The Official "Where should I apply?" thread 2014-2015

Applying to Med School? Get In Or Your Money Back
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cGPA: 3.91
sGPA: 3.89
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 25 (9/7/9), retaking Aug. 21st

ECs:
  • Hospital Volunteer +300 Hours
  • 1 year of research (Won Runner-Up in Research Colloquium)
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters "Big" for 1 Year
  • Anatomy Teaching Assistant
  • Biology Tutor
  • Currently work as a Patient Care Assistant in a Hospital
  • Other non-clinical work experience for 2 years
  • +200 Shadow Hours
  • Wisconsin Resident

Preferences: Very little/no preference.

I know my list is a bit top-heavy, but I plan on doing better on my MCAT this time as I have prepared with a prep course this time, and am doing a lot better on FL exams.

School list:
A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, AZ
A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, AL

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, AZ
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Admissions Office, IL
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IA
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn, AL
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, TN
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IN
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, WA
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, CO
Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Pomona, CA
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wdoc said:
cGPA: 3.91
sGPA: 3.89
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 25 (9/7/9), retaking Aug. 21st

ECs:
  • Hospital Volunteer +300 Hours
  • 1 year of research (Won Runner-Up in Research Colloquium)
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters "Big" for 1 Year
  • Anatomy Teaching Assistant
  • Biology Tutor
  • Currently work as a Patient Care Assistant in a Hospital
  • Other non-clinical work experience for 2 years
  • +200 Shadow Hours
  • Wisconsin Resident

Preferences: Very little/no preference.

I know my list is a bit top-heavy, but I plan on doing better on my MCAT this time as I have prepared with a prep course this time, and am doing a lot better on FL exams.

School list:
A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, AZ
A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, AL

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, AZ
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Admissions Office, IL
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IA
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn, AL
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, TN
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IN
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, WA
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, CO
Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Pomona, CA
Click to expand...

Honestly your GPA pulls up your MCAT. If you get a 27 on the retake you will be golden for everywhere.
 
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cGPA:3.17 with retakes
sGPA:3.15 with retakes
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 27 (8/9/10)

ECs: 75 hours shadowing 1 m.d. And 1 d.o. (both ER doctors), 200+ hours volunteering in the ER, 1 year as a meds team volunteer for a cat rescue center, 3 years as a dentists assistant, 7 years as a teachers aide in the nyc school system, 6 months as a doorman (graveyard shift), going on 2 years as a research student in a biochemistry lab (1 poster presentation and 1 more coming up)

Preferences: emergency medicine, primary care, peds, ny resident

Any other considerations: i was diagnosed with a psychological disability, withdrawn medically on 2 separate semesters, granted non standard conditions on the mcat

School list:
Campbell University
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus,
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine -Virginia Campus
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Erie/Seton Hill
Liberty University
Lincoln Memorial University
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
Rowan University
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY
University of New England
University of Pikeville
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

I'm still waiting on a transcript on my application. God knows how long verification will take. I registered for a bunch of retakes this coming fall which would boost my gpas to the 3.3 range, and thats being conservative. Do I still have a shot anywhere on this list with my crummy gpas this cycle? Should I add anywhere else? Will I get in this cycle as is?
 
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Peepdis said:
cGPA:3.17 with retakes
sGPA:3.15 with retakes
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 27 (8/9/10)

ECs: 75 hours shadowing 1 m.d. And 1 d.o. (both ER doctors), 200+ hours volunteering in the ER, 1 year as a meds team volunteer for a cat rescue center, 3 years as a dentists assistant, 7 years as a teachers aide in the nyc school system, 6 months as a doorman (graveyard shift), going on 2 years as a research student in a biochemistry lab (1 poster presentation and 1 more coming up)

Preferences: emergency medicine, primary care, peds, ny resident

Any other considerations: i was diagnosed with a psychological disability, withdrawn medically on 2 separate semesters, granted non standard conditions on the mcat

School list:
Campbell University
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus,
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine -Virginia Campus
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Erie/Seton Hill
Liberty University
Lincoln Memorial University
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
Rowan University
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY
University of New England
University of Pikeville
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

I'm still waiting on a transcript on my application. God knows how long verification will take. I registered for a bunch of retakes this coming fall which would boost my gpas to the 3.3 range, and thats being conservative. Do I still have a shot anywhere on this list with my crummy gpas this cycle? Should I add anywhere else? Will I get in this cycle as is?
Click to expand...
Personally, I would consider taking off OU-HCOM, Rowan, KYCOM, and one of the VCOM's. I would add MUCOM, ACOM, TUNCOM, SOMA, KCOM, and NSU. This mix of schools will give you better return for your money.
 
Colorado Resident- Lived in Michigan for 16 years, and Maine for 2 years before undergrad led me here.

cGPA: 3.24
sGPA: 3.11
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 10/10/8 = 28

ECs:
Highschool: 100+ hours
Soup Kitchen
Fundraiser for School

College: Many, many hours
Fraternity Involvement-- Worked my way up from being a committee member to Vice President and then President- Won awards for my work in philanthropy and academics
Children's Miracle Network
Children's Hospital
Rescue Mission- Soup kitchen essentially
Maxfund No-kill Animal Shelter

Preferences:
Happy to go to any school.

