The Official "Where should I apply?" thread 2014-2015

[DrDreams]

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Im scheduled to take it 8.27. I was asking because I was going to submit on Friday.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Im scheduled to take it 8.27. I was asking because I was going to submit on Friday.

Why are you applying so early?

 

[DrDreams]

Why are you applying so early?

I thought my stats weren't stellar, so I wanted to apply early. By the time I get my score back I do not think I will have the early advantage with my application. I have a 5-6 withdrawals on my transcripts

 

[lab0990]

cGPA: 3.81
sGPA: 3.72
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 7/9/10 August 2012 (26R)

ECs: Tri-Beta, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Cardinal Key, Alpha Chi, Honors Program

Preferences: Midwestern. Good rural program. Financial Aid readily available.

Any other considerations: Graduated May 2013 Magna Cum Laude, iis from DMU and ATSU last year. DMU 2nd Q alt list. Rejected from ATSU. (Applied last day of the cycle last time, fixing that this time around) Will begin CNA classes August 12th. August 2013-June 2014 worked for a science company in more of a paper pushing capacity.

School list:
1. DMU
2. KCUMB
3. ATSU
4. RVU
5. WVSOM
6. UP-KYCOM
7.LMU-DCOM
8. CCOM/MWU

 

[chizledfrmstone]

cGPA: 3.81
sGPA: 3.72
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 7/9/10 August 2012 (26R)

ECs: Tri-Beta, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Cardinal Key, Alpha Chi, Honors Program

Preferences: Midwestern. Good rural program. Financial Aid readily available.

Any other considerations: Graduated May 2013 Magna Cum Laude, iis from DMU and ATSU last year. DMU 2nd Q alt list. Rejected from ATSU. (Applied last day of the cycle last time, fixing that this time around) Will begin CNA classes August 12th. August 2013-June 2014 worked for a science company in more of a paper pushing capacity.

School list:
1. DMU
2. KCUMB
3. ATSU
4. RVU
5. WVSOM
6. UP-KYCOM
7.LMU-DCOM
8. CCOM/MWU

You have a good GPA and respectable MCAT.

Are you asking if your list is fine or what schools you can add?

 

[lab0990]

You have a good GPA and respectable MCAT.

Are you asking if your list is fine or what schools you can add?

A little bit of both.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

A little bit of both.

ACOM? Campbell? PCOM-GA? MU-COM? Touro Nevada? VCOM?

You could probably get Western U on there too if you wanted.

 

[lab0990]

ACOM? Campbell? PCOM-GA? MU-COM? Touro Nevada? VCOM?

You could probably get Western U on there too if you wanted.

I thought those (well, some of them anyway) were a little out of my league? MU requires a Sociology class for entering 2015, sadly.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

I thought those were a little out of my league?

You're applying to DMU and CCOM but you think WU is out of your league?

PM me if you're interested in applying to WU and need assistance.

 

[greenflash5]

do not bother with MD. remove OU-HCOM, UNECOM. Add any of these: NSU, Touro-NY, ACOM, MUCOM, CUSOM

thanks for the opinion. why do you think I shouldn't apply to OU-HCOM and UNECOM? I'd be fine with ditching OU-HCOM because of the 5 yr contract dealio, but I'm into UNECOM. I also went to UC Berkeley if it helps make any case for my sub-par gpa. NSI GPA is 3.52. I just make the bottom 10th percentile for the 5 MD schools for mcat and gpa.
If money isn't an issue why don't you think I should apply to them? I got secondaries for all except Albany as of yet. thanks for the advice!

 

[hojjung33]

cGPA: 3.25
sGPA: 3.23
(will be retaking some classes this Fall2014.. )
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 9/8/8 25

EC: 200 hr hospital volunteering
60 hrs volunteer in Children hospital in Korea
10 days volunteer in Swaziland, Africa
800 hr Christian Fellowship club
60 hr community service director for a club
40 hr shadowing primary doctors

School list:
1. Marian
2. ACOM
3. LECOM
4. PCOM-Georgia (maybe?)
5. CUSOM
6. WCU
7. KYCOM

I am resident in Indiana.. Can anyone help me with forming a list of schools to apply? Which schools should I take out? which schools should I add. I am planning to apply 10+ schools but not sure where I should apply (since I do want to avoid regionally biased schools)


Thanks!

 

[chizledfrmstone]

thanks for the opinion. why do you think I shouldn't apply to OU-HCOM and UNECOM? I'd be fine with ditching OU-HCOM because of the 5 yr contract dealio, but I'm into UNECOM. I also went to UC Berkeley if it helps make any case for my sub-par gpa. NSI GPA is 3.52. I just make the bottom 10th percentile for the 5 MD schools for mcat and gpa.
If money isn't an issue why don't you think I should apply to them? I got secondaries for all except Albany as of yet. thanks for the advice!

