Ok the people with high gpas and decent MCATs dont need to act like trolls and go on the underdog thread to post that you're an underdog when you are not. It's offensive to the real underdogs. Plus if you are a failed MD applicant and just doing DO because you did mediocre on the mcat, you dont belong here either. Just saying.
The 2011-2012 Underdog Thread
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I wouldn't say they are trolls, they just don't research things properly. Believe it or not I know college seniors in my molecular biochem classask me what I want to be, and when I say DO they respond, I thought you wanted to be a doctor.
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No! we cannot shoot ourselves because the DO schools need us...the underdogs. Sometimes I feel like the users that post on here with the high stats above 3.6 are just wanting to make the underdogs maaad 😡 and loose their hope of getting in!
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This... or they are disillusioned into thinking that they need a 4.0 and 30+ to get in. They are forgetting the other parts of the application, i.e. who they are. I know admissions counselors who would take a 3.4 and a 24MCAT over the above stats if the applicants heart wasn't in the right place.
I heard a story of John Hopkins rejecting a 4.0 and 42 MCAT because he was too full of himself. Will he make a smart doc? Sure, but I rather have a physician whose heart is in the right place and ACTUALLY cares for me over a stuck up snob anyday.
I digress, if you are ever, EVER, running low on motivation or feeling that you aren't good enough, look at last years underdog thread. If your heart is in medicine, you will make it here, you just have to find the right path to take. I'll be around to cheer you on, good luck guys!
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I apologize if I offended anyone. I honestly didn't mean to be condescending to anyone. When you love medicine and know that it's what you want to do for the rest of your life you can easily stress yourself out and become paranoid in such a strenuous process. 
My MCAT score isn't that great, it's actually below average, that's why I thought I could be considered an "underdog". But I will continue to follow up on this thread because seeing such motivated people keeps me motivated and I wish you all the best of luck in the application process. I can tell that many posters here have a great drive and passion to get into medical school, I wish the best for all of you! 😍
My MCAT score isn't that great, it's actually below average, that's why I thought I could be considered an "underdog". But I will continue to follow up on this thread because seeing such motivated people keeps me motivated and I wish you all the best of luck in the application process. I can tell that many posters here have a great drive and passion to get into medical school, I wish the best for all of you! 😍
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This is my first post. I've been lurking around for quite some time but I was afraid to post due to my unspectacular statistics.
- 3.33 sgpa, 3.4 cgpa with mcat score coming in mid-August.
- ~150 hrs clinical experience, ~ 40 hrs shadowing (only DO)
- English is my second language
Definitely need to be included in this list 🙂
I was also hoping if anyone could advise me on which schools I should apply to. Thanks and good luck to everyone!
- 3.33 sgpa, 3.4 cgpa with mcat score coming in mid-August.
- ~150 hrs clinical experience, ~ 40 hrs shadowing (only DO)
- English is my second language
Definitely need to be included in this list 🙂
I was also hoping if anyone could advise me on which schools I should apply to. Thanks and good luck to everyone!
I apologize if I offended anyone. I honestly didn't mean to be condescending to anyone. When you love medicine and know that it's what you want to do for the rest of your life you can easily stress yourself out and become paranoid in such a strenuous process.
My MCAT score isn't that great, it's actually below average, that's why I thought I could be considered an "underdog". But I will continue to follow up on this thread because seeing such motivated people keeps me motivated and I wish you all the best of luck in the application process. I can tell that many posters here have a great drive and passion to get into medical school, I wish the best for all of you! 😍
No worries, we understand but you have to admit your stats are decent. You'll get in this year if you put forth the right foot. 🙂
Advising you on what schools is kinda hard. Where do you want to live and practice? Where do you see yourself going to school? Do you want an newer school or and older one with a reputation? Compare your stats to the schools stats once you see your MCAT score. Is there anywhere where you have a connection or where you have family? What do you want to practice? Rural or city? How much do you want to lay out for your education? etc. etc. etc. These are but a few of the questions you need to ask yourself as you apply. If you can answer these questions, it will help you answer which school you would like to go to.