Any other considerations:
Married w/ an infant son.
Five years EMT/Paramedic experience
Part-time ER tech job.
Taking Pathophysiology and Intro to Biochem this fall
Completed Physics 1 and 2, and Chemistry 2, all A's.
Interviewing for weekly mentoring program with kids at a local school for volunteer work.
Have a DO recommendation I worked closely with who went to AZCOM.
Shadowed a couple docs also.

List:
MSU-COM
AZCOM
CCOM
PCOM-Philly
PCOM-Georgia
NYIT
NY-Touro
ATSU-Arizona
NOVA
ACOM
WVCOM
LECOM

Questions:
Should I consider retaking the MCAT?
Should I retake courses instead of doing upper division class work?
Any recommendations for strengthening my application?
Is RVU-COM worth applying to?
 
Dreiski said:
Colorado Resident- Lived in Michigan for 16 years, and Maine for 2 years before undergrad led me here.

cGPA: 3.24
sGPA: 3.11
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 10/10/8 = 28

ECs:
Highschool: 100+ hours
Soup Kitchen
Fundraiser for School

College: Many, many hours
Fraternity Involvement-- Worked my way up from being a committee member to Vice President and then President- Won awards for my work in philanthropy and academics
Children's Miracle Network
Children's Hospital
Rescue Mission- Soup kitchen essentially
Maxfund No-kill Animal Shelter

Preferences:
Happy to go to any school.

Any other considerations:
Married w/ an infant son.
Five years EMT/Paramedic experience
Part-time ER tech job.
Taking Pathophysiology and Intro to Biochem this fall
Completed Physics 1 and 2, and Chemistry 2, all A's.
Interviewing for weekly mentoring program with kids at a local school for volunteer work.
Have a DO recommendation I worked closely with who went to AZCOM.
Shadowed a couple docs also.

List:
MSU-COM
AZCOM
CCOM
PCOM-Philly
PCOM-Georgia
NYIT
NY-Touro
ATSU-Arizona
NOVA
ACOM
WVCOM
LECOM

Questions:
Should I consider retaking the MCAT?
Should I retake courses instead of doing upper division class work?
Any recommendations for strengthening my application?
Is RVU-COM worth applying to?
Click to expand...
go ahead and apply to RVU if you are interested. You should get in somewhere as is.

From your list, I would remove CCOM (too competitive) and NYIT (regional). Suggest adding any of these: Touro-NV, LMU, VCOM-Auburn, MUCOM, Touro-CA and/or CUSOM.
 
second post on this thread

I want to cut down the list but I want to make sure I get in somewhere this cycle.
Please help:

I am thinking about applying to 15 schools.
sGPA3.35 cGPA 3.45
MCAT 30 (12/6/12)

Research- 6yrs as an undergrad then as a lab technician (1 publiction under review)~4000hrs
Shadowing Experience- DO OMM 40 hrs MD cardiologist 300 hrs have LORs from both
Medical community service -400hrs
Tutoring experience- 80 hrs
Translated a Medical Article for the Cardiologist
Clinical experience- 200+ hrs
PS - very strong* focus on primary care

CA resident
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
o A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
o A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
o Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus
o Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus
o Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus
o Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Erie/Seton Hill
o Lincoln Memorial University –DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
o Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
o Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-PA
o Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-GA
o University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (formerly UMDNJ SOM)
o Touro University – California
o Touro University – Nevada
o Touro University – New York
o West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions Office
o Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Pomona
o Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Lebanon
o William Carey University
Please help me cut down the list. Does 15 to 20 schools sound reasonable?
Some of the schools have higher avg stats than mine(DMU, CCOM, Western..) I definitely want to keep WesternU because I prefer staying in CA.

Any advice will be appreciated:)
 
Last edited:
College graduate in 2013. Working at a clinical research position for 1 year after graduation. NY resident.
3.35 cGPA
3.65 sGPA
MCATs - 31 (11/10/10)

Research- 1.5 yrs as an undergrad (3 semesters 10hr/week, 1 summer 40hr/week)
- 1 yr as clinical researcher - one paper already written, and submitted for publication.
Shadowing Experience- two vascular surgeons (MD, observed many surgeries) - 150 hours; podiatrists, residents and attendings - 200 hours; Internalist (DO) - 20 hours.
Clinical community service - 100 hrs

My current research position involves closely working with podiatrists. So I had huge number of opportunities to shadow podiatrists and help in my endeavors in research. I was able to round in the hospital in the mornings with them and watch numerous surgeries.

List:
1. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, NY
2. NYIT
3. College of Osteopathic Medicine - Touro University, California
4. Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine –Carolina, Virginia, Auburn
5. Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
6. A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
7. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia Campus
8. Des Moines
9. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
10. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Bradenton
11. Marian University

Any help with my list is appreciated!
 
wxman393 said:
3.65 cGPA
3.61 sGPA
4.0 MPH (Disaster Management)
4.0 PhD (Epidemiology)
12 JUL MCAT pending (practice tests 24-27)

10 years clinical (paramedic/flight paramedic) to include URM
6 years medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) pilot (Army)
4000+ clinical volunteer hours
500+ research hours
Chief of EMS agency for 4 years
AHA/NAEMT instructor
3 medical mission trips (US/Dominican Republic)
Aviation medicine instructor (Army)
3 peer-reviewed publications (Journal of Trauma, AJTMH, Journal of Military Medicine)
Director, Flight Surgeon Course (Army)
Combat deployment/experience (Army)

List (secondaries submitted) AL residency

ACOM
ATSU (both)
CCOM
PCOM (both)
CUSOM
Edward Via x 3
AZCOM
Nova
LMU-DCOM
William Carey
WVSOM
WesternU

I know it's sort of late to be asking for advice seeing that I have already paid for the secondaries. I don't have biochem so just looking if I should submit more broadly based on my tentative MCAT score.
Click to expand...

