The Underdog Thread

[stucka21]

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Agreed...
When I see folks with a 3.96 calling themselves underdogs it's a bit discouraging.

I don't want to try to discourage you. I just turned 20 years old, and so for my circumstances; I have been told by schools that I would be less considered because of that. So please don't take offense from me! I never thought age would be that big of a determining factor, but I have a lot of people telling me my age and mcat could rule me out. I'm sorry again for maybe not posting in the correct thread, and I wish you goodluck as I know we're all going through this together

 

[GUH]

I don't want to try to discourage you. I just turned 20 years old, and so for my circumstances; I have been told by schools that I would be less considered because of that. So please don't take offense from me! I never thought age would be that big of a determining factor, but I have a lot of people telling me my age and mcat could rule me out. I'm sorry again for maybe not posting in the correct thread, and I wish you goodluck as I know we're all going through this together

Ah, fair enough. Congratulations on finishing college so young.
Anyone who's been told "you can't do it because blah blah blah blah blah" for whatever reason and is still determined to push ahead anyways has my support. 😎

 

[stucka21]

Ah, fair enough. Congratulations of finishing college so young.
Anyone who's been told "you can't do it because blah blah blah blah blah" for whatever reason and is still determined to push ahead anyways has my support. 😎

Thanks so much GUH! Goodluck on your mcat and stay positive! I appreciate your support, and you have mine 🙂

 

[vmorel1]

I guess I'll add myself to the alliance of underdogs. Here's my stats:

cGPA: 3.47/ sGPA: 3.3/ MCAT: 24M (9ps, 9v, 6bio - ouch) took the mcat without really studying (a few days during spring break) because I made a 29 on a practice test which gave me a false sense of confidence. I know, I'm an idiot...anyway, I'm retaking August 5th and have been doing Princeton review the whole summer.

Good luck to everyone and I think we can all agree that being a doctor is more about the person rather than their scores!

 

[judasreznor]

I guess I'll add myself to the alliance of underdogs. Here's my stats:

cGPA: 3.47/ sGPA: 3.3/ MCAT: 24M (9ps, 9v, 6bio - ouch) took the mcat without really studying (a few days during spring break) because I made a 29 on a practice test which gave me a false sense of confidence. I know, I'm an idiot...anyway, I'm retaking August 5th and have been doing Princeton review the whole summer.

Good luck to everyone and I think we can all agree that being a doctor is more about the person rather than their scores!

I wouldn't really consider you much of an underdog either. Your stats (except for a couple of points on the MCAT) are right in line with the averages (depending upon where you're applying).

 

[vmorel1]

I wouldn't really consider you much of an underdog either. Your stats (except for a couple of points on the MCAT) are right in line with the averages (depending upon where you're applying).

Well gee, thanks! I'll take that as a compliment lol. However, I do not feel comfortable at all with my stats and feel like I rank right in there with the rest of the underdogs in this thread.

I applied to:

LMU-DCOM
Nova
LECOM-B
ATSU-KCOM
PCOM-Ga
Western-COMP
AZCOM
VCOM-CC

 

[demayette]

I guess I am an underdog as well. I will be applying next cycle with a 3.18 cGPA and a 3.4 sGPA with a 27P MCAT. I will keep my finger cross then. Good luck to all the underdogs.

 

[DbDan]

I guess I am an underdog as well. I will be applying next cycle with a 3.18 cGPA and a 3.4 sGPA with a 27P MCAT. I will keep my finger cross then. Good luck to all the underdogs.

I wouldn't consider you an underdog... less than average? yes, kinda. Your MCAT is a point above average, your sGPA (which is arguably more important) is average. You should be ok if your ECs are good

 

[judasreznor]

Well gee, thanks! I'll take that as a compliment lol. However, I do not feel comfortable at all with my stats and feel like I rank right in there with the rest of the underdogs in this thread.

I applied to:

LMU-DCOM
Nova
LECOM-B
ATSU-KCOM
PCOM-Ga
Western-COMP
AZCOM
VCOM-CC

You're right in line with the averages at many of the schools to which you're applying. It absolutely isn't wrong to consider yourself an underdog, but I don't know why you would if you're at their averages. 😀

 

[vmorel1]

Well I guess I'm just setting my expectations really low so I don't get my hopes up. I would agree that I might not be an underdog if I didn't have a 6 in bio on my mcat, but I feel like that is really holding me back.

I've got my fingers crossed and wish the best for everyone! Good luck guys!

 

[Sinfest]

I am SO SICK of AACOMAS. It's been over 6 weeks since I sent in my first copy of a transcript. Since then, I've sent in two additional copies, and they still don't have it! 😡

How am I supposed to become a doctor if medical schools can't even get my damn application???

 

[JamesLMT]

I guess I should join the club. Imma non trad with cgpa3.4 and a sgpa of 3.2 with a 24R MCAT.

 

[HockeyDr09]

I am SO SICK of AACOMAS. It's been over 6 weeks since I sent in my first copy of a transcript. Since then, I've sent in two additional copies, and they still don't have it! 😡

How am I supposed to become a doctor if medical schools can't even get my damn application???

That is brutal, i'll make some calls, see if I can help out a fellow underdog . (If only I had some pull with AACOMAS)


I just had my interview this past Friday, I believe I may have been the first underdog to interview (LECOM-E). I LOVED the school and I hope I did well, the interview was closed file, which may have helped my case a little bit. I'll be sure to keep you all informed when I find out my fate. Remember we ARE going to get in!

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

That is brutal, i'll make some calls, see if I can help out a fellow underdog . (If only I had some pull with AACOMAS)


I just had my interview this past Friday, I believe I may have been the first underdog to interview (LECOM-E). I LOVED the school and I hope I did well, the interview was closed file, which may have helped my case a little bit. I'll be sure to keep you all informed when I find out my fate. Remember we ARE going to get in!

that's awesome man! keep it up!

 

[gatewasani]

I am SO SICK of AACOMAS. It's been over 6 weeks since I sent in my first copy of a transcript. Since then, I've sent in two additional copies, and they still don't have it! 😡

How am I supposed to become a doctor if medical schools can't even get my damn application???

yea, i'm going through something similary, it's freaking ridiculous...

 

[GreatScott]

I think this is going to be my new favorite thread. Post me up on the Underdog wall. I've got a cGPA 3.44 and sGPA 3.33, with a 24Q MCAT and a retake at the end of July (gulp). I've applied to about 7 schools and sent a secondary into LECOM-Erie, but I've yet to hear back...

Plus I'm waiting on the DO I've shadowed to write my letter (asked several weeks ago...).

I've spent the last year at a FT job drawing blood for hospital labs, but I've yet to see any DO school websites post about how many hours work experience will make up for an average GPA...

Hooray waiting to hear back about the rest of my future!

 

[DrDre2001]

Great job by HockeyDr for updating the opening post constantly.

And you can put me down for a Lecom-B interview, as I just got the invite a few days ago.

 

[Sinfest]

That is brutal, i'll make some calls, see if I can help out a fellow underdog . (If only I had some pull with AACOMAS)


I just had my interview this past Friday, I believe I may have been the first underdog to interview (LECOM-E). I LOVED the school and I hope I did well, the interview was closed file, which may have helped my case a little bit. I'll be sure to keep you all informed when I find out my fate. Remember we ARE going to get in!

Hahaha

Congrats on your interview, I'm sure it went well 👍

yea, i'm going through something similary, it's freaking ridiculous...

It's unbelievable. And to make matters worse, they aren't even helpful! They take forever to reply to emails, they do not answer the phone during their business hours, and the customer reps aren't even sympathetic. You have a very professional operation going on AACOMAS, very professional...🙄

 

[emno]

That is brutal, i'll make some calls, see if I can help out a fellow underdog . (If only I had some pull with AACOMAS)


I just had my interview this past Friday, I believe I may have been the first underdog to interview (LECOM-E). I LOVED the school and I hope I did well, the interview was closed file, which may have helped my case a little bit. I'll be sure to keep you all informed when I find out my fate. Remember we ARE going to get in!

Great.