Thanks for the response. I have already narrowed my choices down based on geological settings, but I'm just worried since I don't think I am in a situation to be picky.
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Too quiet on my end. I have four secondaries submitted with three more being submitted tonight/tomorrow.
I want an Interview Invite!
Is it weird that besides the possibility of getting accepted, I also want a new suit and an invite would justify the cost?
I want an Interview Invite!
Is it weird that besides the possibility of getting accepted, I also want a new suit and an invite would justify the cost?
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I've gotta join these underdog ranks! Gave up my acceptance to an optometry school and finally realized D.O. was were I wanted to be. Consider it my quarter-life crisis.
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hey all, i'm new to the board but have found this underdog thread very helpful so far. i just wanted to introduce myself.
stats:
cGPA: 3.2
sGPA: 3.2
MCAT: waiting on score (July 29 test date)
-100+ volunteer hours over the past year
-interesting "past career" story..hopefully.
ideally looking to be accepted at OUHCOM or LECOM-E
VERY nervous!
stats:
cGPA: 3.2
sGPA: 3.2
MCAT: waiting on score (July 29 test date)
-100+ volunteer hours over the past year
-interesting "past career" story..hopefully.
ideally looking to be accepted at OUHCOM or LECOM-E
VERY nervous!
Welcome aboarddd! How are your practice tests for the MCAT looking?
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welcome aboard
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Hey Guys this is my first post, long-time network surfer. I would definitely be considered a member of the Underdog team. 3.18/3.25/24R
My grades unfortunately took a hit due to some engineering and calculus classes, but I turned it around with a very strong upward trend my last 3 years of college.
Good luck to everyone!!
My grades unfortunately took a hit due to some engineering and calculus classes, but I turned it around with a very strong upward trend my last 3 years of college.
Good luck to everyone!!
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OUHCOM, huh? Are you from Ohio?? If so, represent!! haha.
Haha. Best of luck to you
Good luck to you! Nice writing score 👍
Kill your MCAT!
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Also, it's been eerily quiet on the med school front for me... I feel like after hearing something from a med school almost everyday, I haven't heard anything for a while. Kinda freaking me out. Anyone else feel this way??
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Yes I do but I've been matching up interview dates with complete dates and it seems my spot in line is coming up.😎
representin' Ohio here...but not the buckeyes...yuk.
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NICE! congrats Dr. Wily!
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Someone sent me a message asking me how I have gotten so many interviews so far. I figured I might as well post my answer here.
I actually am very surprised to have as many interview as I do so far--I'm hoping that my luck doesn't dry up, but I am very happy to have what I do right now.
I almost cried after receiving my first interview invite at LECOM-B. I feel like I have come such a long way long way since starting out with a 2.6 cumulative GPA freshman year, and starting out with very low practice MCAT scores on the first few AAMC's I took.
I think my success is partly due to the fact that I have done everything I possibly could to make up for my low GPA. I have letters of recommendation from two DO's, I have a year's worth of experience working as an EMT, and volunteer projects that I created myself. However, it is really hard to pinpoint exactly what admissions committees like in my application--I will probably get a better idea after attending my first interview.
Interviews do not equal acceptances so I know that there is a long way to go for me. I am just hoping for that one acceptance. An acceptance from any school will really be a dream come true to me.
Keep that flame alive underdogs!
I actually am very surprised to have as many interview as I do so far--I'm hoping that my luck doesn't dry up, but I am very happy to have what I do right now.
I almost cried after receiving my first interview invite at LECOM-B. I feel like I have come such a long way long way since starting out with a 2.6 cumulative GPA freshman year, and starting out with very low practice MCAT scores on the first few AAMC's I took.
I think my success is partly due to the fact that I have done everything I possibly could to make up for my low GPA. I have letters of recommendation from two DO's, I have a year's worth of experience working as an EMT, and volunteer projects that I created myself. However, it is really hard to pinpoint exactly what admissions committees like in my application--I will probably get a better idea after attending my first interview.
Interviews do not equal acceptances so I know that there is a long way to go for me. I am just hoping for that one acceptance. An acceptance from any school will really be a dream come true to me.
Keep that flame alive underdogs!
