Multiple W's & Medical School Interviews

[guywithws]

Hello, I apologize that I am posting about a topic that has been beaten to death already, but I am curious to know about my situation. I am a first-generation college student from a Hispanic background, and most of the activities that I have been involved in have been related to work in underrepresented Spanish-speaking communities.

I will not mention all of the activities in order to avoid identifying myself, but some of them include volunteering as a medical interpreter at various community clinics, visiting rural parts of Mexico to provide health care for the poor, among other community work. I am also in the process of establishing a nonprofit in order to serve the poor in certain parts of my city.

My only hesitation is the fact that I have 11 (yes, eleven) W's on my transcript, and I feel that it will severely impact my chance of having any interviews (especially at my top choice, UCSF). 6 of my W's were from freshman year due to a circumstance wherein I lost my job, got into a car accident, and fell into a mild depression due to relationship issues.

Furthermore, 2 more W's were related to a drop deadline that I missed (because I was taking the wrong physics course), and the 3 remaining W's were related to poor planning on my behalf and academic burnout this semester. (I was also recently involved in another car accident, for the second time.)

A professor (who will help me with my personal statement) had previously told me that the W's will have to be explained, but they should not hopefully affect my chances of being accepted. I know that I am at a severe disadvantage compared to students without any W's, but, given a good MCAT score, AMCAS GPA (3.84 currently), and my aforementioned activities, will I still be a competitive applicant for medical school (UCSF even)?

Thank you very much for your time and advice.

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[guywithws]

If it makes any difference, I am also going to go for a Master's degree afterwards. No dropping courses from here on out.

 

[referee3]

It does make a difference and 11 w's is a def red flag. That many w's begin to equate to f's in the eyes of adcoms. No matter to what school you apply this will affect you. A post bacc or SMP may be in order to show adcoms tnat you can handle a rigorous course load without crumbling and dropping courses. Adcoms will also not care much about your excuses. Honestly, there is no way to excuse 11 w's.

 

[Doug Underhill]

Everyone can get a 3.84 if they W everything they're going to get less than an A- in. 6 of the Ws are explainable, but questions will be raised at the other five.

It shouldn't ruin your chances, though. If you're a stellar applicant, you can still get in.

 

[guywithws]

Thank you both for your advice. I will be more conscious of my course load from here on out. I am going for a Master's in my major after I complete my Bachelor's next year.

 

[IslandStyle808]

The main thing is to establish a track record of keeping a rigorous class load and for a long period of time. This would mean 2+ years of courses. Don't do an SMP, because this is for people who have a GPA beyond repair. It will be an uphill battle for your, but you still have a chance.

 

[BRIAN FASCINATION]

I understand your situation and I must say that you continue to strive and persist until you conquer all that your heart wants. Although I do not have "W's" on my transcript, my 3.44 GPA is becoming a huge obstacle for me to apply to schools of my dream namely; Cornell, Duke, New York and several others. However, I have decided to give it my best on other criteria such personal statements and other necessary documents. Am I afraid? Definitely! to the point where I have given up my hope. Yet the sad truth is that this is what I wanted, actually needed so I am going to continue to strive. Best of luck in your endeavors.

 

[GypsyHummus]

You will most likely be asked about all the Ws if you get an interview, just explain it honestly and hope for the best. IMO, if you have 2 years of no withdrawals, that should ease the adcoms hesitation about the Ws.

Hello, I apologize that I am posting about a topic that has been beaten to death already, but I am curious to know about my situation. I am a first-generation college student from a Hispanic background, and most of the activities that I have been involved in have been related to work in underrepresented Spanish-speaking communities.

I will not mention all of the activities in order to avoid identifying myself, but some of them include volunteering as a medical interpreter at various community clinics, visiting rural parts of Mexico to provide health care for the poor, among other community work. I am also in the process of establishing a nonprofit in order to serve the poor in certain parts of my city.

My only hesitation is the fact that I have 11 (yes, eleven) W's on my transcript, and I feel that it will severely impact my chance of having any interviews (especially at my top choice, UCSF). 6 of my W's were from freshman year due to a circumstance wherein I lost my job, got into a car accident, and fell into a mild depression due to relationship issues.

Furthermore, 2 more W's were related to a drop deadline that I missed (because I was taking the wrong physics course), and the 3 remaining W's were related to poor planning on my behalf and academic burnout this semester. (I was also recently involved in another car accident, for the second time.)

A professor (who will help me with my personal statement) had previously told me that the W's will have to be explained, but they should not hopefully affect my chances of being accepted. I know that I am at a severe disadvantage compared to students without any W's, but, given a good MCAT score, AMCAS GPA (3.84 currently), and my aforementioned activities, will I still be a competitive applicant for medical school (UCSF even)?

Thank you very much for your time and advice.

 

[Goro]

Concur. Just be prepared to discuss them.

Everyone can get a 3.84 if they W everything they're going to get less than an A- in. 6 of the Ws are explainable, but questions will be raised at the other five.

It shouldn't ruin your chances, though. If you're a stellar applicant, you can still get in.

 

[guywithws]

Thank you, Doug Underhill, Goro, and everybody else for your words of advice. I kindly appreciate it.

I understand your situation and I must say that you continue to strive and persist until you conquer all that your heart wants. Although I do not have "W's" on my transcript, my 3.44 GPA is becoming a huge obstacle for me to apply to schools of my dream namely; Cornell, Duke, New York and several others. However, I have decided to give it my best on other criteria such personal statements and other necessary documents. Am I afraid? Definitely! to the point where I have given up my hope. Yet the sad truth is that this is what I wanted, actually needed so I am going to continue to strive. Best of luck in your endeavors.

Best of luck to you, too. Thank you very much for your words of encouragement.