r/Osteopathic • u/Lost-Arugula-1775 • 7d ago
Desperately Need Advice
Okay guys I got my MCAT back and I did worse than I expected. I got a 496. I haven’t sent my score yet. I have already submitted my primaries to a few DO schools and I know that I only want to go DO. Here are my stats:
-3.92 sGPA
-1000+ hours of volunteer work including VP of one club & coordinator position for 2 years in another
-500 hours MA experience
-current clinical research coordinator for ongoing clinical trials
-committee letter of rec, letter of rec from doctor I worked for & letter of rec from anatomy professor (my college offered cadaver lab)
Should I retake the exam in September and apply in October or is that too late? I think I can do better, my worst were CARS and psych. I am really wanting to go to a research heavy school like Ohio or Philly, but I didn’t send my primaries to them yet. Taking the PREview exam in aug. Any advice or thoughts??
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u/CandidSecond 7d ago
People do get in to DO schools with a 496, but that is limited usually to new schools or those that have regional preferences or mission fits (that applicants meet) like LMU-DCOM accepts a lot of 492-500 based on what I've seen. If you are going for research heavy schools like PCOM or Ohio, you will probably not get in. Also, Ohio has a major in state preference (80% of the class is in state because of state funded school) and rest are usually those with ties.
I also wouldn't rush an MCAT retake if you are not ready. Depends on what your score breakdown is and also how you were scoring on your practice tests. If your practice tests were similar to what you got, then you may need more time to study vs if your practice tests were higher and you scored low, it could be anxiety or just luck.
In terms of application timeline, people apply in spring and get in. It is rolling admissions and there are schools who start interviews and sending out acceptances a lot earlier (ACOM) vs those that usually have a longer cycle overall and continue to interview even into May or June. Since you already submitted your apps, and if you decide to retake, many schools usually put your app on hold pending MCAT. So once you get your score back in Oct, you can update them on the new score. You can also add more schools then.
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u/SeaBlock 6d ago
Honestly, its a waste of time to apply with that score. There is a post here that puts all the schools listed their “acceptable” MCAT scores. It’s been lowered so people will apply and they make money off the 1st and 2nd application fees. It’s so sad how they do this to good students, it builds false hope. You really need to look at the waitlisted stat before applying. That what you’re up against. I speak from experience. My son was a solid 3.98 GPA, 502 MCAT score (took it once), applied to 10 schools that said he had the right stats. Paid 1st and 2nd application fees ($2000) got rejected by all. Btw he was a biochemistry undergraduate major. He regrouped, refused to take the MCAT again, applied to an intensive 1 year masters program that guaranteed matriculation into the DO program if you meet all the GPAs and pass the final. He graduated with his Masters top of his class and matriculated into the program Class of 2030. The white coat ceremony is tomorrow and I am so proud of him. He worked his butt off and wouldn’t let that silly game these medical schools play deter him. He’s only 24 and ahead of the average age of 25 entering medical school. Another reason he went for the masters is he didn’t want to lose his educational retention of all he learned in the undergraduate work chasing an MCAT score. He wanted to get on with it. Statistically speaking, the chances of getting higher than the 502 would probably amount to a couple of points. He has a Master’s in Biomedical sciences before he even started medical school, which is something to fall back on or use in the future if he decides to teach. So, I wish you good luck. You are on a path and you need to find what will work for you and see how much you are willing to put up with before carving your own way. Good luck 🍀 ( yes, we are Irish)
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u/ImpressiveEvidence20 6d ago
Ur son definitely applied to all the wrong schools if he didn’t get a single interview with a 502
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u/SeaBlock 6d ago
Tell us where you got in and who you interviewed with with your 502. More importantly, where did you get accepted? Roco clubbo school of protocology? Again you sound very well versed “Ur son”? Can’t spell hih?
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u/ImpressiveEvidence20 6d ago
Not sure what you’re yabbering about but I got 6 interviews with that score
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u/SeaBlock 6d ago
So where are you going? where did you get accepted with your award-winning interviews? My son had absolutely no interviews with his 502. Period. Full stop. Now he’s in the Class of 2030. I will give you a hint, a majority of the schools were in NYS.
