The Underdog Thread

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I think that this is a great forum as it gives support to those who may feel they don't have a chance at their dream. I have a question though, does anyone reading some of the posts and seeing ppl with 25 MCATs and low GPAs getting interviews feel a little jipped? I'm not the cream of the crop by any means, but some of these posts make me scratch my head in utter confusion. I have a 28Q, 3.6 BCPM and 3.8c from a top university, a Master's of Science plus lots of life experience, medical experience, great letters of rec...and so far, only one interview invitation.

I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way though. I'm sincerely happy for those of you who have gotten interviews, just bummed that i'm not receiving as many as I'd like.
 
Just got a secondary from TouroCOM, so I guess that means I also got an interview 🙂
 
AutumnChild said:
I think that this is a great forum as it gives support to those who may feel they don't have a chance at their dream. I have a question though, does anyone reading some of the posts and seeing ppl with 25 MCATs and low GPAs getting interviews feel a little jipped? I'm not the cream of the crop by any means, but some of these posts make me scratch my head in utter confusion. I have a 28Q, 3.6 BCPM and 3.8c from a top university, a Master's of Science plus lots of life experience, medical experience, great letters of rec...and so far, only one interview invitation.

I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way though. I'm sincerely happy for those of you who have gotten interviews, just bummed that i'm not receiving as many as I'd like.
Click to expand...

The application process is like quantum physics - there are many theories floating around (some better than others), but no one can really say with any confidence what it's all about.

With that said, one of the many, many head-scratching theories I've heard goes something like this: If you are a really strong applicant, some of the lower-tier schools will pass you up because they don't think you'll actually matriculate to their school in the event you're offered an acceptance.

That sounds kinda crazy to me, but I could see how it might apply to Captian Uberdoc who's applying with a 39T and a 3.9gpa. More likely than not, that person will be going to a top 20 institution. So, in the eyes of Podunk University, why waste your time and their's with any formalities?

But that's not exactly your situation, so here's what I'm thinking....

You have great stats for D.O. schools, and you WILL be offered interviews. For one, it is still very early in the cycle and, from what I hear, only a couple of schools have even begun to offer interviews. Secondly, I understand the D.O. schools like to see activities/statements/essays that indicate a genuine interest in their institution and osteopathy at large. The only other tidbit I've gathered that might pertain to your situation is school selection - some of them (like U of Michigan or Ohio) REALLY prefer instate applicants, so, proximity might be an issue. But honestly, I think you will find yourself pleasantly surprised if you're just patient for a while and ride it out. We're pretty similar in stats - my gpa is a little bit higher while your MCAT is little better than mine - and I've got a couple interviews so far.

Good luck!
 
AutumnChild said:
I think that this is a great forum as it gives support to those who may feel they don't have a chance at their dream. I have a question though, does anyone reading some of the posts and seeing ppl with 25 MCATs and low GPAs getting interviews feel a little jipped? I'm not the cream of the crop by any means, but some of these posts make me scratch my head in utter confusion. I have a 28Q, 3.6 BCPM and 3.8c from a top university, a Master's of Science plus lots of life experience, medical experience, great letters of rec...and so far, only one interview invitation.

I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way though. I'm sincerely happy for those of you who have gotten interviews, just bummed that i'm not receiving as many as I'd like.
Click to expand...

These people new they were up against the ropes and did the smart thing and applied mondo early.

You most likely didn't, you should probably feel happy for those here that are getting interviews instead of sticking your nose up in the air saying how much better you are and selfishly feeling gypped because your stats are better.

If your PS is anywhere as self-righteous as this post I'm suprised you got the one interview.
 
Looking through previous TouroCOM threads, it looks as though their interviews are closed file. 😀
 
MLT2MT2DO said:
These people new they were up against the ropes and did the smart thing and applied mondo early.

You most likely didn't, you should probably feel happy for those here that are getting interviews instead of sticking your nose up in the air saying how much better you are and selfishly feeling gypped because your stats are better.

If your PS is anywhere as self-righteous as this post I'm suprised you got the one interview.
Click to expand...


There's nothing selfish or self-righteous about what he said. He's just trying to make sense of the application process. You say he "should probably feel happy for those here who are getting interviews...."
Well, just read the last sentence of his post.
 
