The 2011-2012 Underdog Thread

[DrWily]

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Deadpool, who were you at AZCOM? We interviewed the same day.

 

[Deadpool786]

Deadpool, who were you at AZCOM? We interviewed the same day.

I was the brown guy from Tucson, how about yourself?

 

[DrWily]

I was the brown guy from Tucson, how about yourself?

I don't really have a good way to describe myself to make me stand out lol. I was the white guy from San Diego. I didn't sit on the couches in the waiting room, but at the table with 3-4 other gentlemen. Had a blue tie with white pindots and charcoal gray suit.

 

[Deadpool786]

I don't really have a good way to describe myself to make me stand out lol. I was the white guy from San Diego. I didn't sit on the couches in the waiting room, but at the table with 3-4 other gentlemen. Had a blue tie with white pindots and charcoal gray suit.

haha you guys were the only one i didn't have a chance to talk to, but hey i will most likely see you in fall 2012 since this school is one of our top choices. I am cancelling all of my other interviews besides western pomona, I want to check it out since my parents live an hour drive from there.

Congrats on your acceptance!!

 

[DrWily]

haha you guys were the only one i didn't have a chance to talk to, but hey i will most likely see you in fall 2012 since this school is one of our top choices. I am cancelling all of my other interviews besides western pomona, I want to check it out since my parents live an hour drive from there.

Congrats on your acceptance!!

Lol yea I cancelled all mine as well. Still waiting for Pomona to send me an interview invite! Maybe I'll see you next year. Congrats to you as well 👍

 

[koala37]

The mcat is exactly why I thought I'm an underdog for AZCOM. Regardless, I want to put my stats out there so people can know they are not only accepting those with high mcat scores.

i was put on hold for an interview with my stats. guess my mcat was just too low for AZCOM. they take the best set of scores right? my best overall score was a 24, gpa 3.76, sgpa 3.7. i have a feeling they weight the mcat much more than gpa cuz i am a classic example

 

[ethiobirds]

I was accepted this morning to MSUCOM, my first choice! 😀😀😀 again my stats;

3.46 sGPA, 3.55cGPA, 26 MCAT! Underdog right here!!

You can do it!!!! 👍👍

 

[ManBroDude]

On hold at Western COMP-NW (Lebanon) until my next set of grades come in. Better than being rejected! Time to ace biochem and advanced Japanese/Anthropology!

You can do it! I'm acing biochem right now too. Arigato, Mr. Roboto!

 

[ManBroDude]

I was accepted this morning to MSUCOM, my first choice! 😀😀😀 again my stats;

3.44 sGPA, 3.5cGPA, 26 MCAT! Underdog right here!!

You can do it!!!! 👍👍

Are you a Michigan resident? I only ask because I'm wondering what you'll do about tuition if you're OOS. (that's what I'm trying to weigh)

 

[drgioiadds]

I was accepted this morning to MSUCOM, my first choice! 😀😀😀 again my stats;

3.44 sGPA, 3.5cGPA, 26 MCAT! Underdog right here!!

You can do it!!!! 👍👍

I will see you this summer!! congrats!

 

[beatenupcase]

I was accepted this morning to MSUCOM, my first choice! 😀😀😀 again my stats;

3.44 sGPA, 3.5cGPA, 26 MCAT! Underdog right here!!

You can do it!!!! 👍👍

How is your EC if you don't mind sharing?

 

[ethiobirds]

Are you a Michigan resident? I only ask because I'm wondering what you'll do about tuition if you're OOS. (that's what I'm trying to weigh)

Yes, I've been a Spartan all my life! MSU's OOS tuition truly is unfortunate, but I hope you choose a school you love over one with lower tuition--you'll have enough to pay it off soon enough : ).

I will see you this summer!! congrats!

Congrats to you, I look forward to it!

How is your EC if you don't mind sharing?

Upwards of 1600 volunteer hours and around 900 EC. Le sigh. Glad it paid off!