OU-HCOM is a state school and takes 85% IS. UNECOM has regional bias too. Do you have ties to the area or a good amount of ECs?

If money isn't a problem then apply to as many schools as you want.


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[chizledfrmstone]

cGPA: 3.25
sGPA: 3.23
(will be retaking some classes this Fall2014.. )
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 9/8/8 25

EC: 200 hr hospital volunteering
60 hrs volunteer in Children hospital in Korea
10 days volunteer in Swaziland, Africa
800 hr Christian Fellowship club
60 hr community service director for a club
40 hr shadowing primary doctors

School list:
1. Marian
2. ACOM
3. LECOM
4. PCOM-Georgia (maybe?)
5. CUSOM
6. WCU
7. KYCOM

I am resident in Indiana.. Can anyone help me with forming a list of schools to apply? Which schools should I take out? which schools should I add. I am planning to apply 10+ schools but not sure where I should apply (since I do want to avoid regionally biased schools)


Thanks!

What's your MCAT?


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[hojjung33]

What's your MCAT?


25 (BS- 8/VR - 8/ PS- 9)

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Look at the first post in this thread.

Add the schools you like.

Look at the list with instate bias, take those out (except WVSOM). Look at the stats and see which ones are high.

Come back when you have 10 and we will add remove at that point.


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[hojjung33]

Look at the first post in this thread.

Add the schools you like.

Look at the list with instate bias, take those out (except WVSOM). Look at the stats and see which ones are high.

Come back when you have 10 and we will add remove at that point.


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Here's my new list: (I live in Indiana)

WCU
CUSOM
ACOM
Marian
KYCOM
LMU-DCOM
WVSOM
PCOM-GA
ATSU
LECOM-E

What do you think?
I know my stats are not so good .. but hopefully after retake.. my GPA would go up to
3.3-3.4

 

[user3]

Here's my new list: (I live in Indiana)

WCU
CUSOM
ACOM
Marian
KYCOM
LMU-DCOM
WVSOM
PCOM-GA
ATSU
LECOM-E

What do you think?
I know my stats are not so good .. but hopefully after retake.. my GPA would go up to
3.3-3.4

apply to both KCOM and SOMA. I would also throw in Touro-NV, VCOM-Auburn, and NSU.

 

[yanks26dmb]

cGPA:3.3x (huge upward trend, 3.5 gpa over last 120 hours)
sGPA:3.5x
post-bacc GPA: 3.9 (includes 75% of pre-reqs + some upper division)
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 30 (11/9/10)

EC's: non-trad entrepreneur with leadership experience, tons of volunteer hours, history working with the under served, great DO letter.

Right now my list is...

Touro CA
Western - Pomona
AZCOM
AT Still - Arizona
NOVA
CCOM
LECOM Bradenton
RVU
Touro NY

Ideally, I'd like to be in California for residency. Does that make going to western or touro-ca imperative? Should I add any other schools? I really, realllly don't want to go to a school in the middle of nowhere, i.e. pikesville. Any suggestions welcomed!

 

[user3]

cGPA:3.3x (huge upward trend, 3.5 gpa over last 120 hours)
sGPA:3.5x
post-bacc GPA: 3.9 (includes 75% of pre-reqs + some upper division)
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 30 (11/9/10)

EC's: non-trad entrepreneur with leadership experience, tons of volunteer hours, history working with the under served, great DO letter.

Right now my list is...

Touro CA
Western - Pomona
AZCOM
AT Still - Arizona
NOVA
CCOM
LECOM Bradenton
RVU
Touro NY

Ideally, I'd like to be in California for residency. Does that make going to western or touro-ca imperative? Should I add any other schools? I really, realllly don't want to go to a school in the middle of nowhere, i.e. pikesville. Any suggestions welcomed!

Chances outstanding for all schools except CCOM

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Chances outstanding for all schools except CCOM

And even for CCOM they are still high, just not "outstanding," simply because they are such a popular school.

 

[yanks26dmb]

And even for CCOM they are still high, just not "outstanding," simply because they are such a popular school.

Are there any other "top tier" DO schools I should include? Though I admit, I'm having a tough time determining what constitutes "top tier".

Basically, I want to improve my odds of landing a good residency (ideally in CA). What would you recommend?

 

[FutureOncologist]

William Carey has a STRONG emphasis on MS state residents. You don't have to be in state to get in, but if you have no ties to Mississippi, then you might as well not apply.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Are there any other "top tier" DO schools I should include? Though I admit, I'm having a tough time determining what constitutes "top tier".

Basically, I want to improve my odds of landing a good residency (ideally in CA). What would you recommend?