Need that MCAT score to make a decision.

j1c said:
College graduate in 2013. Working at a clinical research position for 1 year after graduation. NY resident.
3.35 cGPA
3.65 sGPA
MCATs - 31 (11/10/10)

Research- 1.5 yrs as an undergrad (3 semesters 10hr/week, 1 summer 40hr/week)
- 1 yr as clinical researcher - one paper already written, and submitted for publication.
Shadowing Experience- two vascular surgeons (MD, observed many surgeries) - 150 hours; podiatrists, residents and attendings - 200 hours; Internalist (DO) - 20 hours.
Clinical community service - 100 hrs

My current research position involves closely working with podiatrists. So I had huge number of opportunities to shadow podiatrists and help in my endeavors in research. I was able to round in the hospital in the mornings with them and watch numerous surgeries.

List:
1. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, NY
2. NYIT
3. College of Osteopathic Medicine - Touro University, California
4. Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine –Carolina, Virginia, Auburn
5. Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
6. A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
7. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia Campus
8. Des Moines
9. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
10. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Bradenton
11. Marian University

Any help with my list is appreciated!
Click to expand...

Your numbers are good so you can apply where ever you want.
 
cGPA: 3.11 (with retakes)
sGPA: 3.08 (with retakes)
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 31 - 10/11/10

ECs:
Ongoing: EMT 5 years, Volunteer at Homeless Shelter, Tele tech for 1 year (employment)
Past: Community service club, 1 medical mission trip, good leadership within clubs

Preferences: East coast - particularly in NY/NJ/PA

School list:
NYIT-COM (Top choice!)
Touro NY COM
UMNDJ-SOM
PCOM

Maybe's
UNECOM
WVSOM
VCOM-VC
 
CINDIEE said:
second post on this thread

I want to cut down the list but I want to make sure I get in somewhere this cycle.
Please help:

I am thinking about applying to 15 schools.
sGPA3.35 cGPA 3.45
MCAT 30 (12/6/12)

Research- 6yrs as an undergrad then as a lab technician (1 publiction under review)~4000hrs
Shadowing Experience- DO OMM 40 hrs MD cardiologist 300 hrs have LORs from both
Medical community service -400hrs
Tutoring experience- 80 hrs
Translated a Medical Article for the Cardiologist
Clinical experience- 200+ hrs
PS - very strong* focus on primary care

CA resident
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
o A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
o A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
o Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus
o Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus
o Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus
o Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Erie/Seton Hill
o Lincoln Memorial University –DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
o Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
o Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-PA
o Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-GA
o University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
o Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (formerly UMDNJ SOM)
o Touro University – California
o Touro University – Nevada
o Touro University – New York
o West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions Office
o Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Pomona
o Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Lebanon
o William Carey University
Please help me cut down the list. Does 15 to 20 schools sound reasonable?
Some of the schools have higher avg stats than mine(DMU, CCOM, Western..) I definitely want to keep WesternU because I prefer staying in CA.

Any advice will be appreciated:)
Click to expand...
Nice job on the 30 MCAT. I also had a 6 subsection score on my MCAT and got rejected pre-secondary from Campbell..... I also found on PCOM's website that the would like to see at least 8s in each subsection of MCAT. Like I said, your score of 30 might help make an exception? Does anyone else know more about this?
 
treadlightlyx said:
cGPA: 3.11 (with retakes)
sGPA: 3.08 (with retakes)
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 31 - 10/11/10

ECs:
Ongoing: EMT 5 years, Volunteer at Homeless Shelter, Tele tech for 1 year (employment)
Past: Community service club, 1 medical mission trip, good leadership within clubs

Preferences: East coast - particularly in NY/NJ/PA

School list:
NYIT-COM (Top choice!)
Touro NY COM
UMNDJ-SOM
PCOM

Maybe's
UNECOM
WVSOM
VCOM-VC
Click to expand...
Throw in a few more to be safe. LECOM's, Touro-Ca and NV, SOMA, Marian, NSU are some others worth applying to.
 
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cGPA 3.72
sGPA 3.57
A's and B's for all prerequisites
Currently pursuing M.A in Applied Health Sociology (will graduate May 2015)
MCAT - 25 (10B/8V/7P), retake on 8/15 (scoring 26-29 on practice tests)

EC's
Division 1 Student Athlete (Women's Basketball) on full scholarship
Member of Student Athlete Advisory Council
National Collegiate Athlete Honor Society
Worked as an E.R scribe for 2 years
Worked as an M.A in a dermatology practice for 6 mos (still working here)
Research assistant in developmental psychology lab for 2 semesters
Lots of community service and volunteer hours at a local women's shelter and orphanage

Primary sent to:
ATSU-KCOM

CUSOM


CCOM


DMUCOM




VCOM (Virginia and South Carolina)


PCOM- (both)


KCUMB-COM


LECOM - Bradenton


LUCOM

MUCOM

MSUCOM

NSUCOM

NYIT-COM


SCU-COM



RVU-COM


Rowan


Touro-NY


UNECOM

WVSOM

Is this list broad enough (21 schools total)? Any others that I should add? Is a 25 good enough for me to get acceptances or do I need to score better? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
just to keep this bumped and current so more people can use it
 

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JeBrAs said:
Nice job on the 30 MCAT. I also had a 6 subsection score on my MCAT and got rejected pre-secondary from Campbell..... I also found on PCOM's website that the would like to see at least 8s in each subsection of MCAT. Like I said, your score of 30 might help make an exception? Does anyone else know more about this?
Click to expand...
Thanks! wish my verbal score was better..

