Hey all, So I am in my Junior year of college. I have right now a 2.9 overall GPA. I am a combat medic in the Army National Guard and work directly under a PA and an MD and have numerous (500+) hours working for them. I have chosen to extend my school time to 5 years so that I might be able to raise my grades. I have taken one practice MCAT and received a 25 on it with no studying. I am planning on taking my MCAT this coming April and have hired a personal MCAT tutor. What can I do to raise my chances of getting a HPSP scholarship and going to Medical school. Thank you. Also if you have any questions let me know.
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MD & DO Chances and Future Plan
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MD CA resident, 3.89c, 4.00s, 37mcat, mediocre(?) EC. My list?
Hey guys, I was just wondering if my list was too top-heavy or bottom-heavy, if I was forgetting any schools, or if I should take some out. Right now my list is pretty bulky (33) so any suggestions would be appreciated. My stats are strong but I'm thinking my EC's might bring me down a notch, perhaps, because they don't seem as great as my scores are. Applying on first day.
My scores:
4.00 GPA, science
3.89 GPA cumulative
MCAT: 37 (PS 12, VS 11, BS 14)
UC Berkeley undergraduate, B.A., Psychology, 2011
Did post-baccalaureate program (I am 23 years old)
Male, biracial (.5 white, .5 Korean)
EC's
~210 hours volunteering in US: Nursing units, emergency department, surgery
~160 hours volunteering in Kenya at a public hospital: Just mainly did observation and nothing crazy, did a lot of shadowing during this time.
~ 100 hours volunteering at Alzheimer's day care center, organize events for them, socialize with them, help nurses
~16 hours shadowing in US (all with 1 neurologist at UCSF).
~3 years research in labs, 2 posters at conferences, 1 first-author research paper in neuroscience (working on it now but won't be submitted for 1-2 months from now).
~100 hours doing YMCA youth mentorship program
~3 years tutoring middle schoolers, some of them for free (need-based)
Leadership:
None
LOR's:
Expecting a strong committee letter from my post-bacc
Awards:
H.S. salutatorian
$30k scholarship from local Rotary Club for my undergrad education
Honors thesis,
2 dean's list commendations,
Magna cum laude on my B.A.,
But nothing else
Hobbies/quirky things:
Nothing exciting, just swimming, reading, video games.
Wrote news and movie reviews for the college newspaper
Wrote for GameSpot.com, a 60 million+/year viewership, CBS-owned video games site
Total schools: 33
My LizzyM: 74.9
In-state schools:
-----------------------
University of California San Diego
University of California San Francisco
University of California, Davis School of Medicine
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Riverside
University of California, Los Agneles
Stanford University
USC - Keck
Out-of-state schools listed by LizzyM in ascending order:
---------------------------------------------------------
Safeties:
University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson - 65.8
Drexel University College of Medicine - 66.1
The University of Vermont College of Medicine - 67.0
New York Medical College - 67.0
University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix - 67.2
Creighton University School of Medicine - 67.2
Temple University School of Medicine - 67.9
Albany Medical College - 67.9
Jefferson Medical Coll. of Thomas Jefferson Univ. - 68.1
Medical College of Wisconsin - 68.4
Target schools:
Tufts University School of Medicine - 68.2
Georgetown University School of Medicine - 68.5
George Washington University Sch of Med & Hlth Sci - 68.8
Brown University - Alpert - 70.5
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine - 71.4
Duke University School of Medicine - 71.4
Mount Sinai School of Medicine - 71.4
Reaches:
Dartmouth - 72
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - 72.3
Weill Medical College of Cornell University - 72.6
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine - 72.8
Yale University School of Medicine - 73.4
Columbia University College of P & S - 73.7
Harvard Medical School - 73.7
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - 74.1
My scores:
4.00 GPA, science
3.89 GPA cumulative
MCAT: 37 (PS 12, VS 11, BS 14)
UC Berkeley undergraduate, B.A., Psychology, 2011
Did post-baccalaureate program (I am 23 years old)
Male, biracial (.5 white, .5 Korean)
EC's
~210 hours volunteering in US: Nursing units, emergency department, surgery
~160 hours volunteering in Kenya at a public hospital: Just mainly did observation and nothing crazy, did a lot of shadowing during this time.
~ 100 hours volunteering at Alzheimer's day care center, organize events for them, socialize with them, help nurses
~16 hours shadowing in US (all with 1 neurologist at UCSF).
~3 years research in labs, 2 posters at conferences, 1 first-author research paper in neuroscience (working on it now but won't be submitted for 1-2 months from now).
~100 hours doing YMCA youth mentorship program
~3 years tutoring middle schoolers, some of them for free (need-based)
Leadership:
None
LOR's:
Expecting a strong committee letter from my post-bacc
Awards:
H.S. salutatorian
$30k scholarship from local Rotary Club for my undergrad education
Honors thesis,
2 dean's list commendations,
Magna cum laude on my B.A.,
But nothing else
Hobbies/quirky things:
Nothing exciting, just swimming, reading, video games.
Wrote news and movie reviews for the college newspaper
Wrote for GameSpot.com, a 60 million+/year viewership, CBS-owned video games site
Total schools: 33
My LizzyM: 74.9
In-state schools:
-----------------------
University of California San Diego
University of California San Francisco
University of California, Davis School of Medicine
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Riverside
University of California, Los Agneles
Stanford University
USC - Keck
Out-of-state schools listed by LizzyM in ascending order:
---------------------------------------------------------
Safeties:
University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson - 65.8
Drexel University College of Medicine - 66.1
The University of Vermont College of Medicine - 67.0
New York Medical College - 67.0
University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix - 67.2
Creighton University School of Medicine - 67.2
Temple University School of Medicine - 67.9
Albany Medical College - 67.9
Jefferson Medical Coll. of Thomas Jefferson Univ. - 68.1
Medical College of Wisconsin - 68.4
Target schools:
Tufts University School of Medicine - 68.2
Georgetown University School of Medicine - 68.5
George Washington University Sch of Med & Hlth Sci - 68.8
Brown University - Alpert - 70.5
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine - 71.4
Duke University School of Medicine - 71.4
Mount Sinai School of Medicine - 71.4
Reaches:
Dartmouth - 72
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - 72.3
Weill Medical College of Cornell University - 72.6
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine - 72.8
Yale University School of Medicine - 73.4
Columbia University College of P & S - 73.7
Harvard Medical School - 73.7
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - 74.1
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MD last chance to improve application?
I have good stats but comparatively weak extracurriculars, and will be applying next June (and will be working full time in a demanding job until then). Just wondering what can I do to improve my application the most until then? More research (actually unlikely considering I'd be doing stuff on the weekends)? More clinical? More leadership? Which is most important? Would also appreciate school suggestions, especially in the target/safety range.
Science major at top 10 school.
GPA: 3.9 sGPA: 3.9
MCAT: will take shortly---scoring 33-34 on practice exams, so expecting something around there.
Extracurriculars:
Varsity athlete, theater, and music (active participant, no leadership roles). Upon graduation have continued competing at a club level and continued performing with a local theater group. Will likely stop once full time job starts.
worked as a class leader for science classes (kind of a glorified tutor. One professor I worked with loved me and said so to my boss. Another hated me and also said so. So I have noo idea what a letter from my boss would look like lol.)
