~2008-2009~"What Are My Chances/Where Should I Apply/What Should I Do" Thread

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I have a 3.16 science gpa and 3.08 overall gpa and just scored a 23M on the mcat. should i try to retake in september or wait until january? i have already submitted several secondaries.
 
I am in the same boat!

I took the MCAT in April and scored a 23N (6P, 9V, 8B)
I thought I definitely NEEDED to retake, so I signed up for the July 18 test

I have already sent secondaries to all 7 DO schools that I applied to and I got my new scores back today.

THE HORROR: 21Q (7P, 6V, 8B)

My top choice is MSU COM (I am in state, go to MSU right now) and in my advising appointment in June they said that I would be in good shape if I could AT LEAST bring my PS up to a 7, which I managed to do but the 3 point drop in Verbal (which, by the way, has always been my best section. On 8 AAMC practice exams I NEVER scored less than a 10)

The rest of my stats:
3.4 science GPA
not sure of my overall, but I think it is around a 3.0...long story but I had to take zeros in 12 credits my sophomore year

I have over 800 hours of volunteer experience (since high school) and GREAT LORS

What do you think? Should I retake in January?? Is that too late? Thanks for the advice! It is GREATLY appreciated. I honestly thought to withdraw my app when I saw my score this afternoon but I dont want to be out the $1000+ I've already spent on applicaitons. I do not know where to go from here 🙁
 
Hello Everyone.
I took the July 18 MCAT and my results came out today: PS 7 VR 6 and BS 10. I am extremely disappointed needless to say, but I am not sure what my chances are. According to AACOM, my sGPA is 3.7 and my cumulative GPA is 3.79. I also have great clinical and research experience and decent ECs ( I have been an EMT, CNA, birth assistant, I worked for Pandemic Preparedness for Indiana State Department of Health, and including medical mission trips to Costa Rica and Mexico, and now I'm working for IU cancer research. I submitted my AACOM last week, and I'm waiting to be verified. WIll you let me know what my chances are? I applied to 11 DO schools and 3 of them have averages of 24. Do I have any chance or should I withdraw completely? Please help!!!

I applied to:
AT-Arizona
DMU
PCOM-GA
PCOM
LECOM
NYCOM
OSUCOM
TOURO-NY
TOURO-CA
TOURO-NV
New Jersey
 
First things first ... I personally wouldn't withdraw. With a GPA of 3.8 and ECs that rival Mother Theresa's resume ... you should be okay. However, something I would consider is where you were performing prior to the test. I mean, were your practice scores 35s and then the real thing just went poorly or was this an expected result. If so, just apply and be done. If not, you might want to keep applying or even not turn in secondaries and retake the test in Sept or Jan. I honestly think you will be okay for DO schools, but MD schools (if you are applying there/want that more) are not going to be okay with that MCAT.
 
Thanks JaggerPlate. I was very shocked (I feel traumatized still) and it's because I was doing considerably better on my practice AAMC exams. I have been consistent in the 30's. I have no clue what went wrong. In all, I applied to 20 schools (11 DO and 9 MD). Even before my MCAT score came out, I knew I wanted to go to DO schools. SO after seeing my score today, I will not bother filling out any secondaries for MD, and I really really hope to get in somewhere for a DO school. I know it's too late to even sign up for a September test date, so I'm applying with my current stats and hoping for the best........

Quick question, if a school's average says 24, does that give a bit of a comfort room add or subtract one or two points? I know I did horrible, but I still want to get in, especially since I already applied this cycle! I already graduated from college and with my 1 year off I am doing a lot of volunteering and research. Will DO schools take this into account??? Will DO schools even consider me? It's unbearable to face this blow.
 
chromosomeone said:
Where on aacomas do you see that they calculated a GPA?
Click to expand...

Before you submit the application, it shows your cumulative and science GPA's on the main "Colleges" tab.

jhysrrn20 said:
Quick question, if a school's average says 24, does that give a bit of a comfort room add or subtract one or two points?
Click to expand...

