**2016-2017 URM Medical School Application Thread**

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Pretty much any school that will take me (reluctantly or not) LOL.


I definitely think that adding DO schools is a great idea. You have a really good chance since a lot of the schools have MCAT averages in the upper 20s. I would also throw in a few "low tier" MD schools, including HBCUs, and in state schools. By all means, though, avoid the Caribbean. The last thing you want is to end up $200,000 in debt without a residency. From what I hear, Canadian schools are even more competitive than US schools, so I would avoid those as well.
Good luck and keep us posted on how your application cycle is going!☺

I definitely second that. Coming from a Nigerian who knows why 419 is permanently attached to our nation's description (unfortunately), those Caribbean school are a scam lying in wait for students to devour. Do not apply there. HBCUs are a great place to apply, especially with all your activities and experience. Once again, PLEASE stay away from the Caribbean.

Thanks, @alpha-GTP and @O.T.I.

I have applied to DO schools in the past with not so much as an interview; but, I am praying for a better result this cycle. I was blessed enough to interview and get waitlisted with Morehouse last cycle. So, I am definitely reapplying to them as well as the other HBCUs. However, I know too many success stories coming out of Caribbean med schools to not apply at all - especially if that remains as my only option for becoming a physician. I have also heard that Canadian schools are as competitive, and in some cases more competitive, than U.S. schools; but again, I have to try. :depressed:
 
Reaches: Harvard, Yale, Hopkins, Mayo
Targets: BCM, Northwestern, Washington St. Louis, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Dell Medical School, UT San Antonio, UT Southwestern, UT Health, UTMB

Nice selections! I think I am going to reach for Harvard too. Best of luck to you 🙂
 
Thanks, @alpha-GTP and @O.T.I.

I have applied to DO schools in the past with not so much as an interview; but, I am praying for a better result this cycle. I was blessed enough to interview and get waitlisted with Morehouse last cycle. So, I am definitely reapplying to them as well as the other HBCUs. However, I know too many success stories coming out of Caribbean med schools to not apply at all - especially if that remains as my only option for becoming a physician. I have also heard that Canadian schools are as competitive, and in some cases more competitive, than U.S. schools; but again, I have to try. :depressed:

Did you shadow DO physicians? Does your application show demonstrated interest in DO.

Do not apply Caribbean. Seriously it's not worth it. Apply broadly to MD and DO. With your stats it should have still been possible to get an acceptance.

How many schools did you apply to in each cycle? How many this cycle are repeats? Do you have any red flags? You are applying as a US citizen/PR right?


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Reaches: Harvard, Yale, Hopkins, Mayo
Targets: BCM, Northwestern, Washington St. Louis, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Dell Medical School, UT San Antonio, UT Southwestern, UT Health, UTMB

Why is Wash U a target but Mayo a reach? WashU stats are equal/higher than all your reaches.

What do you think of Northwestern? I have a wobble position left and concerned about the environment at Feinberg. Don't know if I should pre-write that secondary or not.


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Why is Wash U a target but Mayo a reach? WashU stats are higher than all your reaches.

What do you think of Northwestern. I have a wobble position left and concerned about the environment at Feinberg. Don't know if I should pre-write that secondary or not.


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Would you happen to be referring to the two posts in the school-specific thread?

While I always appreciate posters giving any information that will help me learn more about a school, I am always wary of negative posts, unless it is something more widely publicized like the whole Touro NY situation. The posters may be right with what they're saying, but they could also have ulterior motives. They could be bitter students who are not doing well/in trouble with admins or premeds trying to scare off potential competition. If you look on the website and feel like the school is a good fit, I would encourage you to apply and see what you think on the interview day. I went ahead and applied.
 
Would you happen to be referring to the two posts in the school-specific thread?

While I always appreciate posters giving any information that will help me learn more about a school, I am always wary of negative posts, unless it is something more widely publicized like the whole Touro NY situation. The posters may be right with what they're saying, but they could also have ulterior motives. They could be bitter students who are not doing well/in trouble with admins or premeds trying to scare off potential competition. If you look on the website and feel like the school is a good fit, I would encourage you to apply and see what you think on the interview day. I went ahead and applied.

No actually I am referring to some "common knowledge", so to speak, from when I was applying to ugrad. It was known as a gunner school in my experience, right along with WashU. I ended up not applying then because I didn't want to move to the Midwest.

I'm trying to assess fit, but honestly there isn't anything special about this school that's resonating with me. I've already added all the schools I love, schools that o think are great fits, and areas I'd like to be in. It just doesn't fall into any of those categories for me. (Ditto Duke, Darthmouth, and a few others, ad I just don't know which to choose to fill out my app.)




