The Underdog Thread

Started by HockeyDr09
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Not sure if I'm an underdog, but my MCAT is definitely going to automatically knock me out of some places. cGPA=3.62, GPA within the last 60 units = 3.8, sGPA=3.67... all the grades have a strong upward trend. MCAT 24M BS=10, PS=8, VR=6... The 6 is going to kill me. Bio major... Pretty balanced with extracurriculars.
 
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Beets said:
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.
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BenchReserve211 said:
Not sure if I'm an underdog, but my MCAT is definitely going to automatically knock me out of some places. cGPA=3.62, GPA within the last 60 units = 3.8, sGPA=3.67... all the grades have a strong upward trend. MCAT 24M BS=10, PS=8, VR=6... The 6 is going to kill me. Bio major... Pretty balanced with extracurriculars.
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I'll have to convene the underdog admissions committee on these two :laugh:.

Beets, a 3.9 GPA, 26 is almost a guarantee for interviews unless your clinical experience is SEVERELY lacking. Not being a science major and not having any research won't hurt you all that much in my opinion (as far as I know not being a science major really does not hurt at all). I don't think I personally would consider you an underdog (that is a good thing, you know :laugh:). You still have our support though!

As for BenchReserve, the 6 is going to hurt but with a 3.62 I would think you would receive interviews at schools that do not screen out 6's.

Have you two already applied?
 
Yep, I already applied before my MCAT scores even came out, which is why I'm kicking myself for spending the $260 for Baylor... Haha. I felt confident because my practice tests were consistently 30+, but apparently the real thing is a completely different beast. I just hate like feeling that my future rides on one test, so I like that DO schools supposedly take the whole person into more consideration than an MD school. It's just unfortunate that the tuition to most of them seems so high.

Like I said, pretty much my only clinical experience is a two week volunteer trip to Belize working in village field clinics, but I'm hoping they'll see that as a valuable experience in terms of seeing what medically underserved communities go through, etc. I wasn't able to get a LOR from a DO because there aren't any in my area, so I hope that doesn't hurt my chances either.
 
I'm waiting for my transcripts to be sent to aacomas and then I will submit my app. I went to Touro in NV yesterday and the lady said they aren't going to even start looking at the apps for this coming cycle until the beginning of next month... Assuming others are similar, I'm not worried too much because ill be done in a week.
 
Beets said:
Yep, I already applied before my MCAT scores even came out, which is why I'm kicking myself for spending the $260 for Baylor... Haha. I felt confident because my practice tests were consistently 30+, but apparently the real thing is a completely different beast. I just hate like feeling that my future rides on one test, so I like that DO schools supposedly take the whole person into more consideration than an MD school. It's just unfortunate that the tuition to most of them seems so high.

Like I said, pretty much my only clinical experience is a two week volunteer trip to Belize working in village field clinics, but I'm hoping they'll see that as a valuable experience in terms of seeing what medically underserved communities go through, etc. I wasn't able to get a LOR from a DO because there aren't any in my area, so I hope that doesn't hurt my chances either.
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Glad to hear you applied already. The volunteering experience seems pretty cool, I would try and go after some D.O experience even if its a bit far, but i'm sure it's not that big of a deal. Just make sure you know why you want D.O. Seems like you're in good shape to me, I would be a little weary of the lack healthcare experience/volunteering outside of your trip but you are by no means an underdog. Good luck!

