wanna be a doctor.
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Im pretty much screwed. My problem was that 10 years ago I was a meteorology major and I did poorly in upper level meteorology classes. There is no way to retake those and get them replaced. For one they require high level math which I don't remember how to do and I have no idea if my school even offers them. I realize that it took me 4+ years to get a 2.6 but before I started this process a lot of the DO schools I spoke with said they would weigh my more recent work heavier then grades in 1996. Now even though my mcat is higher then their average accepted student they draw the line at a minimum cgpa. I actually retook the mcat a week ago bc I know I can do better then a 27 but it doesn't matter what I get. They won't look at me with a cgpa below there requirement. I have over 200 hours of undergrad work so It would still take forever to get my cumulative to creep up to acceptable levels.
 
What about a formal SMP with a linkage? Like.. EVMS? or another school.. forgot the name.

It's never too late to be a physician. Have you tried petitioning the schools about your low cGPA, basically asking them to look past that at your more recent schoolwork? Write letters of intent, etc.
 
DrMaximus said:
I know!! I just got lucky and happened to look one day! They really should say that in the email... We'll tell them that when we all get interviewed there... :xf:
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You mean after we get accepted. I don't want to tell them they screwed up before they make their decision, haha.
 
Can I be added to the Underdogs List? Stats:

3.33cGPA 3.14sGPA 23O

Good luck Underdogs!
 
Another underdog coming your way!

sGPA 3.07 cGPA 3.27 with a 4.0 in biology master's program...man it's hard to bring up those bad undergraduate grades!

25N with an expired 28O...yes, I'm frustrated with this one!

Good luck to everyone!
 
Interview at KCUMB end of september!
 
Congrats on all the interview invites! By applying early, we put ourselves in a much better position. So far I'm complete at one school (doesn't interview), 3 official interview invites, one email stating I would get an invite, and am waiting for an invite from a school that screens the secondaries and invites you for an interview when you complete. Good luck everyone!
 
DrSBR said:
Interview at KCUMB end of september!
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Congrats!! Me too!

Except my interview is on 10/19. Are October interviews considered late? I know most schools are on rolling basis and they advise to select the closest available interview date... but am I putting them off too long? I have DMU on 9/29, NSU on 10/13, and KCUMB on 10/19.
 
Iliketoytles said:
Congrats!! Me too!

Except my interview is on 10/19. Are October interviews considered late? I know most schools are on rolling basis and they advise to select the closest available interview date... but am I putting them off too long? I have DMU on 9/29, NSU on 10/13, and KCUMB on 10/19.
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Those are not late. Last year I interviewed in March/April which was considered late; however, one school mentioned the class was not full yet. My interviews are 9/26 kcumb, 10/10 azcom, 10/23 western. I would say that anything before december is good.
 
drgioiadds said:
Congrats on all the interview invites! By applying early, we put ourselves in a much better position. So far I'm complete at one school (doesn't interview), 3 official interview invites, one email stating I would get an invite, and am waiting for an invite from a school that screens the secondaries and invites you for an interview when you complete. Good luck everyone!
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Who is the school that doesn't interview, if you don't mind me asking?
 
Hey DJack can you update my stats. New MCAT 30 (10-10-10)
 
Do I have a shot?
3.3 c/Gpa and 3.3 sGpa and 23Q MCAT (10V, 6PS, 7BS)

I have 2 more science courses to complete and expect A's (they are my strong areas) and I can retake the MCAT in Jan (the schools I want accept Jan scores if I have one on file)
 
interview invite on oct 17 @ touro nv!! hope to see some of my fellow underdogs there!
 
AvarysDad said:
Seriously MSU does not interview? I thought they were considered one of the top DO schools?
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MSU does not interview, but they have a ridiculously complicated Secondary application. I've actually decided not to complete it due to the sheer amount of work it would take me to complete. This is mostly due to the Letters of Recommendation that they require.
 
DrWily said:
MSU does not interview, but they have a ridiculously complicated Secondary application. I've actually decided not to complete it due to the sheer amount of work it would take me to complete. This is mostly due to the Letters of Recommendation that they require.
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Still seems strange to not actually meet face to face
 
925native said:
interview invite on oct 17 @ touro nv!! hope to see some of my fellow underdogs there!
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Myself as well! Interview at Touro-NV! I almost signed up for the Oct. 17th, but decided Sept. 23rd would be better. Do you think you are going to go the city at all when your down there?
 
DrWily said:
MSU does not interview, but they have a ridiculously complicated Secondary application. I've actually decided not to complete it due to the sheer amount of work it would take me to complete. This is mostly due to the Letters of Recommendation that they require.
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Yes. If you have published an autobiography you might want to send that in lieu of the secondary.
 