Campbell has a cut off :( ? I heard KCUMB requires 7 for each subsection.
 
baxt1412 said:
just to keep this bumped and current so more people can use it
Click to expand...

are you sure these numbers are correct? there is another list of the schools' stats floating around and that list's numbers are higher for each school compared to this list's numbers!
 
wondering if I should apply to VCOM with a science GPA of 3.16 even though the website states "To be considered a competitive applicant to VCOM, candidates should have achieved at least a 3.2 science and cumulative grade point average, on a 4.0 scale" I make up for it in my MCAT of 28, and my cGPA of 3.32 isn't the worst. any thoughts on doing this?
 
greenflash5 said:
wondering if I should apply to VCOM with a science GPA of 3.16 even though the website states "To be considered a competitive applicant to VCOM, candidates should have achieved at least a 3.2 science and cumulative grade point average, on a 4.0 scale" I make up for it in my MCAT of 28, and my cGPA of 3.32 isn't the worst. any thoughts on doing this?
Click to expand...
Totally worth a shot, I think you would still be in the running.
 
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Reactions: 1 user
darklordzzz said:
are you sure these numbers are correct? there is another list of the schools' stats floating around and that list's numbers are higher for each school compared to this list's numbers!
Click to expand...
No, I'm not sure.. but feel free to post the other list. If I wasn't swamped I'd probably offer to try and do some more hunting and get updated figures. At least it gives people a place to start.
 
darklordzzz said:
are you sure these numbers are correct? there is another list of the schools' stats floating around and that list's numbers are higher for each school compared to this list's numbers!
Click to expand...


Here's the stats for all the schools I applied to directly from their websites. Not sure if it's helpful to anyone or not but I found it useful.

NYIT-COM

Applications Received: 6,200

Class of 2017
Female: 44%
Male: 56%
In-State: 70%
Out-of-State: 30%
Average MCAT: 28
Average overall GPA: 3.6



PCOM- PA

In 2012, the entering D.O. Class of 2016 consisted of 268 first-time students from different colleges and states. The average class GPA was 3.46, the science GPA was 3.37 and the mean MCAT score was 28. Students averaged 23 years of age with a range from 21 to 39; 49 percent are women and 18 percent are under-represented minorities.



LECOM Erie Medical Student Profile

Class of 2014 (This one's a bit old but it was all I could find)

•Average Total GPA 3.44

•Average Science GPA3.31

•Average Non‐Science GPA3.57

•Average Total MCAT26

•Average MCAT Biology9

•Average MCAT Physical8

•Average MCAT Verbal9


WVSOM

Each application is reviewed considering a variety of factors: While science GPA averages are at about 3.3 and total MCAT score averages between 24 and 25, the committee will also look for osteopathic awareness, clinical experience, review your personal statement and other areas of your application.



VCOM

Class Size:


188

Age:


Average upon matriculation is 24 and upon graduation will be 28. Approximately 20% are married.

Gender:


47% of the class is male and 53% is female.

Minority:


28% from multicultural backgrounds, and 11% is underrepresented minority.

Residence:


46% are from Virginia. Other states represented in the class include Pennsylvania (12%) and Tennessee (6%).

GPA:


The Class of 2017 has an average Science GPA of 3.5 and an average Overall GPA of 3.6.

Prior Career:


70% reported they were students.
18% reported they were in a healthcare related field.

The average MCAT is 25-26 with a standard deviation of 4)



ROWAN

Students accepted to the 2013 entering class had an average cumulative GPA of 3.63, science GPA of 3.55, and an MCAT score of 28.
 
cGPA:3.66 (huge upward trend, 3.5 gpa over last 120 hours)
sGPA:3.6
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 29 (10 PS/8 VR/11 BS)

EC's:

Paid: Worked 5 x jobs all my life (Disneyland, CVS, UPS, restaurant and most recently UCLA). Stuck with 1 throughout most of my undergrad year for 4 years. My most recent job is as a research associate at UCLA. Worked from 25 hours to 40 hours throughout college

Research: 1x publication, 1x summer of receiving my own grant and doing research, Poster presentation and Presented at a research symposium.

Community Service: Campus Ministry (homeless outreach - 1 year), Youth ministry volunteer (2 years), Youth center Tutor (1 year), Habitat for Humanity ( 1 year)

Clinical Service: Volunteered at a clinic for homeless and low income population

Shadowing: 3x MD's (60 hours total)

Teaching: Tutored high school student for ~2 years

Leadership: Campus ministry


My biggest issue for deciding schools is finding a DO to write a letter of recommendation. I have managed to get 3x MD letters of recommendations, 2 who has taught my courses and 1 whom I have have worked with.
I have DO shadowing, but it is very minimal right now. I plan to continue with that.

Right now my list is...