Research:
Participated in 2 different research programs for two summers, after my freshman year and sophomore years. Currently writing up research from second summer to submit for publication. First summer's research project did not work, and honestly do not think PI remembers who I am should I ask for a letter of rec (which I believe I have to). I did well there and was asked back for a second summer but declined for logistical reasons (did not want to move, was lonely the first summer, did not want to live alone in the middle of nowhere again, and was asked to participate in a research program in my current city---so no moving)
Did not write an honors thesis at my school
Clinical/ volunteering:
~80 hours of clinical volunteering. 40 each at two different hospitals. Did average volunteer stuff like get patients water and food, chat with patients, flip beds, warm blankets, etc.
~60 hours (3 hours/ week for one year) tutoring middle schoolers
Current schools in mind include:
Columbia, UChicago, UPenn, WashU St. Louis, and UCSF as reaches
Boston U, NYU, and my state schools as targets
Einstein as a safety. Need more!
I kind of consider my state schools as safeties, but actually know people with stats like mine that were rejected so who knows.
Science major at top 10 school.
GPA: 3.9 sGPA: 3.9
MCAT: will take shortly---scoring 33-34 on practice exams, so expecting something around there.
Extracurriculars:
Varsity athlete, theater, and music (active participant, no leadership roles). Upon graduation have continued competing at a club level and continued performing with a local theater group. Will likely stop once full time job starts.
worked as a class leader for science classes (kind of a glorified tutor. One professor I worked with loved me and said so to my boss. Another hated me and also said so. So I have noo idea what a letter from my boss would look like lol.)
Research:
Participated in 2 different research programs for two summers, after my freshman year and sophomore years. Currently writing up research from second summer to submit for publication. First summer's research project did not work, and honestly do not think PI remembers who I am should I ask for a letter of rec (which I believe I have to). I did well there and was asked back for a second summer but declined for logistical reasons (did not want to move, was lonely the first summer, did not want to live alone in the middle of nowhere again, and was asked to participate in a research program in my current city---so no moving)
Did not write an honors thesis at my school
Clinical/ volunteering:
~80 hours of clinical volunteering. 40 each at two different hospitals. Did average volunteer stuff like get patients water and food, chat with patients, flip beds, warm blankets, etc.
~60 hours (3 hours/ week for one year) tutoring middle schoolers
Current schools in mind include:
Columbia, UChicago, UPenn, WashU St. Louis, and UCSF as reaches
Boston U, NYU, and my state schools as targets
Einstein as a safety. Need more!
I kind of consider my state schools as safeties, but actually know people with stats like mine that were rejected so who knows.
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MD MN Resident 37P 3.91 Reapplicant School List
Hey Guys,
MN resident here who had a bad application cycle last year (applied top heavy, only one waitlist at state school). As stated in the title, I have above average stats for most schools, and 3 years research with pubs, 2 years hospice volunteering, and a little shadowing. Here's my list for applying this cycle:
U MN TC
U Wisconsin, Madison
Mayo
Medical College of Wisc
U Mich
Chicago-Pritzker
Maybe Wash-U
I know this list is very top heavy so far. Can anyone recommend some midwest schools that are relatively easier to get into than the ones above (and OOS friendly) and aren't ridiculously expensive for OOS? Thanks a lot.
MN resident here who had a bad application cycle last year (applied top heavy, only one waitlist at state school). As stated in the title, I have above average stats for most schools, and 3 years research with pubs, 2 years hospice volunteering, and a little shadowing. Here's my list for applying this cycle:
U MN TC
U Wisconsin, Madison
Mayo
Medical College of Wisc
U Mich
Chicago-Pritzker
Maybe Wash-U
I know this list is very top heavy so far. Can anyone recommend some midwest schools that are relatively easier to get into than the ones above (and OOS friendly) and aren't ridiculously expensive for OOS? Thanks a lot.
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MD 3.78, 32 - Help w/ School List
MI Resident
3.78 cGPA
3.7 sGPA
32Q (10/9/13)
- 3 years research (3 posters)
- 2 summers clinical volunteering (~100 hrs by the end of this summer)
- 30 hours shadowing a family practitioner
- Employed as a tech/network consultant part time
Central Michigan
Western Michigan
Michigan State - CHM
Oakland
Wayne State
Drexel
Rush
VCU* (OOS Public)
Temple (super expensive)
Albany
NYMC
Vermont* (smaller class size, OOS public))
Toledo
Penn State
MCW
Creighton
Jefferson* (Not sure if I have the right LoRs for it - they need a physics and chem one too)
Rosalind Franklin
Loyola
St.Louis
Tufts
Rochester* (Smaller class size)
Cincinnati* (Public OOS)
Case Western* (Stats are a bit low)
Ohio State* (Stats are a bit low, OOS public)
Pittsburgh
I'd like to cut this list to around 20. A few more is fine but that's my ideal range. I've pointed out some of the ones that i'm uncomfortable with but I figure you guys know a bit more about if there's any red flags to particular schools, or a poor match of my app and the school.
3.78 cGPA
3.7 sGPA
32Q (10/9/13)
- 3 years research (3 posters)
- 2 summers clinical volunteering (~100 hrs by the end of this summer)
- 30 hours shadowing a family practitioner
- Employed as a tech/network consultant part time
Central Michigan
Western Michigan
Michigan State - CHM
Oakland
Wayne State
Drexel
Rush
VCU* (OOS Public)
Temple (super expensive)
Albany
NYMC
Vermont* (smaller class size, OOS public))
Toledo
Penn State
MCW
Creighton
Jefferson* (Not sure if I have the right LoRs for it - they need a physics and chem one too)
Rosalind Franklin
Loyola
St.Louis
Tufts
Rochester* (Smaller class size)
Cincinnati* (Public OOS)
Case Western* (Stats are a bit low)
Ohio State* (Stats are a bit low, OOS public)
Pittsburgh
I'd like to cut this list to around 20. A few more is fine but that's my ideal range. I've pointed out some of the ones that i'm uncomfortable with but I figure you guys know a bit more about if there's any red flags to particular schools, or a poor match of my app and the school.
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MD Help with School List? 3.87 sGPA/3.85 cGPA 35 MCAT
As title said:
3.87 science GPA, 3.85 cum. GPA
35 MCAT
Bioengineering major (ABET accredited)
800 hours+ / 2 years unpaid intern doing clinical trials on veterans at local VA hospital
100+ hours paid intern doing clinical trials on active duty marines, a multimillion dollar study
300+ hours as a CCE (basically unpaid CNA), direct patient care + interaction
300+ unpaid tutor for ochem/other sciences
Notetaker for Office of Students w/ Disabilities
paid Grader/Proctor for ochem
Applying straight (I'm a 3rd year atm). CA resident as well. I know my MCAT is a bit low for the top schools. So far I have:
Stanford
Harvard
University of Pittsburgh
John Hopkins
UCSD
UCLA
UCI
UCD
UCR
UCSF
Drexel
University of Arizona-Tuscon
Temple
BU
Jefferson
Tulane
Loyola Marymount
Rush
I really want to go to one of the UCs (obvious), but I'm having trouble picking more safety-ish schools (though no school is a safety school)
3.87 science GPA, 3.85 cum. GPA
35 MCAT
Bioengineering major (ABET accredited)
800 hours+ / 2 years unpaid intern doing clinical trials on veterans at local VA hospital
100+ hours paid intern doing clinical trials on active duty marines, a multimillion dollar study
300+ hours as a CCE (basically unpaid CNA), direct patient care + interaction
300+ unpaid tutor for ochem/other sciences
Notetaker for Office of Students w/ Disabilities
paid Grader/Proctor for ochem
Applying straight (I'm a 3rd year atm). CA resident as well. I know my MCAT is a bit low for the top schools. So far I have:
Stanford
Harvard
University of Pittsburgh
John Hopkins
UCSD
UCLA
UCI
UCD
UCR
UCSF
Drexel
University of Arizona-Tuscon
Temple
BU
Jefferson
Tulane
Loyola Marymount
Rush
I really want to go to one of the UCs (obvious), but I'm having trouble picking more safety-ish schools (though no school is a safety school)
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MD Master Degree prior to Med School?