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No actually I am referring to some "common knowledge", so to speak, from when I was applying to ugrad. It was known as a gunner school in my experience, right along to WashU. I ended up not applying then because I didn't want to move to the Midwest.

I'm trying to assess fit, but honestly there isn't anything special about this school that's resonating with me. I've already added all the schools I love, schools that o think are great fits, and areas I'd like to be in. It just doesn't fall into any of those categories for me. (Ditto Duke, Darthmouth, and a few others, ad I just don't know which to choose to fill out my app.)




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That's interesting. I am not at all familiar with the environment there. If that's true, it hopefully doesn't carry over into the medical school.

Finalizing a school list can be difficult. Because I am applying on a budget, I only applied to schools I can actually see myself going to. Even then, I only submitted secondaries for 25/35 schools. If you are in a similar financial situation, you might just want to stick with your current list unless something changes your opinion about a particular schools. With your application and projected MCAT score, I have no doubt that you will get multiple acceptances from whatever your current school list is.
 
That's interesting. I am not at all familiar with the environment there. If that's true, it hopefully doesn't carry over into the medical school.

Finalizing a school list can be difficult. Because I am applying on a budget, I only applied to schools I can actually see myself going to. Even then, I only submitted secondaries for 25/35 schools. If you are in a similar financial situation, you might just want to stick with your current list unless something changes your opinion about a particular schools. With your application and projected MCAT score, I have no doubt that you will get multiple acceptances from whatever your current school list is.

I am also under financial restrictions. I have FAP, and already submitted to a throwaway. I want to pay for 6 other schools max. So 20 actual applications total. I really need every dollar I can spare for interviews; clothes, travel, etc. I don't want to apply to too few schools, which is why I'm trying to have 20 apps.


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Why is Wash U a target but Mayo a reach? WashU stats are equal/higher than all your reaches.

What do you think of Northwestern? I have a wobble position left and concerned about the environment at Feinberg. Don't know if I should pre-write that secondary or not.


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Mayo is heavily community service-oriented (which happens to be the thing I lack the most of in my application). I haven't even received an LOR request from them, which says a lot. With what you are saying, maybe I should move WashU to the reach category....

I just got a letter saying they would waive my secondary app fee if I applied, so that's why I added it. Like you, I'm still wondering whether to pre-write the secondary or not. I don't know much yet about Feinberg, but I intend to do some research into it.
 
That's interesting. I am not at all familiar with the environment there. If that's true, it hopefully doesn't carry over into the medical school.

Finalizing a school list can be difficult. Because I am applying on a budget, I only applied to schools I can actually see myself going to. Even then, I only submitted secondaries for 25/35 schools. If you are in a similar financial situation, you might just want to stick with your current list unless something changes your opinion about a particular schools. With your application and projected MCAT score, I have no doubt that you will get multiple acceptances from whatever your current school list is.
Yeah, my budget is really tight this summer, hence the small school list. I only added the school because of the fee waiver.
 
Mayo is heavily community service-oriented (which happens to be the thing I lack the most of in my application). I haven't even received an LOR request from them, which says a lot. With what you are saying, maybe I should move WashU to the reach category....

I just got a letter saying they would waive my secondary app fee if I applied, so that's why I added it. Like you, I'm still wondering whether to pre-write the secondary or not. I don't know much yet about Feinberg, but I intend to do some research into it.

Yeah that makes sense for Mayo. I was just picking one.

I was just wondering why you think the others were reaches but Wash U wasn't. I think Mayo and Harvard may be hard for you with your ECs, but WashU likes high stats, (and so does UChicago), I don't really see Hopkins and Yale as reaches for you. Was just wondering what you thought made you fit better with WashU than the others.


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Yeah that makes sense for Mayo. I was just picking one.

I was just wondering why you think the others were reaches but Wash U wasn't. I think Mayo and Harvard may be hard for you with your ECs, but WashU likes high stats, (and so does UChicago), I don't really see Hopkins and Yale as reaches for you. Was just wondering what you thought made you fit better with WashU than the others.


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Oh, ok! It's what you said, they are looking more for what I have. That's basically my reasoning too.
 
I'm just here like "I got a 506" lol
Damn I got a 501 🙁

Anyone with a low MCAT still applying this cycle? Or anyone who is retaking in August still applying this cycle?

Wasn't satisfied with my MCAT score and don't know if I should try to retake at the end of August or just wait until next cycle. I signed up for the Aug 25th date just in case. Any advice?

I got a 22, 23 and then 501. Got seven interviews. Four from NY my home state and three outside. Submitted primary in October and was complete in November and Decembe . My last interview was late March lol keep hope alive!

