which school to apply to

[anonymous student]

i need some advice as to which schools to apply to. i have a 32 MCAT, (12, 10, 10, Q), a 3.7 graduate gpa in chemistry but a crummy undergrad gpa, but i was a dual major math and chem. i live here in California and the UC is tough to get into. my volunteer time is real weak to and i am 32, but 8 years paid work experience in ER and ICU/CCU.

the bottom line is which schools do the assembled masses think offer the best chance for non traditional, non perfect applicants.

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[pags]

Osteopathic schools tend to take non-traditional, non-perfect applicants. Western University in Pomona is a DO school. I think you have good enough numbers to go with your gut instinct. Good luck.

 

[Leotigers]

Take a look at some of these threads that have dealt with older applicants applying to allopathic schools:

<a href="http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=001375&p=2" target="_blank">http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=001375 &p=2</a>

<a href="http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=001633" target="_blank">http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=001633</a>

<a href="http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002191" target="_blank">http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002191</a>

Anonymous student, I think another big problem you will have is the fact that you are a California resident. While your MCAT score and GPA are both excellent, CA applicants do need to have higher scores to gain admission to medical school. CA-friendly schools to consider would be Tulane, Boston U, Tufts, MCPHU, Albert Einstein, St. Louis, NYMC, and many of the other private ones. Some of these schools have as much as 50% of its incoming class from California. It's often been said by Adcom members that California's greatest export is medical students.

By the way, I've read a couple of your posts and the problem you have seems to be specific to your school (average COMLEX scores and one of the Biochem professors). You may not feel the same way once you are in your clinical years or at least it won't be important anymore. Students from your school do well in both the allopathic and osteopathic match - this is ultimately what is most important. Do not let your emotions guide your decisions because you may end up regretting it. If you really can't continue at Western, you can always try tranferring to another allopathic or osteopathic school. Why waste two years for nothing? Best of luck with your decision.

Here's a thread that deals with DO to MD transfers:

<a href="http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=000422" target="_blank">http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=000422</a>

Pags, the advice about Western is probably the last thing he/she wants to hear.

 

[pags]

ER, are you telling me that going to Western University is not a desireable option?

 

[Leotigers]

Pags, why would you ask that? Is it because I am a TUCOM (the other DO school in CA) graduate? But seriously, I have noticed a couple of his threads about Western U in the Osteopathic section. He is currently an MS-1 there and the problems he has regarding their average COMLEX scores and Biochemistry professor is specific to his school. I am not saying that Western isn't a good option. I am merely stating that if he is unhappy there, he should try to get past it or consider transferring to another DO school or an MD school.

Another thing I might add that it isn't uncommon for people to be unhappy during their first year of medical school. Just look at this thread:

<a href="http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=001608&p=1" target="_blank">Disappointed/unhappy with med school?</a>


Realize that every school has its problems but no one really likes to talk about it. I think the above is a great thread to read because it helps you to realize that you are not alone.