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The 2011-2012 Underdog Thread
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Well, it's finally for reals, amigos. I'm a bona fide underdog.
I received the results of my 8/19 MCAT today, and got a P8 V8 B9 for a 25 R, a full 4-5 points lower than my FL avg of 29-30. You have no idea how it has felt to be cheated on something so sure as getting a similar score to your practice exams. I started out with a 2.85 cGPA and a 2.70 sGPA; after retaking 20 credit hours of A's this past year in an informal post-bacc, I've gotten it up to a 3.10/3.10. I took two heavy science classes this summer, while working at the ER as a scribe close to full-time, which limited my MCAT studying. I've got 600+ hours already working in the ED as the physician's right-hand-man, and it's been an amazing experience.
Looking back, I did the right thing by getting my A's first at the expense of 3 full months of full-time MCAT studying like some folks have the luxury of doing. I have 3 alcohol-related convictions on my record, including a minor at 19 and a DUI at 24. I've gone to meetings, went to counseling, did Alcohol EDU (twice), and the whole bit, and that whole part of my past is behind me, except for on paper. I dinked around in college and failed courses from not caring; a drastic change from graduating as the Valedictorian in high school just years prior. Priority was never school; I had to support myself, then party, then chase girls (I'm being brutally honest here, as this all stems from a strict religious upbringing and delayed adolescence). I have retaken so many classes due to just not caring; at last count, I'm up to 15. My intelligence is not the issue, it was my lack of motivation.
After getting through 4 tough upper-division science courses this semester, I'll be sitting on a 3.4 sGPA by Christmas. I applied to 15 DO schools all over the country on 8/29, so I'll be verified in the first couple of weeks of October (late, I know, but the A's this summer came first), and I'll be sitting with a 3.1/25 plus good EC's like: volunteering with refugees at the International Rescue Committee, speaking Spanish and Portuguese (sometimes interpreting on the fly at the hospital) due to living in Latin America for 9 years, prior career in sales in the fitness industry for 2 years, owner of a small photography business on the side, leadership positions in a student organization (VP and Secretary of a fraternity), and even a stint as a club DJ for 2 years. I'm 27, and I've done a lot.
What are my chances, then, with my history, plus my 3.1/25? By Christmas, what are my chances with a 3.4/25? I won't have the time to study properly for a January MCAT; what is the cost/benefit ratio of getting new MCAT scores in early March this cycle anyway? Can't be great. I'm on a holding pattern right now because I know what has to be done the rest of this semester, which is keep getting those A's. I'm stuck and I don't know what sort of chances I have, and any input would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to PM me if you'd like. You've been an awesome inspiration and an endless source of advice 🙂
I received the results of my 8/19 MCAT today, and got a P8 V8 B9 for a 25 R, a full 4-5 points lower than my FL avg of 29-30. You have no idea how it has felt to be cheated on something so sure as getting a similar score to your practice exams. I started out with a 2.85 cGPA and a 2.70 sGPA; after retaking 20 credit hours of A's this past year in an informal post-bacc, I've gotten it up to a 3.10/3.10. I took two heavy science classes this summer, while working at the ER as a scribe close to full-time, which limited my MCAT studying. I've got 600+ hours already working in the ED as the physician's right-hand-man, and it's been an amazing experience.
Looking back, I did the right thing by getting my A's first at the expense of 3 full months of full-time MCAT studying like some folks have the luxury of doing. I have 3 alcohol-related convictions on my record, including a minor at 19 and a DUI at 24. I've gone to meetings, went to counseling, did Alcohol EDU (twice), and the whole bit, and that whole part of my past is behind me, except for on paper. I dinked around in college and failed courses from not caring; a drastic change from graduating as the Valedictorian in high school just years prior. Priority was never school; I had to support myself, then party, then chase girls (I'm being brutally honest here, as this all stems from a strict religious upbringing and delayed adolescence). I have retaken so many classes due to just not caring; at last count, I'm up to 15. My intelligence is not the issue, it was my lack of motivation.
