Two pre-interview holds, one II, and a pile of debt from a post bacc program.

[Mentallyblonde]

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I'm feeling pretty sick to my stomach since the cycle is beginning to draw to a conclusion. I graduated from a UC with a terrible GPA, and I knew this was going to be a hard journey. But I thought I had finally fixed my application enough to get in. I went from a 2.8 sgpa to a 3.15 sgpa after two years of straight As. I spent 30 grand on a post bacc I couldn't afford and have been taking classes online as well. I aced the MCAT, after having to take the darn thing twice because my old score ran out. I did ECs, have thousands of clinical hours, and paid a professional editor to help me with my apps.
I just don't know what to do anymore. I can only raise my GPA so much while working full time. I feel so beaten down by this process. Anyone have some advice on where to go from here?

 

[Magus5454]

I'm feeling pretty sick to my stomach since the cycle is beginning to draw to a conclusion. I graduated from a UC with a terrible GPA, and I knew this was going to be a hard journey. But I thought I had finally fixed my application enough to get in. I went from a 2.8 sgpa to a 3.15 sgpa after two years of straight As. I spent 30 grand on a post bacc I couldn't afford and have been taking classes online as well. I aced the MCAT, after having to take the darn thing twice because my old score ran out. I did ECs, have thousands of clinical hours, and paid a professional editor to help me with my apps.
I just don't know what to do anymore. I can only raise my GPA so much while working full time. I feel so beaten down by this process. Anyone have some advice on where to go from here?

Where did you apply. I feel you about the MCAT. Found it..38 to a 514.

With two years of post bacc straight As I know Goro hasa list of MD schools that reward reinvention

 

[Mentallyblonde]

I applied to 14 DOs. I guess at this point I'm wondering if I should keep taking classes at my local JC or if I should do something different like PA or nursing? Does Anyone have any reccomendations on whether it's appropriate to contact the schools where I'm on hold?

 

[de Ribas]

I applied to 14 DOs. I guess at this point I'm wondering if I should keep taking classes at my local JC or if I should do something different like PA or nursing? Does Anyone have any reccomendations on whether it's appropriate to contact the schools where I'm on hold?

PA won't be easier to get in. Their averages are around 3.5-3.6. Most, if not all, require at least 500 hours of paid direct patient care.

Did You look into podiatry or newer schools like ICOM which just started accepting applications?

How many total credits did you take over these 2 years?

 

[de Ribas]

I applied to 14 DOs. I guess at this point I'm wondering if I should keep taking classes at my local JC or if I should do something different like PA or nursing? Does Anyone have any reccomendations on whether it's appropriate to contact the schools where I'm on hold?

What's your cGPA?

 

[Mentallyblonde]

What's your cGPA?

3.32
And I have the patient contact hours, around 2000 as an EMT.

 

[de Ribas]

3.32
And I have the patient contact hours, around 2000 as an EMT.

Check PA schools; averages are around 3.5-3.6.

It's competitive

 

[Mentallyblonde]

I will send in an application to ICOM! Thanks!
And the conversions are a bit difficult because undergrad was on a different system than my post bacc. (semester vs quarter) I had about 190 units out of undergrad as well so that is making it harder to make on my GPA as impact as well.

 

[Robin-jay]

I'm feeling pretty sick to my stomach since the cycle is beginning to draw to a conclusion. I graduated from a UC with a terrible GPA, and I knew this was going to be a hard journey. But I thought I had finally fixed my application enough to get in. I went from a 2.8 sgpa to a 3.15 sgpa after two years of straight As. I spent 30 grand on a post bacc I couldn't afford and have been taking classes online as well. I aced the MCAT, after having to take the darn thing twice because my old score ran out. I did ECs, have thousands of clinical hours, and paid a professional editor to help me with my apps.
I just don't know what to do anymore. I can only raise my GPA so much while working full time. I feel so beaten down by this process. Anyone have some advice on where to go from here?

I'm starting to believe the underlying problem of great apps is the location.....and by location, I mean California.

Most people with excellent stats like yours but not getting much love reside in the Cali district.

