The Road to Becoming a Stronger Applicant

[batmang]

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I've been lurking on the DO forums for the last few days and I have to say, I'm quite jealous of all those people accepted for the class of 2014 - Congrats guys! and good luck to those who are still waiting for responses.

So this is my situation: I have a low GPA of 2.7, an above average MCAT of 33, 6 months of research, 3 years of hospital volunteering, a few EC's though I wasn't very involved with them, and shadowed 2 MDs and a DO.

Being a doctor is my dream and I will exhaust all possibilities of attending medical school before changing my career choice. I will be graduating in 2 more semesters and a summer, and I was wondering how to best allocate my time in order to have a shot for the 2010-2011 application cycle.

1. Retake some classes I got C's to take advantage of the grade replacement system
2. Take a few high level science classes to demonstrate that I'm capable of handling the material in spite of my undergraduate performance
3. Shadow more DOs and try for another LOR

I welcome all suggestions and criticisms to my proposed plan. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. 😀

 

[Isoprop]

1 is better than 2 which is much better than 3.

Your GPA is what's going to keep you out. Retake classes and get As. Then take some upper-division science classes in biology, physics, or chemistry.

More shadowing is optional but couldn't hurt.

Also, I'm guessing you're a junior or senior? You may need more time to raise your GPA than a year.

 

[DitchDoc73]

I agree. More shadowing at this point really isn't going to make that much of a difference (unless you still need a LOR). You need to put all of your emphasis on improving your GPA. Retake your C classes, and get Dean's List for your remaining 3 semesters! Your GPA is the only thing holding you back at this point. Also to maximize your chances, you need to be ready to finish your Primary application on the day that it opens. I assume that your school has some sort of Pre-Health Professions Advisor. Go talk with them, and get all of the LOR's that you can turned in now. By having everything good go to go as early as possible, you are one of the first people that will be considered for interviews! This should maximize your chances for admission next year. Good Luck!

 

[willtl03]

Apply early!

 

[Kramerica]

I would just retake your C's and lower classes to reach a GPA at around 3... I had a 3.21cgpa (3.06 sgpa) and a 32 MCAT and got into a great DO School. Also as everyone says apply early in the cycle. Finally, have a good explanation for your GPA come interview time.

 

[iatros]

mcat and EC's are great.

retake classes AND take upper division science classes.

at the very least, get your gpa up to the "minimum" standard ~3.0

apply EARLY in the application season.

you should have no problem getting into great schools.

 

[Washingtonian]

As others have commented, the prime area that you are weak is your GPA. Additional shadowing might be helpful but that is if you can get through the primary application process whereby most schools will look at your GPA and MCAT to determine if you meet their minimum requirements in order to offer you a secondary. Thus, I would spend the majority of your time on doing what you can to boost your GPA. I would also agree with a previous poster about applying early. Since most schools offer a rolling admissions process, it is in your best interest to apply earlier. Good luck!

🙂 Accepted to PNWU and Western Class of 2014🙂

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I've been lurking on the DO forums for the last few days and I have to say, I'm quite jealous of all those people accepted for the class of 2014 - Congrats guys! and good luck to those who are still waiting for responses.

So this is my situation: I have a low GPA of 2.7, an above average MCAT of 33, 6 months of research, 3 years of hospital volunteering, a few EC's though I wasn't very involved with them, and shadowed 2 MDs and a DO.

Being a doctor is my dream and I will exhaust all possibilities of attending medical school before changing my career choice. I will be graduating in 2 more semesters and a summer, and I was wondering how to best allocate my time in order to have a shot for the 2010-2011 application cycle.

1. Retake some classes I got C's to take advantage of the grade replacement system
2. Take a few high level science classes to demonstrate that I'm capable of handling the material in spite of my undergraduate performance
3. Shadow more DOs and try for another LOR

I welcome all suggestions and criticisms to my proposed plan. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. 😀

with a 33.. if you get your gpa up to a 3.0..
your able to get into a smp..
smp if you do well in that you'll get into a MD school..
otherwise..
you could just retake your C's and lower
and get into a DO school

 

[CapnCrunch]

Getting up the GPA above the 3 mark and you might have a shot of a (rare) acceptance if you get an interview and you do well. Research MDApplicants and see the average stats of some people who were accepted of a school you're interested in. Also, make sure you have everything in on time and you that you apply early!

 

[beckhunter116]

with a 33.. if you get your gpa up to a 3.0..
your able to get into a smp..
smp if you do well in that you'll get into a MD school..
otherwise..
you could just retake your C's and lower
and get into a DO school

An SMP is not a guarantee to get into MD unless they are linked to a certain school like EVMS. Some of the grads from the Georgetown SMP (one of the best SMP programs) ended up in DO schools and caribbean schools.