View Full Version : MCATs less than 25 and interviews--post 'em!
nochaser 12-09-2001, 07:36 AM Okay, I've seen enough posts about people getting into med school with low MCATs, and as the president of the Low MCAT Scorers Club, I would like to start a new list for those of you that have scores less than 25 and have gotten interviews or accepted (!), still waiting, etc. this cycle. Please post the schools. It's up to you to post your actual scores, if you had a prep course, stats, URM status, etc. Please refrain from posting flames.
I'll start:
UIC--secondary, still under review
Loyola--nothing
Rush--secondary, still under review
Northwestern--secondary, still under review
University of Chicago--will not turn in secondary
Finch--have not turned in secondary yet
SIU--rejected w/o secondary, processed AMCAS, or MCATs (Location bias)
MCAT VR9 PS6 BS7 WSM (no prep course, 1st timer)
AMCAS GPA: 3.4 overall, 3.2 sci
URM--black
Ciardeme 12-09-2001, 08:17 AM This is a helpful thread. I am applying for the first time this year. I scored a 22. If it weren't for the other parts of my application, i would have watied another year before applying. The MCAT is the only thing that will prevent me from getting an interview. I have applied to 16 schools and have recieved a secondary from all of them! That makes me hopeful even though it may not mean anything. I am not a URM. I would be thrilled just to get one interview.
Warren P. Cheswick 12-09-2001, 08:50 AM 24 MCAT
4/01 9 VS, 8 PS, 7 BS, WS P (24)
8/01 7 VS, 9 PS, 8 BS, WS N (24)
Interview at UT-Houston and U. of Nebraska
nochaser 12-09-2001, 11:19 AM [quote]NebraskaAggieDoc2Be
Interview at UT-Houston and U. of Nebraska
<hr></blockquote>
Fantastic! You give us hope, NAD2B!!!
nypostbac 12-09-2001, 11:50 AM This is a really great idea...
So okay, I am a URM and applied 2 years ago with GPA 2.9 Cum and 2.8 Science, MCAT 7V,9PS,7BS,QW and got two interviews...UIC and Howard. Both of which I ended up hearing nothing from...I was waitlisted at UIC and just heard nothing from Howard...
Then I enrolled in a post-bac program and now my GPA is Cum - 3.0 and Grad 3.6 and Sciences 3.0, new MCAT scores- 6V,8Ps,10BS,NW and here are the interviews that I have...
Boston
SUNY Downstate
University of Illinois - Chicago
University of Chicago
I also applied to 2 DO schools and had one interview so far and the other one coming up this week.
So those are my stats...I applied to about a million other schools and have yet to hear from them.
nochaser 12-09-2001, 11:53 AM nypostbac--
How impressive! Keep us posted on your interviews and acceptances!
nypostbac 12-09-2001, 11:57 AM I will - let me know when your stuff starts to come in...like you I have yet to hear from Northwestern and Loyola...I would love to return to Chicago (I went to Northwestern undergrad)... We shall see what happens... :)
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but except for a very select number of schools (mainly UCs and schools that accept no out of state people), primaries aren't really being screened this year. So secondaries aren't really an indicator for future success.
nypostbac 12-09-2001, 12:27 PM [quote] Hey nypostbac. What program did you do? I'm doing a postbac program as well. That's great to get an interview from University of Chicago.. How was the interview? <hr></blockquote>
Thanks... I am doing a program at MCP-Hahnemann. As for the UofC interview, I have not gone yet...it's in January.
starplayer 12-09-2001, 01:27 PM nochaser, you and I seem to be in the same boat...
V4-P8-B9 (don't ask!)
3.53 GPA
I have tons of research, leadership (RA) and volunteer experiences
URM
My file is complete at these schools and I have yet to hear from them:
UIC
Rush
Finch
Temple
Iowa
Howard
SIU-Rejected
Loyola-Heard nothing
Northwestern-didn't waste my time with their secondary
i'm praying for just one interview so i can go in there and kick some butt, hehe
good luck everyone!
-star
starplayer 12-09-2001, 01:34 PM btw, i also applied to PCOM and CCOM...i visited PCOM and loved it. Hopfully I will hear from these schools soon, i'm going crazy!
sng33 12-10-2001, 05:42 PM I think this thread is a great idea, but we should add maybe less than 27 to get more posters...
