Need Direction On Next Steps

[MD4DM44]

Hello all,

 

I just finished my 2nd UG degree (which was 2 years) last month and was hoping that some of the fine folk on this forum can provide me with some help on what I should do next and realistically where am I competitive. There is a wealth of information on this forum and I have been scouring it but I feel awfully confused.

 

Any who... here are my OMSAS GPA stats from my 2nd UG:

 

Year 1 GPA = 3.97 (3.969)

Year 2 GPA = 3.94 (3.938)

 

2YGPA = 3.95

 

So obviously in my previous degree, my grades are not great, my CGPA for both degrees combined is a 3.51. Also in my last year of my 1st degree I did not take 5 FCE's which I believe disqualifies me from Ottawa. What schools am I realistically competitive for? I am also starting a 1.5 year course based MPH w/ placement this September.

 

My current plan right now is to write my MCAT this summer in August and try to do the best I can. If there are any resources that you would recommend please do let me know, as right now i am using TPR materials.

 

My ECs are ok I think, no hospital volunteering but they are varied otherwise. If you would like to know I can list them.

 

As I mentioned above, when I read the forum I do feel overwhelmed and at times a little bit down about my chances. So here is to staying positive!

 

Thanks!!

 

[shikimate]

My impression is that your singular focus right now should be the mcat. I'm sure other posters can chime in on the details, but my gut impression is that without a "good" mcat score your chances are pragmatically nil. With a good mcat at least uwo is a distinct possibility.

[MD4DM44]

My impression is that your singular focus right now should be the mcat. I'm sure other posters can chime in on the details, but my gut impression is that without a "good" mcat score your chances are pragmatically nil. With a good mcat at least uwo is a distinct possibility.

 

Thank you for this tip. I am guessing I should aim to do 1 to 2 points higher than their 2016 cutoffs? Or just aim for the cutoffs as a "good" mcat score?

[MountainAmoeba]

Aim as high as you can. Test day can produce unexpected variances, so aim to have a buffer. I scored higher overall then I had on any practice exams, many people score a bit lower.

 

Good luck!

 

Thank you for this tip. I am guessing I should aim to do 1 to 2 points higher than their 2016 cutoffs? Or just aim for the cutoffs as a "good" mcat score?

[MD4DM44]

Aim as high as you can. Test day can produce unexpected variances, so aim to have a buffer. I scored higher overall then I had on any practice exams, many people score a bit lower.

 

Good luck!

 

 

Do you have any advice on additional material I should be using. I signed up for the TPR course, and I've seen it suggested that I should use EK 101 for CARs and Khan Academy?

[MountainAmoeba]

If you already signed up for the course, then I would honestly just use their material, and supplement with khans. I used Kaplan, and it was okay, but I did a lot of supplemental learning (mind you I'm a nurse, and had to teach myself.....EVERYTHING).

 

I'm not convinced you'll find an advantage with one material over another. I did buy all of the question packs and tests from AAMC which was 100% worth it, because I think about half the work is learning the material, and half the work is learning exam strategies. The test is a marathon, not a sprint.

[MD4DM44]

If you already signed up for the course, then I would honestly just use their material, and supplement with khans. I used Kaplan, and it was okay, but I did a lot of supplemental learning (mind you I'm a nurse, and had to teach myself.....EVERYTHING).

 

I'm not convinced you'll find an advantage with one material over another. I did buy all of the question packs and tests from AAMC which was 100% worth it, because I think about half the work is learning the material, and half the work is learning exam strategies. The test is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

 

Does the AAMC provide only 2 tests? Thanks for the answers btw!