Hello everyone,
I started working on my med school applications and while working on them I started to doubt whether or not I was able to get into a good school (I'm from Chicago and I'm planning to apply to UIC, Rush and NW), I am starting to get frustrated and I haven't even taken my MCAT.
So I want to share my story and my future plans with you guys; any suggestion/feedback will be greatly appreciated.
First, allow me to begin with what I have accomplished until now.
I took most of my pre-med classes at a community college few months after coming to the US. (My story is a bit strange and unique; I was born in Chicago, but at the age of 1, my family moved to Peru where I grew up and finished high school so English is not my native language). In 2009, I moved back to the US (all by myself) I had to attend a community college because a university level class would have probably destroyed my GPA, and also, I couldnt afford a 4year institution back then. Fortunately, I did pretty well at the c. college and transfered to UIC with a 3.82 gpa (getting only a B in bio2, and a C on calculus 3 out of 80 credits). At UIC, I took many science classes ( as I am majoring in Biochem) including genetics, cell bio, calculus based physics, and analytical chem. Here at UIC my gpa is of 4.0( with 30 credits). I have 2 and a summer semester to go and thus are planning to study for the mcat and take it in August. (Yes I know, it's a bit late).
As I mentioned earlier, English is not my first language and thus I decided to postpone my mcat (initally from Jun 20th) to early August because I wasn't scoring high on the verbal reasoning section. (I don't know what is it about me but I never liked those! Not even in Spanish). So that's one thing. Secondly, although I have over 60 hours of volunteering experience( at NW hospital), over 400 hours of research experience, and over 500 hours of tutoring exp, I don't have clinical shadowing experience, which makes me think that this will negatively affect my application.
Regarding reference letters, I will have 3 instructors from UIC (2 bio and 1 physics) and also my research supervisor (who happened to be the instructor of the biochemistry class at UIC college of medicine and a very important guy in the cancer research field) write me recommendation letters. They keep telling how gifted, smart and passioned I am about science and medicine and about learning, that it sometimes makes me blush, but I don't think those kind words will mean anything if the med school admission committees decide to reject me.
I always had this dream of becoming a neurologist. At the age of 14, I became very passionate with prions proteins. So much that by now I have read about 4 books on prion diseases, and know more about the molecular mechanism, the diagnosis and medical aspects of the disease than the average undergrad student. I am in love with the human brain and I want to learn how to heal it. All these emotions and dreams of becoming a doctor that once shinned like the mighty phoenix are staring to extinguish as I face reality.
I can't seem to score above 6 or 7 on VR (I am scoring ~10-12 on the other 2), and I believe that will be the doom of my application. I understand that I need to be confident and trust myself but it is also true that everyone needs a plan B. So here is my plan B if I don't get accepted into any med school for the 2014 year.
I decided that if I dont get accepted, I will get a masters degree in anatomy and cell biology. I really dont mind getting a master degree, I love the idea of learning more and it excites me to think about it. I believe there are some pros and cons about this:
PROS:
I will have extra time to improve my VR skills.
I will also sharpen my biological and physical science skills.
Having a master sounds cool :) (jk)
It will give me time to do clinical shadowing.
CONS:
I will be 23 by then (is this really a problem?)
I will be in so much debt by then, even before getting into med school ( ALERT: BIGGEST CONCERN) I dont want to finish my masters and then get to med school and not get any loans cause I already took them while attending graduate school.
If i don't get accepted and decide to just work on my next mcat and thus next application. I will have to start paying my student loans.
so yeah, this is my plan B, now I want to hear from you guys; any comment will be appreciated. What do you guys think? I am being such a scary cat? I am being too pessimistic? or is it a good idea to think ahead? would a M.S be the solution? Thanks for taking your time and reading this I hope you all have a great day.
Gian.
I started working on my med school applications and while working on them I started to doubt whether or not I was able to get into a good school (I'm from Chicago and I'm planning to apply to UIC, Rush and NW), I am starting to get frustrated and I haven't even taken my MCAT.
So I want to share my story and my future plans with you guys; any suggestion/feedback will be greatly appreciated.
First, allow me to begin with what I have accomplished until now.
I took most of my pre-med classes at a community college few months after coming to the US. (My story is a bit strange and unique; I was born in Chicago, but at the age of 1, my family moved to Peru where I grew up and finished high school so English is not my native language). In 2009, I moved back to the US (all by myself) I had to attend a community college because a university level class would have probably destroyed my GPA, and also, I couldnt afford a 4year institution back then. Fortunately, I did pretty well at the c. college and transfered to UIC with a 3.82 gpa (getting only a B in bio2, and a C on calculus 3 out of 80 credits). At UIC, I took many science classes ( as I am majoring in Biochem) including genetics, cell bio, calculus based physics, and analytical chem. Here at UIC my gpa is of 4.0( with 30 credits). I have 2 and a summer semester to go and thus are planning to study for the mcat and take it in August. (Yes I know, it's a bit late).
As I mentioned earlier, English is not my first language and thus I decided to postpone my mcat (initally from Jun 20th) to early August because I wasn't scoring high on the verbal reasoning section. (I don't know what is it about me but I never liked those! Not even in Spanish). So that's one thing. Secondly, although I have over 60 hours of volunteering experience( at NW hospital), over 400 hours of research experience, and over 500 hours of tutoring exp, I don't have clinical shadowing experience, which makes me think that this will negatively affect my application.
Regarding reference letters, I will have 3 instructors from UIC (2 bio and 1 physics) and also my research supervisor (who happened to be the instructor of the biochemistry class at UIC college of medicine and a very important guy in the cancer research field) write me recommendation letters. They keep telling how gifted, smart and passioned I am about science and medicine and about learning, that it sometimes makes me blush, but I don't think those kind words will mean anything if the med school admission committees decide to reject me.
I always had this dream of becoming a neurologist. At the age of 14, I became very passionate with prions proteins. So much that by now I have read about 4 books on prion diseases, and know more about the molecular mechanism, the diagnosis and medical aspects of the disease than the average undergrad student. I am in love with the human brain and I want to learn how to heal it. All these emotions and dreams of becoming a doctor that once shinned like the mighty phoenix are staring to extinguish as I face reality.
I can't seem to score above 6 or 7 on VR (I am scoring ~10-12 on the other 2), and I believe that will be the doom of my application. I understand that I need to be confident and trust myself but it is also true that everyone needs a plan B. So here is my plan B if I don't get accepted into any med school for the 2014 year.
