The Underdog Thread

[drgioiadds]

Hey everyone. I am posting my stats hopefully for some feedback.

My MCAT score is not so great (in the 20s). I haven't seen some of these pre-med classes since 1998!

I spoke to some DO schools that said they would use my Graduate GPA as my GPA.

Bachelor degree Biology (highly ranked and competitive university)
Cummulative Undergrad: 3.49
Science Undergrad: 3.51

Doctor of Pharmacy (highly ranked and very competitive program), Summa Cum Laude
Cummulative Grad: 3.76
Science Grad: 3.86

Combined Cummulative: 3.56
Combined Science: 3.61

Score from First page: 49.1
Formula:
MCAT/2 + sGPA*10 = Applicant Score


Publications (Abstracts, posters) All first or second author: Number 9
Research: Top research hospitals and institutions, original research project and idea in residency.

Extracurriculars: I wasn't sure what to indicate but my background is unique:

PGY-1 Pharmacy residency with emphasis in critical care
Around 10,000 hours of clinical experience as student, resident, health care professional. Background in psychiatry, kidney and liver transplant surgery

Currently working as Critical Care pharmacotherapy specialist, sitting on 8 different committees in the hospital.

Professional presentations: many as a grad student, resident, practitioner. I do CME (continuing medical education) for physicians at my hospital.

Letters of recommendation: 3 Science faculty, 1 MD Physician. One from undergrad (known me 13 years), 2 from Grad school (one did research with and was faculty for 3 classes), other was faculty and mentor director of research center. 1 Letter from MD who I have known 3 years since being a resident. Work with DO physicians from the schools I am applying. All have offered to personally call the admissions if I like. I told them to hold off. Family and friends current alumni, very very familiar with the programs.

Trying to paint a full picture here. My problem is, MCAT and I applied late (because I had no MCAT score until taking the January MCAT).

I am an in-state resident living very close to an osteopathic state medical school.

I was also was a preceptor/faculty for PharmD students in critical care.

Currently have editorial responsibilities for 2 Peer-reviewed Science Journals and 3 Medical Text publishers.

Recently became a fellow in an organization. (I.e. when you see something like MD, FACS)

Recently asked to be an Adjunct Assistant Professor for an Osteopathic Medical School that is out of state. Would obtain this appointment when I start taking students from the schools for clinical rotations.

Any feedback?

Old is realative. I will be 34 when I matriculate, hopefully, in 2013. I am pushing things back by another year because I need to retake classes, not for grades, for the degree. The Uni here has decided not to accept prior credits. But that's ok! I am now planning our third and final child. That way I meet my personal goals while striving for my professional ones. My motto is, you gotta live these years anyways, so why not do it shooting for the stars? You can't go back and get that degree, but you can make an amazing future. I know it does nothing to change the way you feel, but NSU median age a few years ago was 31. One of my friends grad from there and she was the youngest, at 25. She said those non-trads that were career changes were the happiest and most hard working people in the class. That their life experience made them excel in clinicals. Keep on pushing forward!

I'll be 35/36 when I matriculate. Career change for me.

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[OzelloPiRat]

I will actually be 35 too! Was looking at this years app cycle. I will still have 35 years of work left in me, according to those social security statements they mail out each year.

 

[theone1979]

Just wanted to provide an optimistic outlook for my fellow geriatric applicants.

While I had an undergrad degree from back in 2001, I had not taken any pre-recs so I had to go back to school to take these courses when I decided to pursue medicine. So 18 months ago I went back to school to take my pre-recs and prepare for the MCAT.

I will be 32 in a few weeks and am happy to state that I have been accepted to several schools and will be starting med school this august.

I know it can be hard as an older applicant, but it can be done. I remember going back to school on my first day of my first bio course and i was just overwhelmed by how far i had to go to even begin med school. But now I found myself as an accepted applicant and to be honest, time has flown by.

So, keep your rapidly aging heads up!

 

[drctother]

Just wanted to provide an optimistic outlook for my fellow geriatric applicants.

While I had an undergrad degree from back in 2001, I had not taken any pre-recs so I had to go back to school to take these courses when I decided to pursue medicine. So 18 months ago I went back to school to take my pre-recs and prepare for the MCAT.

I will be 32 in a few weeks and am happy to state that I have been accepted to several schools and will be starting med school this august.

I know it can be hard as an older applicant, but it can be done. I remember going back to school on my first day of my first bio course and i was just overwhelmed by how far i had to go to even begin med school. But now I found myself as an accepted applicant and to be honest, time has flown by.

So, keep your rapidly aging heads up!

Wow I didnt know your age from your other postings. I honestly dont know if I could go through the stress, finances, and effort of applications if I was your age. To be honest, I kinda made myself a deal if I didnt get into med this round, or the next...I would try something else (Im 23 now so by the age of 25). So Congrats you have my respect

Im actually hoping to meet people in my class who are older, Im hoping there wont be too many 19-20 year olds. Always good to be around people who have real life experience

 

[DJack]

We should rename this thread from "The Underdog Thread" to "The Olddog" thread!

Haha just kidding! Its awesome that you all are so dedicated.

