The Ultimate Dilemma

[DrModern]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi guys, I'm in a dilemma here, offer me your advice please.

My GPA is a 3.1, MCAT is 29 (12 PS, 7 VR, 10 BS)
Note: When I took previous AAMC tests I averaged around 33-35, so I was super disappointed in my score.

I have decent extracurricular activities:
-shadowed doctor
-ample research experiences with 2 publications
-pre-med chapter officer
-ambassador of 3rd world country outreach program
-founded a healthcare initiative organization and led medical students lobby for healthcare reform in the CA capitol
-camp counselor for children with muscular dystrophy.
-2000+ volunteer hours
etc

Now I have a few options ahead of me:
1) Submit the application with a 29 score NOW. I think I have some chance of getting into lower-tiered osteopathic schools, which I don't mind attending. Because at this point in time, I don't want to spend any more time with more gap years.
Is my current stats good enough???

Meanwhile, I'll study up for another MCAT test in August. So if I get a decent score, I'll apply again next year. With this being said, do you guys have any tips for re-applicants? Could I use the same personal statement? and info?

2) Hold onto my application until I get the score back from the test (around September). Will I be too late for this cycle's application? With that being said, when would be considered too late to submit application?

3) Apply next year with (hopefully) higher MCAT score.

Thank you for the long read

 

[verynice]

You'll be good at most places with that app. I would go ahead and apply if I were you. You don't need a retake.

 

[rzoo14]

you should be fine applying now but try to avoid schools that are gpa heavy.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Don't you retake that MCAT for DO school. Your score is higher than the averages of all but maybe 2-3 DO schools. You playing with fate my friend.

I did really well on my aamcs and ended up with a 28. So I feel your pain. But sometimes you just have to roll with what's given to you.

You are definitely good enough as you are. Just make sure not to apply to any schools that pre-screen at a 3.2 gpa

Sent from my RM-917_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Your mcat is not holding you back. Its your GPA that would stop you.

Sent from my RM-917_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk

 

[ortnakas]

Your mcat is not holding you back. Its your GPA that would stop you.

Sent from my RM-917_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk

This. Retaking a couple of classes to get grade replacement would be more useful than retaking a 29 for DO schools.

 

[XFireMedic]

The only concern is that you have a subsection below an 8, which will be a problem for some schools. Getting into a DO program will be doable, just choose carefully when submitting your primaries.


Posted using SDN Mobile

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

The only concern is that you have a subsection below an 8, which will be a problem for some schools. Getting into a DO program will be doable, just choose carefully when submitting your primaries.


Posted using SDN Mobile

Nah I have not heard of a single DO school that uses 8 as a cut off. Almost all of the ones I know say anything below a 7 is no good. Some even say a 6 is fine if the rest of your app is good (and especially if you are ESL). There is no way a DO school autoscreens at an 8. They truly are just more holistic than that.

 

[ortnakas]

Nah I have not heard of a single DO school that uses 8 as a cut off. Almost all of the ones I know say anything below a 7 is no good. Some even say a 6 is fine if the rest of your app is good (and especially if you are ESL). There is no way a DO school autoscreens at an 8. They truly are just more holistic than that.

PCOM recommends you have an 8 or higher in each section "to be competitive." I have no idea how serious they are about that.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

PCOM recommends you have an 8 or higher in each section "to be competitive." I have no idea how serious they are about that.

Ahh gotcha... yea PCOM and a couple of those older guys have their standards set a little higher, very true. I am sure that to be competitive you definitely have to be in those higher ranges. I still dont imagine that they autoscreen though at 8... someone could have like a 35 score with a 7 on their verbal or something you know? I know people like that get in all over the place.

 

[Doghead]

@Awesome Sauceome

"Just make sure not to apply to any schools that pre-screen at a 3.2 gpa"

And what schools does this include? Is there a singular source for a list of school screening standards?

 

[JPickos9989]

@Awesome Sauceome

"Just make sure not to apply to any schools that pre-screen at a 3.2 gpa"

And what schools does this include? Is there a singular source for a list of school screening standards?

I know KCUMB off the top of my head. I believe their cut off is 3.25 for both cum and science.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

@Awesome Sauceome

"Just make sure not to apply to any schools that pre-screen at a 3.2 gpa"

And what schools does this include? Is there a singular source for a list of school screening standards?

Nah unfortunately not I am afraid... I have a lot of lists for different schools, but since I never ran into that issue, I never collected data on that, sorry : (

Your best bet, depending on your scores and such, is to make your list of like 15 schools or whatever. Then go on each school's website and it should be somewhere on their requirements page. I do remember some are more specific than others. I would not make a list necessarily based on the 3.2 thing. I would just make a list of all the schools you would be interested in, then add a few extra to the list, just in case you have to drop some because of the 3.2 thing.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I know KCUMB off the top of my head. I believe their cut off is 3.25 for both cum and science.

I have also heard of this.

Basically it is almost always the older schools that have higher standards. Well except DMU, I just randomly checked them, and their site says 2.8.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Just retake classes and raise your GPA if possible. Send in updates when your grades come in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[tripl3s3v3n]

PCOM recommends you have an 8 or higher in each section "to be competitive." I have no idea how serious they are about that.

There is someone who got into PCOM-Ga with a subsection score of 7. I had a 7 in my PS section (7/10/12;29 cGPA 3.3, sGPA 3.1) and of the schools I applied to I was only rejected post secondary from AZCOM and RVU, with no rejections pre-secondary. But I cancelled my other interviews and apps after being accepted in September to LECOM-E.

 

[Goro]

Current stats ARE good enough; quit fussing and start applying! Just make sure to apply broadly.