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Hey guys, it's my first post but I have been reading along with the underdogs for a while now.
My stats are:
cGPA:3.15
sGPA:2.91
29R
And I have shadowed a DO.
I am super nervous and am hoping that my sGPA doesn't completely kill me.
My stats are:
cGPA:3.15
sGPA:2.91
29R
And I have shadowed a DO.
I am super nervous and am hoping that my sGPA doesn't completely kill me.
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Hello underdogs!
Just wanted to share a little motivation with you for a minute.
I don't know how many of you followed last year's underdog thread. It was epic, we really cleaned up IMO.
If you look up my stats I was about as underdog as they come GPA wise. In fact I may have had the lowest GPA of any of last year's accepted underdogs. Well part of being an underdog for admissions, at least for me, was a nagging feeling of uneasiness about whether or not I had what it takes to succeed in the basic sciences. I'd heard horror stories about how class averages were in the mid 70's on exams; combine that with the fact that I was well below average GPA wise when compared to my classmates and you might understand where my anxiety was coming from.
I took my first exam recently, it was a hellish comprehensive exam covering all of the subjects we've learned in basic sciences lately: Molecular Bio, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Immunology, and Pathology. The test was 115 questions, written COMLEX style, with 2.25 hours to complete it. We'd been informed a few days earlier that the previous class averaged a 74 on this particular test, 70 is the minimum passing grade, their class high was 86.
Needless to say, I was nervous.
I just got my score back and I'm pleased to report that I made a score in the mid 80's. Not only did I pass, but I beat the average for my class too. I'm extremely happy with the outcome and I'm feeling great.
Just want to give you guys some motivation. You'll all do awesome cause you'll appreciate the opportunity to even attend so much more than others might. Go out there and kill it this admissions cycle everyone!
SLC
Just wanted to share a little motivation with you for a minute.
I don't know how many of you followed last year's underdog thread. It was epic, we really cleaned up IMO.
If you look up my stats I was about as underdog as they come GPA wise. In fact I may have had the lowest GPA of any of last year's accepted underdogs. Well part of being an underdog for admissions, at least for me, was a nagging feeling of uneasiness about whether or not I had what it takes to succeed in the basic sciences. I'd heard horror stories about how class averages were in the mid 70's on exams; combine that with the fact that I was well below average GPA wise when compared to my classmates and you might understand where my anxiety was coming from.
I took my first exam recently, it was a hellish comprehensive exam covering all of the subjects we've learned in basic sciences lately: Molecular Bio, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Immunology, and Pathology. The test was 115 questions, written COMLEX style, with 2.25 hours to complete it. We'd been informed a few days earlier that the previous class averaged a 74 on this particular test, 70 is the minimum passing grade, their class high was 86.
Needless to say, I was nervous.
I just got my score back and I'm pleased to report that I made a score in the mid 80's. Not only did I pass, but I beat the average for my class too. I'm extremely happy with the outcome and I'm feeling great.
Just want to give you guys some motivation. You'll all do awesome cause you'll appreciate the opportunity to even attend so much more than others might. Go out there and kill it this admissions cycle everyone!
SLC
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When were you complete at the schools? Any plans on retaking some of those sGPA classes from your undergrad?
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SLC, that's great! I must admit that is one of my fears as I had to put so much into my physics to get an A and into my general chems for two Bs. I have been concerned about the basic science classes. I aced A&P and Micro. Have taken a few pharmacy classes via nursing, but those look like a kiddies board book when I compared it to a medical pharmacy book. Keep the posts coming! Help us prepare for what's ahead. And go Underdogs! Hum, I may have to create a T-Shirt for this group!
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Got an email from RVUCOM, "Thanks, but no thanks. Let us know if you look better on paper in the next months."
Not really how it was worded, they hadn't even gotten my MCAT, but will reconsider if my score is 'notable'. 1st rejection of the cycle, gotta start somewhere.
Not really how it was worded, they hadn't even gotten my MCAT, but will reconsider if my score is 'notable'. 1st rejection of the cycle, gotta start somewhere.
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Got an email from RVUCOM, "Thanks, but no thanks. Let us know if you look better on paper in the next months."