 

[FuturePharm21]

Don't give up guys!!!

I had a 23 MCAT, 3.59 Cumulative GPA, and 3.33 Science GPA...but I got accepted!!!

Apply early to schools with similar stats and anything is possible!!

CLASS of 2016---I'm going to be a doctor in 4 years!!! wooo hooo

 

[DrWily]

Don't give up guys!!!

I had a 23 MCAT, 3.59 Cumulative GPA, and 3.33 Science GPA...but I got accepted!!!

Apply early to schools with similar stats and anything is possible!!

CLASS of 2016---I'm going to be a doctor in 4 years!!! wooo hooo

Grats 👍👍

 

[vandyam]

Don't give up guys!!!

I had a 23 MCAT, 3.59 Cumulative GPA, and 3.33 Science GPA...but I got accepted!!!

Apply early to schools with similar stats and anything is possible!!

CLASS of 2016---I'm going to be a doctor in 4 years!!! wooo hooo

Congrats, I was pulling for ya 🙂

 

[fan786]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 26Q MCAT Science GPA: 3.52 Cumuliative: 3.67.

I have an interview and LECOM- bradenton and have sumbitted my secondaries to DMU, CCOM, ATSU-MO, and LECOM- Erie

I still have secondaries from NYCOM (recevied only in Sept, they don't interview until Nov), MSU, AZCOM, Tourcocom-NY, and KCUMB. Should I still submit my secondaries or is it too late in the cycle?

 

[DrWily]

You're good to go. Submit asap if you have an interest in those schools. It's not too late!

CCOM is the same as AZCOM. Copy and paste! (and change a tiny bit 😉 )

 

[DJack]

Did a general update to the front page. Lots of interviews and acceptances during October-- just goes to show how important it is to apply early!!

Also, I did hear back from my interview. I was placed on the alternate list. Not a rejection, but a bummer nonetheless. I think they were apprehensible about my MCAT, which is understandable.

I probably won't hear much else from schools until after this semester- There are some waiting for my grades so it will be pretty quiet for me these next few months.

Great job overall though everyone. Underdogs are kickin' butt!!

Oh and if you have an acceptance at a school you don't want to attend, do us all on the waitlist a favor and let them know you aren't interested 😉

 

[Phoebe87]

Just got the call that I have been accepted to Umdnj-som!!!!! If I can do it anyone can, I was an ultimate underdog!!! Good luck everyone🙂

 

[dbizzy]

Did a general update to the front page. Lots of interviews and acceptances during October-- just goes to show how important it is to apply early!!

Also, I did hear back from my interview. I was placed on the alternate list. Not a rejection, but a bummer nonetheless. I think they were apprehensible about my MCAT, which is understandable.

I probably won't hear much else from schools until after this semester- There are some waiting for my grades so it will be pretty quiet for me these next few months.

Great job overall though everyone. Underdogs are kickin' butt!!

Oh and if you have an acceptance at a school you don't want to attend, do us all on the waitlist a favor and let them know you aren't interested 😉

Can you add me to the list, my stats were posted a page or so back. Thanks 👍

 

[Rose002]

So just to update, I began this cycle considering myself and underdog... My MCAT is a 25N... I have a good GPA and Strong EC... but I was sure my MCAT would kill me... I am happy to report; however, that I was just accepted in to my fourth school (KCUMB, VCOM, KCOM, LECOM) and I just declined an interview invitation from LMU. Moral of the story... Never give up! If I can do it, anyone can. Go underdogs! (oops... I just realized I posted this through my girlfriends user name... my user name is alexjeisenberg)

 

[Iliketoytles]

Congrats Rose!!

 

[dbizzy]

Congrats on all the acceptances. It would definitely help to know which of these acceptances are to their in-state schools that give at least somewhat preferential treatment to in-state or local residents. That's not to take away from the acceptances, it's just some of these stats may give a false sense of security to non-local kids applying to these schools.

