The 2011-2012 Underdog Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
3.2 cGPA 2.8 sGPA [=(] 25R [=/] on my first MCAT. Delaying application 'til next cycle so I guess I shouldn't be posting in this thread.
 
scummie said:
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.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I am planning on taking again in January. Then I should preemptively schedule a retake in April/May-ish?
 
Updated the front page. Lookin good everyone! Best of luck at all your interviews!

On another note, I have literally not heard anything from a single med school for a solid three weeks. No rejections, no secondary apps, no confirmations, no interview invites. Weird. Just waiting for my new MCAT score...
 
Thanks for the support all.

As for what I did differently.

Both times I used the Kaplan MCAT 2010/2011 Premier Book as a study tool, however, the first time around I self-diagnosed my weak points and skipped around the book. Then I got a 24L.

This humbling score made me realize that I might not even know my own weak points so I read the book front to back, not skipping a single page, and taking notes all the while.

Also there are several comprehensive loose-leaf sheets that summarize the main concepts of each section that come with the book and I memorized that.

Also, this may not seem very important, but the night before my first MCAT I was stressed, in a cheap motel room and ate a crappy breakfast (gas station sandwich on white bread, string cheese, etc.)

The second time around, I paid for a nice suite (much much much better sleep), and for breakfast I juiced 8 granny smith apples and that's it. This may seem trivial, but I strongly believe that what I eat for breakfast affects my thinking greatly.
 
Oh and for anyone who has yet to take the MCAT, I will stress like so many others that it is the relationship between variables in the equations that matters more than how to compute them necessarily.

For instance, PV=nRT, don't worry so much about memorizing the value of R or temperature conversions. Just know the algebraic relationship. Helped me memorize a lot more without filling my head with unnecessary info, and I performed minimal calculations on the exam.
 
3.12c 3.75s 25M

..Add me to the underdogs
 
DJack said:
Updated the front page. Lookin good everyone! Best of luck at all your interviews!

On another note, I have literally not heard anything from a single med school for a solid three weeks. No rejections, no secondary apps, no confirmations, no interview invites. Weird. Just waiting for my new MCAT score...
Click to expand...

Hang in there DJack!! I haven't heard from any of the schools that I am completed at either...how depressing...
 
Thanx so much everyone. Thhis is unbelievable. I can't explain it lol but u guys either understand or will soon.

Toytles. Got into lecom erie LDP
 
Dr Yiot said:
Thanx so much everyone. Thhis is unbelievable. I can't explain it lol but u guys either understand or will soon.

Toytles. Got into lecom erie LDP
Click to expand...
Congrats...What LDP stands for?
 
Updated front page with recent acceptances and messages I've gotten. Congrats all! Especially you, Dr. Yiot! I know how hard you worked for it!

We have four acceptances! Oh and... it's only September 1st. Hopefully by the end of October we will have a lot more red on the front page!


Temperature101 said:
Congrats...What LDP stands for?
Click to expand...

Lecture discussion pathway.
 
I haven't been on here for a while but I frequented this thread last year and I want to give encouragement to those who consider themselves "underdogs" (i like to use "underdawgs" lol) in this process. I applied last cycle (pretty late) and didn't get any interviews. I've been accepted to LECOM this cycle and I want you to know that with some determination and knowledge about how this application process works you CAN GET IN!!! My advice:
1. Apply early! Don't wait until you get your MCAT scores, transcripts, etc. Fill out the application as soon as you can so once those things are sent in, you're complete. Forming a timeline early can help you set deadlines and decrease stress.
2. In the meantime, do some work or take some classes that sincerely interest you as well as strengthen your application. Your job or degree or volunteer work doesn't have to be directly medical, maybe you like coaching a sport or are interested in setting up a book drive. Activities like these show that you have leadership skills and initiative. They also allow you to learn about yourself and how you interact with people in various settings!...which leads me to #3....
3. BE YOURSELF! On your application essay and during the interview. It takes all types of people to make the world go round and there's no reason to feel like there's a specific "cookie-cutter type" that schools are looking for. Be confident. You can do this 🙂

Good luck to all the UNDERDAWGS out there....if I can do it, you can do it, it's only a matter of strategy, patience, and hard work 🙂
 