After getting through 4 tough upper-division science courses this semester, I'll be sitting on a 3.4 sGPA by Christmas. I applied to 15 DO schools all over the country on 8/29, so I'll be verified in the first couple of weeks of October (late, I know, but the A's this summer came first), and I'll be sitting with a 3.1/25 plus good EC's like: volunteering with refugees at the International Rescue Committee, speaking Spanish and Portuguese (sometimes interpreting on the fly at the hospital) due to living in Latin America for 9 years, prior career in sales in the fitness industry for 2 years, owner of a small photography business on the side, leadership positions in a student organization (VP and Secretary of a fraternity), and even a stint as a club DJ for 2 years. I'm 27, and I've done a lot.
What are my chances, then, with my history, plus my 3.1/25? By Christmas, what are my chances with a 3.4/25? I won't have the time to study properly for a January MCAT; what is the cost/benefit ratio of getting new MCAT scores in early March this cycle anyway? Can't be great. I'm on a holding pattern right now because I know what has to be done the rest of this semester, which is keep getting those A's. I'm stuck and I don't know what sort of chances I have, and any input would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to PM me if you'd like. You've been an awesome inspiration and an endless source of advice 🙂
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You have an incredibly interesting story. Your time to shine is on your personal statement and your secondaries. You can PM your PS to me and I'll look over and tell you if it's strong enough. You should be able to get into med school, albeit it's going to be an uphill battle, and you've really got to convince the adcoms that you've changed. Don't negatively talk about your failures and missteps. Talk about what you've learned and how you've grown.
But the harsh reality of it: it's going to be pretty difficult. Your ECs look excellent (need some DO shadowing though), and your GPA will be okay once it's a 3.4. It's the issue of a DUI at 24. That's going to be a redflag on your application. You're given a chance to explain the issue on your application. Better make sure that explanation is DAMN good, otherwise they're more likely to just throw your application out.
The MCAT at 25 is not something I really know what you should do about. If it was a strong 30+, I'd say it'd be helping you a lot, but at 25, it's hard to say whether to do a retake. I'll let my colleagues help you with that part.
So, in short: PS should be incredible, secondaries need to be amazing, make sure you get that 3.4, and have a good explanation ready.
I would say apply. That's just me. However, I would wait to see what someone like Goro says before you click submit.
Good luck!
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I think the Osteopathic schools may be much more forgiving of your 2 DUI records, but I would seriously doubt you'll be getting in this cycle. While I do take your word that you've changed, I would be pretty doubtful if I were an ADCOM reviewing your file. Why? I see a DUI at 19 years old. Then I see one at 24. That's 5 years apart. 5 clean years to go back into the same problem. Now you're expecting me to believe that 3 years from 24 you're absolutely clean or won't fall again? That would be a hard sell for me if I were an ADCOM.
I don't normally recommend this, but I would consult a professional service for medical school applications. It would be your best investment to offset your criminal record.
Other than the above, you will be competitive once you hit the 3.4. Right now you'd be non-competitive even without a record.
Hey all,
I'm a long time lurker and I've taken advice you guys gave everyone else. I had made up my mind that I wanted to go the doctor route too late; close to graduation. I had always toyed at the thought of becoming a doctor but honestly felt I wasn't smart enough. I ended up with a 2.6X SGPA. I retook classes this summer and now I have 2.84 sGPA, with my cGPA still floating around 2.9X.
After I graduated, I took a year off to work/study for MCAT/get my **** together. Took my MCAT March 2011, ended up with 28Q (10PS, 9V, 9B, Q).
Summer I retook a few undergrad science courses to raise GPA, as mentioned previously. Got a OChem B+, OChem Lab B+, Biochem B+, Molecular Bio A. I must say, I overloaded the **** out of myself and emptied my bank account.
I have decent clinical experience:
Volunteer Hospital - 1 year, around 250 hours
Volunteer Research with Med Mission trip
DO Shadowing - 30 hours (so far)
Decent work experience, all tutoring jobs.