 

[FutureDrB]

@Awesome Sauceome

And what schools does this include? Is there a singular source for a list of school screening standards?

Go here: http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Pages/default.aspx

Click on: Download the 2015 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book

Open PDF and look under "Supplemental Application Requirements" for each school.

Minimum GPAs are listed there.

 

[AkGrown84]

There is someone who got into PCOM-Ga with a subsection score of 7. I had a 7 in my PS section (7/10/12;29 cGPA 3.3, sGPA 3.1) and of the schools I applied to I was only rejected post secondary from AZCOM and RVU, with no rejections pre-secondary. But I cancelled my other interviews and apps after being accepted in September to LECOM-E.

There is no specific cutoff for PCOM with a subsection of at least a 6. I'm matriculating at PCOM-PA this fall with a 25 (6p/10v/9b). I believe OP will be fine with that MCAT at virtually every single DO school. To second what others have said, the GPA would hold you back, if anything.

 

[tripl3s3v3n]

There is no specific cutoff for PCOM with a subsection of at least a 6. I'm matriculating at PCOM-PA this fall with a 25 (6p/10v/9b). I believe OP will be fine with that MCAT at virtually every single DO school. To second what others have said, the GPA would hold you back, if anything.

Congrats on your acceptance. I think the perceived cut off with PCOM is due to the language on their site that reads
"The Faculty Committee on Admissions recommends applicants to the program have at least an 8 or higher in each section of the MCAT to be competitive for enrollment." I know that I did not apply to PCOM based on that statement, but it is good to know for this years applicants that this is not one of those 'mandatory recommendations.'

 

[DrModern]

SDN has the best community, I have tears of joy right now 😀
I was so worried yesterday about my chance of getting in.
Keep the suggestions coming!!! Love every single one of them. I am going to create a separate thread asking people to proof read my personal statement. Let me know if you're interested in reading. Post your email 😀
Again, thanks so so much for all of your input, and keep them coming!!!

 

[orangeman25]

I have also heard of this.

Basically it is almost always the older schools that have higher standards. Well except DMU, I just randomly checked them, and their site says 2.8.

Do these schools screen for the AO GPA as well?

 

[DrModern]

Email me at:
[email protected]

If you're interested in my personal statement, because I don't want anyone to leave their personal information out in the open. 😀

 

[DrModern]

One more question guys,

Assuming that the stats listed on this link is accurate and up to date.
Which of the colleges should I choose as a reach, safety, and backup?
I'm planning to apply to at least 15-20 of them.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/the-2012-2013-underdog-thread.910661/

 

[bball4]

Do these schools screen for the AO GPA as well?

Wondering this as well. Or is it just cGPA and sGPA?

 

[JPickos9989]

Wondering this as well. Or is it just cGPA and sGPA?

Generally, I believe it is only cum and science that are screened.

 

[DrModern]

Apply broadly and early. Keep on top of your secondaries. I applied this cycle with very similar stats (3.1 and 30) and will be matriculating this fall!

Hey, just curious. Which schools are you appying to?

 

[rbolt25]

Matriculation means he already applied, interviewed and was accepted for this upcoming school (about a month away).

I was browsing the thread and noticed you were looking for people to read PS. This is good but you need to apply ASAP - like by the end of this month so you can get verified, get secondaries, complete them and send LORs to each school so you can be complete by early September (if not sooner).

This will give you the best chances & and hence why the AdCom member (Goro) told you to "quit fussing and start applying."

 

[keels99]

Hi guys, I'm in a dilemma here, offer me your advice please.

My GPA is a 3.1, MCAT is 29 (12 PS, 7 VR, 10 BS)
Note: When I took previous AAMC tests I averaged around 33-35, so I was super disappointed in my score.

I have decent extracurricular activities:
-shadowed doctor
-ample research experiences with 2 publications
-pre-med chapter officer
-ambassador of 3rd world country outreach program
-founded a healthcare initiative organization and led medical students lobby for healthcare reform in the CA capitol
-camp counselor for children with muscular dystrophy.
-2000+ volunteer hours
etc

Now I have a few options ahead of me:
1) Submit the application with a 29 score NOW. I think I have some chance of getting into lower-tiered osteopathic schools, which I don't mind attending. Because at this point in time, I don't want to spend any more time with more gap years.
Is my current stats good enough???

Meanwhile, I'll study up for another MCAT test in August. So if I get a decent score, I'll apply again next year. With this being said, do you guys have any tips for re-applicants? Could I use the same personal statement? and info?

2) Hold onto my application until I get the score back from the test (around September). Will I be too late for this cycle's application? With that being said, when would be considered too late to submit application?

3) Apply next year with (hopefully) higher MCAT score.

Thank you for the long read

Your MCAT score is fine. If anything, I would worry about retakes to improve your GPA.

 

[DrModern]

Your MCAT score is fine. If anything, I would worry about retakes to improve your GPA.

Thank you for your advice. However, I am applying this cycle. So my grades would come in around December, at which point, the grade would probably not be a factor.

This question is posed to everyone:
This is my current list of osteopathic schools I am applying to. Any suggestions what I should add/ remove?
Because my gpa is not stellar, I am choosing these "low-tier" schools
LMU
WCUCOM
RVUCOM
PNUHS
WUHS - Lebanon
NYITCOM
EVCOM-SC
WVSOM
ACOM
CUSOM
EVCOM-AL
GC-PCOM
LUCOM
Marian

I'll add a reach school like the california schools, just as a bonus

 

[keels99]

I think ATSU is a good option. It's the only school I interviewed at and where I'm going as well. They tend to look at applicants as a whole and I don't feel as though they will condemn you for one low area. They are big on serving the underserved, so if you can get that across in your essays and interview you will have much greater chances.