Any of the original 5. Typically the older schools tend to have more money, better rotations, more alumni (so more people to rotate with). So essentially with better scores you can apply to the older schools. All of the schools are roughly the same for years 1+2. You smash your head against books until the knowledge is absorbed. But years 3 and 4 are where the money is at. Like you compared lets say PCOM to LMU. Its just that PCOM, because it is like 100+ years old, will tend to have more connections with larger hospitals because they have been around longer. They have had a lot more time to troubleshoot with certain locations and also have been able to make connections with good rotations because of previous alumni.

Realistically in the grand scheme of things all DO schools are at the bottom of the tier (with regards to DO vs MD). You would be fighting for the school that is in 175th place vs 178th place in medical school rankings. But realistically there can be pretty remarkable differences between the rotations that you get from some of the older DO schools. Those better rotations translate into an easier time getting into more competitive residencies (a lot of times but not always).

However there are a coupe of new schools that have promised REALLY good connections with rotation spots. MUCOM, CUSOM, and ACOM come to mind....

So like look at the AACOM list of schools and just go down the list. Typically the older schools are "better" with regards to what I suggested above.

 

[yanks26dmb]

Any of the original 5. Typically the older schools tend to have more money, better rotations, more alumni (so more people to rotate with). So essentially with better scores you can apply to the older schools. All of the schools are roughly the same for years 1+2. You smash your head against books until the knowledge is absorbed. But years 3 and 4 are where the money is at. Like you compared lets say PCOM to LMU. Its just that PCOM, because it is like 100+ years old, will tend to have more connections with larger hospitals because they have been around longer. They have had a lot more time to troubleshoot with certain locations and also have been able to make connections with good rotations because of previous alumni.

Realistically in the grand scheme of things all DO schools are at the bottom of the tier (with regards to DO vs MD). You would be fighting for the school that is in 175th place vs 178th place in medical school rankings. But realistically there can be pretty remarkable differences between the rotations that you get from some of the older DO schools. Those better rotations translate into an easier time getting into more competitive residencies (a lot of times but not always).

However there are a coupe of new schools that have promised REALLY good connections with rotation spots. MUCOM, CUSOM, and ACOM come to mind....

So like look at the AACOM list of schools and just go down the list. Typically the older schools are "better" with regards to what I suggested above.

Thanks for that lengthy response. I'll look into some of those older programs.

Last thing - do you think I need to include some safeties or should my list as is be good enough for multiple acceptances?

 

[pericardium]

Hi everyone! Awesome thread.

cGPA: 3.16
sGPA: 3.14
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 11/10/11 = 32

ECs:

2 Years as an EMT ~3000 hrs
4 Months as a cardiology tech ~600 hours
200 hrs clinical volunteering

Not sure if this counts as an EC or what, but I'm starting a paramedic school in the fall

Preferences:
I know for my sub-par GPA, this might be a little demanding, but 2 things are important to me:

-Lower cost of attendance / tuition
-School with good reputation, or school with quality rotations
-Would also prefer a place that's not too humid if possible.

Any other considerations:

Strong upward trend, 3.65 cGPA, 3.56 sGPA in my last 80 units
CA resident, attended higher ranked UC
School list:

I haven't finished the list, so I'm hoping you guys could help me out

Touro CA
Western CA
DMU
CCOM
OSUCOM
ATSU-KCOM
KCUMB (If I can get my GPA up in time with retakes)

 

[user3]

Hi everyone! Awesome thread.

cGPA: 3.16
sGPA: 3.14
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 11/10/11 = 32

ECs:

200 hrs clinical volunteering
2 Years as an EMT ~3000 hrs
4 Months as a cardiology tech ~600 hours

Not sure if this counts as an EC or what, but I'm starting a paramedic school in the fall

Preferences:

I know for my sub-par GPA, this might be a little demanding, but 2 things are important to me:

-Lower cost of attendance / tuition
-School with good reputation, or school with quality rotations

Any other considerations:

Strong upward trend, 3.65 cGPA, 3.56 sGPA in my last 80 units
CA resident, attended higher ranked UC

School list:

I haven't finished the list, so I'm hoping you guys could help me out

Touro CA
Western CA
DMU
CCOM
OSUCOM
ATSU-KCOM
KCUMB (If I can get my GPA up in time with retakes)

TUNCOM
LECOM-E
LECOM-B
NSU

 

[pericardium]

Oops, meant to quote

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Thanks for that lengthy response. I'll look into some of those older programs.

Last thing - do you think I need to include some safeties or should my list as is be good enough for multiple acceptances?