It sure does! I also scored a 23 on my MCAT (7V, 8P, 8B) and I still sent out my apps to 8 DO schools.. I'm at the point where I go back and forth between being comfortable with where I'm at and freaking out about where I'm at, hahah.

Gonna take a sec to re-post my first reply since I changed it up a little bit by adding more schools..........:


23M MCAT (first exam) - 7V, 8P, 8B
3.28c AACOMAS
3.05s AACOMAS
Iowa resident

Also I've been working in a hospital as a phlebotomist for a year and half now.. shadowing a D.O. for 3 months.. and a few other EC's.

I already submitted my app to AACOMAS, but I was just wondering what everybody's thoughts were.

I applied to:
-DMU-COM
-KCUMB-COM
-ATSU-Kirksville
-RVU-COM
-OSU-COM (added onto AACOMAS today)
-OU-COM (added onto AACOMAS today)
-CCOM (added onto AACOMAS today)
-PNWU-COM (added onto AACOMAS today)

My GPA and MCAT meet minimums, but aren't anything spectacular by any means. My real strength is my clinical experience and I'm pretty confident that my personal statement turned out nicely.

Let me know what you guys think.. thanks.
 
Hi yall. I was wondering if these scores are competitive. I have a 3.1 science gpa and a 3.16 cumulative with a 28M MCAT. Bio 10 Phys 11 Verb 7. I took it 3 years ago and got a 23P. Also I had a 3.7 GPA going into my junior year when hurricane Katrina hit. I'm from New Orleans and my grades plummeted afterwards. Should I explain this in my personal statement or should I suck it up and say no excuses?
 
playahmar said:
Hi yall. I was wondering if these scores are competitive. I have a 3.1 science gpa and a 3.16 cumulative with a 28M MCAT. Bio 10 Phys 11 Verb 7. I took it 3 years ago and got a 23P. Also I had a 3.7 GPA going into my junior year when hurricane Katrina hit. I'm from New Orleans and my grades plummeted afterwards. Should I explain this in my personal statement or should I suck it up and say no excuses?
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As far as your experience with Katrina, I would say it's definitely a worthy explanation of your poor performance in school following it. What you'll want to do , though, is get the point across that you're not still letting it cloud your thought. If you can turn the situation you encountered into something that has made you a stronger, better person, then you could maybe even use it as the theme of your personal statement if it somehow relates to you wanting to be a doctor.

If it's not in any way a part of you wanting to become a physician, however, I would at least mention it in a few sentences how it affected your grades. It was a horrible thing to happen and I'm sure they'd be understanding.
 
Hi there,

If anyone could give me advice on my situation, I would really appreciate it.

So I am going to graduate this year with a public health degree and I have taken most pre-reqs except for physics which I am going to take at a JC next year. But my problem is that while taking physics I'm going to take a few harder upper div bio classes to help raise my gpa. I currently have a 2.99, so I'm wondering whether my gpa will ever be 'competitive'.

I have not taken the MCAT and have great extra curriculars, but have not shadowed a DO. Is this bad? I really want to go to Western COMP, will I have a shot? I had a rough second year which was the worst drop in my grades ever, but I have picked it up.

Btw, what else would you guys recommend me doing? I'm taking classes, keeping up with ec's, preparing for the mcat etc. anything else?

Or and I was hoping to take the mcat next summer, which means I probably wont have taken the physics class then, bad idea? I was hoping to take a class and then study real hard for it and do well. Has this worked for anyone?

Thanks so much!! 🙂
 
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Before I begin, I should let you know I am a first time applicant myself so take my opinion with a grain of salt...

Competitiveness is hard to define. It's very school specific. That said, I wouldn't think that your combination of numbers alone are "competitive" at any of the accredited schools. Does that mean you cannot get in? Certainly not. These numbers do not represent an entire application. However, getting an acceptance would take some serious making up in other areas (good experience in a medical environment, volunteer work, research, etc). Your two biggest problem areas: a score of less than an 8 on a section, and a low science gpa. Given your science subject mcat scores, it seems like you have the knowledge but didn't get the right chance to show your ability in your undergrad classes.