Sinfest said:
Taylormade answered your question, but I think the secondary=interview thing is only at Touro NY, not CA or NV.
Click to expand...

Got it, thanks. I wish that policy was for the other touro's, too. Didn't apply to NY because of the $200 secondary :/.
 
megathunder said:
Got it, thanks. I wish that policy was for the other touro's, too. Didn't apply to NY because of the $200 secondary :/.
Click to expand...

That's such a ridiculous secondary fee, but at least you're guaranteed an interview. If you have some extra cash, it's not too late to apply.
 
Sinfest said:
That's such a ridiculous secondary fee, but at least you're guaranteed an interview. If you have some extra cash, it's not too late to apply.
Click to expand...

i just wish they screened a little bit more, before sending an automatic interview
 
Welp... The Underdogs are killing me on interview invites and acceptances. I knew I should have thrown the MCAT on purpose... Great job everyone!
 
TheUntold said:
There's nothing selfish or self-righteous about what he said. He's just trying to make sense of the application process. You say he "should probably feel happy for those here who are getting interviews...."
Well, just read the last sentence of his post.
Click to expand...

I was just going to reply to that person who was being a jerk, but I saw your response and I just want to thank you for your insight earlier and for telling him like it is. And it's true, it is still early and many schools have yet to give out interviews. I guess seeing all the interviews already gotten was bumming me out, lol.
 
MLT2MT2DO said:
These people new they were up against the ropes and did the smart thing and applied mondo early.

You most likely didn't, you should probably feel happy for those here that are getting interviews instead of sticking your nose up in the air saying how much better you are and selfishly feeling gypped because your stats are better.

If your PS is anywhere as self-righteous as this post I'm suprised you got the one interview.
Click to expand...

First of all, who are you to make assumptions about how I applied? Just for your info, I submitted my AACOMAS probably 5 days after it was accepting submissions. Also I think you need to learn how to read because, like TheUntold has nicely told you, I said I was happy for those who are getting interviews. I was also merely stating how the admissions process seems to be so confusing. Maybe you should get off your high-horse pretending to defend the "up against the ropes" people from imaginary insults.
 
crazynate said:
i just wish they screened a little bit more, before sending an automatic interview
Click to expand...

I agree, but at the same time I'm perfectly fine with it. I know my stats aren't that great, so what I need are some interviews to prove that I am capable of surviving medical school and becoming a physician. TouroCOM's automatic interview just lets me show off my strong interview skills 🙂
 
not to mention its a great excuse to go to NYC!
 
AutumnChild said:
I think that this is a great forum as it gives support to those who may feel they don't have a chance at their dream. I have a question though, does anyone reading some of the posts and seeing ppl with 25 MCATs and low GPAs getting interviews feel a little jipped? I'm not the cream of the crop by any means, but some of these posts make me scratch my head in utter confusion. I have a 28Q, 3.6 BCPM and 3.8c from a top university, a Master's of Science plus lots of life experience, medical experience, great letters of rec...and so far, only one interview invitation.

I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way though. I'm sincerely happy for those of you who have gotten interviews, just bummed that i'm not receiving as many as I'd like.
Click to expand...

Having one interview at this point is not bad at all.

If you have 1 interview, I am sure that you are not 1 for 10 or anything like that. You are probably 1 for 2 or 1 for 3 or something, because it is likely that only a few of the schools you applied to have started reviewing files and giving interviews. So, you are likely at 50% or 33%. That is pretty good.
 
Ebete said:
Wow I just finished reading the whole thread! and am so happy to have found a home! unfortunatelly I REALLY belong here (bottom of the list), with my stats, I'm not sure if I qualify for underdog membership
ugpa 2.8 ggpa 4.0 (only 3 classes tho) took 2 MCATs in 2005 (19O & 18O ...I know!)
BUT have enormous amounts of medical and non-medical volunteer hrs (more like over a decade), as EMT, ER tech, immigration clinics...)
Really strong LOR from both DO and MD (worked in ER for many yrs)
EMT-B since 2000
state substitute teacher certified
assistant paralegal (paid work & non-paid)
held Manager positions for multi-mil.$ company for ~8yrs (non-medical)
speak 3 languages
Started a baking company (2006) love to bake

Studying for the Jan 2011 MCAT and planning on applying to post-bac, also planning to apply to both DO and MD next cycle. So pretty please can I join?