BenchReserve211 said:
I'm waiting for my transcripts to be sent to aacomas and then I will submit my app. I went to Touro in NV yesterday and the lady said they aren't going to even start looking at the apps for this coming cycle until the beginning of next month... Assuming others are similar, I'm not worried too much because ill be done in a week.
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Sadly you're application probably won't be complete for another month due to AACOMAS's verification process (you can look through this thread to see some anguish other applicants went through waiting). As long as you're moving it along, there is really nothing else you can do. It does seem some schools have not started, where-as others (LECOM) have already had some interviews (I was one of lucky ones 😀). Just make sure they confirm they have your transcripts, sinfest will back me on that one. :laugh:
 
HockeyDr09 said:
Sadly you're application probably won't be complete for another month due to AACOMAS's verification process (you can look through this thread to see some anguish other applicants went through waiting). As long as you're moving it along, there is really nothing else you can do. It does seem some schools have not started, where-as others (LECOM) have already had some interviews (I was one of lucky ones 😀). Just make sure they confirm they have your transcripts, sinfest will back me on that one. :laugh:
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haha ohhhh yeahhh :laugh:

btw, want to add my stats to the first page?
 
Sinfest said:
haha ohhhh yeahhh :laugh:

btw, want to add my stats to the first page?
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I was reading through the posts about the transcripts and I thought I was the only one for teh longest time!

I just checked my application and it says transcript received on JULY 20. its ridiculous!
 
new underdog here. just got my mcat scores and a little embarrassed. 20 (PS 7 VR 6 BS 7). I've been reviewing since april and took the June 17th exam. I couldn't afford a prep class and relied on EK, AAMC exams, and anything I could find at Barnes and Noble. I already submitted my primary and four secondaries. Now I really have lost hope for this cycle, would everybody agree that I should stop doing secondaries now and reapply next cycle, only to focus on getting my mcat higher?

Stats: sci 3.52, non sci 3.82, cum 3.68. Already submitted LORs with DO letter and prehealth committee. I have normal Ec's.

I'm not a very good test taker at all, maybe I should try investing in a prep course but money is extremely tight. Suggestions would be helpful 🙁
 
Maica said:
new underdog here. just got my mcat scores and a little embarrassed. 20 (PS 7 VR 6 BS 7). I've been reviewing since april and took the June 17th exam. I couldn't afford a prep class and relied on EK, AAMC exams, and anything I could find at Barnes and Noble. I already submitted my primary and four secondaries. Now I really have lost hope for this cycle, would everybody agree that I should stop doing secondaries now and reapply next cycle, only to focus on getting my mcat higher?

Stats: sci 3.52, non sci 3.82, cum 3.68. Already submitted LORs with DO letter and prehealth committee. I have normal Ec's.

I'm not a very good test taker at all, maybe I should try investing in a prep course but money is extremely tight. Suggestions would be helpful 🙁
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No need to be embarrassed in this thread, NO one (at least I hope) is going to bash you for a a low MCAT, we all have our flaws on our apps. I personally don't think you will have that much of a chance with a 20 (I am no admissions counselor though, just read a lot on topic). Your application has a lot more to it and your GPA is great (do not know about your EC's), but it will be tough to counter that score. Did you just have a bad day on for the exam? Where were your practice scores ranging?
 
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Maica said:
new underdog here. just got my mcat scores and a little embarrassed. 20 (PS 7 VR 6 BS 7). I've been reviewing since april and took the June 17th exam. I couldn't afford a prep class and relied on EK, AAMC exams, and anything I could find at Barnes and Noble. I already submitted my primary and four secondaries. Now I really have lost hope for this cycle, would everybody agree that I should stop doing secondaries now and reapply next cycle, only to focus on getting my mcat higher?

Stats: sci 3.52, non sci 3.82, cum 3.68. Already submitted LORs with DO letter and prehealth committee. I have normal Ec's.

I'm not a very good test taker at all, maybe I should try investing in a prep course but money is extremely tight. Suggestions would be helpful 🙁
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Maybe you won't completely cut yourself out of the chase with that MCAT, but more importantly, you will be LIMITING yourself. You have a great GPA, if you study and get a good MCAT to go with it you'll be competitive for many MD's, let alone DO's. I would study to re-take and apply next year (just cause its already so late in the race) and take that time to add activities to your resume. You already basically went through the motions this time around so you know exactly what schools are looking for for next time. Good luck..
 