Nah I think you are good, 9-10 schools is really good. And if you are interested I would definitely add a few low tier MD. If you have the money go 6-10 DO and 6-10 MD. You have good DO stats. For comparison, I have a 28 MCAT and a slightly higher GPA, with no post bacc and I have received secondaries from 9/10 schools already.... I dont imagine I will get interviews at all of them, but hopefully by the end of this I will have a couple acceptances in hand. You should definitely fare even better than I am doing with your stats. MD is a crap shoot, but realistically almost all DO schools (maybe not CCOM) are technically "safeties" with your stats.

 

[pericardium]

TUNCOM
LECOM-E
LECOM-B
NSU

Thanks for the quick reply! Can you or anyone rate my chances at these schools or any of my original schools?


Touro CA
Western CA
DMU
CCOM
OSUCOM
ATSU-KCOM
KCUMB (If I can get my GPA up in time with retakes)

 

[yanks26dmb]

Nah I think you are good, 9-10 schools is really good. And if you are interested I would definitely add a few low tier MD. If you have the money go 6-10 DO and 6-10 MD. You have good DO stats. For comparison, I have a 28 MCAT and a slightly higher GPA, with no post bacc and I have received secondaries from 9/10 schools already.... I dont imagine I will get interviews at all of them, but hopefully by the end of this I will have a couple acceptances in hand. You should definitely fare even better than I am doing with your stats. MD is a crap shoot, but realistically almost all DO schools (maybe not CCOM) are technically "safeties" with your stats.

Thanks man. Definitely going to apply to md programs, especially ones that place emphasis on last 120 hours or post bacc.

Problem is I won't be verified by amcas until mid-late august....will I simply be too late in the game to even bother spending the money?

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Hi everyone! Awesome thread.

cGPA: 3.16
sGPA: 3.14
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 11/10/11 = 32

ECs:

2 Years as an EMT ~3000 hrs
4 Months as a cardiology tech ~600 hours
200 hrs clinical volunteering

Not sure if this counts as an EC or what, but I'm starting a paramedic school in the fall

Preferences:
I know for my sub-par GPA, this might be a little demanding, but 2 things are important to me:

-Lower cost of attendance / tuition
-School with good reputation, or school with quality rotations
Any other considerations:

Strong upward trend, 3.65 cGPA, 3.56 sGPA in my last 80 units
CA resident, attended higher ranked UC
School list:

I haven't finished the list, so I'm hoping you guys could help me out

Touro CA
Western CA
DMU
CCOM
OSUCOM
ATSU-KCOM
KCUMB (If I can get my GPA up in time with retakes)

Yo double check that some of those schools dont autoscreen GPA. I know just off the top of my head that KCUMB autoscreens at 3.2 or 3.3.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Thanks man. Definitely going to apply to md programs, especially ones that place emphasis on last 120 hours or post bacc.

Problem is I won't be verified by amcas until mid-late august....will I simply be too late in the game to even bother spending the money?

Nah thats ok still I think. Especially if you have a state school and if all other aspects of your application are complete and ready to go. Again, either way its a crapshoot but it wouldnt hurt to try IF you have the money laying around. Or if you are content with DO and/or have no money, take your pick of DO schools heh.

 

[user3]

Thanks for the quick reply! Can you or anyone rate my chances at these schools or any of my original schools?


Touro CA
Western CA
DMU
CCOM
OSUCOM
ATSU-KCOM
KCUMB (If I can get my GPA up in time with retakes)

easily 5+ interviews. Western, CCOM and DMU are rather GPA-heavy and OSU prefers IS residents. KCUMB also has a cutoff of 3.25, supposedly. Still, it is worth applying to all of these due to your high MCAT and strong post-bac.

 

[zachdwphoto]

3.6 science GPA
3.4 overall GPA
No C's in Pre-req
6 years of being a surgical technologist
TA in gen chem and fresh BIO
shadowing in ER, CATH LAB, internist, FM, radiology
good LR's
MCAT 24 🙁 7/9/8
live in Indiana

thinking of applying to DMU, MUCOM, WVSOM, LECOM, OUCOM, MSUCOM, LMU-DSCOM

 

[doctorOP]

Hi everyone! Awesome thread.

cGPA: 3.16
sGPA: 3.14
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 11/10/11 = 32

ECs:

2 Years as an EMT ~3000 hrs
4 Months as a cardiology tech ~600 hours
200 hrs clinical volunteering

Not sure if this counts as an EC or what, but I'm starting a paramedic school in the fall

Preferences:
I know for my sub-par GPA, this might be a little demanding, but 2 things are important to me:

-Lower cost of attendance / tuition
-School with good reputation, or school with quality rotations
-Would also prefer a place that's not too humid if possible.