Oh I almost forgot my biggest accomplisment of all...gave birth to 4 amazing little kids.

Thanks in advance for all the support!!!! Great thread!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Added. If you have a 4.0 ggpa, I would think all you would need is a solid MCAT score in January. You look to have excellent EC's. I wish you good luck :luck:.

Infinity6 said:
I love this thread. Really great job HockeyDr.
Click to expand...

Thanks everyone for the nice comments.



Element said:
This thread is awesome! As far as stats I def am an underdog:

3.45 GPA (cumm.)
3.05 sGPA
waiting on my MCAT score released Aug 30th hoping for at LEAST a 24-25.
I have tons of Healthcare experience. Several certifications. And really good LORs.
submitted my primaries and waiting on secondaries.

While we may be here for the same reason, bc. we're "underdogs" and our numbers are not up to par; I'd be willing to bet that most of us do have what it takes to be competant, compassionate, caring, and courageous enough to take on the yolk of the future of medicine. Good luck everyone.
Click to expand...

Added. Lets hope for a 38 or some other dominate score, you never know. I agree with the bolded more than any other comment I have seen on this forum. I think everyone in here will shine throughout their interview.

sedaniel said:
DONE DONE DONE with secondaries! All 36 of them. So relieved 😀
Click to expand...

Congrats. I still can't believe I got away with only filling out one secondary ( one that didn't even have an essay :laugh:). I'm sure you'll get some seriously good news soon enough.


prone2xl said:
would love to be a member of this ELITE group!! I've been spending too much time in other forums but this is the one for me!
that being said here are my stats: cGPA: 3.5 sGPA: 3.7
mcat - 1st try: 17, (2nd try this Thursday 8/19)
Click to expand...

Added. I'll be removing you after you get your MCAT score back. 😀

ManUnderFire said:
Ooh, ooh! Me! Me too!

uGPA: 2.99 sciGPA: 3.04
MCAT: 28
post-bacc: 3.5 c/sciGPA

...but I highly doubt prone will be an underdog for very long...👍.
Click to expand...

Added. Love the user name :laugh:. Denzel is the man (if that's what/who you're referring to).

Sinfest said:
Just got a secondary from TouroCOM, so I guess that means I also got an interview 🙂
Click to expand...

cliffhuxtableDO said:
ditto! thank goodness. !!!
Click to expand...

ADDED. MORE interviews wooo!👍

TheUntold said:
The application process is like quantum physics - there are many theories floating around (some better than others), but no one can really say with any confidence what it's all about.

With that said, one of the many, many head-scratching theories I've heard goes something like this: If you are a really strong applicant, some of the lower-tier schools will pass you up because they don't think you'll actually matriculate to their school in the event you're offered an acceptance.

That sounds kinda crazy to me, but I could see how it might apply to Captian Uberdoc who's applying with a 39T and a 3.9gpa. More likely than not, that person will be going to a top 20 institution. So, in the eyes of Podunk University, why waste your time and their's with any formalities?

But that's not exactly your situation, so here's what I'm thinking....

You have great stats for D.O. schools, and you WILL be offered interviews. For one, it is still very early in the cycle and, from what I hear, only a couple of schools have even begun to offer interviews. Secondly, I understand the D.O. schools like to see activities/statements/essays that indicate a genuine interest in their institution and osteopathy at large. The only other tidbit I've gathered that might pertain to your situation is school selection - some of them (like U of Michigan or Ohio) REALLY prefer instate applicants, so, proximity might be an issue. But honestly, I think you will find yourself pleasantly surprised if you're just patient for a while and ride it out. We're pretty similar in stats - my gpa is a little bit higher while your MCAT is little better than mine - and I've got a couple interviews so far.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Added you as a supporter.

VeeTeeHokies said:
Welp... The Underdogs are killing me on interview invites and acceptances. I knew I should have thrown the MCAT on purpose... Great job everyone!
Click to expand...

Plenttttttttttttttty of time 🙂.
 
AutumnChild said:
I think that this is a great forum as it gives support to those who may feel they don't have a chance at their dream. I have a question though, does anyone reading some of the posts and seeing ppl with 25 MCATs and low GPAs getting interviews feel a little jipped? I'm not the cream of the crop by any means, but some of these posts make me scratch my head in utter confusion. I have a 28Q, 3.6 BCPM and 3.8c from a top university, a Master's of Science plus lots of life experience, medical experience, great letters of rec...and so far, only one interview invitation.

I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way though. I'm sincerely happy for those of you who have gotten interviews, just bummed that i'm not receiving as many as I'd like.
Click to expand...

I think you should check the interview invite forum to see if the schools you applied to have even started sending out interview invites. A lot of my schools haven't sent them to anyone. That being said, I think I might give myself an ulcer having to wait for the news.

Good luck.
 
hey guys: being an underdog with my 1st mcat, I wanted to go ahead and submit my primary to AACOMAS and it was verified last week - the question I have is: I didn't submit to many schools but wanted to go ahead and submit to some; when I get my score back and add additional schools do I have to go through a further verification process or is the big lag time already done with the initial primary application?

ex. will I just add the additional schools and they forward my app to them without having to go through a lengthy process or will they also have to verify my grades and such?

thanks-
hope I made that clear as mud :laugh:
 
prone2xl said:
hey guys: being an underdog with my 1st mcat, I wanted to go ahead and submit my primary to AACOMAS and it was verified last week - the question I have is: I didn't submit to many schools but wanted to go ahead and submit to some; when I get my score back and add additional schools do I have to go through a further verification process or is the big lag time already done with the initial primary application?

ex. will I just add the additional schools and they forward my app to them without having to go through a lengthy process or will they also have to verify my grades and such?

thanks-
hope I made that clear as mud :laugh:
Click to expand...

It will be faster. If you did not submit any new transcripts, No verification is done. they will just update your application with new MCAT and release to schools.
 
emno said:
It will be faster. If you did not submit any new transcripts, No verification is done. they will just update your application with new MCAT and release to schools.
Click to expand...

Thanks emno- I figured it would be that way especially given the amount of money spent for the service! by they way are you seeing any love lately?
 
burnettj said:
I think you should check the interview invite forum to see if the schools you applied to have even started sending out interview invites. A lot of my schools haven't sent them to anyone. That being said, I think I might give myself an ulcer having to wait for the news.

Good luck.
Click to expand...


Yeah, I do realize it's still pretty early. Just seeing all the invites people are already getting was making me worried but I guess I shouldn't worry too much yet. I think most of the MD schools I applied to have sent out interviews though, but as far as the DO ones goes, to my knowledge it's only been 3 and I've gotten 1/3 so I guess not too bad. I agree though, this waiting is just no fun. Good luck to you too!
 
I love seeing our thread on TOP instead of "UNDER" the rest 🙂 so I decided to post something. so I should probably put something useful here and ask if anyone else is taking the 8/19 mcat in here on Thursday morning?

let a brotha' have some company!

peace
 
HockeyDr09 said:
Congrats. I still can't believe I got away with only filling out one secondary ( one that didn't even have an essay :laugh:). I'm sure you'll get some seriously good news soon enough.
Click to expand...

wow! i wish i could have been in that position. haha thats awesome man
 
prone2xl said:
Thanks emno- I figured it would be that way especially given the amount of money spent for the service! by they way are you seeing any love lately?
Click to expand...
Still waiting to hear from someone/somewhere to get some call someday.
 
I'm scared that DbDan is going to petition to have me kicked out of the club after this, but... LECOM-E interview on 10/22 🙂
 
sedaniel said:
I'm scared that DbDan is going to petition to have me kicked out of the club after this, but... LECOM-E interview on 10/22 🙂
Click to expand...

Me too! Congrats! Which pathway are you choosing?
 
10/22 interview at LECOM!

24 O MCAT
3.25 gpa

We CAN do it!
 
Premed828 said:
10/22 interview at LECOM!

24 O MCAT
3.25 gpa

We CAN do it!
Click to expand...
AWSOME MAN. your stats almost identical to mine. do you mind telling us when you submitted your secondary and when they changed the status to invited to interview from fild pendin? ive submitted on 8/12 and changed to under review yesterday so im just curious when if ever they invite me and to know when im just gettin the silent treatmen. congratulations man that is so friggin awsome and CHEERS TO THE UNDERDOGS
 
Congrats on the LECOM Erie interviews guys! 👍
 
congrats you guys! and wow, sedaniel, you must have amazing extra-currics or something .. youre on fire!
 