In case you care, here is what I would do: take a year off and do a post-bacc.. ace the classes and show them you can do the science.. It wouldn't hurt to get some clinical experience along the way. As for retaking the MCAT, if you had the time, could afford to do it, and were still motivated enough to go back at it, then I would retake it during that year off and get that verbal up to a 9 to give you that 30. If you haven't submitted your primary application for this year already, then that alone would set you back, and provide more incentive to wait a year.

By the way, about Katrina.. that is definitely something you would want to mention on your application, or maybe even make it the theme of your personal statement. I'm sure its a sentimental subject that could be very valuable in terms of grabbing adcom's attention and explaining your turn in grades.

GOOD LUCK. and always remember, if you want this bad enough, you'll do what it takes to get into med school.
 
Billicus, how do you know what the MCAT minimum is? I know for MD schools, they generally say that below a 30 is subpar, and probably a 28 would be pushing it. But I dont know what DO schools consider the minimum? Obviously it's best to get as high as score as possible, but for some of us who took the late July test date, we really dont have any good options (i.e. take January MCAT or rush for Sept) So is 23 the min? 22? 21?

On a side note, I hear that DO schools look at the rounded individual and numbers are not the only deciding factor, and I'm really relieved for that. I'm just not sure where I stand at this point, if I need to start looking at re-applying/ other backup career options...
 
Mzeep said:
Hi there,

If anyone could give me advice on my situation, I would really appreciate it.

So I am going to graduate this year with a public health degree and I have taken most pre-reqs except for physics which I am going to take at a JC next year. But my problem is that while taking physics I'm going to take a few harder upper div bio classes to help raise my gpa. I currently have a 2.7, so I'm wondering whether my gpa will ever be 'competitive'.

I have not taken the MCAT and have great extra curriculars, but have not shadowed a DO. Is this bad? I really want to go to Western COMP, will I have a shot? I had a rough second year which was the worst drop in my grades ever, but I have picked it up.

Btw, what else would you guys recommend me doing? I'm taking classes, keeping up with ec's, preparing for the mcat etc. anything else?

Or and I was hoping to take the mcat next summer, which means I probably wont have taken the physics class then, bad idea? I was hoping to take a class and then study real hard for it and do well. Has this worked for anyone?

Thanks so much!! 🙂
Click to expand...

-No one can gauge your chances without an MCAT score.
-a GPA of 2.7 is not competitive anywhere.
-You need to finish pre-reqs, take the MCAT, and then probably consider a post-bacc or SMP.
-The DO shadowing is 'kind of' a big deal because you need a letter of rec from a physician for most DO schools, but building up GPA and MCAT are more important.
 
According to AACOM the average cGPA and MCAT scores for entering DO students in 2006 were 3.45 and a 25 respectively (LizzyM 59.5). Now it is 2008 and I am sure the numbers have gone up. If you have a low GPA you need to rock the MCAT to boost your LizzyM score.
 
i recently got my new mcat score and had it sent to aacomas. is there anything i else i should do? i contacted one of the schools today and the person said she has not received my score...do i just wait on aacomas now, or am i supposed to send out my primaries again...
aacomas has my mcat updated and its been updated about a week ago...did i forget to do something?!?!?
 
-No one can gauge your chances without an MCAT score.
-a GPA of 2.7 is not competitive anywhere.
-You need to finish pre-reqs, take the MCAT, and then probably consider a post-bacc or SMP.
-The DO shadowing is 'kind of' a big deal because you need a letter of rec from a physician for most DO schools, but building up GPA and MCAT are more important.

Thanks for the reply! So do you think taking physics at CC is a bad idea?? I called Western and they told is that it is fine and that I should probably consider taking more bio classes to raise my gpa and then do really well on my mcat. I'm not a minority nor am I a 'career changer' so I don't think I qualify for postbacs.
 
I am in a weird situation. I have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 but I went to community college first. Only looking at my GPA from my university and my last 2 years my GPA is a 3.6. Will schools look at that fact. The fact that I never got a C in any upper division class and how well I did in my latter years. Or will I be stuck submitting and compared on my low cumulative GPA?
 
