- This topic has 2,419 replies, 940 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 7 months ago by
.
-
quote:
Originally posted by stuppHi Dr. Shelton and thanks for this great service! Do you think it is a reasonable plan to take a couple of years to work and gain clinical/research experience and also to prepare for the MCAT? I graduate this spring and should have a 3.6 in chemistry. I just realized I want to practice medicine. Thanks again!
Dear Stupp,
Thanks for your inquiry. Yes I think you are on to a good idea. Taking a couple of years to get some experience would be really useful so that you really know what you are getting into. And this will give you some valuable time to prepare for the MCAT exam. Hope this helps.
Best wishes,Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800Keep up with us on:
quote:
Originally posted by dbsasa1So basically I screwed up my freshman year. I ended up with a 2.3 GPA.. I got a D in chem my first semester and ill be retaking it in the spring. After I retake it, the new grade will be factored into my GPA rather than the D. I have currently completed 30 credits, If I maintain a 4.0 for the rest of my UG, do I still have a shot at med school?
Dear Dbsasa,
Thanks for your inquiry. The results of your first year efforts happen to more people than you realize. The answer to your question is, of course you still have a shot at medical school. But obviously you are now starting from a more difficult position. Just assuming you will have a 4.0 for the remainder of your undergraduate career is not likely a good assumption. Most people don’t get straight A’s for 3 or more years. It’s time for you to do some reassessing about your work habits and get to the bottom what’s standing in the way to getting higher grades. I encourage you to use the resources of your school and explore your options for getting help. And stay focused and work hard. Hope this helps.
Best,Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800Keep up with us on:
quote:
Originally posted by billmatthews1I finished my 2nd year of basic sciences at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and failed a comprehensive Osteopathic Medicine Final. My grades other wise are generally Ok, slightly under the class average. But, unfortunately due to my being recalled to active duty Marine Corps in my first year I failed a 14 credit hour course, but remediated and passed a comprehensive exam to pass the course. Now that I failed the course at the end of my second year I was dismissed and after review of my material the academic committee upheld the decision to dismiss me.
However, after a recommendation from one of the professors I went and asked the Dean to take a look at the decision. He discovered that the committee never took into consideration my having been recalled to active duty and after 1 1/2 months he has finally told me that he is recommending that I be considered for readmission.
Now, how do I approach this type of admissions committee interview? Any ideas?Wlliam Wells Matthews
Dear William,
Good to hear from. Sorry you are having to go this difficult time, but it sounds like you might have another chance. I think the answer to your question is simple. Just tell your story and describe what happened. You don’t have to make any excuses. If you do that well, hopefully things will work out for you. If you want our help in reviewing your written material, just contact our office and sign up for a one hour consultation.
Best wishes,Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800Keep up with us on:
quote:
Originally posted by nptomd13Hello,
I am applying to medical school for the 2013 term. I have a 4.00 GPA (undergrad and post-bac) and 3.98 (masters) I got my MCAT results today and I got a 25Q (PS: 8 VR: 8 BS: 9).
I am a non traditional applicant (I’m 27). I am a Nurse Practitioner. When the 2013 year starts, I will have 5 years as a RN, 2 years as an NP, 2 years teaching nursing students. I am applying to several schools but my top choice is Loma Linda University School of Medicine. The other schools I have applied to are:
(in order or preference)
2. ETSU Quillen College of Medicine
3. Emory University School of Medicine
4. Vanderbilt School of Medicine
5. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of MedicineHowever, I don’t think I am competitive for Emory or Vandy.
Do you think I am competitive at this point?
Dear nptomd13,
Thanks for your inquiry. I assume you are a Tennessee resident and that is why you are applying to two Tennessee state schools. Certainly your best chance will be at UT and ETSU. My guess is that you would not be competitive at other U.S. medical schools, unless there is some relevant information that you did not provide. If the two Tennessee schools don’t work out then I would strongly suggest that you apply to D.O. programs. You should have a much better chance and will be able to accomplish your goal of becoming a physician. If you would like our help in the application process please contact our office.