Warren P. Cheswick 12-10-2001, 05:46 PM I'll keep y'all notified if I get more interviews or any updated info. I've been rejected from six schools (all of which I had no chance at to start of with).
Glad I can be such an inspiration to some.
nypostbac 12-11-2001, 09:06 AM Just got an email from GW inviting me for an interview - unfortunately all the days they had available were days I had exams!!! So I had to just go with Feb. 19 - then the lady says to me, "Oh you know we are on rolling admissions!", I KNOW THAT IS WHY I AM TRYING TO REARRANGE MY SCHEDULE TO FIT YOURS!!! Unbelievable!!
:mad: :eek:
Nikki 12-11-2001, 10:02 AM [quote] sng33
I think this thread is a great idea, but we should add maybe less than 27 to get more posters...
<hr></blockquote>
If this helps, I had a 27 (7V, 9BS, 11PS, Q)
3.5 cum GPA
URM
lots of leadership activities, clinical experience, and some research experience
Interviews at:
University of Pittsburgh
Mayo
Indiana University
Case Western
University of Michigan
charleb32 12-11-2001, 12:10 PM 24 MCAT: 4/01- 9V,8B,7P
8/01- 8V,9B,7P
I got interviews at Morehouse and ECU, and was alternative listed at Morehouse. I am a URM, plus a female. Please let me get in somewhere.
nypostbac 12-13-2001, 07:47 PM Just heard from SUNY Stonybrook inviting me for an interview in January!!! All of a sudden it is all coming in...I am really excited. :D :D
grettlin 12-13-2001, 08:42 PM Hi,
May I ask what are "URM" and "SDA" (saw this term at the post about Loma Linda U)? Thanks!
luckyduck 12-13-2001, 09:10 PM URM= under-represented minority
SDA= Seventh Day Adventist
lilic 12-14-2001, 09:44 PM [quote]Originally posted by Nikki:
<strong>
If this helps, I had a 27 (7V, 9BS, 11PS, Q)
3.5 cum GPA
URM
lots of leadership activities, clinical experience, and some research experience
Interviews at:
University of Pittsburgh
Mayo
Indiana University
Case Western
University of Michigan</strong><hr></blockquote>
Congrats on your acceptance to Mayo, Dr. Nikki. Is this your first choice?
Nikki 12-14-2001, 10:07 PM I actually fell in love with U of Michigan when I interviewed there. However, a full tuition scholarship from Mayo is tempting me. We'll see . . .
locitamd 12-14-2001, 10:08 PM Hey Nikki, Congrats on Mayo - you should be really, really proud.
Just out of curiousity, when did you interview at Pitt?
[quote]Originally posted by lilic:
<strong>Congrats on your acceptance to Mayo, Dr. Nikki. </strong><hr></blockquote>
She said she interviewed there, not that she was accepted. But still, it's quite an honor to get an on-site interview there. They only phone interview about 15% of those who submit the fee, and then invite 20% of that 15% for on-site interviews!
Nikki, that's quite a list of interviews!! Congrats!!! :D :D
choker 12-15-2001, 01:03 AM check the acceptance thread, she got in the other day.
locitamd 12-15-2001, 03:03 PM Nikki wrote (something to the effect) a full tuition scholarship to Mayo is tempting me... she implied acceptance.
Way to go!!
Lachee 12-15-2001, 08:10 PM Nikki,
Can I know where you graduated from? I am an undergrad at the University of Michigan. I have MCAT of 27 and am applying next year. Would really like to get into UMich. What do you think makes you stand out from other applicants?
Congratulations on Mayo!!
Thanks.
sannyasa 12-15-2001, 08:32 PM The first time I took the MCAT I got three 6's V=6 B=6 C=6 W=R. The second time I increased only to a 22 V=8 B=7 C=7 W=R. My overall GPA is 3.38. However, I applied early decision to the Medical College of Georgia and I was accepted. I worked hard to during the application process and it paid off. I am blessed.
lilic 12-15-2001, 09:12 PM [quote]Originally posted by sannyasa:
<strong>The first time I took the MCAT I got three 6's V=6 B=6 C=6 W=R. The second time I increased only to a 22 V=8 B=7 C=7 W=R. My overall GPA is 3.38. However, I applied early decision to the Medical College of Georgia and I was accepted. I worked hard to during the application process and it paid off. I am blessed.</strong><hr></blockquote>
666, that's really eerie. Congratulations on your accpetance.
grettlin 12-16-2001, 02:07 AM Hi sannyasa,
Congraduations for your acceptance!
