billmatthews1

[billmatthews1]

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 wshelton

quote:

---

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

[billmatthews1]

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 wshelton

quote:

---

Originally posted by wondermd

I 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
1.800.809.0800

Keep up with us on:

---

Wlliam Wells Matthews

[billmatthews1]

I 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

[Author]

Posts