 

[fiznat]

Well I am 28 right now. I plan to apply for 2012 w/ 3.3c and 3.4sGPA and a 32 MCAT. I feel like quiting now because i feel so god damn old.

Hey you can't be old, because that means I am too! I'm also 28. There were a lot of people older than me at interviews, and I honestly feel that my age and experience will contribute positively to my experience at school. You've got great stats, maturity, and real world experience behind you. You'll be fine.

 

[BAMF]

30?! Geriatric?! Hardly. I still hit on people in their 30s!

I'm only 2-3 years older than most of my peers, but I try to take as many evening classes as possible. The environment with nontraditional students is SO much more conducive to learning and focusing, IMO. I hate attending classes with people who hardly want to be there.

Anyway, I currently have a 2.77 cumulative GPA from my old university. I transferred and got a 4.0 last semester and am probably going to have a 3.4 this semester (one class is gonna bring me down 0.6 points, really?!). I'm 90% sure I want to pursue MD or DO, but I'm still taking my time to explore other options. Just thought I'd say hi!

 

[OzelloPiRat]

I a tually enjoy taking classes with the young pre-meds. They cannot believe all that I can fit into one day! Plus, I love getting the answers right in class. Just a little sweeter being 10-12 yrs older. But they are great resources and are a huge help with staying positive.

 

[drgioiadds]

We should rename this thread from "The Underdog Thread" to "The Olddog" thread!

Haha just kidding! Its awesome that you all are so dedicated.

I like this!! I'll be 35 when I matriculate which is hopefully this fall.

 

[mnoon1]

I like this!! I'll be 35 when I matriculate which is hopefully this fall.

GL!

 

[LostAllHope]

...

 

[OzelloPiRat]

Lost,
Congrats on your acceptance! What determination you have! Thank you for posting your story. It does show that if you want it and can "feel" it, you can achieve it. ATSU SOMA is one of my top schools when I do apply next year.

 

[drgioiadds]

Just wanted to add my stats to this wonderful thread. Threads like this really encouraged me to continue pushing to make it to medical school.

3.0 GPA, 2.9 sGPA (raw numbers, I believe AACOMAS was something like 3.2, 3.1 sGPA)
30L MCAT - took it once. The story behind the L is that I literally gave up halfway thru the exam and just wanted to finish it and get my score. To my surprise, I was blessed with good guessing and managed to get a balanced 30.

I also did a SMP which I did not do very well. I don't even know my GPA, that's how bad it was (3.0, maybe?).

2010-2011 cycle was my third time applying. Applied late (primaries in around end of Aug 2010, IIRC). Completed secondary apps to about 7 schools (4 DO and 3 MD) in October or later, only to find out later that only 2 accepted my 4 year old MCAT score. Received interviews at both, only interviewed at ATSU-SOMA and was accept.

Keep trying, if you want it bad enough, you will reach it one day. If you don't get there after a few years of trying, you may have to change something about your method. Although I applied late this cycle, it was the earliest that I applied in the three attempts.

Congratulations!! I applied late this cycle as well, took the january mcat.
My Gpa's for both undergrad and DDS degree were ok 3.77, 3.46 - but my MCAT was average 25 M ( 9 Bio, 9 verbal, 7 physical). I did get 2 interviews - one I will find out about this week and another one at the end of this week. I'm still hopeful. I agree never give up!!

 

[LostAllHope]

Thanks on the congrats!

There is a story behind my username. Near the end of my SMP, I failed medical neuroscience. I was given a retake final exam with the chance to pass with a C, but I failed that retake. In essence, I failed neuroscience twice. I cried thinking that I will never reach my dream of becoming a physician (I had it in my head that I will be a doctor ever since the age of 10). Being that the SMP was my last ditch hope, I literally Lost All Hope in becoming a doctor. This was probably the darkest moment for me, the lowest point of my life. I never felt so disappointed in myself, never felt so worthless. The SMP cost me $60k, but I still didn't graduate. However, my sister and fiance encouraged me to keep striving. I ended up having to retake the course thru another medical school in order to graduate and passed with an A. Try to imagine the amount of stress that I was under during that final exam (a single exam for the whole course, too!).

Although it's been a long challenging road and I wished that I could have started medical school at age 22 instead of 25, I don't think I would change anything besides magically erasing the debt I incurred for the SMP. I undoubtedly learned a lot about myself, life, discipline, relationships, faith, etc. through my failures and struggles. With the support and encouragement of my loved ones, this underdog can now proudly say that I'm going to be a doctor.

Wishing the best to all the underdogs out there. Keep striving.

 

[pcard]

Thanks on the congrats!

There is a story behind my username. Near the end of my SMP, I failed medical neuroscience. I was given a retake final exam with the chance to pass with a C, but I failed that retake. In essence, I failed neuroscience twice. I cried thinking that I will never reach my dream of becoming a physician (I had it in my head that I will be a doctor ever since the age of 10). Being that the SMP was my last ditch hope, I literally Lost All Hope in becoming a doctor. This was probably the darkest moment for me, the lowest point of my life. I never felt so disappointed in myself, never felt so worthless. The SMP cost me $60k, but I still didn't graduate. However, my sister and fiance encouraged me to keep striving. I ended up having to retake the course thru another medical school in order to graduate and passed with an A. Try to imagine the amount of stress that I was under during that final exam (a single exam for the whole course, too!).

