What are my chances...

[Dr. Hopeful]

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Hey guys, Michigan resident here, wondering what my chances are of getting into a DO school this cycle are? Short summary: GPA: 3.67, science GPA: 3.62 (strong upward trend, 4.0 in 4 out of final 6 upper level bio courses, not one grade under 3.7), MCAT was a 25: 9 PS/8/8. Was scoring 27-31 on every practice exam and was devastated when I received this score, haven't retaken yet but strongly considering taking it again in August or September.
Work experience: medical scribe in Emergency Center, >2,000 hours working directly with physicians in the ER, ~200-300 of these hours were with osteopathic physicians (a total of 4 different physicians, obtained a letter from one).
Volunteer experience: 30 hours local Salvation Army, 10 hours (1 day event) as a group leader/volunteer for Christmas in Action, an organization that helped renovate and remodel homes for the elderly and the disabled. Clinical research associate at a different hospital emergency center for 60 hours, assistant TA in biochemistry lab for a semester.
SHORTER SUMARRY: GPA 3.67, sGPA 3.62 with upward trend, MCAT 25, huge amount of work experience in Emergency Center, small amount of volunteer experience but it is quite varied. Thanks for all responses!
Edit: I forgot to add, I applied to MSUCOM, LECOM (both campuses), PCOM, CUSOM, NSU, VCOM, CCOM, DMU, and a few others (basically all the East Coast schools)

 

[keels99]

I think you have a fine chance. You have a great GPA. Your MCAT is not the greatest, but it's not what I would consider bad by any means. I expect you should get plenty of ii's.

 

[Dr. Hopeful]

Hey thanks for the response, and congratulations on your acceptance to medical school! Super happy for you, I'd never wish this feeling of uncertainty I currently have on any other student. Another question though, would you recommend I take another MCAT in August or maybe even September of this year? I would only have like 4-5 weeks of study time and the last thing I would ever want is a lower score on the MCAT because of lack of study time. But does the benefit of a higher score outweigh the risk of a lower one? I know it's hard for you to give advice in someone else's shoes, just looking for some words for thought I guess. Thanks again!

 

[keels99]

Hey thanks for the response, and congratulations on your acceptance to medical school! Super happy for you, I'd never wish this feeling of uncertainty I currently have on any other student. Another question though, would you recommend I take another MCAT in August or maybe even September of this year? I would only have like 4-5 weeks of study time and the last thing I would ever want is a lower score on the MCAT because of lack of study time. But does the benefit of a higher score outweigh the risk of a lower one? I know it's hard for you to give advice in someone else's shoes, just looking for some words for thought I guess. Thanks again!

I applied with a 26 MCAT and a lower GPA and got an acceptance after a late application (February) so I think the risks outweigh the benefits in trying to improve a 25. A 25 isn't bad. I would only retake if you absolutely had to.

 

[Dr. Hopeful]

I applied with a 26 MCAT and a lower GPA and got an acceptance after a late application (February) so I think the risks outweigh the benefits in trying to improve a 25. A 25 isn't bad. I would only retake if you absolutely had to.

Your response just made me happy, thanks for the confidence boost. I'll probably attempt a few practice exams this week and see where I would potentially be scoring and make a more conclusive decision at that time. One more question, I promise! What are some things you would recommend I do for the next year? I'm currently looking into volunteering at a local nursing home but don't have anything else set up or planned. Would you recommend post bacc classes?

 

[keels99]

Your response just made me happy, thanks for the confidence boost. I'll probably attempt a few practice exams this week and see where I would potentially be scoring and make a more conclusive decision at that time. One more question, I promise! What are some things you would recommend I do for the next year? I'm currently looking into volunteering at a local nursing home but don't have anything else set up or planned. Would you recommend post bacc classes?

Only if you want to. Post bacc classes might just be a waste of money. You don't want to burn yourself out taking so many classes. As for volunteer/work I suggest volunteering in a more clinical setting or getting a job in a hospital. Being a scribe has been great experience for me as I learn a lot on a daily basis. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask! I have been spending my off year enjoying my time off from school and saving up money. I feel as though this time off of classes will prevent me from becoming burnt out.

 

[user3]

Hey guys, Michigan resident here, wondering what my chances are of getting into a DO school this cycle are? Short summary: GPA: 3.67, science GPA: 3.62 (strong upward trend, 4.0 in 4 out of final 6 upper level bio courses, not one grade under 3.7), MCAT was a 25: 9 PS/8/8. Was scoring 27-31 on every practice exam and was devastated when I received this score, haven't retaken yet but strongly considering taking it again in August or September.
Work experience: medical scribe in Emergency Center, >2,000 hours working directly with physicians in the ER, ~200-300 of these hours were with osteopathic physicians (a total of 4 different physicians, obtained a letter from one).
Volunteer experience: 30 hours local Salvation Army, 10 hours (1 day event) as a group leader/volunteer for Christmas in Action, an organization that helped renovate and remodel homes for the elderly and the disabled. Clinical research associate at a different hospital emergency center for 60 hours, assistant TA in biochemistry lab for a semester.
SHORTER SUMARRY: GPA 3.67, sGPA 3.62 with upward trend, MCAT 25, huge amount of work experience in Emergency Center, small amount of volunteer experience but it is quite varied. Thanks for all responses!
Edit: I forgot to add, I applied to MSUCOM, LECOM (both campuses), PCOM, CUSOM, NSU, VCOM, CCOM, DMU, and a few others (basically all the East Coast schools)

Don't stress over a retake. Bird in the hand.

Also apply to MUCOM and KCUMB

 

[Dr. Hopeful]

Don't stress over a retake. Bird in the hand.

Also apply to MUCOM and KCUMB

I did apply to MUCOM but I actually avoided KCUMB, I was told to avoid this school in that mega thread of which schools to apply to and which to avoid this application cycle, I don't remember if it was due to strong in state bias or due to high MCAT average. You think my application is competitive for this school?

 

[user3]

I did apply to MUCOM but I actually avoided KCUMB, I was told to avoid this school in that mega thread of which schools to apply to and which to avoid this application cycle, I don't remember if it was due to strong in state bias or due to high MCAT average. You think my application is competitive for this school?

Yes, they accepted plenty of people with 25 and even 24 scores. The key with KCUMB is being above their cutoffs, which you are.