Please continue to discuss your apps with your fellow SDNers here. :)

Major: Pharmacology/Toxicology
Minor: Biochemistry
GPA: 3.85 science, 3.8 overall
mCAT: 29N (8 PS, 11 VR, 10 B)


EC:
-fraternity (service oriented)
-shooter and school representative for division 1 rifle team
-officer for multiple clubs
-TA organic, general, and analytical chemistry

Research:
-5 semester undergrad doing renal toxicology research, no publications - all grant work
-currently serve as research assistant at big medical center (full time)
-Three summer long internship in a quality assurance department for a big time candy company.

Shadowing:
-about 8 hours/week -> Chief of pathology at a top 5 hospital
-other random sit ins
-no clinical volunteer work, but lots of philanthropy through fraternity

Letters of Recommendation: Very Strong

Personal Statement: Average


Schools that I want to go to (PA Resident):

Penn State
Jefferson
Drexel
Pitt
Temple (1 LOR writer from here)
University of Maryland
G-Town
George Washington
Albany
Ohio State (2 LOR from here)

I applied to a bunch of others but I don't really want to go to them as much.

Notes:
I don't really know what happened on the mCAT. I was pulling 32s easily, such is life though, a 29 isn't that bad. I live within about 50 miles of all the schools in PA except for Pitt, and I live next to Hershey. I want to practice in central PA, does that matter to them at all? I have a very unique transcript with at least 75 credits of advanced biochemistry, anatomy, histology, physiology, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacognosy and other crazy stuff.

So what are my chances?

Major: Pharmacology/Toxicology
Minor: Biochemistry
GPA: 3.85 science, 3.8 overall
mCAT: 29N (8 PS, 11 VR, 10 B)


EC:
-fraternity (service oriented)
-shooter and school representative for division 1 rifle team
-officer for multiple clubs
-TA organic, general, and analytical chemistry

Research:
-5 semester undergrad doing renal toxicology research, no publications - all grant work
-currently serve as research assistant at big medical center (full time)
-Three summer long internship in a quality assurance department for a big time candy company.

Shadowing:
-about 8 hours/week -> Chief of pathology at a top 5 hospital
-other random sit ins
-no clinical volunteer work, but lots of philanthropy through fraternity

Letters of Recommendation: Very Strong

Personal Statement: Average


Schools that I want to go to (PA Resident):

Penn State
Jefferson
Drexel
Pitt
Temple (1 LOR writer from here)
University of Maryland
G-Town
George Washington
Albany
Ohio State (2 LOR from here)

I applied to a bunch of others but I don't really want to go to them as much.

Notes:
I don't really know what happened on the mCAT. I was pulling 32s easily, such is life though, a 29 isn't that bad. I live within about 50 miles of all the schools in PA except for Pitt, and I live next to Hershey. I want to practice in central PA, does that matter to them at all? I have a very unique transcript with at least 75 credits of advanced biochemistry, anatomy, histology, physiology, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacognosy and other crazy stuff.

So what are my chances?

your MCAT hurts you a little, but I think you have excellent chances at Temple, Drexel, and Jefferson. Lack of clinical volunteering might be an issue, but if you have hours from your frat, it should be fine. Whats your age/eth?

Ok, got my MCAT today... disappointing, but maybe just good enough...?

Double Major: Biology, Earth & Geographic Science (GIS)
UMass Boston (UMB)
GPA: AMCAS gives me 3.119 BMCP, 3.74 other
MCAT: 27P (10VR, 8PS, 9B)
Graduated spring 2007 with B.S.
Age: 23

Caveat on GPA:
I graduated with a 3.7 culm from UMass Boston. Prior to UMB I spent two years at UMass Amherst where I had a terrible year in which I failed 3 classes (calc 2, chem 2 twice, later took chem 2 again and got a B).
No excuses, but I address this in my essay as my gf had hodgkin's disease, was not diagnosed until after those classes, but spent lots of time crossing the state to be with her those semesters when I didn't know what was wrong.
So those 3 classes tanked my BMCP GPA, even though I was consistently above 3.5 all years (final note: w/o failed classes my BCMP is 3.62)


EC

Founded the UMass Boston Sustainability Club (club was recently featured in the Boston Globe)
Served as President of Sustainability Club for 2 years
Founded the UMass Boston Renewable Energy Trust, $5 student fee for renewable energy at UMB
Senator on the Undergraduate Student Senate
Boston Medical Reserve Corps, training for leadership level volunteer, started in July
Volunteer weekly at Joslin Diabetes Center started in June
Volunteer with Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (and male ;)) started in June
Fenway Solar Energy Committee member
various other stuff, but above are the major/clinical ones

Awards

Dean's list 6 semesters (all 4 semesters at UMB)
Graduated with Distinction in Biology
Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Honors in Biology (senior research thesis)
Kathryn F. Furcolo award for Outstanding Internship in the Public Service (awarded from UMass Amherst)
Certificate of Excellence for research poster presentation at research symposium
Award for Leadership, Undergrad Student Senate UMB

Accreditations

Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional (United States Green Building Council)
Massachusetts Certified Rape Crisis Counselor
Boston Med Reserve Corps Certified Response Level Volunteer


Research

1 year senior thesis "Geospatial Analysis of the potential energy, environmental and health benefits of green roofs for the Muddy River watershed"
In June began new research job with Massachusetts General Hospital, lead author on 1 publication submitting in fall, author on several others as well through next 6-12 months.

Shadowing: 8 hours, possibly more in September

Letter of Rec: very strong (I hope!)

PS: Strong? (how can one tell?)


Plan to apply to:

Einstein
BU
Temple
Harvard (1 rec writer faculty, possibly 2)
Jefferson
SUNY Downstate
Loyola
Tulane
UMass
Tufts
U Illinois Chicago
Rush

what others should I add? not bother with some of these?

So, given all of that, should I take the MCAT again in September?? I know I could've done better and can break 30 with a retake...

Final note: Will be taking Organic Chem at Harvard Extension this fall and spring (UMB let us get away without it!) and probably Calc 2 next summer (should I bother with calc 2?)

Thanks in advance for any advice... I'm seriously considering taking the MCAT again in September and just wondering if it is worth it at this point.

MCAT 35Q
PS: 9
VR: 13
BS: 13

Avg GPA 3.8
Science GPA 3.7

I would love to go to Pitt - is it too late to apply this year? I just got my MCAT score back today and am ecstatic about the total, but worried because its a little off balance with that 9 in PS.

Oh, and I have my Master's as a Physician Assistant, I have over 2000 clinical hours with direct patient care.

Other ECs include volunteer work, president of a few organizations, a year of research, etc.

Any thoughts? Is it worth it to try to rush and get it in this year, or should I just wait and be ready first thing next cycle?

I think you could try to apply... its a bit late, but your stats are pretty good. Have you submitted AMCAS yet?

MCAT 35Q
PS: 9
VR: 13
BS: 13

Avg GPA 3.8
Science GPA 3.7

I would love to go to Pitt - is it too late to apply this year? I just got my MCAT score back today and am ecstatic about the total, but worried because its a little off balance with that 9 in PS.

Oh, and I have my Master's as a Physician Assistant, I have over 2000 clinical hours with direct patient care.

Other ECs include volunteer work, president of a few organizations, a year of research, etc.

Any thoughts? Is it worth it to try to rush and get it in this year, or should I just wait and be ready first thing next cycle?

Well I was just waiting on my MCAT score, so as soon as its loaded I'll be ready.

Well I was just waiting on my MCAT score, so as soon as its loaded I'll be ready.

Meaning you've already submitted AMCAS and specified schools or are waiting for your MCAT to submit it?

Everything's filled out on the AAMCAS site except the "standardized test" portion which says incomplete. I've specified schools and all that. It won't let me select the "submit application" button, I assumed that was because my MCAT wasn't there yet. They have my transcripts and everything if thats what you mean.

Btw thanks for taking the time to reply and help me out!

I imagine you should still get interviews even submitting your primary now. It's a little late but it isn't that bad. You may want to pre-write all the secondaries for the schools you're interested in though. With your stats I don't think it'd be a waste to apply.

Sorry didn't see this thread before I made a new one:

Here, pasted from the one I started,

"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, just wondering if anyone could give me some tips on schools to apply to....I live in Canada, so can't apply to too many and don't have time to do a lotta applications, so basically just going to try for ones I might have a chance.

My cGPA is about 3.8 and my MCAT is 32S (10 VR, 10PS, 12 BS and S for writing ~ but I retook, dunno if that makes a difference, last time was 26S: 8 PS, 8 VR, 10 BS, and S for writing).

Extracurriculars: Research for 1 year (no publication yet, but they're submitting abstract to large conference), Volunteering for 3 years at one hospital, other random volunteering, execs in clubs, etc.

Thanks!'

I remember trolling these forums back when I was an undergrad a couple of years ago. After having gone through a semester away due to Hurricane Katrina and completing an MS in Pharmacology I am sorry to say that at times it seems that I have lost sight of my goal. In an attempt to regain some vision of my aspiration to become a doctor I decided to throw up another one of those "what are my chances" threads which, is probably about the trillionth one made by now. The purpose of this thread is not to be original, but to quite possibly get some serious feedback from the wonderful people here at SDN.

I'm going to lay this down briefly as I know that everybody hates reading long posts:

3.43 cumulative undergrad GPA
3.22 BCPM GPA
MS in Pharmacology 3.7 GPA (pending completion of thesis)
-Leadership exp.
-Clinical laboratory exp.
-Hospital volunteer exp.
-Math tutor exp.
^ I won't get into the specifics about these in effort to keep this post short

I will be taking the MCAT this September for the first time.

I am well aware that my undergraduate GPA is low if not very low to apply and hope for an acceptance at an MD school. However, I did show a solid upward trend throughout undergraduate school: 3.7 cumulative and 3.5 BCPM GPAs not including my freshman year (completed that year with around a 2.3).

My question is, is it worth applying to an MD school with these numbers granted I can pull of a 27+ on the MCAT (because that is basically all you are through the initial screening process), because I am almost certain I could gain acceptance to a DO school. I am interested in programs like the ACP at Tulane U. which is sort of a "foot in the front door" type of program and would be willing to invest in such.

I am just looking for some general input and am not sure if I should have posted this thread in this forum, the allopathic or the reapplicant section, but I took a gamble and decided to post here.

if someone has a 3.1 or 3.3 gpa but shines on mcat, reqs, experience and gets the application in early...is there any chance? or does the below a 3.5gpa crush all?

if someone has a 3.1 or 3.3 gpa but shines on mcat, reqs, experience and gets the application in early...is there any chance? or does the below a 3.5gpa crush all?

you should have a good explanation for that gpa, and you really have to crush the MCAT, like 35+, up hill battle though, but definately not a deal breaker. With that said, you better have saved a child in Africa.....

I need some feedback on my application. My friends and family have only served as my cheering section and haven't offered me any realistic criticism. I'm not looking for a confidence boost, just some different opinions from some well-informed ppl. thanksss

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8702

I need some feedback on my application. My friends and family have only served as my cheering section and haven't offered me any realistic criticism. I'm not looking for a confidence boost, just some different opinions from some well-informed ppl. thanksss

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8702

looks good, MCAT is about average, GPA is below average, and ECs are above average. You're an URM so that'll work toward your favor, overall a pretty competitive app for many of the schools you applied to(the NJ schools especially), maybe not so for cornell and the top ones, but with URM you never know.

am i screwing myself with these stats and school choices? i'm getting more nervous as i took the MCATs again on aug 16 hoping to raise my scores, but i don't think i did too hot... i'd appreciate any feedback.


MCAT: 31O (12PS, 9VR, 10BS)
GPA: 3.63 from an ivy league
BPCM: 3.67


ECs/Work
1 year hospital volunteer (400+ hours, service award nominee)
1 year research (1st author of abstract in journal with IF ~8, pending 2nd authorship in a full article)
various student leadership positions (residential program house VP, heath advocacy group treasurer)
C.E.O. of entrepreneurial startup (semi-finalist in $125,000 competition)
martial arts (bronze medalist at national competition)

starting a 1 year stint with the Community Health Corps (part of AmeriCorps) next week...

LORs
should be really strong (from a prof, my lab PI, and hospital volunteer coordinator)

Schools
Brown
BU
Columbia
Drexel
GW
Georgetown
Jefferson
Mt. Sinai
NY Med
Rush
SUNY (Downstate)
Temple
Tufts
Univ of Ill (@ Chicago)
UMass (MA resident)
UPenn
UVA
Cornell
Yale

Apply to more schools, and definitely get more academic letters. Do you have a committee letter?



am i screwing myself with these stats and school choices? i'm getting more nervous as i took the MCATs again on aug 16 hoping to raise my scores, but i don't think i did too hot... i'd appreciate any feedback.


MCAT: 31O (12PS, 9VR, 10BS)
GPA: 3.63 from an ivy league
BPCM: 3.67


ECs/Work
1 year hospital volunteer (400+ hours, service award nominee)
1 year research (1st author of abstract in journal with IF ~8, pending 2nd authorship in a full article)
various student leadership positions (residential program house VP, heath advocacy group treasurer)
C.E.O. of entrepreneurial startup (semi-finalist in $125,000 competition)
martial arts (bronze medalist at national competition)

starting a 1 year stint with the Community Health Corps (part of AmeriCorps) next week...

LORs
should be really strong (from a prof, my lab PI, and hospital volunteer coordinator)

Schools
Brown
BU
Columbia
Drexel
GW
Georgetown
Jefferson
Mt. Sinai
NY Med
Rush
SUNY (Downstate)
Temple
Tufts
Univ of Ill (@ Chicago)
UMass (MA resident)
UPenn
UVA
Cornell
Yale

No your choices are fine. You have a good range of schools in here. Your MCAT is your weakest link, but i think you know that. And only 1 prof rec letter? You should get two, one science, one non.
am i screwing myself with these stats and school choices? i'm getting more nervous as i took the MCATs again on aug 16 hoping to raise my scores, but i don't think i did too hot... i'd appreciate any feedback.


MCAT: 31O (12PS, 9VR, 10BS)
GPA: 3.63 from an ivy league
BPCM: 3.67


Schools
Brown
BU
Columbia
Drexel
GW
Georgetown
Jefferson
Mt. Sinai
NY Med
Rush
SUNY (Downstate)
Temple
Tufts
Univ of Ill (@ Chicago)
UMass (MA resident)
UPenn
UVA
Cornell
Yale

It's pretty late in the game to send in my AMCAS...I thought I would give it a shot but now I'm having doubts...

~3.2 Overall GPA (incl. postbacc)
~3.0 BCPM GPA (incl. postbacc)

~3.8 Postbacc GPA
~3.65 Postbacc BCPM

First MCAT: 28P
Was planning to retake Aug 20th!!


Research, Public Health, Several Awards, Community Service, Leadership, Clinical Experience...all that good stuff.
2 yrs breast cancer research
1.5 yrs reproductive health research
Vice president for premed club (2 yrs)
AmeriCorps (1 year)
1000+ hrs community service work
300+ hrs clinical volunteer work
etc, etc, etc


As you can see, the numbers aren't so great. Miracles happen.
But I feel that I do have some strong activities... plus an upward GPA trend. I think I'm capable of doing much better on the MCAT (having doubts about this August one though!) but given more time...

Unfortunately I've been agonizing over my personal statement for months and months! So my primary hasn't been sent out...

Should I even apply this year? Money is not the issue.
Or...if I apply next year, what can I do to enhance my application? Any suggestions/feedback is greatly appreciated!

Don't apply this early. I would take a few more classes and raise your GPA a bit more, study for the MCAT, retake it in the winter, and apply broadly in June. ECs seem good so if you can improve your GPA/MCAT a bit you should have a good chance to get in to some places.

It's pretty late in the game to send in my AMCAS...I thought I would give it a shot but now I'm having doubts...

~3.2 Overall GPA (incl. postbacc)
~3.0 BCPM GPA (incl. postbacc)

~3.8 Postbacc GPA
~3.65 Postbacc BCPM

First MCAT: 28P
Was planning to retake Aug 20th!!


Research, Public Health, Several Awards, Community Service, Leadership, Clinical Experience...all that good stuff.
2 yrs breast cancer research
1.5 yrs reproductive health research
Vice president for premed club (2 yrs)
AmeriCorps (1 year)
1000+ hrs community service work
300+ hrs clinical volunteer work
etc, etc, etc


As you can see, the numbers aren't so great. Miracles happen.
But I feel that I do have some strong activities... plus an upward GPA trend. I think I'm capable of doing much better on the MCAT (having doubts about this August one though!) but given more time...

Unfortunately I've been agonizing over my personal statement for months and months! So my primary hasn't been sent out...

Should I even apply this year? Money is not the issue.
Or...if I apply next year, what can I do to enhance my application? Any suggestions/feedback is greatly appreciated!

thanks for the feedback. i am getting a committee letter so i dunno if that makes much of a differenec... i guess it's just wait and see now.

Everything's filled out on the AAMCAS site except the "standardized test" portion which says incomplete. I've specified schools and all that. It won't let me select the "submit application" button, I assumed that was because my MCAT wasn't there yet. They have my transcripts and everything if thats what you mean.

Btw thanks for taking the time to reply and help me out!

That's really odd. I submitted my primary app for verification on 6/5, and my MCAT score didn't come out until 7/18. No reason that should hold you up from being able to submit.... Otherwise, I think you have an excellent app. Just get your primary in ASAP as well as all secondaries you get. Good luck!

Hi,

I've already submitted my AMCAs, and am working on my last few secondaries.

My stats:

GPA: 3.91 (BCPM: 3.94); I graduated from a top 10 school
MCAT: 34 (10 VR, 13 PS, 11 BS)

My extracurriculars and letters are extremely strong. I did thesis research in physics as an undergrad, and have been involved in some HIV research post-bacc; I don't have any publications though. I've put most of my energy into community service projects. I've also won a few academic and community service awards.

I'm interested in quite a few top 15 schools, but I know my MCATs are average-ish for them. In any case, I've applied extremely broadly, and would be happy at a number of places. I'm wondering if anyone could give me an opinion on if it is worth it to submit secondaries at schools like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc...I would love to attend any of these schools, but am not interested in shelling out the cash if I don't have much of a chance to begin with.

Thanks!

Hi,

I've already submitted my AMCAs, and am working on my last few secondaries.

My stats:

GPA: 3.91 (BCPM: 3.94); I graduated from a top 10 school
MCAT: 34 (10 VR, 13 PS, 11 BS)

My extracurriculars and letters are extremely strong. I did thesis research in physics as an undergrad, and have been involved in some HIV research post-bacc; I don't have any publications though. I've put most of my energy into community service projects. I've also won a few academic and community service awards.

I'm interested in quite a few top 15 schools, but I know my MCATs are average-ish for them. In any case, I've applied extremely broadly, and would be happy at a number of places. I'm wondering if anyone could give me an opinion on if it is worth it to submit secondaries at schools like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc...I would love to attend any of these schools, but am not interested in shelling out the cash if I don't have much of a chance to begin with.

Thanks!

You probably have as good a shot as anyone else, go for it.

School: Michigan
Major: Engineering, Biomedical
Race: South-East Asian (Indian)
Residency: MI

GPA: 3.64
BCPM: 3.62
(My first two years my gpa was around a 3.4 but i brought it up by 4.0ing junior year, hopefully schools weight the last year's gpa more)

MCAT: 36 M

EC: 3 Years of Alternative Spring Break
2 Years as ASB Site Leader
Hospital Volunteering
Oncology Research (14 hrs week for 6 months, still ongoing)
Intern to director of public health
IM Sports

Lettes of Rec: Lab PI, two profs, director of public health for my county

Schools:

Michigan
Wayne State
University of Chicago
Northwestern
UCLA
Miami
Univerisity of Washington
Baylor
Vanderbidlt
Duke
Case Western
Columbia
Pittsburgh
Mayo

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I am thinking about doing a research oriented MD (as of now, once med school starts that could change).

if someone has a 3.1 or 3.3 gpa but shines on mcat, reqs, experience and gets the application in early...is there any chance? or does the below a 3.5gpa crush all?

Even with a good MCAT and ECs, etc., the chanes of getting in on your first try are real slim. Usually people with a really low GPA like this do an SMP to get in. That's your best option also.

Hi,
I just got my MCAT scores from the July 13th test. I've already finished AMCAS and most of my secondary applications but in light of my new score I'm wondering if I have a shot at a top tier school.

Here are my stats:

MCAT: 35O (12 VR, 11 PS, 12 BS)
GPA: Undergrad - University of Colorado, Boulder 3.95 overall/3.93 science
Major: Molecular Biology
Minor: Biochemistry

GPA: Grad school - Georgetown 3.51
Major: Physiology

ECs:
Hospital Volunteer for 1 years (2 hrs a week)
Health Information Library volunteer (in hospital) 3 years (2 hrs a week)
Research 3 years (received Manga Cum Laude for thesis work)

Currently working at Columbia University as a lab tech, will be about 1 year next month.

Any input is appreciated :)

Hi,
I just got my MCAT scores from the July 13th test. I've already finished AMCAS and most of my secondary applications but in light of my new score I'm wondering if I have a shot at a top tier school.

Here are my stats:

MCAT: 35O (12 VR, 11 PS, 12 BS)
GPA: Undergrad - University of Colorado, Boulder 3.95 overall/3.93 science
Major: Molecular Biology
Minor: Biochemistry

GPA: Grad school - Georgetown 3.51
Major: Physiology

ECs:
Hospital Volunteer for 1 years (2 hrs a week)
Health Information Library volunteer (in hospital) 3 years (2 hrs a week)
Research 3 years (received Manga Cum Laude for thesis work)

Currently working at Columbia University as a lab tech, will be about 1 year next month.

Any input is appreciated :)

That Georgetown degree is a masters in Physiology? That's diff than the SMP, right?

No, it's the smp at Georgetown. But still a masters ;)

No, it's the smp at Georgetown. But still a masters ;)

I'm a bit confused as to why you'd do the SMP when you have a 3.9x GPA apparently as a premed as opposed to just applying to medical school?

Hi, just wanted to put mine out there to get some opinion, I've applied this year to a variety of schools but I was wondering, should I prepare to get rejected ie, start getting my depression face on, and if so, what should i improve on so i can get ahead of the game next round, is it just my MCAT score i should rely on?

GPA 3.82 BCPM: 3.8
MCAT 29. PS:10 BS:9 VR:10. Q
Major: East Asian Language and Lit/Chemistry

ECs
3 years research for Zoology department: 2 pubs 2 presentations
1 year research for Asian Language and Lit department 1 pub
2 years volunteering in hospital ER department
2 Summers of shadowing in a US hospital
1 Summer of Shadowing in a hospital in China, I was also asked to instruct English there, lived in the hospital.
Co founder and chair of a charity event at a convention 1 year.

Oh yeah, awards, um, the standard stuff that can be expected. PBK, GK, two research awards both for my asian studies research.

I get the i need to continue research and volunteering (switching to hospice work now)

but if i get blasted across the board, is it just the MCAT that's dragging me?

if i do get blasted, should i apply in consecutive years with the only thing differing my MCAT and maybe an extra year added to those activities?

Hi, just wanted to put mine out there to get some opinion, I've applied this year to a variety of schools but I was wondering, should I prepare to get rejected ie, start getting my depression face on, and if so, what should i improve on so i can get ahead of the game next round, is it just my MCAT score i should rely on?

GPA 3.82 BCPM: 3.8
MCAT 29. PS:10 BS:9 VR:10. Q
Major: East Asian Language and Lit/Chemistry

ECs
3 years research for Zoology department: 2 pubs 2 presentations
1 year research for Asian Language and Lit department 1 pub
2 years volunteering in hospital ER department
2 Summers of shadowing in a US hospital
1 Summer of Shadowing in a hospital in China, I was also asked to instruct English there, lived in the hospital.
Co founder and chair of a charity event at a convention 1 year.

I get the i need to continue research and volunteering (switching to hospice work now)

but if i get blasted across the board, is it just the MCAT that's dragging me?

What schools did you apply to? It sounds like you're a good applicant with nice ECs and should get into some good schools, assuming you applied broadly and not just to the top 10...

I did have pretty ok GPA but at the time I only had a 29 MCAT. I felt that I really wasn't going to be competitve enough.

I did have pretty ok GPA but at the time I only had a 29 MCAT. I felt that I really wasn't going to be competitve enough.

3.95 GPA is "pretty ok"? I think you've been spending too much time on SDN...

Anyways, 3.5 GPA at a SMP is good and you should have a great shot at top schools even applying this late.

Haha thanks. Yeah sometimes it's hard to remember what the norm is when you're on SDN. :p

What schools did you apply to? It sounds like you're a good applicant with nice ECs and should get into some good schools, assuming you applied broadly and not just to the top 10...


Wow, dont mean to personalize this and hijack the thread but I was half expecting you to tell me the bad news, you or the two medical student posters in recent. Because you guys have been most active in these "chance" threads.

I was thinking "drizzt is gonna kill me....with his panther!" ( it is a panther right?)

Thanks for the encouragement, for the info, i sampled from top 10(3) top 25(5) top 50 (15) and two in state schoosl, i skipped the public OOS ones.

Wow, dont mean to personalize this and hijack the thread but I was half expecting you to tell me the bad news, you or the two medical student posters in recent. Because you guys have been most active in these "chance" threads.

I was thinking "drizzt is gonna kill me....with his panther!" ( it is a panther right?)

Thanks for the encouragement, for the info, i sampled from top 10(3) top 25(5) top 50 (15) and two in state schoosl, i skipped the public OOS ones.

Yeah, drizzt owns this thread! (Btw, he has a "panther?") I used to post in it more, but he's got the market cornered on solid advice, and he's fast! As usual, I agree with his advice completely. It'd help to know what state you have residence in, but if you apply broadly you should be fine, and NOT have to start planning your reapp year already. Just keep up what you're doing, apply broadly (which means to a bunch of schools in your range), get the secondaries out ASAP, and keep your head up. It's easy (but wrong) to feel like you don't have much of a shot on SDN if you don't have a 32+.

hi,

I have my AMCAS verified and I am currently working on completing my secondaries. (I hope to be done with all of them before labor day, when my college starts)

Here are my stats:

School: Michigan
Major: Engineering, Biomedical
Race: South-East Asian (Indian)
Residency: MI

GPA: 3.64
BCPM: 3.62
(My first two years my gpa was around a 3.4 but i brought it up by 4.0ing junior year, hopefully schools weight the last year's gpa more)

MCAT: 36 M

EC: 3 Years of Alternative Spring Break
2 Years as ASB Site Leader
Hospital Volunteering
Oncology Research (14 hrs week for 6 months, still ongoing)
Intern to director of public health
IM Sports

Lettes of Rec: Lab PI, two profs, director of public health for my county

Schools:

Michigan
Wayne State
University of Chicago
Northwestern
UCLA
Miami
Univerisity of Washington
Baylor
Vanderbidlt
Duke
Case Western
Columbia
Pittsburgh
Mayo

As of now, I am thinking of doing clinical research but I freely admit that my first year medical school experiences could change that.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also, do you think I should apply to more schools since I shot myself in the foot by applying so late?