Although it's been a long challenging road and I wished that I could have started medical school at age 22 instead of 25, I don't think I would change anything besides magically erasing the debt I incurred for the SMP. I undoubtedly learned a lot about myself, life, discipline, relationships, faith, etc. through my failures and struggles. With the support and encouragement of my loved ones, this underdog can now proudly say that I'm going to be a doctor.

Wishing the best to all the underdogs out there. Keep striving.

thanks for posting. It is heart touching.

 

[s0imaan]

All these stories are so inspirational to keep me motivated in pursuing my dreams in becoming a physician. Thank you and Congrats!!!

I'm in a similar situation. I just graduated in Dec.2010 with a 2.9 GPA and a C- in both Physics 7C and Ochem 118C. I'm taking my MCAT in June and I'm planning to retake Phy 7C and Ochem 118C at UC Berkeley Extension from August to December 2011 and couple of other Science Classes to raise my GPA to 3.0. If I send in my primaries by July 16th (by the time I get my MCAT score back and hoping for at least a 30) and if I continue to take classes in between August to December to raise my GPA to 3.0, would there still be a high enough chance for acceptance into DO school for 2012 or would it be better if I apply in June 2012 for fall 2013 entry?

Your input and advice would be highly appreciated!!!!!

 

[Mzeep]

All these stories are so inspirational to keep me motivated in pursuing my dreams in becoming a physician. Thank you and Congrats!!!

I'm in a similar situation. I just graduated in Dec.2010 with a 2.9 GPA and a C- in both Physics 7C and Ochem 118C. I'm taking my MCAT in June and I'm planning to retake Phy 7C and Ochem 118C at UC Berkeley Extension from August to December 2011 and couple of other Science Classes to raise my GPA to 3.0. If I send in my primaries by July 16th (by the time I get my MCAT score back and hoping for at least a 30) and if I continue to take classes in between August to December to raise my GPA to 3.0, would there still be a high enough chance for acceptance into DO school for 2012 or would it be better if I apply in June 2012 for fall 2013 entry?

Your input and advice would be highly appreciated!!!!!

If I were you I would submit the application in June and then update with the MCAT score (at least that's my plan ) that way you can get verified faster

 

[99redballoons]

Figured I post another story to give scared underdogs some hope. I planned on going to medical school just about my whole life. After high school I completed a 10 month licensed practical nurse program. Next step was county college to save $$$ (people told me flat out that I would not get in because of this). After associates I transferred to a semi-decent state school for bachelors in biology. Took MCAT - was one of the jerks that scored significantly lower than planned. I scored a 25O. After all that hard work preparing I scored one point higher than when I took a baseline without studying at all. The "O" is for ouch, what the **** am I gonna do now? I applied without retake so that I could submit in decent time frame. GPA 3.75, sGPA 3.65 & 25O and I got two interviews. One waitlist and one acceptance. I am also in a high position on the waitlist, so maybe two acceptances out of 6 schools. What made the difference was my clinical experience, I had almost 4 years experience as an LPN working very closely with docs. I guess the point is, if you ****up somewhere make sure you have another outstanding characteristic to make up for it. Hold your head up, especially for interviews. They didn't even mention my MCAT.

 

[drgioiadds]

Figured I post another story to give scared underdogs some hope. I planned on going to medical school just about my whole life. After high school I completed a 10 month licensed practical nurse program. Next step was county college to save $$$ (people told me flat out that I would not get in because of this). After associates I transferred to a semi-decent state school for bachelors in biology. Took MCAT - was one of the jerks that scored significantly lower than planned. I scored a 25O. After all that hard work preparing I scored one point higher than when I took a baseline without studying at all. The "O" is for ouch, what the **** am I gonna do now? I applied without retake so that I could submit in decent time frame. GPA 3.75, sGPA 3.65 & 25O and I got two interviews. One waitlist and one acceptance. I am also in a high position on the waitlist, so maybe two acceptances out of 6 schools. What made the difference was my clinical experience, I had almost 4 years experience as an LPN working very closely with docs. I guess the point is, if you ****up somewhere make sure you have another outstanding characteristic to make up for it. Hold your head up, especially for interviews. They didn't even mention my MCAT.

Yeah, I have 8 years experience as a practicing dentist and scored a 25 M on my mcat. My interviewers never mentioned the Mcat and I am on the waitlist HIGH - probably because I applied so late. I also, have one more interview friday.

