What are my odds of getting an interview with this school list?

[bears1992]

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Looking to apply to 15-20 schools. My wife has a few areas she does not want to move to (basically the middle of nowhere) so there are a few schools that I had to leave off my list (sorry ACOM). I'll also apply to any schools that are opening 2018.
School List:
GA-PCOM
TouroCOM-NY
PCOM
LECOM
CUSOM
TUCOM-CA
ATSU-SOMA
TUNCOM
AZCOM-MWU
OH-HCOM
VCOM-SC
RVUCOM
PNWU-COM
NSU-COM
LECOM Bradenton

Stats at app time in May:
cGPA=3.14
sGPA=3.37
Clinical=150 hours volunteer ER
Shadowing=50 hours
DO LOR
MCAT=not taken, assuming 503-507
White 24 year old male living in South Florida

Long story short, did Mechanical Engineering for undergrad. My first 3 years I bombed, last 3 were great, DIY post bacc went really well. Worked full time doing construction design during school and have been working full time as an engineer since graduation. My first two years I did dual enrollment so most of those classes weren't used in my engineering degree, hence why I have 200 credits with no change in major.

2009
B - American History I
B - American History II
W - American Lit
C - English I
C - English II
C - Earth Science
B - Intermediate Algebra
B - College Algebra

2010
C - Gen Chem I
C - Gen Chem I Lab
C - Economics
C - Precalculus
C - American Government
C - Philosophy
A - Creative Thinking
B - Trigonometry
B - PrePhysics
C - Student Success
W - Calc I

2011
B - Health
B - Calc I
W - Calc II

2012
C - Calc II
D - Calc III
C - Physics I
A - Physics I Lab
C - Physics II
A - Physics II Lab
C - Differential Equations
B - Calc III

2013 (transferred to engineering university)
B - Statics
C - Thermodynamics
A - Dynamics
B - Strength of Materials
A - Computer Applications I
A - Electro-Mechanical
A - Engineering Materials
A - Fluid Mechanics

2014
B - Vibrations
A - Computer Applications II
A - Engineering Graphics
A - Finite Element Analysis
A - Dynamic Systems
A - Heat Transfer
A - Statistics for Engineers
C - Applied Fluid Thermal Engineering
B - Machine Design I
B - Fundamentals of Engineering

2015
B - Experimental Methodology
B - Machine Design II
A - Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics
A - Differential Equations II
A - Vibrations II
C - Plastics
A - Engineering Design
A - Engineering Lab
A - Design Project

2016 (At small local state school)
A - Physics I (ratake)
A - Physics II (retake)
A - Gen Chem I (retake)
A - Biology I
A - Biology I Lab
A - Gen Chem II
A - Gen Chem II Lab
A - Biology II
B - Biology II Lab
A - Organic Chemistry I
A - Organic Chemistry I Lab

2017
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II Lab
General Psychology
Intro to Sociology
Biochemistry

Do I have a shot to get at least one interview on my list? Also, as an non-trad, should I hammer in my full time job during engineering school and experience with a full time job during prereqs? I don't have any research experience or 1000's of clinical work hours so I am really relying on my work experience, busy schedule and upward trend to stand out. I know there are a ton of nontrads applying in similar situations but I am trying to figure out what I can do at this point to at least snag one interview at my school list.

-Thanks in advance!

 

[psu228]

Looking to apply to 15-20 schools. My wife has a few areas she does not want to move to (basically the middle of nowhere) so there are a few schools that I had to leave off my list (sorry ACOM). I'll also apply to any schools that are opening 2018.
School List:
GA-PCOM
TouroCOM-NY
PCOM
LECOM
CUSOM
TUCOM-CA
ATSU-SOMA
TUNCOM
AZCOM-MWU
OH-HCOM
VCOM-SC
RVUCOM
PNWU-COM
NSU-COM
LECOM Bradenton

Stats at app time in May:
cGPA=3.14
sGPA=3.37
Clinical=150 hours volunteer ER
Shadowing=50 hours
DO LOR
MCAT=not taken, assuming 503-507
White 24 year old male living in South Florida

Long story short, did Mechanical Engineering for undergrad. My first 3 years I bombed, last 3 were great, DIY post bacc went really well. Worked full time doing construction design during school and have been working full time as an engineer since graduation. My first two years I did dual enrollment so most of those classes weren't used in my engineering degree, hence why I have 200 credits with no change in major.