Not really how it was worded, they hadn't even gotten my MCAT, but will reconsider if my score is 'notable'. 1st rejection of the cycle, gotta start somewhere.
That sucks...sorry to hear that. What was your GPA?
I suppose if I don't get accepted anywhere this round I will, but I am not sure how I would really go about that, seeing as how I graduated from my undergrad already. Can you do it at another University, my undergrad is way to expensive to return?
I don't know how AdComms look at the uGPA and the gGPA. That 2.5 sGPA during undergrad might be getting you auto-screened. You can do retakes at any accredited college (even community college) as long as the course descriptions are relatively the same, and the NEW class is equal or greater in units than the old class. Cannot be less units no matter what.
Thank you! I did not know I could do that. Pre-screened for interviews? or secondaries? My graduate sgpa bought my cumulative science up to a 3.0.
Oh whoops, I read your initial post wrong. So you have secondaries in and just waiting for interviews? Yea, all you can do is waittt.. Maybe send them a letter of intent in a month or so saying you REALLLYY wanna get in and highlight some things that make you unique and what you have been up to since submitting your application.
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They responded and said, "You got that letter b/c there was no MCAT on file." So, I'm not out of the running with them yet.
You'd think they'd just say that instead of sending what looks like a rejection.
I have a 3.3 cGPA, so I was like, "WTF?"
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Been lurking for quite some time but after getting back the score of my 2nd MCAT attempt yesterday, I figured it's time to finally make a post. Same terrible score (I mean that literally) as last year. It was my achilles heel for last year and will continue to be this year. That test and I just don't get along, lol. I applied early and broadly, as I did last year. Trying to keep my head up!
Nevertheless, I wanted to wish everyone good luck and give my sincerest congratulations on those who have received interviews so far! I have been keeping my fingers crossed for 2 years now and my interview suit is waiting in the closet but it has just been collecting dust. Watching everyone get interview invites makes me really happy but also just makes me realize I am gonna be passed up again this year. Hoping for the best.
Nevertheless, I wanted to wish everyone good luck and give my sincerest congratulations on those who have received interviews so far! I have been keeping my fingers crossed for 2 years now and my interview suit is waiting in the closet but it has just been collecting dust. Watching everyone get interview invites makes me really happy but also just makes me realize I am gonna be passed up again this year. Hoping for the best.
What are your stats?
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Damn. That MCAT holding you back, if only you could get it to like a 24-25 at least!
What do you think is wrong with your MCAT test taking? Lack of understanding of the material, timing issues, ????
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No need to remind me about needing a more competitive score 🙂
However, I am confident that it is not a lack of understanding, I just have never been a good standardized test taker. Personally, I think the material in the MCAT is straightforward but presented in a very complex round-about way, that is setup to confuse you, not to test the actual understanding of the material. Unfortunately, I am preaching to the choir for those who have been unable to master this test. In my opinion, Adcom's put way too much emphasis on this score. For these committees to say they consider the WHOLE application is simply not true. If that was truly the case, I firmly believe I would have a handful of interviews by now. Without getting in the specifics of my application, I have had it reviewed by many people and the only thing that I (they) can find is my MCAT score as the 600ft red flag.
Either way, I am not going to make excuses for why this and why that, I just am doing my best to be as outstanding as possible in every other area and hopefully 🙂xf🙂 someone will give me the opportunity to present myself in person.
p.s. thanks for allowing me to gripe to the fullest.
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I agree. My MCAT is mediocre. I've been told that 1-2 more points would be a huge difference. (3.76 s/c gpa, professional degree, 25 mcat). However, I do have a couple interviews.
I apologize.
While AdComms do say they look at the whole application, there are systems in place to auto-reject people who don't meet the minimum "requirements." Have you taken any prep classes? The MCAT really isn't about testing knowledge like you said. It's about testing critical thinking and applying the knowledge. Maybe you just need some help in test taking tricks/tips?
I do wish you luck this cycle, but I know that you will have a much greater chance if you could improve your score this upcoming year and get in next year. Study again for it now while you're waiting to hear back. If you really want to be a physician, do whatever it takes!
