MD School list for this cycle!

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I've made a WAMC before, but now I've pretty much finalized what will be on my application, and I'd like to know what you guys think of my school list.

GPA:3.97
MCAT: 37R (14-11-12)

ECs:
1.Research for ~2 years where at times I worked on independent projects at times
2. around 3 semesters of hospital volunteering ~120 hours at info desk, patient floors, and ER
3. 40 hours shadowing of only ER doctor (no PCP)
4.volunteer at soup kitchen for 6 months 2 hours a week
5. volunteer at animal shelter for 12 months 2 hours a week
6. Tutor for all premed classes 1 semester 8 hours a week
7.study abroad trip in cambridge for 1 month. Will travel all around europe during this time.
8. 1000$ research fellowship for independent project, I was going to list this in with some other awards that i've gotten (small things that don't likely matter)
9. I recreationally lift weights. Debating whether I should put this on at all, I've been doing this for awhile but since I started off at 6 ft 120 lbs, I'm still nothing special. Do you guys think I should put this?

School list:
ALL Texas schools (I'm a Texas resident)
University of pennsylvania
Mayo
Washington U. in St. Louis
Johns Hopkins

The reason all my non-Texas schools are huge reaches is because I feel like it's pointless for me to pick safety schools outside of Texas because it'll cost a ton more $$ in tuitition.

My LORs are very very average, but I think I have a decent personal statement. Any comments on my school list and other stuff? My #1 choice is a tie between Baylor and Southwestern, how are my chances there?

I will be very interested to see how this application season goes for you since I have almost identical stats (though my GPA will be ~.07 below yours by the time I apply next year) and will have fairly similar ECs.

Personally, I feel like you have an alright shot anywhere, including your "reach" OOS schools. Just keep in mind that most the top 20 is a crapshoot, so if you have some extra cash you might as well add a couple more OOS schools that have been known to give generous merit scholarships (Pritzker comes to mind as one you might want to add).

Oh, and my vote would be to list weightlifting...I don't see how it would hurt your app and it will show that there's more to your personality. Good luck

Originally Posted by sliceofbread136

I've made a WAMC before, but now I've pretty much finalized what will be on my application, and I'd like to know what you guys think of my school list.

GPA:3.97
MCAT: 37R (14-11-12)

ECs:
1.Research for ~2 years where at times I worked on independent projects at times
2. around 3 semesters of hospital volunteering ~120 hours at info desk, patient floors, and ER
3. 40 hours shadowing of only ER doctor (no PCP)
4.volunteer at soup kitchen for 6 months 2 hours a week
5. volunteer at animal shelter for 12 months 2 hours a week
6. Tutor for all premed classes 1 semester 8 hours a week
7.study abroad trip in cambridge for 1 month. Will travel all around europe during this time.
8. 1000$ research fellowship for independent project, I was going to list this in with some other awards that i've gotten (small things that don't likely matter)
9. I recreationally lift weights. Debating whether I should put this on at all, I've been doing this for awhile but since I started off at 6 ft 120 lbs, I'm still nothing special. Do you guys think I should put this?

School list:
ALL Texas schools (I'm a Texas resident)
University of pennsylvania
Mayo
Washington U. in St. Louis
Johns Hopkins

The reason all my non-Texas schools are huge reaches is because I feel like it's pointless for me to pick safety schools outside of Texas because it'll cost a ton more $$ in tuitition.

My LORs are very very average, but I think I have a decent personal statement. Any comments on my school list and other stuff? My #1 choice is a tie between Baylor and Southwestern, how are my chances there?

I get the impression you want to stay in Texas unless you can get into a top school in which case you seem alright. It might be worth looking at some OOS schools that are mid range because you might get some financial aid.

Originally Posted by Bauman1535

I will be very interested to see how this application season goes for you since I have almost identical stats (though my GPA will be ~.07 below yours by the time I apply next year) and will have fairly similar ECs.

Personally, I feel like you have an alright shot anywhere, including your "reach" OOS schools. Just keep in mind that most the top 20 is a crapshoot, so if you have some extra cash you might as well add a couple more OOS schools that have been known to give generous merit scholarships (Pritzker comes to mind as one you might want to add).

Oh, and my vote would be to list weightlifting...I don't see how it would hurt your app and it will show that there's more to your personality. Good luck

I'll look into those schools for sure. And I guess you're right about the weightlifting, it can't hurt! And good luck when you apply, I'm sure you'll do fine.

Originally Posted by lalalaaaaaa

I get the impression you want to stay in Texas unless you can get into a top school in which case you seem alright. It might be worth looking at some OOS schools that are mid range because you might get some financial aid.

Your impression is spot on. I'll do some more research on OOS schools though.

I think it might be helpful for you to look at Nick Naylor's MDApps (he's delinked it but I'm sure there are plenty of links lying around here). Besides the fact that it's really helpful in general, there are some significant parallels between his profile and yours and you might get some good ideas about OOS schools to add.