.
 
Last edited:
divajazzerina: 3.41 cGPA, 3.05 sGPA, 24P ( 7V, 8PS, 9BS)
 
This is my first time posting. I'm heartbroken to get my MCAT score, 19M. This was my first time taking it and I just got my score back today. I am taking physic 2 this semester, which would account for why I did so poorly on PS. I have sent in my application for this cycle. My application is still processing. At this point though I don't even know if I have a chance.

cGPA 3.78, sGPA, 3.62, 19M (P-4, V-7, B-8)

2nd Semester Biology Major and Global Health Minor

Volunteer - I am an officer for a pre-medical organization on campus x3 years. Relay for life team leader x5 yrs. Youth softball assistant coach x6 months (180 hrs). Soup kitchens, project C.U.R.E., breast cancer walks

Recommendation - Organic Chemistry professor, Biology/Research leader professor, DO that I scribed for, DO that I shadowed.

Work- I have been a scribe for 1.5 yrs (volunteer for 6 mos/paid for the rest) and am I surveyor/researcher for a patient satisfaction team at a hospital

Past work- Billing Assistant, Appointment and Scheduling Coordinator, Front Desk Receptionist at a family practice x2yrs

Other- Research position x1 semester for credits, Dean's List Honors x4 years, academic scholarship
 
moca83 said:
Ok, I'm making an update to my underdog profile...

Non-trad
Excellent ECs, Letters, work experience, PS, etc.
3.65cGPA
3.50sGPA
10PS/9VR/7BS K (26K) MCAT. I know, the K stinks...I didn't really care about the writing sample anyways. My last MCAT 6/16 was a 23P (7/7/9).

I'm actually studying for another retake next Thursday which will be my 3rd time taking it. I have NEVER felt more prepared for an exam and will post an update after I rock the exam. I believe I've found exactly how to master this thing...third time is a charm right. Good luck fellow underdogs! 🙂
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You aren't an underdog (3.65/3.5/26)
 
1234569 said:
This is my first time posting. I'm heartbroken to get my MCAT score, 19M. This was my first time taking it and I just got my score back today. I am taking physic 2 this semester, which would account for why I did so poorly on PS. I have sent in my application for this cycle. My application is still processing. At this point though I don't even know if I have a chance.

cGPA 3.78, sGPA, 3.62, 19M (P-4, V-7, B-8)

2nd Semester Biology Major and Global Health Minor

Volunteer - I am an officer for a pre-medical organization on campus x3 years. Relay for life team leader x5 yrs. Youth softball assistant coach x6 months (180 hrs). Soup kitchens, project C.U.R.E., breast cancer walks

Recommendation - Organic Chemistry professor, Biology/Research leader professor, DO that I scribed for, DO that I shadowed.

Work- I have been a scribe for 1.5 yrs (volunteer for 6 mos/paid for the rest) and am I surveyor/researcher for a patient satisfaction team at a hospital

Past work- Billing Assistant, Appointment and Scheduling Coordinator, Front Desk Receptionist at a family practice x2yrs

Other- Research position x1 semester for credits, Dean's List Honors x4 years, academic scholarship
Click to expand...

Your grades are good. MCAT is not so hot but you already know that. You'd be really lucky to get an interview or two. You're going to get screened out from a lot of places. You need to do much better on your MCAT. Have you sent in your secondaries? It's just not going to be worth it. Even if you retake your MCAT at the next earliest date and learn all the physics in the world, I don't think you'd have enough time. Sorry kiddo.
 
scummie said:
Your grades are good. MCAT is not so hot but you already know that. You'd be really lucky to get an interview or two. You're going to get screened out from a lot of places. You need to do much better on your MCAT. Have you sent in your secondaries? It's just not going to be worth it. Even if you retake your MCAT at the next earliest date and learn all the physics in the world, I don't think you'd have enough time. Sorry kiddo.
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I haven't submitted any secondaries, but have been working on them. So I should just throw in the towel and try again next year? I am graduating a semester early so should I use the time between December and June to improve my MCAT score and finalize my application then just submit that as soon as the application opens?
 
1234569 said:
I haven't submitted any secondaries, but have been working on them. So I should just throw in the towel and try again next year? I am graduating a semester early so should I use the time between December and June to improve my MCAT score and finalize my application then just submit that as soon as the application opens?
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That's exactly what you should do.
 
