Hello everyone - thanks for taking a look at my thread.
I am applying this cycle to MD schools. The following is a brief overview of my current application:
BSE in Biomedical Engineering (graduate May 2013)
~3.75 cGPA (final grades not posted yet) sGPA is the same or higher (not sure yet how engineering classes average in)
AZ Resident
MCAT taken 4/26 - averaged 31+ on practice tests, but the real PS was tough. Expecting a re-take but I am hopeful for a 30+ score.
EC's
~300 hours at non-profit organization that redistributes donated medical supplies to countries in need. Worked as an intern here (received credit). Sorted goods, fixed medical devices, led volunteer groups, ect. (1 year)
~1000+ hours as a CPhT at a local pharmacy (2 years)
2 Medical mission/relief trips to Mexico (2 winters). Distributed goods, food, and supplies at community center, and to sponsored families.
Trip to Brazil to shadow 2 doctors (Neurosurgeon/Anesthesiologists) - turned into volunteering opportunities, plus tons of surgical shadowing of many specialties. (Summer 2 months ~200+ hours). Most memorable experience.
Founder/President of Portuguese club on campus. (50+ members). VP will take over when I am gone. Currently basic/fair language proficiency.
Started research position in January. Working on 2 projects, most likely publication will come after/during cycle.
Extensive undergraduate Capstone project (1 year) culminating in poster symposium and creation of a functional medical device.
Shadowing
Shadowing Internist 4+ hours a week for 18 months. One of the most memorable experiences - still ongoing. Also shadowed his cousin (DO) and his PA for a few weeks. ~300+ hours.
As mentioned above trip to Brazil with doctors. Worked in cities and rural clinics. Very eye opening. Worked with many specialties.
Background
In early 2010 (2nd semester in college) my dad was in a terrible car accident. He suffered a traumatic brain injury leaving him severely damaged for life. The event was catastrophic for my family, but more-so for myself because my dad was my best friend. At first I took a few hits in school, which lowered my GPA (dealing with emotional and financial problems), but soon I realized I wanted to go into medicine and worked very hard to raise my GPA. The last 4-5 semesters and summers were all 3.8+. Hopefully this upward trend is enough to get me a few looks.
LoR's
6 medium-strong letters (3 school + pharmacy manager, internist, research PI)
School List:
Albany
AZ PHX
AZ Tucson
Rush
Tufts
Cincinnati
Jefferson
Temple
George Washington
Wake
NYMC
Vermont
Hofstra
Wayne
Drexel
VCU
Lousiville
Eastern Virginia
Rosalind Franklin
Creighton
Saint Louis U
Oakland
Tulane
Frank Netter?
Loyola
MC Wisconsin
Meharry
Dream
U Miami
Stanford
U Washington (born here + lots of family still here)
I am a FAP recipient, and will be paying for the other schools since I have been saving for 2 years. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you!
I am applying this cycle to MD schools. The following is a brief overview of my current application:
BSE in Biomedical Engineering (graduate May 2013)
~3.75 cGPA (final grades not posted yet) sGPA is the same or higher (not sure yet how engineering classes average in)
AZ Resident
MCAT taken 4/26 - averaged 31+ on practice tests, but the real PS was tough. Expecting a re-take but I am hopeful for a 30+ score.
EC's
~300 hours at non-profit organization that redistributes donated medical supplies to countries in need. Worked as an intern here (received credit). Sorted goods, fixed medical devices, led volunteer groups, ect. (1 year)
~1000+ hours as a CPhT at a local pharmacy (2 years)
2 Medical mission/relief trips to Mexico (2 winters). Distributed goods, food, and supplies at community center, and to sponsored families.
Trip to Brazil to shadow 2 doctors (Neurosurgeon/Anesthesiologists) - turned into volunteering opportunities, plus tons of surgical shadowing of many specialties. (Summer 2 months ~200+ hours). Most memorable experience.
Founder/President of Portuguese club on campus. (50+ members). VP will take over when I am gone. Currently basic/fair language proficiency.
Started research position in January. Working on 2 projects, most likely publication will come after/during cycle.
Extensive undergraduate Capstone project (1 year) culminating in poster symposium and creation of a functional medical device.
Shadowing
Shadowing Internist 4+ hours a week for 18 months. One of the most memorable experiences - still ongoing. Also shadowed his cousin (DO) and his PA for a few weeks. ~300+ hours.
As mentioned above trip to Brazil with doctors. Worked in cities and rural clinics. Very eye opening. Worked with many specialties.
Background
In early 2010 (2nd semester in college) my dad was in a terrible car accident. He suffered a traumatic brain injury leaving him severely damaged for life. The event was catastrophic for my family, but more-so for myself because my dad was my best friend. At first I took a few hits in school, which lowered my GPA (dealing with emotional and financial problems), but soon I realized I wanted to go into medicine and worked very hard to raise my GPA. The last 4-5 semesters and summers were all 3.8+. Hopefully this upward trend is enough to get me a few looks.
LoR's
6 medium-strong letters (3 school + pharmacy manager, internist, research PI)
School List:
Albany
AZ PHX
AZ Tucson
Rush
Tufts
Cincinnati
Jefferson
Temple
George Washington
Wake
NYMC
Vermont
Hofstra
Wayne
Drexel
VCU
Lousiville
Eastern Virginia
Rosalind Franklin
Creighton
Saint Louis U
Oakland
Tulane
Frank Netter?
Loyola
MC Wisconsin
Meharry
Dream
U Miami
Stanford
U Washington (born here + lots of family still here)
I am a FAP recipient, and will be paying for the other schools since I have been saving for 2 years. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you!