 

[KDT]

So i thought I should add my stats to the forum. I would really like any advice on how my application looks. I'm a senior with a cGPA of 3.49 and a sGPA of 3.54 my MCAT is a 22 (i forgot my written letter grade.. it was somewhere in the middle or below average). I do have alot of experience though I have volunteered for 2 years at one hospital and starting at another as a lab technician taking samples from patients and running them ( i do get patient contact). I have been working full time, conducting research with a professor for about 2 years, submitting my own research, leading an staying active in my club all while taking classes. I am 21 at the moment. I was somewhat depressed about my stats, but after reading some of the post I feel very motivated. I would really appreciate some opinions on my stats.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

So i thought I should add my stats to the forum. I would really like any advice on how my application looks. I'm a senior with a cGPA of 3.49 and a sGPA of 3.54 my MCAT is a 22 (i forgot my written letter grade.. it was somewhere in the middle or below average). I do have alot of experience though I have volunteered for 2 years at one hospital and starting at another as a lab technician taking samples from patients and running them ( i do get patient contact). I have been working full time, conducting research with a professor for about 2 years, submitting my own research, leading an staying active in my club all while taking classes. I am 21 at the moment. I was somewhat depressed about my stats, but after reading some of the post I feel very motivated. I would really appreciate some opinions on my stats.

you need to retake the MCAT. applying with a 22 is too risky.

 

[99redballoons]

you need to retake the MCAT. applying with a 22 is too risky.

+1. Definitely wanna hit at least the 24 mark.

 

[mca9]

This thread gives me hope! I'm a junior undergrad right now with a 3.4 cGPA, haven't calculated my sGPA yet. I am taking the MCAT at the end of May but am kind of weary about how that'll end up....pretty sure i'll still be an underdog! I also am a collegiate athlete and this cuts into a lot of time I have for ECs. I have club involvement at school, volunteer hours, and a good amount of shadowing hours. Any recommendations/suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated! I'm just curious about where I stand.

 

[Colbare]

If you want to know what you'll make on the mcat before you take it just average the last of the higher numbered AAMC practice tests. It really is the best predictor.

 

[drctother]

This thread gives me hope! I'm a junior undergrad right now with a 3.4 cGPA, haven't calculated my sGPA yet. I am taking the MCAT at the end of May but am kind of weary about how that'll end up....pretty sure i'll still be an underdog! I also am a collegiate athlete and this cuts into a lot of time I have for ECs. I have club involvement at school, volunteer hours, and a good amount of shadowing hours. Any recommendations/suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated! I'm just curious about where I stand.

You have a 3.4, a 3.2 would be an underdog. Unless you bomb the MCAT (less than 26) , you are not an underdog. Just saying

You are on the right track with the ECs though, keep up the good work

 

[s0imaan]

Does the AACOMAS replaces grades like C-, C, C+ or do they average out the grades if you retake the class with an A? If I want to retake classes that I got C's in would I also have to put "repeat 01" and "last repeat 01"?

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Does the AACOMAS replaces grades like C-, C, C+ or do they average out the grades if you retake the class with an A? If I want to retake classes that I got C's in would I also have to put "repeat 01" and "last repeat 01"?

The grade is replaced with the most recent grade. If you retook the class more than once you would do "repeat 01" and "last repeat 01" for retaking class 01. If you only retook it once you just put in "last repeat 01".

 

[HockeyDr09]

100,000 page views!

If anyone has any updates, feel free to PM me. I know the application cycle is coming to an end, and that a new thread will probably start for the new year (I'm not sure who I'm handing the torch to). Hopefully i'll be able to update the first page and solidify the stats for the 2010-2011 cycle.

Congrats to everyone who got in so far.

 

[DJack]

I have an opinion question for some of you... I will be an underdog this coming year with around a 3.37cGPA and a sGPA that will be around a 3.0, depending on what aacomas calculates. I was looking at some of the low mcat scores that were able to get in, which is encouraging, but at what score do you recommend retaking the test? I take the test next week and am nervous about what my score might be. I will be applying very early and broadly when the cycle opens.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

I have an opinion question for some of you... I will be an underdog this coming year with around a 3.37cGPA and a sGPA that will be around a 3.0, depending on what aacomas calculates. I was looking at some of the low mcat scores that were able to get in, which is encouraging, but at what score do you recommend retaking the test? I take the test next week and am nervous about what my score might be. I will be applying very early and broadly when the cycle opens.

With your low sGPA, I think anything below 25 warrants a retake. If you hit 25+, you will have a decent chance if the other aspects of your appplication are solid.

 

[DbDan]

100,000 page views!

If anyone has any updates, feel free to PM me. I know the application cycle is coming to an end, and that a new thread will probably start for the new year (I'm not sure who I'm handing the torch to). Hopefully i'll be able to update the first page and solidify the stats for the 2010-2011 cycle.

Congrats to everyone who got in so far.

If you have a gmail I can set you up to edit the spreadsheet that way it can be posted in next year's thread. PM me if you want. Not that it would take that long to put something new together anyway.

 

[drgioiadds]

With your low sGPA, I think anything below 25 warrants a retake. If you hit 25+, you will have a decent chance if the other aspects of your appplication are solid.

That's where I'm at...3.77 Gpa with DDS degree and 25 MCAT. I applied late; so I interviewed in March and April and ended up on 2 wait lists

 

[JamesLMT]

100,000 page views!