Thanks alot

hi,

I have my AMCAS verified and I am currently working on completing my secondaries. (I hope to be done with all of them before labor day, when my college starts)

Here are my stats:

School: Michigan
Major: Engineering, Biomedical
Race: South-East Asian (Indian)
Residency: MI

GPA: 3.64
BCPM: 3.62
(My first two years my gpa was around a 3.4 but i brought it up by 4.0ing junior year, hopefully schools weight the last year's gpa more)

MCAT: 36 M

EC: 3 Years of Alternative Spring Break
2 Years as ASB Site Leader
Hospital Volunteering
Oncology Research (14 hrs week for 6 months, still ongoing)
Intern to director of public health
IM Sports

Lettes of Rec: Lab PI, two profs, director of public health for my county

Schools:

Michigan
Wayne State
University of Chicago
Northwestern
UCLA
Miami
Univerisity of Washington
Baylor
Vanderbidlt
Duke
Case Western
Columbia
Pittsburgh
Mayo

As of now, I am thinking of doing clinical research but I freely admit that my first year medical school experiences could change that.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also, do you think I should apply to more schools since I shot myself in the foot by applying so late?

Thanks alot


I think that your app sounds great, but given your later applications and the incredibly selective schools you listed above, I'd think of adding a couple of mid-tier schools. Perhaps five. The only school I think you could remotely consider a "safety" would be Wayne State (you're OOS for Miami, so I don't think you can consider it a safe bet), and you never know (they could not interview you thinking that you probably wouldn't end up going there). So, better safe than sorry (unless you ONLY want to go to those schools, and don't mind reapplying earlier next year). Good luck!

I think that your app sounds great, but given your later applications and the incredibly selective schools you listed above, I'd think of adding a couple of mid-tier schools. Perhaps five. The only school I think you could remotely consider a "safety" would be Wayne State (you're OOS for Miami, so I don't think you can consider it a safe bet), and you never know (they could not interview you thinking that you probably wouldn't end up going there). So, better safe than sorry (unless you ONLY want to go to those schools, and don't mind reapplying earlier next year). Good luck!

Good advice, I'd add about 5-7 schools, probably MCW, Rush, Loyola, RFU, MSU, and maybe some ohio schools. I also think you're aiming slightly high. Your MCAT will be slightly above average for some of those schools but your GPA will be about 0.15-0.20 below the accepted average at top tier.

Hi Everyone-
I just got my MCAT scores back 10/9/7 (VR/PS/BS- not sure what happened with my bio) overall a 26P. My GPA is a 3.8 and 3.8 science. I work at a neurosurgeon's office to support myself. I volunteered at a hospital and now volunteer at a hospice. I also work as a student tutor (supplemental instruction). I am also a clinical coordinator for an FDA approved clinical research study. I submitted my AMCAS application, what do you think my chances are this cycle? Or should I wait till next cylce?

Hi Everyone-
I just got my MCAT scores back 10/9/7 (VR/PS/BS- not sure what happened with my bio) overall a 26P. My GPA is a 3.8 and 3.8 science. I work at a neurosurgeon's office to support myself. I volunteered at a hospital and now volunteer at a hospice. I also work as a student tutor (supplemental instruction). I am also a clinical coordinator for an FDA approved clinical research study. I submitted my AMCAS application, what do you think my chances are this cycle? Or should I wait till next cylce?

If you submitted your AMCAS, you will be a reapplicant next year no matter what you do now to all the schools that you designated to receive your primary. That means you should probably just go through with the application. I think you'll have an outside shot at some schools but you may have to reapply.

MCAT scores are being released today so I thought I'd bump this thread up and sticky it today for those seeking advice. Please post here rather than starting a thread. Thanks.

Hopeful18, I merged your thread into this thread where you'll probably get more responses. Thanks & good luck!

Hi everyone. Posted this else where as well, but I'm still uncertain about my MCAT

PS 10
VR 8
BS 10
WS Q

Total = 28Q all above 8 :o

GPA = 3.65 engineering major from top engineering school
Science GPA = 3.67
NY Resident
Lots of research experience, summer research program, pending publication
Lots of leadership activities, president of campus organization
Average hospital experience.

My primary application is already submitted. Should I continue with this year? I'm hoping for NY schools: Buffalo, Rochester, Stony Brook, Upstate, Albert Einstein, maybe NYMC.

Do I have a shot at these schools or MCW, Vermont, Tulane, Drexel, Jefferson? I will submit secondaries before September...is that late?

Hi everyone. Posted this else where as well, but I'm still uncertain about my MCAT

PS 10
VR 8
BS 10
WS Q

Total = 28Q all above 8 :o

GPA = 3.65 engineering major from top engineering school
Science GPA = 3.67
NY Resident
Lots of research experience, summer research program, pending publication
Lots of leadership activities, president of campus organization
Average hospital experience.

My primary application is already submitted. Should I continue with this year? I'm hoping for NY schools: Buffalo, Rochester, Stony Brook, Upstate, Albert Einstein, maybe NYMC.

Do I have a shot at these schools or MCW, Vermont, Tulane, Drexel, Jefferson? I will submit secondaries before September...is that late?

Read the post I just made above. If you've submitted AMCAS, then go through with it.

Read the post I just made above. If you've submitted AMCAS, then go through with it.

Thanks drizzt, I'll definitely apply. But what are my chances? My spirits are sunk and it feels like I'm obligated to apply with less than average stats. Is it just SDN getting to me or can I get in this year?

Thanks drizzt, I'll definitely apply. But what are my chances? My spirits are sunk and it feels like I'm obligated to apply with less than average stats. Is it just SDN getting to me or can I get in this year?

I think you've definitely got a shot, and since your primary is already in, go for it. Apply to all of the schools you listed. I'm not up on all of the instate NY schools, but apply to them all. Also, perhaps add Temple and RFU? While you have a 28, at least it's got decent balance, and I think your gpa sounds good as well as your ECs (but no volunteer work?). You'd probably have a much better shot if you were applying early, but since you've already started, I say give it your all. Use this site to get all of the secondary essay questions and pre-write them, and turn those secondaries around same day or one day. If your personal statement is great and you've got great ECs I think schools will see that and you'll get a shot. Good luck!

Thanks drizzt, I'll definitely apply. But what are my chances? My spirits are sunk and it feels like I'm obligated to apply with less than average stats. Is it just SDN getting to me or can I get in this year?

I'd say you have a decent chance if you apply broadly. Yeah, your MCAT isn't particularly high, but its not too far off the average of some of the schools, and your GPA will be a bit above average. Just make sure you apply to a lot (25+ schools) and do it fast! Since you've already submitted AMCAS you're not too far behind but you need to churn out those secondaries (but still do a good job on them) Good luck!

GPA: 3.63.
BCPM: 3.62
NJ Resident
nice ec's

10PS,10VR,10BS= 30R MCAT

I really want to go to one of the UMDNJ's or einstein. my MDApps may be more helpful (link below).

what are my chances?

Male Caucasian
36M MCAT
4.0 in Bioengineering UMaryland
Strong research background in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and genetics
Lots of volunteering in habitat, health center at school
Little shadowing (3 docs for ~20 hours total)
Chair in 2 engineering clubs


First in my family to apply to med school so a little confused/concerned about process.
Can I get into top tier (MD only, no time to take GREs)?
Just got in all my secondaries. Any feedback would be great. Good luck to other applicants! :)

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=08770

Male Caucasian
36M MCAT
4.0 in Bioengineering UMaryland
Strong research background in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and genetics
Lots of volunteering in habitat, health center at school
Little shadowing (3 docs for ~20 hours total)
Chair in 2 engineering clubs


First in my family to apply to med school so a little confused/concerned about process.
Can I get into top tier (MD only, no time to take GREs)?
Just got in all my secondaries. Any feedback would be great. Good luck to other applicants! :)

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=08770

I think your app looks great (and kudos for having all of your secondaries in). My gut is that your list of 14 schools is a little top-heavy. I'd add five more schools for comfort (perhaps mid-level) if you can afford it, and maybe even add some more top tiers if you have any interest in them - never know where you'll get a shot.

I would actually bet that you'll probably get in somewhere on that list this year, but why risk it? Unless you know you're a shoe in at your state school and can really rely on it as a safety (can anyone?), in which case I guess you're fine. Good luck! Knock em dead at interviews!

GPA: 3.63.
BCPM: 3.62
NJ Resident
nice ec's

10PS,10VR,10BS= 30R MCAT

I really want to go to one of the UMDNJ's or einstein. my MDApps may be more helpful (link below).

what are my chances?

I think you've got an excellent chance. Nice, evenly balanced score. Research at RWJMS and stellar ECs? Give it your best and I think you'll reap the rewards. Good luck!

I think your app looks great (and kudos for having all of your secondaries in). My gut is that your list of 14 schools is a little top-heavy. I'd add five more schools for comfort (perhaps mid-level) if you can afford it, and maybe even add some more top tiers if you have any interest in them - never know where you'll get a shot.

I would actually bet that you'll probably get in somewhere on that list this year, but why risk it? Unless you know you're a shoe in at your state school and can really rely on it as a safety (can anyone?), in which case I guess you're fine. Good luck! Knock em dead at interviews!

University of Maryland:
Accepted students in the 2006 entering freshmen class had an average GPA 3.66 and an average MCAT Score of 30.61.

Resident Applications 771
Resident Acceptances 200
% Accepted 25.9%

I think thats pretty much a shoo-in with a 4.0/36, esp being an alum of Maryland...

thanks!!

University of Maryland:
Accepted students in the 2006 entering freshmen class had an average GPA 3.66 and an average MCAT Score of 30.61.

Resident Applications 771
Resident Acceptances 200
% Accepted 25.9%

I think thats pretty much a shoo-in with a 4.0/36, esp being an alum of Maryland...

Generally, I agree. I just get nervous with the thought of relying on one (or two) school/s as a "safety." I've seen people with stellar stats get rejected from mid-tier schools, but then again, they're not instate residents of state schools. I suppose state schools don't "play that game." So, I revise my post above. He's a shoo-in. Looks good. But I'd still add a couple more schools if it were me....

I think certain state schools are pretty hard to get into, relatively. Any CA school, U-CO, UM, and U-Washington are examples of these. Some other state schools are relatively easy (i.e. UT-Memphis, UTSD, others) while others are somewhere in between, such as my home state schools MCW and UW, which accept quite a few out of state people but there is a fairly small population of in-state applicants. I think if you're an strong applicant to top tier schools, unless your state school is UM or U-Dub or in CA, you can pretty much use it as a safety, but that's just my opinion. Even if you are in CA, you can still probably feel safe in applying to every UC and have the rest of your schools be top tier if you have the same stats as the OP, but that's just my $0.02.

I think certain state schools are pretty hard to get into, relatively. Any CA school, U-CO, UM, and U-Washington are examples of these. Some other state schools are relatively easy (i.e. UT-Memphis, UTSD, others) while others are somewhere in between, such as my home state schools MCW and UW, which accept quite a few out of state people but there is a fairly small population of in-state applicants. I think if you're an strong applicant to top tier schools, unless your state school is UM or U-Dub or in CA, you can pretty much use it as a safety, but that's just my opinion. Even if you are in CA, you can still probably feel safe in applying to every UC and have the rest of your schools be top tier if you have the same stats as the OP, but that's just my $0.02.

Your two cents are always worth a buck in my book. Personally, I think we should rename this thread: "Ask guru drizzt3117: What are my chances?"

Thanks for the feedback guys. Can't apply to anymore...school's almost started and got nonstop work/school...plus can't afford more applications since I've already dished out $1800 :( Peace and chicken grease

Hi, i have a 3.81 cumulative, 3.76 science. mcat: 32Q (11 V, 11 P, 10 B).
chinese (technically taiwanese), illinois resident

extracurrics:
officer in 2 clubs (1 volunteering club, another club for pre-meds), member of 1 other (christian fellowship).
shadowed pediatric surgeon and a doctor in nuclear medicine
2 leadership positions at church.
counselor at inner city youth camp for 2 yrs
volunteered in ER for one summer,
health educator at a clinic for 1 yr.
research for 3 semesters (summer-spring) & won 2nd place at research symposium, but no publications :(


applied/applying to (here goes....):
rush
uic
loyola
david geffen/UCLA
drexel
penn state
keck
u of wisconsin
medical college of wisc.
u of chicago
northwestern
SIU
U of Hawaii (got interview..i know, a bit out there)
rosalind franklin
u of mich.
loma linda? (thinkin bout not sending secondary in)
case western
U of cincinnati
waiting on UNC & San fran's secondaries

so...what are my chances? i kinda want to stay in chicago, maybe rush? but i just want to get into med. school pretty much.

Hi, i have a 3.81 cumulative, 3.76 science. mcat: 32Q (11 V, 11 P, 10 B).
chinese (technically taiwanese), illinois resident

extracurrics:
officer in 2 clubs (1 volunteering club, another club for pre-meds), member of 1 other (christian fellowship).
shadowed pediatric surgeon and a doctor in nuclear medicine
2 leadership positions at church.
counselor at inner city youth camp for 2 yrs
volunteered in ER for one summer,
health educator at a clinic for 1 yr.
research for 3 semesters (summer-spring) & won 2nd place at research symposium, but no publications :(


applied/applying to (here goes....):
rush
uic
loyola
david geffen/UCLA
drexel
penn state
keck
u of wisconsin
medical college of wisc.
u of chicago
northwestern
SIU
U of Hawaii (got interview..i know, a bit out there)
rosalind franklin
u of mich.
loma linda? (thinkin bout not sending secondary in)
case western
U of cincinnati
waiting on UNC & San fran's secondaries

so...what are my chances? i kinda want to stay in chicago, maybe rush? but i just want to get into med. school pretty much.

I think your chances are excellent (as much (if not moreso) for Loyola as Rush). I'd say your odds are best at Rush, Loyola, UIC, RFU, SIU (if you're not from the Chicago area, which sometimes hurts an application with them, or so I've heard), U of Wisc and MCW. You could even land an interview at NU, but I wouldn't necessarily bank on it (no one should). If you're thinking about not filling out LLU's secondary and want to add another school (in the midwest), perhaps check out SLU. But I think you've got your bases covered and have a solid app. Congrats on the Hawaii invite! That certainly bodes well.

I wouldn't bother with LLU, there's better schools much closer at hand unless you really like desert, it's not even close to LA (although most ppl think it is). You have pretty good chances at the midwestern schools. I would probably write off UCSF but you never know, I suppose.

i went to uic for undergrad and i live in the northwest suburbs of chicago, so that covers most of the illinois schools, but i heard SIU likes more central illinois residents. low chance for that school you think?

Hi, Any advice would be truly appreciated. Here are my stats:
Overall GPA : 3.79
Science GPA : I am not sure since my primary is still under review. I think it about the same as my overall GPA or a little higher.
School: UC berkeley,
Resident state : Massachusetts.
MCAT -- May 11 : 27L (4v, 12 P, 11B)
July 24 : 32 M (8v, 12P, 12B)
I know my verbal and writing is a bit lower than average but English is my 2nd language.

extracurriculars: Not so strong overall.
-One summer volunteering in surgery ward at UCSF.
-Student club member.
-3+ yrs of research with one publication (not the 1st author) currently working as a tech in Dana-Faber research institute.
-One fellowship, one research award, graduate with honor
-2.5 yrs of tutoring while I was in school.
- diverse background (hope that helps)

Schools applied:

-Darmouth, NH (my 1st choice)
-Tufts
-Boston Unversity
-Penn state
-U. of Wisconsin
-U. of Vermont
-Howard U.
-Meharry Medical college

What are my chances of getting into Dartmouth? I just got the secondary yesterday. It seems straight forward. Does Dartmouth need a lot of ECs? I am planning to start volunteering at Dana-Faber. And my research PI is MD and hope to get a good rec from him and my supervisors.
And I like to add a few more schools. Any advice would be great.
Thanks

I'm trying to keep this short...

My stats are:
HS College credits (no BPCM): 4.0
Undergrad BPCM GPA: 3.01
Undergrad Cum: 3.36
Grad BPCM GPA (SMP program): 3.91
MCAT: 11VR 11PS 10BS Q

I graduated 2003 with a Computer Science degree, my low BPCM is partly due to me initially going to a very rigorous engineering school well known for deflating GPAs. I transferred to a different school, did better, but not terribly better. I did some interesting ECs in college. I worked as a software engineer for a couple of years, medically/healthcare related. Now have completed one semester at an SMP, am doing very well. Working on research this summer, getting really good clinical experience. I think I have awesome LORs.

I've applied to almost 30 schools, so I won't list them all here. Moving through the secondaries is getting really difficult ... I feel paralyzed by my fear of not getting in. I'm complete at a few schools so far.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

i went to uic for undergrad and i live in the northwest suburbs of chicago, so that covers most of the illinois schools, but i heard SIU likes more central illinois residents. low chance for that school you think?

Probably less of a shot than at UIC, but I'd still give it a shot if you're interested in SIU. I have heard of them interviewing and accepting applicants from the Chicago area, just not as often. Good luck!

Hi, Any advice would be truly appreciated. Here are my stats:
Overall GPA : 3.79
Science GPA : I am not sure since my primary is still under review. I think it about the same as my overall GPA or a little higher.
School: UC berkeley,
Resident state : Massachusetts.
MCAT -- May 11 : 27L (4v, 12 P, 11B)
July 24 : 32 M (8v, 12P, 12B)
I know my verbal and writing is a bit lower than average but English is my 2nd language.

extracurriculars: Not so strong overall.
-One summer volunteering in surgery ward at UCSF.
-Student club member.
-3+ yrs of research with one publication (not the 1st author) currently working as a tech in Dana-Faber research institute.
-One fellowship, one research award, graduate with honor
-2.5 yrs of tutoring while I was in school.
- diverse background (hope that helps)

Schools applied:

-Darmouth, NH (my 1st choice)
-Tufts
-Boston Unversity
-Penn state
-U. of Wisconsin
-U. of Vermont
-Howard U.
-Meharry Medical college

What are my chances of getting into Dartmouth? I just got the secondary yesterday. It seems straight forward. Does Dartmouth need a lot of ECs? I am planning to start volunteering at Dana-Faber. And my research PI is MD and hope to get a good rec from him and my supervisors.
And I like to add a few more schools. Any advice would be great.
Thanks

Unless you're a URM, I'd suggest adding closer to twenty more schools, not just "a few more." As a CA resident, it's an uphill battle as it is. You've got a good app and stats (some will say the 8 VR is a problem, but I think it'll be ok at non-top-tier schools), BUT you're not verified yet, so submitting late is going to detract from your chances too. Thus, I suggest applying BROADLY. You've already submitted your primary and started the process, so I'd suggest following through, but adding about 20 schools ASAP, getting the essay questions from the secondaries from SDN and starting to pre-write them before you get the secondaries, and turning the secondaries around as fast as you can. Sorry, but I can't give you an idea of your Dartmouth chances specifically. Look up their stats in MSAR and see where you stand. It's a crap shoot though, so don't count on any school in particular.... Good luck!

I'm trying to keep this short...

My stats are:
HS College credits (no BPCM): 4.0
Undergrad BPCM GPA: 3.01
Undergrad Cum: 3.36
Grad BPCM GPA (SMP program): 3.91
MCAT: 11VR 11PS 10BS Q

I graduated 2003 with a Computer Science degree, my low BPCM is partly due to me initially going to a very rigorous engineering school well known for deflating GPAs. I transferred to a different school, did better, but not terribly better. I did some interesting ECs in college. I worked as a software engineer for a couple of years, medically/healthcare related. Now have completed one semester at an SMP, am doing very well. Working on research this summer, getting really good clinical experience. I think I have awesome LORs.

I've applied to almost 30 schools, so I won't list them all here. Moving through the secondaries is getting really difficult ... I feel paralyzed by my fear of not getting in. I'm complete at a few schools so far.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

My thought/suggestion would be that since you're already in the thick of things, just keep your head up and slog on through the secondaries as fast as you can. And if you really don't want to apply next year, and like the DO philosophy, you might consider adding a DO school or so if you are interested in them (but of course, don't do so if you have no interest in attending one). I'm not as familiar with how strongly a great SMP influences things, but I would think that it definitely ups your chances (and probably gives you a good shot at the schoool at which you're doing the SMP). Basically, you're doing everything right, and doing everything you can, so just stick with it. A great personal statement, LORs and ECs really might make up for the low undergrad gpa. I wish you the best of luck!

Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster here

How do I look?


GPA: Science: 3.75 Total: 3.8 (slight downward trend)
MCAT: 13 PS 13 BS 10 VR P

ECs:
~9 months of vol work, 4 hrs a week
one month of shadowing in China during winter break, ~8hr/5days
Two summers (including this one) of fellowship at the CDC STD prevention branch - 2nd author on a paper
One semester of research at a biochemistry lab, one at a tissue eng lab, no pubs
3 semesters of research at a neuro engineering lab, no pubs, conference pending
One semester of research scholarship - 1500 dollar stipend
One semester in student government - representative for my major

Personal statement-medium
Ref letters: don't know, probably medium-strong? Wouldn't say very strong

Schools applied to:
case western
emory
george washington
penn state
mercer
medical college of georgia
tulane
univ of maryland
univ of washington @ seattle

My concerns:
1. clinical experience - I have very little. I'm trying to make up for it now by reading up on everything related to medicine, is this a viable strategy? If not, is there any way to compensate for my lack of clinical experience?

2. Not enough volunteer experience, similar to issue #1, except I don't think there is a way to compensate for this.

3. Not applying to enough schools - should I apply to more schools?

4. my rec letters. I probably won't get my last one until late september.

5. Any other glaring holes in my resume?

You guys are always helpful, thanks in advance.

what's your state of residence?

Yes, apply to more schools.

ECs are probably ok if not the strongest.

Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster here

How do I look?


GPA: Science: 3.75 Total: 3.8 (slight downward trend)
MCAT: 13 PS 13 BS 10 VR P

ECs:
~9 months of vol work, 4 hrs a week
one month of shadowing in China during winter break, ~8hr/5days
Two summers (including this one) of fellowship at the CDC STD prevention branch - 2nd author on a paper
Two semesters of research at a biochemistry lab and a tissue eng lab, no pubs
3 semesters of research at a neuro engineering lab, no pubs, conference pending
One semester of research scholarship - 1500 dollar stipend
One semester in student government - representative for my major

Personal statement-medium
Ref letters: don't know, probably medium-strong? Wouldn't say very strong

Schools applied to:
case
emory
george washington
penn state
mercer
medical college of georgia
tulane
univ of maryland
univ of washington @ seattle

My concerns:
1. clinical experience - I have very little. I'm trying to make up for it now by reading up on everything related to medicine, is this a viable strategy? If not, is there any way to compensate for my lack of clinical experience?

2. Not enough volunteer experience, similar to issue #1, except I don't think there is a way to compensate for this.

3. Not applying to enough schools - should I apply to more schools?

4. Any other glaring holes in my resume?

You guys are always helpful, thanks in advance.

state of residence is georgia.

state of residence is georgia.

I'd probably add 5-10 more middle tier schools, have you submitted amcas yet?

duplicate post, sorry

yes to amcas - submitted and reviewed.

Can you elaborate a little on middle-tier?

yes to amcas - submitted and reviewed.

Can you elaborate a little on middle-tier?

The usual suspects would be the NY and Boston schools, maybe some in Chicago as well. Is there a specific reason you picked the schools you did? Also, do you have ties to Washington? If not, don't bother applying.

I got all my info about which schools to apply to out of the MSAR, which is to say that I probably don't know crap.

The 3 georgia schools I applied to were because of my in-state status, other schools were pretty much randomly chosen
No ties to washington - why should I not bother here? Out of state?

Why schools in NY Boston and Chicago? They like out of state students?

I got all my info about which schools to apply to out of the MSAR, which is to say that I probably don't know crap.

The 3 georgia schools I applied to were because of my in-state status, other schools were pretty much randomly chosen
No ties to washington - why should I not bother here? Out of state?

Why schools in NY Boston and Chicago? They like out of state students?

Washington doesn't accept out of state applications unless people have shown significant work working with underserved populations. It's hard to get into even if you are in state and basically impossible if you're OOS unless you have done amazing things.

Tufts, BU, Einstein, NYU, MSSM, Loyola, Rush, RFU, would be a good mix of schools to add to your apps. You can add more schools in states adjacent to yours if you want as well.

Washington doesn't accept out of state applications unless people have shown significant work working with underserved populations. It's hard to get into even if you are in state and basically impossible if you're OOS unless you have done amazing things.

Tufts, BU, Einstein, NYU, MSSM, Loyola, Rush, RFU, would be a good mix of schools to add to your apps. You can add more schools in states adjacent to yours if you want as well.

Very helpful advice, thank you very much. Good luck with your apps too.

Also can I just ask where you get this information from? Is there a consolidated source, or should I just lurk more?

Very helpful advice, thank you very much. Good luck with your apps too.

Also can I just ask where you get this information from? Is there a consolidated source, or should I just lurk more?

You can use the MSAR to determine how competitive schools are. Your stats make you competitive at all of the schools I mentioned, and they are mostly mid tier schools with a few upper tier schools. You can add a few more top tier schools if you like as well.

Very helpful advice, thank you very much. Good luck with your apps too.

Also can I just ask where you get this information from? Is there a consolidated source, or should I just lurk more?

Lurk. ;)

Please check out my MDApps Profile (to left). I would really appreciate any comments. Super nervous about my BCPM GPA, and wondering whether my ECs/work experience + MCAT might help make up for it....

(Just FYI, not applying to any US "low tiers" since I would rather go to school in Canada and pay far less -- unless I get in to an "upper tier" US school.... But now I'm worrying if I'll get in anywhere....)

Hey. I was wondering if you guys would take a look at my MDApps and see which schools I should consider adding. I'm applying all MD/PhD programs and would like to end up either in the Southeast or a decent-sized city. Thanks!

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=08781

Please check out my MDApps Profile (to left). I would really appreciate any comments. Super nervous about my BCPM GPA, and wondering whether my ECs/work experience + MCAT might help make up for it....

(Just FYI, not applying to any US "low tiers" since I would rather go to school in Canada and pay far less -- unless I get in to an "upper tier" US school.... But now I'm worrying if I'll get in anywhere....)

I'm probably not the best person to comment on your chances, since I'm not as familiar with the issues that Canadians face applying to US med schools. Are you considered an international applicant? I'm assuming the answer is "yes," and if it is, did you double-check with each of the US schools that they definitely accept international applicants? I'm assuming you probably did. If so, all you can do is cross your fingers. You have EXCELLENT ECs and a great MCAT. But given the smaller number of international "spots" at US med schools, I have no idea what your chances are - other than that they must be pretty good. Also, I see that you marked "other" for your ethnicity. Are you a URM? Cause that could certainly improve your chances. Regardless, you've made your application the best that it can be for this cycle, so just stick with it. I would think that you'll definitely get in, but again, I'm not so up on international applicant chances, and know nothing about your chances at Canadian schools except that I've heard that they're incredibly demanding when it comes to good stats. Are there any schools on your list that you feel comfortable calling a "safety" in Canada? If so, don't sweat it. And if what you fear does somehow come to pass, beef up that science gpa for next year.... Good luck!

Any advice would be appreciated...

Double Major: Biology, Earth & Geographic Science (GIS)
UMass Boston (UMB)
GPA: AMCAS gives me 3.119 BMCP, 3.74 other, 3.41 culm (UMB gave me 3.7)
MCAT: 27P (10VR, 8PS, 9B)
Graduated spring 2007 with B.S., honors, magna cum laude
Age: 23/white/male

EC

Founded student club
Served as President of Sustainability Club for 2 years
Founded the UMass Boston Renewable Energy Trust, $5 student fee for renewable energy at UMB
Senator on the Undergraduate Student Senate
Boston Medical Reserve Corps, training for leadership level volunteer, started in July
Volunteer weekly at Joslin Diabetes Center started in June
Volunteer with Boston Area Rape Crisis Center started in June
Fenway Solar Energy Committee member
various other stuff, but above are the major/clinical ones

Research

1 year senior thesis "Geospatial Analysis of the potential energy, environmental and health benefits of green roofs for the Muddy River watershed"
Certificate of Excellence for research poster presentation at research symposium
In June began new research job with Massachusetts General Hospital, working on several publications to be published soon..