IamKing said:
Myself as well! Interview at Touro-NV! I almost signed up for the Oct. 17th, but decided Sept. 23rd would be better. Do you think you are going to go the city at all when your down there?
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hell ya! i love vegas.. im actually really excited i get to use this interview as a chance to let loose and vacation a little!! i think ima head out the friday before. party friday party saturday party a lil bit sunday and interview monday lol then drive back to the bay.. u shud go to club rehab.. i would go, but its a summer type thing (pool party club) ends in sept too..
im gonna reserve my hotel on the strip.. the admissions office told me its ten minutes away from there school
 
3.57cgpa
3.52science

22s.... I can't believe it. Do I have a chance anywhere? I am MedMAR, and have great ECs... Ugh I need some hope
 
DrWily said:
MSU does not interview, but they have a ridiculously complicated Secondary application. I've actually decided not to complete it due to the sheer amount of work it would take me to complete. This is mostly due to the Letters of Recommendation that they require.
Click to expand...


I agree it is quite lengthy. I am in the process of still putting mine together now and I have one LOR in and my other reviewer is taking quite awhile since they basically have to answer all these MSU specific questions. I am OOS so I am wondering it if is just not worth completing my secondary. Hmmmm, what to do what to do. I am already half way through my alotted time since you only have a month to submit.
 
rockafella12 said:
3.57cgpa
3.52science

22s.... I can't believe it. Do I have a chance anywhere? I am MedMAR, and have great ECs... Ugh I need some hope
Click to expand...

Sorry bro, can't give you any. Did you see the guy that posted above you with a bad MCAT too? Applying this cycle with that MCAT at this point in time would be a huge waste of time, money and resources. Figure out where you went wrong with the exam. If not, you are automatically going to get screened out and no one will ever see how awesome you are. It's not the end of the world. Retake and rock your MCAT next time.
 
I just got my mcat scores back and my retake was a 25R. Please update my thing on the front page. Let's hope this helps me get some interviews!!
 
GlimmerGlass said:
I agree it is quite lengthy. I am in the process of still putting mine together now and I have one LOR in and my other reviewer is taking quite awhile since they basically have to answer all these MSU specific questions. I am OOS so I am wondering it if is just not worth completing my secondary. Hmmmm, what to do what to do. I am already half way through my alotted time since you only have a month to submit.
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I was in the same boat as you. I ended saying f*** it.
 
GlimmerGlass said:
I agree it is quite lengthy. I am in the process of still putting mine together now and I have one LOR in and my other reviewer is taking quite awhile since they basically have to answer all these MSU specific questions. I am OOS so I am wondering it if is just not worth completing my secondary. Hmmmm, what to do what to do. I am already half way through my alotted time since you only have a month to submit.
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If you're out of state, I wouldn't even bother. They had 16 students out of state out of 185 total students from 2009 graduates. Plus, do you really want to pay 70,000 Tuition? Plus cost of living? Average indebtness was almost 250k for 4 years. If you're from Michigan then my apologies 😛 and do apply.
 
AvarysDad said:
Still seems strange to not actually meet face to face
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The secondary was not ridiculously difficult and it provides the admissions committee with a good amount of information about who you are and what you have done. Its saves the applicant time and expense of an interview and you can always visit the campus.👍
 
vandyam said:
I just got my mcat scores back and my retake was a 25R. Please update my thing on the front page. Let's hope this helps me get some interviews!!
Click to expand...

Good luck to you :luck:
Hope you get some interviews!
 
lxasylum said:
If you're out of state, I wouldn't even bother. They had 16 students out of state out of 185 total students from 2009 graduates. Plus, do you really want to pay 70,000 Tuition? Plus cost of living? Average indebtness was almost 250k for 4 years. If you're from Michigan then my apologies 😛 and do apply.
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From what I understand there are some scholarships for OOS students they give out every year which basically gives you in-state tuition and if you do your residency in Michigan they will forgive you one full year of tuition. I figured it was worth a shot since I need to keep my options open given that I am an underdog. Has anyone else heard of these scholarships or tuition forgiveness options?
 
drgioiadds said:
The secondary was not ridiculously difficult and it provides the admissions committee with a good amount of information about who you are and what you have done. Its saves the applicant time and expense of an interview and you can always visit the campus.👍
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I do agree that it will give the admissions a good amount of information, but it is much more "time consuming" (I should have said this vs. difficult) than any other secondary from DO schools. The fact that they do not take interfolio and require that the LORs detail specific information was too much effort vs little chance of OOS acceptance for me to complete the secondary. I'd have to find new recommendations and keep tabs on them, all while giving them <1 month timeline to complete it.

Like others have said, screw that. MSU wasn't really near the top of my choices anyway.
 
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