If anyone has any updates, feel free to PM me. I know the application cycle is coming to an end, and that a new thread will probably start for the new year (I'm not sure who I'm handing the torch to). Hopefully i'll be able to update the first page and solidify the stats for the 2010-2011 cycle.

Congrats to everyone who got in so far.

How does it feel to be the most viewed and posted in thread in the DO section? by about 70,000 views. Though the 2014 class thread on the MD forums has almost 2 million views... LOL..

 

[DbDan]

How does it feel to be the most viewed and posted in thread in the DO section? by about 70,000 views. Though the 2014 class thread on the MD forums has almost 2 million views... LOL..

School specific threads have a much higher view count. Many of them are 80k+ But yes, in the main pre-DO forum this is the most popular thread.

 

[Ferocity]

3.08cGPA, 3.05sGPA, 23O MCAT.

300 hours ER volunteering

60 hours DO shadowing

That's it in terms of EC's.

2 science LOR, 1 non science LOR, 1 DO LOR

I'm retaking the MCAT only July 28th. Aiming for a 28+

I'm going to get my app ready on June 1st. I will submit my secondaries the second my MCAT score gets posted to AACOMAS.

Any advice on where to apply?

Major underdog

 

[DocMiles]

I thought I wound share my story here as well. This thread has been so helpful to me during my pre-medical education and hopefully my story will give someone else a little hope.

After graduating high school in 2003, I was off to college. After a solid fall semester I had some family issues in the spring and was forced to leave school. Unfortunately I did not understand the withdrawal policy at my school and did not withdraw correctly from my classes, which ended up in me earning 4 F's during the spring semester. This gave me a whopping 1.92 GPA at the end of my freshman year. After my freshman year, I left for Uruguay for two years and when I returned, I was determined to be a doctor. I was quickly informed by my pre-medical advisor at my new undergraduate university that medical schools frown upon applicants with a sub-C grade point average. I was basically told to not waste my time.

I decided to go for it anyways and in the course of three and a half years was able to raise my GPA to 3.29. Unfortunately, I was not able to retake any of the classes I had failed because I was at a different university and the classes I failed where no longer being offered at my first college (serves my right for taking Music and Religion, Comtemporary Moral Problems etc.). I knew I was still not an "ideal" applicant but hoped that a high MCAT (30+) would get me a look from a couple medical schools. Alas, it was not to be. After completing a Kaplan course and studying a lot I took the MCAT and got a 24Q. After a couple days of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to take the MCAT again with the hope of improving my score. I took my second MCAT 3 months later and got a 23O. I was devestated. I assumed that was it for my medical school dreams. I knew the only thing worse than getting a low MCAT score was getting a lower MCAT score on your second try.

I applied anyways, assuming I had nothing to lose. During the year I was fortunate enough to receive five interviews which resulted in 2 acceptances and 2 high waitlists. I am extremely grateful that a school took a chance on me. To all the other underdogs, it can be done!!! Don't give up!

 

[drgioiadds]

I thought I wound share my story here as well. This thread has been so helpful to me during my pre-medical education and hopefully my story will give someone else a little hope.

After graduating high school in 2003, I was off to college. After a solid fall semester I had some family issues in the spring and was forced to leave school. Unfortunately I did not understand the withdrawal policy at my school and did not withdraw correctly from my classes, which ended up in me earning 4 F's during the spring semester. This gave me a whopping 1.92 GPA at the end of my freshman year. After my freshman year, I left for Uruguay for two years and when I returned, I was determined to be a doctor. I was quickly informed by my pre-medical advisor at my new undergraduate university that medical schools frown upon applicants with a sub-C grade point average. I was basically told to not waste my time.

I decided to go for it anyways and in the course of three and a half years was able to raise my GPA to 3.29. Unfortunately, I was not able to retake any of the classes I had failed because I was at a different university and the classes I failed where no longer being offered at my first college (serves my right for taking Music and Religion, Comtemporary Moral Problems etc.). I knew I was still not an "ideal" applicant but hoped that a high MCAT (30+) would get me a look from a couple medical schools. Alas, it was not to be. After completing a Kaplan course and studying a lot I took the MCAT and got a 24Q. After a couple days of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to take the MCAT again with the hope of improving my score. I took my second MCAT 3 months later and got a 23O. I was devestated. I assumed that was it for my medical school dreams. I knew the only thing worse than getting a low MCAT score was getting a lower MCAT score on your second try.

I applied anyways, assuming I had nothing to lose. During the year I was fortunate enough to receive five interviews which resulted in 2 acceptances and 2 high waitlists. I am extremely grateful that a school took a chance on me. To all the other underdogs, it can be done!!! Don't give up!

This is a great story! I am an alternate here and on a high wait list at another school. Maybe I'll get to meet you.

 

[DocMiles]

This is a great story! I am an alternate here and on a high wait list at another school. Maybe I'll get to meet you.

That would be awesome. You have a great story too. Hopefully you hear good news soon and we can be classmates .

 

[NurWollen]

I thought I wound share my story here as well. This thread has been so helpful to me during my pre-medical education and hopefully my story will give someone else a little hope.