I don't know what you mean by "aced" the MCAT, but I think its at least good you got at least one "II".

Have you asked you the schools that rejected you for the reason why?

 

[de Ribas]

Have you asked you the schools that rejected you for the reason why?

I am sure GPA is a largest factor.

 

[Mentallyblonde]

I'm starting to believe the underlying problem of great apps is the location.....and by location, I mean California.

Most people with excellent stats like yours but not getting much love reside in the Cali district.

I don't know what you mean by "aced" the MCAT, but I think its at least good you got at least one "II".

Have you asked you the schools that rejected you for the reason why?

Can I do that now? I wasn't sure if it would be appropriate to wait till the end of the cycle. And aced was an exaggeration :/ but I was >90th percentile both times.

 

[Robin-jay]

I am sure GPA is a largest factor.

The Medical school I have spoke to before, and I assume most of them, say they will "ONLY" look at your GPA during your SMP.

If you get a 3.7 GPA in an SMP, then med schools will look at that almost exclusively. At least, that's what one told me.

EDIT: I thought OP took a formal SMP, not a post-bac...my bad.

 

[Robin-jay]

Can I do that now? I wasn't sure if it would be appropriate to wait till the end of the cycle. And aced was an exaggeration :/ but I was >90th percentile both times.

You can ask for feedback why you were rejected at any point in the cycle. After all, your cycle there would have ended.

 

[Robin-jay]

OP, I don't know how practical of advice this is at all, but if you're application is really that solid, maybe think about moving out of Cali and obtaining residency in an area that is more receptive to your stats?

Because at this point, I don't even know what you can do.

Was your SMP hosted by an MD or DO program, and better yet...why didn't the school you earned your SMP yet accept you??

 

[Mentallyblonde]

You can ask for feedback why you were rejected at any point in the cycle. After all, your cycle there would have ended.

Got it! I'll reach out to them and see what advice I receive.
And Robin Jay- unfortunately the program I did was a certificate post bacc not an SMP.

 

[Robin-jay]

Got it! I'll reach out to them and see what advice I receive.
And Robin Jay- unfortunately the program I did was a certificate post bacc not an SMP.

Oh ok, well all hope is not lost then. SMPs are expensive, but at least you have that option on the table still left.

TBH, if you go to a SMP program and do well, you might be able to just attend an MD school anyway considering your MCAT score is very competitive.

Also be sure you shadow the types of physicians certain medical schools have missions for, and also do non-clinical volunteering if you haven't.

 

[Mentallyblonde]

At this point leaving CA is not an option because I can't really ask my husband to drop his job for a "What if" or a chance. When I started this repair process I was single, but now I have to keep his priorities in mind as well.

 

[Robin-jay]

At this point leaving CA is not an option because I can't really ask my husband to drop his job for a "What if" or a chance. When I started this repair process I was single, but now I have to keep his priorities in mind as well.

Well, its always an option. I do know Cali is just hyper-competitive. I guess an SMP is the only thing I can think of then.

 

[Mentallyblonde]

Oh ok, well all hope is not lost then. SMPs are expensive, but at least you have that option on the table still left.

TBH, if you go to a SMP program and do well, you might be able to just attend an MD school anyway considering your MCAT score is very competitive.

Also be sure you shadow the types of physicians certain medical schools have missions for, and also do non-clinical volunteering if you haven't.

Honestly I'm 27 and Im having a hard time justifying spending another 30 grand on a masters that won't land me a job. That being said I really appreciate the advice, and I'll think about. If that's my only option then I'll take it. I refuse to give up at this point.

 

[Robin-jay]

Honestly I'm 27 and Im having a hard time justifying spending another 30 grand on a masters that won't land me a job. That being said I really appreciate the advice, and I'll think about. If that's my only option then I'll take it. I refuse to give up at this point.

I'm not an ADCOM, I don't know if its your only option or not. Its just a very clear option.

I'm surprised you weren't given much more II's with your massive positive grade trend.

Were all your grade improvements (post-bac.) done at a junior college?