 

[Rose002]

Congrats on all the acceptances. It would definitely help to know which of these acceptances are to their in-state schools that give at least somewhat preferential treatment to in-state or local residents. That's not to take away from the acceptances, it's just some of these stats may give a false sense of security to non-local kids applying to these schools.

I'm a Florida resident... so none. (oops... I just realized I posted this through my girlfriends user name... my user name is alexjeisenberg)

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

Overall and science GPA 3.18, Post-bacc work c3.83, s3.91 (79 credits), MCAT 26Q (7ps, 10bs, 9vr)

Accepted to LECOM Erie, PBL pathway

 

[ethiobirds]

Did a general update to the front page. Lots of interviews and acceptances during October-- just goes to show how important it is to apply early!!

Also, I did hear back from my interview. I was placed on the alternate list. Not a rejection, but a bummer nonetheless. I think they were apprehensible about my MCAT, which is understandable.

I probably won't hear much else from schools until after this semester- There are some waiting for my grades so it will be pretty quiet for me these next few months.

Great job overall though everyone. Underdogs are kickin' butt!!

Oh and if you have an acceptance at a school you don't want to attend, do us all on the waitlist a favor and let them know you aren't interested 😉

I'm not on the list 🙁 Haha I'm sure it's a meticulous job keeping up with all the updates, no worries!

 

[Hershi]

anyone know the answer to this ......I am considering retaking a class or two to bring up my gpa, through UNECOM's online program. When you retake undergrad classes- do they have to be at the same institution? UNECOM'S online is perfect for me because an online program will fit in well with my crazy schedule.

 

[ethiobirds]

anyone know the answer to this ......I am considering retaking a class or two to bring up my gpa, through UNECOM's online program. When you retake undergrad classes- do they have to be at the same institution? UNECOM'S online is perfect for me because an online program will fit in well with my crazy schedule.

Talk to your advisor. At my school, taking courses at another institution will get you credits but GPA does not carry over, so your purpose of boosting it wouldn't be fulfilled. Your school may be different and nobody on SDN can say, so definitely a question for an advisor!

 

[drgioiadds]

Overall and science GPA 3.18, Post-bacc work c3.83, s3.91 (79 credits), MCAT 26Q (7ps, 10bs, 9vr)

Accepted to LECOM Erie, PBL pathway

Congratulations! Hard work paid off. I've been following your journey as its similar to mine. Non traditional, similar MCAT. I was told everything from retake the MCAT to do a post bacc to prove I could still handle science courses even though I've been a medical professional for 10 years. It only takes one school to give you a chance and value what you have to offer. I give props to all non traditionals accepted!!

 

[DrWily]

^^

I'm assuming you have graduated already. If you are retaking courses, just make sure that the course descriptions are similar, and that the Semester Hours (Units) are either equal or more than the class you are replacing. I emphasize semester hours because if you have any quarter classes, you need to convert them to semester hours.

 

[Hershi]

^^

I'm assuming you have graduated already. If you are retaking courses, just make sure that the course descriptions are similar, and that the Semester Hours (Units) are either equal or more than the class you are replacing. I emphasize semester hours because if you have any quarter classes, you need to convert them to semester hours.

yes I graduated 2 years ago. I have a 3.06 science and 3.21 cum gpa. Some schools are saying its too low so I was considering retaking maybe bio 1 and 2 and/or chem 1 and 2 to bring it up. I mean it wouldnt be by a lot but its something. I have a SMP Masters degree too with a 3.50 but it seems like even thats not enough. So frustrating!

 

[DrWily]

yes I graduated 2 years ago. I have a 3.06 science and 3.21 cum gpa. Some schools are saying its too low so I was considering retaking maybe bio 1 and 2 and/or chem 1 and 2 to bring it up. I mean it wouldnt be by a lot but its something. I have a SMP Masters degree too with a 3.50 but it seems like even thats not enough. So frustrating!