Thank you for your support everyone ^^. I am planning to take it again, I'm no longer worried whether I am early or late for this cycle haha. I've been getting 24-26's on the practice exams, but the real thing is definitely harder. Everyone good luck, do not lose hope!! DO is my only and #1 choice, will going to keep applying until they get sick of me and take a look at my app 😀
 
emno said:
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)
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An attempted rationalization of this evolving pattern:

GPA varies widely from institution to institution. MCAT is consistent.

Also, the goal of a medical school is to have you licensed as a doctor, which means passing the licensing exam (COMLEX or USMLE). Their secondary goal is to get you into a good residency, whose goal it is to get you pass the boards. USMLE/COMLEX are an excellent predictor of board pass success, and MCAT is a decent, but not great, predictor of COMLEX/USMLE.

Therefore, it makes sense that a decent MCAT is more likely to earn you an interview than a decent GPA.

That said, a complete application (with good exposure to clinical medicine), as well as the ability to present yourself well in a PS and eventually an interview, is the best way to earn admission.

In my group at the LECOM interview, I felt that the people who did the best were the ones who had good answers to clinical experience questions. An MCAT isn't going to explain your interest in medicine, nor will a GPA explain your opinion of health care reform.

The point is, statistical underdogs (GPA/MCAT) should, in theory, be able to overcome these 'deficiencies' with other experiences, but please do note that schools know and understand the statistical significance of MCAT->USMLE/COMLEX->Board certification.
 
painmd87 said:
An attempted rationalization of this evolving pattern:

GPA varies widely from institution to institution. MCAT is consistent.

Also, the goal of a medical school is to have you licensed as a doctor, which means passing the licensing exam (COMLEX or USMLE). Their secondary goal is to get you into a good residency, whose goal it is to get you pass the boards. USMLE/COMLEX are an excellent predictor of board pass success, and MCAT is a decent, but not great, predictor of COMLEX/USMLE.

Therefore, it makes sense that a decent MCAT is more likely to earn you an interview than a decent GPA.

That said, a complete application (with good exposure to clinical medicine), as well as the ability to present yourself well in a PS and eventually an interview, is the best way to earn admission.

In my group at the LECOM interview, I felt that the people who did the best were the ones who had good answers to clinical experience questions. An MCAT isn't going to explain your interest in medicine, nor will a GPA explain your opinion of health care reform.

The point is, statistical underdogs (GPA/MCAT) should, in theory, be able to overcome these 'deficiencies' with other experiences, but please do note that schools know and understand the statistical significance of MCAT->USMLE/COMLEX->Board certification.
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very well said painmd87.
 
painmd87 said:
An attempted rationalization of this evolving pattern:

Also, the goal of a medical school is to have you licensed as a doctor, which means passing the licensing exam (COMLEX or USMLE). Their secondary goal is to get you into a good residency, whose goal it is to get you pass the boards. USMLE/COMLEX are an excellent predictor of board pass success, and MCAT is a decent, but not great, predictor of COMLEX/USMLE.
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Actually anything that has been published that has tried to tie MCAT to USMLE/COMLEX scores has shown very very poor correlation. At least everything I have seen.
 
MLT2MT2DO said:
Actually anything that has been published that has tried to tie MCAT to USMLE/COMLEX scores has shown very very poor correlation. At least everything I have seen.
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Don't quote me on this because I can't remember what thread it was in lol, but I seem to remember someone posting an article about how the VR score of the MCAT was the only part that did have some correlation with USMLE performance. I will try to find the thread but it was several weeks ago I believe. Maybe someone with a better memory for these things knows where it is 🙂

EDIT: Nvm, I think I found the thread I was thinking about:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=678559&highlight=MCAT+USMLE

Someone mentioned the VR thing on there, but I guess studies have concluded that the BS is actually the section that correlates the best with USMLE. I Wikipedia-ed it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_College_Admission_Test#The_MCAT_today

Unfortunately, I can't access the PubMed article that this is quoted from (source #5)... boo.
 