2009
B - American History I
B - American History II
W - American Lit
C - English I
C - English II
C - Earth Science
B - Intermediate Algebra
B - College Algebra

2010
C - Gen Chem I
C - Gen Chem I Lab
C - Economics
C - Precalculus
C - American Government
C - Philosophy
A - Creative Thinking
B - Trigonometry
B - PrePhysics
C - Student Success
W - Calc I

2011
B - Health
B - Calc I
W - Calc II

2012
C - Calc II
D - Calc III
C - Physics I
A - Physics I Lab
C - Physics II
A - Physics II Lab
C - Differential Equations
B - Calc III

2013 (transferred to engineering university)
B - Statics
C - Thermodynamics
A - Dynamics
B - Strength of Materials
A - Computer Applications I
A - Electro-Mechanical
A - Engineering Materials
A - Fluid Mechanics

2014
B - Vibrations
A - Computer Applications II
A - Engineering Graphics
A - Finite Element Analysis
A - Dynamic Systems
A - Heat Transfer
A - Statistics for Engineers
C - Applied Fluid Thermal Engineering
B - Machine Design I
B - Fundamentals of Engineering

2015
B - Experimental Methodology
B - Machine Design II
A - Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics
A - Differential Equations II
A - Vibrations II
C - Plastics
A - Engineering Design
A - Engineering Lab
A - Design Project

2016 (At small local state school)
A - Physics I (ratake)
A - Physics II (retake)
A - Gen Chem I (retake)
A - Biology I
A - Biology I Lab
A - Gen Chem II
A - Gen Chem II Lab
A - Biology II
B - Biology II Lab
A - Organic Chemistry I
A - Organic Chemistry I Lab

2017
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II Lab
General Psychology
Intro to Sociology
Biochemistry

Do I have a shot to get at least one interview on my list? Also, as an non-trad, should I hammer in my full time job during engineering school and experience with a full time job during prereqs? I don't have any research experience or 1000's of clinical work hours so I am really relying on my work experience, busy schedule and upward trend to stand out. I know there are a ton of nontrads applying in similar situations but I am trying to figure out what I can do at this point to at least snag one interview at my school list.

-Thanks in advance!

Hey man,

Do you have any clinical experience, volunteer experience, or a DO lor? Any interaction with a DO at all?

 

[bears1992]

Hey man,

Do you have any clinical experience, volunteer experience, or a DO lor? Any interaction with a DO at all?

Yep.
DO LOR, 150 volunteer hours in ER and 50 shadowing hours. I know it's not much compared to most of the other applicants but as of now I've got 4 classes, full time job and MCAT study. I have 5 hours a week in the ER and about 5 hours a week shadowing, the rest of my time is spent on MCAT.

 

[angeloflogic]

Yep.
DO LOR, 150 volunteer hours in ER and 50 shadowing hours. I know it's not much compared to most of the other applicants but as of now I've got 4 classes, full time job and MCAT study. I have 5 hours a week in the ER and about 5 hours a week shadowing, the rest of my time is spent on MCAT.

If you can get above a 505, then you absolutely will have multiple IIs if you apply early (May/June). Unless you have some type of connection to those areas, I'd take OH HCOM and PNWU off your list. They heavily favor either in-state/regional bias. You should add KCUMB, DMU, and UIWSOM to your list. They're not in the middle of no where.

A little bit of advice: you should cut out either a class, or stop working to give yourself more time for the MCAT. It's a tough exam, and I can almost guarantee you'll thank yourself later if you give yourself more dedicated MCAT time. Got to think of the big picture.

 

[Alienman52]

Looking to apply to 15-20 schools. My wife has a few areas she does not want to move to (basically the middle of nowhere) so there are a few schools that I had to leave off my list (sorry ACOM). I'll also apply to any schools that are opening 2018.
School List:
GA-PCOM
TouroCOM-NY
PCOM
LECOM
CUSOM
TUCOM-CA
ATSU-SOMA
TUNCOM
AZCOM-MWU
OH-HCOM
VCOM-SC
RVUCOM
PNWU-COM
NSU-COM
LECOM Bradenton

Stats at app time in May:
cGPA=3.14
sGPA=3.37
Clinical=150 hours volunteer ER
Shadowing=50 hours
DO LOR
MCAT=not taken, assuming 503-507
White 24 year old male living in South Florida

Long story short, did Mechanical Engineering for undergrad. My first 3 years I bombed, last 3 were great, DIY post bacc went really well. Worked full time doing construction design during school and have been working full time as an engineer since graduation. My first two years I did dual enrollment so most of those classes weren't used in my engineering degree, hence why I have 200 credits with no change in major.

2009
B - American History I
B - American History II
W - American Lit
C - English I
C - English II
C - Earth Science
B - Intermediate Algebra
B - College Algebra

2010
C - Gen Chem I
C - Gen Chem I Lab
C - Economics
C - Precalculus
C - American Government
C - Philosophy
A - Creative Thinking
B - Trigonometry
B - PrePhysics
C - Student Success
W - Calc I

2011
B - Health
B - Calc I
W - Calc II

2012
C - Calc II
D - Calc III
C - Physics I
A - Physics I Lab
C - Physics II
A - Physics II Lab
C - Differential Equations
B - Calc III

2013 (transferred to engineering university)
B - Statics
C - Thermodynamics
A - Dynamics
B - Strength of Materials
A - Computer Applications I
A - Electro-Mechanical
A - Engineering Materials
A - Fluid Mechanics

2014
B - Vibrations
A - Computer Applications II
A - Engineering Graphics
A - Finite Element Analysis
A - Dynamic Systems
A - Heat Transfer
A - Statistics for Engineers
C - Applied Fluid Thermal Engineering
B - Machine Design I
B - Fundamentals of Engineering

2015
B - Experimental Methodology
B - Machine Design II
A - Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics
A - Differential Equations II
A - Vibrations II
C - Plastics
A - Engineering Design
A - Engineering Lab
A - Design Project

2016 (At small local state school)
A - Physics I (ratake)
A - Physics II (retake)
A - Gen Chem I (retake)
A - Biology I
A - Biology I Lab
A - Gen Chem II
A - Gen Chem II Lab
A - Biology II
B - Biology II Lab
A - Organic Chemistry I
A - Organic Chemistry I Lab

2017
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II Lab
General Psychology
Intro to Sociology
Biochemistry

Do I have a shot to get at least one interview on my list? Also, as an non-trad, should I hammer in my full time job during engineering school and experience with a full time job during prereqs? I don't have any research experience or 1000's of clinical work hours so I am really relying on my work experience, busy schedule and upward trend to stand out. I know there are a ton of nontrads applying in similar situations but I am trying to figure out what I can do at this point to at least snag one interview at my school list.

-Thanks in advance!

I know you said you (or your wife) may not want to move to places "in the middle of nowhere," but unless you ace the MCAT with that sGPA, (506+ for DO) I would add as many schools as possible.

As an aside, ACOM is not in the middle of "nowhere."


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Peach Newport]

That is an excellent (later) transcript. I'm actually kind of impressed. I'd even say that if you did well on your mcat it would be worth it to apply broad (especially in state) MD. Otherwise your school list is good.

 

[bears1992]

If you can get above a 505, then you absolutely will have multiple IIs if you apply early (May/June). Unless you have some type of connection to those areas, I'd take OH HCOM and PNWU off your list. They heavily favor either in-state/regional bias. You should add KCUMB, DMU, and UIWSOM to your list. They're not in the middle of no where.

A little bit of advice: you should cut out either a class, or stop working to give yourself more time for the MCAT. It's a tough exam, and I can almost guarantee you'll thank yourself later if you give yourself more dedicated MCAT time. Got to think of the big picture.