Shadowing: 8 hours, possibly more in September


Plan to apply to:

Einstein
BU
Temple
Harvard (1 rec writer, possibly 2)
Jefferson
SUNY Downstate
Loyola
Tulane
UMass
Tufts
U Illinois Chicago
Rush
EVMS
Georgetown
Rosalind Franklin

I'm considering a few other state schools (MichState, UKentucky)... also am considering taking September MCAT... not sure if it is worth it at this point though.

Any other schools? What are my chances at above? Thanks for any help!

Any advice would be appreciated...

Double Major: Biology, Earth & Geographic Science (GIS)
UMass Boston (UMB)
GPA: AMCAS gives me 3.119 BMCP, 3.74 other, 3.41 culm (UMB gave me 3.7)
MCAT: 27P (10VR, 8PS, 9B)
Graduated spring 2007 with B.S., honors, magna cum laude
Age: 23/white/male

EC

Founded student club
Served as President of Sustainability Club for 2 years
Founded the UMass Boston Renewable Energy Trust, $5 student fee for renewable energy at UMB
Senator on the Undergraduate Student Senate
Boston Medical Reserve Corps, training for leadership level volunteer, started in July
Volunteer weekly at Joslin Diabetes Center started in June
Volunteer with Boston Area Rape Crisis Center started in June
Fenway Solar Energy Committee member
various other stuff, but above are the major/clinical ones

Research

1 year senior thesis "Geospatial Analysis of the potential energy, environmental and health benefits of green roofs for the Muddy River watershed"
Certificate of Excellence for research poster presentation at research symposium
In June began new research job with Massachusetts General Hospital, working on several publications to be published soon..

Shadowing: 8 hours, possibly more in September


Plan to apply to:

Einstein
BU
Temple
Harvard (1 rec writer, possibly 2)
Jefferson
SUNY Downstate
Loyola
Tulane
UMass
Tufts
U Illinois Chicago
Rush
EVMS
Georgetown
Rosalind Franklin

I'm considering a few other state schools (MichState, UKentucky)... also am considering taking September MCAT... not sure if it is worth it at this point though.

Any other schools? What are my chances at above? Thanks for any help!

Well.... If you "plan" to apply to these schools, I'm assuming that you haven't submitted any secondaries yet. You need to get on top of that ASAP if you want a decent shot. Also, while your ECs are interesting, most of your medicine-related ones were just started a month or so ago. I would think that med schools would view your clinical experience to date as on the low side. Ditto with your MCAT and gpa. So, since you didn't apply early and you don't have a stellar MCAT or gpa or outstanding clinical/medical research ECs, I would say that you should apply as BROADLY as humanly possible if you really want to get in this year. 15 schools really might not cut it. I'd aim more for 30. And turn around each secondary ASAP. If you are at all interested in DO schools, and would consider a DO school rather than reapplying next year, I would suggest adding some. If you have time to study to retake the September MCAT and are scoring much better in practices than last time, I'd suggest that retaking it couldn't hurt. It might help with your apps this cycle when you update schools with your new MCAT score, and if not, it will certainly help with applying next year (and you'd be taking the MCAT while the material is still fresh rather than starting over from scratch next year when you go to take it). While you might get in with a 27 (I know people who have), a slightly better MCAT could really improve your chances.

You might also think about some plans for improving your app if you don't get in this year. Maybe take some post-bac classes to improve your science gpa. Anyway, bottom line is that I think you should go through the MSAR and pick out more schools, add them, and get secondaries turned around as soon as you can. Good luck!

Overal GPA: 3.58
Science GPA: 3.59
Upward Trend (3.0 freshman yr, 3.5 soph, 3.85 junior)

MCAT:

May 2007: 11 PS - 06 VR - 10 BS = 27Q
July 2007: 10 PS - 10 VR - 10 BS = 30R

solid EC's, including lots of clinical and community service, a lil bit of research
good LOR

applying to:

georgetown
GWU
maryland
jefferson
rosalin franklin
drexel
temple
BU
uic
albert einstein
downstate
vcu
tulane
nymc
albany
eastern virginia
buffalo
upstate
west virginia

what are my chances?? do i have a shot with these?? Thanks!!

what are my chances?? do i have a shot with these?? Thanks!!

I'm guessing your state of residence is somewhere on the east coast, but where exactly?

I'm guessing your state of residence is somewhere on the east coast, but where exactly?

maryland

Overal GPA: 3.58
Science GPA: 3.59
Upward Trend (3.0 freshman yr, 3.5 soph, 3.85 junior)

MCAT:

May 2007: 11 PS - 06 VR - 10 BS = 27Q
July 2007: 10 PS - 10 VR - 10 BS = 30R

solid EC's, including lots of clinical and community service, a lil bit of research
good LOR

applying to:

georgetown
GWU
maryland
jefferson
rosalin franklin
drexel
temple
BU
uic
albert einstein
downstate
vcu
tulane
nymc
albany
eastern virginia
buffalo
upstate
west virginia

what are my chances?? do i have a shot with these?? Thanks!!

I was going to guess Maryland, but I hate guessing wrong. :) Anyway, yes, I think you have a good shot. A nice balanced MCAT, good upward-trend gpa, and (according to you) good clinical/community ECs and LORs. So, provided that you got/get your apps in as soon as possible, I think you're looking very good. Your list of schools looks spot-on as well. Since you say you have good community service ECs, I'd suggest adding Loyola (given you already have UIC and RFU on there you're obviously considering the Chicago area). Loyola is quite keen on students with a demonstrated interest in community service, and your numbers are in line with theirs (and I've heard that students there LOVE their school). Good luck!

Any and all insight about my MDapp is very welcome! Thanks :)

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8536

I was going to guess Maryland, but I hate guessing wrong. :) Anyway, yes, I think you have a good shot. A nice balanced MCAT, good upward-trend gpa, and (according to you) good clinical/community ECs and LORs. So, provided that you got/get your apps in as soon as possible, I think you're looking very good. Your list of schools looks spot-on as well. Since you say you have good community service ECs, I'd suggest adding Loyola (given you already have UIC and RFU on there you're obviously considering the Chicago area). Loyola is quite keen on students with a demonstrated interest in community service, and your numbers are in line with theirs (and I've heard that students there LOVE their school). Good luck!

sounds good, thanks a lot, appreciate the help

first time posting,

I haven't submitted my AMCAS yet, but I plan to submit it by end of August. I was just wondering if applying so late would significantly hurt my app. Help is much appreciated. Thanks guys. Here are my stats:

East-Asian Male
BCMP: 3.95
Other: 3.93
MCAT: VR15 PS15 BS13 S, 43S
Texas resident

EC: 1 year + summer research in one lab, no pub
2+ years of clinical volunteering
2 summers of clinical volunteering abroad
3 years on school table tennis team
Artwork published in art publications and art awards during college and hS

Here are the school I'm thinking about applying to:

Baylor (top choice)
Columbia
UCLA
UCSD
UCSF
UMich Ann Arbor
Harvard
Johns Hopkins
Yale
Stanford
Emory
Chicago
Wash U
University of Washington
Cornell
USC
Duke
Northwestern
Southwestern
UTMB
UTH

Thanks again!:)

Definitely send in your primary right away!

I'm probably not the best person to comment on your chances, since I'm not as familiar with the issues that Canadians face applying to US med schools. Are you considered an international applicant? I'm assuming the answer is "yes," and if it is, did you double-check with each of the US schools that they definitely accept international applicants? I'm assuming you probably did. If so, all you can do is cross your fingers. You have EXCELLENT ECs and a great MCAT. But given the smaller number of international "spots" at US med schools, I have no idea what your chances are - other than that they must be pretty good. Also, I see that you marked "other" for your ethnicity. Are you a URM? Cause that could certainly improve your chances. Regardless, you've made your application the best that it can be for this cycle, so just stick with it. I would think that you'll definitely get in, but again, I'm not so up on international applicant chances, and know nothing about your chances at Canadian schools except that I've heard that they're incredibly demanding when it comes to good stats. Are there any schools on your list that you feel comfortable calling a "safety" in Canada? If so, don't sweat it. And if what you fear does somehow come to pass, beef up that science gpa for next year.... Good luck!

Thanks Phoenix! -- yeah, most of the US schools are "friendly" to Canadian applicants, and the rest (except for UNC, it seems) accept 5 or more international students a year. My worry is that if I don't get into my home-province school, then there's a possibility that I won't get in anywhere.... Anyway, thanks for your comments :)

first time posting,

I haven't submitted my AMCAS yet, but I plan to submit it by end of August. I was just wondering if applying so late would significantly hurt my app. Help is much appreciated. Thanks guys. Here are my stats:

East-Asian Male
BCMP: 3.95
Other: 3.93
MCAT: VR15 PS15 BS13 S, 43S
Texas resident

EC: 1 year + summer research in one lab, no pub
2+ years of clinical volunteering
2 summers of clinical volunteering abroad
3 years on school table tennis team
Artwork published in art publications and art awards during college and hS

Here are the school I'm thinking about applying to:

Baylor (top choice)
Columbia
UCLA
UCSD
UCSF
UMich Ann Arbor
Harvard
Johns Hopkins
Yale
Stanford
Emory
Chicago
Wash U
University of Washington
Cornell
USC
Duke
Northwestern
Southwestern
UTMB
UTH

Thanks again!:)

Submit your primary ASAP and turn around secondaries as fast as you can (perhaps put off non-rolling schools like Cornell until last). Given your absolutely stellar stats, if your personal statement and LORs are good too, I think you're fine, and that applying late won't have that much of an impact on you (as it would with someone who has average stats). Also, I know Texas schools start this whole process earlier, so I'm not sure what the disadvantage would be at Texas schools at this point. However, I'd think they'd still have a spot for you somewhere in Texas given your stats. Just be sure to write great essays and don't come off as arrogant in interviews. Good luck (although I doubt you'll need it!).

Submit your primary ASAP and turn around secondaries as fast as you can (perhaps put off non-rolling schools like Cornell until last). Given your absolutely stellar stats, if your personal statement and LORs are good too, I think you're fine, and that applying late won't have that much of an impact on you (as it would with someone who has average stats). Also, I know Texas schools start this whole process earlier, so I'm not sure what the disadvantage would be at Texas schools at this point. However, I'd think they'd still have a spot for you somewhere in Texas given your stats. Just be sure to write great essays and don't come off as arrogant in interviews. Good luck (although I doubt you'll need it!).

Thanks for all the help :)

Thanks for all the help :)

Sure thing!

+GRADES
Undergrad: Carnegie Mellon
BCPM: 2.98
AO: 3.75
Overall: 3.41
~worked 20-40hrs/wk throughout & family illness so time away
Grad (MPH): Yale
BCPM: 3.7 (only 2 classes though)
AO: 3.92
Overall: 3.90
** Please don’t write that the MPH is not the best way to get into Med- that was not my intention with the program- it was genuinely for international health purposes. It is all over my application that it fits my long term goals. Additionally it gave me a lot of patient contact, clinical experience, LORs…***

+MCAT:
First MCAT 2006: 8PS, 9BS, 9VS, R WS (26R)
Second one taken Aug 2007

+ECs:
~Child and Family Therapist (present job)
~Presentations:
Oral presentation: Unite for Sight Annual Conference: Social Capital and Hypertension in rural Haitian women
Poster presentation: American Public Health Assoc Annual Conference: Prevalence of hypertension in rural Haitian women
~Statistical Research Associate (summer paid employment)
~Downs Memorial International Health Prize for Outstanding Thesis
~International Health Fellowship (summer grant for Thesis research)
** LOR from advisor, Duke professor
~Biostat TA
~Directed Independent Language Study Scholar (Haitian Creole)
~Latino Education Advisor and Teacher
~ Board member and Research Director Yale Student-run Free Clinic.
~Behavioral Science Research Assistant
~Peer and Neighborhood Health Advocate throughout undergrad and grad
~Divisional Representative for Grad school
~International Volunteer Hospital Assistant (attempting to get LOR from Ghana…he has one more week…)
~Shadowing at the Denver VA
~Glassblowing volunteer at Recycled Arts Center
~Diabetic teen counselor.

(**I’ll knock one off or combine- probably knock off the Language scholar or smtg::::: ADVICE VERY WELCOME!!)


+LORs: 2 medium-strong, 3 super-strong (I estimate)

+NY Resident

Applying to:
Total Reaches: Duke, Columbia, Dartmouth
Reach: Jefferson, Tulane, Drexel, GW, Med Univ of Ohio, Stonybrook, Temple, Tufts, UConn, U Vermont, Wake Forest, W Virg, Yeshiva
Reasonable: Albany MC, Mercer, E. Virg, Howard, Morehouse, Rosalind, SUNY Syracuse,UMDNJ, U Buffalo, Virginia Commonwealth,
2 International: Ben Gurion (Israel), Royal College of Surgeons: Dublin

GPA: 3.65 (SGPA: 3.7), also I received a D in a course sophmore year, a philosophy course, but retook the course and got an A.
MCAT: 30Q (10,10,10)

Extracurriculars: I don't have too many of the usual "president of this or secretary of that..." but I have been a teacher at my sunday school for the past 4 years. Also I have the usual research (no publications) and volunteer and job shadowing. I have good, solid LORS but realize that I am late in the application cycle.
Also I am a IL resident. Wanted any advice on my chances/where I should apply. Thanks!

+GRADES
Undergrad: Carnegie Mellon
BCPM: 2.98
AO: 3.75
Overall: 3.41
~worked 20-40hrs/wk throughout & family illness so time away
Grad (MPH): Yale
BCPM: 3.7 (only 2 classes though)
AO: 3.92
Overall: 3.90
** Please don’t write that the MPH is not the best way to get into Med- that was not my intention with the program- it was genuinely for international health purposes. It is all over my application that it fits my long term goals. Additionally it gave me a lot of patient contact, clinical experience, LORs…***

+MCAT:
First MCAT 2006: 8PS, 9BS, 9VS, R WS (26R)
Second one taken Aug 2007

+ECs:
~Child and Family Therapist (present job)
~Presentations:
Oral presentation: Unite for Sight Annual Conference: Social Capital and Hypertension in rural Haitian women
Poster presentation: American Public Health Assoc Annual Conference: Prevalence of hypertension in rural Haitian women
~Statistical Research Associate (summer paid employment)
~Downs Memorial International Health Prize for Outstanding Thesis
~International Health Fellowship (summer grant for Thesis research)
** LOR from advisor, Duke professor
~Biostat TA
~Directed Independent Language Study Scholar (Haitian Creole)
~Latino Education Advisor and Teacher
~ Board member and Research Director Yale Student-run Free Clinic.
~Behavioral Science Research Assistant
~Peer and Neighborhood Health Advocate throughout undergrad and grad
~Divisional Representative for Grad school
~International Volunteer Hospital Assistant (attempting to get LOR from Ghana…he has one more week…)
~Shadowing at the Denver VA
~Glassblowing volunteer at Recycled Arts Center
~Diabetic teen counselor.

(**I’ll knock one off or combine- probably knock off the Language scholar or smtg::::: ADVICE VERY WELCOME!!)


+LORs: 2 medium-strong, 3 super-strong (I estimate)

+NY Resident

Applying to:
Total Reaches: Duke, Columbia, Dartmouth
Reach: Jefferson, Tulane, Drexel, GW, Med Univ of Ohio, Stonybrook, Temple, Tufts, UConn, U Vermont, Wake Forest, W Virg, Yeshiva
Reasonable: Albany MC, Mercer, E. Virg, Howard, Morehouse, Rosalind, SUNY Syracuse,UMDNJ, U Buffalo, Virginia Commonwealth,
2 International: Ben Gurion (Israel), Royal College of Surgeons: Dublin

What do I know, but I think you'll be fine. If you've articulated your motivation to go to med school well, then I think some schools should be ready to look past your BCPM GPA. And as far as I know, Carnegie Mellon is a tough grading school, no? But, maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part, since I am in a similar boat to you.... (Please see my mdapps to left -- i am another international health'er.) Of course your new MCAT scores will be super important -- good luck!

ok, i'll make it quick, knowing this forum is full of people who will respond with some good advice...

Started at Arizona State for 2 years and transferred to University of California Santa Barabara, where I graduated with an Overall GPA of 2.77 (BS in Business Economics with the intention of going to Med school since high school.)

Took most Pre-Med pre-reqs but still need to finish up the Physics series (and I also want to take as many other science courses necessary to boost my undergrad GPA (more importantly my science GPA, which hovers around a 2.9 right now, with aN F in Orgo I repeated and received a B in ). If I take Physics, Anatomy, Genetics, Physical Chem, etc. I may be able to boost my science GPA to around a 3.35 and my overall undergrad GPA to around a 3.0. I would take these courses at a state school in California in the next year while preparing for the MCATs and beginning full-time volunteer work at hospitals in my area.

I was wondering what my target MCAT score should be in the near future if I do raise my GPA to the one indicated above to get into a MD program in the US (or Canada).

Their are also a few reasons behind why my GPA was so low in the past and I was wondering if Med schools would take them into consideration (Felony assaulted last year, had my jaw wired for a few months and lost 45 pounds.)


Any advice is much appreciated regarding what my plans should be in the future, including if I should apply for a MPH somewhere... Lived away from home since I was 17... moving back home and Im 23 now... I feel as if I can work a lot harder now that Im back at home and I do not have to worry about rent and other living expenses... I am also a lot more mature than I was even at 21 (since my assault).

ok, i'll make it quick, knowing this forum is full of people who will respond with some good advice...

Started at Arizona State for 2 years and transferred to University of California Santa Barabara, where I graduated with an Overall GPA of 2.77 (BS in Business Economics with the intention of going to Med school since high school.)

Took most Pre-Med pre-reqs but still need to finish up the Physics series (and I also want to take as many other science courses necessary to boost my undergrad GPA (more importantly my science GPA, which hovers around a 2.9 right now, with aN F in Orgo I repeated and received a B in ). If I take Physics, Anatomy, Genetics, Physical Chem, etc. I may be able to boost my science GPA to around a 3.35 and my overall undergrad GPA to around a 3.0. I would take these courses at a state school in California in the next year while preparing for the MCATs and beginning full-time volunteer work at hospitals in my area.

I was wondering what my target MCAT score should be in the near future if I do raise my GPA to the one indicated above to get into a MD program in the US (or Canada).

Their are also a few reasons behind why my GPA was so low in the past and I was wondering if Med schools would take them into consideration (Felony assaulted last year, had my jaw wired for a few months and lost 45 pounds.)


Any advice is much appreciated regarding what my plans should be in the future, including if I should apply for a MPH somewhere... Lived away from home since I was 17... moving back home and Im 23 now... I feel as if I can work a lot harder now that Im back at home and I do not have to worry about rent and other living expenses... I am also a lot more mature than I was even at 21 (since my assault).

I think your circumstances might warrant disadvantaged status, although I'm not totally sure. That said, a MCAT score in the mid 30s would be what you'd traditionally need.

MCAT 32Q (12PS/10V/10BS)
GPA OA: 3.43
GPA bpcm: 3.4
four year institution GPA: 3.9 (last 80+hrs)
Community college transfer GPA: 3.02 (reason for low GPA)
Bio major with Hist minor

Research:
two semesters, including a field ecological study of Giant Rats in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa. In the process of publishing but nothing as of yet (or before I apply).

EC:
Marine Reserves for 6 years (Sgt.) with two overseas deployments (Iraq)
-Various medals and Marine of the Year honors in 2005
-Also reason for becoming interested in medicine after guarding a hospital and interacting with injured Iraqi civilians and Marines outside of An Nasiriyah, Iraq April-June 2003 (essentially my PS).

Co-founder and VP of the schools Veteran Student Association

Charity marathon runner with over $900 raised for pediatric cancer

Chemistry and Genetics Tutor for school (1 year)

Biology club president for a year and subordinate leadership roles for an additional year

-Very Good LOR's
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
My main concern is that my only clinical experience is the time that I spent with doctors and patients in Iraq (~2.5months). I am hoping that my GPA trend at a university is the one that the adcomms will pay more attention too. I also have many W's on my application (that had to do with being pulled out of school twice to go to Iraq) that I did not explain, but I hope the schools will recognize that. I also submitted my Application to aamc a bit late (Aug 7th) and am worried about that.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the schools I am applying (IL res):

Albany
Creighton
Duke (shooting for the moon)
George Washington
Georgetown
Loyola
Medical College of WI
Rosalind Franklin
Rush Medical
Southern IL
UIC
University of Chicago
University of Iowa
University of MN
University of WI
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

So what do you think? Should I apply to more schools?

Cumulative GPA: 3.85
Science: 3.56 (would be a 3.7 except for 1 D my junior year of high school)
MCAT: 29R (9V/10P/10B)

-Teach a supplemental instruction course for physics II
-over 120 hours volunteering/shadowing in emergency room and clinics
-held many jobs in my fraternity (recruitment chair, scholarship chair..)
-Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (top 10% of seniors)
-lots of community service and stuff I don't feel like listing

Applied to:
-TTU
-TCOM
-UTH
-UTSA
-UTMB
-A&M
-Southwestern
-Baylor

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I made the decision to apply this year at the last minute and i am taking the september MCAT. I am worried about my verbal but i am hoping to pull off something goood in the PS, BS and writing prompt. I am yet to submit my AMCAS cos i am waiting for my personal statement and letters of recommendation. Plan to hit the submit button if i am allowed by the end of this week.

My stats include
BCPM- 3.5
Cumulative 3.7
I am a minority student (Nursing major and in my senior year this fall) Is this a plus?
I have taken Anatomy and physiology, CLEPed Microbiology, Pharmacology etc
Acitivites-

Volunteered at UCDavis Medical center (Childlife and trauma unit and emergency room) and did clinical shadowing there freshman and sophomore year (through AMSA membership at my school)

Shadowed doctors at the Sacramento AIDS Cares Clinic

Organized and volunteered at annual native American POW WOW health fair at UCDAVIS (2003 & 2004)

Tutored students in the chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, statistics, arts and humanities

Currently tutor for nursing classes at my school

Honor Roll and deans Scholar, 4/5 of tuition paid by school since second semester of freshman year

Taught 1st, 2nd and 6th graders arabic for 2 years ( I am not a native arabic speaker so i imagine this is a plus)

Founded and served as president for African students association club at my school (Initiated annual african day event)

Worked at Penn Hospital last year for 6months as a Nurse Extern and returned to work this year for another 6 months in their Abramson Cancer Center over 2,000 hours patient exposure (including my regular clinical rotations)

No research whatsoever

Schools i am considering

Howard
Baylor
Vanderbilt
Penn State
Emory

Letters of recommendation from Physics and Chemistry Professor, Program Director in School.

I am also thinking of getting a letter from my Sociology professor, the principal at the school i taught Arabic at and my dad's friend who is a Pediatrcian in private practice in california.

Any other suggestions? I am also a foreign student so i am limited by the number of schools i can apply to.

Please help, i need honest feedback. Thanks

Hey,
I was wondering what my chances are at a top 10 med school. I have great numbers (37Q, 3.87 science, 3.83 cumul. from an ivy) but everything else is unimpressive, a few semesters of volunteering, a frat, minor leadership and a little unpublished research. My dream school is Penn, and I havent applied to too many safeties, maybe 10 reach and 5 mid-range.

How important are the numbers compared with everything else?

Hey,
I was wondering what my chances are at a top 10 med school. I have great numbers (37Q, 3.87 science, 3.83 cumul. from an ivy) but everything else is unimpressive, a few semesters of volunteering, a frat, minor leadership and a little unpublished research. My dream school is Penn, and I havent applied to too many safeties, maybe 10 reach and 5 mid-range.

How important are the numbers compared with everything else?

Numbers are important, but your ECs and LORs are important as well. I think 15 schools with those stats is probably fine unless your ECs/LORs are really that bad.

I've already applied to 15, but I would rather broaden my application than be a reapplicant next year. So...I'd like some suggestions on where I might best be served by applying this year.

Thus far I have applied to: Brown, Loyola (no secondary yet), NEOUCOM (no secondary yet), Ohio State, OHSU, U. of Cinci, U. of Kentucky, U. of Louisville, U. of Miami (no secondary yet), U. of Michigan, U. of Toledo, U. of Wisc., Wake, WVU (no secondary yet), and Wright State.

My stats are:

MCAT: 33M (14 VR, 10 PS, 9 BS)
BCPM: 3.12 (due to a bad freshman year 18 years ago -- my junior and senior year BCPMs are 3.77 and 3.78, respectively)
Cumulative GPA: 3.08 (going from 1.5 my freshman year to 2.27 sophomore to 3.86 junior to 3.88 senior)

Other details:

Econ major
Non-trad (36 years old, mom of 3)
Currently working (and have been for the past 9 years) as a unix sysadmin/programmer for a large state agency

EC are limited due to the last two mentioned just above, as well as taking 1-2 classes per quarter. They are: 1+ year volunteering at a local free clinic, 4 years volunteering at a local community festival, 2003-2007 Dean's List.

My only hard limits on schools is that while I love research, I don't want to attend a school that would require independent research as a condition of graduation (i.e. Case).

So, any suggestions for another 2-4 schools for me?

I guess my situation is slightly unique.

So i have the option of applying to wake forests early assurance program, which is reserved for Juniors, the only problem is that if i dont get in this year I will be considered a reapplicant.

I was wondering whether schools look down on or expect more out of reapplicants. Will this make it harder for me to get into other medical schools if i dont get into Wake this year, and one last thing do i even have a chance. For early assurance they dont require the MCAT, but they dont look down on you for taking it either, taking it in 2 weeks, practice test average 33-34. So hoping for atleast 32, but who knows

White, male
3.89 cum GPA
3.94 science GPA
600+volunteer Hours as EMT
250+ volunteer hours as camp counselor for children with muscular dystrophy.
~30 hours shadowing an Orthopaedic and Family Practice
1 year of research with no publications and a presentation coming up.
3 years of SGA (vice president 2 years)
Lifeguard- 1 year
Resident Assistant- 2 years
Pre-Med Club (leadership position)
Intramurals, Church Basketball.

Any thoughts would be appreciated...
And one last thing Wake Says that this program is for "highly competitive JUniors" so i guess its fairly difficult to get in.

Thanks ahead of time!!!

I've already applied to 15, but I would rather broaden my application than be a reapplicant next year. So...I'd like some suggestions on where I might best be served by applying this year.

Thus far I have applied to: Brown, Loyola (no secondary yet), NEOUCOM (no secondary yet), Ohio State, OHSU, U. of Cinci, U. of Kentucky, U. of Louisville, U. of Miami (no secondary yet), U. of Michigan, U. of Toledo, U. of Wisc., Wake, WVU (no secondary yet), and Wright State.

My stats are:

MCAT: 33M (14 VR, 10 PS, 9 BS)
BCPM: 3.12 (due to a bad freshman year 18 years ago -- my junior and senior year BCPMs are 3.77 and 3.78, respectively)
Cumulative GPA: 3.08 (going from 1.5 my freshman year to 2.27 sophomore to 3.86 junior to 3.88 senior)

Other details:

Econ major
Non-trad (36 years old, mom of 3)
Currently working (and have been for the past 9 years) as a unix sysadmin/programmer for a large state agency

EC are limited due to the last two mentioned just above, as well as taking 1-2 classes per quarter. They are: 1+ year volunteering at a local free clinic, 4 years volunteering at a local community festival, 2003-2007 Dean's List.

My only hard limits on schools is that while I love research, I don't want to attend a school that would require independent research as a condition of graduation (i.e. Case).

So, any suggestions for another 2-4 schools for me?