I decided that if I dont get accepted, I will get a masters degree in anatomy and cell biology. I really dont mind getting a master degree, I love the idea of learning more and it excites me to think about it. I believe there are some pros and cons about this:
PROS:
I will have extra time to improve my VR skills.
I will also sharpen my biological and physical science skills.
Having a master sounds cool :) (jk)
It will give me time to do clinical shadowing.
CONS:
I will be 23 by then (is this really a problem?)
I will be in so much debt by then, even before getting into med school ( ALERT: BIGGEST CONCERN) I dont want to finish my masters and then get to med school and not get any loans cause I already took them while attending graduate school.
If i don't get accepted and decide to just work on my next mcat and thus next application. I will have to start paying my student loans.
so yeah, this is my plan B, now I want to hear from you guys; any comment will be appreciated. What do you guys think? I am being such a scary cat? I am being too pessimistic? or is it a good idea to think ahead? would a M.S be the solution? Thanks for taking your time and reading this I hope you all have a great day.
Gian.
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MD & DO Do I have a chance?
I I figured I should post this thread now, whilst I am entering my 4th year at my University (Montclair State University) and explain my current situation with you all, to get some valuable feedback.
Every time I tell someone I want to go to Medical School, they look at me puzzled, probably because of this;
I have two majors and one minor; Psychology and Justice Studies (Criminal Justice) are my majors, and Biology is my minor. Before I go on even more, my justice studies academic career mainly focused on theoretical issues in justice studies, and criminology (basically trying to get into the minds of criminals. My focus in Biology is fundamental biology for my school, which focuses on Physiology, Immunology, etc., things to help me in medical school. But of course it covers the basic Micro bio, etc. Schools I would most likely apply to are within my state (not a lot in NJ though unfortunately).
This past year I recently decided to take up Biology, and a pre-med track at my school, which forced me to decide to stay in school for another year (a 5th year) to complete these 3 degrees I hope to get.
Overall GPA: 3.1 :\ (this I am hoping will rise by the end of my 5th year, I have to retake 2 classes which I unfortunately got a D+ in both, because of personal life issues at the time, and at my school it will replace my GPA).
Science GPA: 3.85
I doubt my Justice Studies GPA would count, but it also is a 3.8. Also, I have yet to take the MCATs, I am waiting on taking my Organic Chemistry classes so I don't bomb the MCATs and lower my chances even more, especially with my not so good overall GPA.
In terms of extra curricular activities, I have worked part-time for basically all of college, Modell's Sporting Goods and now Barnes & Noble (tends to get a lot of praise lol). I am also certified in CPR as well as AED. Not sure how much weight it holds in my application.
Also during the beginning of my Junior year (3/5th year for me) I did research with a close theoretical professor of mine, however it was in the subject of Justice Studies, so I don't think that will help me too much. I am hoping to find possible research with another professor of Biology, but as of now I have nothing to report (any advice would be much appreciated by the way about this). In terms of shadowing, I am in the middle of searching for someone to shadow, hopefully in a few specialties of my interest. Do you think I should email specialists in my area?
One last thing is, I am an active member of a National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Sigma Pi. I would hope this helps me look a tad bit more impressive on my application.
All in all, I thank you for reading this far. I would appreciate all constructive criticism, really. I thought I should add as a final note, I am a very passionate person, especially when it comes to things/subjects I love. I love the brain, I really do. Psychiatry is obviously an option for me because of my academic history, but Neurology is a top choice as well, and I know I have time to choose a specialty. I do very well when it comes to interviews and I can surely impress people with what I have to say, especially if I can rehearse. I am a great public speaker, and I even wow'd my first Physiology professor when I wrote my paper and did my presentation on the Anatomy and basic functions of the Brain and a disease called anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. This class was actually the breakthrough point that made me decide I want to go for it.
Thanks! :) If I left anything out that you would like to know, please feel free to ask.
Every time I tell someone I want to go to Medical School, they look at me puzzled, probably because of this;
I have two majors and one minor; Psychology and Justice Studies (Criminal Justice) are my majors, and Biology is my minor. Before I go on even more, my justice studies academic career mainly focused on theoretical issues in justice studies, and criminology (basically trying to get into the minds of criminals. My focus in Biology is fundamental biology for my school, which focuses on Physiology, Immunology, etc., things to help me in medical school. But of course it covers the basic Micro bio, etc. Schools I would most likely apply to are within my state (not a lot in NJ though unfortunately).
This past year I recently decided to take up Biology, and a pre-med track at my school, which forced me to decide to stay in school for another year (a 5th year) to complete these 3 degrees I hope to get.
Overall GPA: 3.1 :\ (this I am hoping will rise by the end of my 5th year, I have to retake 2 classes which I unfortunately got a D+ in both, because of personal life issues at the time, and at my school it will replace my GPA).
Science GPA: 3.85
I doubt my Justice Studies GPA would count, but it also is a 3.8. Also, I have yet to take the MCATs, I am waiting on taking my Organic Chemistry classes so I don't bomb the MCATs and lower my chances even more, especially with my not so good overall GPA.
In terms of extra curricular activities, I have worked part-time for basically all of college, Modell's Sporting Goods and now Barnes & Noble (tends to get a lot of praise lol). I am also certified in CPR as well as AED. Not sure how much weight it holds in my application.
Also during the beginning of my Junior year (3/5th year for me) I did research with a close theoretical professor of mine, however it was in the subject of Justice Studies, so I don't think that will help me too much. I am hoping to find possible research with another professor of Biology, but as of now I have nothing to report (any advice would be much appreciated by the way about this). In terms of shadowing, I am in the middle of searching for someone to shadow, hopefully in a few specialties of my interest. Do you think I should email specialists in my area?
One last thing is, I am an active member of a National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Sigma Pi. I would hope this helps me look a tad bit more impressive on my application.
All in all, I thank you for reading this far. I would appreciate all constructive criticism, really. I thought I should add as a final note, I am a very passionate person, especially when it comes to things/subjects I love. I love the brain, I really do. Psychiatry is obviously an option for me because of my academic history, but Neurology is a top choice as well, and I know I have time to choose a specialty. I do very well when it comes to interviews and I can surely impress people with what I have to say, especially if I can rehearse. I am a great public speaker, and I even wow'd my first Physiology professor when I wrote my paper and did my presentation on the Anatomy and basic functions of the Brain and a disease called anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. This class was actually the breakthrough point that made me decide I want to go for it.
Thanks! :) If I left anything out that you would like to know, please feel free to ask.
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MD & DO Deciding between medicine related fields
I am an undergrad pre-medical student starting my junior year, also pursuing a minor in economics. I have done reasonably well in most of my undergrad science courses, but I am starting to debate my chosen path. I hope to apply to a PA program when I graduate. I have also been lead to debate other options--after taking microbio over this past semester, I have been very attracted to medical microbiology and related fields. Micro was really my epiphany that the fields isn't just all direct patient care.
My academic situation consists of a cumulative 3.49 overall, however my science GPA is in the 3.2ish range due to o-chem.:bang: I withdrew from Organic 1 this semester and will be taking it again next cycle with more preparation and reduced extra-curricular commitments and hours at my work-study job. I've recently taken a yearlong hiatus from the collegiate marching band to focus on academics. I have recently been accepted into my school's biology honors program, a 2-year major program in addition to my classes that is an introduction to the research process.