 

[Mentallyblonde]

I'm not an ADCOM, I don't know if its your only option or not. Its just a very clear option.

I'm surprised you weren't given much more II's with your massive positive grade trend.

Were all your grade improvements (post-bac.) done at a junior college?

I did a formal post bacc at a Cal state for a year and a years worth of JC classes with a half load for a year before that. Straight As and all science courses through out. I'm running out of classes to take at this point. The grade replacement thing kinda tanked my GPA. I had hope to be at a 3.4.

 

[Robin-jay]

I did a formal post bacc at a Cal state for a year and a years worth of JC classes with a half load for a year before that. Straight As and all science courses through out. I'm running out of classes to take at this point. The grade replacement thing kinda tanked my GPA. I had hope to be at a 3.4.

I don't understand how you haven't had more II's yet.

The only thing I can think of is that you live in Cali and location is hurting you.

Even though you had a professional editor look through your application, perhaps there is something you are saying in your PS that could be hurting you.

 

[Mentallyblonde]

I don't understand how you haven't had more II's yet.

The only thing I can think of is that you live in Cali and location is hurting you.

Even though you had a professional editor look through your application, perhaps there is something you are saying in your PS that could be hurting you.

Maybe? I had the advisors in my post bacc program look at my personal statement and had their approval.
I'm going to reach out to the schools where I was rejected tomorrow so hopefully I can glean some insight there.

 

[Robin-jay]

Maybe? I had the advisors in my post bacc program look at my personal statement and had their approval.
I'm going to reach out to the schools where I was rejected tomorrow so hopefully I can glean some insight there.

Ya, and send us back the news on why you haven't been given more II's when you find out tomorrow after asking said med schools. I'm interested as well.

 

[Mentallyblonde]

Ya, and send us back the news on why you haven't been given more II's when you find out tomorrow after asking said med schools. I'm interested as well.

Will do, thanks!

 

[DO2015CA]

Thinking maybe an lor problem or something. With a gpa repair to almost average and a >90% mcat doesn’t make sense even form California. You should have snagged interviews from all the new DO schools and even touro CA and AZCOM because they like high meats

 

[Magus5454]

I applied to 14 DOs. I guess at this point I'm wondering if I should keep taking classes at my local JC or if I should do something different like PA or nursing? Does Anyone have any reccomendations on whether it's appropriate to contact the schools where I'm on hold?

I have a worse GPA than you do, no post back, a 515 MCAT and I got 9 II this cycle. Something is off. I have as much EMT experience as you. What was your school list?

 

[workaholic181]

Yea OP my stats are somewhat similar to yours and I got several IIs and a few acceptances at this point. California is tough but I still don’t understand why you haven’t had more success. Did you have an IA or similar red flag? When did you apply?

PA school honestly could be more difficult given your situation, as you can make up somewhat for a lackluster GPA with high MCAT but in the PA world a high GRE is not analogous.

If it were me I would shadow DOs, get a DO LOR or two and apply early next time, like May, to 20 DO schools including some of the newer programs like ACOM.
I really don’t see why you would be shut out of DO programs given your stats.

 

[Mentallyblonde]

Azcom, BCOM, MWUCOM, All three Touros, All three LECOMs, Both Western Campuses, Both RVUs, NOVA, AT Still

 

[RNthenDoc]

Something’s fishy here.

Bad LOR maybe?

I like the advice of moving. In the Midwest I bet you’d be a shoo-in for a state school.

 

[Magus5454]

Azcom, BCOM, MWUCOM, All three Touros, All three LECOMs, Both Western Campuses, Both RVUs, NOVA, AT Still

I got II to Azcom ATSU-SOMA ARCOM KCU PWNU BCOM NYIT and my state MD. You should have been better off than me, though the MD school situation in CA sucks, I've been there..part of the reason I moved back home. Honestly look for Goros list of Mds that like reinvention if you don't get in this year. Did you have a MD or DO letter?

 

[mfrey28]

We are very similar applicants and I was accepted to AZCOM. Are you on pre-II hold there?