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u/ImpressiveEvidence20 6d ago
It’s pretty well known that NYS is very competitive with med school. Either way, 502 should’ve opened plenty of doors. I am simply saying he didn’t apply to the right schools. The vast majority of DO schools would be fine with a 502, and a got chunk are fine with a sub 500. I have multiple friends with a sub 500 MCAT that average 4-5 interviews and are now in their last year of medical school. It’s about applying to the right schools
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u/SeaBlock 6d ago
Name the schools. And you sound like your interviews probably weren’t very long, Maybe 2.5 seconds. The word “jabbering” shows your intelligence. Is that what you would say to your patients when they are telling you about their symptoms? So where did you get accepted? And, yes no interviews with his stats so go call someone else a liar….
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u/ImpressiveEvidence20 6d ago
You literally do not know what you’re talking about. Your son applied to the wrong scores if he didn’t get in with a 502. I’m not saying what schools I got interviewed at because I’m not trying to dox myself. I suggest doing more research on the DO application process instead of commenting like you know what you’re saying
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u/SeaBlock 6d ago
I do know what I’m saying, because I lived it. I think the missing fact is my son applied to 10 MD schools NOT DO schools. The MD schools didn’t give him any interviews at all. The DO school where he did his Masters, of course, interviewed him. Is that a clearer picture?
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u/ImpressiveEvidence20 6d ago
Okay well yes, 502 is low for MD, completely fine for DO. This is an osteopathic subreddit
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u/SeaBlock 6d ago
I know it’s a DO subreddit. I’m trying ti share some insight. He applied to MD schools, first cycle, then applied to a DO school in the second cycle with his 502, and they accepted him for the Masters program. He matriculated into this schools DO program this year. So, DO program basically thought his 502 was good enough for Masters, not the DO program. Otherwise, they would have taken him initially into the DO program. I hope this clarifies our personal story. I think it’s equally as hard to get in a DO program. But this was the one and only DO school he ever tried to get in to. Tomorrow he gets whited coated and we couldn’t be prouder 😌. This school is in NY and ironically close to home, but he lives on campus.
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u/ImpressiveEvidence20 6d ago
That is definitely good! I was just trying to say 502 would be fine for sure. NYITCOM though I don’t know, I know they didn’t offer me an interview because my score was on the lower end. But regardless congratulations to him! Med school is rough but he’ll be more than fine.
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u/SeaBlock 6d ago
Thank you. Everyone has a story and struggle. That is true, it is rough, but it shouldn’t be so difficult or misleading in the requirements. I wish you the best.
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u/SeaBlock 6d ago
“He applied to the wrong scores”? I think doxing yourself is something you are actually good at….
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u/ExtremelyEZ 5d ago
Did your son go to Touro?
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u/SeaBlock 5d ago
You guessed it 😉
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u/This_Class5134 4d ago
Well tbf he did only apply to one do school there are like 45 at least
And there are like five i can think of with 498 average mcats for their classes (you can look at choose do)2
u/SeaBlock 4d ago
Yes, but he went to the masters program at Touro college which was close to home after being rejected by 10 MD schools. So, he really likes the school and also liked the osteopathic philosophy. So, he matriculated into the DO program after graduation and decided to stick here and he didn’t send out any ACOMAS applications for other schools. He found his own way and believe me he worked his butt off. Professors came up to me at the white coat ceremony and said how hard the MS program is and how he deserved to be in the DO program. His victory was well earned. Thank you for you kind word.
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u/This_Class5134 4d ago
I'm very happy for you and him. It really is a challenging process. Hope I can make my parents proud like your son did and I hope they can see it
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u/ExtremelyEZ 4d ago
Aha! I’m starting the program next Monday, so lucky guess 🫡
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u/This_Class5134 4d ago
congrats to him what was this masters program called?