Alas, I think that you should be applying to more like 30 schools. And even then, you might have to take a year to take classes to boost your gpa and ECs and reapply next year. With your gpa, it would be best to apply really early, and to many many schools. I see from mdapps that you were verified in August, and have been submitting secondaries the last few weeks. That's fine, but not "really early." And just so you know, Miami has a very strict OOS 3.6 gpa cut off, you likely won't receive the Miami secondary.

I know that you made tremendous improvement and have a great upward trend, but a 3.08 is pretty low for MD schools. It's always possible that you could get in, but it's not probable. Have you considered a DO school? I think adding some DO schools (as well as some MD schools) would be your best bet if you definitely want to get in this cycle. If you're willing to take more classes and try to boost your gpa and definitely would rather wait to reapply next year than go to a DO school, then I think you should just continue with your MD applications for now and see it through (and add more MD schools if you like: RFU, Drexel, Temple, Tulane etc.). Also, just be aware that for any schools that you apply to (or add) this cycle, you will be a reapplicant at next year if you don't get in. Reapplicants must show improvement from one year to the next, and generally will be asked to write an essay on what they have improved. This will probably be in the form of a specific secondary essay for each school asking if you applied there last year and what you have changed. Anyway, I truly hope that you get in this year, but I think you should also have a backup plan just in case. Good luck!

I know that you made tremendous improvement and have a great upward trend, but a 3.08 is pretty low for MD schools. It's always possible that you could get in, but it's not probable. Have you considered a DO school? I think adding some DO schools (as well as some MD schools) would be your best bet if you definitely want to get in this cycle. If you're willing to take more classes and try to boost your gpa and definitely would rather wait to reapply next year than go to a DO school, then I think you should just continue with your MD applications for now and see it through (and add more MD schools if you like: RFU, Drexel, Temple, Tulane etc.).

I'm in an odd position vis-a-vis GPA. Every 'A' I get only brings it up by .01 because I have so many credit hours. To get it to even a 3.3 I would have to take approximately 22 classes, which would be at least three years worth. I would rather apply to more MD schools now than wait another year to only see my GPA climb less than 0.1. I'm not applying to Tulane because I have no wish to live in NOLA, but I'll consider adding Drexel and Temple.

As for DOs, I have nothing against them, I just don't want to have to go through another set of transcripts and stuff, which is the same reason I didn't apply to any TX school.

Thanks for the advice!

I'm in an odd position vis-a-vis GPA. Every 'A' I get only brings it up by .01 because I have so many credit hours. To get it to even a 3.3 I would have to take approximately 22 classes, which would be at least three years worth. I would rather apply to more MD schools now than wait another year to only see my GPA climb less than 0.1. I'm not applying to Tulane because I have no wish to live in NOLA, but I'll consider adding Drexel and Temple.

As for DOs, I have nothing against them, I just don't want to have to go through another set of transcripts and stuff, which is the same reason I didn't apply to any TX school.

Thanks for the advice!

The question I think you should ask yourself is which would be worse: 1) having to reapply all over again next year and have all of your transcripts sent to AMCAS again and pay for it all over again; or 2) request your transcripts to apply to DO schools now and have a much better shot of starting medical school next year (in a DO school)? If the goal is to be a doctor, and you "have nothing against" DO schools, then not applying to them simply because you'd have to request transcripts and do the DO primary doesn't sound like the best reason to curtail your chances. Also, I'm not so up on SMP programs and the like, but you might consider checking them out. They might help off-set the low gpa - but again, I'm not so sure how that works. Good luck.

The question I think you should ask yourself is which would be worse: 1) having to reapply all over again next year and have all of your transcripts sent to AMCAS again and pay for it all over again; or 2) request your transcripts to apply to DO schools now and have a much better shot of starting medical school next year (in a DO school)? If the goal is to be a doctor, and you "have nothing against" DO schools, then not applying to them simply because you'd have to request transcripts and do the DO primary doesn't sound like the best reason to curtail your chances. Also, I'm not so up on SMP programs and the like, but you might consider checking them out. They might help off-set the low gpa - but again, I'm not so sure how that works. Good luck.

You've got a good point there. I guess I'll be working on my DO app tomorrow. Won't I be late in the game for that though? (FWIW, I submitted my AMCAS when I did because I was waiting for the results of my June 15th MCAT.)

SMP programs are out because I can't quit my job for just the chance/hope that I might get in to med school. I've got three growing kids to feed and clothe! I'll quit for med school, but I can't justify leaving this job otherwise.

Thanks again for all your help!

thanks in advance for your advice (esp. Drixxt who has been doling out great advice!).

-BCPM Gpa ~ 3.3
-overall GPA ~3.42
-grad GPA ~3.8
MCAT 30T
-strong extracurriculars/volunteering
-2 publications
-good PS essay...
-Canadian (so i have applied to a lot of private schools which take more cdns)
-also want to MD/PhD progs

any advice would be great!

Hi everyone,
My undergrad GPA is a 3.4 from George Washingon
I've taken the MCAT 3 times (2003:29, 2004:32, 2007:36) and I've been thrown out of Barnes and Noble since for attacking a shelf of Kaplan text books in a blind rage.
I am currently enrolled in a Biomedical Masters program at Mount Sinai, and am trying to get my data published (It looks like this will happen within the next few months)
I've just received the student research award by the AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Disease)
I have good recs and personal statement and have had some experience (two summers) as an anesthesia aide at a hospital. Some other quality ECs as well, but not a ton.

I would love to stay in New York, but I just finished sending in secondaries all over the place. From what level school do you think I can expect to get some positive news.

(First Post By the Way!!!:D)

my guess is low and mid tiers, I think your gpa is too low for the upper tier. Good luck!

thanks in advance for your advice (esp. Drixxt who has been doling out great advice!).

-BCPM Gpa ~ 3.3
-overall GPA ~3.42
-grad GPA ~3.8
MCAT 30T
-strong extracurriculars/volunteering
-2 publications
-good PS essay...
-Canadian (so i have applied to a lot of private schools which take more cdns)
-also want to MD/PhD progs

any advice would be great!

I'm not as familiar of the chances of intl students but I imagine if you applied broadly (30+ schools) you should get some interest.

Hi everyone,
My undergrad GPA is a 3.4 from George Washingon
I've taken the MCAT 3 times (2003:29, 2004:32, 2007:36) and I've been thrown out of Barnes and Noble since for attacking a shelf of Kaplan text books in a blind rage.
I am currently enrolled in a Biomedical Masters program at Mount Sinai, and am trying to get my data published (It looks like this will happen within the next few months)
I've just received the student research award by the AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Disease)
I have good recs and personal statement and have had some experience (two summers) as an anesthesia aide at a hospital. Some other quality ECs as well, but not a ton.

I would love to stay in New York, but I just finished sending in secondaries all over the place. From what level school do you think I can expect to get some positive news.

(First Post By the Way!!!:D)

I would apply broadly. I imagine schools like NYMC, SUNY Downstate, AECOM, and perhaps Mt Sinai would be interested in NYC...

I would love to hear people's thoughts.

Here it goes:

First off, I'm in my mid 30's which may or may not be a factor(?).

Overall GPA = 3.82

BCPM (postbacc) = 4.00

Graduated from Ivy undergrad, am finishing postbacc premed at state school.

Good recommendations. All in a committee letter from postbacc school in which I was given the highest ranking (my postbacc school does rankings w/ committee letters).

Community service volunteering, shadowing, research volunteer in Emergency Room.

MCAT = PS:10 V:11 B:11 W:S
(disappointed with score because I was averaging higher on practice tests but the real thing seemed more difficult than any of the AAMCs I had taken)

Schools:

NYMC
Mt. Sinai
NYU
SUNY Downstate
Cornell
Columbia
Albert Einstein
U Penn
Drexel
Brown
USC
UCLA
OHSU (I'm an Oregon resident)

Am I in the ballpark with these?

ok i know this is kinda a second post, but it's appropriate here, i think. feel free, regulators to kick me out...don't remove this one though, remove the first!


University of Southern California
-Cello Performance major
-took some pre med classes too
-sucky gpa

University of California Los Angeles
-took "post bacc" classes
-4.0 gpa


still,
bcpm 3.37
oa 2.97
total 3.17

mcat 33s (12P/11V/10B)


Work Experience/Activities
Professional Concert Cellist
Resident Honors Program Scholar (40 in nation, freshman year)
Trustee Scholar - Full Academic Scholarship Recipient (100 usc freshman)
1926 Becker Cello Endowment Recipient
Med-COR Chemistry and Math Facilitator
KSCR Radio DJ
Resident Advisor - Fluor Tower and Portland Street House
Behavioral Health Unit Ward Clerk
Trojan Family Summer Science Camp Counselor
Electro-Optical & Cellular Physiology Laboratory Assistant
Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinical/Academic Laboratory Asst.
Miss Hollywood
American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress Poster
SAGES Clinical Congress Poster - Poster of Distinction
Esophageal Chapter for Sabiston Textbook of Surgery

more publications are included in the little synopsi that we are able to type in there.

honestly, i'm a little heartbroken. i've had a complete turnaround since 2004 and it shows in my perfect grades, great mcat score, and great LOR.

but still on paper i might not make the first cut. what can i do for this round of applications? i'm applying very veyr very very broadly haha.

i'm from california. just shoot me now.

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8431


I'd love your input! :)

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8431


I'd love your input! :)

I think you're going to do well. From what I've read, FL schools love their residents.... And you've got a competitive app with good ECs, gpa and MCAT. And congrats on the great improvement in your MCAT score (and on getting your primaries done before you got your score back)!

ok i know this is kinda a second post, but it's appropriate here, i think. feel free, regulators to kick me out...don't remove this one though, remove the first!


University of Southern California
-Cello Performance major
-took some pre med classes too
-sucky gpa

University of California Los Angeles
-took "post bacc" classes
-4.0 gpa


still,
bcpm 3.37
oa 2.97
total 3.17

mcat 33s (12P/11V/10B)


Work Experience/Activities
Professional Concert Cellist
Resident Honors Program Scholar (40 in nation, freshman year)
Trustee Scholar - Full Academic Scholarship Recipient (100 usc freshman)
1926 Becker Cello Endowment Recipient
Med-COR Chemistry and Math Facilitator
KSCR Radio DJ
Resident Advisor - Fluor Tower and Portland Street House
Behavioral Health Unit Ward Clerk
Trojan Family Summer Science Camp Counselor
Electro-Optical & Cellular Physiology Laboratory Assistant
Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinical/Academic Laboratory Asst.
Miss Hollywood
American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress Poster
SAGES Clinical Congress Poster - Poster of Distinction
Esophageal Chapter for Sabiston Textbook of Surgery

more publications are included in the little synopsi that we are able to type in there.

honestly, i'm a little heartbroken. i've had a complete turnaround since 2004 and it shows in my perfect grades, great mcat score, and great LOR.

but still on paper i might not make the first cut. what can i do for this round of applications? i'm applying very veyr very very broadly haha.

were your academic scholarships suspended after freshman year? if so that might not look good.

You certainly are wellrounded but your overall will be an issue. Your BCPM is in better shape, but still not quite average. Not sure what to say, its a pretty clear cut case. You have a chance, but its not the best, especially since you're a californian. I'd suggest bumping that GPA some more, not sure how extensive your postbacc was, but are there more courses you can take?

hey guys,

i already posted this in another thread but didnt get a lot of answers, probably since i should've posted in this thread to begin with. so here it is:

this is perhaps somethign i should have done a long time ago, but i was wondering if you guys coudl give me feedback on my list of schools. ive already started applying, but late is better than never i suppose. here goes:

3.47 BCPM, 3.59 overall, MCAT is 39T (13, 13, 13). GPA has upward trend. a lot of research experience with no pubs, 100 hrs of shadowing (not last-minute) and 75 hrs of last-minute volunteering in a hospital, some community service but not much, went to a top 15 undergrad (or at least what USNews considers one). also wrote for a journal in college and was in random clubs, where i had some leadership positions. LORs should be ok (one good one and two probably ok ones). CA resident. non-URM. traditional applicant.

applied to:
NYMC
Albany
Rosalind Franklin
Drexel
Jefferson
BU
UCI
UC Davis
UCSD
USC - Keck
Einstein
Tufts
Mt. Sinai
Pitt
Columbia
UCSF
Stanford
UCLA
Northwestern
Harvard
Penn
Yale
NYU
Cornell
U of Chicago - Pritzker

i tried to apply broadly since im from CA and my app has a couple of weaknesses. im really not sure what to expect in terms of what caliber of school will accept me, but i guess thats probably true of a lot of people since this process is so random. anyways, what do you guys think? also, im going to start volunteering elsewhere soon since i had to quit my last minute volunteering to go to my full time job which i'll be working at while i apply. thanks!

Ok, here goes.

I just submitted my primary AMCAS on 8/30 (I have no good excuse as to why I turned it in so late). I am wondering how much you think the late submission is going to hurt me....

As far as my stats, I have a 4.0 at the University of Tennessee and made a 40S on the MCAT. My extracurriculars have a good dose of leadership and my volunteering is normal. I've had a pretty good research background, although no publications. And I'm a minority (born in Peru).

I've applied to a whole range of schools.... I am really wondering if sending it in this late is going to hurt me. Input from the experienced SDNers/moderators would be really appreciated, as well as anyone else that would be so kind!

Also, I'm starting my secondaries now instead of waiting for the AMCAS to be verified first. I'll submit them as soon as I'm verified and begin receiving invitations, I hope.

Thank you for your input!

My list of schools:

Albert Einstein
Baylor
Boston University
Columbia
Dartmouth
Duke
East Tennessee State University
Eastern Virginia
Emory
George Washington
Harvard
Loyola
New York Medical College
New York University
Northwestern
Tulane
University of Pennsylvania
University of Rochester
University of Tennessee
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt
Wake Forest
Washington University in St. Louis

Thanks a lot once again!

add the UCs, JHU, Yale. Why not? 4.0/40 is an amazing # combo

Hi Everyone. I just wanted some input on my chances at these schools and where else I should apply to.

MCAT 28Q 10PS, 8VR, 10BS
GPA 3.65
science GPA 3.67
Great research experiences, pending publication
average hospital experience, nothing outstanding
Lots of leadership, activities, and organizations

I have 17 schools now. What are my chances at these schools? I don't have much money left, but out of Tulane, AMC, Creighton, and RFU, which should I add?

U of Vermont
U of Rochester
U of Pittsburgh
NYU
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY Upstate
SUNY Downstate
SUNY Stony Brook
New York Medical College
Jefferson
Drexel
Temple
VCU
Medical College of Wisconsin
Wake Forest
PennState
Albert Einstein

Hi Everyone. I just wanted some input on my chances at these schools and where else I should apply to.

MCAT 28Q 10PS, 8VR, 10BS
GPA 3.65
science GPA 3.67
Great research experiences, pending publication
average hospital experience, nothing outstanding
Lots of leadership, activities, and organizations

I have 17 schools now. What are my chances at these schools? I don't have much money left, but out of Tulane, AMC, Creighton, and RFU, which should I add?

U of Vermont
U of Rochester
U of Pittsburgh
NYU
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY Upstate
SUNY Downstate
SUNY Stony Brook
New York Medical College
Jefferson
Drexel
Temple
VCU
Medical College of Wisconsin
Wake Forest
PennState
Albert Einstein

Honestly? I would suggest adding all of them if you want the best chance at getting an acceptance this year and not have to reapply. If you can at all swing it, stir up the money for those additional secondaries. If you were applying earlier in the cycle, you'd be a lot safer. But given how late it is, I think you should add them all. Regardless, your state schools are always your best bet, so hopefully a SUNY gives you some love. Good luck, and get those secondaries in ASAP if you want a good shot.

Honestly? I would suggest adding all of them if you want the best chance at getting an acceptance this year and not have to reapply. If you can at all swing it, stir up the money for those additional secondaries. If you were applying earlier in the cycle, you'd be a lot safer. But given how late it is, I think you should add them all. Regardless, your state schools are always your best bet, so hopefully a SUNY gives you some love. Good luck, and get those secondaries in ASAP if you want a good shot.

Thanks Pheonix, always appreciate it. As a follow up, my committee LORs won't be sent until sometime this week and hopefully all my secondaries will be sent too. So is the first week of September too late to be complete?

Also, I'm hesitant about Creighton because they seem to favor people west of the Mississippi. Any truth to that or other schools to recommend?

I would love to hear people's thoughts.

Here it goes:

First off, I'm in my mid 30's which may or may not be a factor(?).

Overall GPA = 3.82

BCPM (postbacc) = 4.00

Graduated from Ivy undergrad, am finishing postbacc premed at state school.

Good recommendations. All in a committee letter from postbacc school in which I was given the highest ranking (my postbacc school does rankings w/ committee letters).

Community service volunteering, shadowing, research volunteer in Emergency Room.

MCAT = PS:10 V:11 B:11 W:S
(disappointed with score because I was averaging higher on practice tests but the real thing seemed more difficult than any of the AAMCs I had taken)

Schools:

NYMC
Mt. Sinai
NYU
SUNY Downstate
Cornell
Columbia
Albert Einstein
U Penn
Drexel
Brown
USC
UCLA
OHSU (I'm an Oregon resident)

Am I in the ballpark with these?

Anyone got any love for me? I'm feeling all alone with no responses.

Thanks Pheonix, always appreciate it. As a follow up, my committee LORs won't be sent until sometime this week and hopefully all my secondaries will be sent too. So is the first week of September too late to be complete?

Also, I'm hesitant about Creighton because they seem to favor people west of the Mississippi. Any truth to that or other schools to recommend?

Too late? It's all relative. It's of course better to be complete in July or August, but if you're trying to give it your all this cycle, just get everything and become complete as soon as you can. I know people who submitted their AMCAS in early September and still got a few interviews and an acceptance, but that's not necessarily something you can bank on. I'd add Creighton regardless, but I don't personally know about such a preference.

Anyone got any love for me? I'm feeling all alone with no responses.

I think you'll be competitive at most of the east coast schools. CA schools... maybe.

Alright, so here are my stats!

MCAT: 31Q (10 verbal, 10 bio, 11 phys)
Undergrad: BCPM: 3.64, Overall: 3.7
Grad (one year of pharm): BCPM: 3.86, Overall: 3.8

EC:
Research: one year, complete with grant, published first author (well in press)
-4 months with another prof, poster presented at national conference
Officers of 3 clubs
-hospital and women's shelter volunteer
-on editorial board of undergrad science research journal

Personal Statement: I have no idea... pretty good?
Reference letters: for sure one is outstanding, the others seem strong

Applying:
Only to private colleges as I am Canadian

Georgetown (realllllllllly hoping for it... any ideas???)
GW
RFU
Alb. Ein (far reach)
BU
Keck
Loma Linda
Howard
penn state

THANKS GUYS!!!!!

Never mind.

Stickying this thread for August 6th MCATers. Feel free to post in here, guys!

8/6 MCAT v-10, ps-9, b-11 (30) ws-O
UGPA - 3.94 bio major at small private school

Due to just recently deciding to go into medicine, I only have about 50 hours of shadowing a couple doctors - no other clinical experience.

LORs should be strong and community volunteering is pretty good.

I feel like my application will be very "middle of the road". As a resident of NY, I will definitely apply to the state schools, but am unsure of what qualifies as a "reach" school for me. Heck, for all I know the state schools may be a reach. Any advise on schools to try and what my odds of getting in are?

Should I add some schools? (I took down my specifics on mdapps bc i don't want adcoms to see me!) I have strong LOR and strong very strong and unique ECs....grad from an Ivy.

Surfstarj, if you instate for NC, definitely do wake, Duke, and ecu

Should I add some schools? (I took down my specifics on mdapps bc i don't want adcoms to see me!) I have strong LOR and strong very strong and unique ECs....grad from an Ivy.

I'm assuming that UConn will be a pretty good bet as a safety, but if you're concerned about your gpa and want to apply more broadly, how about some more Philly schools? Jefferson? Drexel? Any other cities you're keen on? If so, maybe pick a few more mid-range. Then again, I think you're probably fine. Good luck!

Not technically. I live there now. I'll be a "legal resident" in a few months but my permanent residency is CT (which sucks because we only have UConn. not that UConn sucks at all, but it's the only instate school).

Tell me what ya think. I dont think Im too bad but its good to hear it from someone else who might know more than my family...haha

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?id=8803

Tell me what ya think. I dont think Im too bad but its good to hear it from someone else who might know more than my family...haha

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?id=8803

good balanced score, nice GPA. solid ECs and a good range of schools with in-states. You are golden as long as you interview well :)

Really?? I didnt think I was even all that good. Im young so I thought that would hurt me a good deal no matter fi I showed maturity or not. Thanks surfstarj...u brightened my day!!

Hey, I was wondering if anyone had any opinions about my chances, I am nervous because of my average MCAT and GPA. Any commentary would be great.

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8526

Hey, I was wondering if anyone had any opinions about my chances, I am nervous because of my average MCAT and GPA. Any commentary would be great.

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8526

You have a very good MCAT, a nice "safety" instate school, average gpa (but that upward trend is key), great ECs, you applied broadly, were complete at most schools in August, and, well, you add that element of diversity. I think you're set!

thanks, thats reassuring, anyone else?

Im pretty positive that youll get into more than one school, but im not an ADCOM. good luck

MCAT: 35S
major: cell biology & biochemistry.
graduating: 12-07.
Hi,
I was a very bad undergraduate student when i entered college as freshman from high school, my high school GPA was 3.9 with sat scores of 1350 and above 700 in subject tests. I was barely 16+ when i started college as freshman. My first quarter gpa was 1.9. I was ahrdly focussed on what i am going to do and never studied. My gpa fell to 2.49 in 2005. I had to take a 1 quarter off as i fell sick. I geared my focuss and started again in winter 2006 and took human physiology course, biochemistry courses, organic chem courses and labs all upper division courses. I have been gettin now a's in all courses with a lowest of B+ in human physiology lab. My 2006 gpa was 3.75 and 2007 was also 3.75. Since my previous years gpa is pathetic 2.4 it is right now at 3.15. i have repeated d grades and sought a's and also 2 f's i have repeated again. I got score of 12( Phys), 12( Bio) and 11(VR) on Mcat of 6th august with a writing score of S.
I have started Volunteering at tri city medical center a hospital and also shall be doing Volunteering at Scripps Hospital from october end.
My question is should i apply now? to get into a decent medical school in 2008? I am going to graduate in winter 2008 with a BS degree and my cummulative gpa is expected to be at 3.2 with all baggage included. I am eligible to enroll in BS/MS integrated program leading to a masters degree with a research and thesis and about 12 units of graduate subhects.Should i pursue a masters degree for one eyar and then apply for 2009? Please advise.

look my new post below

MCAT 32Q (12PS/10V/10BS)
GPA OA: 3.49
GPA bpcm: 3.41
four year institution GPA: 3.9 (last 80+hrs)
Community college transfer GPA: 3.02 (reason for low GPA)
Bio major with Hist minor

Research:
two semesters, including a field ecological study of Giant Rats in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa. In the process of publishing but nothing as of yet (or before I apply).

EC:
Marine Reserves for 6 years (Sgt.) with two overseas deployments (Iraq)
-Various medals and Marine of the Year honors in 2005
-Also reason for becoming interested in medicine after guarding a hospital and interacting with injured Iraqi civilians and Marines outside of An Nasiriyah, Iraq April-June 2003 (essentially my PS).
-Co-founder and VP of the schools Veteran Student Association
-Charity marathon runner with over $900 raised for pediatric cancer
-Tutor (1 year)
-Biology club president for a year and subordinate leadership roles for an additional year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
My main concern is that my only clinical experience is the time that I spent with doctors and patients in Iraq (~2.5months). I am hoping that my GPA trend at a university is the one that the adcomms will pay more attention too. I also have many W's on my application (that had to do with being pulled out of school twice to go to Iraq) that I did not explain, but I hope the schools will recognize that. I also submitted my Application to aamc a bit late (Aug 7th) and am worried about that.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the schools I am applying (IL res):

Albany
Creighton
Duke (shooting for the moon)
George Washington
Georgetown
Loyola
Medical College of WI
Rosalind Franklin
Rush Medical
Southern IL
UIC
University of Chicago
University of Iowa
University of MN
University of WI
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

So what do you think? Should I apply to more schools?

I would appreciate any comments on my chances on successfully being admitted to med school. I'm in the middle of my secondaries and I guess I'm getting a bit nervous.

Cum GPA 3.35
BCPM GPA 3.61
MCAT 12V 13P 14B 39R
Major Psychology

I am a nontraditional applicant. I've been working full time for the past five years in a totally unrelated field, so I don't really have any research experience to speak of. I have been volunteering at a hospital for the last year and a half with around 175 hours logged. I experienced a personal loss during my junior year and took some time off of school, which accounts for my low GPA.

I haven't encountered any other applicants with higher science GPAs than overall GPAs. Do my MCAT scores and science grades offset some of my earlier coursework? I have applied to a lot of mid tier schools and a few reaches. Should I expand my pool, or keep working on my resume and reapply next year if necessary?

Thanks for any advice.

I am feeling a little anxious about my lack of volunteer hours and research. Here are my stats:

Undergrad GPA: 3.5
Graduate GPA (Social Work): 3.88
Post Bac: 3.96
BCPM: 3.74
MCAT: 34S (10PS, 11VR, 13BS)

I have worked for over two years as a social worker at a children's hospital. Prior to that I managed a national partnership program for an international adoption agency. In that role I was able to visit child welfare organizations in India, China, Russia and Korea.

MN resident applying to:
U of MN - Duluth
U of MN - Twin Cities
Mayo
U of Iowa
U of Wisconsin
Medical College of WI
Yale
Case Western (Interview scheduled)
Creighton
UCSF

Any thoughts?

Why not add my own neurosis?

My lizzyM score (MCAT + (GPA x 10)) is a 76.5 which is nice to have, but I've only recently fully committed to medicine - meaning two things: I don't have much clinical experience before this March and my application is late (thus rushed in addition to getting less attention).

My problem? I'm mid-western so I like big schools and schools in the mid west. But I haven't found many programs that interest me outside the top 30. Wisconsin, Minn, OSU, Mich, Iowa? All are really good schools so I feel like there's a chance I might not get in at all. I've also added Tulane, Oklahoma and UIC but I doubt I'd be happy at UIC (I dislike Chicago and want to get out).


Do I need more less-competitive-schools to be safe? Or should I shut up and quit worrying: Applying to 13 schools is plenty even if most of them are in the Top 30?

Here's My Story:

Freshman Year: University of Maryland 3.00
Transfer to Wesleyan University (Top 11 Liberal Arts)
Total GPA, BCPM 3.45, improving over the years

MCAT: 11V, 11B, 12P, Q

Howard Hughes Fellow, 1 year of molecular biology research
Clinical Volunteer in Moshi, Tanzania for a summer
TA for Organic Chemistry Lab, 2 years
President of photography society
Founder of Biological Sciences Club

Moving to the Dominican Republic Oct 1st to volunteer in a clinic for the year, but returning for Interview

NY Resident:
Stony Brook
Buffalo
NYU
Columbia
Rochester (interview)
Yale
UCSF
UCLA
OHSU
USC
GW
Emory
Upstate
Drexel
Penn
Jefferson


Thoughts on my schools, chances?

Why not add my own neurosis?

My lizzyM score (MCAT + (GPA x 10)) is a 76.5 which is nice to have, but I've only recently fully committed to medicine - meaning two things: I don't have much clinical experience before this March and my application is late (thus rushed in addition to getting less attention).

My problem? I'm mid-western so I like big schools and schools in the mid west. But I haven't found many programs that interest me outside the top 30. Wisconsin, Minn, OSU, Mich, Iowa? All are really good schools so I feel like there's a chance I might not get in at all. I've also added Tulane, Oklahoma and UIC but I doubt I'd be happy at UIC (I dislike Chicago and want to get out).


Do I need more less-competitive-schools to be safe? Or should I shut up and quit worrying: Applying to 13 schools is plenty even if most of them are in the Top 30?

Well, it's hard to really advise without knowing your breakdown (but your numbers do sound good), and the fact that you didn't have any clinical experience more than a few months ago AND the fact that you're applying a little later than ideal makes me think that you should definitely add at least a couple more schools if you'd rather be safe than sorry. If you like the mid-west but you're averse to Chicago schools, how about some of the non-top-30 schools in MI, WI and OH? And if your MCAT is high, throw in WashU. Speaking of which, how about SLU too? Anyway, just thoughts. You could be fine with the 13 you applied to, but I'm more the cautious sort....

Here's My Story:

Freshman Year: University of Maryland 3.00
Transfer to Wesleyan University (Top 11 Liberal Arts)
Total GPA, BCPM 3.45, improving over the years

MCAT: 11V, 11B, 12P, Q

Howard Hughes Fellow, 1 year of molecular biology research
Clinical Volunteer in Moshi, Tanzania for a summer
TA for Organic Chemistry Lab, 2 years
President of photography society
Founder of Biological Sciences Club

Moving to the Dominican Republic Oct 1st to volunteer in a clinic for the year, but returning for Interview

NY Resident:
Stony Brook
Buffalo
NYU
Columbia
Rochester (interview)
Yale
UCSF
UCLA
OHSU
USC
GW
Emory
Upstate
Drexel
Penn
Jefferson


Thoughts on my schools, chances?

Obviously, your ECs and MCAT are great, while your gpa is not-so-great (but with an upward trend, which is good). But you're also a NY resident, and from what I've heard, you've probably got a great shot at a state school. Your list also looks good. If you're looking for more schools to add, how about NYMC and Temple? Although, you're probably fine as is. Good luck.

I would appreciate any comments on my chances on successfully being admitted to med school. I'm in the middle of my secondaries and I guess I'm getting a bit nervous.

Cum GPA 3.35
BCPM GPA 3.61
MCAT 12V 13P 14B 39R
Major Psychology

I am a nontraditional applicant. I've been working full time for the past five years in a totally unrelated field, so I don't really have any research experience to speak of. I have been volunteering at a hospital for the last year and a half with around 175 hours logged. I experienced a personal loss during my junior year and took some time off of school, which accounts for my low GPA.

I haven't encountered any other applicants with higher science GPAs than overall GPAs. Do my MCAT scores and science grades offset some of my earlier coursework? I have applied to a lot of mid tier schools and a few reaches. Should I expand my pool, or keep working on my resume and reapply next year if necessary?

Thanks for any advice.

It's hard to say without knowing what your state of residency is and which schools (and how many) you applied to already. But I think you've got a good shot if you applied broadly and get those secondaries in asap. That killer MCAT should do a little to help push an adcom over any hesitancy about your earlier grades, especially if you have a good upward trend your senior year, good LORs and a great personal statement. Good luck.

It's hard to say without knowing what your state of residency is and which schools (and how many) you applied to already. But I think you've got a good shot if you applied broadly and get those secondaries in asap. That killer MCAT should do a little to help push an adcom over any hesitancy about your earlier grades, especially if you have a good upward trend your senior year, good LORs and a great personal statement. Good luck.

Thanks for the feedback, I was begging to wonder if anyone was still checking these boards. Its nice to hear a positive response.

I'm in Oregon, so I'm kind of short changed when it comes to state schools. I have a 3.98 GPA for my senior year, I just had a rough start. I applied to 15 schools - mostly private - but recently added a few more just in case, and I'm trying to get out each secondary within four days of receipt.

Hi,
I'm a sophomore in college( pre-medicine), and I just need you to give me a quick check on my eligibility to get into the med schools such as Harvard, Yale, UPenn, Univ. of Cal, Ohio state, UWisc, Tufts, Johns Hopkins, case western, University of washington etc.
Major: Biology
Minor: Engineering, Biomedical
My present cum GPA is 3.74
Science is 3.95
Not taken MCATS yet,

So far:

summer internship with at an internist clinic: 385hrs
Shadowing an internist: 12hrs/week of shadowing for 3 consecutive months
Math tutor

Religious community service ( volunteer for a christian organization) for 2hrs/week

Religious leader in my church for the youths...Serve as a mentor to teens

Fraternity member of (Alpha Lambda Delta/ Phi Eta Sigma)- these are academic fraternities

Intramural soccer

Awards:

Dean's List for 3 semesters so far
National dean's list member



Things I plan to do:

More shadowing of surgeons
Clinical volunteering at a top 50 hospital
Research paper ( to be published)


I need advice on what other things I need to start doing to meet the standards of these schools/ to be highly qualified.

I would greatly appreciate your reply.

Hi,
I'm a sophomore in college( pre-medicine), and I just need you to give me a quick check on my eligibility to get into the med schools such as Harvard, Yale, UPenn, Univ. of Cal, Ohio state, UWisc, Tufts, Johns Hopkins, case western, University of washington etc.
Major: Biology
Minor: Engineering, Biomedical
My present cum GPA is 3.74
Science is 3.95
Not taken MCATS yet,

So far:

summer internship with at an internist clinic: 385hrs
Shadowing an internist: 12hrs/week of shadowing for 3 consecutive months
Math tutor

Religious community service ( volunteer for a christian organization) for 2hrs/week

Religious leader in my church for the youths...Serve as a mentor to teens

Fraternity member of (Alpha Lambda Delta/ Phi Eta Sigma)- these are academic fraternities

Intramural soccer

Awards:

Dean's List for 3 semesters so far
National dean's list member



Things I plan to do:

More shadowing of surgeons
Clinical volunteering at a top 50 hospital
Research paper ( to be published)


I need advice on what other things I need to start doing to meet the standards of these schools/ to be highly qualified.

I would greatly appreciate your reply.

This board is really intended for people applying this year, but regardless, keep up the grades, follow through on your planned activities (especially the clinical volunteering, and the research for some of your research-heavy schools), kill the MCAT, and be sure to apply early. Oh, and cross your fingers.

Here's My Story:

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Postbac at Columbia University
Total GPA 3.45, BCPM 3.6

MCAT:
may 31'st test 27N (PS 8 VR 9 BS 10 WS N)
aug 9th test 33R (PS 12 VR 10 BS 11 WS R)

4 summers of volunteer work at 3 different special needs schools and hospitals

1 year of shadowing doctors at St. Luke's hospital

1 year of psychology lab work

currently working in a bioimaging laboratory at Cornell for the lag year


NY Resident:
Stony Brook
Buffalo
NYU
Columbia
Rochester
Yale
Einstein
mount Sinai
GW
downstate
Drexel
UPenn
Jefferson
penn state
BU
Cornell
Ny medical college
upstate
University of Wisconsin
Albany

Thoughts on my schools, chances?

Someone please say something... I am a female URM GPA 3.49 BCPM 3.4 and a P:09 B:09 V:05 M i know the 05 hurts me....I have 1 years research experience and also have volunteer experience + other ECA's
but what are my chances for mid/lower tier schools....I think im gonna apply to :
Howard
Morehouse
East Virginia Uni
Marshall University in West Va
Meharry
Temple
Suny Downstate-i'm a NY state resident
and a few others
Help me please:(

This board is really intended for people applying this year, but regardless, keep up the grades, follow through on your planned activities (especially the clinical volunteering, and the research for some of your research-heavy schools), kill the MCAT, and be sure to apply early. Oh, and cross your fingers.


Thanks a lot for the advice.

I could really use some advice/opinions and hopefully someone checks this.

Major: Medical Sciences (Neurophysiology)

GPA 3.50, BCPM 3.47, AO 3.55
- a bad sophmore year due to picking up a hospital virus while volunteering otherwise a 4.0 GPA across the board.
MCAT 31 (13 BS, 10 PS, 8 V, Q)

EC:
-- 100 hours volunteering with cancer patients
-- 4 years of medical research, will have 3 papers come Decemeber and have been awarded for my research
-- designed an undergrad course (giving a talk on this at U of Minn), and an exercise program for COPD patients
-- On two committees for the Federal government concerning health policy and patient safety
-- lots of stuff at the university over the years including starting up an organization
-- also play hockey and write music and short stories

Case Western and the Cleveland Clinic
Tulane
Rosalind Franklin
Creighton
Wake Forest
GW
Georgetown
Jefferson
penn state
St. Louis
NYMC
SUNY upstate
Medical College of Wisconsin
Albany

I am limited because of my international status. I just want to get in and really dont care where as long as its not the Carribean since its the residency program that matters (at least in Canada). I am Canadian and feeling at a disadvantage because of it. So far a rejection from Wake Forest and a hold list from Penn State. I have been complete since mid to late July. Nervously waiting and could use some advice on what I might expect to see or not see.

I have a 3.95 GPA overall
3.91 Sciences

MCAT SCORE August 07' were B-13 P-10 V-06 29-O
I have just graduated with degree in biology at wayne state university, MICHIGAN

I have:
100 hours of volunteering to an old lady with severe IBS
1 year of research+ recommendation + publication
3 years working in pharmacy
15 month shadowing doctor
1 year of volunteer at senior home ...

APPLYING TO :::::::

Medical School Application Type
University of Chicago - Pritzker
University of Illinois at Chicago-College of Medic
University of Michigan Medical School
The Ohio State Univ. Coll. of Med. & Pub. Hlth.
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Michigan State University
The University of Toledo College of Medicine
Rush Medical College

I have great Recommendation letters, and personal statement

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES

I am in the first semester of my junior year so I have ample time I just need for someone to tell me where I am at at this point.

Major: Chemistry
Minor: Biology/History

GPA: 3.675

MCAT: 11PS 11VR 11BS QWS

Clinical Exp:
Summer volunteering in OR
Shadowing a family practicioner
Shadowing and opthamologist

EC's:
Varsity Football (College)
Youth Athletic Association Volunteer (7 years)
Basketball and Basball official (4 years)
MCAT tutor
Church Camp volunteer
Volunteer stregnth training coach
Big Brothers/Big Sisters (Aide not brother)

Awards:
ACS/ Allegheny College Organic Chemistry achievement award
2 years on Dean's List (one year "distinguished")
Lawrence County Athletic Hall of Fame

Research:
Year of Organic Research

Colleges considering:

Pitt
Temple
OSU
WVU
Marshall
Wake
Cincinatti
SLU
Florida State

Just wondering what people think my chances of getting into an M.D. school is. BS/MS degree in medicinal chemistry, 3.45 GPA, 35L MCAT, 150 volunteer hours, will be published in at least one research paper. I'm a little worried about my undergraduate GPA. Thanks for any thoughts.

GatorrochoCINCO- you seem in good shape, My suggestions would be to get more clinical exposure -either find a hospital or clinic to volunteer at or get certified as something (EMT, CNA, phlebotomist) and work or volunteer doing that. While your GPA is ok, it is below average for a good portion of schools, so work on keeping/bringing the GPA up and you are good to go.


(i bet the football will help you alot)

MCAT - 32P (13ps, 10vr, 9bs)

GPA - 3.3 (3.0 BCMP GPA)

Biology major at Cornell.. 4 year varsity soccer player, Navy ROTC, plenty of volunteer clinical experience

Anyone's thoughts?

MCAT - 32P (13ps, 10vr, 9bs)

GPA - 3.3 (3.0 BCMP GPA)

Biology major at Cornell.. 4 year varsity soccer player, Navy ROTC, plenty of volunteer clinical experience

Anyone's thoughts?

Do a masters at Cornell--bask in the glow of the inflated grad GPA, and apply next year. Otherwise, apply to DO schools if spending an extra year practicing as a physician in your lifetime really matters that much. They say we're all going to live to 120 with all the health advancements that are being made--so what's another year waiting to apply?

Do a masters at Cornell--bask in the glow of the inflated grad GPA, and apply next year. Otherwise, apply to DO schools if spending an extra year practicing as a physician in your lifetime really matters that much. They say we're all going to live to 120 with all the health advancements that are being made--so what's another year waiting to apply?

I can't take any years off, I do Navy ROTC, so if I don't get into med school, then I'm going into the Navy for four years

Stickying this thread for a couple of days for the people that just got their August 14 MCAT scores back. Feel free to post here, guys, and congrats!

Alright, I have a decent gpa (3.92) and I am currently a second semester Junior. My mcat that I just got back was dissapointing, 7p 7v 9b S 23S so obviously I am going to have to retake that. As far as clinical experience, I volunteer about once or twice a month at the ER, and I worked in the OR all summer.

What should I do this year. I was thinking about applying because you get points each year you apply. And even though I know I won't get in, atleast ill get my name out there. What do yall think?

any thoughts are greatly appreciated..

3.75 GPA, 3.68 BCPM at UCSD

MCAT: VR-10, PS-8, BS-9, WS-Q

Decent ECs, nothing extraordinary (research, hospital volunteer, lab asst etc)

I know my GPA is ok, but my MCAT is a bit low, any ideas about schools, esp ones that go for hispanic urms? thanks a bunch!

any thoughts are greatly appreciated..

3.75 GPA, 3.68 BCPM at UCSD

MCAT: VR-10, PS-8, BS-9, WS-Q

Decent ECs, nothing extraordinary (research, hospital volunteer, lab asst etc)

I know my GPA is ok, but my MCAT is a bit low, any ideas about schools, esp ones that go for hispanic urms? thanks a bunch!

I think you'll probably be fine, provided that you get those secondaries submitted ASAP, that you write good essays, and that you make sure your letters are submitted asap. The diversity card should help balance out the fact that you submitted later than the average bear, and with a slightly lower MCAT. Although your score is a little on the low side, it's still pretty balanced, and no one section is unreasonably low. And applying to 32 schools, I think you've already got your bases covered. Just give it your best shot, and write good essays. Good luck!

Alright, I have a decent gpa (3.92) and I am currently a second semester Junior. My mcat that I just got back was dissapointing, 7p 7v 9b S 23S so obviously I am going to have to retake that. As far as clinical experience, I volunteer about once or twice a month at the ER, and I worked in the OR all summer.

What should I do this year. I was thinking about applying because you get points each year you apply. And even though I know I won't get in, atleast ill get my name out there. What do yall think?

I'm sorry, what state is this? Where do you get "points" for unsuccessfully applying? In most places, you become a reapplicant the next year, and have to justify your improvement and write new essays. A tougher route if you ask me.

So, personally, I would say that you shouldn't apply with that MCAT (and kind of late to boot). Study hard and bring that MCAT up to at least a 27, continue to do well in your classes, continue to volunteer, get great LORs, write a killer personal statement, and apply early and broadly next year. I think with a 23 you're not really that competitive for MD schools. But if you're willing to go to a DO school, perhaps you've got a better shot. Check out the DO forum and ask there if you're interested. Good luck.

MCAT - 32P (13ps, 10vr, 9bs)

GPA - 3.3 (3.0 BCMP GPA)

Biology major at Cornell.. 4 year varsity soccer player, Navy ROTC, plenty of volunteer clinical experience

Anyone's thoughts?

since you'll be in the Navy anyways, don't they have special programs that you can apply to? I was under the impression that military med school requirements are a bit lower than average.

since you'll be in the Navy anyways, don't they have special programs that you can apply to? I was under the impression that military med school requirements are a bit lower than average.

Artaxerxes, the military med school requirements are the same if you consider the fact that you have to get into a medical school on your own before you are eligible for the HPSP. However, the one medical school that is military only, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, does accept about 15% of applicants and has lower than average MCAT and GPA(28 and 3.52) according to U.S. News and World Report. In other words, military medicine is medicine and recruits from top and bottom tier schools alike.

In regards to Igy22's query about his/her chances, I think you should apply to D.O. school and some in-state schools MD schools such as NYMC and Albany where you might be able to make up for a lower GPA with your high MCAT. I am pretty sure you can do military medicine and therefore fulfill your Navy obligations through a degree at a D.O. school. If this is not satisfactory, talk to the Navy and see if they will allow you to do a graduate program and then do medicine at an M.D. school. They are really hurting for doctors and may let you. Good Luck!

Evaluate me:

+GRADES
Undergrad: Carnegie Mellon
BCPM: 2.98
AO: 3.75
Overall: 3.41
~worked 20-40hrs/wk throughout, and family illness so much time away
Grad (MPH): Yale
BCPM: 3.7 (only 2 classes though)
AO: 3.92
Overall: 3.90
** Please don’t write that the MPH is not the best way to get into Med- that was not my intention with the program- it was genuinely for international health purposes. It is all over my application that it fits my long term goals. Additionally it gave me a lot of patient contact, clinical experience, LORs…***

+MCAT:
Aug 2006: 8PS, 9BS, 9VS, R WS (26R)
Aug 2007: 10PS, 11BS, 9VR (30R)

+ECs:
~Child and Family Therapist (present job)
~Presentations: 1 Oral 2 poster presentations at national conferences.
~Statistical Research Associate (summer paid employment)
~International Health Prize for Outstanding Thesis
~International Health Fellowship (summer grant for Thesis research)
** LOR from advisor, Duke professor
~Biostat TA
~Directed Independent Language Study Scholar
~Latino Education Advisor and Teacher
~ Board member and Research Director Yale Student-run Free Clinic.
~Behavioral Science Research Assistant
~Peer and Neighborhood Health Advocate throughout undergrad and grad
~Divisional Representative for Grad school
~International Volunteer Hospital Assistant
~Shadowing at the Denver VA
~Glassblowing volunteer at Recycled Arts Center

+LORs: 2 medium-strong, 3 super-strong (I estimate)

+NY Resident

Applying to:
Total Reaches: Duke, Columbia, Dartmouth
Reach: Jefferson, Tulane, Drexel, GW, Med Univ of Ohio, Stonybrook, Temple, Tufts, UConn, U Vermont, Wake Forest, W Virg, Yeshiva
Reasonable: Albany MC, Mercer, E. Virg, Howard, Morehouse, Rosalind, SUNY Syracuse, UMDNJ, U Buffalo, Virginia Commonwealth,
2 International: Ben Gurion (Israel), Royal College of Surgeons: Dublin

Evaluate me:

+GRADES
Undergrad: Carnegie Mellon
BCPM: 2.98
AO: 3.75
Overall: 3.41
~worked 20-40hrs/wk throughout, and family illness so much time away
Grad (MPH): Yale
BCPM: 3.7 (only 2 classes though)
AO: 3.92
Overall: 3.90
** Please don’t write that the MPH is not the best way to get into Med- that was not my intention with the program- it was genuinely for international health purposes. It is all over my application that it fits my long term goals. Additionally it gave me a lot of patient contact, clinical experience, LORs…***

+MCAT:
Aug 2006: 8PS, 9BS, 9VS, R WS (26R)
Aug 2007: 10PS, 11BS, 9VR (30R)

+ECs:
~Child and Family Therapist (present job)
~Presentations: 1 Oral 2 poster presentations at national conferences.
~Statistical Research Associate (summer paid employment)
~International Health Prize for Outstanding Thesis
~International Health Fellowship (summer grant for Thesis research)
** LOR from advisor, Duke professor
~Biostat TA
~Directed Independent Language Study Scholar
~Latino Education Advisor and Teacher
~ Board member and Research Director Yale Student-run Free Clinic.
~Behavioral Science Research Assistant
~Peer and Neighborhood Health Advocate throughout undergrad and grad
~Divisional Representative for Grad school
~International Volunteer Hospital Assistant
~Shadowing at the Denver VA
~Glassblowing volunteer at Recycled Arts Center

+LORs: 2 medium-strong, 3 super-strong (I estimate)

+NY Resident

Applying to:
Total Reaches: Duke, Columbia, Dartmouth
Reach: Jefferson, Tulane, Drexel, GW, Med Univ of Ohio, Stonybrook, Temple, Tufts, UConn, U Vermont, Wake Forest, W Virg, Yeshiva
Reasonable: Albany MC, Mercer, E. Virg, Howard, Morehouse, Rosalind, SUNY Syracuse, UMDNJ, U Buffalo, Virginia Commonwealth,
2 International: Ben Gurion (Israel), Royal College of Surgeons: Dublin

I'm hoping that you've already submitted your AMCAS and secondaries.... Anyway, I think you've got a good shot. Make sure on GWU's app you stress your interest in international medicine. They have amazing opportunities there for that, and I think they'd be very interested in someone with your background. Also, I've certainly seen people with your stats invited to Tulane, so I don't think it's necessarily such a reach for you. Ditto with a few other schools. And what about NYMC?

The biggest problem you're going to have (other than the low science gpa), is not applying early. Also, I'm hoping that you have a strong science grades trend. Otherwise, that might be a real issue. Just apply broadly, get complete asap at as many schools as you can, and cross your fingers. Good luck!

GPA: 3.1
BCPM: 3.0
MCAT 11PS, 9V, 8BS = 28M

Fine arts major
hospital volunteer
from a rural area
work closely with MDs, residents, med students
lab tech
some research
MN resident

Where should I apply? :confused:

Please gimme input oh glorious gods of SDN.

Undergrad Major: BS Psychology + BA Business (U Washington)
Undergrad GPA: BCPM - 3.44 AO - 3.45
Postbac: BCPM - 3.66 (U Hawaii)

Cum Undergrad BCPM - 3.57

Graduate Degree: MS Physiology (U Hawaii)
Graduate GPA: BCPM 3.96

MCAT 32O (13-Bio, 10-VR, 9-PS, O-WS)

EC's
1.5 Years Stem Cell Research
5 Abstracts
1 2nd Authorship (IF~9)
Won award at poster presentation for best submission
Awarded Research Scholarship

TA Upper Level Biochemistry (will TA again in spring)
TA Undergrad Physiology
TA Medical Anatomy (for Med Students)
Graduate Rep For Department to Grad Student Assembly
2 Years weekly ER Volunteer

Hobbies/Activities: Tennis, Rock Climbing, Foreign Cinema

LORs- 1=Principle Investigator, 1=Undergrad Non Science Prof, 1=Prof+Grad Dept Chair, 1=Prof+Research Center Head, 1=MD from Shadowing

Applied Broadly and abundantly to schools with x>40% out of state (except U Hawaii-resident and U Washington- alumni)

Albany, Boston U, Creighton, Drexel, Georgetown, Jefferson, USC, Loyola U, Med Coll Wisconsin, NY Med Coll, Penn State, Rosalind Franklin, Rush, Temple, U Vermont, U Hawaii, U Washington, Dartmouth, Mt Sinai, Wake Forest, Case Western, U Rochester, Ohio State, NYU

What Are my Chances?

GPA: 3.1
BCPM: 3.0
MCAT 11PS, 9V, 8BS = 28M

Fine arts major
hospital volunteer
from a rural area
work closely with MDs, residents, med students
lab tech
some research
MN resident

Where should I apply? :confused:

If you haven't already applied by this point, I would think you're going to have a really rough chance with that gpa (which isn't "offset" at all by your very average MCAT score). I would recommend taking this year to try to raise your gpa with additional undergrad classes (and perhaps retake the mcat if you think you can score higher), or maybe do an smp program (if it's not too late).

But if you're dead set on applying this year, I guess go with any state schools, a couple of schools that have stats closer to yours (although I think that your gpa is definitely going to be a difficult hurdle), and definitely apply to DO schools if you'd be interested (I think they're going to be your best shot this year this late in the game with your stats). Good luck.

Please gimme input oh glorious gods of SDN.

Undergrad Major: BS Psychology + BA Business (U Washington)
Undergrad GPA: BCPM - 3.44 AO - 3.45
Postbac: BCPM - 3.66 (U Hawaii)

Cum Undergrad BCPM - 3.57

Graduate Degree: MS Physiology (U Hawaii)
Graduate GPA: BCPM 3.96

MCAT 32O (13-Bio, 10-VR, 9-PS, O-WS)

EC's
1.5 Years Stem Cell Research
5 Abstracts
1 2nd Authorship (IF~9)
Won award at poster presentation for best submission
Awarded Research Scholarship

TA Upper Level Biochemistry (will TA again in spring)
TA Undergrad Physiology
TA Medical Anatomy (for Med Students)
Graduate Rep For Department to Grad Student Assembly
2 Years weekly ER Volunteer

Hobbies/Activities: Tennis, Rock Climbing, Foreign Cinema

LORs- 1=Principle Investigator, 1=Undergrad Non Science Prof, 1=Prof+Grad Dept Chair, 1=Prof+Research Center Head, 1=MD from Shadowing

Applied Broadly and abundantly to schools with x>40% out of state (except U Hawaii-resident and U Washington- alumni)

Albany, Boston U, Creighton, Drexel, Georgetown, Jefferson, USC, Loyola U, Med Coll Wisconsin, NY Med Coll, Penn State, Rosalind Franklin, Rush, Temple, U Vermont, U Hawaii, U Washington, Dartmouth, Mt Sinai, Wake Forest, Case Western, U Rochester, Ohio State, NYU

What Are my Chances?

I think your chances are very good (and are better and better the earlier you managed to get your apps in). I think your selection is perfectly fine as is (nice and broad), but if you're looking for another school to add, perhaps Tulane if you'd be interested in going there. Good luck!

This is the third time i'm posting
Someone please say something...
I am a female URM
Overall GPA 3.49
BCPM 3.4
All others 3.85
MCAT P:09 B:09 V:05 (23) M i know the 05 hurts me
I have 1 years research experience ;also published a paper and also have volunteer experience in the Emergency Dept and Heart Transplant Unit
+ other good ECA's
but what are my chances for mid/lower tier schools....I think im gonna apply to :i'm a NY state resident

Howard
Morehouse
East Virginia Uni
Marshall University in West Va
Virginia Commonwealth
Meharry
Temple
Suny Downstate
Stonybrook
GWU
Drexel
Jefferson
Albert Einstein
-and a few others
Help me please:( I really need the advice

This is the third time i'm posting
Someone please say something...
I am a female URM
Overall GPA 3.49
BCPM 3.4
All others 3.85
MCAT P:09 B:09 V:05 (23) M i know the 05 hurts me
I have 1 years research experience ;also published a paper and also have volunteer experience in the Emergency Dept and Heart Transplant Unit
+ other good ECA's
but what are my chances for mid/lower tier schools....I think im gonna apply to :i'm a NY state resident

Howard
Morehouse
East Virginia Uni
Marshall University in West Va
Virginia Commonwealth
Meharry
Temple
Suny Downstate
Stonybrook
GWU
Drexel
Jefferson
Albert Einstein
-and a few others
Help me please:( I really need the advice

Both GPA and MCAT are below average. I'd recmmend retaking the MCAT and try to pull the score up to at least 28. But since you are a female URM, you may still have a chance...I don't know for sure.
It is kind of late in the cycle too...
Good luck!

I'm pretty convinced that the application process is almost a crap shoot once you clear a relatively decent GPA and MCAT score. I know people with stats and EC's MUCH better than mine on paper, but didn't get the invites I got...which really makes no sense (I'm not a minority, not disadvantaged in anyway, not related to famous people...) ...so I'm just flubbergasted. I officially resign from trying to work out my chances (not that I was trying really hard to begin with) because it all seems too convoluted and opaque to me, and there's no point stressing now that I'm done applying. :)

Congrats to everyone done/almost done with the process! Hope we all end up happy somewhere.