Right now I've got 3 hours a day devoted to MCAT. I started back in November and I'm taking the test May 18th. By the beginning of March I should have the Kaplan and EC set read cover to cover. I think at this rate I should be ok for a 500+. I'm fresh with the prereqs... I doubt our landlord would understand if I said I couldn't pay rent because I quit my job.... also my wife would be pissed 🙂

 

[bears1992]

I know you said you (or your wife) may not want to move to places "in the middle of nowhere," but unless you ace the MCAT with that sGPA, (506+ for DO) I would add as many schools as possible.

As an aside, ACOM is not in the middle of "nowhere."


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Her definition of middle of nowhere basically means southern areas. She's from NY and she would be miserable in Alabama. She has supported my decision to leave engineering and apply to medical school as long as she could knock off a few schools from the list (roughly 10). I thought it was more than fair.

 

[Alienman52]

Her definition of middle of nowhere basically means southern areas. She's from NY and she would be miserable in Alabama. She has supported my decision to leave engineering and apply to medical school as long as she could knock off a few schools from the list (roughly 10). I thought it was more than fair.

I'm from NY, and I'm going to ACOM. Hahaha I mean you're a great husband for being so considerate, but I feel like full support wouldn't limit you from applying to schools that you may want that are in the Midwest. That's just my 0.02.

Anyway, with your later transcript I have no doubt that with a decent MCAT, you'll receive some interviews from the schools you have on your list. Study up m8, and good luck to you.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[bears1992]

I'm from NY, and I'm going to ACOM. Hahaha I mean you're a great husband for being so considerate, but I feel like full support wouldn't limit you from applying to schools that you may want that are in the Midwest. That's just my 0.02.

Anyway, with your later transcript I have no doubt that with a decent MCAT, you'll receive some interviews from the schools you have on your list. Study up m8, and good luck to you.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Thanks! I don't mind where I live but I would hate to move out to Missouri or Alabama knowing my wife was miserable. It's already going to be a big life style change (household of 120k down to 40k) so I think I'll just be happy with 10 fewer schools to choose from. On another note, would an MCAT of 500 be too low for any II invites? I'm pretty confident I'll get a 505+ but I just want to know how bad it would be if I bomded it with a 500.

 

[psu228]

Thanks! I don't mind where I live but I would hate to move out to Missouri or Alabama knowing my wife was miserable. It's already going to be a big life style change (household of 120k down to 40k) so I think I'll just be happy with 10 fewer schools to choose from. On another note, would an MCAT of 500 be too low for any II invites? I'm pretty confident I'll get a 505+ but I just want to know how bad it would be if I bomded it with a 500.

I think with a 500 you should be willing to be open to applying to more programs. Just keep doing what you're doing and see how MCAT pans out. You wouldn't be doomed with a 500, you just would probably lose the ability to ignore regions you guys would rather not live in.

Anyway I think you should definitely stress your work schedule and experience in engineering. You've clearly worked really hard to get to this point and adcoms will appreciate your tangible proof of that.

 

[Grey Storm]

.

 

[bears1992]

Without an mcat score, I have no idea. That being said, the fact that you did so well on your retakes should alleviate most fears about your low GPA.

.... "assuming 503 - 507". Okay. You'd better not assume your going to do well on anything if you're going to get cocky like that. I've heard that song before.

My practice test for Kaplan was 499 and I've got 4 more months of studying so that is what I am basing the 503-507 on.

 

[Grey Storm]

.

 

[Alienman52]

Thanks! I don't mind where I live but I would hate to move out to Missouri or Alabama knowing my wife was miserable. It's already going to be a big life style change (household of 120k down to 40k) so I think I'll just be happy with 10 fewer schools to choose from. On another note, would an MCAT of 500 be too low for any II invites? I'm pretty confident I'll get a 505+ but I just want to know how bad it would be if I bomded it with a 500.

Haha I had a 501! Didn't do that well at all. One thing I love about DO admissions is that they really do take other things into consideration. (I had some really stellar EC's)
Here's my "What are my chances thread," when I was in your spot. You'd be surprised what stellar EC's can do for an underdog. Check out the thread for some motivation 🙂

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/do-chances-3-31c-3-28s-501-mcat.1199694/#post-17788404

 

[Alienman52]

I hit a ceiling at 503 (some of my prerequisites had been completed 2 years prior - non-trad here) and bombed the CARS section. Got a 500. Kaplan blows by the way. Oh, you're have a fun time with the real thing

Also OP, I concur with the above. Kaplan was terrible. I used them for my test prep too.