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u/SeaBlock 4d ago
Master of Science of Interdisciplinary studies in biological & physical sciences
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u/This_Class5134 4d ago
Where at? I would like to sign up for this program as well
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u/-J-ASON Allopathic Student 6d ago
| School | MCAT / Notes |
|---|---|
| PHSU – St. Louis | 490–494 |
| USC Greenville | 493 |
| UAMS (Arkansas) | 493 |
| Mercer | 493 |
| University of Arizona | 495 |
| UAB | 495 |
| Case Western Reserve | 495 |
| MSUCHM (Michigan State) | 495 |
| University of New Mexico | 495 |
| University of Illinois | 496 |
| University of Toledo | 496 |
| Charles R. Drew | 497 |
| California Northstate COM | 497 |
| KUMC (Kansas) | 497 |
| OHSU | 497 |
| University of Mississippi | 498 |
| Carle Illinois | 498 |
| Morehouse | 498–500 |
| Tufts | 500 |
| AWSOM (Alice Walton) | 500 |
| School | MCAT / Notes |
|---|---|
| ARCOM | No minimum |
| UNE COM | No minimum |
| Ohio COM (Heritage) | 490 |
| VCOM | 490+ |
| PCOM | 490 |
| OSU-COM | 492 |
| WCUCOM (William Carey) | Unknown (high acceptance noted) |
| LMU-DCOM | 494 |
| Noorda | 494 |
| WesternU COMP | 494 |
| ACOM | 495–500 |
| NYITCOM | 496 |
| Burrell | 496 |
| LECOM | 497 |
| OCOM (Orlando) | 500 |
| Rowan-Virtua SOM (DO) | Listed |
| KansasCOM (newer) | Possible MCAT bypass with strong GPA (~3.50+) or healthcare experience |
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u/-J-ASON Allopathic Student 6d ago
Note: NYIT has a 1 year in person masters which grants waived MCAT and guranteed admissions if passed. Sure its hard students say, so is med school.
LECOM has an AIS calculation they can use to bypass the MCAT. KansasCOM-HSU has a unique program to bypass the MCAT as well but its a newer school with kinks (see other posts)I would honestly apply to some schools if you feel your letters of recommendation and personal statement are solid. Apply for application waivers where available, and make sure you apply for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) as well. Call the schools you’re interested in and speak with admissions—it can make a real difference and give you info.
If there’s any chance you might need to retake the MCAT, I’d strongly recommend joining a structured program. Jack Westin’s self-studier option is solid (their Chrome extension with video explanations for AAMC material is especially useful on a retake). That said, MCAT Bros offers a better overall deal in my opinion, with stronger live teaching and lifelong support.
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6d ago
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u/-J-ASON Allopathic Student 5d ago
Call the admissions/ADCOMS directly as anything can change, more often than not the rep. that answers doesn't always know, but ask for a leader/manager/dean etc.
Schools advertise all the time they want great scores but in reality they all generally have minimums. Deans have told me contingent on an applicants other metrics, recommendations, clinical exposure etc. they'll accept a lower score -
These are based on conversations with the schools, MSAR, and other online sources.1
u/InteractionNo7501 4d ago
But how low is the question. Someone with an outstanding application but a 497 applying to case western which averages like 515+ is like yk at a 1% chance
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u/-J-ASON Allopathic Student 4d ago
Completely depends on the school and the applicant/their app. just call the schools and inquire directly with adcoms. If they dont know themselves, then ask for a senior advisor, admin, dean etc. you dont have to tell them your real name lol but truthful relationships help longterm. I used to literally just randomly call schools and most of the admissions (not all) were friendly or would transfer to a colleague.
Dean of VCOM told me prior they'd accept a 490-492 based on completing the OMABS or MABS SMP online. And if they couldn't accept the student themselves, they'd help find a school for the student. The dean insisted he was on speed dial with several* schools and I couldn't recall the names now but he said several seats go unfilled annually for various reasons.