I am a post bacc student- 26yo
prior experience in Medical/ Pharma Sales

BA: Communication
Minor: Business
Overall GPA: 3.67, Post-Bacc Sciences: 4.00, BCPM: 3.89
CA Residency

Letters of Rec: Definitely Strong
Personal Statement: Strong
Clinical Experience: Strong- have work in surgery for +2 yrs- plus multiple internships/ volunteer experiences

But I BOMBED my MCAT
VR: 6, P: 8, B: 9
23P (Oy Vey!)

What do I do? (Spare myself the embarassment and) Withdraw my apps? D.O. route? Caribbean? Apply anyway?

Primarys were submitted opening week to ~30 schools- +20 secondary requests since- but I just recieved my MCAT scores this past weekend.
A complete contradiction to my GPA, right?

Problem: I lose my familial support by pushing applications off a year and retaking the MCAT-

I'm Stuck!

Thanks in advance if any has feedback.

Hello my fellow friends. Please help in gauging my chances at University of South Florida College of Medicine:

BCPM GPA: 3.68
Overall GPA: 3.58

MCAT: 31 O

-Biomedical science degree from USF
-USF honors College
-USF Varsity Tennis Player (Senior year)
-USF deans list multiple times
-5 months clinical Voluteer experience in ER and pre/post surgery
-40 hours shadowing physician
-Big Brother program
-Employed as computer lab Tech during undergrad

I have been granted an interview for next month. So what do you all think my chances are at USF. I am a little worried.

I am a post bacc student- 26yo
prior experience in Medical/ Pharma Sales

BA: Communication
Minor: Business
Overall GPA: 3.67, Post-Bacc Sciences: 4.00, BCPM: 3.89
CA Residency

Letters of Rec: Definitely Strong
Personal Statement: Strong
Clinical Experience: Strong- have work in surgery for +2 yrs- plus multiple internships/ volunteer experiences

But I BOMBED my MCAT
VR: 6, P: 8, B: 9
23P (Oy Vey!)

What do I do? (Spare myself the embarassment and) Withdraw my apps? D.O. route? Caribbean? Apply anyway?

Primarys were submitted opening week to ~30 schools- +20 secondary requests since- but I just recieved my MCAT scores this past weekend.
A complete contradiction to my GPA, right?

Problem: I lose my familial support by pushing applications off a year and retaking the MCAT-

I'm Stuck!

Thanks in advance if any has feedback.

Well, I hate to say this, but I think that your chances are pretty slim given your MCAT score coupled with your CA residency. If I were you, I'd see if you get any bites from the secondaries you've already completed, and then put it off a year and retake the MCAT if you don't get in. But if you feel that you really can't do that (due to the family/economic situation), then I highly recommend that you apply elsewhere as well. You may as well let your apps ride since you'll be a reapplicant to any schools you've already sent your primary to, but you might consider not sending in secondary fees to schools that more MD schools. If you're at all interested in DO schools, I think that that's your best bet. You could also apply outside the country (but I recommend that you read up more on that before you go that route, which I've heard can be done, but is a much tougher road to take). So, I guess my advice is to reapply next year after retaking the MCAT, or add DO or foreign schools. Good luck - the MCAT is an evil, evil beast.

Hi!

I know I'm late in the game, but I just graduated from a Canadian school with a 3.78 BCPM and 3.78 overall GPA.

I wrote the MCAT 3 times.
1st: 11-7-10-Q --> 28Q
2nd: 10-6-11-P --> 27P
3rd: Awaiting results from September 15th session

I have great extra-curriculars, tons of research and volunteering. Any suggestions where I should apply this late in the game? Should I hold off until I get my score on October 15th?

Thank you very much!

Any chance at mid-tier schools? I'd love to go to Boston U.

Okay here goes:
MCAT: 32O (VR 10, PS 11, BS 11)
GPA: 3.78 (same for science)
Graduated from a top 10 liberal arts school.
Major: math
Sex: female
Race: white

Extracurriculars:
Captain of two sports teams
All-conference, all regional, went to nationals

Community Service:
Organized a road race for charity
Volunteered at a women's shelter
Taught an art class at a medium security prison
Tutored

Medical experience:
Shadowed a doctor full time 1 week
Followed around an oncologist a number of times
Currently doing medical research (full time)

Research Experience:
Independent research in college in both math and biology
Year-long research fellowship

Committee letter of Rec.

Okay Personal Statement (I think...)




I know it's a late to apply, but I'm going to anyway. What are my chances? Here are a few schools I'm considering:

Michigan
MSU
Wayne State
Iowa
Vermont
Indiana
Case Western




Thoughts?
Suggestions?

Okay here goes:
MCAT: 32O (VR 10, PS 11, BS 11)
GPA: 3.78 (same for science)
Graduated from a top 10 liberal arts school.
Major: math
Sex: female
Race: white

Extracurriculars:
Captain of two sports teams
All-conference, all regional, went to nationals

Community Service:
Organized a road race for charity
Volunteered at a women's shelter
Taught an art class at a medium security prison
Tutored

Medical experience:
Shadowed a doctor full time 1 week
Followed around an oncologist a number of times
Currently doing medical research (full time)

Research Experience:
Independent research in college in both math and biology
Year-long research fellowship

Committee letter of Rec.

Okay Personal Statement (I think...)




I know it's a late to apply, but I'm going to anyway. What are my chances? Here are a few schools I'm considering:

Michigan
MSU
Wayne State
Iowa
Vermont
Indiana
Case Western




Thoughts?
Suggestions?

ECs are a bit weak and its too late to apply. Do some more volunteering and apply early next year and you should have a good chance to get into mid tier schools and maybe a few top tiers.

Well, I hate to say this, but I think that your chances are pretty slim given your MCAT score coupled with your CA residency. If I were you, I'd see if you get any bites from the secondaries you've already completed, and then put it off a year and retake the MCAT if you don't get in. But if you feel that you really can't do that (due to the family/economic situation), then I highly recommend that you apply elsewhere as well. You may as well let your apps ride since you'll be a reapplicant to any schools you've already sent your primary to, but you might consider not sending in secondary fees to schools that more MD schools. If you're at all interested in DO schools, I think that that's your best bet. You could also apply outside the country (but I recommend that you read up more on that before you go that route, which I've heard can be done, but is a much tougher road to take). So, I guess my advice is to reapply next year after retaking the MCAT, or add DO or foreign schools. Good luck - the MCAT is an evil, evil beast.

Phoenix put it very nicely but sometimes it's better to give people a dose of reality. With a 23 MCAT you have 0% chance to get into an US allo school unless you are URM, and a relatively low chance even at DOs. Retake it and apply next year, regardless of support if you want to go to med school.

MCAT: 27P, 24Q, 29S
GPA: 3.9 from a community college
Transcripts: a little different, because I went to Evergreen State College, a school that does narrative evaluations in lieu of grades. My transcript is 31 pages of letters of recommendations.
Research: did undergraduate research in cognitive neuroscience for six months.
Extra-curriculars: Managing editor of student newspaper, student newspaper member, member of the chemistry club, put on science events in the community with the chem club, member of the kung fu club.
Volunteer: ran the indigent medications program at a local health clinic for a summer and worked with nurses and doctors to process insurance referrals. Also shadowed doctors.
Job: have been working as an in home counselor with foster children, autistic children, disabled children. Work with families to learn new, positive behaviors so that they may stay together as a family.

edit

hey everyone, (sorry if I'm really posting in the wrong place!)

I re-took the MCAT august 14th, here's my old + new score...


August 2006

PS-13
VR-7 :(
BS-11
WS- R


August 2007
PS:12
VR:8
BS: 11
WS: S
Total: 31S

I'm not really happy bcause of that whack VR score, again.

AMCAS sent my scores out to all the schools I've applied to. I've applied to about 40 schools, all East side, very few/ none (its kinda ambiguous) of them top tier (but all good schools).

I've also sent out my secondaries and everything, with letters about a couple of days ago. Do you think my chances are ok? Any advice please?

cGPA- 3.84 ,science GPA- 3.82 completed Biochem degree
Some details about me...

I'm a NY resident. Heres some of the activities I submitted to AMCAS:

-Retinoblastoma Assistant Researcher (2 summers)

-Research Paper, Published in JOGC
-Biochemistry Honors Project
-Teach for Kaplan
-Biochemistry Seminar & Conference Presentations
-Recreational Basketball and Soccer -Calculus Tutor
-Patient Care Services (in clinics, hospitals, etc—lots)
-University Admission Scholarships
-Dean’s List; Golden Key Intn’l Honor Society
-Computer Consultant

Any tips please!? Thanks! ;D

3.78/30

Hospital volunteering & shadowing

My secondaries are all delayed because of LOR problems. Won't be ready till October 1st most likely. How costly is this?

And why does it take LOR writers over a month and a half to write a one page letter? Way to singlehandedly ruin my application.

PS: 13
BS: 14
VR: 8
35Q

Duke University---physics major
GPA ~ 3.8
BCPM ~3.7

EC:
-2 years of hospital volunteering
-6 months of research
-TA for introductory physics
-spring break in uruguay to build houses
-involvement in Duke SmartHome for 1.5 years
-fraternity
-Meet with a rabbi once a week for one-on-one discussions
-not-for-credit jewish class online


I'm a bit worried about my verbal score and how it makes me look imbalanced. I was hoping for top-tier schools.....I'm still a junior, so any advice on how to beef up my application and/or perhaps make my verbal seem less noticeable?

PS: 13
BS: 14
VR: 8
35Q

Duke University---physics major
GPA ~ 3.8
BCPM ~3.7

EC:
-2 years of hospital volunteering
-6 months of research
-TA for introductory physics
-spring break in uruguay to build houses
-involvement in Duke SmartHome for 1.5 years
-fraternity
-Meet with a rabbi once a week for one-on-one discussions
-not-for-credit jewish class online


I'm a bit worried about my verbal score and how it makes me look imbalanced. I was hoping for top-tier schools.....I'm still a junior, so any advice on how to beef up my application and/or perhaps make my verbal seem less noticeable?


You are gold with stats man. Don't worry about the 8, Just work on EC's such as clinical work and research. Publish a paper and you have a decent shot at top-tier

3.78/30

Hospital volunteering & shadowing

My secondaries are all delayed because of LOR problems. Won't be ready till October 1st most likely. How costly is this?

And why does it take LOR writers over a month and a half to write a one page letter? Way to singlehandedly ruin my application.


That is cutting it close since you won't have your LORs till Oct 1. But don't despair since some schools just sent out secondaries in September itself. Just ruch those LORs in. Stats are decent, you have a shot at getting in.

Hii

My MCAT score will release on SEPT 19

I have submitted my application and it has been processes few days back.

BCPM: 3.91; AO: 3.83

I have submitted secondaries for 2 school: MCG ,NYMC and MUSC

ACADEMIC HISTORY:

I have BAchelors in Engg. from India and after conversion GPA: 2.47
Because AMCAS doesnot require any information if courses are not transferred to U.S. college, I have not posted U.S.conversion for each course on AMCAS.

I have taken 76 hrs of classes since JAn'06 at Augusta State University as a Post-BAcc student.
my BCPM: 3.91
over all: 3.83

I will have 100 hrs by the end of SP'08 along with 2 semesters of research in org.chem.

I have made ~ 30 in practice.

Do u think medical college will consider Indian college performance over U.S. college ?

what r my chances?

Thank You


How many semester units have you taken in the US? You have a high GPA here, but is it only 1 or 2 semesters or is it more like 2 years?

Hii

BCPM: 3.91; AO: 3.83

MCAT : 30 O
BS: 12, PS: 11; VR: 07

Permanent Resident of US and Georgia resident

I have submitted secondaries for school: MCG ,NYMC, Mercer, Temple and MUSC

ACADEMIC HISTORY:

I have BAchelors in Engg. from India and after conversion GPA: 2.47
Because AMCAS doesnot require any information if courses are not transferred to U.S. college, I have not posted U.S.conversion for each course on AMCAS.

I have taken 76 hrs of classes since JAn'06 at Augusta State University as a Post-BAcc student.

I will have 100 hrs by the end of SP'08.

Do u think medical college will consider Indian college performance over U.S. college ?

what r my chances at the above colleges?
MCG most preferred

I'm been gripped by this colossal, bone-chilling paranoia now that I have post-secondary rejection #1 (Chicago)... :eek: Any feedback on http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8058? I had decided not to apply to
Albert Einstein of Yeshiva University
Brown University
George Washington University
Rosalind Franklin University
Rush Medical College
Temple University
Tufts University
Tulane University
but now I am wondering if I should reconsider. I would love your advice :confused:. Thank you!

Hii

BCPM: 3.91; AO: 3.83

MCAT : 30 O
BS: 12, PS: 11; VR: 07

I have submitted secondaries for school: MCG ,NYMC, Mercer, Temple and MUSC

ACADEMIC HISTORY:

I have BAchelors in Engg. from India and after conversion GPA: 2.47
Because AMCAS doesnot require any information if courses are not transferred to U.S. college, I have not posted U.S.conversion for each course on AMCAS.

I have taken 76 hrs of classes since JAn'06 at Augusta State University as a Post-BAcc student.

I will have 100 hrs by the end of SP'08.

Do u think medical college will consider Indian college performance over U.S. college ?

what r my chances at the above colleges?
MCG most preferred

Sounds solid to me. You have a good MCAT, and if MCG is preferred you should get in if you are a georgia resident? Did you establish permanant residency in Georgia? If you did, then you definitly have a good shot at MCG. I'm not sure about how they will look at your grades from India.

I'm been gripped by this colossal, bone-chilling paranoia now that I have post-secondary rejection #1 (Chicago)... :eek: Any feedback on http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8058? I had decided not to apply to
Albert Einstein of Yeshiva University
Brown University
George Washington University
Rosalind Franklin University
Rush Medical College
Temple University
Tufts University
Tulane University
but now I am wondering if I should reconsider. I would love your advice :confused:. Thank you!

Get out of here, U of Chicago is just a really hard school to get into, and its your only rejection. If you got straight up rejected from RFU or AECOM first instead of U of Chicago then I would worry. Just tough luck for U of Chicago.

I'm been gripped by this colossal, bone-chilling paranoia now that I have post-secondary rejection #1 (Chicago)... :eek: Any feedback on http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8058? I had decided not to apply to
Albert Einstein of Yeshiva University
Brown University
George Washington University
Rosalind Franklin University
Rush Medical College
Temple University
Tufts University
Tulane University
but now I am wondering if I should reconsider. I would love your advice :confused:. Thank you!

relax. i'm sure you'll be fine. :luck:

I'm been gripped by this colossal, bone-chilling paranoia now that I have post-secondary rejection #1 (Chicago)... :eek: Any feedback on http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8058? I had decided not to apply to
Albert Einstein of Yeshiva University
Brown University
George Washington University
Rosalind Franklin University
Rush Medical College
Temple University
Tufts University
Tulane University
but now I am wondering if I should reconsider. I would love your advice :confused:. Thank you!

I think 37 schools is enough with 3.7/36 :p

Hello all!
bcpm 3.5
MCAT: 34Q (all sections over 10)
EC: volunteer english tutor, clinical research

I just completed my secondaries at half of the schools i applied to and my letters should arrive at my schools within 2-3 days. I just wondering if I still have a chance this year at getting into schools like downstate and stony brook U. I have several secondaries yet to fill, and i dont know if i should just withdraw my applications and boost up my EC's for the next cycle or if i should just go through with it. would love to hear your advice

looking for advice about how my application looks

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8957


ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Will someone evaluate me?

Here's My Story:

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Postbac at Columbia University
Total GPA 3.45, BCPM 3.6

MCAT:
may 31'st test 27N (PS 8 VR 9 BS 10 WS N)
aug 9th test 33R (PS 12 VR 10 BS 11 WS R)

4 summers of volunteer work at 3 different special needs schools and hospitals

1 year of shadowing doctors at St. Luke's hospital

1 year of psychology lab work

currently working in a radiology lab


NY Resident:
Stony Brook
Buffalo
NYU
Columbia
Rochester
Yale
Einstein
mount Sinai
GW
downstate
Drexel
UPenn
Jefferson
penn state
BU
Cornell
Ny medical college
upstate
University of Wisconsin
Albany
UMDNJ

Thoughts on my schools, chances?

Will someone evaluate me?

Here's My Story:

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Postbac at Columbia University
Total GPA 3.45, BCPM 3.6

MCAT:
may 31'st test 27N (PS 8 VR 9 BS 10 WS N)
aug 9th test 33R (PS 12 VR 10 BS 11 WS R)

4 summers of volunteer work at 3 different special needs schools and hospitals

1 year of shadowing doctors at St. Luke's hospital

1 year of psychology lab work

currently working in a radiology lab


NY Resident:
Stony Brook
Buffalo
NYU
Columbia
Rochester
Yale
Einstein
mount Sinai
GW
downstate
Drexel
UPenn
Jefferson
penn state
BU
Cornell
Ny medical college
upstate
University of Wisconsin
Albany
UMDNJ

Thoughts on my schools, chances?

I might add a few more schools but your app seems fairly solid.

PS: 13
BS: 14
VR: 8
35Q

Duke University---physics major
GPA ~ 3.8
BCPM ~3.7

EC:
-2 years of hospital volunteering
-6 months of research
-TA for introductory physics
-spring break in uruguay to build houses
-involvement in Duke SmartHome for 1.5 years
-fraternity
-Meet with a rabbi once a week for one-on-one discussions
-not-for-credit jewish class online


I'm a bit worried about my verbal score and how it makes me look imbalanced. I was hoping for top-tier schools.....I'm still a junior, so any advice on how to beef up my application and/or perhaps make my verbal seem less noticeable?


Don't worry about the verbal. 8 is fine and your science scores are good. There's no way you should retake that score. GPA/ECs seem good, if your LORs are fine, I would apply to top tier schools. Add some mid-tier and apply to your state schools and you should be good to go.

.

My GPA is 3.34 currently, but over the next year I hope to raise it to a 3.67 by June 2007 when I apply. I am a human biology major at UCSD. I will be graduating in three years. I have been volunteering in a cancer research lab during the summer and will be continuing until I graduate (about 10 hours/week during the school year). I will have my name on a published paper, as soon as we finalize the results, and I will probably have my name on more papers (my lab is really great about this). I also just started volunteering at a horseback riding program for those with disabilities. Hopefully by the time I apply, I will have at least 250 hours volunteering there. I am also a part of several premedical clubs on campus. This year I will be shadowing several doctors (varying specialties). I did one year of collegiate rowing, but will not be doing it anymore (need more time to study!). But I will be training for a marathon, which take lots of dedication. I am interested in Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and maybe UCSF, UCD, and UCI. What kind of MCAT scores do I need to have a good chance to get into these schools? What else should I be doing to become a better applicant? What other schools would I have a chance of getting into? Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!

Here goes:eek::

Female- Native American/ White
Science GPA: 3.8
Non-science: 3.67 (I had one F, without that it would be 3.93)
MCAT: 27L (...:mad:)

Other stuff:
~volunteer for 2 years @ hospital
~undergrad research- sequence complete bacterial genome, future publication (in editing)
~Currently (1 yr) full-time job as biological scientist at my university- biomanufacturing and research facility, we are developing gene therapy products from mammalian cell culture and viral production
~volunteer calculus tutor, one semester
~worked full-time as server for freshman year and part of soph
~VP of honor society
~shadowed once for 3 hours in ER, looking to get more
~5 pres. list and 1 academic scholar award
~certified in BLS for HCP

I am hoping to go to any school in FL, if not close.
Also considering St.George's in Grenada- would love the experience of living in another country.

Please advise! Thanks!!

Education
Two undergrad degrees: Biology and Biochemistry
Masters degree: Chemical Engineering
Dean's List 11 times

Research
Two years significant biomedical research (vascular engineering)
First author in related biomedical publication
Poster presentation at two conferences

EC's
College football
Volunteer work for Chief Deputy Med Examiner (autopsy assistant)
Shadowing (ophthalmology)
Taught "Medical Science For Engineers" Laboratory

MCAT
37M (PS 14; VS 10; BS 13)

The clincher: Horrible grades at the beginning of my academic career led to a far from stellar cum gpa of 3.2 :barf:. Much of this was do to the rigorous demands associated with playing ball, and I mentioned this in my personal statement, but still! I have a whole bunch of C's early on and some D's, too.

Anybody have any comments?????

3.78/30

Hospital volunteering & shadowing

My secondaries are all delayed because of LOR problems. Won't be ready till October 1st most likely. How costly is this?

And why does it take LOR writers over a month and a half to write a one page letter? Way to singlehandedly ruin my application.

Same here

same score , same GPA same problem

Age: 23
Race/Sex: White/Male
Residence: Michigan
Major: Chemistry GPA: 3.93
Sci GPA: 3.90
MCAT: 31S (10,10,11)

ECs:
1yr of research, not published or anything
200+ hrs volunteering in hospitals
50+ hrs of physician shadowing
2yrs being an RA in dorm over
3,000 hours working full-time in convicted offender clinic psych unit
2yrs working as a tutor for student-athletes

Applied schools: albany case western drexel george washington georgetown jefferson loyola medical coll. of wisc mich. st (md) mich. st (do) nymc penn st. rosalind franklin suny upstate temple ohio st. cincinnati illinois iowa wisconsin wayne state

(should I add more schools? Not submit secondaries to some of schools above?

Big concerns:
1)I'm not verified yet by aamc; I submitted a week ago. I know this is a cardinal sin, so no need to patronize for me for it
2)my mcat--much lower than practice scores, not sure what happened. Oh well, I don't care about going to a prestigious school and I don't want to retake it, I'd just like to get in this year.

Do I stand a chance? Thanks.

I think your MCAT and everything else sounds great. Your only problem will be your late application. Accordingly, I would recommend submitting every single one of those apps, and getting the secondaries in asap. I would think that you should have a decent shot at your state schools (and maybe even a few others - you never know). Good luck!

My GPA is 3.34 currently, but over the next year I hope to raise it to a 3.67 by June 2007 when I apply. I am a human biology major at UCSD. I will be graduating in three years. I have been volunteering in a cancer research lab during the summer and will be continuing until I graduate (about 10 hours/week during the school year). I will have my name on a published paper, as soon as we finalize the results, and I will probably have my name on more papers (my lab is really great about this). I also just started volunteering at a horseback riding program for those with disabilities. Hopefully by the time I apply, I will have at least 250 hours volunteering there. I am also a part of several premedical clubs on campus. This year I will be shadowing several doctors (varying specialties). I did one year of collegiate rowing, but will not be doing it anymore (need more time to study!). But I will be training for a marathon, which take lots of dedication. I am interested in Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and maybe UCSF, UCD, and UCI. What kind of MCAT scores do I need to have a good chance to get into these schools? What else should I be doing to become a better applicant? What other schools would I have a chance of getting into? Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!

This thread is primarily for people applying this year. I'm a little confused since you said that you'll be working on your gpa for the next year and hope it will be higher by June 2007 when you apply. We're already in September 2007. Also, you said you won't be graduating for three more years, so I'm not sure why you'd be applying in one year unless it's through a special program or something at your school. Regardless, just keep up your great activities, get the best grades you can, and study hard for the MCAT and do your best. State of residence will also have a big impact on where you've got a good chance. Much harder to get into CA schools without CA residency. Good luck.

Here goes:eek::

Female- Native American/ White
Science GPA: 3.8
Non-science: 3.67 (I had one F, without that it would be 3.93)
MCAT: 27L (...:mad:)

Other stuff:
~volunteer for 2 years @ hospital
~undergrad research- sequence complete bacterial genome, future publication (in editing)
~Currently (1 yr) full-time job as biological scientist at my university- biomanufacturing and research facility, we are developing gene therapy products from mammalian cell culture and viral production
~volunteer calculus tutor, one semester
~worked full-time as server for freshman year and part of soph
~VP of honor society
~shadowed once for 3 hours in ER, looking to get more
~5 pres. list and 1 academic scholar award
~certified in BLS for HCP

I am hoping to go to any school in FL, if not close.
Also considering St.George's in Grenada- would love the experience of living in another country.

Please advise! Thanks!!

I'm assuming that you're a FL resident. If so, that's a definitely plus. I've heard their state schools mainly take instate applicants, so your stats don't have to be stellar to get in. Also, if you checked the "native american" box on AMCAS, I would think that you have an even better chance since you'd be considered a minority applicant. Everything about your app sounds great (I can't imagine that one F with all other grades being great will tank your app - hopefully you have a good reason in case they ask what happened). Your only weakness is your MCAT. But I think it's certainly possible to get in with a 27 in FL. Especially given your situation.

Regarding living in another country, I would recommend that you get that experience some way other than going to medical school abroad - unless you have to. It's supposedly a much harder road to travel in order to practice in the US. Why don't you consider going on some type of program or travel abroad for a couple of months this year, or delay applying to med school for a year to do so (and in the mean time, you could consider retaking the MCAT). Anyway, regardless, good luck!

Education
Two undergrad degrees: Biology and Biochemistry
Masters degree: Chemical Engineering
Dean's List 11 times

Research
Two years significant biomedical research (vascular engineering)
First author in related biomedical publication
Poster presentation at two conferences

EC's
College football
Volunteer work for Chief Deputy Med Examiner (autopsy assistant)
Shadowing (ophthalmology)
Taught "Medical Science For Engineers" Laboratory

MCAT
37M (PS 14; VS 10; BS 13)

The clincher: Horrible grades at the beginning of my academic career led to a far from stellar cum gpa of 3.2 :barf:. Much of this was do to the rigorous demands associated with playing ball, and I mentioned this in my personal statement, but still! I have a whole bunch of C's early on and some D's, too.

Anybody have any comments?????

I think you need to give more info first. What is your state of residency? Where have you applied? And are your apps in yet, or have you not yet submitted?

Good luck to everyone

Don't get set on just one school, your numbers are below average for almost all US medical schools, Apply early and broadly.

.

Phoenix, all my secondaries are in and most files are complete. I applied to:

Albany Medical College
Baylor
Boston U.
Columbia
Creighton
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
George Washington
Georgetown
Jefferson Med of Thomas Jefferson U
Michigan State
New York Med
OHSU (Oregon resident)
Rosalind Franklin
RUSH
SUNY Upstate (Syracuse)
University of Miami
Tufts
Tulane
University of Illinois @ Chicago
Wright State

Here goes:eek::

Female- Native American/ White
Science GPA: 3.8
Non-science: 3.67 (I had one F, without that it would be 3.93)
MCAT: 27L (...:mad:)

Other stuff:
~volunteer for 2 years @ hospital
~undergrad research- sequence complete bacterial genome, future publication (in editing)
~Currently (1 yr) full-time job as biological scientist at my university- biomanufacturing and research facility, we are developing gene therapy products from mammalian cell culture and viral production
~volunteer calculus tutor, one semester
~worked full-time as server for freshman year and part of soph
~VP of honor society
~shadowed once for 3 hours in ER, looking to get more
~5 pres. list and 1 academic scholar award
~certified in BLS for HCP

I am hoping to go to any school in FL, if not close.
Also considering St.George's in Grenada- would love the experience of living in another country.

Please advise! Thanks!!

Is there anywhere outside of Florida I should apply to with these stats (with that MCAT...)?

Phoenix, all my secondaries are in and most files are complete. I applied to:

Albany Medical College
Baylor
Boston U.
Columbia
Creighton
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
George Washington
Georgetown
Jefferson Med of Thomas Jefferson U
Michigan State
New York Med
OHSU (Oregon resident)
Rosalind Franklin
RUSH
SUNY Upstate (Syracuse)
University of Miami
Tufts
Tulane
University of Illinois @ Chicago
Wright State

Considering that you applied relatively early and everything about your app is stellar except your gpa (which is due to early bad grades with an upward trend), I think you'll be ok. (Hopefully your science gpa isn't too much lower). That's an excellent MCAT, of course, and I think that it will help to offset your gpa a little. Provided you have a great personal statement and good LORs, I think you're ok. I probably would have added a few more to be on the safe side (maybe Temple, Wayne State, more SUNYs, UVM (if you're an older non-trad student - they seem to like them), etc.), but again, you're probably fine. However, if you are dead-set on getting in this year and would be interested in a DO school, it might be a good idea to apply to one in your area (if there is one). I really think that the rest of your app is excellent, and that adcoms should be interested in you if they look past your gpa (which some should do), but I'm also a little paranoid about this whole process and would want to cover all bases. Regardless, I hope you get a ton of interviews - I think the hardest part will be getting the interviews, but once you do, if you interview well, you'll be fine. Good luck.