Only 4 underdogs got interview till now.
HockeyDr09 [3.0,27] Interview (LECOM-E)
DbDan [3.0, 33] Interview (LECOM-B)
DrDre2001 [3.15, 32] Interview (LECOM-B)
sedaniel [3.19, 31] Interview (LECOM-B)

As you can see that the mim MCAT till now have been 27 for interview.
and LECOM-B it is 30+.

thank for maintaining such a wonderful Opening post.

 

[BigBoosting]

Great.

As you can see that the mim MCAT till now have been 27 for interview.
and LECOM-B it is 30+.

Keep in mind this is a very small sample size. I have a 26 and got an interview with LECOM-B. MCAT isn't everything.

 

[emno]

Keep in mind this is a very small sample size. I have a 26 and got an interview with LECOM-B. MCAT isn't everything.

It feels good. I am 3 points less than you but trying to have hope against hope.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

It feels good. I am 3 points less than you but trying to have hope against hope.

why arent you retaking? you couldve easily done a july test date.

 

[emno]

why arent you retaking? you couldve easily done a july test date.

I was very confident last time and making low 30 and upper 20s in amac tests.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

so was your first score a 25, or did you go from 23 to 21?

 

[emno]

-

 

[painmd87]

I'll throw my hat into the underdog ring.

28Q MCAT, 3.4 cGPA, 2.8 sGPA (The Qualifier!)

I was also at the LECOM-E interview last friday.

VCOM, WVSOM, TUCOM-NY each said no pre-secondary.

 

[HockeyDr09]

I took second time and went minus 2 from the 1st one. Not sure If I should take it it again in august. I was very confident last time and making low 30 and upper 20s in amac tests.

Emno, you are going to pull it off. If you sent all your application material in early (which I hope you did), try and narrow your schools down to two or three that you really like out of your applied to list, and do everything for them to know you're interested in the school. I believe it worked for me. Just a quick email after they receive your application saying thank you for the update and how interested you are. Try and visit the campus if it's close to you. If you visit the campus send a quick thank you email to the school for organizing the event. I personally feel like those are ways outside of your application that could help you a little. Of course, retaking the MCAT and doing better would increase your chances the most.

 

[emno]

I'll throw my hat into the underdog ring.

28Q MCAT, 3.4 cGPA, 2.8 sGPA (The Qualifier!)

I was also at the LECOM-E interview last friday.

VCOM, WVSOM, TUCOM-NY each said no pre-secondary.

If you see the interview patterns till now, I see that the MCAT has been a main focus. Mostly people with 26 and above got an interview. I have not seen a case in this thread where low MCAT and average GPA got an invite (as per this thread's limited samples)

 

[emno]

Emno, you are going to pull it off. If you sent all your application material in early (which I hope you did), try and narrow your schools down to two or three that you really like out of your applied to list, and do everything for them to know you're interested in the school. I believe it worked for me. Just a quick email after they receive your application saying thank you for the update and how interested you are. Try and visit the campus if it's close to you. If you visit the campus send a quick thank you email to the school for organizing the event. I personally feel like those are ways outside of your application that could help you a little. Of course, retaking the MCAT and doing better would increase your chances the most.

Thank you HockeyDr for a very nice piece of advice. I will do the way you suggested.

 

[HockeyDr09]

I'll throw my hat into the underdog ring.

28Q MCAT, 3.4 cGPA, 2.8 sGPA (The Qualifier!)

I was also at the LECOM-E interview last friday.

VCOM, WVSOM, TUCOM-NY each said no pre-secondary.

Glad to see another LECOM-E interviewee in here, the LECOM-B's are taking over. I wonder if I met you during the interview. I was denied from VCOM, have not heard ANYTHING from TUCOM (NY Res) and have been deferred at WVSOM (I think only because I spoke to them like 40 times and they knew my interest in the school).

When were you complete? I was June 1st, i'm surprised I have not heard anything from TUCOM. All I care about is a LECOM-E acceptance right now, so nervous waiting!

 

[crazynate]

Hey guys

not necessarily a huge underdog statwise here, but it is my second go around which makes me feel like an underdog lol. Good luck everyone

MCAT - 30 - 9/10/11
GPA-3.4
sgpa- 3.4

No D.O Letter, but I do have an MD Letter
Decent LORs
Mediocre to Decent ECs, nothing special except for a volunteer trip to Africa.