After graduating high school in 2003, I was off to college. After a solid fall semester I had some family issues in the spring and was forced to leave school. Unfortunately I did not understand the withdrawal policy at my school and did not withdraw correctly from my classes, which ended up in me earning 4 F's during the spring semester. This gave me a whopping 1.92 GPA at the end of my freshman year. After my freshman year, I left for Uruguay for two years and when I returned, I was determined to be a doctor. I was quickly informed by my pre-medical advisor at my new undergraduate university that medical schools frown upon applicants with a sub-C grade point average. I was basically told to not waste my time.

I decided to go for it anyways and in the course of three and a half years was able to raise my GPA to 3.29. Unfortunately, I was not able to retake any of the classes I had failed because I was at a different university and the classes I failed where no longer being offered at my first college (serves my right for taking Music and Religion, Comtemporary Moral Problems etc.). I knew I was still not an "ideal" applicant but hoped that a high MCAT (30+) would get me a look from a couple medical schools. Alas, it was not to be. After completing a Kaplan course and studying a lot I took the MCAT and got a 24Q. After a couple days of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to take the MCAT again with the hope of improving my score. I took my second MCAT 3 months later and got a 23O. I was devestated. I assumed that was it for my medical school dreams. I knew the only thing worse than getting a low MCAT score was getting a lower MCAT score on your second try.

I applied anyways, assuming I had nothing to lose. During the year I was fortunate enough to receive five interviews which resulted in 2 acceptances and 2 high waitlists. I am extremely grateful that a school took a chance on me. To all the other underdogs, it can be done!!! Don't give up!

Your story is so much like mine it's scary. Right down to the bad semester and living in Uruguay for two years.

 

[DocMiles]

Your story is so much like mine it's scary. Right down to the bad semester and living in Uruguay for two years.

That's crazy!! Where did you live while you were in Uruguay? I was on the west side of the country from Montevideo to Rivera.

 

[NurWollen]

That's crazy!! Where did you live while you were in Uruguay? I was on the west side of the country from Montevideo to Rivera.

¡No me digas! Te envié un PM!

 

[IamKing]

The people of the underdog thread have been keeping me going for the last year or so. I feel like this one of the only few places on SDN where people don't put one another down, and try to help each other out. With this in mind, I just got back my 3/26/11 scores right now and I was hoping for some advice.

First off, a little background on me:

-Degree from UC Davis in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (we call it NPB), and a minor in Psychology (I hope that its okay that I am posting my school and major, it seems like no one does this on SDN).

-My overall GPA was a 3.2 and my science GPA was a 3.1, but I did have an upward trend.

-Been working as an EMT over the last year after I graduated

- Approximately 30 hours shadowing a DO

-2 letters of recommendation from 2 different DO's (One of the letters comes from a former professor at Touro-CA), and 3 other decent letters from college professors

-Around 80 hours of volunteer work at hospitals dating back from high school

-A few other miscellaneous projects that I have started but aren't really medicine related, and are more closely classified as community work

-MCAT of 28O, 10P, 8V, 10B

My Questions:

-According to my MCAT score and my GPA my Applicant score is a 45, and I wanted to know if I could officially become a member of this thread? I am an underdog.

-Are my chances decent, with the stats and extracurriculars that I mentioned, if I apply early in the cycle? Or should I be realistically aiming for SMPs?

-Would taking another year off retaking some community college classes that I got C's in early in my academic career be better than doing an SMP?

-Do DO schools look at upward trends in GPA? During my early years in college, my GPA was around a 2.7, but the last two years which consisted of upper division physiology, biology, and neurobiology classes my GPA was around a 3.3-3.4.

-Do DO schools care about the undergraduate institution that I received my GPA from? Are they more lenient with GPA if the undergraduate institution is considered difficult?

Thank you all for reading this post. You guys are awesome and my inspiration. I believe that we will all get where we want to be as long as we are persistent in reaching our goals. I look forward to hearing the advice that you all have to offer me.

 

[HockeyDr09]

The people of the underdog thread have been keeping me going for the last year or so. I feel like this one of the only few places on SDN where people don't put one another down, and try to help each other out. With this in mind, I just got back my 3/26/11 scores right now and I was hoping for some advice.

First off, a little background on me:

-Degree from UC Davis in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (we call it NPB), and a minor in Psychology (I hope that its okay that I am posting my school and major, it seems like no one does this on SDN).

-My overall GPA was a 3.2 and my science GPA was a 3.1, but I did have an upward trend.

-Been working as an EMT over the last year after I graduated

- Approximately 30 hours shadowing a DO

-2 letters of recommendation from 2 different DO's (One of the letters comes from a former professor at Touro-CA), and 3 other decent letters from college professors

-Around 80 hours of volunteer work at hospitals dating back from high school

-A few other miscellaneous projects that I have started but aren't really medicine related, and are more closely classified as community work

-MCAT of 28O, 10P, 8V, 10B

My Questions:

-According to my MCAT score and my GPA my Applicant score is a 45, and I wanted to know if I could officially become a member of this thread? I am an underdog.

-Are my chances decent, with the stats and extracurriculars that I mentioned, if I apply early in the cycle? Or should I be realistically aiming for SMPs?