Originally Posted by Mazdave

I think it might be helpful for you to look at Nick Naylor's MDApps (he's delinked it but I'm sure there are plenty of links lying around here). Besides the fact that it's really helpful in general, there are some significant parallels between his profile and yours and you might get some good ideas about OOS schools to add.

Ya I am very familiar with Nick's MDApps, his personal statement was actually very helpful when I was writing mine. Thanks for the suggestion!

I just got shadowing with a primary care physician! Wooooo for small boost to my app!

When you are applying to your reach schools be careful of which like to see extensive research experience in their applicants. The grant you received is good but they are looking for a bit more. I'd be hesitant with at least UPenn therefore.

Originally Posted by ppfizenm

When you are applying to your reach schools be careful of which like to see extensive research experience in their applicants. The grant you received is good but they are looking for a bit more. I'd be hesitant with at least UPenn therefore.

I don't understand how you know this or have the credibility to say this. If OP can explain research well and spin his "lack" in a positive way he can certainly sell himself. This is a huge game and many of you I feel may be giving misinformed advice. Really, be sincere, enthusiastic and logical and you may be given an II. When it comes down to these reaches few people know the secrets so just give it your best. Write and sell yourself in a way that you think is "UPenn" worthy.

Originally Posted by vayntraubinator;12380913[B

]I don't understand how you know this or have the credibility to say this.[/B] If OP can explain research well and spin his "lack" in a positive way he can certainly sell himself. This is a huge game and many of you I feel may be giving misinformed advice. Really, be sincere, enthusiastic and logical and you may be given an II. When it comes down to these reaches few people know the secrets so just give it your best. Write and sell yourself in a way that you think is "UPenn" worthy.

Warning him to be careful isn't something you need to question. I don't understand how you are qualified to sweep away the advice of someone else? My numbers are below his but I can guarantee my research experience trounces his.

The point is that if he is going to apply at research-centric schools he will need to tailor his application for that. I don't see how being enthusiastic, logical or sincere will make up for a lack of published papers, presentations made, posters presented, grants received, ect.

I like how for preaching caution and inviting the OP to look closely at his school choices, my experience is called into question. I fail to see how it is poor advice or why it is the advice you select to warn against especially when you have people saying with those numbers you can get in anywhere.

OP you can have a very successful application cycle if you select your schools with some care.

Originally Posted by ppfizenm

Warning him to be careful isn't something you need to question.

Sorry if that really bothers you, but yes that's what I'm questioning. If you spoke with UPenn Med students that an amount of research is part of the specific fit you have to have then we would be more wary of your warning.

Also, people are not saying he can get in anywhere. They are saying that his numbers allow him to apply anywhere because he has passed the stats "cut". If he gets an II he has only leveled the playing field.

This is only from my understanding. You may be right, I would just like more information about your UPenn comment, especially since you are still pre-med, and looking at your MDapps, you were rejected from UPenn.

As an FYI UPenn's mission statement is, "To create the future of medicine through: Patient Care and Service Excellence, Educational Pre-eminence, New Knowledge and Innovation, and National and International Leadership."

Research is just one pillar of importance. How much does research matter to them? How can you sell yourself on that pillar? These are questions the applicant faces when applying to UPenn. I don't think any of us knows the answer. But I speculate that this is a game like any other. If he gives his best, and plays the game right, maybe he'll get an II. He has to want it badly enough, but even then nothing with such an elite school is a guarantee. I think we can both agree on that.

Originally Posted by ppfizenm

When you are applying to your reach schools be careful of which like to see extensive research experience in their applicants. The grant you received is good but they are looking for a bit more. I'd be hesitant with at least UPenn therefore.

Wait I'm confused. I have over 2 years of research experience with a grant and an on campus poster presentation, I thought this was fairly above average? What qualifies as extensive? Like I dont have any pubs but I though my research was a strength not a weakness.

Originally Posted by vayntraubinator

Sorry if that really bothers you, but yes that's what I'm questioning. If you spoke with UPenn Med students that an amount of research is part of the specific fit you have to have then we would be more wary of your warning.

Also, people are not saying he can get in anywhere. They are saying that his numbers allow him to apply anywhere because he has passed the stats "cut". If he gets an II he has only leveled the playing field.

This is only from my understanding. You may be right, I would just like more information about your UPenn comment, especially since you are still pre-med, and looking at your MDapps, you were rejected from UPenn.

As an FYI UPenn's mission statement is, "To create the future of medicine through: Patient Care and Service Excellence, Educational Pre-eminence, New Knowledge and Innovation, and National and International Leadership."

Research is just one pillar of importance. How much does research matter to them? How can you sell yourself on that pillar? These are questions the applicant faces when applying to UPenn. I don't think any of us knows the answer. But I speculate that this is a game like any other. If he gives his best, and plays the game right, maybe he'll get an II. He has to want it badly enough, but even then nothing with such an elite school is a guarantee. I think we can both agree on that.

U Penn is one of the top research med schools in the country. I don't know about anymore but a few years ago it was ranked number one (though I don't put much faith in us news). I'd say research is important to them. B/c I applied there and didn't get in I think I would know the level of research that they were willing to consider.