Any other considerations:

Strong upward trend, 3.65 cGPA, 3.56 sGPA in my last 80 units
CA resident, attended higher ranked UC
School list:

I haven't finished the list, so I'm hoping you guys could help me out

Touro CA
Western CA
DMU
CCOM
OSUCOM
ATSU-KCOM
KCUMB (If I can get my GPA up in time with retakes)

Have you looked into Stanford and UCSF? They have great medical programs that might fit you well. Best of Luck!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

3.6 science GPA
3.4 overall GPA
No C's in Pre-req
6 years of being a surgical technologist
TA in gen chem and fresh BIO
shadowing in ER, CATH LAB, internist, FM, radiology
good LR's
MCAT 24 🙁 7/9/8
live in Indiana

thinking of applying to DMU, MUCOM, WVSOM, LECOM, OUCOM….

You will need 12+ schools most likely. Your grades are good and the 6 years of clinical is awesome. All of the rest of your application looks good. The 24 is definitely not a death sentence. While a lot of schools definitely have averages higher than yours. You have to realize that the average encompasses both people with lower and higher scores. Usually the people with lower scores of good life experience and ECs which you definitely have.

I would really suggest to put a lot of your hopes into MUCOM. They are a newer school so their averages are a hair lower. They also happen to try and take 50% of their students from Indiana, so you are in luck that you get a little in-state favor. They really seem to have their stuff together. Heck, if I like them enough after visiting, I would be tempted to take them over some of the more well known schools.

Otherwise do not apply top heavy. DMU is top heavy. You might get some love from the others.

 

[zachdwphoto]

You will need 12+ schools most likely. Your grades are good and the 6 years of clinical is awesome. All of the rest of your application looks good. The 24 is definitely not a death sentence. While a lot of schools definitely have averages higher than yours. You have to realize that the average encompasses both people with lower and higher scores. Usually the people with lower scores of good life experience and ECs which you definitely have.

I would really suggest to put a lot of your hopes into MUCOM. They are a newer school so their averages are a hair lower. They also happen to try and take 50% of their students from Indiana, so you are in luck that you get a little in-state favor. They really seem to have their stuff together. Heck, if I like them enough after visiting, I would be tempted to take them over some of the more well known schools.

Otherwise do not apply top heavy. DMU is top heavy. You might get some love from the others.

Thanks a lot! Makes me feel a little better you liked MUCOM. I haven't visited. Should I try and make a visit? I agree though MUCOM is probably my best shot!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Thanks a lot! Makes me feel a little better you liked MUCOM. I haven't visited. Should I try and make a visit? I agree though MUCOM is probably my best shot!

I have not visited yet but I am definitely interested. Of all the new schools this one probably has the most promise in my opinion. If you look at their rotations for 3rd and 4th year it is very encouraging the type of relationships they have with some big name hospitals throughout Indiana. They also have good connections with Indiana University and other places so research is possible (which helps with more competitive specialties).

A visit would definitely not hurt. Maybe try and tour, schedule an appointment with a faculty to go over any questions or concerns you have, and to show some real interest. There is another thread currently discussing if visits help and people (including Goro who is an adcom at a DO school) suggest that visits are definitely beneficial.

Otherwise some other good bets would be ACOM, CUSOM, KYCOM, mayyybe KCOM (they tend to be a little more holistic than the other 4 original DO schools), maybe KCUMB (they have a tiny bit higher scores but they appreciate well rounded individuals such as yourself). You could look into PCOM-GA (the phili campus is out of your range), and then maybe VCOM-CC (not sure if the virginia campus would be out of your range). One of the LECOM campuses might give you some love, but just be aware of some of the goofy stuff about their programs before you accept (if you happen to have another acceptance in hand). There are others on the east coast and midwest that I personally could not suggest but if it means becoming a physician you could apply to (LUCOM, LMU, WCU). There are some schools out west but I will be honest I know almost nothing about the west coast schools since I never really considered going out west.

 

[zachdwphoto]

I have not visited yet but I am definitely interested. Of all the new schools this one probably has the most promise in my opinion. If you look at their rotations for 3rd and 4th year it is very encouraging the type of relationships they have with some big name hospitals throughout Indiana. They also have good connections with Indiana University and other places so research is possible (which helps with more competitive specialties).

A visit would definitely not hurt. Maybe try and tour, schedule an appointment with a faculty to go over any questions or concerns you have, and to show some real interest. There is another thread currently discussing if visits help and people (including Goro who is an adcom at a DO school) suggest that visits are definitely beneficial.