I just got into AZCOM with a 2.96 sGPA and 3.14 cGPA.. so it's possible. My ECs are pretty average, maybe even low by SDN standards. Only redemption is high MCAT (33)

 

[Hershi]

I just got into AZCOM with a 2.96 sGPA and 3.14 cGPA.. so it's possible. My ECs are pretty average, maybe even low by SDN standards. Only redemption is high MCAT (33)

yeah- thats the problem the mcat isnt helping me here either.even though I know my material well (SMP helped solidify a lot) I still cant overcome it for some reason. must retake yet again- lets just say its ultimately my last shot at it because well too many retakes doesnt get you anywhere even when you try different methods ..praying all goes well

 

[DrWily]

yeah- thats the problem the mcat isnt helping me here either.even though I know my material well (SMP helped solidify a lot) I still cant overcome it for some reason. must retake yet again- lets just say its ultimately my last shot at it because well too many retakes doesnt get you anywhere even when you try different methods ..praying all goes well

Well what's the problem if you know the material? timing issues, anxiety, what's causing you to not score as high as you hope? Also what was your breakdown if you don't mind?

 

[IamKing]

Congrats IamKing!!! How long did it take to hear back from WVSOM? I interview there soon and am getting excited since this is a top pick for me 🙂

Sorry for the late response GlimmerGlass, they got back after about a week. They were really fast. Only 8 people interviewed the day that I was there.

I was impressed by the school, but I feel like its a little far from home for
me. The Dean is pretty cool and a magician. If you can sneak something in about Magic at the interview it will work in your favor. 😉

Also, I wanted to clarify that I got an interview at Western-Pomona but I have yet to receive an acceptance. I have been accepted at AZCOM though.

Keep up the good work underdogs!! 😀

 

[SesameStreetDoc]

Hey Underdogs -

I have been complete at most schools since late August and have heard *nothing* from any of them. I am wondering if a Letter of Interest might be in order. Have any of you written one? I just want to reiterate my interest and point out why I am a good candidate, but of course I don't want to be a brown nose or a kiss*ss or anything weird.

I just think it's strange that I've got great ECs, tons of medical experience, (and, well, underdog stats) and I am seeing other underdogs not only getting interviews but getting acceptances, and I haven't heard a peep.

Have any of you used this line of communication (LOI)? What did it say? How do I word this without being weird? Should I even send one? Or just call and ask how things are going with my applications?

I'm freaking out.

 

[DrWily]

Hey Underdogs -

I have been complete at most schools since late August and have heard *nothing* from any of them. I am wondering if a Letter of Interest might be in order. Have any of you written one? I just want to reiterate my interest and point out why I am a good candidate, but of course I don't want to be a brown nose or a kiss*ss or anything weird.

I just think it's strange that I've got great ECs, tons of medical experience, (and, well, underdog stats) and I am seeing other underdogs not only getting interviews but getting acceptances, and I haven't heard a peep.

Have any of you used this line of communication (LOI)? What did it say? How do I word this without being weird? Should I even send one? Or just call and ask how things are going with my applications?

I'm freaking out.

You could call and ask about your application status. It never hurts. If you want to send a letter, typically a letter of interest will also have some updates on what you're currently doing, or have done since submitting your primary application. Any new classes, any new volunteer experiences, shadowing, etc. Without updates, a letter of interest doesn't really hold much weight. They know you're interested, that's why you applied. I'd give them a call and see whats going on.

 

[Helicase1Z]

Accepted to WVSOM!

 

[getoutofgrenada]

Accepted to WVSOM!

congrats!

 

[Phoebe87]

Interview invite at COMP-Northwest. Not sure if I should schedule it if I have been accepted into my top choice??