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sedaniel said:
Don't quote me on this because I can't remember what thread it was in lol, but I seem to remember someone posting an article about how the VR score of the MCAT was the only part that did have some correlation with USMLE performance. I will try to find the thread but it was several weeks ago I believe. Maybe someone with a better memory for these things knows where it is 🙂
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whatever may be proven facts, till now I have observed that at LECOM interview invites, the MCAT score is have more importance then the GPA.
 
sedaniel said:
Don't quote me on this because I can't remember what thread it was in lol, but I seem to remember someone posting an article about how the VR score of the MCAT was the only part that did have some correlation with USMLE performance. I will try to find the thread but it was several weeks ago I believe. Maybe someone with a better memory for these things knows where it is 🙂

EDIT: Nvm, I think I found the thread I was thinking about:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=678559&highlight=MCAT+USMLE

Someone mentioned the VR thing on there, but I guess studies have concluded that the BS is actually the section that correlates the best with USMLE. I Wikipedia-ed it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_College_Admission_Test#The_MCAT_today

Unfortunately, I can't access the PubMed article that this is quoted from (source #5)... boo.
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Disclaimer: I didn't read those links you provided, but my Berkeley Review instructor (and also the guy who founded the company) said all of those correlation myths were made up. He said there is absolutely no predictor of med school boards success with regards to the MCAT available today.

I'm inclined to believe him. I almost didn't take the MCAT a second time. My first score was a 27, and with like two weeks of additional 'studying' (it was more like condensed review again) I scored 4 points higher. So basically a good portion of the new score was blind luck. Can't make any predictions that, if looking at the first score I'll pull an average board score, or with the second one that it'll be above average or whatever.
 
megathunder said:
Disclaimer: I didn't read those links you provided, but my Berkeley Review instructor (and also the guy who founded the company) said all of those correlation myths were made up. He said there is absolutely no predictor of med school boards success with regards to the MCAT available today.

I'm inclined to believe him. I almost didn't take the MCAT a second time. My first score was a 27, and with like two weeks of additional 'studying' (it was more like condensed review again) I scored 4 points higher. So basically a good portion of the new score was blind luck. Can't make any predictions that, if looking at the first score I'll pull an average board score, or with the second one that it'll be above average or whatever.
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Hmm... I just find it odd that there are so many different claims/articles/theories out there, I feel like there should be more research on this. Maybe I'll start my own project. 😀 haha.

I'm gonna try and get access to that PubMed article through my grad school's library because I'm interested in seeing what it says...
 
sedaniel said:
Hmm... I just find it odd that there are so many different claims/articles/theories out there, I feel like there should be more research on this. Maybe I'll start my own project. 😀 haha.

I'm gonna try and get access to that PubMed article through my grad school's library because I'm interested in seeing what it says...
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I just gave it a read, pretty interesting, thanks for the tip.
 
I feel like there have been too many stories of people making a score they're unhappy with on the MCAT the first go round, and then going back a month later for a second test and scoring 6 points higher. The person probably has not dramatically increased their knowledge base in that time, but simply got better at having a feel for MCAT strategy, getting over testing center nervousness, etc.

So, although I think the MCAT could be an indicator of future success on licensing exams, it would only be true in the case of people who feel that their MCAT score is a true reflection of their abilities, or people who have a standard MCAT/GPA correlation. It would be interesting to see if there's correlation of people's MCAT scores to their success on the USMLE or COMLEX for those who took the MCAT multiple times, both in people who showed little change in scores and for those who showed dramatic improvement.
 
MLT2MT2DO said:
Actually anything that has been published that has tried to tie MCAT to USMLE/COMLEX scores has shown very very poor correlation. At least everything I have seen.
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Interesting. My theory (mcat->license->boards) was based on talking with a bunch of residency PDs who all put forth this idea.

I guess a poor correlation is better than no correlation? Or MCAT is more correlated than anything else?? (Maybe I'm just rationalizing my potentially-debunked theory at this point???)
 