-Would taking another year off retaking some community college classes that I got C's in early in my academic career be better than doing an SMP?

-Do DO schools look at upward trends in GPA? During my early years in college, my GPA was around a 2.7, but the last two years which consisted of upper division physiology, biology, and neurobiology classes my GPA was around a 3.3-3.4.

-Do DO schools care about the undergraduate institution that I received my GPA from? Are they more lenient with GPA if the undergraduate institution is considered difficult?

Thank you all for reading this post. You guys are awesome and my inspiration. I believe that we will all get where we want to be as long as we are persistent in reaching our goals. I look forward to hearing the advice that you all have to offer me.

You look like a pretty solid applicant to me. 28 MCAT is above average, and it's well rounded which is a plus. Your GPA is below average but you have what seems to be a solid upward trend. You've already shadowed a DO and have 2 DO letters. Some volunteer work and community service. I wouldn't put you at underdog status (which is a good thing ).

If you want MD, I would think you'd have a much better chance going the SMP route. I personally don't think an SMP is even remotely close to necessary if you applied DO. I think you have a pretty good chance if you apply early and broadly. Retaking low grades in pre-requisite classes could only help (if you do better obviously). I noticed you said you wanted to retake classes that you took at a community college, were these pre-req classes? As far as I was aware, where you went to undergrad isn't really a big deal. I don't think there will be leniency because of your undergrad school. An upward trend can only help. How are your academic LOR's?

If it was me, I would apply early (June), and consider retaking a few classes fall semester just in case. You could always update schools with new grades. I would take my time on my personal statement and make it perfect. Continue any clinical exposure experiences you have going on and make sure to communicate with schools and really let them know your interested after you apply. Make sure that your secondary turn around is quick. Good luck with everything, and keep us updated.

 

[DJack]

This thread now has over 2,000 replies! What a great thing it has become.

 

[IamKing]

You look like a pretty solid applicant to me. 28 MCAT is above average, and it's well rounded which is a plus. Your GPA is below average but you have what seems to be a solid upward trend. You've already shadowed a DO and have 2 DO letters. Some volunteer work and community service. I wouldn't put you at underdog status (which is a good thing ).

If you want MD, I would think you'd have a much better chance going the SMP route. I personally don't think an SMP is even remotely close to necessary if you applied DO. I think you have a pretty good chance if you apply early and broadly. Retaking low grades in pre-requisite classes could only help (if you do better obviously). I noticed you said you wanted to retake classes that you took at a community college, were these pre-req classes? As far as I was aware, where you went to undergrad isn't really a big deal. I don't think there will be leniency because of your undergrad school. An upward trend can only help. How are your academic LOR's?

If it was me, I would apply early (June), and consider retaking a few classes fall semester just in case. You could always update schools with new grades. I would take my time on my personal statement and make it perfect. Continue any clinical exposure experiences you have going on and make sure to communicate with schools and really let them know your interested after you apply. Make sure that your secondary turn around is quick. Good luck with everything, and keep us updated.

Thanks a lot HockeyDr09! I was hoping it would be you that gave me a response. The classes I was thinking about retaking were General Chemistry, and Calculus, I took those classes Freshman year and I got C's in them. I was thinking about retaking them at a community college because it would be tremendously cheaper.

MD isn't really an option for me, I love everything about the DO atmosphere/Phyliosphy and would love to become an Osteopath. So I guess doing an SMP is not necessary. It's hard to say how my academic LOR's are. I didn't really know my professors as most people at large state schools don't. However, each professor I asked was enthusiastic about writing me a letter for DO school specifically. I told them to write the letter for Osteopathic Medicine, not just medical school.


Thanks again for the positive encouragement and great advice!

 

[HockeyDr09]

Thanks a lot HockeyDr09! I was hoping it would be you that gave me a response. The classes I was thinking about retaking were General Chemistry, and Calculus, I took those classes Freshman year and I got C's in them. I was thinking about retaking them at a community college because it would be tremendously cheaper.

MD isn't really an option for me, I love everything about the DO atmosphere/Phyliosphy and would love to become an Osteopath. So I guess doing an SMP is not necessary. It's hard to say how my academic LOR's are. I didn't really know my professors as most people at large state schools don't. However, each professor I asked was enthusiastic about writing me a letter for DO school specifically. I told them to write the letter for Osteopathic Medicine, not just medical school.


Thanks again for the positive encouragement and great advice!

No problem. I'm not sure what schools think about retaking classes from a University at a Community College, so I may be weary of that (I can't say I know too much about that though, just my opinion). Also remember that it's just my opinion that you don't need an SMP, it just seems like using grade replacement would be a much better idea. Depending on how many credits you have, you could make a substantial jump in a single semester. Just show your strong interest in Osteopathic Medicine in your personal statement / secondary essays. Seems like you have a good chance to me, but what do I know .

 

[racerwad]

The people of the underdog thread have been keeping me going for the last year or so. I feel like this one of the only few places on SDN where people don't put one another down, and try to help each other out. With this in mind, I just got back my 3/26/11 scores right now and I was hoping for some advice.

