Hi everyone,
Just wanted to hear some advice. I am ready for any kind of feedback, whether it is positive or negative. I am looking to apply to DO schools, and I wanted to list some of my stats and see what you guys thought. I completely understand that stats and a resume of my college career does not determine my chances, but I would love to hear with you guys think. Thanks everyone;
Biology Major, Neuroscience Minor
Asian American
3.9 GPA
Have taken MCAT twice:
first time was 23 (7 physical, 6 verbal, 10 biological)
2nd try:
24 MCAT
8 physical
9 verbal
7 biology (gah)
Atleast it is kind of balanced in each category. Does it matter at ALL that I got a 10 on the first time I took the MCAT? I know they see all scores, and i know they dont AVERAGE scores, but would any positive consideration be given to my 10 bio score the first time, even though I did not do well on the bio section the 2nd time? (but did improve overall 1 pt)
-Taking a gap year and pursuing a job in a hospital (scribe or clinical research or some kind of pediatrics area entry level position, applied for 7 jobs last monday)
-Research experience as undergraduate lab assistant for 2 years in Stem cell lab
- 250+ hours volunteering at hospital in pediatrics
- 40+ hours of shadowing with MD in OR
- a LOT of leadership experience... (below)
--> ranging from 3 years of orientation leadership-type position, 2 years of a summer orientation program for incoming first-year students
- Ambassador for my college 2 years
- Student Board for 3 years, chair positions held
- Undergrad Teaching Assistant for 5 different biology courses
- Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 Tutor for 3 years
- Medical Reserve Corps
- Part of a Pre-medical scholars program, work directly with pre-med advisor
- Deans List (3.8 gpa or higher) for all semesters but one
- Speaking of that one semester, my parents went through a very bad divorce. NOT AN EXCUSE, will not accept it as an excuse, but i CAN say I was not as concentrated as I could have been. Got a C- in Organic Chem 1. Which was passing. But I was not happy with myself and i KNEW i could do better. So I retook it, did extremely well (106% / 100% on a test
and got an A. Then got offered the position to tutor organic chemistry for the classes after that. So I definitely showed improvement and dedication to putting my best foot forward, but yes. I did get one C-, but got an A after retaking it.
- Letters: 2 (hopefully) strong letters from science professors, 1 from my boss from Summer orientation program I talked about earlier, 1 from my pre-med advisor (probably),
1 from MD(no DO letter) I shadowed above. I am confident that the relationships I have built are very strong with the people I asked, and they will talk about how I am a holistic student with leadership, built myself more than just a strong GPA. Hopefully will help my poor MCAT score.
- Future DO shadowing opportunities set up already (one in October, one in November)
That's all I can think of now. PLEASE let me know if I am missing any info you would like to know, first couple posts here on studentdoc. (been creepin for years now). I know i screwed up my MCAT and it is low, but I can't let myself be mad and pessimistic, it will show in an interview and that is not who I am. Standardized testing just was NOT my strength, and I knew this even with the ACT in high school. But I feel I have built myself as a leader, student and person in my 4 years in college and I believe I can portray that to college DO admissions. I am proud of who I have grown into these 4 years and that is why I am still pursuing my dream of medicine, even with this MCAT score.
Anyways, let me know what you guys think for what my chances are. Also...
Please help me out and give me some recommended DO schools to apply to as well, I know with my lower MCAT that I will not be able to apply to those high end DO schools.