Could you describe your work except acdemic things? Like research, leadership, volunteer, and .... etc. Thanks.
nochaser 12-16-2001, 05:30 AM Congrats to Nikki and Sun for their acceptances!!! Keep them coming! :D
chemgrl 12-16-2001, 09:07 PM My advice to anyone who wants to raise their MCAT score is to take one of the prep courses. I heard that they are expensive but that they really improve your scores. Also you may want to relocate to a state where the avgerage MCAT scores for the schools are lower.
Dr. Don 12-17-2001, 05:01 PM hey wazz up, MCAT scores 26 (V6 P10 B10 writing P), already got rejected by UCSF and georgetown. but the other 20 schools that I applied to sent me a secondary. I'm not really joyful about those secondaries thought (except stanford and UCLA-DREW), because this year almost every school sends secondaries without screening primaries. has anyone with similar scores already received interviews? I'm a URM and SDA. Should I retake the MCAT?, that verbal section caught me off guard and it shows!!!!
DON
Atlas 12-17-2001, 05:47 PM Retaking wouldn't be a bad idea if you're positive you can raise your scores. Retaking and doing worse than before looks kinda bad. I'd wait, though, to see what kind of reactions you get from the other 20 schools.
lady in red 12-17-2001, 09:07 PM my mcat is not 25, but close enough. I am not URM (white but foreign female), have decent GPA and only one interview so far (UCSF). I applied to alot of schools (58) and have 4-5 rejections so far, but made it to the secondary stage at most schools, including Stanford and UCLA. However, I got pre-secondary rejections at 'lower-tier' schools like EVMS and Wake and some state schools. If I get in UCSF, I am withdrawing from everywhere, including stanford. I want to go there real badly!!!!!!!!!
Dr. Don 12-18-2001, 01:15 PM hey lady in red when did you send your UC supplemental for UCLA? my uc supp was received by them on august 28th, and I still haven't received anything from them! I don't know what's going on?
I am very interested in this topic. Just wanted to bump it up. Those with interviews and MCATs less than 25, keep the posts coming.
THE instiGATOR 12-19-2001, 04:15 PM When I interviewed at Albany, I was given a profile sheet of their students. One of their current freshmen has a verbal score of 3!!!
Just a nugget of hope for all on this thread.
Dr. Don 12-19-2001, 04:17 PM WOW....so there's still hope for me...keep posting your interviews people...
md2be06 12-19-2001, 04:19 PM [quote]Originally posted by SwampMan:
<strong>When I interviewed at Albany, I was given a profile sheet of their students. One of their current freshmen has a verbal score of 3!!!
Just a nugget of hope for all on this thread.</strong><hr></blockquote>
There's got to be something more to that. A 3? You can probably get that by randomly bubbling in answers.
abefroman 12-19-2001, 04:50 PM Hey Lady in Red:
58 schools!?! How did you have time to do all those secondaries? More important, how did you have money? Good luck though...
I am very interested in this topic. Just wanted to bump it up. Those with interviews and MCATs less than 25, keep the posts coming.
nypostbac 12-20-2001, 03:31 PM I found out that I got into both PCOM and NYCOM! I am really happy...come on allopathic schools! I don't think that I will hear from Boston until Feb. Oh well, Happy Holidays everyone!!
Dr. Don 12-21-2001, 12:00 PM bump
sng33 12-24-2001, 06:19 AM bump it up
A. Caveman 12-24-2001, 12:24 PM hey guys, that 3 at Albany was probably just because the guy misbubbled everyquestion (ie. skipped number 8 on verbal, but filled answer to 9 on 8 bubble (scantron), and so on and so on. the poor bastard probably realized it right before he had to hand in the scantron and freaked out...sucks. because getting a 3 is pretty impossible if you try at all. i'm willing to bet the guy had 11's on his other sections (maybe that's how albany's attention was captured, and they gave him a chance to explain). that's the way i see it...just one person's point of view though.