Best wishes,Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800Keep up with us on:
quote:
Originally posted by JDMBA MD2BHello,
Unconventional situation here…even for a non-trad. Would greatly appreciate any advice.Briefly, I’m a 37 year old former criminal defense attorney turned investment banker.
– 3.78 GPA as a Math and Chem major from a top school
– Harvard MBA with average grades and then a top law school with below average grades
– Recently took the MCAT twice (two weeks apart). 31 on both attempts but inconsistant scores: 12/7/12 then 10/11/10 (PS/VR/BS).
– Currently retaking prereqs that I completed 18 years ago (expect A+’s in all courses)
– ECs currently included volunteering at 2 hospital ERs, volunteer as a attorney, and serve on boards of two national animal welfare charitiesMy concerns/questions are as follows:
1)Low MCAT/retake? I was averaging 36 on practice tests and am certain I could get a 33-35. Would a higher score help more than yet another 31 would hurt?
2)Lack of good academic LORs. Although I am taking courses now, I don’t think the LORs will stand out. Strong professional LORs though.
3)Will be 39 when I matriculate so feel that my application will receive higher scrutiny, thus the need to improve my MCAT and application overall.
4) I’m a NY resident where even state schools are very competitive. So, how many schools (all lower-middle tier) should I apply to, and should I throw a few D.O. appliations into the mix?I’ll likely be calling for a consultation, but a quick initial reaction would be very helpful. Thanks!
Dear JDMBA MD2B,
Thanks for your inquiry. You have a complex situation that requires more discussion and understand to provide you the answers you are looking for. I will say this: I would probably not recommend that you retake the MCAT a third time. You have received the same score twice and you wouldn’t want to get a lower score, which sometimes happens. 31 is about average for matriculants entering several NY medical schools. But more important for you is telling your story of why you want to become a physician at this stage of your life in a compelling way. I do suggest that you consider signing up for a one hour consultation so we can pursue these matters in greater detail and depth.
Best,Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800Keep up with us on:
quote:
Originally posted by wondermdI have a question about my Med School application. I have a pretty good MCAT 35 on the 2nd retake. My UG GPA is 3.0, Science GPA 3.1. Very good EC, LOR, rec letters. what are my chances? I got one IS interview from a small college. Hoping to get at least one more.
If I get it, how do I improve my chances for admission? Yes I need to explain my low GPA.
Any help will be appreciated.Dear Wondermd,
Thanks for contacting us. Overall, I think your chances of getting interviews with your current GPA are not good. But if you have an interview, you have to make the best of it. Answer the questions that are asked of you and convey why you are a good candidate for medical school. If you want more specific advice please contact our office.
Best wishes,Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800Keep up with us on:
Have you considered Osteopathic Medical Schools? Take a look at today’s news announcement on the AOA (American Osteopathic Association website… “The AOA, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) have entered into an agreement to pursue a single, unified accreditation system for graduate medical education programs in the United States beginning in July 2015. During the coming months, the three organizations will work toward defining a process, format and timetable for ACGME to accredit all osteopathic graduate medical education programs currently accredited by the AOA. The AOA and AACOM would then become organizational members of ACGME.”
So, if you were at all concerned that you would be excluded from residency opportunities such as Surgery, OB/Gyn,ect, and Fellowships, then put those concerns aside! Osteopathic Medicine is not witchcraft, nor chiropractic, it is legitimate medical physician training.
Additionally, Osteopathic medical schools are more apt ot look at all of your accomplishments in life, not just your GPA and MCAT scores.
Good Luck!
quote:
Originally posted by wsheltonquote:
Originally posted by wondermdI have a question about my Med School application. I have a pretty good MCAT 35 on the 2nd retake. My UG GPA is 3.0, Science GPA 3.1. Very good EC, LOR, rec letters. what are my chances? I got one IS interview from a small college. Hoping to get at least one more.