Touro CA
Western - Pomona
Touro NY
PCOM
NYITCOM
NSUCOM
UNECOM

Ideally, I'd like to be in California for residency. Also, what safety school should I add?
 
INOHELP said:
cGPA:3.66 (huge upward trend, 3.5 gpa over last 120 hours)
sGPA:3.6
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 29 (10 PS/8 VR/11 BS)

EC's:

Paid: Worked 5 x jobs all my life (Disneyland, CVS, UPS, restaurant and most recently UCLA). Stuck with 1 throughout most of my undergrad year for 4 years. My most recent job is as a research associate at UCLA. Worked from 25 hours to 40 hours throughout college

Research: 1x publication, 1x summer of receiving my own grant and doing research, Poster presentation and Presented at a research symposium.

Community Service: Campus Ministry (homeless outreach - 1 year), Youth ministry volunteer (2 years), Youth center Tutor (1 year), Habitat for Humanity ( 1 year)

Clinical Service: Volunteered at a clinic for homeless and low income population

Shadowing: 3x MD's (60 hours total)

Teaching: Tutored high school student for ~2 years

Leadership: Campus ministry


My biggest issue for deciding schools is finding a DO to write a letter of recommendation. I have managed to get 3x MD letters of recommendations, 2 who has taught my courses and 1 whom I have have worked with.
I have DO shadowing, but it is very minimal right now. I plan to continue with that.

Right now my list is...

Touro CA
Western - Pomona
Touro NY
PCOM
NYITCOM
NSUCOM
UNECOM

Ideally, I'd like to be in California for residency. Also, what safety school should I add?
Click to expand...

Definetely TUNCOM

and perhaps

ATSU-SOMA
PNWU
Western - Lebanon
 
I need to add some schools...getting so worried now about my MCAT. Only problem is I am so short on cash, I can only add 2 schools right now to keep some money for interview attire.
Thinking...
LMU, ATSU, LECOM. I want to stay as close to MI or the east coast as possible.
 
Shinobiz11 said:
I need to add some schools...getting so worried now about my MCAT. Only problem is I am so short on cash, I can only add 2 schools right now to keep some money for interview attire.
Thinking...
LMU, ATSU, LECOM. I want to stay as close to MI or the east coast as possible.
Click to expand...
your CCOM app was money thrown away. LMU and ATSU-SOMA are decent choices, although LECOM might be iffy.
 
Hi everyone,

I am looking to apply to a few US DO schools. I know I am a little late to the party but I am hoping to still apply this cycle mainly because I wrote the MCAT 3 years ago and that is the cut off for most schools. I am from Canada so my choices are limited but if you can help me out that would be great :)

cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.5
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 27 (9/7/12)

ECs: I completed a cardio tech program so I worked in a hospital for a about 3 months
Lots of volunteer, diabetes awareness day, local hospital interacting with older patients, working with a naturopath and at a naturopath clinic.

Preferences: something for Canadians, preferably on the west coast

Any other considerations:

I haven't been able to shadow a do or md but I did work with md during my program and should be able to get a good ref

School list:
MSUCOM
UNE
Western u
Touro/ny

Please let me know your advice and if I am missing any thanks
 
Hey guys,
Just trying to make sure I applied broadly enough. Here are my stats and let me know what you think and if I should add more schools, what schools should I add?

UNDERGRAD cGPA:3.29 sGPA:3.19 Graduate (M.A.) in Biochemistry GPA:3.67 MCAT 29 (9PS/9VR/11BS)

Pennsylvania Resident

Graduate Teaching Assistant:
1)General & Analytical Chemistry Labs (Freshmen)
2)Organic Chemistry Labs (Sophomores)
3)Advanced Analytical Chemistry Labs (Juniors & Seniors)

Research Experience:
1) Thesis-Work still in progress already over 500 hours
2) Side project on Fluorescent quenching-currently writing manuscript now and submitting for review and publication within the next few weeks

Clinical:
1) Shadowed a D.O. 32 hrs
2) 330+ hours as emergency room volunteer

Leadership:
1) Varsity Assistant Coach for my University's Ice Hockey Program - 2years
2) Graduate Board Member of Parking Ticket Appeals - 1 year

Other E.Cs.
Collegiate athlete (ice hockey) - 4 years
Health Professions Organization Club, Chemistry Club
Competitive Powerlifter

Several paid labor jobs throughout summers in college including construction and warehouse work

Recent Volunteering Post AACOMAS:
Boys and Girls Club
12-14 year old youth ice hockey coach

Here are the list of my schools that I applied to so far, which others should I add?
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, NC
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, IL
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia Campus, VA
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, NY
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, NJ
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California, CA
West Virgina School of Osteopathic Medicine, WV
Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Ponoma, CA
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
 
Last edited:
INOHELP said:
cGPA:3.66 (huge upward trend, 3.5 gpa over last 120 hours)
sGPA:3.6
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 29 (10 PS/8 VR/11 BS)

EC's:

Paid: Worked 5 x jobs all my life (Disneyland, CVS, UPS, restaurant and most recently UCLA). Stuck with 1 throughout most of my undergrad year for 4 years. My most recent job is as a research associate at UCLA. Worked from 25 hours to 40 hours throughout college

Research: 1x publication, 1x summer of receiving my own grant and doing research, Poster presentation and Presented at a research symposium.