My take on the correlation is more of an MCAT vs. USMLE in standardized test taking abilities. Students who have a higher GPA and bomb the MCAT likely have a grasp on the information but have a poor ability to take standardized tests, which may give them difficulty on the board exams. It is entirely possible that someone who is a good test taker is more likely to be able to use the knowledge that they have in order to pass or excel on the test than someone who may know more about a topic but be unable to utilize it.
 
sedaniel said:
Don't quote me on this because I can't remember what thread it was in lol, but I seem to remember someone posting an article about how the VR score of the MCAT was the only part that did have some correlation with USMLE performance. I will try to find the thread but it was several weeks ago I believe. Maybe someone with a better memory for these things knows where it is 🙂

EDIT: Nvm, I think I found the thread I was thinking about:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=678559&highlight=MCAT+USMLE

Someone mentioned the VR thing on there, but I guess studies have concluded that the BS is actually the section that correlates the best with USMLE. I Wikipedia-ed it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_College_Admission_Test#The_MCAT_today

Unfortunately, I can't access the PubMed article that this is quoted from (source #5)... boo.
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Yeah these links prove the correlation sucks, if I tried to include anything with an r value of .553 in a research correlation I'd get laughed at and if it was for a class would be lucky to get a "C-". Of course I don't have PhD/MD behind my name.
 
MLT2MT2DO said:
Yeah these links prove the correlation sucks, if I tried to include anything with an r value of .553 in a research correlation I'd get laughed at and if it was for a class would be lucky to get a "C-". Of course I don't have PhD/MD behind my name.
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Depends on the type of correlation you are trying to show. A .553 r-value does show that there is at least moderate correlation. >.5 shows a moderate degree of positive correlation in something like this (albeit not definitive as one would like).
 
DbDan said:
Depends on the type of correlation you are trying to show. A .553 r-value does show that there is at least moderate correlation. >.5 shows a moderate degree of positive correlation in something like this (albeit not definitive as one would like).
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Given I have only done clinical research, maybe it is different in non-clinical but if you tried to pass anything with an r^2 value of .8 (r=.64), after gross outliers are removed, you should switch your research from trying to "show correlation" to "showing non-correlation".

Either way, back on point...good luck Underdogs, whether its a low GPA or a low MCAT you're trying to overcome, hope to meet some of you on the interview trail.
 
Ok so I only applied to 2 D.O. schools because I have 3 kids and can't afford more than that lol. I have a 31P up from 22P 5 years ago. I have a 3.46 sGPA half of which wasn't at the University of Washington (It was at community college). I have a cGPA of 3.6 almost a third of which was an MBA lol. and to put the iciing on the cake I got a 1.8 in third qtr physics at UW with 3.8/4.0 1st/2nd qtrs respectively at a commuity college. I retook organic chemistry at a community college and got 3 qtrs of 4.0 up from 3.2/2.8 at UW.

So take more classes. lol Lets see if it pays off. I promise I let you know.
 
Jonekash said:
Ok so I only applied to 2 D.O. schools because I have 3 kids and can't afford more than that lol. I have a 31P up from 22P 5 years ago. I have a 3.46 sGPA half of which wasn't at the University of Washington (It was at community college). I have a cGPA of 3.6 almost a third of which was an MBA lol. and to put the iciing on the cake I got a 1.8 in third qtr physics at UW with 3.8/4.0 1st/2nd qtrs respectively at a commuity college. I retook organic chemistry at a community college and got 3 qtrs of 4.0 up from 3.2/2.8 at UW.

So take more classes. lol Lets see if it pays off. I promise I let you know.
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Jonekash it is great jump from 22 to 31. I guess you are a strong candidate for DO school. If you check forums many people with your GPA/MCAT are getting interviews from LECOM.
 
cliffhuxtableDO said:
you're gonna get in! start the trend for the underdogs!
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Thanks, I hope so! My status changed saying they made a decision and I will find out via mail. Hopefully i'll find out by Friday. I also received a secondary from TUCOM today! From what I have read that means that I also have an interview but I won't update the front page unless that is a definite. We're off to a good start so far!
 