 

[Goro]

I'm feeling pretty sick to my stomach since the cycle is beginning to draw to a conclusion. I graduated from a UC with a terrible GPA, and I knew this was going to be a hard journey. But I thought I had finally fixed my application enough to get in. I went from a 2.8 sgpa to a 3.15 sgpa after two years of straight As. I spent 30 grand on a post bacc I couldn't afford and have been taking classes online as well. I aced the MCAT, after having to take the darn thing twice because my old score ran out. I did ECs, have thousands of clinical hours, and paid a professional editor to help me with my apps.
I just don't know what to do anymore. I can only raise my GPA so much while working full time. I feel so beaten down by this process. Anyone have some advice on where to go from here?

Be patient, because the cycle isn't over yet.

Do you have a DO LOR? Shadowed a DO? If neither, the get the first and do the second. IF there is a DO school in driving distance, go vist them and chat up the DO faculty. My DO colleagues love it when people do this.

EDIT: you need to have more of the newer schools on your list.

IF you get shut out this cycle, contact Admissions deans to ask for feedback on your rejections (not for advice or consultation).

And work on interview skills.

EDIT: calling schools will just give you this answer: "You're under consideration".
Even if you get onto a wait list, you might very well be pulled off into accept in summer

 

[Mentallyblonde]

I reached out to RVU, where I got a formal rejection. They emailed me a generic response with a link to the AACOMAs manual. So no insight there. I'm still waiting on the formal rejection from LECOM B that I know is coming due to the portal. When I get it I'll call them next. All the other schools have been silent rejections thus far.

I applied to ICOM, but I'm not sure I could afford to go even if I got in

I don't have any red flags like a DUI, if that's what was meant by the IA question.

I appreciate the DO advice and I have been harassing the DO who kindly offered to write a letter for me to upload it, so maybe that will get me off the pre-interview lists I'm on. And yes, one is AZCOM.

The moving idea would work for someone who is a bit younger than me, but like I said, I really can't ask my husband to quit his job and get licensed in a new state so that I "might" get into a medical school in the mid west.

Goro is right that I should give it another couple of months before I begin wearing all black and truly start to mourn this cycle.

Even so I'm going to start preparing for the next cycle by taking more classes and looking for more volunteer opportunities, and since I have so much experience with rejection maybe next time I'll apply to some MDs for kicks and giggles. Trying to look at the bright side. I'm also going to look at SMPs with linkage agreements, but I'm pretty hesitant at the idea of more debt and another year of a long distance relationship 🙁
Otherwise, I'm just gonna keep on trucking, look at getting new LORs, and apply for one last time! (with more new schools)

Thanks for the advice, and I'll update if I get any more insight or if I get in somewhere!

 

[Robin-jay]

I reached out to RVU, where I got a formal rejection. They emailed me a generic response with a link to the AACOMAs manual. So no insight there. I'm still waiting on the formal rejection from LECOM B that I know is coming due to the portal. When I get it I'll call them next. All the other schools have been silent rejections thus far.

I applied to ICOM, but I'm not sure I could afford to go even if I got in

I don't have any red flags like a DUI, if that's what was meant by the IA question.

I appreciate the DO advice and I have been harassing the DO who kindly offered to write a letter for me to upload it, so maybe that will get me off the pre-interview lists I'm on. And yes, one is AZCOM.

The moving idea would work for someone who is a bit younger than me, but like I said, I really can't ask my husband to quit his job and get licensed in a new state so that I "might" get into a medical school in the mid west.

Goro is right that I should give it another couple of months before I begin wearing all black and truly start to mourn this cycle.

Even so I'm going to start preparing for the next cycle by taking more classes and looking for more volunteer opportunities, and since I have so much experience with rejection maybe next time I'll apply to some MDs for kicks and giggles. Trying to look at the bright side. I'm also going to look at SMPs with linkage agreements, but I'm pretty hesitant at the idea of more debt and another year of a long distance relationship 🙁
Otherwise, I'm just gonna keep on trucking, look at getting new LORs, and apply for one last time! (with more new schools)

Thanks for the advice, and I'll update if I get any more insight or if I get in somewhere!

