Advice requested

[Blade07]

I was hoping I could get some input from forum members here to help me decide the best course of action. I am currently finishing up college; I'm taking a summer session class, which will fulfill the last of my degree requirements. Let me first provide you with a background:

At present I have a 3.03 cumulative GPA pending the completion of one more summer class in which I expect to earn an A. My science GPA is actually slightly higher; a 3.2. My grades were particularly poor in my freshman year, when I was an engineering major. However, I switched to biology and my grades have improved. This past spring semester I got a 3.8. My record, has been rather inconsistent: my freshman year was rather poor (below 3.0), and my sophomore year was on and off (some great grades and some poor grades, averaging to about a 3.1). However, I improved significantly in my junior and senior years, making Deans List both years.

I have an average amount of extra curricular activities. I've shadowed with an osteopathic ER doctor, who wrote me a letter of rec. I've also volunteered at a free clinic where I've taken patient histories, triaged and helped with managing the finances. They've offered me a full time albeit low-paying job for next fall. I took the last paper and pencil MCAT in August 2006. I got a 28 overall (10 bio, 10 verbal, 8 PS).

First, I applied to a number of osteopathic schools. My MCAT scores weren't released until October 2006 and thus my primary application wasn't completed until then. Due to a family crisis, I wasn't even able to complete all the secondaries in time, and I ended up not sending secondaries to a few schools. Some of the ones I did send in got in only a week or so before the deadline. I got interviews at a few schools: PCOM Georgia, LECOM-Bradleton, WVSOM and Lincoln Memorial. I got rejected from PCOM and LECOM, but I was wait listed from WVSOM and Lincoln Memorial. A few days ago, I received word from WVSOM that the class was filled. I'm still on the wait list for Lincoln Memorial.

In March, I applied to the AUA-KMC Manipal (India) twinning program on the suggestion of my father. Basically, you do two years in India, and then you do rotations in America. I'm an American citizen of Indian origin. The degree is granted by AUA. The basic sciences coursework is equivalent to that done in Antigua. I got in for the semester starting this July. To be honest, I was hoping I'd get into a DO school, but that's not looking all that likely at present.

Some people on these forums and on SDN have expressed reservations about AUA. AUA isn't licensed in CA or TX and at present they have no practicing alums as the school was only recently founded. Would it perhaps be wiser to apply to SABA, AUC, Ross etc. for the January semester? These schools are more reputed than AUC, and I know they have several practicing grads.

Also, I do feel that I'd have a better shot at getting into osteopathic schools if applied again. This time, I could have my primary application completed in early July, and I can get the secondaries in very quickly as well. As admissions are rolling, I'd have a better chance because last time I applied later in the cycle.

At the same time however, I feel that it might be best to just go to Manipal. I made some mistakes in the past, but I still have an opportunity to go to med school. Perhaps, I could get into better med schools if I tried again and did it right, but then I'd lose a year.


I apologize for the really long post....it kinda just flowed with whatever thoughts popped into my head. But any advice is much appreciated. So, if you were in my shoes, what do you think would be the best decision?

[jameslynton]

With your stats apply to SGU, Ross, AUC and Saba. Pity you did not get in DO school. Did you try Morehouse and Meharry medical schools also? AUA, MUA-N and SMU are the up and coming schools. AUA does have grads but go to Antigua not India. However, always go to the best school you can get into. US first. I would not rush things and retake the MCAT after a good prep course. Always attempt US schools first.

[MercyDrive]

That's actually very similar to my situation, but I really want to start in September. I've only applied to Ross and they sent me a message saying they didn't get my transcripts (my school "forgot" to mail them out!) but I believe they sent them out. I've e-mailed them a few times and haven't had any response. Does SGU, AUC, or Saba have a September deadline?

[jameslynton]

I am not sure - if a school does not send out a transcript - go resend it ASAP! Don't trust a school to find your transcript - it is most likely miss filed and will not be found.

[MercyDrive]

Thanks, James. God, I'll be glad when this is all over!!