Does anyone know if we can submit secondaries and current MCAT scores now and then retake the MCAT again in January and supplement those scores to medical schools? I got a pretty bad score, but I still want to apply this cycle and finish all of my applications and secondaries and see how I do. But just in case, is it possible to retake the MCAT in January and show schools that I'm on the waitlist for that my MCAT improved? Has anyone considered doing this?

Thanks
 
Ok so I want to know your guys opinions on PCOM-GA? PCOM_PA is my number one choice so it got me thinking about the other campus and how it compares to the PA campus? Would it be a good idea to apply there as well?
 
Science GPA: 3.2
Overall GPA: 3.3
MCAT: 28M (8 VR, 9 BS, 11 PS)

3 years of research experience
cancer center volunteer
co-chair for science outreach club
Applying broadly


How do my chances look?
 
What postbac did you do?? and are you a minority? I've been looking for postbacs but I don't think I qualify for any 🙁
 
I think you should put in your application ASAP for DO schools and mark that you will retake in September. Then, yes, you can and will update AACOMAS with your new score.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
I think you should put in your application ASAP for DO schools and mark that you will retake in September. Then, yes, you can and will update AACOMAS with your new score.
Click to expand...

Agreed. You should apply to DO schools now.
 
thanks for the fast response!

i already submitted my AACOMAS app July 16th...so i'm just waiting for it to be verified! AMCAS got verified last week (Aug 11th) tho... so i'm just waiting...however, for AACOMAS (i did indicate for AMCAS) didn't indicate taht I was retaking the MCAT in Sept...can i change it or should i let teh schools know once it is verified? is it possible for them to review my app with the 25 and then update them with the retaken SEPT MCAT score?
 
jhysrrn20,

I spoke to an admissions couselor for every school (DO) that I applied to today about my MCAT and what their policies were because I am very unhappy with both of my scores.

Here is what I found out: Most of the schools will review your application with your current scores and make a decision. If their decision is not to interview you with your current scores, they will put your application on hold until they receive your January scores. However, this may put you at a disadvantage since most DO schools use rolling admissions you will run the risk of their class being full (like, my state school normally fills their class in December) so it's up to you. It can be good and bad, becasue even if you improve your MCAT in Januray they may not have spot for you even if you now meet /exceed their standards.

So I am in the same situation as you, trying to decide whether or not taking the January MCAT is to my advantage....Oh, by the way, if you decide you will be taking the January test you should notify the schools in writing ASAP, that's waht I was told today

(the schools I spoke to were MSUCOM, OUCOM, PCOM, WVSOM, PCSOM, CCOM)
 
Does anyone else think this thread is absurd??? You can't even find/respond to the original posters you intended to help, and it seems like sooo many people aren't getting any advice because the thread is so confusing. Why don't we make it like pre-Allo where 'what are my chances' is a sub forum with the individual threads inside of it ... not a million different threads spliced together??? Seems like that would still keep things clean, but be more useful. Just my dos pesos ...
 
I need some help finding schools, esp. the DO schools, any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! =)

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?id=11390

The only problem is I haven't shadowed a D.O. yet but I've seen and talked to D.O. students at conferences and stuff etc, so I'm open to both M.D. and D.O. 😀😎
 
JaggerPlate said:
Does anyone else think this thread is absurd??? You can't even find/respond to the original posters you intended to help, and it seems like sooo many people aren't getting any advice because the thread is so confusing. Why don't we make it like pre-Allo where 'what are my chances' is a sub forum with the individual threads inside of it ... not a million different threads spliced together??? Seems like that would still keep things clean, but be more useful. Just my dos pesos ...
Click to expand...

I agree lol.

jhysrrn20 said:
Billicus, how do you know what the MCAT minimum is? I know for MD schools, they generally say that below a 30 is subpar, and probably a 28 would be pushing it. But I dont know what DO schools consider the minimum? Obviously it's best to get as high as score as possible, but for some of us who took the late July test date, we really dont have any good options (i.e. take January MCAT or rush for Sept) So is 23 the min? 22? 21?