1.) The IA question means "institutional action". Call your past colleges student conduct center if you are unsure if you have one. You must report these.

2.) Thus is the burden of not being single. If you can't move, then that's your choice. I'm not sure if midwest is the best. Maybe the south could work.

3.) SMP might be necessary, idk. It's always an option though.

4.) You said a medical school sent you an AACOMAS manual link. Perhaps you are either missing a pre-req. or scored less than a "C" in a pre-req.

Can you ask them why they sent you a link to the AACOMAS manual?

 

[Mentallyblonde]

I don't think their email was specific to my application.

1.) The IA question means "institutional action". Call your past colleges student conduct center if you are unsure if you have one. You must report these.

2.) Thus is the burden of not being single. If you can't move, then that's your choice. I'm not sure if midwest is the best. Maybe the south could work.

3.) SMP might be necessary, idk. It's always an option though.

4.) You said a medical school sent you an AACOMAS manual link. Perhaps you are either missing a pre-req. or scored less than a "C" in a pre-req.

Can you ask them why they sent you a link to the AACOMAS manual?

They sent that link along with several other links to their website saying that due to the volume of students they cannot do a personal review of apps, so I don't think the AACOMAs thing meant anything specific. I don't think they even looked at my app before they responded. While I have two scarlet Ds in my transcripts, neither are in a pre-req. Also I don't think I would have received many secondaries if I were missing a req.
And no I never got in trouble or anything in college so no IAs

 

[Robin-jay]

I don't think their email was specific to my application.


They sent that link along with several other links to their website saying that due to the volume of students they cannot do a personal review of apps, so I don't think the AACOMAs thing meant anything specific. I don't think they even looked at my app before they responded. While I have two scarlet Ds in my transcripts, neither are in a pre-req. Also I don't think I would have received many secondaries if I were missing a req.
And no I never got in trouble or anything in college so no IAs

Usually schools give you feedback, although usually minimal. Which school was this?

 

[Mentallyblonde]

I just pm'd you the email. I don't think you could get more general that that.

 

[DO2015CA]

If you just emailed them then call them. Emails make it easy for them to upload a generic response where they don’t have to do extra work of typing in the notes. By calling they may be more likely to divulge the notes on your application

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I hate saying this, but this is an important cautionary tale for everyone here. Just because you to the right things doesn't mean it will happen. It doesn't mean you have an IA, a secret felony, etc.

The application game can be surrounded by a lot of mystery and heartbreak. At this point you need to evaluate what the next step will be. I would consider reapplying or going SMP.

 

[GypsyHummus]

OP, look into podiatry schools. They will salivate over that MCAT score. Probably give you a healthy scholarship too.

 

[Magus5454]

OP, look into podiatry schools. They will salivate over that MCAT score. Probably give you a healthy scholarship too.

I feel like this is bad advice. From what I understand the OP does not have a DO letter. With their post bacc grades I would say apply to the MDs that reward reinvention, get a DO letter and apply broadly if they don't get in this year

 

[DO2015CA]

OP, look into podiatry schools. They will salivate over that MCAT score. Probably give you a healthy scholarship too.

I also agree this is premature. Definitely reapply with a better app. Your grades are going to be your grades. Try to get better LOR, do more research, more volunteering, etc.

I would give it one more full app season then on the 3rd apply to both pod and DO

 

[GypsyHummus]

Eh, the OP has a lower than average GPA. Schools really want a high undergrad, and the 2.8 GPA doesn’t get erased. She could just as well apply next year and spin her wheels the same way.

Plus, that interest on the loans are kicking in. Every minute the debt gets higher. Tick tock on the clock, party don’t stop.

Though I am surprised more DO schools haven’t looked her way. 515 is a super score, even putting her in MD range.

I also agree this is premature. Definitely reapply with a better app. Your grades are going to be your grades. Try to get better LOR, do more research, more volunteering, etc.

