Hey all. I'm a relatively new member to the forums, but I have read countless threads on this site. Thanks in advance for any advice!
I am currently in my first gap year after college after graduating from college. Connecticut resident.
My stats expected at time of application next June:
-3.5 cumulative GPA, 3.3 science GPA, Biology Major, Philosophy Minor (slight upward trend: about 3.15 Freshman year, 3.6 Sophomore year, 3.6low Junior Year, 3.6mid Senior Year with ups and downs during the individual semesters)
-36 MCAT (12-12-12) taken just over a month ago
-400+ clinical emergency/hospital volunteer hours (320 currently)
-200+ research hours + hopefully name on a publication (20 currently, just started 20 hr/week job)
-50-100 physician shadowing hours (10 currently shadowing an E.M. Doc + 16 shadowing a Neurosurgical PA)
-100 hours non-clinical volunteering
-400+ hours TAing experience in Histology (2 semesters) and Physiology
-Very strong LORs except 1 of my science instructor letters
-EMT-B Certification
-Chemistry Tutor
I have two questions, the first being: Given these stats, what are my chances for mid-tier MD schools? How about upper-tier?
Second question: Should I enroll in some non degree post bac coursework, to boost up my science gpa and show medical schools I can handle tough science coursework? If I'm succesful at this will it raise my chances at mid-tier/upper-tier schools?
Also, I am dissatisfied with one of my science LORs and want to replace it with a better one, but that would only require 1 or 2 science courses to accomplish. I am debating taking 4 hard but incredibly interesting science courses (Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Genetics, Nuclear Physics - Radiation Medicine and Medical Imaging) with the intent of getting As in these classes.
Do you think a 4.0 GPA in 12 credits (this would raise my 3.3 sGPA to a 3.4 sGPA) of these hard science classes would improve adcoms view of my academic readiness?
Thanks again for any advice.
I am currently in my first gap year after college after graduating from college. Connecticut resident.
My stats expected at time of application next June:
-3.5 cumulative GPA, 3.3 science GPA, Biology Major, Philosophy Minor (slight upward trend: about 3.15 Freshman year, 3.6 Sophomore year, 3.6low Junior Year, 3.6mid Senior Year with ups and downs during the individual semesters)
-36 MCAT (12-12-12) taken just over a month ago
-400+ clinical emergency/hospital volunteer hours (320 currently)
-200+ research hours + hopefully name on a publication (20 currently, just started 20 hr/week job)
-50-100 physician shadowing hours (10 currently shadowing an E.M. Doc + 16 shadowing a Neurosurgical PA)
-100 hours non-clinical volunteering
-400+ hours TAing experience in Histology (2 semesters) and Physiology
-Very strong LORs except 1 of my science instructor letters
-EMT-B Certification
-Chemistry Tutor
I have two questions, the first being: Given these stats, what are my chances for mid-tier MD schools? How about upper-tier?
Second question: Should I enroll in some non degree post bac coursework, to boost up my science gpa and show medical schools I can handle tough science coursework? If I'm succesful at this will it raise my chances at mid-tier/upper-tier schools?
Also, I am dissatisfied with one of my science LORs and want to replace it with a better one, but that would only require 1 or 2 science courses to accomplish. I am debating taking 4 hard but incredibly interesting science courses (Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Genetics, Nuclear Physics - Radiation Medicine and Medical Imaging) with the intent of getting As in these classes.
Do you think a 4.0 GPA in 12 credits (this would raise my 3.3 sGPA to a 3.4 sGPA) of these hard science classes would improve adcoms view of my academic readiness?
Thanks again for any advice.
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