Also the stats are only one aspect. They are a very good asprct for the OP but looking at the EC's I don't really see anything that jumps out, which is problematic. For instance I see no leadership experience. Everything seems pretty standard.

Originally Posted by sliceofbread136

Wait I'm confused. I have over 2 years of research experience with a grant and an on campus poster presentation, I thought this was fairly above average? What qualifies as extensive? Like I dont have any pubs but I though my research was a strength not a weakness.

The bolded is kind of the point here. At most schools you would be right but the ones who focus heavily on research want to see research and a significant amount of it. Not having it is a detriment unless you have some remarkable thing that sets you apart. Here is my research experience:

I had over two years independent research, grants totaling over $10,000 from well known places like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, presented posters at multiple regional conferences, gave a talk at a regional conference and one at my college, won awards at these conferences, and am in the process of publishing my work.

Against the people I was competing with for II's at these schools I'd call my experience pretty average.

Originally Posted by ppfizenm

Against the people I was competing with for II's at these schools I'd call my experience pretty average.

Why is that pretty average? What were your other ECs and how do you know it was not your GPA and the fact that you were a re-applicant? TBH, your research experience trumps almost a huge majority people applying MD. OP's research also trumps a majority of pre-meds. Most people are not into research enough in their busy Ugrad lives to acquire these kinds of grants or research goals.

Although, you bring up a good point that OP lacks leadership. Not sure how he will overcome this.

Originally Posted by vayntraubinator

Why is that pretty average? What were your other ECs and how do you know it was not your GPA and the fact that you were a re-applicant? TBH, your research experience trumps almost a huge majority people applying MD. OP's research also trumps a majority of pre-meds. Most people are not into research enough in their busy Ugrad lives to acquire these kinds of grants or research goals.

Although, you bring up a good point that OP lacks leadership. Not sure how he will overcome this.

Ya I do see leadership as my one big hole. I do help to interview applicants for tutoring positions and offer them advice on how to tutor. I'm hoping this might count for alittle leadership and that adcoms will look past this shortcoming (actually all my shortcomings). But honestly, I'm kind of chill about this cycle because I'm fairly sure I'll get in somewhere (knock on wood), and I'll be happy where ever I end up

Catalystik, you commented on my chances back when I had zero ECs, could you give me you thoughts now that I have some decent cookie cutter ECs?

I interviewed and trained new tutors very briefly with my tutoring program, and I want to spin that as alittle bit of leadership. I also did some very small food drives with friends for the soup kitchen. I also want to spin that as alittle bit of leadership.

Originally Posted by sliceofbread136

I've made a WAMC before, but now I've pretty much finalized what will be on my application, and I'd like to know what you guys think of my school list.

GPA:3.97
MCAT: 37R (14-11-12)

ECs:
1.Research for ~2 years where at times I worked on independent projects at times
2. around 3 semesters of hospital volunteering ~120 hours at info desk, patient floors, and ER
3. 40 hours shadowing of only ER doctor (no PCP)
4.volunteer at soup kitchen for 6 months 2 hours a week
5. volunteer at animal shelter for 12 months 2 hours a week
6. Tutor for all premed classes 1 semester 8 hours a week
7.study abroad trip in cambridge for 1 month. Will travel all around europe during this time.
8. 1000$ research fellowship for independent project, I was going to list this in with some other awards that i've gotten (small things that don't likely matter)
9. I recreationally lift weights. Debating whether I should put this on at all, I've been doing this for awhile but since I started off at 6 ft 120 lbs, I'm still nothing special. Do you guys think I should put this?

School list:
ALL Texas schools (I'm a Texas resident)
University of pennsylvania
Mayo
Washington U. in St. Louis
Johns Hopkins

The reason all my non-Texas schools are huge reaches is because I feel like it's pointless for me to pick safety schools outside of Texas because it'll cost a ton more $$ in tuitition.

My LORs are very very average, but I think I have a decent personal statement. Any comments on my school list and other stuff? My #1 choice is a tie between Baylor and Southwestern, how are my chances there?

Originally Posted by sliceofbread136

I just got shadowing with a primary care physician! Wooooo for small boost to my app!

Originally Posted by sliceofbread136

Ya I do see leadership as my one big hole. I do help to interview applicants for tutoring positions and offer them advice on how to tutor. I'm hoping this might count for alittle leadership and that adcoms will look past this shortcoming (actually all my shortcomings). But honestly, I'm kind of chill about this cycle because I'm fairly sure I'll get in somewhere (knock on wood), and I'll be happy where ever I end up

Originally Posted by sliceofbread136

Catalystik, you commented on my chances back when I had zero ECs, could you give me you thoughts now that I have some decent cookie cutter ECs?

I interviewed and trained new tutors very briefly with my tutoring program, and I want to spin that as alittle bit of leadership. I also did some very small food drives with friends for the soup kitchen. I also want to spin that as alittle bit of leadership.

See old thread.