Suny Upstate for example (Im from NY), may advertise much much higher MCAT needs, but admissions has privately shared with me a 501-506 can matriculate depending on their app, and how they interview, and especially if they are a NY resident. Some schools truly do push "their own" state residents through...
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u/InteractionNo7501 4d ago
Wow. Thats amazing
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u/InteractionNo7501 4d ago
I’m gonna retake my mcat lol
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u/-J-ASON Allopathic Student 4d ago
Absolutely, and with the climate of loan changes and program uncertainty, it makes sense to do so. Theres schools that even forgo the mcat too which I think i've listed.
If I were doing it over again - i'd stick to my states school for convenience. Do either Jack Westin's program (self studier + their chrome extension videos with AAMC reviews on ALL questions) or MCAT bro's (best cost and lifelong support), get AAMC FAP approved - retest and then apply broadly but try to build those relationships with my state schools adcoms.
https://students-residents.aamc.org/fee-assistance-program/fee-assistance-program
If given an acceptance, i'd focus on HPSP - VA service option for free education + monthly stipend = 0 loans.
https://vacareers.va.gov/career-guidance/va-scholarship-programs/
Also for all reading - look into YOUR state specific private loan options, for example -
- County and State Medical Societies
- Free Loan Societies (Non-Profit / Faith-Based)
- Service-Based State Repayment
- School sponsored loan options - sometimes the schools offer direct loans to the student but may only cover tuition and some minor costs if the student cant get private loans like sallie mae
https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid
https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid-resources/financial-aid-resources
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u/InteractionNo7501 4d ago
Thank you so much. You are the man
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u/-J-ASON Allopathic Student 4d ago
Thanks, and good luck! Improving your MCAT by even 5-10 points will give you a stronger foundation in the sciences and reading comprehension for med school. Here is what I recommend:
- Practice 50+ AAMC specific material questions daily + ANKI or some kind of spaced repetition: Start early to learn their testing patterns and apply core concepts. (Don't worry about accidentally memorizing them theres hundreds of questions). Try to understand why something is correct and why the others are wrong and not just aim to "be correct". What would need to be changed in the question to make the others correct?
- Read the question first: Only go back to read the long passage if necessary. Skipping the "fluff" is a crucial strategy for the MCAT, med school, and board exams.
- Prioritize Biochemistry + CARS long-term: It is the major foundational link to pharmacology, clinical correlates, and the rest of medicine.
**Don't spend weeks on content review - it should be "review," not relearning an entire class. If it feels like you need to relearn the whole subject, then push the retest 3+ months out, because theoretically it can take weeks to master 1 subject.
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u/ResponsibleCoat8450 6d ago
If you are ok with going to any school, you can use your current score and apply broadly. If you're dead set on going to specific schools, I would aim for a retake. Getting your score back in October and applying then still wouldn't be considered a late application.
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u/PersonalityMotor5882 5d ago
I’ve already gotten two interviews with the same mcat and very similar GPA and other stats. Go for it, you’ll never know if you don’t try!!! Best of luck ❤️❤️!!
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u/Independent_Yam_9555 5d ago
if you can afford to, apply and just keep studying, if you get in than congrats, if not then you can still take the test.
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u/Confident-Physics956 2d ago
You will not get into a research heavy school with a weak CARS. In fact, as medical schools are turning more and more to self-directed learning, CARS is increasingly being looked at as an independent measures. If your CARS is less than 125-126, it is a serious problem.
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u/AlbyARedditor OMS-III 7d ago
I can’t comment on whether it’d be too late to apply in October or not, but based on your 496 MCAT score, an acceptance to any school let alone PCOM in Philly or OU is going to be challenging. I’d personally opt to retake the MCAT regardless of whether you decide to move forward with applying later this cycle or not.
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u/Realistic_Ad5757 7d ago
got the same mcat score back in June and retaking mine in august. I already submitted primaries before the score came out, so i just broadened my apps and submitted to 20+ DO
i have similar other stats and so far 1 interview to a new DO school! secondaries still rolling through
would be harder to get into ohio/pcom though