I have two strong letters of rec, one coming from a DO who also teaches at Western. Third one can come from the hospital that volunteered at, but I feel its not as strong as the two previously mentioned
I haven't applied yet, as I have been overloaded with retaking classes during the summer. 👎 No excuses from me though, that was all on me. I'm in the process right now. Transcripts are getting sent to AACOMAS, I'm working on personal statement right now. (I know)
Now I feel its a long shot applying to Western, but I'm local and also went to high school in Pomona. Its difficult for me to re-take classes, as it won't raise my sGPA too much. I calculated that if I replace one of my C's with an A, I can hit 2.91; If I replace two of my C's with 2 A's I can hit 2.99. But the problem is the money. In my situation, big money is inevitably going to be spent, whether it be on wasted applications or re-taking courses (post bacc is the last resort... I can't afford $20,000!)
So what is your guys' advice? Should I shoot a few late applications out there to the relatively less (no offense) competitive schools and save up to re-take classes? Anything else I can do with my GPA? It's really holding me back right now. Thanks guys!
Sincerely,
A fellow hopeful
Brother, a good way to figure your GPA is on your AACOMAS, put in the next classes your going to take and see if their is a big difference. I have a 3.0c 2.9s thus far, I'm tweaking still.
Piont is. I already graduated and I may actually go down to a 2.9 cgpa and 2.9 gpa after verification, even if I took 20 more credits that are A my gpa would only hit 3.2 not worth the time or money. The best and realest bet is the MCATRetake the mcat, score high, spice your app, good LOR. Apply smart.
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Just to clarify, I only have one DUI, not two. I had a Minor in Possession of an Alcoholic Beverage when I was 19. I was found with a beer in my hand at a friend's house. Because it shocked me so much, I didn't drink again for a year and a half until I turned 21, at which point things went downhill. Point is, I had a rough patch there from 21-24, but I came out an infinitely better person and learned a lot of lessons from a lot of hardships. 👍
Any recommendations on a medical school admissions counseling services? A quick google search turns up a few hundred results, most of which seem a little fishy to me.
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Hey guys, thanks for all the help. And first of all good luck to dannydickman, I hope you find your way as I hope I find mine!
If I retake 2 of my bio classes and replace the C's with A's, I can end up with a 2.99 sGPA and 2.99 cGPA. Thats after about $2500 worth of tuition though. Right now I'm at 2.84 sGPA and 2.90 cGPA.
First, would it be worth it to spend $2500 to do this? Should I pay another $1000 to retake another course and possibly bump it to around 3.04 sGPA? The total effect of this would be to replace 2 C's with 2 A's, and possibly and 3rd new class I might take, bringing my 2.84 sGPA to 3.04 sGPA, and would cost about $3500.
Another thing someone mentioned was MCAT. I got a 28Q; 10PS, 9V, 9B, Q. I should probably retake it, shouldn't I? It's a lot less than shelling out $3500 to take 3 classes. Assuming I can get a solid 30, do you think I would need to retake classes at all, or can I roll with a 2.84 sGPA + 30 MCAT?
Another question I had was if I should just apply? Do you guys think there are any schools out there that would consider my app? LECOM-E? Please be honest.
Can I apply now, retake classes which end early Dec, and update the grades on my apps? Would it be too late? Thanks.
If I retake 2 of my bio classes and replace the C's with A's, I can end up with a 2.99 sGPA and 2.99 cGPA. Thats after about $2500 worth of tuition though. Right now I'm at 2.84 sGPA and 2.90 cGPA.
First, would it be worth it to spend $2500 to do this? Should I pay another $1000 to retake another course and possibly bump it to around 3.04 sGPA? The total effect of this would be to replace 2 C's with 2 A's, and possibly and 3rd new class I might take, bringing my 2.84 sGPA to 3.04 sGPA, and would cost about $3500.
Another thing someone mentioned was MCAT. I got a 28Q; 10PS, 9V, 9B, Q. I should probably retake it, shouldn't I? It's a lot less than shelling out $3500 to take 3 classes. Assuming I can get a solid 30, do you think I would need to retake classes at all, or can I roll with a 2.84 sGPA + 30 MCAT?
Another question I had was if I should just apply? Do you guys think there are any schools out there that would consider my app? LECOM-E? Please be honest.
Can I apply now, retake classes which end early Dec, and update the grades on my apps? Would it be too late? Thanks.
