THoughts on my chances appreciated

[English2MD]

Hello all,

I was hoping to get some insight into my chances and/or what I can do to improve upon my current situation to improve my chances to get in from some who may have similar background as mine.
I'm a little bit older of an applicant (27 at time of applying) and have been taking post-bacc classes for the past couple years after obtaining a degree in English and spending 2 years working.
My first couple years were spent at a comm. college where I did well and then transferred to a 4 year univ. which is ranked in the top 50 nationally (I don't know if that even matters to be honest, but I'm including it just in case). I didn't do as well as I could have while completing my undergrad. It wasn't so much extenuating circumstances as much as I worked almost 30-35 hrs per week and I had other interests away from class. Plus I didn't knwo that medical school was even of potential interest to me.
Okay, moving on...after graduating and working a couple years, I "saw the light" you could say and knew I wanted to go to MD school so I set out to do so. However, this required changing states and all the hassles of residency that goes along with such a move. Because of this I took 2 semesters (22 credits) at a comm. college where I am living now before gaining residency and enrolling at the 4 year univ where I have taken 2 semesters each of physics, A&P, and o-chem. At the comm. college I took the intro Biology and Chemistry course sequence.
So here's what I'm looking at:
1. 2 years of general education @ CC = 3.5 GPA
2. 2 years at 4 year finishing BA in English = 2.7 GPA
3. 2 years professional work experience non-healthcare related
4. 22 post-bacc credits @ 2nd CC = 3.5 GPA
5. Currently at another 4 year univ. finishing post-bacc classes w/ a 3.85 GPA at the moment.
6. My EC's include comm. service working with kids in low income communities, involvement with a charity for the last couple years, shadowing a physician including observing a surgery, and volunteering at local hospital.
7. I'm currently taking my o-chem sequence and will be done with all pre-reqs after the upcoming Spring semester when I plan to take the MCAT and apply over summer.
8. Based on my calculations, my BCPM gpa is ~3.7 (all in the last 2 years) and my overall GPA probably falls b/t 3.25-3.35.

I think my best shot is my state med school, of which there are 2, but am debating whether it is better to apply early decision to one of them or keep my options open if you think i have chances elsewhere.

Thank you if you have read this far and I appreciate any comments or suggestions that I can take into consideration or what you may think my chances are.

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[MilkmanAl]

It sounds like you're a tad light on clinical experience, and that GPA will certainly not help you. However, the fact that you've "started over" and done very well since then is good. You'll probably need a fairly strong MCAT score to match up with your "new" GPA, so try to hit in the 33+ range if at all possible.

Early decision is hardly ever a good plan. You only find out you're accepted 2 weeks before regular acceptances go out, and you sacrifice a ton of time with all the other schools if you don't get in. Applying in October is a rough punishment. Assuming a strong MCAT score, it sounds like your credentials are good enough to not have to take a desperate gambit to get into school. Apply normally and early, and you should be fine.

To review, get more clinical experience, nail the MCAT, and apply early and not to EDP's.

 

[J ROD]

I think you will need a strong MCAT obviously...32-33 depending on what state you live in.

ECs are good...please elabortate more...hrs?

Postbac work will help show a positive trend...

You do have an uphill battle with that GPA. You really need to get taking classes and get that GPA over 3.5 for MD.

DO is a totally different story with grade replacement and lower stats..you would have a much better shot there...

 

[J ROD]

Yeah, dont do EDP...limit your chances severely.

 

[MilkmanAl]

You really need to get taking classes and get that GPA over 3.5 for MD.

Eh...with all the courses the OP has, that'd probably require about 50-60 credits of 4.0 work to do. I'd say it's best to cut the losses and apply given his/her strong recent track record. Of course, if that 2.7 was due to a couple D's of F's, retakes and going DO would be a great choice. Either way, DO seems like a good option. A healthy mix of DO schools and less selective MD schools should make for a successful application season given a decent MCAT score.

