What Are My Chances at MD Acceptance

[Undergrad_Sophmore]

Hello,

I know lots of people post their perfect stats on here and ask for opinions, but I would like to hear your thoughts about my chances at getting into an MD school based on my projected stats when applying to med schools. ALSO, is there anything you'd recommend I'd add or should do differently? Thanks!

Grade: Sophomore
State of Residence: MA
White Male, First Generation, Low Income
Undergrad University: Well Respected Research Institution

3.7 cGPA with strong upward trend after freshman year (GPA was 3.1, then 3.63 in 2 semesters during Freshman year, then stays between 3.7-3.9 each semester with A's in orgo, physics, etc.)
MCAT unknown (likely between 506-510)
Clinical Volunteering at local Hospital = 250 hours
Soup Kitchen Volunteering = 100 hours
Shadowing = 75 - 100 hours
Research Assistant = 300 hours
3 extra curriculars with 1 leadership role for 3 years each

This would be my stats if I apply next year (junior year spring semester), while taking my MCAT in winter/spring 2024. I know acceptance is much more than just these stats, but what do you think of these? Would it be wise for me to take a gap year to try to increase these numbers/get new experiences or do I stand a decent chance at gaining acceptance applying to schools in Massachusetts and surrounding states?

Thank you for your advice!

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[Mr.Smile12]

I can't really make a judgment with such minimalist descriptions. But from the numbers, you don't need that much shadowing but you need to make sure primary care is covered. Clinical volunteering: you can always do more, but we suggest you help out at hospice (depending on responsibilities you could be doing clinical or non-clinical work). You need some more soup kitchen volunteering or supplement it with another similar activity, such as shelter work, job placement services, or housing rehabilitation for those in need. You probably will get more hours in research, and depending on what you are doing, you can see if you have enough to go for some poster presentations and maybe an authorship on a paper.

More importantly, you need to know why you want to be a physician and why it is your life's purpose to be one instead of any other profession like a physician assistant, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, etc.

Attend recruitment open houses or events run by the medical schools around the state(s).

 

[Mr.Smile12]

People with perfect stats aren't brave enough to seek advice, I assure you. (They may think they're too good to look for advice.)

This is a double-post.

 

[candbgirl]

A 3.7GPA is about average for matriculated students but without a MCAT there is no way to predict anything. Are your ECs current or are you projecting? Come back next year at this time and post a official WAMC grid. This will help the people advising you . And a gap year can be a good thing. Don’t rush the process. Take your time and build the best possible application.
Good luck.

 

[deleted1135735]

Just viewing this and was curious why you said: "you need to make sure primary care shadowing is covered"? Should all applicants try to have primary care shadowing on their app? Also best of luck to OP!!!

I can't really make a judgment with such minimalist descriptions. But from the numbers, you don't need that much shadowing but you need to make sure primary care is covered. Clinical volunteering: you can always do more, but we suggest you help out at hospice (depending on responsibilities you could be doing clinical or non-clinical work). You need some more soup kitchen volunteering or supplement it with another similar activity, such as shelter work, job placement services, or housing rehabilitation for those in need. You probably will get more hours in research, and depending on what you are doing, you can see if you have enough to go for some poster presentations and maybe an authorship on a paper.

More importantly, you need to know why you want to be a physician and why it is your life's purpose to be one instead of any other profession like a physician assistant, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, etc.

Attend recruitment open houses or events run by the medical schools around the state(s).

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Do you have a primary school teacher that influenced you for the rest of your life? How about a pediatrician?

Primary care is the cornerstone of medicine, and arguably it has the greatest factor in helping patients with a lifetime of health. This is why you spend time in your rotations and community outreach doing rather simple tasks to encourage people to seek help from a primary care physician.

It is also reasonable to ensure that you don't go to medical school already dedicated to being a specialist at the expense of being ignorant of the patient journey to get to the specialist. Respect the education and training process as a long one that humbles everyone.