Anyway, I am starting to question whether applying to PA school would be the right option for me. I had been putting in 80 to 90 hour weeks this past semester, but I am more than comfortable with doing that, since I really do love what I do and have a passion for science and healthcare. My concern is that I do not want to be "tied" to my current job to the point that I can't pursue anything else with my life. Knowing that PA's routinely work in excess of 80 hrs/week and that their work schedule and responsibilities are completely dependent on the physician that employs them, I'm starting to wonder if I would have the flexibility to ask my employer for a weeklong vacation with my family, for instance. Although I understand that there is a certain degree of commitment to the practice, I am concerned that as a PA, my time will never be my own unless I have my own practice as an MD, and I do not intend to apply to medical school. Anyone that has been in this situation that can offer advice would be greatly appreciated.
My academic situation consists of a cumulative 3.49 overall, however my science GPA is in the 3.2ish range due to o-chem.:bang: I withdrew from Organic 1 this semester and will be taking it again next cycle with more preparation and reduced extra-curricular commitments and hours at my work-study job. I've recently taken a yearlong hiatus from the collegiate marching band to focus on academics. I have recently been accepted into my school's biology honors program, a 2-year major program in addition to my classes that is an introduction to the research process.
Anyway, I am starting to question whether applying to PA school would be the right option for me. I had been putting in 80 to 90 hour weeks this past semester, but I am more than comfortable with doing that, since I really do love what I do and have a passion for science and healthcare. My concern is that I do not want to be "tied" to my current job to the point that I can't pursue anything else with my life. Knowing that PA's routinely work in excess of 80 hrs/week and that their work schedule and responsibilities are completely dependent on the physician that employs them, I'm starting to wonder if I would have the flexibility to ask my employer for a weeklong vacation with my family, for instance. Although I understand that there is a certain degree of commitment to the practice, I am concerned that as a PA, my time will never be my own unless I have my own practice as an MD, and I do not intend to apply to medical school. Anyone that has been in this situation that can offer advice would be greatly appreciated.
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↧
MD 3.7 cGPA, 3.6 sGPA, 36Q MCAT, CA Resident - School List
Hi All,
I am a reapplicant, having first applied following junior year of college, but received no interviews. I was encouraged to build my clinical experience and set out to do just that. Since then, I have retaken the MCAT, served a year with AmeriCorps and landed a job in clinical research. Most of my activities were not listed on my first application. I'm looking for input on my school list and any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
STATS
State of Residence: CA
cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.6
MCAT (current): 36Q (12 PS | 11 VR | 13BS | Q)
MCAT (expired within last 5 years): 29Q (8 PS | 11 VR | 10 BS | Q)
Major: Science
School: Ivy
Research
2000 hours employed full-time at a medical school, responsible for all non-treatment aspects of more than 10 clinical trials, from planning to data analysis
180 hours completing 1 first author abstract/poster with presentation at a major medical conference
20 hours contributing to additional contributing author publications in final stages of review, published by end of year
10 clinical trial contributing author publications expected in the next 2 years from ongoing projects
400 hours completing an undergraduate honors thesis with oral presentation at honors symposium
Clinical and Community Service
2000 hours/1 year full-time non-clinical AmeriCorps State/National in an underserved community with a position of significant leadership - independently ran an entire non-profit program including funding, recruitment, record-keeping, training, interfacing with city government, etc.
1000 hours in clinical patient care as clinical research coordinator
50 hours hospice volunteer with direct patient contact
30 hours hospital volunteer with direct patient contact
20 hours tutoring at-risk teens in major metropolitan area
Shadowing
1000 hours of a total 2000 hours in employment as a clinical research coordinator have been spent explicitly shadowing several physicians in 3 specialties
50 hours general surgery
8 hours orthopedic surgery
5 hours family practice
8 hours neurosurgery
ECs
2 years college honor society in a position of leadership
4 months participation in NCAA Division 1 walk-on try-outs - not selected, but made significant contribution to lifelong fitness habits
85 hours various other clubs consisting of meetings/medically-related seminars attended
Other
1 semester teaching assistant for pre-med biochemistry
Nationally registered EMT, but no experience
Many hobbies of considerable commitment including music, microscopy, cooking, electronics
School List
UC Davis
UC Irvine
Geffen UCLA
Keck USC
UCSF
Stanford
U Michigan
U Minnesota
Mayo
U Penn
U Wisconsin
U Colorado
Harvard
Drexel
Boston
Kansas
I am a reapplicant, having first applied following junior year of college, but received no interviews. I was encouraged to build my clinical experience and set out to do just that. Since then, I have retaken the MCAT, served a year with AmeriCorps and landed a job in clinical research. Most of my activities were not listed on my first application. I'm looking for input on my school list and any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
STATS
State of Residence: CA
cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.6
MCAT (current): 36Q (12 PS | 11 VR | 13BS | Q)
MCAT (expired within last 5 years): 29Q (8 PS | 11 VR | 10 BS | Q)
Major: Science
School: Ivy
Research
2000 hours employed full-time at a medical school, responsible for all non-treatment aspects of more than 10 clinical trials, from planning to data analysis
180 hours completing 1 first author abstract/poster with presentation at a major medical conference
20 hours contributing to additional contributing author publications in final stages of review, published by end of year
10 clinical trial contributing author publications expected in the next 2 years from ongoing projects
400 hours completing an undergraduate honors thesis with oral presentation at honors symposium
Clinical and Community Service
2000 hours/1 year full-time non-clinical AmeriCorps State/National in an underserved community with a position of significant leadership - independently ran an entire non-profit program including funding, recruitment, record-keeping, training, interfacing with city government, etc.
1000 hours in clinical patient care as clinical research coordinator
50 hours hospice volunteer with direct patient contact
30 hours hospital volunteer with direct patient contact
20 hours tutoring at-risk teens in major metropolitan area
Shadowing
1000 hours of a total 2000 hours in employment as a clinical research coordinator have been spent explicitly shadowing several physicians in 3 specialties
50 hours general surgery
8 hours orthopedic surgery
5 hours family practice
8 hours neurosurgery
ECs
2 years college honor society in a position of leadership
4 months participation in NCAA Division 1 walk-on try-outs - not selected, but made significant contribution to lifelong fitness habits
85 hours various other clubs consisting of meetings/medically-related seminars attended
Other
1 semester teaching assistant for pre-med biochemistry
Nationally registered EMT, but no experience
Many hobbies of considerable commitment including music, microscopy, cooking, electronics
School List
UC Davis
UC Irvine
Geffen UCLA
Keck USC
UCSF
Stanford
U Michigan
U Minnesota
Mayo
U Penn
U Wisconsin
U Colorado
Harvard
Drexel
Boston
Kansas
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MD & DO Applying broadly after a sad result from last year
Hey, guys. First post. I want to know what y'all think of my chances this year. A bit of a back-story:
I applied last year to 8 MD programs. I'm a MN resident, and I got an interview at UoM-TC. Obviously I didn't get invited to matriculate.
My stats:
3.9 science GPA,
3.86 non-science.
36P MCAT.
I have a huge amount of volunteer experience (awards, too), was an EMT, phlebotomist, and shadowed for countless hours.