Age: 23
Sex: male
residence: VA
Ethnicity: Hispanic-- Cuban (not considered URM)

Cumm: 3.32
BCPM: 3.81
MCAT: 12VR, 10PS, 9BS, R

BA, Liberal Arts
Post-Bac for pre-reqs

ECs:
3+ years ER Tech
1 yr research assistant
classical guitarist
club soccer
volunteer religious ed. facilitator
Latino award for academic excellence
etc.

Other:
strong interview skills (so says my pre-med advisor)
solid LOR, including from physician that I worked with

Applying to:
UVA
VCU
EVMS
Georgetown
GWU
U Md.
Wake Forrest
Duke
Temple
NYMC
Loyola
Rosalind Franklin
Med Col Wisc.
Miami

I'd love to go to UVA, What do y'all think?

Age: 23
Sex: male
residence: VA
Ethnicity: Hispanic-- Cuban (not considered URM)

Cumm: 3.32
BCPM: 3.81
MCAT: 12VR, 10PS, 9BS, R

BA, Liberal Arts
Post-Bac for pre-reqs

ECs:
3+ years ER Tech
1 yr research assistant
classical guitarist
club soccer
volunteer religious ed. facilitator
Latino award for academic excellence
etc.

Other:
strong interview skills (so says my pre-med advisor)
solid LOR, including from physician that I worked with

Applying to:
UVA
VCU
EVMS
Georgetown
GWU
U Md.
Wake Forrest
Duke
Temple
NYMC
Loyola
Rosalind Franklin
Med Col Wisc.
Miami

I'd love to go to UVA, What do y'all think?

Well, you've already got three interviews, so it sounds like you're doing quite well. As for a specific school, like UVA, you never know. I think your stats are a little low for UVA, but you're a VA resident, which should help a little. If I were you, and you know that's your first choice, I'd write them a letter of interest or intent (depending on how you feel) so they know it is. Good luck.

Thanks, Phoenix!
Yeah, I know that I am a little low for UVA.
I was only complete there on 9/20 (missing tax forms to prove residency), do you think that it is too early to send an LOI?

Hi, hello!

Major: Biomedical Engineering
GPA: 3.84
MCAT: 10 VR (ouchy), 12 PS, 14 BS, M (another ouchy)
Other Stuff: Pre-med stuff [research (awards for research, scholarships for research), volunteering, shadowing etc etc] as well as on a nationally ranked competitive team

My dream school is Uchicago (but Northwestern will do, I'm in love with Chicago the city).

Chances?

School: UC Berkeley
Undergrad Major: Molecular Cell Biology
Undergrad GPA: BCPM - 3.7 cum - 3.6


MCAT 35

EC's
2 Working as EMT
2 Years Working as Certified Nurse Assistant
3 year of shadowing a doctor
3 years of volunteering at local hospital
400+ hours of working as volunteer
2 years of genetics research
- no publication yet =/
President of a service club
President of youth church association
-Students and many doctors go to Mexico to provide medical services and other relief


Awards:
Best Worker of the Month(emt)
Volunteer of the month
Perfect Attendance for EMT(Does this matter haha)



LORs- 1=Chanchellor(maybe?), 1=Undergrad Non Science Prof, 1=Science Professor, 1=Research Center Head, 1=MD from Shadowing

Schools I am planning to apply:
(I am a resident)

UCLA
UCSF
UCSD
UCI
USC
Brown
Dartmouth
Georgetown
Pittsburgh
Boston



What Are my Chances?
Thank you for your time!

Thanks, Phoenix!
Yeah, I know that I am a little low for UVA.
I was only complete there on 9/20 (missing tax forms to prove residency), do you think that it is too early to send an LOI?

Go ahead. I think the consensus is that an LOI can't hurt you (but can only help you), and that there's technically no time that is too early. Good luck!

Hi, hello!

Major: Biomedical Engineering
GPA: 3.84
MCAT: 10 VR (ouchy), 12 PS, 14 BS, M (another ouchy)
Other Stuff: Pre-med stuff [research (awards for research, scholarships for research), volunteering, shadowing etc etc] as well as on a nationally ranked competitive team

My dream school is Uchicago (but Northwestern will do, I'm in love with Chicago the city).

Chances?

You have great stats (I don't think that 10 VR is an issue at all), but if you look at the rejection thread, you'll see that UofC rejects people with stellar stats, stellar activities, etc. It's really hard to know that you'll get an interview there, let alone accepted. Whether you're a really good fit there (from their perspective) will probably carry a lot of weight. Ditto with NWU - your stats are competitive, but it's really hard to gauge chances at a specific school. I'm assuming you're not an IL resident or you might have mentioned it? There are other Chicago schools, but I'm assuming that you're not interested in them. Good luck - I hope you get in to UofC! They're generally pretty quick at reviewing apps, so you should hear soon. NWU, on the other hand, probably won't let you know anything unless it's an invite.

School: UC Berkeley
Undergrad Major: Molecular Cell Biology
Undergrad GPA: BCPM - 3.7 cum - 3.6


MCAT 35

EC's
2 Working as EMT
2 Years Working as Certified Nurse Assistant
3 year of shadowing a doctor
3 years of volunteering at local hospital
400+ hours of working as volunteer
2 years of genetics research
- no publication yet =/
President of a service club
President of youth church association
-Students and many doctors go to Mexico to provide medical services and other relief


Awards:
Best Worker of the Month(emt)
Volunteer of the month
Perfect Attendance for EMT(Does this matter haha)



LORs- 1=Chanchellor(maybe?), 1=Undergrad Non Science Prof, 1=Science Professor, 1=Research Center Head, 1=MD from Shadowing

Schools I am planning to apply:
(I am a resident)

UCLA
UCSF
UCSD
UCI
USC
Brown
Dartmouth
Georgetown
Pittsburgh
Boston



What Are my Chances?
Thank you for your time!

You're "a resident" - of where?! I'm assuming CA. If so, I'd apply much more broadly if I were you, just in case. Great app, but CA is tough, and some small part of this is a crap shoot. I'd definitely add a few more schools that you'd actually be interested in rather than reapplying next year just in case. BU and Georgetown get inundated with applications, so I wouldn't really count on them as safeties. And that leaves you with only three other schools (other than the CA school). I really think you should add a few more for peace of mind.... You've got a great application though, so hopefully you'll get into a CA school regardless!

Any feedback/ suggestions please?? Thanks!! :)

hey everyone, (sorry if I'm really posting in the wrong place!)

I re-took the MCAT august 14th, here's my old + new score...


August 2006

PS-13
VR-7 :(
BS-11
WS- R


August 2007
PS:12
VR:8
BS: 11
WS: S
Total: 31S

I'm not really happy bcause of that whack VR score, again.

AMCAS sent my scores out to all the schools I've applied to. I've applied to about 40 schools, all East side, very few/ none (its kinda ambiguous) of them top tier (but all good schools).

I've also sent out my secondaries and everything, with letters about a couple of days ago. Do you think my chances are ok? Any advice please?

cGPA- 3.84 ,science GPA- 3.82 completed Biochem degree
Some details about me...

I'm a NY resident. Heres some of the activities I submitted to AMCAS:

-Retinoblastoma Assistant Researcher (2 summers)

-Research Paper, Published in JOGC
-Biochemistry Honors Project
-Teach for Kaplan
-Biochemistry Seminar & Conference Presentations
-Recreational Basketball and Soccer -Calculus Tutor
-Patient Care Services (in clinics, hospitals, etc—lots)
-University Admission Scholarships
-Dean’s List; Golden Key Intn’l Honor Society
-Computer Consultant

Any tips please!? Thanks! ;D

Jess8000, it's always better to apply earlier rather than later, but I think that with your great gpa and ECs, and a good MCAT (30+ and no less than an 8 in any one section), and especially applying very broadly (40 schools!) within your range, that you'll be fine. Especially given your NY residence. You guys have a bunch of really good, accessible schools. All you can do at this point is to follow-up on your status to make sure that your letters are all received and logged in and that nothing holds you up from being deemed complete. You could also send some update letters down the road.... Otherwise, just sit tight - you've done everything you can do now for now and I think that you'll definitely get some invites provided your personal statement and LORs were good too. Good luck!

Thanks for replying Phoenix! :D

Jess8000, it's always better to apply earlier rather than later, but I think that with your great gpa and ECs, and a good MCAT (30+ and no less than an 8 in any one section), and especially applying very broadly (40 schools!) within your range, that you'll be fine. Especially given your NY residence. You guys have a bunch of really good, accessible schools. All you can do at this point is to follow-up on your status to make sure that your letters are all received and logged in and that nothing holds you up from being deemed complete. You could also send some update letters down the road.... Otherwise, just sit tight - you've done everything you can do now for now and I think that you'll definitely get some invites provided your personal statement and LORs were good too. Good luck!

hello, My mcat score is okay, but I am not complete at any of the schools I have applied to this year yet, I feel that my weak gpa and ECs (working on improving them right now) put me at a disadvantage, and I'm wondering if i should save the money on my remaining secondaries (~6) for the next cycle, or should I just go for it? :confused:
Home State: NY
Application Year: 2008
MCAT Score: VR 10, PS 11, BS 13, P
BCPM GPA: 3.5
Overall GPA: 3.44

Brief Profile:
8 months clinical research
study abroad 1 year
KSA
Worked part time at various jobs throughout college

Feedback would be much appreciated! Here are my stats:

GPA: 3.79 at a top 10 school
Science GPA: 3.67
Major in Chemistry, conc. in Pharmacology

MCAT 35Q (Phys 13, VR 10, Bio 12)

1 year and 1 summer of independent study research in biochemistry and organic chemistry
3 years of hospital volunteer service
40 hours shadowing experience
Multiple community service and leadership activities

Looking at applying to California schools (Stanford, UCSF, etc.) even though I'm a Colorado resident... do I have a chance?

Does the 10 on VR hurt my application substantially?

Male- White
Science GPA: 3.71
Non-science: 3.83
MCAT: 36O PS13 BS12 VR11
Biochemistry Major

Other stuff:
~volunteer for over 500 hours about 300 of which was in a clinical setting.
~undergrad research- for 2 years
~Study Abroad in developing country (volunteered in hospital where i was able to participate in minor surgery, such as c-section)
~Magna Cum Laude
~Plan on taking a gap year to either complete my research (attempt at publication) or volunteer abroad
~Can speak spanish

I am looking to go to school in the northeast with columbia and cornell being my top choices and then SUNY stonybrook followed by SUNY Downstate and Yale. I know thats a short list and ill apply to more but those are the ones that i would prefer to go to.

Please let me know how i can improve my application especially during my gap year.

Thanks

stats
White Male
Biology Major
Theology Minor
MCAT 34M (10PS 11VR 13BS)
GPA 3.95
Science 3.93

-Graduated High School May 04 college dec 06. took classes every summer did a summer research project in drug development of analgesics
-Medical Missions to Guatemala for a month for two summers (medical histories translations)
-Volunteered at Hispanic Clinic for a year 5 hrs/wk for a year doing triage and translation
-Involved with various honor society (National Biological one was VP of my chapter last semester)
-Who's Who Deans List etc
-Department of Bio award
-Tutoring
-TA for anatomy for 2yrs
-2 Semester co-taught and mentored freshmen class
-Research with prof in improving G chem lab curriculum
-Currently out of school and working with Department of Defense doing anti-warfare agent research
-Taking Graduate Biostats at ivy-league school nearby

LOR (Two Faculty, PI for summer, Physician I volunteered with for a year and went to guatemala with)

Ive had several interviews already but I'm kind of worried because I applied last year as MD/PhD student and was deferred to MD because of lack of research experience. Those that referred me pre november all interviewed me and they all wait listed me. NYU/Dartmouth/U Rochester/ Duke Those that did so after November usually told me something along the lines of we're closing interview invitations sorry etc. So I'm wondering if I got a shot at actually getting into these schools or others such as Pitt Penn etc. Will those that wait listed me be willing to reconsider my app with new grad classes/job and more clinical experience? I got about another 7months clinical experience and another medical mission since last application. I'm just curious because it seemed like I got a rush of invitations and now it's been 3 weeks without any word from any of the other 12 schools I have.

stats
White Male
Biology Major
Theology Minor
MCAT 34M (10PS 11VR 13BS)
GPA 3.95
Science 3.93

-Graduated High School May 04 college dec 06. took classes every summer did a summer research project in drug development of analgesics
-Medical Missions to Guatemala for a month for two summers (medical histories translations)
-Volunteered at Hispanic Clinic for a year 5 hrs/wk for a year doing triage and translation
-Involved with various honor society (National Biological one was VP of my chapter last semester)
-Who's Who Deans List etc
-Department of Bio award
-Tutoring
-TA for anatomy for 2yrs
-2 Semester co-taught and mentored freshmen class
-Research with prof in improving G chem lab curriculum
-Currently out of school and working with Department of Defense doing anti-warfare agent research
-Taking Graduate Biostats at ivy-league school nearby

LOR (Two Faculty, PI for summer, Physician I volunteered with for a year and went to guatemala with)

Ive had several interviews already but I'm kind of worried because I applied last year as MD/PhD student and was deferred to MD because of lack of research experience. Those that referred me pre november all interviewed me and they all wait listed me. NYU/Dartmouth/U Rochester/ Duke Those that did so after November usually told me something along the lines of we're closing interview invitations sorry etc. So I'm wondering if I got a shot at actually getting into these schools or others such as Pitt Penn etc. Will those that wait listed me be willing to reconsider my app with new grad classes/job and more clinical experience? I got about another 7months clinical experience and another medical mission since last application. I'm just curious because it seemed like I got a rush of invitations and now it's been 3 weeks without any word from any of the other 12 schools I have.

Are you applying MD or MD/PhD?

I had a 3.26 GPA, about the same for science and non-. I took the 9/11 MCAT and should get a score in the Mid-30s. I have decent LORs and ECs, probably a little better than average. I should should also note that I got a D in OCHEM2.
I finished my AMCAS and had planned to apply to about 20 lower tier schools. But now I'm starting to seriously consider the alternatives. Three questions: Do I have any chance of getting into a US MD school? What are the best ways to improve my chances before reapplying next year? (Please be specific here, as in, particular degree programs, etc.) What are the top 5 international schools?

I had a 3.26 GPA, about the same for science and non-. I took the 9/11 MCAT and should get a score in the Mid-30s. I have decent LORs and ECs, probably a little better than average. I should should also note that I got a D in OCHEM2.
I finished my AMCAS and had planned to apply to about 20 lower tier schools. But now I'm starting to seriously consider the alternatives. Three questions: Do I have any chance of getting into a US MD school? What are the best ways to improve my chances before reapplying next year? (Please be specific here, as in, particular degree programs, etc.) What are the top 5 international schools?

Get your mid 30 then decide what to do. I wouldn't apply this late in the cycle, though. Did you already submit your AMCAS?

Get your mid 30 then decide what to do. I wouldn't apply this late in the cycle, though. Did you already submit your AMCAS?

I have everything ready, just need to press the button. Is there any harm in applying besides wasted time/money?

I have everything ready, just need to press the button. Is there any harm in applying besides wasted time/money?

Yes, you have to reapply as a reapplicant next year if you don't get in and if you don't have significant improvement it will greatly hurt your chances of gaining an acceptance.

Hi guys,

I was thinking about applying to Columbia, but since they are pretty strict about having each MCAT section >10, do you think it's a good idea to apply there? Obviously there will be some people who get in with scores lower than 10, but I just want some realistic opinions please.

Oh, please check below for my details.

Thanks!


I re-took the MCAT august 14th, here's my old + new score...


August 2006

PS-13
VR-7 :(
BS-11
WS- R


August 2007
PS:12
VR:8
BS: 11
WS: S
Total: 31S

I'm not really happy bcause of that whack VR score, again.

AMCAS sent my scores out to all the schools I've applied to. I've applied to about 40 schools, all East side, very few/ none (its kinda ambiguous) of them top tier (but all good schools).

I've also sent out my secondaries and everything, with letters about a couple of days ago. Do you think my chances are ok? Any advice please?

cGPA- 3.84 ,science GPA- 3.82 completed Biochem degree
Some details about me...

I'm a NY resident. Heres some of the activities I submitted to AMCAS:

-Retinoblastoma Assistant Researcher (2 summers)
-Research Paper, Published in JOGC
-Biochemistry Honors Project
-Teach for Kaplan
-Biochemistry Seminar & Conference Presentations
-Recreational Basketball and Soccer -Calculus Tutor
-Patient Care Services (in clinics, hospitals, etc—lots)
-University Admission Scholarships
-Dean’s List; Golden Key Intn’l Honor Society
-Computer Consultant

Any tips please!? Thanks! ;D

Hi guys,

I was thinking about applying to Columbia, but since they are pretty strict about having each MCAT section >10, do you think it's a good idea to apply there? Obviously there will be some people who get in with scores lower than 10, but I just want some realistic opinions please.

Oh, please check below for my details.

Thanks!

Well, you could always call them and ask if they have a cut-off. They may or may not admit to it. But if you've got the dough, why not try? At least, that's how I look at it. If you're really interested in a school, and have the money, why not put yourself in a position so that further on down the road you're not wondering, "what if?" or "why didn't i?" Or not. Your decision.

Well, you could always call them and ask if they have a cut-off. They may or may not admit to it. But if you've got the dough, why not try? At least, that's how I look at it. If you're really interested in a school, and have the money, why not put yourself in a position so that further on down the road you're not wondering, "what if?" or "why didn't i?" Or not. Your decision.

Thanks Phoenix. I'll call em up tomorrow.

Yes, you have to reapply as a reapplicant next year if you don't get in and if you don't have significant improvement it will greatly hurt your chances of gaining an acceptance.

Interesting.... One other question. What if I were to apply to just a few schools? If I were to not get in, and then apply next year, would I only be treated as a reapplicant at the schools I previously applied to? Or is "reapplicant" just a general label for people who have applied to medical school before?

Interesting.... One other question. What if I were to apply to just a few schools? If I were to not get in, and then apply next year, would I only be treated as a reapplicant at the schools I previously applied to? Or is "reapplicant" just a general label for people who have applied to medical school before?

You would only be a reapplicant at the schools that you applied to. Just keep in mind that if you submit AMCAS today, you won't be verified until probably the end of October. Many schools require your AMCAS before Oct 15. You're getting very close to the deadline at this pt.

MCAT
V-7 :mad:
B-10
P-10

GPA
Overall-3.95
Science-3.8

International Student (No permanent - no nothing)
-Graduated from U.S. high school - graduated from State University

Doing Master's - will graduate soon
Four years of research experience in Molecular Biology
One year of research experience in Physical Chemistry
Attended numerous meetings and presented research

Many honors - Summa Cum Laude, Departmental Honors, Many Honor clubs and so on...

Community Volunteer works - nursing homes, Habitat for Humanity, church stuffs and so on...

Clinical experience - community hospital (shadowing in O.R. and E.R.) and local physician's office

Heard MD/PhD programs are little bit kinder to International students, so applying to MD/PhD programs, but not sure with that MCAT score

I know if I am not an international student, I have a good chance getting in AL schools, but all this international student stuffs are killing me

Ok I am definiely non-traditional (40yo):

Electrical Engineer BS/MS

14 year career in IT (Excellent Resume)

ER Volunteer

15 years ago:
Undergraduate BCMP/AO/Total 2.79/3.24/3.09
Graduate BCMP/AO/Total 4.0/3.0/3.12
Now:
Post Bacc BCMP 3.9

MCAT 36M VR10/PS12/BS14

Applying to Philly and Baltimore schools

Does your UGPA include your postbac or no?

GPA: 3.77
BCPM: 3.55 (but 3.75 in the last two years of u-grad!)
Ivy league
33Q
NY resident

ECs:
Full-time public health work (2 years)
Neurology clinical research (1 semester)
ER clinical research (2 years)
Tutoring/teaching (3 years)
Personal attendant to disabled student (1 year)

Applied:
SUNY-Downstate (already interviewed)
SUNY-Upstate (invited to interview)
NYU
Einstein
Mount Sinai
Rochester
Drexel
Tufts
BU
GW
In-my-wildest-dreams-but-why-not apps:
Stanford
UCSF
Michigan
Cornell
Dartmouth

Basically I'm 95% sure that if I go to med school, I'll go to Downstate. But should I add some more "safety" schools?

Did you not feel like applying to the other SUNYs?

UGPA - 3.50 (econ & poli double)
did a postbac at Bryn Mawr - GPA - 3.55
JD - GPA - 3.00 (made law review and law journal of another school)
NC resident

ECs:
Obesity clinic work for a summer
Volunteered at an eating disorders facility for 1 yr.
Open door clinic volunteer for 1 yr.
TA'd in my last year of undergrad for an econ course
Helped organize a local fundraiser for ovarian cancer research (3 yrs)

MCAT - 29Q

Schools:

GW
Gtown
UNC
ECU
Wake
MUSC
VCU
UVa
Jefferson
EVMS
Brown
Temple

Any idea on what my chances are? Also, where I might consider applying that I haven't already? I really like UNC, just dont know if I am that competitive.


http://img.studentdoctor.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif

Does everyone get secondary applications from every school they apply too? Are medical schools selective about who they send them too? Are non traditional students (ones that have worked for a couple of yrs in business/medical field) looked at any differently from regular students just coming out of college???

Did you not feel like applying to the other SUNYs?

Well, now that I've received a rejection from BU, I'm spurred to add more in-state schools.

GPA: 3.75
BCPM: 3.75
MCAT: April 2006 : PS - 10 , V - 7, BS- 9 26M
Aug. 2006: PS - 9 , V - 8 , BS - 9 26Q
Aug. 2007: PS - 13, V - 9 , BS - 10 32P

IL Resident
mediocre EC's

hoping to get in somewhere in IL...any input would be appreciated. thanx!

GPA: 3.75
BCPM: 3.75
MCAT: April 2006 : PS - 10 , V - 7, BS- 9 26M
Aug. 2006: PS - 9 , V - 8 , BS - 9 26Q
Aug. 2007: PS - 13, V - 9 , BS - 10 32P

IL Resident
mediocre EC's

hoping to get in somewhere in IL...any input would be appreciated. thanx!

Not sure what "mediocre EC's" means exactly, but I think as an IL resident with your stats you should have a great shot at RFU, UIC and Rush. Loyola really likes solid community service/volunteering, so you might not have as great a shot there. And NWU and UofC are real crapshoots as it is. And if you're not from the Chicago area, you've probably got a great shot at SIU. Regardless, do your best to shore up your EC weakness so you have some good updates to send later in the year. Otherwise, I think you'll be fine if your essays and LORs are good. But you should definitely apply to some OOS schools too if you'd consider going OOS other than reapplying just in case. Perhaps MCW, SLU, and other mid-western schools. Good luck.

Well, now that I've received a rejection from BU, I'm spurred to add more in-state schools.

I wouldn't put too much stock in that BU rejection....

thanx for the advice...will def. look to improve my EC's...as now I have some research experience, volunteering at the hospital, tutoring for Physio classes, and several other health-related clubs/volunteering experiences i've participated in...

MCAT - 36m (11v, 12p, 13b)
GPA - 3.83, 3.87 science from top 20 school

ECs:
3 years Neuroscience research
2 years Habitat - leader positions
2 years service fraternity
2 years clinical volunteering - ER & neuro-rehab
Summer counselor at camp for children with special health needs
1 month spanish/medical trip in South America
Phi Beta Kappa
High distinction grad honors for thesis

Recs: All strong.

Schools:
Northwestern (interviewed)
Michigan (interviewed)
UWash (interview scheduled)
UCLA
UCSD
UCSF
Stanford
Harvard
Columbia
Wash U.
Vanderbilt (rejected)
Mayo Clinic (rejected)

Also considering:
Yale
Johns Hopkins
George Washington
Georgetown
USC
U Chicago


I know that my schools are kind of top heavy. I went into the process apparently a little too confident. The couple rejections and one bad interview has made me reconsider where I should apply. I'm out of state for California and the other schools I have applied to aren't exactly safeties. Any advice? Good safeties? Also any idea about the rejections - bad secondaries?

Thinkin' about either: apply next summer? wait and get job for 2 years (probably abroad)


App Overview
Overall GPA 3.635
BCPM 3.76ish
MCAT ?? (taking next spring, trying to aim 35+)

LOR x3 pretty sure they are good
LOR teachin' job
LOR clinic
LOR lab

Organic Chemistry Teacher, Tutor and Subject Coordinator 3 years
Clinic Counselor and Teacher 3 years
Lab Cancer Treatment Research 1 year
Molecular Evolution Research 2 summers 1 year
Lightweight Crew 2 Years
Professional Fraternity Leader
Random Research Award 1 summer
Random Scholarship for college 4 years

what do you think?
I'm a CA resident, so that means 30+ schools to apply to.

MCAT - 36m (11v, 12p, 13b)
GPA - 3.83, 3.87 science from top 20 school

ECs:
3 years Neuroscience research
2 years Habitat - leader positions
2 years service fraternity
2 years clinical volunteering - ER & neuro-rehab
Summer counselor at camp for children with special health needs
1 month spanish/medical trip in South America
Phi Beta Kappa
High distinction grad honors for thesis

Recs: All strong.

Schools:
Northwestern (interviewed)
Michigan (interviewed)
UWash (interview scheduled)
UCLA
UCSD
UCSF
Stanford
Harvard
Columbia
Wash U.
Vanderbilt (rejected)
Mayo Clinic (rejected)

Also considering:
Yale
Johns Hopkins
George Washington
Georgetown
USC
U Chicago


I know that my schools are kind of top heavy. I went into the process apparently a little too confident. The couple rejections and one bad interview has made me reconsider where I should apply. I'm out of state for California and the other schools I have applied to aren't exactly safeties. Any advice? Good safeties? Also any idea about the rejections - bad secondaries?


you should be ok, you should have your pick of several of those, add more safeties if you feel uneasy but dont waste your money if you dont want to go to those schools

Ok so I slightly messed up with my science gpa and now im starting to think im not even going to ever get an interview.

I am a senior, going to take 1 extra semester, so i will be applying next fall.
heres my stats:

Major: Chemistry and Sociology
GPA: 3.41
science: 2.91

EC:
Volunteer at hospital for 3 years
volunteer at crisis center for 2 years, also a trainer
habitat for humanity, volunteer for 3 years & president of school chapter
Alpha kappa delta, sociology honors society, president
sociology honors program, writing thesis
work in microbial ecology lab

I expect my overall gpa to be around 3.5 when i graduate, science about the same. I expect I will do slightly above average on MCATS
Am I hopeless?
Im not picky as to where i go to MD school, I just want to go somewhere.

Does anyone know how schools weight overall vs science GPA? I am a non-traditional and my science classes have almost all been post bac. My science GPA is strong but my overall was not as strong. I have seen a lot of people post regarding strong overall GPA and weak science, but I haven't seen many people in this situation.