MzAllie said:
I haven't been on here for a while but I frequented this thread last year and I want to give encouragement to those who consider themselves "underdogs" (i like to use "underdawgs" lol) in this process. I applied last cycle (pretty late) and didn't get any interviews. I've been accepted to LECOM this cycle and I want you to know that with some determination and knowledge about how this application process works you CAN GET IN!!! My advice:
1. Apply early! Don't wait until you get your MCAT scores, transcripts, etc. Fill out the application as soon as you can so once those things are sent in, you're complete. Forming a timeline early can help you set deadlines and decrease stress.
2. In the meantime, do some work or take some classes that sincerely interest you as well as strengthen your application. Your job or degree or volunteer work doesn't have to be directly medical, maybe you like coaching a sport or are interested in setting up a book drive. Activities like these show that you have leadership skills and initiative. They also allow you to learn about yourself and how you interact with people in various settings!...which leads me to #3....
3. BE YOURSELF! On your application essay and during the interview. It takes all types of people to make the world go round and there's no reason to feel like there's a specific "cookie-cutter type" that schools are looking for. Be confident. You can do this 🙂

Good luck to all the UNDERDAWGS out there....if I can do it, you can do it, it's only a matter of strategy, patience, and hard work 🙂
Click to expand...

How late in the cycle did you apply the first time?
 
I would like to be added. I applied late last year (Complete late December) and got one interview and many rejections. This year I applied earlier so hopefully we will be seeing some better results. So far I have one interview, hopefully more start rolling in soon. Regardless here are my stats:

cGPA: 3.21 sGPA: 3.18 MCAT: 27Q (7P, 10V ,10B)

Good luck all!
 
How late in the cycle is now if you are completed in most schools?
 
I don't think its late at all if you are complete. Last year my application didn't complete until march because I took the mcat in january and I was able to interview at 2 schools - both wait listed with no success. This year I applied day 1 and have more interviews. My MCAT is average so I don't think its too late.
 
I hope you're right because I still haven't gotten any interviews yet 🙁
 
Last year I was verified in October and submitted secondaries (only 3) in November.
 
Dr Yiot said:
accepted class of 2016!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

I haven't posted much this application season, but I just want to say that if you display even a fraction of the compassion you did for your dog to your future patients, they will be lucky to have you as their physician. 👍
 
poopyhead said:
I haven't posted much this application season, but I just want to say that if you display even a fraction of the compassion you did for your dog to your future patients, they will be lucky to have you as their physician. 👍
Click to expand...

+1 to this. I never commented on any of your posts about your dog Yiot, but be assured I read them and got that lumpy feeling at the back of my throat, lol.

Congrats again on your acceptance!!! You deserve it buddy. 👍
 
Dr Yiot said:
accepted class of 2016!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Nice!!!!! I am subscribed to this thread and when I woke up this morning to the new posts, I have to say I was pumped to see that you got it!
... I was not pumped when I woke up from my dream where KCUMB had sent me an email telling me I was in and that they didn't need to interview me! Anyhow, congrats again!
 
Do you guys know if there are any schools who will send you interviews or acceptances via postal mail and not also email or phone calls? My mail is forwarded to another address so I have a 3 week lag time and want to make sure I am not missing anything. Thanks!
 
interview invites at lecom erie and touro nv!!
 
Iliketoytles said:
congrats! Hope to see you at the LECOM erie one.

May I ask when you were complete at touro NV?
Click to expand...


i sent in the secondary as soon as i got it... um i think i was complete early august..

when is ur lecom interview? mines is in early nov...
 
925native said:
i sent in the secondary as soon as i got it... um i think i was complete early august..

when is ur lecom interview? mines is in early nov...
Click to expand...

Mine too. It was the earliest available date... I think november 11th or something?
 
Soon to be a member of this thread ...low gpa...awaiting new mcat scores but you all bring hope !
 
1234569 said:
OK, thanks a bunch 🙁
Click to expand...