I just graduated from Michigan State in May.
This year, I'm applying to 9 DO programs and ~12 MD schools. I'm still deliberating on some of the MDs.
What do you guys think of my chances? I was confident I was going to get in last year, but I only got the one interview. I figure if the chances are equal this year, I'll probably get 2-3 interviews. Hopefully 1 acceptance? Are re-applicant chances significantly worse? I feel like not much has changed about my application this year, so I'm a bit anxious.
Thanks!
Rik
I applied last year to 8 MD programs. I'm a MN resident, and I got an interview at UoM-TC. Obviously I didn't get invited to matriculate.
My stats:
3.9 science GPA,
3.86 non-science.
36P MCAT.
I have a huge amount of volunteer experience (awards, too), was an EMT, phlebotomist, and shadowed for countless hours.
I just graduated from Michigan State in May.
This year, I'm applying to 9 DO programs and ~12 MD schools. I'm still deliberating on some of the MDs.
What do you guys think of my chances? I was confident I was going to get in last year, but I only got the one interview. I figure if the chances are equal this year, I'll probably get 2-3 interviews. Hopefully 1 acceptance? Are re-applicant chances significantly worse? I feel like not much has changed about my application this year, so I'm a bit anxious.
Thanks!
Rik
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MD My chance
See
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MD NY resident. 3.42 cGPA, 3.42 sGPA, 35 MCAT
I applied this past cycle (2012-2013) to about 30 MD schools. No interviews, no acceptances. Most of these schools were way too competitive and I was naive to apply to them.
I applied with a 3.4 cGPA and 3.3 postbacc GPA and 30 MCAT. My MCAT breakdown was:
PS: 8
BS: 10
VR: 12
ECs:
1. 1 year Research Associate in Emergency Room
2. 2 months international volunteering (in several hospital somewhere in asia)
3. 100+ hours of physician shadowing
4. A pretty cool hobby that I'm pretty accomplished in.
5. Various community service.
Seeing the writing on the wall in late 2012, I improved my application in the following ways:
1. Took an additional course and brought my postbacc GPA to 3.42
2. Improved my MCAT to a 35 with the breakdown:
PS: 10
BS: 12
VR: 13
3. Completed an 80-hour Wilderness First Responder course
4. Completed 50+ hours volunteering on an ICU
5. Volunteered in a human performance lab for 2 months
6. Started doing community service guiding a handcyclist in races.
7. Continued working part-time as a personal trainer.
I'll be applying broadly to 25+ schools, all the usual suspects. Possibly applying to a few DO schools as well.
Well. What do you guys think?
I applied with a 3.4 cGPA and 3.3 postbacc GPA and 30 MCAT. My MCAT breakdown was:
PS: 8
BS: 10
VR: 12
ECs:
1. 1 year Research Associate in Emergency Room
2. 2 months international volunteering (in several hospital somewhere in asia)
3. 100+ hours of physician shadowing
4. A pretty cool hobby that I'm pretty accomplished in.
5. Various community service.
Seeing the writing on the wall in late 2012, I improved my application in the following ways:
1. Took an additional course and brought my postbacc GPA to 3.42
2. Improved my MCAT to a 35 with the breakdown:
PS: 10
BS: 12
VR: 13
3. Completed an 80-hour Wilderness First Responder course
4. Completed 50+ hours volunteering on an ICU
5. Volunteered in a human performance lab for 2 months
6. Started doing community service guiding a handcyclist in races.
7. Continued working part-time as a personal trainer.
I'll be applying broadly to 25+ schools, all the usual suspects. Possibly applying to a few DO schools as well.
Well. What do you guys think?
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↧
DO Will I get any love?
Here are the #'s:
cGPA: 3.56
sGPA: 3.33
MCAT: 7(PS), 9(VR), 8(BS)
Letters: Committee letter, Two DO letters (from shadowing experience)
Volunteer work: all clinical ~200 hr.
Shadowing ( 3 docs; various specialties): ~100 hr.
Lots of research; posters, presentations, etc.
Clinical Internship
Behavioral health work experience
Various other less important things
(Not underrepresented or disadvantaged)
Applying very early, and to ~15 DO schools.
Will anyone want me?
cGPA: 3.56
sGPA: 3.33
MCAT: 7(PS), 9(VR), 8(BS)
Letters: Committee letter, Two DO letters (from shadowing experience)
Volunteer work: all clinical ~200 hr.
Shadowing ( 3 docs; various specialties): ~100 hr.
Lots of research; posters, presentations, etc.
Clinical Internship
Behavioral health work experience
Various other less important things
(Not underrepresented or disadvantaged)
Applying very early, and to ~15 DO schools.
Will anyone want me?
↧
DO Applying but retaking MCAT in July, HELP!!
Hey all!
I have tried looking many places for some advice on my situation and I'm wondering if there are any others in my shoes!
I have taken the MCAT already but my score is on the far low end of acceptance. I have a retake scheduled for end of July but want to apply EARLY EARLY EARLY!!
My question is, should I submit my application with my old score (you can also put on the primary app. if you have an MCAT in process) and risk quick rejection based on old score? Or will they take into account that I am scheduled to retake in July??
Any advice!!??
Thanks!
I have tried looking many places for some advice on my situation and I'm wondering if there are any others in my shoes!
I have taken the MCAT already but my score is on the far low end of acceptance. I have a retake scheduled for end of July but want to apply EARLY EARLY EARLY!!
My question is, should I submit my application with my old score (you can also put on the primary app. if you have an MCAT in process) and risk quick rejection based on old score? Or will they take into account that I am scheduled to retake in July??
Any advice!!??
Thanks!
↧
MD & DO 3.56 cGPA/3.39 sGPA, 33 MCAT
Hey everyone! Im planning on submitting my AMCAS on June 4th and was wondering if you could comment on my chances and school list.
White, Male, Utah Resident, Biochemistry Major, Math Minor
MCAT-33-12PS/10VR/11BS
AMCAS GPA- 3.56cGPA/3.39sGPA
TMDSAS GPA- 3.58cGPA/3.43sGPA
AACOMAS GPA- 3.58cGPA/3.36sGPA
2.5 years in biochemistry lab. Oral presentations at Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research and University Student Research Conference. My work is in the process of being patented into a diagnostic test for a pregnancy-related disease.
1.5 years in a chemical engineering research lab. Poster presentation at National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
175 hours as emergency department volunteer.
72 shadowing hours (Pediatrician, Plastic Surgeon, Dermatologist, Family Medicine [D.O.]).
25 hours volunteering at local food bank.
2 year proselyting church mission in Germany.
Research chair of school premed club.
High school math and science tutor.
Hobbies: Soccer, Trombone, Running, and a triathlon.
School List:
Boston University
Case Western
Cincinnati
Creighton
Dartmouth
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
George Washington
Georgetown
Hofstra
Jefferson
Loyola
Medical College of Wisconsin
New York Medical College
Ohio State
Penn State
St. Louis
Temple
The Commonwealth Medical College
Tufts University
Uniformed Services University
Utah
Virginia Commonwealth
Wake Forest
Texas A&M
Texas Tech-El Paso
Texas Tech-Lubbock
UT San Antonio
UT Medical Branch-Galveston
UT Houston
University of North Texas (D.O.)
Des Moines University (D.O.)
Midwestern-Arizona (D.O.)