 

[HockeyDr09]

Hey guys

not necessarily a huge underdog statwise here, but it is my second go around which makes me feel like an underdog lol. Good luck everyone

MCAT - 30 - 9/10/11
GPA-3.4
sgpa- 3.4

No D.O Letter, but I do have an MD Letter
Decent LORs
Mediocre to Decent ECs, nothing special except for a volunteer trip to Africa.

Take solace in the fact that you are most definitely not an underdog. If you apply early you should get a ton of interviews (based on Decent EC's). I am assuming it's your second go around because either your MCAT was not that high last year or you applied late.

 

[Sinfest]

So I just got off the phone with AACOMAS about my transcript. All he could do was tell me "to wait". I then asked what's going to happen if they never get my transcript, and he said I won't be able to apply to medical schools 🙄

After prodding him even more, he said I could file a "transcript waiver" with a manager over email. I just got an email back from the manager and was told there is no such thing. 🙄

 

[crazynate]

Take solace in the fact that you are most definitely not an underdog. If you apply early you should get a ton of interviews (based on Decent EC's). I am assuming it's your second go around because either your MCAT was not that high last year or you applied late.

Yea, I applied very late, mainly because i didn't have any physician LOR. Ive gotten a few totally complete applications already this go around. So hopefully i have better luck this time

 

[Squarely]

Yea, I applied very late, mainly because i didn't have any physician LOR. Ive gotten a few totally complete applications already this go around. So hopefully i have better luck this time

How late?

 

[gatewasani]

So I just got off the phone with AACOMAS about my transcript. All he could do was tell me "to wait". I then asked what's going to happen if they never get my transcript, and he said I won't be able to apply to medical schools 🙄

After prodding him even more, he said I could file a "transcript waiver" with a manager over email. I just got an email back from the manager and was told there is no such thing. 🙄

it's really frustrating, hang in there tho, looks like they finally got mine, now I just gotta wait for them to update schools, my sgpa is going from 2.86-3.1 so this is huge for me.

 

[s0imaan]

Yay for underdogs =)

I screwed up my last two years of college mainly because of personal issues. In my last two quarters you see an upward trend of A's and B's. My cGPA is 2.8 and sGPA is 2.77. I studied crazily for the mcats and got a 38 =). I've been volunteering at a clinic for the past three years and had a research job for the past three years. I still have yet to shadow a D.O.

If I apply to D.O schools next year, could there still be a chance to get in especially with my low GPA? or would it be better if I just apply to Ross or St. George university in the Caribbean?

 

[gatewasani]

Yay for underdogs =)

I screwed up my last two years of college mainly because of personal issues. In my last two quarters you see an upward trend of A's and B's. My cGPA is 2.8 and sGPA is 2.77. I studied crazily for the mcats and got a 38 =). I've been volunteering at a clinic for the past three years and had a research job for the past three years. I still have yet to shadow a D.O.

If I apply to D.O schools next year, could there still be a chance to get in especially with my low GPA? or would it be better if I just apply to Ross or St. George university in the Caribbean?

wow, I wouldn't waste such a fantastic mcat score on the caribbean. retake a couple of the science classes u did badly in and i'm sure you'll get in some where.

 

[Sinfest]

Yay for underdogs =)

I screwed up my last two years of college mainly because of personal issues. In my last two quarters you see an upward trend of A's and B's. My cGPA is 2.8 and sGPA is 2.77. I studied crazily for the mcats and got a 38 =). I've been volunteering at a clinic for the past three years and had a research job for the past three years. I still have yet to shadow a D.O.

If I apply to D.O schools next year, could there still be a chance to get in especially with my low GPA? or would it be better if I just apply to Ross or St. George university in the Caribbean?

😱 very nice

 

[EgyptianDoc]

Do I qualify for underdog status? I'm a reapplicant - was waitlisted at two schools last year. Applying this year with a 3.5 cGPA, 3.1 sGPA, and 25 MCAT (8/8/9). I'm a psychology/biology double major.

 

[DbDan]

Yay for underdogs =)

I screwed up my last two years of college mainly because of personal issues. In my last two quarters you see an upward trend of A's and B's. My cGPA is 2.8 and sGPA is 2.77. I studied crazily for the mcats and got a 38 =). I've been volunteering at a clinic for the past three years and had a research job for the past three years. I still have yet to shadow a D.O.