Otherwise some other good bets would be ACOM, CUSOM, KYCOM, mayyybe KCOM (they tend to be a little more holistic than the other 4 original DO schools), maybe KCUMB (they have a tiny bit higher scores but they appreciate well rounded individuals such as yourself). You could look into PCOM-GA (the phili campus is out of your range), and then maybe VCOM-CC (not sure if the virginia campus would be out of your range). One of the LECOM campuses might give you some love, but just be aware of some of the goofy stuff about their programs before you accept (if you happen to have another acceptance in hand). There are others on the east coast and midwest that I personally could not suggest but if it means becoming a physician you could apply to (LUCOM, LMU, WCU). There are some schools out west but I will be honest I know almost nothing about the west coast schools since I never really considered going out west.

Thanks again 🙂

 

[zachdwphoto]

I have not visited yet but I am definitely interested. Of all the new schools this one probably has the most promise in my opinion. If you look at their rotations for 3rd and 4th year it is very encouraging the type of relationships they have with some big name hospitals throughout Indiana. They also have good connections with Indiana University and other places so research is possible (which helps with more competitive specialties).

A visit would definitely not hurt. Maybe try and tour, schedule an appointment with a faculty to go over any questions or concerns you have, and to show some real interest. There is another thread currently discussing if visits help and people (including Goro who is an adcom at a DO school) suggest that visits are definitely beneficial.

Otherwise some other good bets would be ACOM, CUSOM, KYCOM, mayyybe KCOM (they tend to be a little more holistic than the other 4 original DO schools), maybe KCUMB (they have a tiny bit higher scores but they appreciate well rounded individuals such as yourself). You could look into PCOM-GA (the phili campus is out of your range), and then maybe VCOM-CC (not sure if the virginia campus would be out of your range). One of the LECOM campuses might give you some love, but just be aware of some of the goofy stuff about their programs before you accept (if you happen to have another acceptance in hand). There are others on the east coast and midwest that I personally could not suggest but if it means becoming a physician you could apply to (LUCOM, LMU, WCU). There are some schools out west but I will be honest I know almost nothing about the west coast schools since I never really considered going out west.

I haven't looked too much into LUCOM, LMU, and WCU. What are your qualms with these schools. I apologize if I'm not up to date on these schools

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I haven't looked too much into LUCOM, LMU, and WCU. What are your qualms with these schools. I apologize if I'm not up to date on these schools

LUCOM - some people bash it for some of the religious stuff and things it was founded on. I personally dont care about any of that, what I have a problem with is the fact that they set up in an area that does not really need a medical school; they set up without getting good rotation locations because of it. If you want an idea, look up MUCOM's clerkship locations (the fact that they have hospitals ranging from 30-800 beds and tons of different services and specialties in both urban and rural environments) vs LUCOM who has a couple of really crappy small places. Will they even have enough to provide adequate rotations for their students?? That is the question... basically I believe they set up too hastily.

LMU - This school is about 50/50 here on SDN. Half the people love the school and the other half really regret it. The area is ridiculously pretty and the school facilities are all fine, but again the meat of your medical school education is your clinical years. There has been a few people who have come out and said that their experiences at the LMU rotations have been really bad. They also have complained about a lack of help by faculty for getting other rotation spots.

WCU - Pretty much everything I know about this school is second hand, and realistically I dont know much about the school. But I have heard of troubles with both their clinical and pre-clinical years. If I recall (you definitely would want to double check), their COMLEX pass rates have not been very good, which is a sign of some bigger issues.

I am by no means an expert on these place, again really just going on reading some news and some second hand stuff on here.

 

[CINDIEE]

Please help me make a good list 😀
I am thinking about applying to 15 schools.
SGPA3.3
CGPA 3.4
MCAT 30 (12/6/12) ESL... :/

7 yrs research+lab technician (mouse surgeon)
DO and MD shadow total 300hrs
Decent LOR (no nonscience faculty LOR )
Md and DO LOR
Medical community service
Tutoring experience
Medical article translator
CA resident
Red flag- 1 F in developmental bio Retook and got a B-
3 dropped classes

PS - very strong

Really low verbal score.. which schools do I have a good chance at ?
Do I have a chance at Western U or Touro CA?..

Submitting my primary for verification today so not an early application I assume..

 

[user3]

Please help me make a good list 😀
I am thinking about applying to 15 schools.
SGPA3.3
CGPA 3.4
MCAT 30 (12/6/12) ESL... :/

7 yrs research+lab technician (mouse surgeon)
DO and MD shadow total 300hrs
Decent LOR (no nonscience faculty LOR )
Md and DO LOR
Medical community service
Tutoring experience
Medical article translator
CA resident
Red flag- 1 F in developmental bio Retook and got a B-
3 dropped classes

PS - very strong

Really low verbal score.. which schools do I have a good chance at ?
Do I have a chance at Western U or Touro CA?..

Submitting my primary for verification today so not an early application I assume..

outstanding chances at Touro-CA. strong chances at Western.