Do you think I should add more DO schools or remove MD schools? I know I have some pretty extreme reach schools on my list. Thank you very much for taking the time to comment!
White, Male, Utah Resident, Biochemistry Major, Math Minor
MCAT-33-12PS/10VR/11BS
AMCAS GPA- 3.56cGPA/3.39sGPA
TMDSAS GPA- 3.58cGPA/3.43sGPA
AACOMAS GPA- 3.58cGPA/3.36sGPA
2.5 years in biochemistry lab. Oral presentations at Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research and University Student Research Conference. My work is in the process of being patented into a diagnostic test for a pregnancy-related disease.
1.5 years in a chemical engineering research lab. Poster presentation at National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
175 hours as emergency department volunteer.
72 shadowing hours (Pediatrician, Plastic Surgeon, Dermatologist, Family Medicine [D.O.]).
25 hours volunteering at local food bank.
2 year proselyting church mission in Germany.
Research chair of school premed club.
High school math and science tutor.
Hobbies: Soccer, Trombone, Running, and a triathlon.
School List:
Boston University
Case Western
Cincinnati
Creighton
Dartmouth
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
George Washington
Georgetown
Hofstra
Jefferson
Loyola
Medical College of Wisconsin
New York Medical College
Ohio State
Penn State
St. Louis
Temple
The Commonwealth Medical College
Tufts University
Uniformed Services University
Utah
Virginia Commonwealth
Wake Forest
Texas A&M
Texas Tech-El Paso
Texas Tech-Lubbock
UT San Antonio
UT Medical Branch-Galveston
UT Houston
University of North Texas (D.O.)
Des Moines University (D.O.)
Midwestern-Arizona (D.O.)
Do you think I should add more DO schools or remove MD schools? I know I have some pretty extreme reach schools on my list. Thank you very much for taking the time to comment!
↧
MD & DO Should I apply next year?
Just got my MCAT scores back and I'm pretty unsatisfied. 29 total - 9PS, 9VR, 11BS.
I'm actually really happy w/ my VR score but I think I can do better in PS and BS. I'm considering retaking it and applying next cycle instead but was wondering what my chances are this cycle and if it's worth waiting another year for a couple of points (assuming I do better)
Here are some stats about myself.
- 2012 UC Berkeley female graduate, science major and minor
- CA resident
- cGPA: 3.7
- sGPA: 3.59
- 1 year lab research
- Held many leadership roles in many campus orgs
- co-founded a high school mentorship program
- volunteered on 2 medical missions abroad
- currently working as a full-time ED medical scribe, w/ 6 months worth of clinical exposure as of currently
- 2 solid LOR from professors, 1 ehhh, and I think can get pretty solid LORs from the physicians I'm currently working with.
If I were to apply this cycle, I'm aiming to have everything submitted by 06/28 w/ a couple of LOR pending to be submitted afterwards.
I'm leaning more towards MD schools but DOs are definitely still on my hopeful list.
What do y'all think? Is it worth waiting a year?
I'm actually really happy w/ my VR score but I think I can do better in PS and BS. I'm considering retaking it and applying next cycle instead but was wondering what my chances are this cycle and if it's worth waiting another year for a couple of points (assuming I do better)
Here are some stats about myself.
- 2012 UC Berkeley female graduate, science major and minor
- CA resident
- cGPA: 3.7
- sGPA: 3.59
- 1 year lab research
- Held many leadership roles in many campus orgs
- co-founded a high school mentorship program
- volunteered on 2 medical missions abroad
- currently working as a full-time ED medical scribe, w/ 6 months worth of clinical exposure as of currently
- 2 solid LOR from professors, 1 ehhh, and I think can get pretty solid LORs from the physicians I'm currently working with.
If I were to apply this cycle, I'm aiming to have everything submitted by 06/28 w/ a couple of LOR pending to be submitted afterwards.
I'm leaning more towards MD schools but DOs are definitely still on my hopeful list.
What do y'all think? Is it worth waiting a year?
↧
↧
MD & DO PLEASE help!!!! Switching Career Paths!
Hello everyone, I'm going to try to keep this short.
I am from Canada, and I just finished my 2nd year at an Ivy league business school. The first two years have been a bit rough and I finished with a 3.0 GPA. I've also taken science courses as my electives and have a cumulative science gpa in these courses of 4.0/4.0. Throughout high school I've always been interested in science and have done well (95+ in all science courses) but because of personal reasons I didn't go through with it. Just these few months, i've applied to transfer into a science undergrad because my parents thought it was right for me to study something I really enjoy and I was accepted into the other universities. Right now I'm taking my science courses in biology and chemistry and midterm grades are released and I also have a 4.0 in both courses.
I know medical schools often don't look at what you majored in during your undergrad; at least that's what it's like with Canadian medical schools, I was wondering if that was the same with American medical schools?
Also, one of my biggest concerns is my 3.0 GPA in my first two years of BBA. I will be doing another 4-year science undergrad starting this fall, but I know a lot of schools look at your cGPA which means my first 2 years of BBA will also be counted is that correct? I'm really worried how this will affect my chances despite me trying my hardest to pull up my GPA the next few years and scoring highly on my mcat. If someone could give me some insight on this that would be very much appreciated!
Thank you so much in advance!
I am from Canada, and I just finished my 2nd year at an Ivy league business school. The first two years have been a bit rough and I finished with a 3.0 GPA. I've also taken science courses as my electives and have a cumulative science gpa in these courses of 4.0/4.0. Throughout high school I've always been interested in science and have done well (95+ in all science courses) but because of personal reasons I didn't go through with it. Just these few months, i've applied to transfer into a science undergrad because my parents thought it was right for me to study something I really enjoy and I was accepted into the other universities. Right now I'm taking my science courses in biology and chemistry and midterm grades are released and I also have a 4.0 in both courses.
I know medical schools often don't look at what you majored in during your undergrad; at least that's what it's like with Canadian medical schools, I was wondering if that was the same with American medical schools?
Also, one of my biggest concerns is my 3.0 GPA in my first two years of BBA. I will be doing another 4-year science undergrad starting this fall, but I know a lot of schools look at your cGPA which means my first 2 years of BBA will also be counted is that correct? I'm really worried how this will affect my chances despite me trying my hardest to pull up my GPA the next few years and scoring highly on my mcat. If someone could give me some insight on this that would be very much appreciated!
Thank you so much in advance!
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MD Need help with schools. 3.806 cgpa 38 MCAT
Hi everyone, here are my stats:
3.85 cGPA, 3.86 sGPA
38 MCAT (12 PS, 11 VR, 15 BS)
Non-URM
CA resident
Clinical Experiences:
-175 hours volunteering in the ER
-75 total shadowing hours (50 hours shadowing internist and 25 hours ER physician)
Research:
-1 year in lab learning molecular techniques but didn't actually get to do so much research. It was pretty much all the grit work so I left
-1.5 years (and continuing) in an immunoparasitology lab studying toxoplasma gondii and its interactions with the immune system. Got a $400 grant and presented at university symposium.