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Well, if it is one DUI, at least that's much more forgivable. If I were in admissions, I'd simply laugh at your first charge. Seriously, we create criminals in this country for drinking beer? Is there any chance you can get it expunged?
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I would retake the classes. Your mcat is fine. Some schools will screen you out if you don't have a 3.0.
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Just retake them at a community college. Your situation is desperate for a better GPA.
And no, 30 and 2.8 will not roll anywhere. If it were 36 and 2.8, then there's a conversation for the lower tier of D.O.. My suggestion would be to not retake the MCAT. You can't afford getting a lower score.
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Thank you, guys. I guess my clinical experience can be greatly improved with a year of work as well. I'm actually heading out to a job interview right now, if I can nail this, I can have extra money for classes. Its difficult to imagine that this time last year, I was LOST! I didn't know how to get myself into medical school, and all it started was with focus, and hardcore MCAT studying. Now its all in plain sight.
So I guess, extra classes it is then! I'll be checking in from time to time. Thanks and best wishes to everybody!
👍
So I guess, extra classes it is then! I'll be checking in from time to time. Thanks and best wishes to everybody!
👍
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Things will work out. When I didn't get in last year (from 2 wait lists), I was forced to find an associate DDS position. In essence, its giving me the opportunity to save money for school now!
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It's about the whole application. You do well on your essays? I feel like if you made it really reflect your thought process and your maturity, they would be more understanding of your situation.
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Unfortunately that 4 on you MCAT will get you screened out pretty much everywhere. Retake the MCAT and apply early next year and you should be good to go.
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received interview @ ATSU- KCOM
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https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...TQ0daTmdlQjZrdFdMYUF0M1E&hl=en_US&pli=1#gid=0
I had some time and created a spreadsheet with the info from the first page.
PM me with more new info and I'll try to update the spreadsheet once a week.
while making it I realized that underdogs are doing so well with interviews and we can make it even better if ppl tell me the acceptances, withdrawals and sad to say the rejections to create a more in depth chart.
👍
I had some time and created a spreadsheet with the info from the first page.
PM me with more new info and I'll try to update the spreadsheet once a week.
while making it I realized that underdogs are doing so well with interviews and we can make it even better if ppl tell me the acceptances, withdrawals and sad to say the rejections to create a more in depth chart.
👍
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Accepted to LECOM today! 3.14c 2.90s 26N. Good luck all you fellow underdogs out there!
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CONGRATS!! I have similar stats and am hoping to hear something. Are you going to Erie or Bradenton?
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Congratulations.
Thanks!! I'm going to Erie. Did you already apply?
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Yes I did to both, still on waiting it's been about 3 weeks since everything was sent
Best of luck to you! If all goes well I'll be seeing you around Erie next summer!
Hey everyone,
MCAT: 25N (11V, 6P, 8B)
Science GPA: 3.42
Non Science GPA: 3.77
Overall GPA: 3.62
Dual major (biology and psychology), Lots of shadowing, +1000 hours of community service, Research, TA, Volunteer in local ER
I really want to go to DO school, but I know that my MCAT might not cut it. I applied to 16 schools, but my tops are WVSOM, NSUCOM, VCOM (carolina), LECOM (bradenton), KCUMB. Any thoughts?
MCAT: 25N (11V, 6P, 8B)
Science GPA: 3.42
Non Science GPA: 3.77
Overall GPA: 3.62
Dual major (biology and psychology), Lots of shadowing, +1000 hours of community service, Research, TA, Volunteer in local ER
I really want to go to DO school, but I know that my MCAT might not cut it. I applied to 16 schools, but my tops are WVSOM, NSUCOM, VCOM (carolina), LECOM (bradenton), KCUMB. Any thoughts?
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Your GPA is above average which will compensate for the MCAT. That 6 in PS though may throw up some red flags. I'm not sure which schools screen out 6's or below on the MCAT section. You might want to do a search so you don't waste money on secondaries for those schools if you haven't done them already.
