Hi guys. I applied last year to DO schools, I got one interview but didn't get in. My science gpa is 2.98 and overall is 3.4. My MCAT was AWFUL (21P). I'm applying this year and re-taking the MCAT in August. All I've done to improve my application was some volunteer work (habitat for humanity, st. marys foodbank, and an after-school program providing homework/reading help at the library). Will this, along with a better MCAT score, get me in??
Any advise would be great! Thanks!
See my advice in this post from the pre-osteo forum:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=5277568&postcount=120
You need to fix the issues with your application directly, which appear to be with your numbers. That appears to be the most transformative move, in my opinion. Your academic ability is in doubt, as evidenced by your low science GPA and your low MCAT score. Doing additional extracurricular activities can't usually lend support in this area. Thus, as I mentioned previously, it makes sense to take a year off and to take at least a few semesters of advanced undergraduate science courses to increase your science GPA and to prove your academic ability to by trending A's in these courses in fulltime semesters. This seems like it could be very high yield for you.
Improving your MCAT score to the upper twenties and above will certainly speak in your favor, however it's generally a myth to think that the MCAT can make up for a deficiency in your GPA. They both need to be as good as you can get them. So, yes, definitely improve your MCAT, but also improve your science GPA.
These things said, since you've applied previously, you have the opportunity to ask for feedback from adcom members who have seen your entire profile. My suggestion is to inquire from them why you did not get accepted, how you might improve in order to get accepted, about what they would like to see, and for any other useful feedback.
Lastly, you interviewed, but didn't get accepted. It would make sense to get some direct feedback on your interview skills and see if you might need to work on improving that area.
Good luck!