 

[bears1992]

Also OP, I concur with the above. Kaplan was terrible. I used them for my test prep too.

Did you think their prep books were worth reading? I just finished them and I am going to do the Exam Cracker set too. I'm leaving two months time before the test for practice tests since I should have the full content down from the two book sets. Where could I get 10+ accurate practice tests from?

 

[Alienman52]

Did you think their prep books were worth reading? I just finished them and I am going to do the Exam Cracker set too. I'm leaving two months time before the test for practice tests since I should have the full content down from the two book sets. Where could I get 10+ accurate practice tests from?

Books (from what I remember) weren't bad. Just a lot of info that wasn't high yield. I also took Kaplan at a time when the new MCAT was just introduced, so essentially I think they were covering their behinds by including everything because they didn't know what to expect on the real exam. The worst thing about Kaplan was the practice exams. So horribly unrepresentative of the real thing. Even so, they didn't really know what to expect because the new MCAT exam had just emerged. Hopefully they're better for you. Not sure where u could find 10+ exams. Maybe contact TPR or EK and ask if you can purchase 5 from each, or something along those lines. It's important to get a lot of variety. The best (and most representative of the real thing) was obviously the AAMC FL.

 

[Noxy]

This comversation about refusing to move to the middle of nowhere reminds me of my hubby. Lol my husband was very unhappy (but still happy for me) when I was accepted to ACOM. He was not looking forward to living in Alabama. One of the deciding factors to not go there unfortunately was due to how my family was already complaining about it 10 months before we even moved lol. My 5 year old joined in and she doesn't even know what shes talking about lol! Sadly location mattered for me, but what an awesome school ACOM is! I would have totally been fine if it was just me.

 

[779663]

PNWU is definitely in the middle of no where. I doubt you've ever even heard of Yakima, Washington

 

[bears1992]

This comversation about refusing to move to the middle of nowhere reminds me of my hubby. Lol my husband was very unhappy (but still happy for me) when I was accepted to ACOM. He was not looking forward to living in Alabama. One of the deciding factors to not go there unfortunately was due to how my family was already complaining about it 10 months before we even moved lol. My 5 year old joined in and she doesn't even know what shes talking about lol! Sadly location mattered for me, but what an awesome school ACOM is! I would have totally been fine if it was just me.

I figured other people had been in this situation before. I can't really blame my wife for not wanting to move somewhere that she wouldn't enjoy. During my last year of college, I remember she was talking about traveling to Europe and possibly opening up a bakery (things that would have been possible with two incomes and no kids or debt). If I get into med school, she is going to have to put all of that on hold for 8-12 years so I completely understand her weeding out 10 or 12 of the 35 DO schools out there. I might open up other schools if I don't get in this year, but if I get zero interviews with my 20 school list, I have a hard time believing that I would have a real shot as a re applicant at the other ten. My wife is on board with international medical school so I might give that a go if US school becomes impossible.

 

[bears1992]

PNWU is definitely in the middle of no where. I doubt you've ever even heard of Yakima, Washington

She just looked at the state where the school was located. I don't know that my list would change that much anyways. Most of the rural schools say on their website that they are looking for applicants in the surrounding areas and South Florida is nowhere near the midwest.

 

[psu228]

I figured other people had been in this situation before. I can't really blame my wife for not wanting to move somewhere that she wouldn't enjoy. During my last year of college, I remember she was talking about traveling to Europe and possibly opening up a bakery (things that would have been possible with two incomes and no kids or debt). If I get into med school, she is going to have to put all of that on hold for 8-12 years so I completely understand her weeding out 10 or 12 of the 35 DO schools out there. I might open up other schools if I don't get in this year, but if I get zero interviews with my 20 school list, I have a hard time believing that I would have a real shot as a re applicant at the other ten. My wife is on board with international medical school so I might give that a go if US school becomes impossible.