Community Service: Campus Ministry (homeless outreach - 1 year), Youth ministry volunteer (2 years), Youth center Tutor (1 year), Habitat for Humanity ( 1 year)

Clinical Service: Volunteered at a clinic for homeless and low income population

Shadowing: 3x MD's (60 hours total)

Teaching: Tutored high school student for ~2 years

Leadership: Campus ministry


My biggest issue for deciding schools is finding a DO to write a letter of recommendation. I have managed to get 3x MD letters of recommendations, 2 who has taught my courses and 1 whom I have have worked with.
I have DO shadowing, but it is very minimal right now. I plan to continue with that.

Right now my list is...

Touro CA
Western - Pomona
Touro NY
PCOM
NYITCOM
NSUCOM
UNECOM

Ideally, I'd like to be in California for residency. Also, what safety school should I add?
Click to expand...

So my final list:

Touro CA
Touro NY
NYCOM
PCOM
NSUCOM
DMUCOM
CCOM
KCOM
KCUMB
VCOM-VA
Western
Rowan

Do you think this is good enough for at least one DO acceptance? Or should I add some more back ups? I am considering Marian because it's closeness with the indiana universities therefore allowing opportunities for research.

Also, for secondaries, do these schools waive those fees if we got the fee waiver?
 
cGPA: 3.34 (should be 3.40 by October and 3.38 by September)
sGPA: 3.25
MCAT: 27 (8/10/9)
ECs: Exceptionally unique and very strong + exceptionally high number of hours
LORs: I have a whole bunch including a couple osteopathic ones
I'm also Canadian.

Canadian friendly schools:

MSU - they take 25 Canadians annually
Nova
AZCOM
CCOM
Touro-NY
Western Ponoma
KCUMB
MUCOM
UNECOM
LMU

I'm applying to:

MSU, Nova, AZCOM, CCOM, Touro-NY, Western, KCUMB, MUCOM, UNECOM and LECOM.

Where are my chances the best at? If it makes any difference I feel that my secondary essays are very strong and shed some details for a more holistic approach to my stats. However my personal statement felt relatively average.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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gulp... just submitted. better "late" than never.

3.70 cGPA/3.64sGPA
8/7/9 - 24 MCAT (retake scheduled Nov. 7.. currently in a review course)

ATSU-KCOM
ATSU-AZ
ACOM
CUSOM
DMU (reach)
VCOM-Auburn
VCOM-CC (slight reach)
GA-PCOM
KCUMB (reach)
LECOM-Erie
LMU
MUCOM
NSU
PCOM (slight reach?)
RVUCOM

15 schools
 
baxt1412 said:
gulp... just submitted. better "late" than never.

3.70 cGPA/3.64sGPA
8/7/9 - 24 MCAT (retake scheduled Nov. 7.. currently in a review course)

ATSU-KCOM
ATSU-AZ
ACOM
CUSOM
DMU (reach)
VCOM-Auburn
VCOM-CC (slight reach)
GA-PCOM
KCUMB (reach)
LECOM-Erie
LMU
MUCOM
NSU
PCOM (slight reach?)
RVUCOM

15 schools
Click to expand...
Good luck fella. Make those secondaries count.
 
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3.663 cGPA, 3.59 sGPA
26MCAT (6 VR / 8 PS / 12 BS)

Applied everywhere but ATSU Kirksvilled, MarianU, DMU, Oklahoma State, and William Carey.

Secondaries submitted: LECOM-B, MSUCOM, ACOM, PCOM-GA, LUM-DCOM, KCUMB
Up next to submit for secondaries (prioritized): WesternU, CUCOM, RVUCOM, PCOM, OU-HCOM, ATSU Glendale, AZCOM, NSU, Touro

Am I doing this right? D:
 
I've been reading through this thread and was a little concerned about whether or not I should apply to some more schools. My application was ready for review on July 21st and has yet to be verified.

31 MCAT: 11 verbal, 9 physical, 11 bio
3.87 cGPA; 3.75 sGPA; 3.98 non-sGPA

Full-time employment over summers between school years:
1.5 summers of janitorial service
2.5 summers Infection Prevention intern at a hospital

90+ hours of physician shadowing
Air Force ROTC for one school year (Scholastic Medal recipient; medical discharge)
100+ hours of volunteer experience
hundreds of hours as a camp counselor
hundreds of hours leading Christian student ministries on campus

Schools I applied to:
Touro-NY
CCOM
ATSU-SOMA
KCUMB-COM
MU-COM
OU-HCOM
MSUCOM
PCOM

I'm from Indianapolis, so based on the information I've seen about MSUCOM and OU-HCOM, I probably won't fill out those secondaries. I'm not too excited about spending a ridiculous amount of money on tuition at MSU and I'm not too keen on giving 5 more years of my life to the state of Ohio (although I do love the Buckeyes). I'm really shooting for Touro-NY, CCOM, MU-COM, and PCOM, but do you guys think I should apply to a few more schools just in case?
 
FlawlessLawlessDO said:
I've been reading through this thread and was a little concerned about whether or not I should apply to some more schools. My application was ready for review on July 21st and has yet to be verified.