On a side note, I hear that DO schools look at the rounded individual and numbers are not the only deciding factor, and I'm really relieved for that. I'm just not sure where I stand at this point, if I need to start looking at re-applying/ other backup career options...
Click to expand...

By minimums I mean I don't have like, say a 12 lol. The avg. accepted MCAT is a ~24 so that means there's people above and below that mark. Yeah they do look at the individual, but some schools screen for GPA - for example you have a 2.8 and apply to a school with a 3.0 min, don't expect a secondary app from them. As far as MCAT goes though, I'm under the impression that they're much more flexible on it.
 
July 18, 2008 MCAT
ps:13
vr:9
bs:13
WS:Q

I took the MCAT in 2003 and 2004 and got a VR score of 10 both times. Do you guys think a drop to a VR score of 9 is a big deal. Percentage score wise there is a big difference 80% v 65% for the 10 and 9 respectively.
gimme some feedback if you can!!!
 
matlabsux said:
July 18, 2008 MCAT
ps:13
vr:9
bs:13
WS:Q

I took the MCAT in 2003 and 2004 and got a VR score of 10 both times. Do you guys think a drop to a VR score of 9 is a big deal. Percentage score wise there is a big difference 80% v 65% for the 10 and 9 respectively.
gimme some feedback if you can!!!
Click to expand...

If you retake a 35 mcat you are stupid.
 
Mzeep said:
What postbac did you do?? and are you a minority? I've been looking for postbacs but I don't think I qualify for any 🙁
Click to expand...

check out the post bacc threads - they're not all for minorities or career-changers, some have emphasis on low GPA/MCAT. or look into a special masters program but that may not help the low undergrad GPA.

is it your science gpa that's 2.7? doing an "informal" postbacc and retaking all of your low classes also works, it just takes time. and rock the MCAT!! good luck!
 
davenp73 said:
jhysrrn20,

I spoke to an admissions couselor for every school (DO) that I applied to today about my MCAT and what their policies were because I am very unhappy with both of my scores.

Here is what I found out: Most of the schools will review your application with your current scores and make a decision. If their decision is not to interview you with your current scores, they will put your application on hold until they receive your January scores. However, this may put you at a disadvantage since most DO schools use rolling admissions you will run the risk of their class being full (like, my state school normally fills their class in December) so it's up to you. It can be good and bad, becasue even if you improve your MCAT in Januray they may not have spot for you even if you now meet /exceed their standards.



So I am in the same situation as you, trying to decide whether or not taking the January MCAT is to my advantage....Oh, by the way, if you decide you will be taking the January test you should notify the schools in writing ASAP, that's waht I was told today

(the schools I spoke to were MSUCOM, OUCOM, PCOM, WVSOM, PCSOM, CCOM)
Click to expand...

let's see if i understand this. If u plan to retake in january, they will still review ur appliacttion, but put you on hold while awaiting January scores?

What if u plan on retaking, but don't notify the schools, hoping u get an acceptance before the retake?
 
JaggerPlate said:
Does anyone else think this thread is absurd??? You can't even find/respond to the original posters you intended to help, and it seems like sooo many people aren't getting any advice because the thread is so confusing. Why don't we make it like pre-Allo where 'what are my chances' is a sub forum with the individual threads inside of it ... not a million different threads spliced together??? Seems like that would still keep things clean, but be more useful. Just my dos pesos ...
Click to expand...

Spot on, my friend. It used to be easy to post, but with so many people posting so quickly, it becomes overwhelming and confusing. Thus, everybody loses.

This sounds like a PSA on forum organization. *Cue the cheesy testimonial by a would-have-been-helped pre-med who got overlooked on this thread*
 
let's see if i understand this. If u plan to retake in january, they will still review ur appliacttion, but put you on hold while awaiting January scores?

What if u plan on retaking, but don't notify the schools, hoping u get an acceptance before the retake?