It's understandable, dude. Just keep doing what you're doing and see what your MCAT score is. Either way, I think you have good prospects for this upcoming cycle.

 

[bears1992]

It's understandable, dude. Just keep doing what you're doing and see what your MCAT score is. Either way, I think you have good prospects for this upcoming cycle.

I'm hoping for just one interview. At least then the ball is in my court. I hate how I can essentially improve everything on my app except my GPA, which of course is the biggest part of my app. I was banking on grade replacement to get me in if I was a reapplicant. That c3.14 is with 200+ credits and isn't going to budge lol.

 

[bears1992]

Haha I had a 501! Didn't do that well at all. One thing I love about DO admissions is that they really do take other things into consideration. (I had some really stellar EC's)
Here's my "What are my chances thread," when I was in your spot. You'd be surprised what stellar EC's can do for an underdog. Check out the thread for some motivation 🙂

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/do-chances-3-31c-3-28s-501-mcat.1199694/#post-17788404

Does a full time job count as an EC?

 

[Grey Storm]

.

 

[angeloflogic]

Does a full time job count as an EC?

They're not exactly the same, but probably yes especially for non-trads.

 

[bears1992]

They're not exactly the same, but probably yes especially for non-trads.

Unfortunatly I don't have a billion EC's I can use to fill up my app. Working full time with engineering school did not leave much time for EC's. Here's what I got for EC's (I know some are really reaching)
1) FT job doing CAD design for a construction company during engineering school
2) Promoted to consulting engineer/project manager just before graduation
3) 150 hours of volunteer in ER over 10 months
4) 50 hours shadowing two physicians (ER and IM in hospital)
5) 50 hours of tutoring during my first year of engineering school (unpaid and I don't have any record of it)
6) 100 hours playing bass in my church's band (this was from 4 years ago)
7) Did an undergrad research project that my team recieved (2) grants for and was awarded 2nd place in a research comp out of 18 teams (it was really just extra funding we got for our senior design project)
8) Team manager for senior design project
9) Certification that is work specific

Are any of these EC's going to make adcoms roll their eyes or should I keep them?

 

[BucketDoctor]

Adcoms tend to want quality over quantity. Did any of these experiences effect you in any meaningful way? Adcoms also want to see dedication and commitment (this is usually shown by the length of time an EC is done for).

 

[ritts]

From what I hear, CUSOM is in the middle of nowhere. Happy wife = happy life

 

[Espressso]

Apply as early as possible. And don't apply to a school that you would actually consider declining if it's you're only acceptance.

 

[bears1992]

Apply as early as possible. And don't apply to a school that you would actually consider declining if it's you're only acceptance.

There is absolutely no way I would ever decline an acceptance if it was my only one. I know that would blacklist me from almost every school. What does suck is there is a new school opening to accept 2018 students in Idaho. My wife absolutely does not want to go to Idaho but, the dean of admissions is friends with one of the DO's that I shadowed. The only reason I know that school is going to accept students for 2018 is because of the DO I shadowed (It's not official on ACCOMAS site yet). I might accidentally slip an application to that school and just deal with an angry wife if I only get an acceptance to that school.

 

[Espressso]

There is absolutely no way I would ever decline an acceptance if it was my only one. I know that would blacklist me from almost every school. What does suck is there is a new school opening to accept 2018 students in Idaho. My wife absolutely does not want to go to Idaho but, the dean of admissions is friends with one of the DO's that I shadowed. The only reason I know that school is going to accept students for 2018 is because of the DO I shadowed (It's not official on ACCOMAS site yet). I might accidentally slip an application to that school and just deal with an angry wife if I only get an acceptance to that school.

Yeah, I'm not married so I can't really offer too much advice on this front. BUT! I think 4 years of med school in a lame location is nothing if that means you can get your degree, and then match to a more attractive city.

 

[dwgrubbs1s]

Will need an MCAT score to give an accurate answer. I would try aiming for a higher end MCAT score for the range you have (like a 506-507 but obviously try to get as high of a score as possible). Assuming you do get a MCAT score within your range, I would say you definitely have a shot at an interview invite. Make sure your personal statement is good, keep shadowing and volunteering, and apply early.