Otherwise, your ECs look solid, GPA is great, and MCAT (overall) is average. The only thing I can think that you might lack is leadership experience, but I'm sure you have that somewhere and just didn't mention it here. 🙂
You have a great shot! Best of luck. 😎
Thanks for taking the time to respond. As part of my community service I have several leadership positions, but I am worried about that 6. The only school so far that has told me that they typically require a minimum of 7 in each section is KCUMB. But they prescreen before sending out secondaries and I still received one. I called to make sure it wasn't a mistake and they said that if they feel that an applicant is "competitive" in every other category they may override that requirement. I'm wondering if thats just a way to get my money or if I really have a chance. Any thoughts?
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I also know someone with a 6 that got interviewed there. Fill it out! 🙂
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MCAT 26R (6ps/10v/10bs)
cGPA: 3.44, sGPA 3.3
Applied late July (I know 🙄), received secondaries last week from MSUCOM, CCOM, Western, OUCOM, AZCOM, PCOM, NSUCOM and NYCOM.
Great LORs and ECs.
So much to do in so little time with all these supplementals, and of course I have school going on concomitantly 😱 Hopefully I get an interview or two.
Best of luck to all of you!!
cGPA: 3.44, sGPA 3.3
Applied late July (I know 🙄), received secondaries last week from MSUCOM, CCOM, Western, OUCOM, AZCOM, PCOM, NSUCOM and NYCOM.
Great LORs and ECs.
So much to do in so little time with all these supplementals, and of course I have school going on concomitantly 😱 Hopefully I get an interview or two.
Best of luck to all of you!!
I'm in a similar situation. I applied in June, but I didn't get my MCAT score until September. I luckily was able to find most of the secondary essay prompts on SDN and wrote them before I received my secondaries. I now have all my secondaries in. I also have a similar MCAT score and I've been told that a 6 in one section may eliminate us from consideration at some schools. I think you'll get some interviews. Good luck.
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I know people accepted with 6's so stay positive.
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I know that the 6 will eliminate us from some schools, but I also have talked to admissions counselors at the schools I'm interested in, and they've all said not to worry about that. Best of luck to you, and I definitely envy your completed status!
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Congratulations!
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Interview invite to PCOM-GA!!! Yay 🙂
October is turning out to be a very busy month (but in a good way)!🙂
October is turning out to be a very busy month (but in a good way)!🙂
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congrats!!
im really happy for u but...my stats are a littttleee better than u i think and i have NO interviews 🙁
infact one rejection already and one hold for interview 🙁
i applied to PCOM GA also ...really hoping for an interview there.
was there anything else in ur application that really stood out? like amazing extracurriculars or something?
im sure you are a good candidate dont take me wrong..but just wondering 🙂
Ive been following this thread for a while and finally decided to post and join!🙂
cGPA: 3.496
sGPA 3.29
MCAT 25Q (V8/P8/B9)
Solid LORs from a Do and profs, lots of ECs (American Red Cross Intern, hospital volunteer, organization predisdent/board positions, research, etc ), but due to family/personal issues in the past year, I ended up with a C in Orgo, a C+ in Orgo2 (after having to take a withdraw fail), and a C+ in Microbiology.
Submitted my application to 19 schools on August 25th, so just waiting for it to get verified, which will hopefully be sometime soon!
cGPA: 3.496
sGPA 3.29
MCAT 25Q (V8/P8/B9)
Solid LORs from a Do and profs, lots of ECs (American Red Cross Intern, hospital volunteer, organization predisdent/board positions, research, etc ), but due to family/personal issues in the past year, I ended up with a C in Orgo, a C+ in Orgo2 (after having to take a withdraw fail), and a C+ in Microbiology.
Submitted my application to 19 schools on August 25th, so just waiting for it to get verified, which will hopefully be sometime soon!
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Laiba,
I haven't gotten any interviews yet either, just deferred at 1 school and waiting on others....just gotta stay patient and hope for the best🙂
I haven't gotten any interviews yet either, just deferred at 1 school and waiting on others....just gotta stay patient and hope for the best🙂
Ive been following this thread for a while and finally decided to post and join!🙂
cGPA: 3.496
sGPA 3.29
MCAT 25Q (V8/P8/B9)
Solid LORs from a Do and profs, lots of ECs (American Red Cross Intern, hospital volunteer, organization predisdent/board positions, research, etc ), but due to family/personal issues in the past year, I ended up with a C in Orgo, a C+ in Orgo2 (after having to take a withdraw fail), and a C+ in Microbiology.