 

[doctorOP]

Please help me make a good list 😀
I am thinking about applying to 15 schools.
SGPA3.3
CGPA 3.4
MCAT 30 (12/6/12) ESL... :/

7 yrs research+lab technician (mouse surgeon)
DO and MD shadow total 300hrs
Decent LOR (no nonscience faculty LOR )
Md and DO LOR
Medical community service
Tutoring experience
Medical article translator
CA resident
Red flag- 1 F in developmental bio Retook and got a B-
3 dropped classes

PS - very strong

Really low verbal score.. which schools do I have a good chance at ?
Do I have a chance at Western U or Touro CA?..

Submitting my primary for verification today so not an early application I assume..

Have you thought about medical schools in korea? I heard they are less competitive.

 

[CINDIEE]

But they are not us accredited..?...are they?..

Have you thought about medical schools in korea? I heard they are less competitive.

 

[user3]

Have you looked into Stanford and UCSF? They have great medical programs that might fit you well. Best of Luck!

Have you thought about medical schools in korea? I heard they are less competitive.

what is your objective here?

 

[ToKingdomCome]

3.5 cGPA
3.4 sGPA
Strong upward trend at University
29 Mcat
500+ clinical volunteer hours
100+ nonclinical volunteer hours
100+ shadowing hours
1 semester research
Have worked part time in retail since 15yo
AZ resident with very strong ties to several midwest states.

Where I have applied:
DO:
AZCOM
CCOM
PCOM
DMUCOM
RVUCOM

MD:
Phoenix
Tucson
MN
IA
SD
MCW


What other schools should I add? I want to ensure I get a spot somewhere and will be picky after I have multiple acceptances. I am open to both MD and DO schools. They each have their benefits to me.
Thank you for your help.

Add nsu, western, marian, kcumb, touro nv and at soma

 

[baxt1412]

Demographics:
White
Middle Class
Nebraska residentCity (omaha) born and raised (same city whole life)
Went to a very small school in rural Kansas
No doctors in my family

Academics: (first sem, second sem)
Freshman: 3.567, 3.753
Sophomore: 3.347, 4.0 (study abroad in spain)
Junior: 3.914, 3.876
Senior: 3.323, 3.850


Cumulative: 3.705
Science GPA: 3.60


Lowest grade on transcript = B- in Biochem first semester senior year
8 Bs (include - and +) in sciences


MCAT: 8VR/7PS/9BS


Majors: BA Biology, BA Spanish (proficient in conversation, reading and writing)
Minor: Chemistry

EC in no particular order.. just how i thought of them:

• American Cancer Society - Relay for Life - Overall 2004-Current
• Two Mission trips to El Salvador over spring break (junior/senior year) - 2013/2014
  
• Volunteer at hospital back home summer of 2012 (discontinued because i returned to school and then research job listed below during summer 2013 - volunteered in the ER and radiation oncology
• Resident Assistant (RA) at school in freshman dorm (2 years) and a freshman/sophomore dorm (1 year)
• "Spooky Science Fun Bash" 2012, 2013 - "haunted" house in our science building for the community (city of 10k), sponsored by the Hunger Coalition
• Chemistry Club Treasurer 2013-2014 (Senior year)
• Vacation Bible School at my church 2009-2012 (stopped once i got a real summer job = research job)
• Organic synthesis research for one year - we were working on synthesizing a potential antibiotic based on squalamine (a fascinating molecule by the way) (did a poster presentation at my school)
• Powerlifting - was a way to stay active after quitting football (more later). This has become a very large part of my life and I have grown to be very close with my team. Have only had one competition, but won my weight class - have another in a month

Work

• Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) - University of Nebraska Medical Center - Paid research - Pancreatic cancer research - studied synergism between a novel chemotherapeutic developed by that lab in conjunction with clinically used chemo drugs. Did a poster presentation on UNMC campus (whole program did poster presentations)
• Currently a certified allergy technician - I allergy test patients and referrals from my providers and then make their immunotherapy medicine (allergy shots) and then train them on how to administer their own injections at home (it's kind of new to the field... we make the medicine less concentrated so its safer for them to bring it home. there was research done and it is actually 17 times safer than traditional allergy shots)

Shadowing

• 100s of hours between an oral surgeon (LOR), a transplant surgeon who is also the dean of an MD school, orthopedic, rheumatologist/immunologist, plastic surgeon

What I'm unsure about if to include and/or how:

• I played football for freshman and sophomore years. I just didn't have the time for it anymore and I didn't have the same passion for it anymore.
• two semesters of a 3.3 GPA
• kind of strange and erratic GPA
• obviously the MCAT is less than stellar

Overall the sports/health/anatomy part is what I am most interested in which is why I've been loving powerlifting as well.