If I get it, how do I improve my chances for admission? Yes I need to explain my low GPA.
Any help will be appreciated.Dear Wondermd,
Thanks for contacting us. Overall, I think your chances of getting interviews with your current GPA are not good. But if you have an interview, you have to make the best of it. Answer the questions that are asked of you and convey why you are a good candidate for medical school. If you want more specific advice please contact our office.
Best wishes,Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800Keep up with us on:
Wlliam Wells Matthews
Dear JDMBA MD2B,
From what I read you have a very good shot at Osteopathic medical schools… see my other posting about the news release today from the AOA. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) is considered by some to be a Top Tier medical school… The dean of the school says PCOM is the Harvard of Osteopathic schools… my take is that Harvard is the PCOM of Allopathic medical schools.At any rate, determination to get into medical school is the only common demoninator for everyone that doesn’t get in to medical school!
My background, 3.40 BA(Mathematics), 3.10 MS (Johns Hopkins), MCAT 6,7,T,9 (so 22T)… I got in.
Apply, apply, apply!
Good Luck.
quote:
Originally posted by wsheltonquote:
Originally posted by JDMBA MD2B
Hello, Unconventional situation here…even for a non-trad. Would greatly appreciate any advice. Briefly, I’m a 37 year old former criminal defense attorney turned investment banker. – 3.78 GPA as a Math and Chem major from a top school – Harvard MBA with average grades and then a top law school with below average grades – Recently took the MCAT twice (two weeks apart). 31 on both attempts but inconsistant scores: 12/7/12 then 10/11/10 (PS/VR/BS). – Currently retaking prereqs that I completed 18 years ago (expect A+’s in all courses) – ECs currently included volunteering at 2 hospital ERs, volunteer as a attorney, and serve on boards of two national animal welfare charities My concerns/questions are as follows: 1)Low MCAT/retake? I was averaging 36 on practice tests and am certain I could get a 33-35. Would a higher score help more than yet another 31 would hurt? 2)Lack of good academic LORs. Although I am taking courses now, I don’t think the LORs will stand out. Strong professional LORs though. 3)Will be 39 when I matriculate so feel that my application will receive higher scrutiny, thus the need to improve my MCAT and application overall. 4) I’m a NY resident where even state schools are very competitive. So, how many schools (all lower-middle tier) should I apply to, and should I throw a few D.O. appliations into the mix? I’ll likely be calling for a consultation, but a quick initial reaction would be very helpful. Thanks!Dear JDMBA MD2B, Thanks for your inquiry. You have a complex situation that requires more discussion and understand to provide you the answers you are looking for. I will say this: I would probably not recommend that you retake the MCAT a third time. You have received the same score twice and you wouldn’t want to get a lower score, which sometimes happens. 31 is about average for matriculants entering several NY medical schools. But more important for you is telling your story of why you want to become a physician at this stage of your life in a compelling way. I do suggest that you consider signing up for a one hour consultation so we can pursue these matters in greater detail and depth. Best, Dr. Shelton Senior Consultant AdmissionsConsultants 1.800.809.0800 Keep up with us on:
Wlliam Wells Matthews
quote:
Originally posted by coastlineconcreteinc@yahoReply with Quote
My daughter has applied to 30 med schools around the country and now we are receiving request for secondary apps from 24 of these schools. her GPA was 3.5 and her MCATs were 27. Q. Are these schools serious or just looking for a quick buck. the reason I ask is one of the schools is Hawaii, we live in CA. Last year they had 1400 out of state apps. and took 8 of them. With my daughters scores it just sound a little fishy to me. What do you think?Dear Coastlineconcreteinc@yaho,
Thanks for your inquiry. It is routine for most schools to automatically send out secondary applications to applicants. Your daughter’s chances may not be great for most of these schools but they are zero is she doesn’t follow through with the secondaries. You might use some common sense and eliminate the secondaries where you know the chances of admission are very unlikely. Hope this helps.
Best wishes,Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800Keep up with us on:
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.