Reply: (sorry I don't know how to quote yet, I'm kinda new at this)
That is my understanding from the answers I got on the phone yesterday. Like CCOM has already reviewed my application without waiting for my second MCAT to come in...I thought that was weird. I think that as long as they have one set of MCAT scores, your letter of recommendationa and your secondary that they will process as is, and then add to your file once your updated information comes in. Which, in my case my new MCAT will probably hurt my chances.... Hope that helps!
 
davenp73 said:
let's see if i understand this. If u plan to retake in january, they will still review ur appliacttion, but put you on hold while awaiting January scores?

What if u plan on retaking, but don't notify the schools, hoping u get an acceptance before the retake?

Reply: (sorry I don't know how to quote yet, I'm kinda new at this)
That is my understanding from the answers I got on the phone yesterday. Like CCOM has already reviewed my application without waiting for my second MCAT to come in...I thought that was weird. I think that as long as they have one set of MCAT scores, your letter of recommendationa and your secondary that they will process as is, and then add to your file once your updated information comes in. Which, in my case my new MCAT will probably hurt my chances.... Hope that helps!
Click to expand...

It does help, thanks.
As far as quoting, just hit the quote button, instead of the reply button. i had trouble with that too.
Goodluck!.
 
I applied to a postbacc program and was denied in June. Now I feel like I don't know what else I should do or which route I should take??? Should I keep trying or am I just a lost hope???

I went to UC and got a 3.2 overall GPA but my science GPA is only 2.88. I have a year now to do nothing except maybe repeat the courses that I didn't do so great. If I repeat 4 science courses and get A's in all four courses I raise my science GPA to 3.2. Also I didn't do so great on the MCAT and only got a 19.

I know I should retake my MCAT and I hope to repeat the couses at a CAL STATE but would it matter if I took courses at a community college just because it's a lot cheaper?? Also should I just take courses that I haven't taken like Anatomy or Phsyiology or some upper division science classes??? I know many people have said it's bad to take at a CC because is there sufficient proof??

Would love to hear back from people who has been in similar situation??
 
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Have you considered podiatry, optometery, chiro, or PA?
 
duke2000 said:
I applied to a postbacc program and was denied in June. Now I feel like I don't know what else I should do or which route I should take??? Should I keep trying or am I just a lost hope???

I went to UC and got a 3.2 overall GPA but my science GPA is only 2.88. I have a year now to do nothing except maybe repeat the courses that I didn't do so great. If I repeat 4 science courses and get A's in all four courses I raise my science GPA to 3.2. Also I didn't do so great on the MCAT and only got a 19.

I know I should retake my MCAT and I hope to repeat the couses at a CAL STATE but would it matter if I took courses at a community college just because it's a lot cheaper?? I know many people have said it's bad to take at a CC because is there sufficient proof??

Would love to hear back from people who has been in similar situation??
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If you repeat your courses and get all A's, i'm pretty sure your science GPA would be higher than 3.2. You know that for DO schools they have "grade forgiveness" so if you repeat a course and do better, they only take the 2nd grade into consideration for GPA. Its not averaged. If you repeat the courses you did poorly in and do well, your GPA will increase significantly. Maybe you should do try and do that and then apply next cycle?
 
I've thought about PA because really that's all I really want to do (work in Family practice) but I do not have the 2 year experience required to get in. I've done internships and volunteering at hospital and clinics for at least 3-4 years though... I don't think those hours count though... Also isn't 2.88 science GPA still a little low for those programs???

RE: ryserr21
Also if I do end up repeating the courses that would mean if I finish spring 2009 semester. I will be applying for fall 2010 classes, is that right?
 
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duke2000 said:
I've thought about PA because really that's all I really want to do (Family practice) but I do not have the 2 year experience required to get in. I've done internships and volunteering at hospital and clinics for at least 3-4 years though... I don't think those hours count though... Also isn't 2.88 science GPA still a little low for those programs???

RE: ryserr21
Also if I do end up repeating the courses that would mean if I finish spring 2009 semester. I will be applying for fall 2010 classes, is that right?
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That is correct. I agree with ryserr21, retake your courses and also retake the MCAT. I'm not sure what your study habits were for the first MCAT, but if you study and do a lot of practices tests and only take the MCAT when you are scoring in your ideal range then you should be fine.
 