First off, a little background on me:

-Degree from UC Davis in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (we call it NPB), and a minor in Psychology (I hope that its okay that I am posting my school and major, it seems like no one does this on SDN).

-My overall GPA was a 3.2 and my science GPA was a 3.1, but I did have an upward trend.

-Been working as an EMT over the last year after I graduated

- Approximately 30 hours shadowing a DO

-2 letters of recommendation from 2 different DO's (One of the letters comes from a former professor at Touro-CA), and 3 other decent letters from college professors

-Around 80 hours of volunteer work at hospitals dating back from high school

-A few other miscellaneous projects that I have started but aren't really medicine related, and are more closely classified as community work

-MCAT of 28O, 10P, 8V, 10B

My Questions:

-According to my MCAT score and my GPA my Applicant score is a 45, and I wanted to know if I could officially become a member of this thread? I am an underdog.

-Are my chances decent, with the stats and extracurriculars that I mentioned, if I apply early in the cycle? Or should I be realistically aiming for SMPs?

-Would taking another year off retaking some community college classes that I got C's in early in my academic career be better than doing an SMP?

-Do DO schools look at upward trends in GPA? During my early years in college, my GPA was around a 2.7, but the last two years which consisted of upper division physiology, biology, and neurobiology classes my GPA was around a 3.3-3.4.

-Do DO schools care about the undergraduate institution that I received my GPA from? Are they more lenient with GPA if the undergraduate institution is considered difficult?

Thank you all for reading this post. You guys are awesome and my inspiration. I believe that we will all get where we want to be as long as we are persistent in reaching our goals. I look forward to hearing the advice that you all have to offer me.

I agree with HockeyDoc. Your profile is similar to mine; I just spent waaaayy more time working and less time actually doing something.

As HockeyDoc mentioned, I think you should call the schools you are interested in. Ask to speak to an admissions counselor (not the first person who answers the phone) and then as them your questions about grade replacement and institutional reputation. I was always under the impression that in order for the grade replacement to work, you had to retake the same course at the same institution to maintain an apples-to-apples comparison. Of course, this is my bias because that's what I did. Anyhow, a few phone calls may save you some heartache later on. The instructions for filling out the AACOMAS are ambiguous.

Anyhow, you can definitely do it. You can see my profile for my GPA/MCAT stats and you can PM me if you want to know the deets of my ECs.


Good luck.

 

[IamKing]

I agree with HockeyDoc. Your profile is similar to mine; I just spent waaaayy more time working and less time actually doing something.

As HockeyDoc mentioned, I think you should call the schools you are interested in. Ask to speak to an admissions counselor (not the first person who answers the phone) and then as them your questions about grade replacement and institutional reputation. I was always under the impression that in order for the grade replacement to work, you had to retake the same course at the same institution to maintain an apples-to-apples comparison. Of course, this is my bias because that's what I did. Anyhow, a few phone calls may save you some heartache later on. The instructions for filling out the AACOMAS are ambiguous.

Anyhow, you can definitely do it. You can see my profile for my GPA/MCAT stats and you can PM me if you want to know the deets of my ECs.


Good luck.

Thanks for the extra information and I'll be sure to PM you if any other questions arise. Also, TriagePreMed, what did you end up studying at Davis?

 

[shoenberg3]

Hello guys:

I am currently really concerned about getting into any medical program. My stats are around 3.15 GPA at a top school (one from HYPS). I am about to take my MCATs but I am projecting (yes, I know it is impossible to really project) at least a 35, based on how I am doing on practice tests. I am a non-trad applicant with double major in music and biology, with considerable recognition in music in awards etc. I have decent but not spectacular lab experiences with abstracts and pending second author pub. in basic science lab and clinical research lab respectively. Some decent clinical experience too with a position in free clinic.

After reading about DO programs, it is definitely sounding like something I would like to pursue. But I have a few concerns:

1) I do not have a DO physician for LOR.
2) My sGPA is really low, possibly under 3.0.

Given this, how would be my chances in DO schools? Would I likely have a chance to get in somewhere this cycle?

Thank you for your help.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

Hello guys:

I am currently really concerned about getting into any medical program. My stats are around 3.15 GPA at a top school (one from HYPS). I am about to take my MCATs but I am projecting (yes, I know it is impossible to really project) at least a 35, based on how I am doing on practice tests. I am a non-trad applicant with double major in music and biology, with considerable recognition in music in awards etc. I have decent but not spectacular lab experiences with abstracts and pending second author pub. in basic science lab and clinical research lab respectively. Some decent clinical experience too with a position in free clinic.

After reading about DO programs, it is definitely sounding like something I would like to pursue. But I have a few concerns:

1) I do not have a DO physician for LOR.
2) My sGPA is really low, possibly under 3.0.

Given this, how would be my chances in DO schools? Would I likely have a chance to get in somewhere this cycle?

Thank you for your help.

If you can get a 35+ mcat, I think you would have a decent shot at many DO schools even with a sGPA less than 3.0...hopefully your sGPA is above 2.75 since many schools have cut off around that range.