 

[J ROD]

Eh...with all the courses the OP has, that'd probably require about 50-60 credits of 4.0 work to do. I'd say it's best to cut the losses and apply given his/her strong recent track record. Of course, if that 2.7 was due to a couple D's of F's, retakes and going DO would be a great choice. Either way, DO seems like a good option. A healthy mix of DO schools and less selective MD schools should make for a successful application season given a decent MCAT score.

yeah, that 3.5 comment was just if the OP really wants MD and really wants a good chance. It's going to take some work for that to happen!!

DO and in-state med schools are the best shots!!

 

[English2MD]

Thanks for the input...
To follow up, the 2.7 wasn't due to any D's or F's, just mostly B's and some C's. However, like I said this included none of my science coursework so I really did start from scratch when I went back with regards to any BCPM gpa calculations.
I agree that the 3.5 is probably not realistic simply b/c I am essentially done with the post bacc classes I need and any drastic cumulative GPA gain would require too many classes at this point.
As for EC's, the volunteer experience at hospital is about 200 hrs and includes lots of patient interaction. The work with low income schools is about 250-300 hrs, the doctor shadowing has involved observing surgery but more so building a rapport with a medical professional. Also, i did forget to mention, I was a certified EMT for 4 years (obtained cert during 1st undergrad) and worked as an EMT for 2 summers, but the cert has since expired.

 

[J ROD]

OP, what are your thoughts on DO?

 

[English2MD]

Not opposed to it. I'm actually intrigued by it and the philosophy behind it's practice.
I guess one of my concerns is the limits it may present based on its primary care focus and potential residencies b/c I'm interested in emergency med down the road. However, I'm making that judgment w/o having done the appropriate research that would obviously be needed.

 

[J ROD]

Not opposed to it. I'm actually intrigued by it and the philosophy behind it's practice.
I guess one of my concerns is the limits it may present based on its primary care focus and potential residencies b/c I'm interested in emergency med down the road. However, I'm making that judgment w/o having done the appropriate research that would obviously be needed.

That primary focus is alot of BS like the philosophy for most now....

You get the stats you have a shot. With that said, MDs have a slight better chance at the same allo residency and comparable stats...perceived "better".

EM is very DO friendly from what I have seen and heard. So, I would not worry about that.

DO would be your best option but I would work those instate schools hard. I went to my school and got to know them well. They knew me on the phone before I even introduced myself this past yr. I asked to shadow docs on the admissions staff, did the day in the life of a med student they offered, I met with the Directors of everything, I stressed to all I would come if offered an acceptance, etc.

Basically, show them how bad you want it. I got accepted over people with stats alot better than mine because I SHOWED my passion and drive....

 

[zebalong]

If you want allo: Do well on your MCAT and get a lot more clinical experience. I think your gpa might sink you without having a lot of clinical experience and a strong MCAT as stated before, personally if you end up with a 3.3ish gpa i'd feel more comfortable with a 35ish+ and even then its hard with that gpa. But keep at it and gets A's! even A minuses will substainly slow your gpa rise.

If you can do osteo, I think your right on course except that you really need some clinical experience to show that you understand the field you are getting into.

Good luck!!

 

[English2MD]

I appreciate the thoughts.
Any suggestions on what type of "clinical experience" may be the most beneficial?
I'm trying to get some experience at a community health clinic in my area but other than that and the volunteering and shadowing I can't think of too much else other than just get more hours in.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Actually, I partially rescind my comments. 200 hours is sufficient but still kind of on the low-ish end for matriculants. If you have some time, more volunteering and shadowing certainly would not hurt, but they aren't as critical as I thought before you quantified your experience. That said, what you have in mind is fine.

 

[J ROD]

I think you have volunteering covered....just keep doing it!!

Shadowing, I would work in a variety of fields...


Get on that MCAT!!

I think you are ok clinically....