You've got more than one hurdle to overcome. You need to retake classes to get your gpa up, but that MCAT won't get you into the door anywhere....even podiatry schools would prefer you to have at least a 20. It may take a year or two, but you can raise the gpa a bit and if you can get a 28+ on the mcat, then you'd be in substantially better a position.

If you want to do PA then do it, but don't use it as a fallback plan. If you like autonomy and being the boss, then it isn't the gig for you. Plus, it helps to have a slightly higher gpa for many of those classes as well. Either way, barring a miracle, you're going to have to apply next year...at the earliest.
 
Like others have already said...retake you classes and retake the MCAT. It may take a little longer than you were hoping to get into med school but it is definitely not the end of the road for you.
 
duke2000 said:
RE: ryserr21
Also if I do end up repeating the courses that would mean if I finish spring 2009 semester. I will be applying for fall 2010 classes, is that right?
Click to expand...

Yes, that is correct. You would be applying for fall 2010 classes. You would be able to fill out the primary application as early as May of 2009.
 
duke2000 said:
I applied to a postbacc program and was denied in June. Now I feel like I don't know what else I should do or which route I should take??? Should I keep trying or am I just a lost hope???

I went to UC and got a 3.2 overall GPA but my science GPA is only 2.88. I have a year now to do nothing except maybe repeat the courses that I didn't do so great. If I repeat 4 science courses and get A's in all four courses I raise my science GPA to 3.2. Also I didn't do so great on the MCAT and only got a 19.

I know I should retake my MCAT and I hope to repeat the couses at a CAL STATE but would it matter if I took courses at a community college just because it's a lot cheaper?? Also should I just take courses that I haven't taken like Anatomy or Phsyiology or some upper division science classes??? I know many people have said it's bad to take at a CC because is there sufficient proof??

Would love to hear back from people who has been in similar situation??
Click to expand...

First and foremost, forget about what other people say about CC. You have to do what is best for you and you should put your best foot forward despite the school you attend.

Its very easy to get frustrated when we encounter setbacks, but if this is something you really want, motivation is essential. Retake a few classes wherever you need to and retake the MCAT. If you really want medical school, maybe try getting some clinic/hospital/shadowing experience in if possible.

You are only a lost hope if you give up. Work hard and you'd be surprised how far you get.

Best of luck!😀
 
I studied, I took practice tests, and I still bombed. I was scoring in the 26-28 range and got a 19 instead. I won't bother with this cycle since I know I won't get in. What I'm looking for is hope for the future. Since I was scoring so much better in practice, I'm gunshy and scared of taking another MCAT. I want to be a doctor but I've lost all my confidence. Can anyone give me a glimmer of hope? Where do I go from here?

GPA: 3.4
sGPA: 3.7
MCAT: 19M
 
Just Joshin said:
I studied, I took practice tests, and I still bombed. I was scoring in the 26-28 range and got a 19 instead. I won't bother with this cycle since I know I won't get in. What I'm looking for is hope for the future. Since I was scoring so much better in practice, I'm gunshy and scared of taking another MCAT. I want to be a doctor but I've lost all my confidence. Can anyone give me a glimmer of hope? Where do I go from here?

GPA: 3.4
sGPA: 3.7
MCAT: 19M
Click to expand...

Honestly, I know exactly how you feel and I think it's important to know that. I have been preparing for the MCAT and worked extremely hard to get my Kaplan full length test's into the mid-30s. Recently I took my first AAMC test and my score dropped by 9 points. I'm still really shaken up and really intimidated by the test. I know there are a lot of factors involved, but the feeling of shock and the mental block about the test now being impossible is still there.

With that being said ... the best thing to do is to dusty yourself off, and try again. You GPA is great, and I think you can do better on the MCAT. I suggest figuring out what is making your scores drop, and altering your studying to succeed. You can do it if you want it bad enough. Good luck.
 
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