lady in red 12-24-2001, 02:40 PM Well, i did not have enough money for applications; i did get fee waivers from AMCAS and all schools that i got secondaries from. I bascially worked my ass off during the summer and this was one of the reasons i bombed the MCAT (i did not study enough). UCSF told us that if you get interview there, you'll get in somewhere, but, i am going to retake anyways. I studied on my own, but i think a prep course would help greatly; so i'm taking TPR starting in January. I sent UC secondary 8/30
Dr. Don 12-26-2001, 12:31 PM bump
andi11 01-03-2002, 01:26 PM hey guys -
here are my stats -
princeton rev. course
04/01 PS8 VR8 BS8 WS-R
08/01 PS7 VR8 BS8 WS-R (yes, i went down)
GPA - 3.82 overall
17 schools applied to, 17 secondaries
one interview - state school
all other apps are in review
hope this helps! ;) :( :( :(
Zummy 01-05-2002, 02:46 PM FYI
8V
9B
7P
O
got interviews at mcp hahnaman, usc, indiana u, finch, new york med, howard u, u of illinois, georgetown and case.
accepted at 3
good luck all!
jmejia1 01-05-2002, 04:36 PM [quote]Originally posted by Zummy:
<strong>FYI
8V
9B
7P
O
got interviews at mcp hahnaman, usc, indiana u, finch, new york med, howard u, u of illinois, georgetown and case.
accepted at 3
good luck all!</strong><hr></blockquote>
Congrats Zummy!
When did you get the University of Southern California interview and when was your file complete?
Thanks,
Cutie 01-05-2002, 05:35 PM Zummy, did you take the MCAT in April or August? If I plan to take my in August then would that put me behind. By the way, congratulation on your acceptances :)
einey 01-05-2002, 06:17 PM Zummy, that's fantasitc!
Need more info, what was your GPA and are you a URM?
Dr. Don 01-07-2002, 01:05 PM bump
youngjock 01-07-2002, 02:12 PM How is your GPA?
I say that don't count on your low mcat. Be realistic, guys. med. schools are not lottery tickets. they admit you because they think that you are worthy, not because you are lucky they didn't pay attention to your low mcat score.
wannabeMD 01-07-2002, 05:44 PM nice and useful thread..thanks to who ever started it!! Here is my stuff....24 MCAT, 3.2 GPA, 4.0 Grad, tons of research (hard science and social) volunteer, conducting my own research in neuro clinic, health educator in clinic....blah, blah, blah....! I got secondaries from all schools I applied, even the ones screening. I have had 2 interviews...ECU and WVU so I guess there is hope....
Dr. Don 01-08-2002, 12:15 PM bump....by the way has anyone heard from UCI or UCLA?
willbeMD 01-08-2002, 01:01 PM I am proof that there is hope for everyone!
Here is my info:
April 1999 MCAT
V: 10
PS: 7
BS: 9
August 1999 MCAT
V: 6
PS: 8
BS: 7
April 2000 MCAT
V: 9
PS: 8
BS: 9
My second MCAT was pretty low (I was sick when i took it) My undergrad GPA was low and from a top 15 univ. I took time off, worked full time and took upper level Science classes and raised my GPA. Then I got an MPH and did well. I applied to 10 schools and have received one interview so far.
youngjock 01-08-2002, 02:23 PM willbemd, will you please write to me? i want to ask you something, youngjock4u@yahoo.com
thanks
[QUOTE]Originally posted by willbeMD:
nochaser 01-11-2002, 07:27 AM bump, with a vengeance!! :mad:
nypostbac 01-15-2002, 08:53 AM I am just bumping this topic up but I also wanted to ask if anyone applied to Boston U...I interviewed there 12/17 and haven't heard anything yet. I also just got an invite from Albert Einstein and a rejection from Georgetown. Just waiting on Mount Sinai, Jefferson, Cornell, Temple, Tufts and my almar mater - Northwestern.
darkhorse 01-17-2002, 07:28 PM Just trying to see if anyone has gotten any new interviews! BUMP BUMP BUMP
darkhorse 01-18-2002, 09:54 AM bump
Dr. Don 01-23-2002, 11:26 PM bump
BushBaby 01-28-2002, 10:49 AM Is it a good idea to write a letter to a school that sent me a postcard stating that my application is complete (this was back in Nov/Dec)? I think they might have forgotten about poor little me.....the letter would basically reiterate my interest and how I am praying for an interview. What do you think?
Doctora Foxy 01-29-2002, 09:59 PM Mellow: I think you should call the school(s). I am in the same situation with many schools, but I recently called them and found out that my applications are under review.
bentz 02-01-2002, 09:10 AM buuummmmp!!!!!!!