31 MCAT: 11 verbal, 9 physical, 11 bio
3.87 cGPA; 3.75 sGPA; 3.98 non-sGPA

Full-time employment over summers between school years:
1.5 summers of janitorial service
2.5 summers Infection Prevention intern at a hospital

90+ hours of physician shadowing
Air Force ROTC for one school year (Scholastic Medal recipient; medical discharge)
100+ hours of volunteer experience
hundreds of hours as a camp counselor
hundreds of hours leading Christian student ministries on campus

Schools I applied to:
Touro-NY
CCOM
ATSU-SOMA
KCUMB-COM
MU-COM
OU-HCOM
MSUCOM
PCOM

I'm from Indianapolis, so based on the information I've seen about MSUCOM and OU-HCOM, I probably won't fill out those secondaries. I'm not too excited about spending a ridiculous amount of money on tuition at MSU and I'm not too keen on giving 5 more years of my life to the state of Ohio (although I do love the Buckeyes). I'm really shooting for Touro-NY, CCOM, MU-COM, and PCOM, but do you guys think I should apply to a few more schools just in case?
Click to expand...

I think you'd have a good chance at any school that doesn't have a big regional preference. Some of the schools are going to focus on rural/undersserved/service which you may not qualify for. You have service, but it doesn't seem to be extraordinary. Not sure exactly how much service these "service schools" look for.
 
baxt1412 said:
I think you'd have a good chance at any school that doesn't have a big regional preference. Some of the schools are going to focus on rural/undersserved/service which you may not qualify for. You have service, but it doesn't seem to be extraordinary. Not sure exactly how much service these "service schools" look for.
Click to expand...

A chunk of my volunteer experience hours were dedicated to working at a homeless resource center over the past school year (which I will continue doing this next school year). Serving underserved communities is something that I'm already committing to doing as a future DO, and I talked significantly about this in my personal statement. Can you explain what you mean about "not qualifying" for certain schools based on service?
 
FlawlessLawlessDO said:
A chunk of my volunteer experience hours were dedicated to working at a homeless resource center over the past school year (which I will continue doing this next school year). Serving underserved communities is something that I'm already committing to doing as a future DO, and I talked significantly about this in my personal statement. Can you explain what you mean about "not qualifying" for certain schools based on service?
Click to expand...
i was just looking at the total hours. the camp counselor position would probably count. the ministries may count - what sorts of things did you do with this position?

i'm just speculating.. i am not sure what these schools will call "showing dedication to service".. is that a certain type of work? is that a certain number of hours over a certain number of years?

i'm not saying you certainly AREN'T qualified... i'm saying i don't really know if you are because i don't know their qualifications. like i said, you've got a great chance at almost any DO school. if you are happy with your list, then let it be. don't apply anywhere you couldn't see yourself spending 4-5 years.
 
FlawlessLawlessDO said:
I've been reading through this thread and was a little concerned about whether or not I should apply to some more schools. My application was ready for review on July 21st and has yet to be verified.

31 MCAT: 11 verbal, 9 physical, 11 bio
3.87 cGPA; 3.75 sGPA; 3.98 non-sGPA

Full-time employment over summers between school years:
1.5 summers of janitorial service
2.5 summers Infection Prevention intern at a hospital

90+ hours of physician shadowing
Air Force ROTC for one school year (Scholastic Medal recipient; medical discharge)
100+ hours of volunteer experience
hundreds of hours as a camp counselor
hundreds of hours leading Christian student ministries on campus

Schools I applied to:
Touro-NY
CCOM
ATSU-SOMA
KCUMB-COM
MU-COM
OU-HCOM
MSUCOM
PCOM

I'm from Indianapolis, so based on the information I've seen about MSUCOM and OU-HCOM, I probably won't fill out those secondaries. I'm not too excited about spending a ridiculous amount of money on tuition at MSU and I'm not too keen on giving 5 more years of my life to the state of Ohio (although I do love the Buckeyes). I'm really shooting for Touro-NY, CCOM, MU-COM, and PCOM, but do you guys think I should apply to a few more schools just in case?
Click to expand...
Yea you are good. If you want to feel safe add a couple more, but you should get in.
 
FlawlessLawlessDO said:
I've been reading through this thread and was a little concerned about whether or not I should apply to some more schools. My application was ready for review on July 21st and has yet to be verified.

31 MCAT: 11 verbal, 9 physical, 11 bio
3.87 cGPA; 3.75 sGPA; 3.98 non-sGPA

Full-time employment over summers between school years:
1.5 summers of janitorial service
2.5 summers Infection Prevention intern at a hospital

90+ hours of physician shadowing
Air Force ROTC for one school year (Scholastic Medal recipient; medical discharge)
100+ hours of volunteer experience
hundreds of hours as a camp counselor
hundreds of hours leading Christian student ministries on campus

Schools I applied to:
Touro-NY
CCOM
ATSU-SOMA
KCUMB-COM
MU-COM
OU-HCOM
MSUCOM
PCOM

I'm from Indianapolis, so based on the information I've seen about MSUCOM and OU-HCOM, I probably won't fill out those secondaries. I'm not too excited about spending a ridiculous amount of money on tuition at MSU and I'm not too keen on giving 5 more years of my life to the state of Ohio (although I do love the Buckeyes). I'm really shooting for Touro-NY, CCOM, MU-COM, and PCOM, but do you guys think I should apply to a few more schools just in case?
Click to expand...

Have you taken upper division biology courses within the last 12 months?
 
Hi guys, would like an opinion or two on my current situation:

8 secondaries submitted (with no II yet), and can only afford to submit one more secondary for now. 27 balanced mcat w/ cGPA and sGPA 3.50-3.75

Looking for the best bang for my buck. My options are: LMU-DCOM, CUSOM, Touro-CA, Nova, or Marian
 
hossle12 said:
Hi guys, would like an opinion or two on my current situation:

8 secondaries submitted (with no II yet), and can only afford to submit one more secondary for now. 27 balanced mcat w/ cGPA and sGPA 3.50-3.75

Looking for the best bang for my buck. My options are: LMU-DCOM, CUSOM, Touro-CA, Nova, or Marian
Click to expand...
You've probably already checked requirements. If not, Marian may be eliminated if you don't have Sociology.
 
cGPA: 3.38
sGPA: 3.25
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 28 (8/10/10)

ECs:
  • Four years in service-learning organization, six week long national service trips (40 hours each), site led one trip, executive board member for one year and won a school wide award for the work I did in my position, altogether around 600 service hours
  • Shadowed internal med MD, family med (who uses OMM) DO, 40 hours
  • Internship where I shadowed surgical residents and student, over 350 hours of shadowing
  • Teaching assistant for cadaver anatomy lab as well as tutored for one year, took graduate level class to dissect cadavers as well
  • One year of physiology research, nothing major, around 100 hours (low estimate)
  • Volunteered at a free health clinic for a year, over 150 hours and maternity ward, 80 hours

Preferences: Mainly location due to family, Michigan resident, prefer midwest and east coast but really doesn't matter

Any other considerations:

School list:

ATSU-KCOM
CCOM
PCOM (reach)
GA-PCOM
OUHCOM (reach)
LECOM
LECOM Bradenton
MSUCOM (state school)
NSUCOM
PNWU-COM
TuoroCOM-NY
UNECOM

So what should I add? I am thinking of adding 2-3 more schools out of the remaining that would be the most forgiving on my GPA (also, should I give up TuoroCOM-NY? I'm beginning to dread the $200 secondary)
 
pollos said:
cGPA: 3.38
sGPA: 3.25
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 28 (8/10/10)

ECs:
  • Four years in service-learning organization, six week long national service trips (40 hours each), site led one trip, executive board member for one year and won a school wide award for the work I did in my position, altogether around 600 service hours
  • Shadowed internal med MD, family med (who uses OMM) DO, 40 hours
  • Internship where I shadowed surgical residents and student, over 350 hours of shadowing
  • Teaching assistant for cadaver anatomy lab as well as tutored for one year, took graduate level class to dissect cadavers as well
  • One year of physiology research, nothing major, around 100 hours (low estimate)
  • Volunteered at a free health clinic for a year, over 150 hours and maternity ward, 80 hours

Preferences: Mainly location due to family, Michigan resident, prefer midwest and east coast but really doesn't matter

Any other considerations:

School list:

ATSU-KCOM
CCOM
PCOM (reach)
GA-PCOM
OUHCOM (reach)
LECOM
LECOM Bradenton
MSUCOM (state school)
NSUCOM
PNWU-COM
TuoroCOM-NY
UNECOM

So what should I add? I am thinking of adding 2-3 more schools out of the remaining that would be the most forgiving on my GPA (also, should I give up TuoroCOM-NY? I'm beginning to dread the $200 secondary)
Click to expand...


VCOM? CUCOM? WVSOM... DMU and KCUMB if you want to risk it.

Touro NY w/ a $200 secondary is just too expensive. It's up to you if you like the area.
 
pollos said:
cGPA: 3.38
sGPA: 3.25
MCAT (PS/VR/BS): 28 (8/10/10)

ECs:
  • Four years in service-learning organization, six week long national service trips (40 hours each), site led one trip, executive board member for one year and won a school wide award for the work I did in my position, altogether around 600 service hours
  • Shadowed internal med MD, family med (who uses OMM) DO, 40 hours
  • Internship where I shadowed surgical residents and student, over 350 hours of shadowing
  • Teaching assistant for cadaver anatomy lab as well as tutored for one year, took graduate level class to dissect cadavers as well
  • One year of physiology research, nothing major, around 100 hours (low estimate)
  • Volunteered at a free health clinic for a year, over 150 hours and maternity ward, 80 hours

Preferences: Mainly location due to family, Michigan resident, prefer midwest and east coast but really doesn't matter

Any other considerations:

School list:

ATSU-KCOM
CCOM
PCOM (reach)
GA-PCOM
OUHCOM (reach)
LECOM
LECOM Bradenton
MSUCOM (state school)
NSUCOM
PNWU-COM
TuoroCOM-NY
UNECOM

So what should I add? I am thinking of adding 2-3 more schools out of the remaining that would be the most forgiving on my GPA (also, should I give up TuoroCOM-NY? I'm beginning to dread the $200 secondary)
Click to expand...
you could add Marian at least. Touro-NV, LMU, VCOM (any), and SOMA are all reachable.
 
JeBrAs said:
Nice job on the 30 MCAT. I also had a 6 subsection score on my MCAT and got rejected pre-secondary from Campbell..... I also found on PCOM's website that the would like to see at least 8s in each subsection of MCAT. Like I said, your score of 30 might help make an exception? Does anyone else know more about this?
Click to expand...
Thanks!
Did you have a 6 in verbal or in other two sections?..
I actually called some schools(or all that have the minimum requirement) and they all said 6 in verbal is fine :)!!
 
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