I have an update for the front page. I got my MCAT score back 24P... 6 ps 9 bio 9 vr. That 6 is really going to kill me 🙁
 
Can I join in:

3.1 cgpa 3.12sgpa 31N MCAT Non-trad

I have a strong upward trend getting all A's an one A- in my post bacc classes. Im just starting to shadow and volunteer, so weak in that area.

I just sent in my aacomas app and waiting to get verified is almost as bad as waiting for my MCAT score to come out. Im hoping that if I get interviews I can have a lot of different shadowing experiences to talk about to make up for my lack of volunteering.
 
HockeyDr09 said:
Thanks, I hope so! My status changed saying they made a decision and I will find out via mail. Hopefully i'll find out by Friday. I also received a secondary from TUCOM today! From what I have read that means that I also have an interview but I won't update the front page unless that is a definite. We're off to a good start so far!
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Good luck bro, hope you get that acceptance..
 
looktme said:
Can I join in:

3.1 cgpa 3.12sgpa 31N MCAT Non-trad

I have a strong upward trend getting all A's an one A- in my post bacc classes. Im just starting to shadow and volunteer, so weak in that area.

I just sent in my aacomas app and waiting to get verified is almost as bad as waiting for my MCAT score to come out. Im hoping that if I get interviews I can have a lot of different shadowing experiences to talk about to make up for my lack of volunteering.
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Let's hope they verify you quickly. As long as your EC's are in good shape I would definitely see you with some interviews with a 31.

megathunder said:
Good luck bro, hope you get that acceptance..
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Thanks man, this waiting game is taking years off my life.:laugh:
 
HockeyDr09 said:
Thanks, I hope so! My status changed saying they made a decision and I will find out via mail. Hopefully i'll find out by Friday. I also received a secondary from TUCOM today! From what I have read that means that I also have an interview but I won't update the front page unless that is a definite. We're off to a good start so far!
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Good luck! That's good news about TUCOM, I hope to hear from them too 😀

Update for front page: AZCOM interview for me 🙂
 
Soo AACOMAS screwed me bad.

Im Canadian and had to get my transcripts converted by WES. WES gave me a 3.08 cGPA with a 3.01 sGPA i believe.

Somehow AACOMAS gave me a 3.04cGPA with a 2.98sGPA!!! What schools will screen the 2.98 science GPA for secondaries? Any thoughts? THanks
 
drctother said:
Soo AACOMAS screwed me bad.

Im Canadian and had to get my transcripts converted by WES. WES gave me a 3.08 cGPA with a 3.01 sGPA i believe.

Somehow AACOMAS gave me a 3.04cGPA with a 2.98sGPA!!! What schools will screen the 2.98 science GPA for secondaries? Any thoughts? THanks
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I have a 2.95sci (I rounded up on the front page, shhh). I was only screened from DMU and VCOM. (I didn't apply to NSU, I believe in the CIB it claims they are pretty strict). You should be fine.
 
HockeyDr09 said:
I have a 2.95sci (I rounded up on the front page, shhh). I was only screened from DMU and VCOM. (I didn't apply to NSU, I believe in the CIB it claims they are pretty strict). You should be fine.
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NSU's cutoff is a 2.75 I'm pretty sure 😕
 
DbDan said:
NSU's cutoff is a 2.75 I'm pretty sure 😕
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CIB for NSU said:
Supplemental Application Requirements

Minimum cumulative and science GPA of 3.0.
All applicants are required to take the Medical
College Admission Test. A recommendation
letter from a physician is required with your application.
A letter of recommendation from the
pre-professional committee is required. If such
a committee does not exist, then three letters of
evaluation: two from science professors and one
from a liberal arts professor.
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This is what I have read from the CIB. Could be wrong though.
 