RetroMan 02-01-2002, 08:52 PM Well I think is about time to add my interviews.
Interview invites:
Einstein MD/PhD
Boston MD/PhD
MSU MD (didn't apply MD/PhD)
Howard MD (didn't apply MD/PhD)
Waiting:
Harvard, Cornell, MT Sinai, Finch, GWU(hold), Georgetown, UF, Meharry, NYU(giving up my hope), Stanford, USC, Tufts
URM
3.86 Science, 3.76 Overall
MCAT >25 but <30
NUgirl 02-27-2002, 01:55 PM bump
Aggiemaj 02-27-2002, 02:50 PM I only applied to TX schools (6 of them), and I got interviews at 4 with a 22 MCAT. However, I have been rejected by 2 and am on the waiting list for the other 2.
JML1DDS 02-27-2002, 05:45 PM What's URM ?
A. Caveman 02-27-2002, 09:30 PM it's a homonym for "You Are Moron."
if you haven't figured it out by this time in the cycle, then you are definitely a URM
lamyers1 02-27-2002, 10:00 PM Ummm, Caveman, maybe you need a Scooby Snack? Are you just in a bitter mood or do you think the poster is a troll?
Dr. Don 03-19-2002, 11:11 AM bump...
BushBaby 03-26-2002, 11:34 AM bump!!! :D
sannyasa 03-26-2002, 11:58 AM I got a score of 22 V-8 P-7 B-7 WS-R.
GPA= 3.38
School Medical College of Georgia = accepted
Second time taking MCAT
Prep course=Princeton Review
Later
pooh2 03-26-2002, 12:03 PM How about another definition for URM.
U R (in) Medical school!!!!!!
:D
Dr. Don 03-26-2002, 12:13 PM MCAT 26, interview at UCLA/DREW coming up!!! :)
Michelys 03-26-2002, 12:33 PM Just a thought for everybody...why is it that when you list your application pluses...i.e. MCAT score, GPA, extracurrics, research, that like, URM has to be in there too?!
LOL...I just think it's funny--as if that stood out on my application as importantly as all the concrete stuff that actually gets you INTO <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> medical school. Just some two cents from me, a URM at that.
BushBaby 03-26-2002, 12:53 PM Congratulations Dr. Don...what took them soo long? :confused: <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" />
pooh2 03-26-2002, 02:08 PM Michelys,
URM status is included because it is as important as an applicant's numbers and ECs. Do you actually think an asian or white person would get an interview at UCLA, Mayo...with numbers posted on this thread? HELL NO!
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by pooh2:
<strong>Michelys,
URM status is included because it is as important as an applicant's numbers and ECs. Do you actually think an asian or white person would get an interview at UCLA, Mayo...with numbers posted on this thread? HELL NO!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Geez, if you spent half as much time studying as you do bitching about URM's you'd probably be at Harvard next year! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />
psyc.lover 03-28-2002, 10:49 AM pooh2 you need to get over the UMR thing and just let it go. i read your whole "controversal topic" post and i think you really have a problem. you are not a UMR and never will be. simple. find something else to do with your time, other than jumping in on every UMR conversation and basically , well, HATING. :mad:
i really take offence to your previous comment about UMR meaning "U R (IN) Medschool" <img border="0" alt="[Wowie]" title="" src="graemlins/wowie.gif" /> . i dont think anyone else caught it but i know what you ment. You need not get mad at anyone but your self for YOUR short commings.
if anyone else is interested, especially a fellow UNDER REPRESENTED MINORITY, in her REAL (hostile) feelings towards us, check out her post and the other many RACIST comments on it. Some are ,in my opinion, about how to stop us (UMR's) from getting in and recieving fair treatment in this whole process. Some of them, for some odd reason, think that we are taking over and stealing all of THEIR spots in med school. Do they even realize that we are a small group that only gets a little larger every year? :(
sorry every one for the negative comments but i just had to say something because i too, am sick and tired of her bitching! its ok if you want to start a post on your personal hangups, but i don't think its fair or even right that you feel the need to chime in on a very inspirational and motivational thread to alot of us.
i just really think its sad. <img border="0" alt="[Pity]" title="" src="graemlins/pity.gif" />
psyc.lover 04-02-2002, 03:25 PM bump
Orange Blossom 04-22-2002, 01:57 PM What does "bump" mean?