I would give it one more full app season then on the 3rd apply to both pod and DO

 

[GypsyHummus]

I mean it’s not like pod school is the carribean.

Plus, there is a good 5% of pod students that actually want podiatry as their first choice, don’t put those people down.

I feel like this is bad advice. From what I understand the OP does not have a DO letter. With their post bacc grades I would say apply to the MDs that reward reinvention, get a DO letter and apply broadly if they don't get in this year

 

[Magus5454]

I mean it’s not like pod school is the carribean.

Plus, there is a good 5% of pod students that actually want podiatry as their first choice, don’t put those people down.

I'm not putting it down but I don't think it's OPs first choice

 

[DO2015CA]

Eh, the OP has a lower than average GPA. Schools really want a high undergrad, and the 2.8 GPA doesn’t get erased. She could just as well apply next year and spin her wheels the same way.

Plus, that interest on the loans are kicking in. Every minute the debt gets higher. Tick tock on the clock, party don’t stop.

Though I am surprised more DO schools haven’t looked her way. 515 is a super score, even putting her in MD range.

Ya but if it’s pulled up with an SMP and that mcat it’s just too juicy for the newest DO shools. Do they might not be able to be picky but if they blanket all the new schools they should get something

 

[bigindian4891]

I know retrospect is easier, but I think you should have applied to more schools. We have incredibly similar stats, and I got ~5 interviews, but I applied to about 24 schools. However, like everyone points out, the cycle is a total crapshoot. I got interviews from schools I didnt think would look at me, but didnt even get a second glance from my state school. Keep at it, the fact that you have an interview says something.

 

[Mentallyblonde]

Hey all! Got some feedback from RVU. They were really nice, and said that I just need to keep doing what I'm doing- aka raising my GPA and maintaining my extra curricular stuff. I got a DO letter, and I'm trying to be proactive about reaching out to schools to let them know about my updates (academic + new job).
Gypsyhummus I've def seen some awesome podiatrists as an EMT, but I'm not sure that my interest in psychiatry would be applicable in the field. I also know that pod is a field where your skills as a salesman can come into play, and I've had a few sales jobs in the past. It's not my gift. But I appreciate that you understand how much this debt is weighing on me.
This whole thing is really about numbers, and I think bigindia4891 is correct that I should have applied more broadly; others have mentioned selecting more new schools. I think these are all relevant points, which I will utilize next cycle if need be.
I have a mentor from my post bacc who is in medical school now, and she actually had the same experience after completing the program; her advice to me was to apply earlier next time. As in have my app finished the day things open, and pre-write all my secondaries. Easier said than done, but it's at least a tangible goal to work towards.
Thanks for all the advice, and help. I'm feeling encouraged, and prepared to make positive changes for next cycle if no other paths open up over the next few months.

 

[southerngirl7899]

Hey all! Got some feedback from RVU. They were really nice, and said that I just need to keep doing what I'm doing- aka raising my GPA and maintaining my extra curricular stuff. I got a DO letter, and I'm trying to be proactive about reaching out to schools to let them know about my updates (academic + new job).
Gypsyhummus I've def seen some awesome podiatrists as an EMT, but I'm not sure that my interest in psychiatry would be applicable in the field. I also know that pod is a field where your skills as a salesman can come into play, and I've had a few sales jobs in the past. It's not my gift. But I appreciate that you understand how much this debt is weighing on me.
This whole thing is really about numbers, and I think bigindia4891 is correct that I should have applied more broadly; others have mentioned selecting more new schools. I think these are all relevant points, which I will utilize next cycle if need be.
I have a mentor from my post bacc who is in medical school now, and she actually had the same experience after completing the program; her advice to me was to apply earlier next time. As in have my app finished the day things open, and pre-write all my secondaries. Easier said than done, but it's at least a tangible goal to work towards.
Thanks for all the advice, and help. I'm feeling encouraged, and prepared to make positive changes for next cycle if no other paths open up over the next few months.

I had the same uphill battle as you. I'm 28 years old. PM me if you want to have a chat 🙂 Took me two cycles, but I finally got accepted.