HockeyDr09 said:
I have a 2.95sci (I rounded up on the front page, shhh). I was only screened from DMU and VCOM. (I didn't apply to NSU, I believe in the CIB it claims they are pretty strict). You should be fine.
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Thanks HockeyDr!

That definitely gives me some faith considering u got a LECOM interview (I could be wrong, I thought I read that somewhere though)🙂
 
HockeyDr09 said:
This is what I have read from the CIB. Could be wrong though.
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Interesting. I don't have a 3.0 cum and I got a secondary. I don't think they actually screen secondaries. Whether or not its required for interview, I dunno. I always read on here that 2.75 is the cutoff for them, I just checked the CIB too though.

From their website:
These are minimum academic requirements for admission. Students are encouraged to take additional courses such as embryology, genetics, behavioral sciences, and the humanities.

A minimum cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 is required. However, the Dean is empowered to evaluate the total qualifications of every student and to modify requirements in unusual circumstances.

Interesting. Something I guess I never took into account. Hopefully I get a shot anyway :xf::laugh:
 
HockeyDr09 said:
I'll have to convene the underdog admissions committee on these two :laugh:.

Beets, a 3.9 GPA, 26 is almost a guarantee for interviews unless your clinical experience is SEVERELY lacking. Not being a science major and not having any research won't hurt you all that much in my opinion (as far as I know not being a science major really does not hurt at all). I don't think I personally would consider you an underdog (that is a good thing, you know :laugh:). You still have our support though!

As for BenchReserve, the 6 is going to hurt but with a 3.62 I would think you would receive interviews at schools that do not screen out 6's.

Have you two already applied?
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I'd agree here. Beets is not an underdog. Neither is BenchReserve. BenchReserve will get automatically screened out at a few schools due to his 6 in one MCAT section, but any school that allows him through the screens should consider him as a good applicant.
 
Attention! Let's establish criteria to be an underdog :laugh:.

I like this formula: MCAT/2 + aGPA*10 = Applicant Score

(The "aGPA" here is the average of your cumulative and science GPA)

The average applicant (according to the 2011 CIB: 26.19 MCAT, 3.48 cGPA, 3.38 sGPA) will then have their "applicant score" as 47.4, as per the formula: 26.19/2 + 3.43(3.48 cGPA, 3.38 sGPA) = 47.4

To be an underdog, let's say you have to have a 46 or below as your "Applicant Score"? Someone with a 46 "Applicant Score" could have a:

24 MCAT with a 3.40 aGPA (possibly a 3.45 cGPA, 3.35 sGPA)
26 MCAT with a 3.30 aGPA (possibly a 3.35 cGPA, 3.25 sGPA)
28 MCAT with a 3.20 aGPA
30 MCAT with a 3.10 aGPA


...I like it.
 
Last edited:
DrDre2001 said:
Attention! Let's establish criteria to be an underdog :laugh:.

I like this formula: MCAT/2 + aGPA*10 = Applicant Score

(The "aGPA" here is the average of your cumulative and science GPA)

The average applicant (according to the 2011 CIB: 26.19 MCAT, 3.48 cGPA, 3.38 sGPA) will then have their "applicant score" as 47.4, as per the formula: 26.19/2 + 3.43(3.48 cGPA, 3.38 sGPA) = 47.4

To be an underdog, let's say you have to have a 46 or below as your "Applicant Score"? Someone with a 46 "Applicant Score" could have a:

24 MCAT with a 3.40 aGPA (possibly a 3.45 cGPA, 3.35 sGPA)
26 MCAT with a 3.30 aGPA (possibly a 3.35 cGPA, 3.25 sGPA)
28 MCAT with a 3.20 aGPA
30 MCAT with a 3.10 aGPA


...I like it.
Click to expand...

Well by that standard I'm out after summer :laugh: My sGPA of 3.01 and my cGPA of 2.92 give me a 29.65 + 16.5 = 46.15 :laugh:

EDIT: you are out too -.- lol
 
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