EC:
-Secretary of club that fundraisers money to set up clinical and surgical camps abroad. I have not gone on a trip yet but planning to this December. (2 years)
-External president of Secular Student Alliance: club for atheists, agnostics, skeptics, etc.; organized weekly meetings and participated in interfaith activities
-Intramural basketball for 2 years
-Assisted autistic kids participate in activities such as arts/crafts, sports and cultural activities
I need help selecting the correct schools for me to apply to. This is what I have so far:
Washington U
Yale
Northwestern
U of Chicago
Hopkins
Cornell
Baylor
U Mich
Mayo
Columbia
Mt. Sinai
Duke
Stanford
UCSF
UPenn
Vanderbuilt
UCI
UCSD
UCLA
USC
Darmouth
Einstein
Case Western (both university and college track)
UC Davis
UCR
St. Louis university
SUNY downstate
Stony Brook
Rosalind Franklin
U of Arizona
Tulane
Drexel
I know this is a lot of schools, so I was wondering what I can remove and what schools I can add. I don't mind applying to 30 schools.
Thanks!
3.85 cGPA, 3.86 sGPA
38 MCAT (12 PS, 11 VR, 15 BS)
Non-URM
CA resident
Clinical Experiences:
-175 hours volunteering in the ER
-75 total shadowing hours (50 hours shadowing internist and 25 hours ER physician)
Research:
-1 year in lab learning molecular techniques but didn't actually get to do so much research. It was pretty much all the grit work so I left
-1.5 years (and continuing) in an immunoparasitology lab studying toxoplasma gondii and its interactions with the immune system. Got a $400 grant and presented at university symposium.
EC:
-Secretary of club that fundraisers money to set up clinical and surgical camps abroad. I have not gone on a trip yet but planning to this December. (2 years)
-External president of Secular Student Alliance: club for atheists, agnostics, skeptics, etc.; organized weekly meetings and participated in interfaith activities
-Intramural basketball for 2 years
-Assisted autistic kids participate in activities such as arts/crafts, sports and cultural activities
I need help selecting the correct schools for me to apply to. This is what I have so far:
Washington U
Yale
Northwestern
U of Chicago
Hopkins
Cornell
Baylor
U Mich
Mayo
Columbia
Mt. Sinai
Duke
Stanford
UCSF
UPenn
Vanderbuilt
UCI
UCSD
UCLA
USC
Darmouth
Einstein
Case Western (both university and college track)
UC Davis
UCR
St. Louis university
SUNY downstate
Stony Brook
Rosalind Franklin
U of Arizona
Tulane
Drexel
I know this is a lot of schools, so I was wondering what I can remove and what schools I can add. I don't mind applying to 30 schools.
Thanks!
↧
MD 3.7cGPA, 3.6 sGPA, 36 MCAT, CA Resident - Reapplicant School List
Hi All,
I am a reapplicant, having first applied following junior year of college, but received no interviews. I was encouraged to build my clinical experience and set out to do just that. Since then, I have retaken the MCAT, served a year with AmeriCorps and landed a job in clinical research. Most of my activities were not listed on my first application. I'm looking for input on my school list and any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
STATS
State of Residence: CA
cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.6
MCAT (current): 36Q (12 PS | 11 VR | 13BS | Q)
MCAT (expired within last 5 years): 29Q (8 PS | 11 VR | 10 BS | Q)
Major: Science
School: Ivy
Research
2000 hours employed full-time at a medical school, responsible for all non-treatment aspects of more than 10 clinical trials, from planning to data analysis
180 hours completing 1 first author abstract/poster with presentation at a major medical conference
20 hours contributing to additional contributing author publications in final stages of review, published by end of year
10 clinical trial contributing author publications expected in the next 2 years from ongoing projects
400 hours completing an undergraduate honors thesis with oral presentation at honors symposium
Clinical and Community Service
2000 hours/1 year full-time non-clinical AmeriCorps State/National in an underserved community with a position of significant leadership - independently ran an entire non-profit program including funding, recruitment, record-keeping, training, interfacing with city government, etc.
1000 hours in clinical patient care as clinical research coordinator
50 hours hospice volunteer with direct patient contact
30 hours hospital volunteer with direct patient contact
20 hours tutoring at-risk teens in major metropolitan area
Shadowing
1000 hours of a total 2000 hours in employment as a clinical research coordinator have been spent explicitly shadowing several physicians in 3 specialties
50 hours general surgery
8 hours orthopedic surgery
5 hours family practice
8 hours neurosurgery
ECs
2 years college honor society in a position of leadership
4 months participation in NCAA Division 1 walk-on try-outs - not selected, but made significant contribution to lifelong fitness habits
85 hours various other clubs consisting of meetings/medically-related seminars attended
Other
1 semester teaching assistant for pre-med biochemistry
Nationally registered EMT, but no experience
Many hobbies of considerable commitment including music, microscopy, cooking, electronics
LoRs
5 Shining LoRs from each significant activity, committee letter
School List
UCLA Geffen
USC Keck
UCSF
UC Davis
Stanford
Mayo
UMN
Harvard
Kansas
Ohio State
U Penn
U of Wisconsin
U of Michigan
Michigan State University
Northwestern
Chicago Pritzker
I am a reapplicant, having first applied following junior year of college, but received no interviews. I was encouraged to build my clinical experience and set out to do just that. Since then, I have retaken the MCAT, served a year with AmeriCorps and landed a job in clinical research. Most of my activities were not listed on my first application. I'm looking for input on my school list and any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
STATS
State of Residence: CA
cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.6
MCAT (current): 36Q (12 PS | 11 VR | 13BS | Q)
MCAT (expired within last 5 years): 29Q (8 PS | 11 VR | 10 BS | Q)
Major: Science
School: Ivy
Research
2000 hours employed full-time at a medical school, responsible for all non-treatment aspects of more than 10 clinical trials, from planning to data analysis
180 hours completing 1 first author abstract/poster with presentation at a major medical conference
20 hours contributing to additional contributing author publications in final stages of review, published by end of year
10 clinical trial contributing author publications expected in the next 2 years from ongoing projects
400 hours completing an undergraduate honors thesis with oral presentation at honors symposium
Clinical and Community Service
2000 hours/1 year full-time non-clinical AmeriCorps State/National in an underserved community with a position of significant leadership - independently ran an entire non-profit program including funding, recruitment, record-keeping, training, interfacing with city government, etc.
1000 hours in clinical patient care as clinical research coordinator
50 hours hospice volunteer with direct patient contact
30 hours hospital volunteer with direct patient contact
20 hours tutoring at-risk teens in major metropolitan area
Shadowing
1000 hours of a total 2000 hours in employment as a clinical research coordinator have been spent explicitly shadowing several physicians in 3 specialties
50 hours general surgery
8 hours orthopedic surgery
5 hours family practice
8 hours neurosurgery
ECs
2 years college honor society in a position of leadership
4 months participation in NCAA Division 1 walk-on try-outs - not selected, but made significant contribution to lifelong fitness habits
85 hours various other clubs consisting of meetings/medically-related seminars attended
Other
1 semester teaching assistant for pre-med biochemistry
Nationally registered EMT, but no experience
Many hobbies of considerable commitment including music, microscopy, cooking, electronics
LoRs
5 Shining LoRs from each significant activity, committee letter
School List
UCLA Geffen
USC Keck
UCSF
UC Davis
Stanford
Mayo
UMN
Harvard
Kansas
Ohio State
U Penn
U of Wisconsin
U of Michigan
Michigan State University
Northwestern
Chicago Pritzker
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