This thread is inspiring. I'm taking my time to apply while I do a master's program, work at the University Hospital, and bump my stats up a bit. Congrats to all of your guys' hard work and successes!
 
AutumnChild said:
Wish I could've applied to LECOM 🙁
Click to expand...

Why not? It's still early and the secondary is pretty much a two minute ordeal. No essays. Your stats are great, too, so I wouldn't be surprised if you got an interview at some point.
 
sedaniel said:
I'm scared that DbDan is going to petition to have me kicked out of the club after this, but... LECOM-E interview on 10/22 🙂
Click to expand...

😡 :boom: :laugh: Not fair... what are you 6 for 6 now on DO schools that are currently sending out invites. How bout you leave some for the rest of us!?

LECOM-E hates me 🙁 Last year they deleted my letters 1/2 way through the season and I didn't even get considered and this year they don't wanna give me an interview even though i've been complete since June

BTW, I friended you on facebook. You are not the most incognito person online :laugh:


EDIT: wow lots of smilies lol
 
inspiring, everything.

thank you whoever decided to post a thread like this. much, much obliged. MCAT is in a few days...
scared out of my mind.

I'm sticking the to original plan - masters, then apply after the year is over.

@ Premed828: 24 MCAT and an interview to LECOM? get outtt no way!
 
DbDan said:
😡 :boom: :laugh: Not fair... what are you 6 for 6 now on DO schools that are currently sending out invites. How bout you leave some for the rest of us!?

LECOM-E hates me 🙁 Last year they deleted my letters 1/2 way through the season and I didn't even get considered and this year they don't wanna give me an interview even though i've been complete since June

BTW, I friended you on facebook. You are not the most incognito person online :laugh:


EDIT: wow lots of smilies lol
Click to expand...


wait whattt, why?
 
TheUntold said:
Why not? It's still early and the secondary is pretty much a two minute ordeal. No essays. Your stats are great, too, so I wouldn't be surprised if you got an interview at some point.
Click to expand...


It's a long story, but basically I was led astray by my undergrad pre-med advisor who told us that we didn't need to take the 2nd semester organic chem class because our first semester class is much more intense than majority of schools so we can substitute biochem for the 2nd sem orgo instead. Since I hated orgo, i was like GREAT! I never took 2nd sem orgo and now realize several schools don't accept the substitution, one of them is LECOM 🙁
 
OnTheMoon said:
wait whattt, why?
Click to expand...

:laugh: I just meant that they haven't given me an interview invite and they don't really return calls. The only thing they've told me is left me a message saying that I'm under review. Just a waiting game. Oh well

No idea how the letters getting deleted thing happened btw and the only response they would give me was "it looks like someone deleted them when they updated your portal"... thanks
 
AutumnChild said:
It's a long story, but basically I was led astray by my undergrad pre-med advisor who told us that we didn't need to take the 2nd semester organic chem class because our first semester class is much more intense than majority of schools so we can substitute biochem for the 2nd sem orgo instead. Since I hated orgo, i was like GREAT! I never took 2nd sem orgo and now realize several schools don't accept the substitution, one of them is LECOM 🙁
Click to expand...

So, are you deciding to never take orgo II? Because if you do take it at some point this year, you can go ahead and apply. As long as it's done before matriculation, they will process you. I just finished orgo II a couple weeks ago, and no one has my updated transcript yet. Both LECOMs offered me interviews, though.
 
Updated the front page. Glad to see some more LECOM-E interviews, we need some more Underdog representation over there. You people better not be going Seton Hill on me. I have already seen like 7 SDN'ers going Seton Hill!
 
TheUntold said:
So, are you deciding to never take orgo II? Because if you do take it at some point this year, you can go ahead and apply. As long as it's done before matriculation, they will process you. I just finished orgo II a couple weeks ago, and no one has my updated transcript yet. Both LECOMs offered me interviews, though.
Click to expand...

thats good to hear, i'm in the same exact situation as autumnchild and I graduated so I only plan on taking organic 2 if i get into a school that requires it.
 
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