 

[Goro]

You're competitive. But MCAT will make or break you.

Do I have a shot to get at least one interview on my list?

Yes.
Also, as an non-trad, should I hammer in my full time job during engineering school and experience with a full time job during prereqs?

That's OK
I don't have any research experience or 1000's of clinical work hours

That helps.
so I am really relying on my work experience, busy schedule and upward trend to stand out. I

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

First of all, you really need to rock the MCAT, simply because the higher the better your chances (duh, you know that) aim for a 510+ because with that your chances go up at the more selective schools in more desireable areas.

but if I get zero interviews with my 20 school list, I have a hard time believing that I would have a real shot as a re applicant at the other ten.

You would actually, the rural schools tend to have lower admissions stats.

My wife is on board with international medical school so I might give that a go if US school becomes impossible.

Unless you and her like the idea of being 400k in debt without a job then you shouldn't even consider this. How on earth is she ok moving to some crappy island lacking in normal amenities but not ok with moving to somewhere like Alabama? That makes no sense.

Also I would suggest actually looking up the areas of some of these school, having lived in Yakima I would live in the middle of nowhere south than ever live there again.

 

[bears1992]

First of all, you really need to rock the MCAT, simply because the higher the better your chances (duh, you know that) aim for a 510+ because with that your chances go up at the more selective schools in more desireable areas.



You would actually, the rural schools tend to have lower admissions stats.



Unless you and her like the idea of being 400k in debt without a job then you shouldn't even consider this. How on earth is she ok moving to some crappy island lacking in normal amenities but not ok with moving to somewhere like Alabama? That makes no sense.

Also I would suggest actually looking up the areas of some of these school, having lived in Yakima I would live in the middle of nowhere south than ever live there again.

Oh I didn't mean international school as in the Caribbean, I meant Europe/Australia. Obviously that would significantly hurt my chances to get a US residency position but my debt would be significantly less and without a DO acceptance, international school would be my only shot.

 

[bears1992]

You're competitive. But MCAT will make or break you.

Do I have a shot to get at least one interview on my list?

Yes.
Also, as an non-trad, should I hammer in my full time job during engineering school and experience with a full time job during prereqs?

That's OK
I don't have any research experience or 1000's of clinical work hours

That helps.
so I am really relying on my work experience, busy schedule and upward trend to stand out. I

How much will it hurt me that my app does not give off a strong altruist vibe? The 150 volunteer hours that I have (besides the 50 tutoring hours and 100 church musician hours from 4+ years ago) are from an ER which I started about 6 months ago so I imagine those hours come off as "checking off a box". How much slack would adcoms give me on this with full time job + family through school?

 

[Goro]

I think that you can get some slack, given that you had a real life, but only to a certain point, which will be interviewer/screener specific.

How much will it hurt me that my app does not give off a strong altruist vibe? The 150 volunteer hours that I have (besides the 50 tutoring hours and 100 church musician hours from 4+ years ago) are from an ER which I started about 6 months ago so I imagine those hours come off as "checking off a box". How much slack would adcoms give me on this with full time job + family through school?

 

[Fluffy123]

I would also apply to unecom and mucom. Une is in Maine and mu is in Indianapolis

 

[JB50]

MCAT will save you.

 

[bears1992]

I think that you can get some slack, given that you had a real life, but only to a certain point, which will be interviewer/screener specific.

One last question, I did full time dual enrollment when I was a junior in high school, meaning I never attending any classes at my high school my junior and senior year. Could I use my volunteer ECs during that time or would it still be considered high school ECs?

 

[JB50]

One last question, I did full time dual enrollment when I was a junior in high school, meaning I never attending any classes at my high school my junior and senior year. Could I use my volunteer ECs during that time or would it still be considered high school ECs?

Did they extend into college or no.

 

[bears1992]

Did they extend into college or no.

Yes. I basically did my first two years of college in high school. Where I have my classes listed on my college transcript in my original post, American History I thru Student Success were completed while I was technically a high school student (I think I had 47 college credits when I graduated high school. I just wanted to know if I could include volunteer work during those two years.