LOR:

• The oral surgeon
• biology department chair/my 4 year advisor
• My school research professor/who I TA'd for
• PI from my pancreatic cancer research lab
• Dean from the medical school that I shadowed as a physician

What I think is setting me apart:

• I think a 3.7 cumulative is within the realm of good
• Two mission trips
• paid cancer research
• I think my letters are going to be really good.
• 3 year RA
• Spanish/Study Abroad
• really enthusiastic about my powerlifting

obviously a lot of people have a 3.7 and good letters, but i really think the other things make me unique.. but maybe i'm wrong lol
Any questions - I will try to answer as best as I can 🙂

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Demographics:
White
Middle Class
Nebraska residentCity (omaha) born and raised (same city whole life)
Went to a very small school in rural Kansas
No doctors in my family

Academics: (first sem, second sem)
Freshman: 3.567, 3.753
Sophomore: 3.347, 4.0 (study abroad in spain)
Junior: 3.914, 3.876
Senior: 3.323, 3.850


Cumulative: 3.705
Science GPA: 3.60


Lowest grade on transcript = B- in Biochem first semester senior year
8 Bs (include - and +) in sciences


MCAT: 8VR/7PS/9BS


Majors: BA Biology, BA Spanish (proficient in conversation, reading and writing)
Minor: Chemistry

EC in no particular order.. just how i thought of them:

• American Cancer Society - Relay for Life - Overall 2004-Current
• Two Mission trips to El Salvador over spring break (junior/senior year) - 2013/2014
  
• Volunteer at hospital back home summer of 2012 (discontinued because i returned to school and then research job listed below during summer 2013 - volunteered in the ER and radiation oncology
• Resident Assistant (RA) at school in freshman dorm (2 years) and a freshman/sophomore dorm (1 year)
• "Spooky Science Fun Bash" 2012, 2013 - "haunted" house in our science building for the community (city of 10k), sponsored by the Hunger Coalition
• Chemistry Club Treasurer 2013-2014 (Senior year)
• Vacation Bible School at my church 2009-2012 (stopped once i got a real summer job = research job)
• Organic synthesis research for one year - we were working on synthesizing a potential antibiotic based on squalamine (a fascinating molecule by the way) (did a poster presentation at my school)
• Powerlifting - was a way to stay active after quitting football (more later). This has become a very large part of my life and I have grown to be very close with my team. Have only had one competition, but won my weight class - have another in a month

Work

• Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) - University of Nebraska Medical Center - Paid research - Pancreatic cancer research - studied synergism between a novel chemotherapeutic developed by that lab in conjunction with clinically used chemo drugs. Did a poster presentation on UNMC campus (whole program did poster presentations)
• Currently a certified allergy technician - I allergy test patients and referrals from my providers and then make their immunotherapy medicine (allergy shots) and then train them on how to administer their own injections at home (it's kind of new to the field... we make the medicine less concentrated so its safer for them to bring it home. there was research done and it is actually 17 times safer than traditional allergy shots)

Shadowing

• 100s of hours between an oral surgeon (LOR), a transplant surgeon who is also the dean of an MD school, orthopedic, rheumatologist/immunologist, plastic surgeon

What I'm unsure about if to include and/or how:

• I played football for freshman and sophomore years. I just didn't have the time for it anymore and I didn't have the same passion for it anymore.
• two semesters of a 3.3 GPA
• kind of strange and erratic GPA
• obviously the MCAT is less than stellar

Overall the sports/health/anatomy part is what I am most interested in which is why I've been loving powerlifting as well.

LOR:

• The oral surgeon
• biology department chair/my 4 year advisor
• My school research professor/who I TA'd for
• PI from my pancreatic cancer research lab
• Dean from the medical school that I shadowed as a physician

What I think is setting me apart:

• I think a 3.7 cumulative is within the realm of good
• Two mission trips
• paid cancer research
• I think my letters are going to be really good.
• 3 year RA
• Spanish/Study Abroad
• really enthusiastic about my powerlifting

obviously a lot of people have a 3.7 and good letters, but i really think the other things make me unique.. but maybe i'm wrong lol
Any questions - I will try to answer as best as I can 🙂

Any chance you can take that MCAT and get 26+?

It would open up many doors for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[baxt1412]

Any chance you can take that MCAT and get 26+?

It would open up many doors for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am signed up to retake in November. I wanted to give myself time to seriously study again because I didn't want to rush the second time and end up worse or about the same. I was an idiot the first time and I've learned from it. Wish I would have been more on top of things here and with other sources. I am confident that a few months of solid studying could net me a 26 or greater with relative ease.

The problem is, all of my shadowing has been with MDs.. again because i was so misinformed. So now I am trying to scramble to find a DO to shadow. Is not having a DO LOR a deal breaker?