So I had a thread like this about a year ago, and I want some more info on what my chances will be. If anyone can advise on ways to improve, feel free to let me know :)

Ca resident
School:UCLA
cGPA: 3.708
MCAT:35M (M = oops? lol) (PS 12/ VR 9/ BS14)

-Hospital Volunteer through a program to help patient safety at the hospital. I am shadowing physicians/nurses/PA/etc. as I volunteer. I've completed 2 years (~200 hrs? not sure about this). I think I'm done with this EC.

-Nationally Certified EMT. I am part of an volunteer organization that helps out at big events a few times a month. (8 months thus far, not many hours though. Here and there every few weeks...). Considering trying to get a part-time job or something, but its pretty difficult with school :(

-Research: 2 year of research in neuropsych lab. Still doing this, no publications or anything to show for it though. I need to try and get more involved.

-Sunday school teacher: 2 yrs

-Private Tutor: 3 hours a week for about 1 year.

-4 years of intramural basketball. 3 as captain.

-2 summers as a volunteer youth basketball coach/camp helper.

-30 hours shadowing physicians. I need to try and get more of this. But not sure how many physicians, how many hours, what fields, etc. Thoughts? I also have shadowed countless hours during my volunteer time, since my duty is to basically watch the hospital employees. I don't have definite times/dates/names of this though, so not sure if this would count towards "shadowing". Does it matter how detailed I need to be with this record-keeping?


I'm reaching the end of my under-grad career, and sort of getting lazy with my EC's. I mean to improve this.. (or so i tell myself). I really want to stay in California, but understand its somewhat of a crapshoot. I don't really know much about different med schools specifically so I would greatly appreciate it if anyone can add a list of OOS schools that are favorable for a CA applicant. I don't really know where i fall in terms of Reach, hopeful, match, good chance, but helping me decide which schools to add into my list would be great. Thanks!

sorry to bum my own thread, but i'd love some feedback.

I wouldn't say California is a roll of the dice. You're well within range. I predict a successful season when you apply.

bump?

1) -30 hours shadowing physicians. I need to try and get more of this. But not sure how many physicians, how many hours, what fields, etc. Thoughts? I also have shadowed countless hours during my volunteer time, since my duty is to basically watch the hospital employees. I don't have definite times/dates/names of this though, so not sure if this would count towards "shadowing". Does it matter how detailed I need to be with this record-keeping?

2) I would greatly appreciate it if anyone can add a list of OOS schools that are favorable for a CA applicant. I don't really know where i fall in terms of Reach, hopeful, match, good chance, but helping me decide which schools to add into my list would be great. Thanks!1) Keep in mind that you'll be asked to provide contact information for those you shadowed, with specialty, start and end date, and total hours. I'd suggest a minumum of 20 more formal shadowing hours. Most shadow 2-3 types of doc, of which one is primary care.

2) Download this google.doc spreadsheet data, so you can fill in your own stats, and it will tell you for which US med schools you’re competitive. Next look at the out-of-state matriculation data before you do further research on each school for “fit,” removing any from your list that mainly serve in-state students: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmKVGWwobG5GdEx2MjlBTDE0bXFXNGFZczZqYTZKb 2c&hl=en_US#gid=0 (https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmKVGWwobG5GdEx2MjlBTDE0bXFXNGFZczZqYTZKb 2c&hl=en_US#gid=0)

In my experience, UIllinois, Rosalind Franklin, and MCW are Cali friendly.

PPP. You will get into any school you want. :thumbup: