WAMC/ Post-bacc?

[physiciandreams]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi there,

I'm applying DO this cycle after a DIY post-bacc/ 5th year of undergrad and am unsure of whether I should apply to the VCU graduate certificate program to matriculate into during this year that I'm applying.

Bio major
cPGA: 3.40
sGPA: 3.25
MCAT: 501 (124 / 126 / 126 / 125). Also retaking it at the end of July.

Clinical EC's:
~ 1000 hours scribing in ED
~ 140 hours volunteering in hospital
~ 60 hours volunteering in a clinic serving impoverished population

Non-paid EC's:
~ 1000 hours as a fellow at a major federal health agency performing computational toxicology research
~ 140 hours as a laboratory technician
~ 40 hours involvement in a college student organization for a underserved community.
~ 60 hours volunteer at a homeless shelter

Leadership:
Co-founder and president of an organization focused on women's health
Public Relations Chair of college Pre-SOMA chapter

My letters are pretty solid with a DO letter from a doctor I've worked with as a scribe. I'm applying broadly to almost 25 schools. I was planning on continuing my work as a scribe and volunteer during this year, but am conflicted whether I should be considering a post-bacc. The high cost, and high-risk high reward that Goro mentions has me on edge, but am willing to go that route if that's what it might take. Don't want to waste this year so very appreciative of any feedback!

 

[AllBleedingStops]

sGPA: 3.25

Is this before or after the DIY post-bacc you mentioned?

MCAT: 501 (124 / 126 / 126 / 125). Also retaking it at the end of July.

This is a major stumbling block as well, even for DO. Not impossible but it would be so much easier if you were only 4-5 points higher.

am conflicted whether I should be considering a post-bacc.

I thought you already were doing a DIY post-bacc. What did that consist of and why would you apply before doing one or a second year of the same if you need it?

I'm applying broadly to almost 25 schools

Definitely a good idea if you apply this time.


I think your clinical experience is good by the way but you should continue building hours with the nonclinical, like your homeless shelter experience.

 

[Goro]

I don't see a need for any more coursework. Just apply broadly.
I can't recommend Touro-NY, Nova, Wm Carey, LUCOM, for different reasons. MSUCOM? Read up on Larry Nasser and you decide.

 

[physiciandreams]

Is this before or after the DIY post-bacc you mentioned?


This is a major stumbling block as well, even for DO. Not impossible but it would be so much easier if you were only 4-5 points higher.



I thought you already were doing a DIY post-bacc. What did that consist of and why would you apply before doing one or a second year of the same if you need it?



Definitely a good idea if you apply this time.


I think your clinical experience is good by the way but you should continue building hours with the nonclinical, like your homeless shelter experience.

My sGPA is after the DIY post-bacc which was really just 21 undergraduate credits (7 classes) and I essentially delayed graduating for another year so that I could take more classes and boost my GPA. I did however, get a C+ and a B in two classes which I know isn't good and doesn't speak great things. I'm definitely aiming to get those 5 points in terms of my MCAT. I'm just worried about not getting into a school and that when the next cycle comes around I won't have anything to show for fixing what lacks in my application which at present is my GPA/ MCAT (without the retake).