What to do?

[NMH2001]

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I will be applying to DO schools this summer with a 3.0 GPA, but 3.61 post bacc GPA. I am a non-trad student who has been working in the laboratory field for a while. Now here's this question-As far as MCAT scores go I recieved a 9B,8P,Q, and...5V 🙁 My AACOAMS app is ready to be submitted but I am worried about getting past the initial cutoff. Yes I will be retaking in Aug. Any suggestions from those who have been in a similar situation? Do I have a shot at any interviews?

 

[apgar7]

I know my school has taken people with a 5 in VR before, but it's definitely not that common. Your going to need a very interesting personal background to make up for the 5, not to mention if you get an interview, you probably need to impress the heck out of them. Just be your charming self. If worse comes to worse, then you retake the MCAT and do better. Good luck!

 

[Toejam]

Welcome to my verbal nightmare (6)!!

I had very similar scores (9BS, 8P, 6V, S) and I submitted my application in the middle of May.

The best thing I have going for me is that I'm already a pracicing podiatrist and have much more relevant clinical experience than most applicants.

What's ironic (at least to me) is that I'm one of the most articulate, well read people I know and I scored in the bottom 25% of the verbal. I'm not patting myself on the back, just pointing out the pain of receiving a 6. I'm beginning to see that one must know the "tricks" to get a decent score in the verbal section.

 

[njdesi]

Welcome to my PS Nightmare (6)!!!

I feel for you. All the DO schools I contacted in the Northeast (PCOM, NJSOM, UNECOM) said my PS needed to be brought up. I will be retaking in August, and boy do I dread studying Physics day in and day out. I got a 9BS, 8VR, and WS-Q. I thank god atleast I can show ADCOMs I can read and write English, and I know my Biology and Organic.

I have an MPH and three years of work experience in public health, plus tons of volunteer work. I submitted early June, so I hope that my application file is complete at a few schools before they get my August scores.

Good luck!

 

[DNAdude]

I applied this year to both MD/DO programs and although got a 5 on the verbal I got secondaries and interviews from most places. MIchigan osteopathic and COMP are some osteopathic programs that make cut off for verbal of 5. I think if you have 5 on verbal and average on the sciences you will get it in (GPA and EXC count alot too).

Toejam I went to a podiatry school for a year and retook the MCAT. I think it was a great experience going through the basic sciences and carrying 30 units per semester...a point that the interviwers liked because it proved i am capable of completing the program although I got a 5 on verbal. But be prepared for the question as to why you want to change occupations. I thought thats something the professors and clinician were interested about and since you are a podiatrist I am sure they are going to hassel you...just be prepared....I am sure you will get in.

 

[Toejam]

Thanks, DNAdude.

I did the whole enchilada plus a one year residency in Hell at L.A. County. I know there won't be too many applicants with that much relevant experience, but I also know that they're going to be curious why anyone in their right mind would want to take anatomy YET AGAIN!!!!! I mean, they'll be really fascinated with me because I'm overly eager to hover over the heady bucket again chock-full of formaldehyde fumes and variously decaying tissues....