1234569, I have to respectfully disagree with Iliketoytles. I think you should complete secondaries for every school that sent you one. It is good experience, because next year when (if) you need to reapply, you'll know what to expect from the process. If you can afford it, of course. Then, when/if they reject you, call/email every one of them and ask them why they rejected you and how you can improve your competitiveness. It may be something you know, or maybe not. It may be something you need to hear from a school (not your inner voice and not SDN). Either way, you will learn from it. That is what schools want, yes? Someone who learns from their failures, not someone who walks away at the first sign of adversity.

Keep your chin up and be positive. As my dad would say, "don't let the bastards get you down!!" 😉
 
SesameStreetDoc said:
1234569, I have to respectfully disagree with Iliketoytles. I think you should complete secondaries for every school that sent you one. It is good experience, because next year when (if) you need to reapply, you'll know what to expect from the process. If you can afford it, of course. Then, when/if they reject you, call/email every one of them and ask them why they rejected you and how you can improve your competitiveness. It may be something you know, or maybe not. It may be something you need to hear from a school (not your inner voice and not SDN). Either way, you will learn from it. That is what schools want, yes? Someone who learns from their failures, not someone who walks away at the first sign of adversity.

Keep your chin up and be positive. As my dad would say, "don't let the bastards get you down!!" 😉
Click to expand...

I completely agree with you SesameStreetDoc. And don't worry, I enjoy when people disagree with me. 😉

My main reason for stating that 1234569 should apply next cycle is the financial side of it. It's obvious to me, as a reapplicant, that reapplying does not decrease your chance of getting interviews. I don't think DO schools really care if you reapply, as long as you show growth. I should've been more clear about this in my previous post, so my apologies. If you have the money, feel free to go for it... because, as Sesame stated, you may either get an interview/acceptance or at the very least it will prepare you for next application cycle. Applying in general (primary, secondaries) can get kind of expensive though, and especially since your applying late it is a risk that your throwing it all down the drain. BUT, like I said before... if it's not an issue, go for it!! 😀

I hope I didn't make you feel bad about my first post. lol
 
DJack said:
Updated front page with recent acceptances and messages I've gotten. Congrats all! Especially you, Dr. Yiot! I know how hard you worked for it!

We have four acceptances! Oh and... it's only September 1st. Hopefully by the end of October we will have a lot more red on the front page!




Lecture discussion pathway.
Click to expand...

TwinsFan said:
Congrats!
Click to expand...

poopyhead said:
I haven't posted much this application season, but I just want to say that if you display even a fraction of the compassion you did for your dog to your future patients, they will be lucky to have you as their physician. 👍
Click to expand...

Iliketoytles said:
+1 to this. I never commented on any of your posts about your dog Yiot, but be assured I read them and got that lumpy feeling at the back of my throat, lol.

Congrats again on your acceptance!!! You deserve it buddy. 👍
Click to expand...

CopToEM said:
So Phillies fans CAN be physicians!?
Click to expand...

DrSBR said:
Nice!!!!! I am subscribed to this thread and when I woke up this morning to the new posts, I have to say I was pumped to see that you got it!
... I was not pumped when I woke up from my dream where KCUMB had sent me an email telling me I was in and that they didn't need to interview me! Anyhow, congrats again!
Click to expand...

GlimmerGlass said:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!🙂
It has been a long road but worth it right now I am sure!!
Click to expand...

ksmajmudar said:
Great news! Congratulations, you're gonna rock med school like no other 👍
Click to expand...

HockeyDr09 said:
Congrats man, glad to hear it.👍
Click to expand...
thanks so much everyone. my dog has another 4 weeks of bed rest then we will see how much of a recovery she made.

cop to em. thats cold man. straight up cold. but yes they can be physicians.

hockey doc, thanks man. i might pm you for some questions about LECOM if you dont mind. I really fell in love with the school while I was there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

chilly_md
*The Official Osteopathic Underdawgs Thread 2025-26*
Replies
0
Views
1K
chilly_md
chilly_md
chilly_md
  • Sticky
*~*~Official AACOMAS Questions Thread 2025-2026~*~*
Replies
19
Views
5K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
A
  • Locked
should i call the med schools?
Replies
9
Views
1K
Goro
Goro
R
RVU-MCOM, take the A?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Ho0v-man
Ho0v-man
Mr.Smile12
The secret DO handshake???
Replies
1
Views
2K
Goro
Goro
Top Bottom