If I apply to D.O schools next year, could there still be a chance to get in especially with my low GPA? or would it be better if I just apply to Ross or St. George university in the Caribbean?

Take advantage of DO's grade replacement. Having been in a similar position this year (not as high an MCAT score but very very similar GPA) I can tell you that retaking just 3-4 courses for an A that you got a C- or C in (high units first of course) will get you to a 3.0. You will for sure get interviews with a 3.0 and a 38. In fact, I would venture to say if you applied right this second, you would have a shot at a few interviews even with a 2.8. Last year with a 2.76 (sci and cum) and a 33 I got 2 interviews -> waitlists. Good luck!

 

[crazynate]

How late?

november-januaryish?...and i was only able to apply to the few schools that didn't require a physicians letter.

 

[Sinfest]

They FINALLY got my transcript. I'm happy and relieved, but pissed that it took 38 days.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

They FINALLY got my transcript. I'm happy and relieved, but pissed that it took 38 days.

let it go. you'll feel a lot better. it's taken care of.

 

[Sinfest]

let it go. you'll feel a lot better. it's taken care of.

I'm good, I just want to move on to secondaries now

 

[taylormade2006]

I'm good, I just want to move on to secondaries now

Not that I want to throw gasoline on your fire, but they must have lost it or something. Unless you sent it media mail.

 

[Sinfest]

Not that I want to throw gasoline on your fire, but they must have lost it or something. Unless you sent it media mail.

I'm not sure what happened, but it's over 🙂

 

[Beets]

Okay, here I am making my case for being considered an underdog. Okay, I just found out that I made a 26P on the MCAT (9VR, 8PS, 9BS). 3.89 cumulative and science GPA.

Sounds not too bad so far, BUT I am not a science major, which could either make me very cool and different, or simply indicate that I don't have enough research experience, etc. I've presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, but it was for my major (International Studies)... not science. I have good ECs I think, but none that are science related.The only clinical experience I have is a volunteer trip I did in Belize working in village field clinics for a couple of weeks. Also, the only DO school I applied to is UNTHSC/TCOM because it's the only place I feel I could actually afford the tuition. So basically I'm riding on one medical school liking me (since I don't think I have a snowball's chance in hell of getting into any of the other MD schools I applied to before getting my MCAT scores back). I would really love to go to TCOM anyway (it was one of my top choices even before today's MCAT score let down), since Ft. Worth is a neat city and TCOM seems like it's an awesome place to study. Can I please, please join your group? Haha.

 

[crazynate]

Okay, here I am making my case for being considered an underdog. Okay, I just found out that I made a 26P on the MCAT (9VR, 8PS, 9BS). 3.89 cumulative and science GPA.

Sounds not too bad so far, BUT I am not a science major, which could either make me very cool and different, or simply indicate that I don't have enough research experience, etc. I've presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, but it was for my major (International Studies)... not science. I have good ECs I think, but none that are science related.The only clinical experience I have is a volunteer trip I did in Belize working in village field clinics for a couple of weeks. Also, the only DO school I applied to is UNTHSC/TCOM because it's the only place I feel I could actually afford the tuition. So basically I'm riding on one medical school liking me (since I don't think I have a snowball's chance in hell of getting into any of the other MD schools I applied to before getting my MCAT scores back). I would really love to go to TCOM anyway (it was one of my top choices even before today's MCAT score let down), since Ft. Worth is a neat city and TCOM seems like it's an awesome place to study. Can I please, please join your group? Haha.

How were you planning on paying for the MD schools if you got into those? Obviously the most basic answer would be to apply to more DO schools and try to figure out the financials after you get in. IMO that's better than not getting into TCOM and having no other plans. Regardless, good luck

 

[Beets]

For all of the other schools, I'm still a Texas state resident, so tuition would be comparable across the board (from what I've been seeing, around $15K). OOS DO schools seemed to be running around $30K+ for tuition. My backup plan is simply to take the MCAT again next year after taking a Kaplan review course to make that aspect of my application stronger and maybe get some more shadowing/clinical experience. Never say die, pretty much!