Hello all,
This is my first post and I would really like any feedback as my situation seems doomed. I am a non-trad 29 year old that went BACK to school to pursue my true passion but I’ve had huge slip-ups in my record.
My GPA was horrendous in undergrad. I was an engineering major and suffered greatly from lack of interest and untreated bipolar depression. After many post-bacc classes to boost the ugrad gpa I have an AMCAS ugrad GPA of 2.65 and a science gpa of 2.95.
I am finishing up a masters (SMP) in medical physiology and my grad GPA is a 3.8.
MCAT has been hell for me as well: I took it first in Jan 2013 and scored a 28 (10/9/9), then Nov 2014 and scored a 29 (10/9/10), and then a THIRD time Jan 2015 with a 25 (9/6/10–I’m devastated). (I am just NOW getting treated for my bipolar depression.)
I have 2 first author pubs coming out soon from a VERY top hospital (2 years of basic science research). I have ~40 hours of shadowing. Did 6 months as a hospice volunteer, several leadership activities, 2 years of engineering work experience, and currently volunteering with Junior Achievement (teaching disadvantaged kids).
In the time I left my engineering job, one of my parents died and that set me back emotionally, I did 2 years of research, and 2 year grad program that I’m completing soon. And I finally got diagnosed with bipolar and am just now getting my depression under control.
I applied to MD schools with my 28 this year and did not get any interviews. My questions are as follows:
(1) Is it worth doing MCAT for the 4th time since it’s a brand new test? My practice scores were always ranging from 29-36 so I have potential, but at this point my depression almost killed me Nov-Jan and that explains the abysmal 25 as my most recent score.
(2) I plan to target DO schools heavily in my reapplication cycle–any particular schools that will be forgiving?
(3) Should I wait another year and take more classes to boost my ugrad science to a 3.00 and THEN reapply next year? (I think I only need like 3 more classes to go from 2.95 to 3.00).
(4) Should I just leave everything as-is and only target DO schools in this upcoming cycle?
(5) Any other ideas about what I can do with this awful situation?
Any help is really appreciated!!!
Because I have not taken the MCAT yet (I cancelled out) and because I have not applied to medical school myself, I can only offer armchair advice based on what I have gleaned from the experience of my colleagues who have gone onto medical school.
A higher GPA, especially in the sciences, and a higher MCAT score may help. Typically allopathic schools want 3.6+ GPA and 31+ MCAT for acceptance at the least. The dip in your MCAT score may or may not be factor; I’ve heard it both ways.
The SMP GPA should help.
Basic science research can help with those medical schools that like academic/research-oriente d applicants. However, I’ve known too many premeds who did not get into medical school because they were too top-heavy on the research; it makes them look like they want to be research scientists, which may make AdComms wonder why you aren’t going for a PhD.
You could also increase your exposure to the medical field, in particular your work. 40 hours of shadowing and 6 months of hospice work is not a lot. I suggest you look into doing some long-term (at least one year or more) work at a clinic or facility that caters to the medically-underserved.
Applying DO is great, and you should not discount Caribbean medical schools. Yes, they are mostly for-profit, but they are much more likely to take marginal applicants and re-applicants. And, if you work hard and do well on the USMLE, you can get a decent residency, most likely in a non-competitive area.
Finally, take a look at your personal statement. Does it mesh with what you have done to get this far, as well as describe who you are, and, perhaps, what you aspire to be? Look for some common threads, or rework your applicant to show a common theme, and weave that into your application.
Just some thoughts here.
(1/2) if you’re going to apply heavily to DO schools, you can probably get away with not taking the MCAT again. The kicker will be whether the schools you apply to take you highest score, most recent score, or average. The “fluke” in your 3rd verbal might hurt if they only look at your most recent. Otherwise, your score is in the average range for DO matriculants. If you’re deadset in MD, you’ll probably end up needing a 4th score. I would guess your unsuccessful MD cycle is heavily influenced by your GPA, though your MCAT is slightly below average for MD. Not sure if there’s a “max” number or test attempts before schools write you off…
(3) tough question. Schools generally seem to screen on ugrad GPAs. You may want to call/email around to schools you’re interested in to see if the recent masters GPA will kind of offset your lower ugrad scores. If you do, it’s be great if you can post your findings on here. I spoke to a DO admissions director who was more interested in my recent (ugrad level) prereqs than she was with my MBA, though I did already have a competitive (and old) ugrad GPA. Since your masters is actually in related sciences, it should help you (?).
(4) would be my recommendation pending the info search in question 3. If they say you need a 3.0 or bust, then there’s your answer. Just out of curiosity, how old is your ugrad GPA?
(5) seems like you know what you need to do. Some schools (ie LSU-NO) have a reinvention program. Other than that, your past is your past, and all you can really do is show that you have moved on from what kept you from excelling when you were younger.
http://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/admissions/Require… See 32-hr policy. Not exactly sure how you enact it.
Hi!
I agree your MCAT scores are ok for DO school application. Also, the AACOMAS application will likely give you a better GPA as they have grade replacement. But one essential to DO application is shadowing a DO and getting a letter of recommendation from them. THe state osteopathic medical association in your state should be able to give you some suggestions of doctors to contact with whom you can shadow. Also, you should read a bit on Andrew Taylor Still and be able to speak about osteopathic medicine in interviews.
Also, I’d suggest researching first any in-state osteopathic medical schools or ones in the area where you would like to practice. THe first, because in-state schools will likely be less expensive, the second because they might have a priority to enroll students who will stay in the state to practice.
Best of luck!
Kate
HI all!
Thanks so much for the input and feedback. So I’ve called a few of the schools I applied to an it’s been a mixed bag of what they look at in terms of MCAT
-Wright State: looks at most recent
–Drexel:looks at most recent, prefers a higher trend, won’t look poorly on applicants with 3 or 4 MCATs
-MSU: looks at most recent HOWEVER, they consider the science scores more heavily
-Oakland Univ: looks at all scores
-Wayne state: looks at most recent and most of their applicants have multiple MCAT attempts
-Frank Netter: Looks at highest score
-George Washington: Looks are the combination of the highest sections
-PCOM: Most recent score (nothing lower than an 8 in any section)
-WVCOM: looks at highest score
*My ugrad gpa is from 2004-08.
Thanks for everyone’s input and I’ll post again as things progress in the upcoming app cycle.