Submitted my application to 19 schools on August 25th, so just waiting for it to get verified, which will hopefully be sometime soon!
Hi Bird! Thanks for posting.
You're stats are a little on the low side (I'm sure you know this, as you're posting in the underdog thread, lol) but if you look at the crazy amount of interviews the underdogs have, you should feel really comfortable! I'm sure you'll get one somewhere.
While you're waiting to get verified (which should be soon since it's been about a month since submitting), you should start pre-writing your secondaries. It'll help A LOT, trust me. 🙂 Best of luck!
And Laiba, stay strong... the interview season isn't even close to over. Just stay proactive on your application and with the schools. 😉
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Congrats...You were truly an underdog.
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Don't worry, no offense taken here....I can understand your curiosity, so hopefully I can shed some light onto some of my background without blowing my cover. Just like you can't judge a book by its cover, you can't judge a med school applicant solely by 3 numbers and luckily adcoms look at more than our cover. I like to think of a GPA like a recipe, where we can all make a fantastic dish but the way we make it will vary greatly and thus the result will be very different. We all have a unique story that makes us who we are and what makes us a promising med school candidate.
With that being said, my personal recipe was a dual major in a difficult engineering program at a top engineering school. I had to pay for school myself and so I worked multiple jobs at the same time every semester I was in school. I also participated in varsity athletics, numerous EC's and leadership positions on campus, research, and fundraising. I volunteered a lot of time during college and after college through various organizations. I also have a good deal of experience living, studying, and working abroad.
I am a non-traditional applicant so I have many years of, what I would consider, pretty unique and challenging work experience. I work on average 50 hours per week and recently completed a post bacc program and earned an A in every class except for one. I also continue to volunteer and shadow doctors while working and while applying to school.
I hope some of that info helps put things into perspective and of course there are other things I am omitting in order to help keep some anonymity. I am not familiar with your story (other than the 3 numbers 😉)but keep in mind it is still VERY early in the application cycle since most schools still interview heavily into the winter and spring. Good luck to you and hopefully you will hear something positive real soon!
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Excellent!!! Awesome Job! It must feel so amazing to have an acceptance this early. You have truly overcome! Hopefully we can all follow in your footsteps soon 😀
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I'm curious if this is considered "late" in the app cycle if you've submitted secondaries and still haven't heard anything? I know it's later in the cycle to just apply to AACOMAS but what about hearing about interviews?
I keep seeing a lot of acceptances on threads from folks but no interview invites for me yet, i'm just panicking a little.
3.2 cGPA/ 3.2 sGPA/ 23Q MCAT (10 V--7 BS--6 PS)
Non-trad with what I think is very interesting work history and EC's
Strong LOR's
I keep seeing a lot of acceptances on threads from folks but no interview invites for me yet, i'm just panicking a little.
3.2 cGPA/ 3.2 sGPA/ 23Q MCAT (10 V--7 BS--6 PS)
Non-trad with what I think is very interesting work history and EC's
Strong LOR's
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- Resident [Any Field]
All depends on when you sent your secondaries in... adcoms are pretty busy right now as they are filtering the bulk of the apps for this cycle. You could be getting looked at alot as your MCAT is on the low side and you have a section below a 7. Keep your head up though.
Thanks. It feels great to get accepted in spite of the marginal stats. It will feel good to be in medical school....where everyone starts out at the exact same place with regards to grades and test scores. I will be sure to make it a point of not letting my undergrad stats be indicative of how I do during med school, as I'm sure all the underdogs will.
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- Pre-Health (Field Undecided)
I just started volunteering at a hospital last week. Should I update my application now or is it wise to wait for some time to accumulate a more hours first?
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- Medical Student
I'm right there with you. No invites yet, and I have been in full-out panic mode for a while now 🙁 It probably makes it worse getting on here every day and seeing others get invites, but I just can't stop.