 

[ksmajmudar]

Looks like I got waitlisted by UMDNJ-SOM. Not upset at all, since I'm very excited for KCUMB, but it's just a little strange to get waitlisted by the school that I figured I had the best chance of getting into. Also, it was the school I worked hardest for (went to the open house, met with the director of admissions, got a LOR from a UMDNJ-SOM alumnus)...

Oh well! Que sera sera 🙄

 

[DrWily]

Interview invite at COMP-Northwest. Not sure if I should schedule it if I have been accepted into my top choice??

If there's any chance you would go there at all, then go. If not, save your money.

 

[420005]

Thank you guys

 

[dbizzy]

Hey Guys, I am so happy to say that I will be starting medical school in the fall. I am proof that numbers do not define a person's character. To all my fellow underdogs, applying early is very important but being diverse and unique in volunteer service and personality far outshines the MCAT and GPA. I had a MCAT below 22 and a GPA above a 3.8. Don't give up, you can do it, be hopeful, optimistic, and most of all, humble!

I definitely wouldn't say that they outshine MCAT and GPA. At the end of the day, you're still the exception to the rule, but I'm sure that the extras on your app and overall package caught someone's eye enough for them to take a risk on you. But congrats👍

 

[drgioiadds]

Hey Guys, I am so happy to say that I will be starting medical school in the fall. I am proof that numbers do not define a person's character. To all my fellow underdogs, applying early is very important but being diverse and unique in volunteer service and personality far outshines the MCAT and GPA. I had a MCAT below 22 and a GPA above a 3.8. Don't give up, you can do it, be hopeful, optimistic, and most of all, humble!

What school did you get accepted to? Congrats!

 

[SesameStreetDoc]

You could call and ask about your application status. It never hurts. If you want to send a letter, typically a letter of interest will also have some updates on what you're currently doing, or have done since submitting your primary application. Any new classes, any new volunteer experiences, shadowing, etc. Without updates, a letter of interest doesn't really hold much weight. They know you're interested, that's why you applied. I'd give them a call and see whats going on.

I do have one new class that I just completed and two new letters of recommendation that I'd like to "highlight" in a LOI. they're both from academics, which is why I'd like to point them out (I'm non-traditional and haven't been in school for a while).

 

[drgioiadds]

Looks like I got waitlisted by UMDNJ-SOM. Not upset at all, since I'm very excited for KCUMB, but it's just a little strange to get waitlisted by the school that I figured I had the best chance of getting into. Also, it was the school I worked hardest for (went to the open house, met with the director of admissions, got a LOR from a UMDNJ-SOM alumnus)...

Oh well! Que sera sera 🙄

I completely understand -- similar experience with KCUMB. Congrats on KCUMB, I really liked the school and it would have been tough to decide between KCUMB and MSU.

 

[ksmajmudar]

I completely understand -- similar experience with KCUMB. Congrats on KCUMB, I really liked the school and it would have been tough to decide between KCUMB and MSU.

Thanks! Congrats to you too on the MSU acceptance, it's a great school from what I understand.

Are you planning to go into maxillofacial surgery, ENT, or some sort of specialty that combines both of your degrees?

 

[drgioiadds]

Thanks! Congrats to you too on the MSU acceptance, it's a great school from what I understand.

Are you planning to go into maxillofacial surgery, ENT, or some sort of specialty that combines both of your degrees?

Actually, I'm interested in primary care, bariatrics and sports medicine. My DO mentor was a KCUMB alumni (who practices primary care with a focus on exercise and nutrition), will be featured in there next publication the communicator. I was actually interviewed about him for that article.

I don't know if I'll give up dentistry completely. I plan on keeping my license valid and possibly working at a friends 1 day every 2 weeks if I can to make a little extra money while I'm in school. That's the beauty of MSU Detroit Campus. I can be in Canada in 5 min!

 

[dntke1518]

I don't think I was ever added, but I would love to be added to the underdogs!!

c- 3.21
s- 3.18
27Q

Accepted: ATSU-KCOM
Waitlisted: DMU-COM