Here are my stats according to AAMC

Cumulative Undergrad BCPM 3.81, AO 3.37, Total 3.5
Post Bac Undergrad BCPM 3.89, AO 4.0, Total 3.9 (only one class in the all other catagory)
MCAT 34N (11V, 11B, 12P)

I work on the weekends as an EMT and recently started a research project in the ER at a local hospital.

California resident. I applied to all instate schools and about 9 other schools outside of CA.

Does anyone know how schools weight overall vs science GPA? I am a non-traditional and my science classes have almost all been post bac. My science GPA is strong but my overall was not as strong. I have seen a lot of people post regarding strong overall GPA and weak science, but I haven't seen many people in this situation.

Here are my stats according to AAMC

Cumulative Undergrad BCPM 3.81, AO 3.37, Total 3.5
Post Bac Undergrad BCPM 3.89, AO 4.0, Total 3.9 (only one class in the all other catagory)
MCAT 34N (11V, 11B, 12P)

I work on the weekends as an EMT and recently started a research project in the ER at a local hospital.

California resident. I applied to all instate schools and about 9 other schools outside of CA.

You have nice balanced MCAT scores and a good BCPM although overall is a little light for UCs. If you applied early you should get some interest. Some schools will screen you out due to GPA but since you've done well in postbac and showed an upward trend, that's a good thing. To answer your question, though, they'll pay more attention to the overall than the science.

Does anyone know how schools weight overall vs science GPA? I am a non-traditional and my science classes have almost all been post bac. My science GPA is strong but my overall was not as strong. I have seen a lot of people post regarding strong overall GPA and weak science, but I haven't seen many people in this situation.

Here are my stats according to AAMC

Cumulative Undergrad BCPM 3.81, AO 3.37, Total 3.5
Post Bac Undergrad BCPM 3.89, AO 4.0, Total 3.9 (only one class in the all other catagory)
MCAT 34N (11V, 11B, 12P)

I work on the weekends as an EMT and recently started a research project in the ER at a local hospital.

California resident. I applied to all instate schools and about 9 other schools outside of CA.

I have heard from various sources that science GPA is worth more than overall GPA, which makes sense because med school is all about applied science.

I have heard from various sources that science GPA is worth more than overall GPA, which makes sense because med school is all about applied science.

I think science GPA is important. However, when you look at the USNWR and how it evaluates schools, the two criteria listed on the short view is overall GPA and MCAT of matriculants. This is one reason why these scores are important, because schools do not want their average statistics to be very different from year to year. Schools that want to "move up" from mid tier to top tier as Pittsburgh and other schools have done over the past decade basically are doing so by being more selective. To some degree, this is why low GPA/high MCAT students are still competitive and vice versa, and one of the reasons why its difficult to be very competitive when both cGPA/MCAT are lower than the school's accepted averages without being URM because the school will have to accept someone with both numbers above their average to compensate. Clearly numbers aren't everything in this process and there are a lot of subjective fit elements that may make up more than 50% of the final admissions decision. That said, in the process of getting an interview or evaluating a candidate as "acceptable" cGPA/MCAT are very important, and you'll find that it's fairly rare for people to be interviewed when both their stats are below the average of matriculants at a given school. In the cases where people are selected for an interview despite low stats and no URM status it's likely there is something interesting in their academic record that the ADCOMs would like to pursue further.

As a candidate with much higher sGPA than cGPA I wish it were otherwise but unfortunately that isn't the case.

Here are my stats:

Overall GPA: 3.75
BCPM GPA: 3.73
MCAT: 22 N --> PS- 7
VR- 7
BS- 8
WS-N
Major: Physiology
Specialization: Bioethics

EC's:
1 semester Clinic Volunteer
1 semester Hospital transporter
1 semester Wound Clinic Volunteer
1 semester Biochem Research volunteer
1 summer paid biochem research aide--> possible publication
1.5 year volunteer for Red Cross
3 year member/treasurer for Habitat for Humanity
and a few other small volunteering jobs

LOR's: have a few that are pretty strong

Ok, so I know my MCAT is dirt low...I don't know what the hell happened there. I think my GPA is ok and my EC's are average. So I was wondering what you guys think my chances are of getting into the worst MD schools for this cycle. Should I apply right now and take my MCAT again in January or should I put my application on hold for next year?

Oh, and also I'm not black or hispanic.:confused:

Here are my stats:

Overall GPA: 3.75
BCPM GPA: 3.73
MCAT: 22 N --> PS- 7
VR- 7
BS- 8
WS-N
Major: Physiology
Specialization: Bioethics

EC's:
1 semester Clinic Volunteer
1 semester Hospital transporter
1 semester Wound Clinic Volunteer
1 semester Biochem Research volunteer
1 summer paid biochem research aide--> possible publication
1.5 year volunteer for Red Cross
3 year member/treasurer for Habitat for Humanity
and a few other small volunteering jobs

LOR's: have a few that are pretty strong

Ok, so I know my MCAT is dirt low...I don't know what the hell happened there. I think my GPA is ok and my EC's are average. So I was wondering what you guys think my chances are of getting into the worst MD schools for this cycle. Should I apply right now and take my MCAT again in January or should I put my application on hold for next year?

Oh, and also I'm not black or hispanic.:confused:
These are my stats. Do you guys think I have any chances of getting in to ANY MD schools for this cycle?

short answer-no, gotta get the MCAT up a good 7+ pts.

Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum and like many other premeds I'm contemplating my chances of getting accepted to American schools!! Here are my stats:

Country of citizenship: Canada
Degree: Honours in physiology and pharmacology
gpa: 3.75ish
MCAT1: 13P-13B-8V-Q 34Q
MCAT2: 11P, 12B-6V-N 29N:eek:

Oh, and to top it all off, I'm applying late!!
How will adcom look at my second set of MCAT scores??? clearly something went wrong!

Thanks for the input!!!

Oh, I forgot to mention... my first set of MCAT scores are from the august 2006 paper and pencil seating! Don't know if it makes a difference!

I took the April 2005 MCAT (paper and pencil) without any preparation (not smart I know) and applied to medical schools a couple years ago. I didn't get any interviews and considering my less than stellar GPA and lack of volunteer work I wasn't surprised.

attended UC Davis
Major: Biology
Minor: German
overall GPA 3.33, science 3.06, non-science 3.79
MCAT: 27Q (biology 10, physics 9, verbal 8)
inducted into Delta Phi Alpha (honor society for students of German)
I shadowed a forensic pathologist in the summer of 2005 and loved every minute of it. I was mainly curious about it when I started but it helped me decide that forensic pathology was what I wanted to do.

Well as you know, I didn't get interviewed so I went to my fallback option.

I'm currently working on my M.S. in forensic science and would like to complete that before trying to reapply to med school. My area of emphasis is DNA and I would like to do my thesis on determining the age of blood stains based on RNA degradation. I hope that adcoms will look at that type of research and see that my so-so grades in chemistry and biochemistry do not represent my true potential.

I was thinking about the disparity between my science (3.06) and non-science GPAs (3.79) and a realization hit me: My non-science classes were almost always 10-20 students and there was much more interaction with the TA or professor. I always came to those classes prepared and never failed to do my homework. I think the reason for that was that I really care about the image I project to those around me; I never wanted to look like a slacker. In my science courses (100-500 students) I could get away with less studying because if I got a poor grade on a quiz or test then the professor wouldn't know or care. I was just a face in the crowd.

Now that I've recommitted myself to medical school I'm planning to start volunteering at a local hospice to shore up that part of my application. I plan to retake the MCAT (probably in early 2009) and see where that gets me.

Please offer your criticisms and thoughts.

age:25
residence:NJ
ethn: middle east

first of all i have to say that i took 45 credits at a community college from which 6 courses in science the rest(80 credits) i took in 4-year university
community college stats
GPA: 3.90
BCMP:4.0
university stats:
GPA:3.60
BCMP:3.5
CC+Universitty stats:
GPA:3.65
BCMP:3.55
MCAT: 30 R

ER:
volunterring at hospital 300+ hrs
6 months chemistry experience (3 months of i took the research for credits)
lots of community services
tutoring in math and chemistry(while in school)
shadowing a family doctor for 6 months

what do u think about my chances of getting accepted at any medical school (I really don't care which medical school)?
thank you

i would love any HELPFUL advise.

BCPM gpa: ~3.82; "AO" (nonsci?) gpa: 3.94; overall gpa: 3.88
may 11 mcat: 23O (8bs, 8vr, 7 ps)
aug 9: 28O (10, 10, 8)

i have an AMCAS fee waiver and have used 8/12 waivers. I am not an URM (I'm South Asian - and my parents are not doctors). i'm from MI, attended local university, then transferred to MSU. I was on merit scholarships. my EC are ok, and some clinical experience (2 summers including right now).i graduated in august. also, i amjust starting volunteering in a lab doing kidney cancer research.

so far,
1. MSU CHM- submitted secondary 9/10
2. UMich- secondary submitted
3. Med College of Wisc- letters MIA?, but application submitted
4. Wayne state- working on secondary
5. Rosalind Franklin University-working on
6. Loyola- working on
7. Mayo- nothing so far
8. Wright State Univ (I added them on AMCAS last Wed but still no secondary)
9. MSU COM (D.O. school, submitted secondary last week)

I really am not sure what to add. was thinking after consulting MSAR,
Penn State (do i have a chance really?)
Drexel--iffy, don't know alot even thoough looked up
Albany med coll

some "long shots" were Case western, johns hopkins. (just for the hell of it)

any advise about schools i really would have a shot at at this point? i am not interested so much in DO except for MSU COM. thanks for any advise.

stats
White Male
Biology Major
Theology Minor
MCAT 34M (10PS 11VR 13BS)
GPA 3.95
Science 3.93

-Graduated High School May 04 college dec 06. took classes every summer did a summer research project in drug development of analgesics
-Medical Missions to Guatemala for a month for two summers (medical histories translations)
-Volunteered at Hispanic Clinic for a year 5 hrs/wk for a year doing triage and translation
-Involved with various honor society (National Biological one was VP of my chapter last semester)
-Who's Who Deans List etc
-Department of Bio award
-Tutoring
-TA for anatomy for 2yrs
-2 Semester co-taught and mentored freshmen class
-Research with prof in improving G chem lab curriculum
-Currently out of school and working with Department of Defense doing anti-warfare agent research
-Taking Graduate Biostats at ivy-league school nearby

LOR (Two Faculty, PI for summer, Physician I volunteered with for a year and went to guatemala with)

Ive had several interviews already but I'm kind of worried because I applied last year as MD/PhD student and was deferred to MD because of lack of research experience. Those that referred me pre november all interviewed me and they all wait listed me. NYU/Dartmouth/U Rochester/ Duke Those that did so after November usually told me something along the lines of we're closing interview invitations sorry etc. So I'm wondering if I got a shot at actually getting into these schools or others such as Pitt Penn etc. Will those that wait listed me be willing to reconsider my app with new grad classes/job and more clinical experience? I got about another 7months clinical experience and another medical mission since last application. I'm just curious because it seemed like I got a rush of invitations and now it's been 3 weeks without any word from any of the other 12 schools I have.
Im applying as MD student only this time. What do yall think my chances are ? Also I forgot to mention recognition for outstanding research at medical U of SC for a summer project there and did a poster presentation on the work. I know now that research isnt something I want to do for the rest of my life thanks to my job and various other experiences.

Hi:

White Male
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biology
Graduated Washington University in St. Louis '07
GPA: 3.22 (Started low, then improved steadily, then went down senior year due to deaths in family)
Science GPA: 3.01 from school (Plus I took physics 1&2 with lab at Baruch in NY and got As, that isn't factored into science gpa)

MCAT: Ph:9, V:11, B:12=32Q

1 yr deans list
Psi-Chi honorary society (inducted sr year)

EC: Research for 3 summers (2 different labs), both with great LOR
Assistant Manager/Barista at local coffee house (unique experience, trained others, needed $ but didn't portray it that way)
2 very meaningful community service groups for all 4 years of college
Shadowed 2 vascular surgeons for a summer

LOR: 2 PIs, 1 physiology professor, all great

I have been hesitant to apply since I am just now recovering from deaths in the family. Thing went downhill senior year and I entered therapy. As such, I have 3 incompletes on my record, that I may be able to finish.

My personal statement is about how I always knew I wanted to go to med school, but it was the various hardships I went through concerning deaths and depression that truly "sealed the deal" (obviously a lot better than this synopsis).

All of my transcripts have been sent to AAMCAS, but I have not submitted it for verification. I know it is so late, but I was wondering if I had any chance at applying to the small number of schools with later deadlines (e.g. Nov 1, Dec 15). My permanent address is in NY, and I just recently moved to Chicago (I've been here for a month).

Any help would be appreciated.

I am not opposed to D.Os. I know they have much later deadlines so I am planning to apply to several DOs (unless that is a bad idea as well).

My poor science grades were in intro courses, and my advanced courses had great grades. I know if I could get to an interview, I could explain all my problems during college, and how I learned from them and overcame

Thanks

i would love any HELPFUL advise.

BCPM gpa: ~3.82; "AO" (nonsci?) gpa: 3.94; overall gpa: 3.88
may 11 mcat: 23O (8bs, 8vr, 7 ps)
aug 9: 28O (10, 10, 8)

i have an AMCAS fee waiver and have used 8/12 waivers. I am not an URM (I'm South Asian - and my parents are not doctors). i'm from MI, attended local university, then transferred to MSU. I was on merit scholarships. my EC are ok, and some clinical experience (2 summers including right now).i graduated in august. also, i amjust starting volunteering in a lab doing kidney cancer research.

so far,
1. MSU CHM- submitted secondary 9/10
2. UMich- secondary submitted
3. Med College of Wisc- letters MIA?, but application submitted
4. Wayne state- working on secondary
5. Rosalind Franklin University-working on
6. Loyola- working on
7. Mayo- nothing so far
8. Wright State Univ (I added them on AMCAS last Wed but still no secondary)
9. MSU COM (D.O. school, submitted secondary last week)

I really am not sure what to add. was thinking after consulting MSAR,
Penn State (do i have a chance really?)
Drexel--iffy, don't know alot even thoough looked up
Albany med coll

some "long shots" were Case western, johns hopkins. (just for the hell of it)

any advise about schools i really would have a shot at at this point? i am not interested so much in DO except for MSU COM. thanks for any advise.

I think that the schools in MI will definitely be your best shots, so make sure you're complete at those asap. I probably wouldn't bother with the "long shots" given your MCAT, so perhaps Drexel and/or Albany if those are schools you think you'd like in locations you think you'd like. Good luck.

Im applying as MD student only this time. What do yall think my chances are ? Also I forgot to mention recognition for outstanding research at medical U of SC for a summer project there and did a poster presentation on the work. I know now that research isnt something I want to do for the rest of my life thanks to my job and various other experiences.

As an MD only applicant (and provided you got things in in a timely manner), I think you're set. Just make sure your interview skills are up to snuff. Good luck!

Hi:

White Male
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biology
Graduated Washington University in St. Louis '07
GPA: 3.22 (Started low, then improved steadily, then went down senior year due to deaths in family)
Science GPA: 3.01 from school (Plus I took physics 1&2 with lab at Baruch in NY and got As, that isn't factored into science gpa)

MCAT: Ph:9, V:11, B:12=32Q

1 yr deans list
Psi-Chi honorary society (inducted sr year)

EC: Research for 3 summers (2 different labs), both with great LOR
Assistant Manager/Barista at local coffee house (unique experience, trained others, needed $ but didn't portray it that way)
2 very meaningful community service groups for all 4 years of college
Shadowed 2 vascular surgeons for a summer

LOR: 2 PIs, 1 physiology professor, all great

I have been hesitant to apply since I am just now recovering from deaths in the family. Thing went downhill senior year and I entered therapy. As such, I have 3 incompletes on my record, that I may be able to finish.

My personal statement is about how I always knew I wanted to go to med school, but it was the various hardships I went through concerning deaths and depression that truly "sealed the deal" (obviously a lot better than this synopsis).

All of my transcripts have been sent to AAMCAS, but I have not submitted it for verification. I know it is so late, but I was wondering if I had any chance at applying to the small number of schools with later deadlines (e.g. Nov 1, Dec 15). My permanent address is in NY, and I just recently moved to Chicago (I've been here for a month).

Any help would be appreciated.

I am not opposed to D.Os. I know they have much later deadlines so I am planning to apply to several DOs (unless that is a bad idea as well).

My poor science grades were in intro courses, and my advanced courses had great grades. I know if I could get to an interview, I could explain all my problems during college, and how I learned from them and overcame

Thanks

If I were you, I'd only apply to schools that I'm a resident of this cycle. You are pretty late if you haven't even been verified yet. And you'll be a reapplicant at those schools next year. It sounds to me like you should take this year to be sure you're really regrouped and ready, and perhaps to take some post-bacc classes to try to raise your gpa. You could also look into an SMP program or the like. Or, you could just try to improve your application and apply next year (and thus not be a reapplicant at any schools). It's your call. Just be sure that if you do apply this year, that if you don't get in you'll have evidence of improvement in your app between now and next cycle. As for DO, I agree that applying later is not as much of a problem as with MD schools, and they may be a little more lenient about your gpa (especially if you retook some of those classes). Ultimately it's up to you whether you want to apply this year or not. If you're not in a rush (i.e., an older applicant that really doesn't want to wait another year - me), then I'd really recommend working on your gpa this year and applying early next year. Good luck!

I dont remember if I ever posted on this thread but I don't see my name so I'll assume I havent

MCAT aug 9, 2007: vr: 10, ps: 9, bs: 9 - total 28S

University of Miami
ovrerall gpa about 3.2
science about 3.0

Anthropology major bio minor

Working full time as a licensed practical nurse 2.5 years (thousands of hours of pt contact) in skilled rehabilitation and nursing home setting

Summer volunteering at free clinic

Anime club, Minority association of premed students member

Have worked full time and gone to school fulltime for past two years (since i was 19)

In the process of doing AMCAS now (was working on AACOMAS). I'm pretty much missing transcripts personal statement and for AACOMAS missing MCAT score b/c they messed up my name. Also trying to get two LoR's in: one from professor and another from a physican I've shadowed for like a year.

Applying to foloowng MD schools:
University of Miami
Florida State University
Florida International University

what are the chances looking like? any other schools I should keep in mind??:luck: good luck to everyone.

MCAT
11 12 14 S

GPA: Overall: 3.97 Science: 4.0
Major: Biochemistry
School: Illinois
Senior
Age: 20

I have solid research experience in biochemistry with two 2nd author publications in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, both medicine-related. I will probably have a few abstracts and maybe another publication by the time I apply (not sure if the paper will get published by then since it's still in the works).

Recommendation Letters: Very strong I guess. All from MD's ranging from Department heads down to associate professors in medicine at major universities with whom I closely collaborated or who know me personally (I heard it's a good thing).

Volunteer work: Not much in this department since I spent considerable amount of time on research.

Honors: I was a transfer student, so I am not eligible to graduate with honors since I never did research at my school (requirement for biochemistry majors).

Activities: Memberships in a few honor societies and student organizations, but I was never extremely active in either one of them. I had to work part time jobs during school year (library, fast food spots, etc.), so had no time for that.

Personal statement: Should be strong since my life is pretty much American Dream/Success Story of a Third World kid who at 15, found himself dirt poor living in Baltimore city with nothing more than a dream to be a doctor driving him forward.

I am thinking of taking a year off after I graduate next spring, so I will be applying for Fall 2009, but here's the list as of right now:

University of Chicago
University of Illinois Chicago
Johns Hopkins University
University of Maryland
University of Pittsburgh
UCLA
UCSF
Washington St. Louis
Ohio State
Indiana
Georgetown

Am I too ambitions with my list? I think I have a good shot at State schools, but the rest are very hard to get into.

MCAT
11 12 14 S

GPA: Overall: 3.97 Science: 4.0
Major: Biochemistry
School: Illinois
Senior
Age: 20

I have solid research experience in biochemistry with two 2nd author publications in the Journal of Biochemical Chemistry, both medicine-related. I will probably have a few abstracts and maybe another publication by the time I apply (not sure if the paper will get published by then since it's still in the works).

Recommendation Letters: Very strong I guess. All from MD's ranging from Department heads down to associate professors in medicine at major universities with whom I closely collaborated or who know me personally (I heard it's a good thing).

Volunteer work: Not much in this department since I spent considerable amount of time on research.

Honors: I was a transfer student, so I am not eligible to graduate with honors since I never did research at my school (requirement for biochemistry majors).

Activities: Memberships in a few honor societies and student organizations, but I was never extremely active in either one of them. I had to work part time jobs during school year (library, fast food spots, etc.), so had no time for that.

Personal statement: Should be strong since my life is pretty much American Dream/Success Story of a Third World kid who at 15, found himself dirt poor living in Baltimore city with nothing more than a dream to be a doctor driving him forward.

I am thinking of taking a year off after I graduate next spring, so I will be applying for Fall 2009, but here's the list as of right now:

University of Chicago
University of Illinois Chicago
Johns Hopkins University
University of Maryland
University of Pittsburgh
UCLA
UCSF
Washington St. Louis
Ohio State
Indiana
Georgetown

Am I too ambitions with my list? I think I have a good shot at State schools, but the rest are very hard to get into.

you have a good chance at ANY school.

3.1 UPGA, 3.8 postbac (upper division biology courses and O Chem only)--> 3.34 cumulative, 30 MCAT (CA resident)

Volunteer at hospital for 14+ months, lots of community service, no research (not interested in career in research), professional degree (top 10-15% of class) & 2 years work

I applied late... am just getting complete notices from schools now. I applied broadly (24 schools) to the usual lower-mid tier schools.

Do I at least have a 50-50 shot of getting in somewhere? Hanging around you all has made me feel pessimistic about my chances.

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=9071

These are my stats. Do you guys think I have any chances of getting in to ANY MD schools for this cycle?

This is the thing. You have a fantastic GPA and extracurriculars. But your MCAT isn't that good. Why dont you take a year off. If you can get MCATS to >30 you have a chance almost anywhere. I know that sounds ominous but you can do it!!! I did on my second attempt and i'm sure that you are smarter than me :).

Here goes:eek::

Female- Native American/ White
Science GPA: 3.8
Non-science: 3.67 (I had one F, without that it would be 3.93)
MCAT: 27L (...:mad:)

Other stuff:
~volunteer for 2 years @ hospital
~undergrad research- sequence complete bacterial genome, future publication (in editing)
~Currently (1 yr) full-time job as biological scientist at my university- biomanufacturing and research facility, we are developing gene therapy products from mammalian cell culture and viral production
~volunteer calculus tutor, one semester
~worked full-time as server for freshman year and part of soph
~VP of honor society
~shadowed once for 3 hours in ER, looking to get more
~5 pres. list and 1 academic scholar award
~certified in BLS for HCP

I am hoping to go to any school in FL, if not close.
Also considering St.George's in Grenada- would love the experience of living in another country.

Please advise! Thanks!!

Update:
I have reconsidered my options completely!!
I am applying to 22 schools, not outside of US. I plan to retake the MCAT in the spring to revamp my app if I don 't get accepted this year. Please advise on my chances with new info...
My non-science GPA is only my non-science courses (I was confused), so my "overall" is 3.76
I submitted my app 10/4 (:thumbdown:thumbdown)
Here are the schools I applied to:
Albany Medical College
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Florida State University
George Washington University Sch of Med & Hlth Sci
Georgetown University School of Medicine
Jefferson Medical Coll. of Thomas Jefferson Univ.
Loma Linda University School of Medicinehttps://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
New York Medical College
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
SUNY at Buffalo Medical School https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
SUNY Upstate Medical University https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
Temple University School of Medicine https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
The University of Miami School of Medicine
Tulane University School of Medicine
University of Florida https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
University of Louisville School of Medicine
University of South Florida College of Medicine
University of Utah School of Medicine https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine

Are there any schools you think I wasted $30 on??? (Decided on these last minute)

THANKS!!!

Update:
I have reconsidered my options completely!!
I am applying to 22 schools, not outside of US. I plan to retake the MCAT in the spring to revamp my app if I don 't get accepted this year. Please advise on my chances with new info...
My non-science GPA is only my non-science courses (I was confused), so my "overall" is 3.76
I submitted my app 10/4 (:thumbdown:thumbdown)
Here are the schools I applied to:
Albany Medical College
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Florida State University
George Washington University Sch of Med & Hlth Sci
Georgetown University School of Medicine
Jefferson Medical Coll. of Thomas Jefferson Univ.
Loma Linda University School of Medicinehttps://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
New York Medical College
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
SUNY at Buffalo Medical School https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
SUNY Upstate Medical University https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
Temple University School of Medicine https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
The University of Miami School of Medicine
Tulane University School of Medicine
University of Florida https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
University of Louisville School of Medicine
University of South Florida College of Medicine
University of Utah School of Medicine https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2008/WebApp/images/spacer.gif
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine

Are there any schools you think I wasted $30 on??? (Decided on these last minute)

THANKS!!!

If you have URM status, which seems likely, you'll have a pretty good shot at many of your choices even though you're applying pretty late.

Here goes:

MCAT: 30 (10,10,10 Q)
GPA: 3.58 (SGPA: 3.7)
My freshmen year I did great, but sophmore year and first semester junior year I screwed up and got 3.0s each semester, I even received a D in a philosophy course, I have retaken the course and got an A. 2nd semester junior year I did very well and had a 3.7. Over this past summer I received a 3.7 in my courses as well. This semester I think it is realistic for me to assume I will get at least a 3.5.

EC:
-I have 2 years of research at Northwestern Medical University, no publications though.
-I have a lot of volunteer and shadowing hours of MDs and DO docs with very strong letters of recomendations.
-250+ hours of volunteer at hospital.
-Four years as a teacher at my sunday school.

Besides this I have worked for almost my whole college life, my letters of rec are strong. I am an Illinois resident and will obviously be applying to everywhere in state and lower tier schools out of state. I wanted to know if I had a strong chance at any school with my scores? Thanks a lot guys :)

Here goes:

MCAT: 30 (10,10,10 Q)
GPA: 3.58 (SGPA: 3.7)
My freshmen year I did great, but sophmore year and first semester junior year I screwed up and got 3.0s each semester, I even received a D in a philosophy course, I have retaken the course and got an A. 2nd semester junior year I did very well and had a 3.7. Over this past summer I received a 3.7 in my courses as well. This semester I think it is realistic for me to assume I will get at least a 3.5.

EC:
-I have 2 years of research at Northwestern Medical University, no publications though.
-I have a lot of volunteer and shadowing hours of MDs and DO docs with very strong letters of recomendations.
-250+ hours of volunteer at hospital.
-Four years as a teacher at my sunday school.

Besides this I have worked for almost my whole college life, my letters of rec are strong. I am an Illinois resident and will obviously be applying to everywhere in state and lower tier schools out of state. I wanted to know if I had a strong chance at any school with my scores? Thanks a lot guys :)

Are you applying for 2008 admission? If you haven't applied yet, I doubt you will be competitive. If you are applying for Fall 2009 admission and apply early, you should get quite a bit of interest.

Are you applying for 2008 admission? If you haven't applied yet, I doubt you will be competitive. If you are applying for Fall 2009 admission and apply early, you should get quite a bit of interest.

I disagree. She will be competitive this year if she applies now and has her secondaries ready to go ASAP.

I disagree. She will be competitive this year if she applies now and has her secondaries ready to go ASAP.

3.58/30 is about the average for med school matriculants. Since today is October 8, the VAST majority of those average applicants have already submitted their AMCAS and been verified. I have no idea how long it takes to verify AMCAS at the moment but I'm not sure it can even be done fast enough for schools who have a Nov 1 secondary submission deadline. Applying right now is a waste of money unless you have 4.0/40 and even then you'll do worse than if you'd applied earlier.