Okay, as soon as I saw this pooh2 guy's comments, I registered to join the fun. I appreciate this guys honesty because there are a ton of people walking around with racist, narrow minded views just like these that no one knows about. Those are the most dangerous ones, however. Those are the ones we cant find, we cant reach out to. Every URM knows what it is like to grow up being a minority and the effect that has on their lives. It is more than just the color of their skin that makes someone URM. They have experiences and backgrounds that have shaped them and will continue to shape them throughout their lives. White people cant begin to understand this. Put yourself in someone elses shoes and you can see how different the world can be. Im not saying the all URMs have it rough, or all white people have it easy. But the majority of URMs have been adversely affected by the status and perception of their race in our society. Dont let your frustration over your medical school admissions problems cloud your judgement. URMs arent treated equally in America. These medical schools are just trying to balance it out a little. I thank them for that and hope it continues. We have a long way to go as a country.
Sherille 05-02-2002, 06:36 PM Hi Everyone,
I think this is a great topic !!! I just took the April 2002 MCAT and applying this year. My GPA is low and want to get an adice on which schools to apply. Haven't received my MCAT scores yet.. But do any of you guys have any advice for me ?
Ryo-Ohki 05-16-2002, 04:30 PM </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Some of them, for some odd reason, think that we are taking over and stealing all of THEIR spots in med school. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The medical school admissions game is zero sum.
I am flaming you. <img border="0" alt="[Pissy]" title="" src="graemlins/pissy.gif" />
psyc.lover 05-22-2002, 09:26 AM pooh knows better than anyone what a UMR is, thats all she talks about from her posts. she wasnt asking what a UMR was, she was making fun of what a UMR was.
i dont under stand the last post. :confused:
has any one been accepted from this thread? i have low MCAT scores and decent gpa, 2 waitlists and still waiting for UCLA's answer. URM.
Rhizoid 05-30-2002, 03:05 PM Is URM status a matter of race alone? How are the "minority" races determined? Obviously not by state population statistics. I understand that a majority of traditional minority races have not had equal access to education or were exposed to circumstances that may have made academic achievement difficult, but I doubt that rule applies to most URM's applying to med school. I'm willing to bet that a very small percentage of minority HS graduates from schools in the worst parts of the country even entertain the thought of entering into pre-med studies. MOST URM pre-meds I've met are typical kids from the suburbs who attended a good public or private HS and college who just happen to get a bonus when applying to almost anything. URM status should apply to those students who actually endured adverse conditions during COLLEGE (who cares about HS? It doesn't matter at all; if your parents made no $$, then Uncle Sam would have gladly paid for your education and living expenses. I have no sympathy for single people with typical 18 year-old commitments who claim they can't afford to go to school. I didn't have the cash either, but I took out loans and so can everybody else.) such as single parents, those who cared for ailing parents, etc., not simply race--it's a poor indicator, especially in states with large, traditional minority populations. I thought the UC's had stopped considering URM status as part of applications. And what's up with the minority majority at some CA schools? That's quite a contradiction. URM status should be given to students with demonstrated hardship, regardless of race. Yes, it would increase the admissions workload, but it'd be a lot more fair than giving the rich, Samoan kid next door an advantage over me, the typical non-URM applicant.
MyEyesMesmerize 05-30-2002, 05:50 PM Rhizoid, heres a simple way to understand what a URM is. Take the national population and say that 10% of it is part of a certain ethnic group or background. This group would be considered underrepresented in medicine if lets say only 2% of all US physicians were from that group. URM status isn't necessarily race based but it seems like it because there are certain races in the US that are not represented enough in medicine. There are occasions where there is more of a representation of a certain group in medicine than in the total population. So even though they are minorities in a sense, they aren't underrespresented. I know it may seem unfair to people but the logic at times is that many patients like to see doctors who have similar bakcgrounds to them and can tend to them better having such a relation. Hope it cleared some stuff up.
STi555 05-30-2002, 06:02 PM </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Rhizoid:
<strong>Is URM status a matter of race alone? How are the "minority" races determined? Obviously not by state population statistics. I understand that a majority of traditional minority races have not had equal access to education or were exposed to circumstances that may have made academic achievement difficult, but I doubt that rule applies to most URM's applying to med school. I'm willing to bet that a very small percentage of minority HS graduates from schools in the worst parts of the country even entertain the thought of entering into pre-med studies. MOST URM pre-meds I've met are typical kids from the suburbs who attended a good public or private HS and college who just happen to get a bonus when applying to almost anything. URM status should apply to those students who actually endured adverse conditions during COLLEGE (who cares about HS? It doesn't matter at all; if your parents made no $$, then Uncle Sam would have gladly paid for your education and living expenses. I have no sympathy for single people with typical 18 year-old commitments who claim they can't afford to go to school. I didn't have the cash either, but I took out loans and so can everybody else.) such as single parents, those who cared for ailing parents, etc., not simply race--it's a poor indicator, especially in states with large, traditional minority populations. I thought the UC's had stopped considering URM status as part of applications. And what's up with the minority majority at some CA schools? That's quite a contradiction. URM status should be given to students with demonstrated hardship, regardless of race. Yes, it would increase the admissions workload, but it'd be a lot more fair than giving the rich, Samoan kid next door an advantage over me, the typical non-URM applicant.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I agree with you Rhizoid I have no problem giving preference to those that have had hardships but I don't like the URM thing. I believe the UC schools still give URMs preference and FYI asians don't count as URM, as I assume that it is what you are refering to as the majority minority.
missbonnie 05-31-2002, 08:12 AM </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by RLMD:
<strong>Okay, as soon as I saw this pooh2 guy's comments, I registered to join the fun. I appreciate this guys honesty because there are a ton of people walking around with racist, narrow minded views just like these that no one knows about. Those are the most dangerous ones, however. Those are the ones we cant find, we cant reach out to. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Do you realize that you are doing the same thing by calling whoever racist & narrow minded? Perhaps not the racist part. By placing judgements on people (regardless of what they said and however heinous to us it might seem) is still judging.
This isn't meant to single anyone out but to make ppl aware that flaming people back or judging back is not the solution but is actually doing the same thing they are.
-bonnie
isidella 05-31-2002, 08:46 AM Does anyone know if being a URM changes the way an MD/PhD or MSTP application is considered? I have a feeling that in the big "package deal" manner that these apps are looked at that minorty status has very little to do with it, but I may be wrong. I appreciate anyone who can give insight.
from what i've seen, (interns i've worked with here, urms who have gotten into every program imaginable, from the top 30 to elite md/phd: hst md/phd etc...) being an urm does help, to some degree. it should. however, that being said, those that get into the elite programs are phenomenal people. i met a harvard md/phd urm while at work, and he was amazing. i wouldn't say he was disadvantaged (upperclass fam) he went to hopkins bme and kicked ass, has a terrific personality and now has been rewarded by going to hst. it doesn't matter that he was not particularly disadvantaged, he is committed to becoming an academic (very rare in science for afroamericans) and is committed to encouraging other black students to come into science. that is what is important. not that one black or urm gets in and has a good life, but that they go back and encourage others to as well. there are numerous examples of urm here that have been economically disadvantaged as well. the fact that they are doing internships here, which is an elitist institution to the nth degree speaks to their abilities. non urms from here have also done equally as well.
i'm technically asian, and not economically disadvantaged, so i have that "Stigma" attached to my app. nevertheless, and i'm being completely honest, as i apply, though i will most likely be irked if i lost a spot only because of urm status, i really do understand. furthermore, there is more to being an urm than just that urm status, so they probably deserved it more than i. and if you honestly still don't understand why i feel this way, please read an incredible book, "Lies My History Teacher Told Me" by Loewan, and if you are a thinking person, it should clear things up. Its short, fascinating, and deeply-informaative, about many things.
one final note. the amcas app asks you if you have been disadvataged in anyway. this is not a race question. this applies to a white kid born with nothing in the bronx as well. this applies to economics as well. class distinctions between the poor, working class and the rest defy the laws of a so called meritocracy, and are slowly being addressed. people argue on this issue based on their limited suburban feelings about life, and what is fair; gain some perspective. do your own primary research into this, there is propaganda abound, on both sides. its a compelling argument, which is far from perfect. anyway, enough.
-jot
bump... with the hope that this thread will offer some inspiration to those who just got their scores.
Tweetie_bird 06-14-2002, 02:11 PM okay guys,
let's not make this a flaming thread. I think at this point, it would be good for us to discuss score + which school people got into so we can see some trends (as if we don't know them already :rolleyes: )
Let's please lay off the URM-bashing, okay? Let's hear it from some inspiring people who got into great schools with a <25 on MCAT.
Tweetie
there's hope for those of us who got <30!
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