Just coming through to show love and say good luck to everybody - yall got this thread really popping this year, which I think bodes well for your success in the application season :laugh::laugh:

If you guys need anything PM me - I'm not on here much since I'm on third year clerkships now but anybody who's been around these forums for a while knows I've got your backs

-Chem

Where you've been? You're still in Illinois. I need to tips for Step 1 and third year. PM if you can from our previous convos!
 
Hey everyone just checking in.

Ugh, I'm abroad and I am so sick, but am getting better. The food is getting to me ;(. I have eight more months and then I can eat some Jerk Chicken and festival with a side of chicken foot soup.
 
Hey Everyone,

This marks my fifth application cycle and I can't believe I just discovered this thread! I'm glad to be here though and offer whatever assistance I can. Having yet to be accepted to medical school, I know quite a bit (more than I would like to know lol) about the application and interview process. So, please feel free to ask me questions; for, I'll be asking a number of questions myself! 😛

Some info about me:

I am a nontraditional, African American female...
GPAs: 3.36 cGPA, 3.08 sGPA (3.54 if graduate course included), 4.00 gGPA
Undergrad Major: Biology/Pre-medicine
Post-baccalaureate: Medical Sciences - no degree or certificate received
Graduate Degree: Master of Public Health - Epidemiology/Health Education & Promotion (expected May 2017)
MCAT: 28 (10 PS/9 VR/9 BS)
ECs: 576 hours community service/volunteering, 96 hours teacher assisting (Anatomy & Physiology Lab), 56 hours attending/hosting clinical conferences
Research: 912 hours of undergraduate research
Other: 156 hours physician shadowing/clinical observation, 4588 hours medical/clinical paid employment

This cycle I am applying to MD, DO, Caribbean, and Canadian medical schools; however, I would appreciate some help as well as suggestions in finalizing my school list. Thanks in advance for your time and good luck to us all!

I admire your tenacity and your desire to become a physician. These are traits that schools are looking for 🙂

Can you kindly explain what went wrong with each cycle and how you changed? What was the issue and how you rectified it? Most importantly how did you fund your app?

I only applied once and very late. I was broke afterwards lol
I currently doing another fellowship so these students on this forum would be my classmates 🙂.
 
I am seriously struggling with not hitting submit on my schools now -_-
It really doesn't make sense, since I won't be marked complete until my scores are in anyway. But all the secondaries and interview invites being sent out has me feeling anxious. And I wonder if they would look at my file at all with the MCAT test date being in my app, and then when my scores get in it's a faster review.
On one side I'm like, well if I score +\- 5 my scored and sample FL my school list really won't change so why not. Then the other, scary end, is what if I get -15 to 20 my scored FL. Then I'd be effed and a reapp.

Lol dialogue in my head.


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I am seriously struggling with not hitting submit on my schools now -_-
It really doesn't make sense, since I won't be marked complete until my scores are in anyway. But all the secondaries and interview invites being sent out has me feeling anxious. And I wonder if they would look at my file at all with the MCAT test date being in my app, and then when my scores get in it's a faster review.
On one side I'm like, well if I score +\- 5 my scored and sample FL my school list really won't change so why not. Then the other, scary end, is what if I get -15 to 20 my scored FL. Then I'd be effed and a reapp.

Lol dialogue in my head.


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Stop being a punk and submit lol. You're going to do fine. Relax! Breathe!
 
I am seriously struggling with not hitting submit on my schools now -_-
It really doesn't make sense, since I won't be marked complete until my scores are in anyway. But all the secondaries and interview invites being sent out has me feeling anxious. And I wonder if they would look at my file at all with the MCAT test date being in my app, and then when my scores get in it's a faster review.
On one side I'm like, well if I score +\- 5 my scored and sample FL my school list really won't change so why not. Then the other, scary end, is what if I get -15 to 20 my scored FL. Then I'd be effed and a reapp.

Lol dialogue in my head.


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Stop being a punk and submit lol. You're going to do fine. Relax! Breathe!

Seriously though, @WhittyPsyche, you'll be fine. I thought only I was able to attain such levels of paranoia LOL. I had the same fear too since I didn't get my score till 6/14. I just submitted to a few safe schools and waited for my score to submit to the rest.
 
Stop being a punk and submit lol. You're going to do fine. Relax! Breathe!

Lmao I actually thought you guys would say the exact opposite and tell me to wait to be sure. SDN is usually uber cautious. This whole time I thought I had to def wait until Aug 22nd.

@alpha-GTP I can get to some crazy high levels of paranoia, let me tell you. I'm just usually quiet about it lol. Maybe I'll submit to my safeties too


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Lmao I actually thought you guys would say the exact opposite and tell me to wait to be sure. SDN is usually uber cautious. This whole time I thought I had to def wait until Aug 22nd.

@alpha-GTP I can get to some crazy high levels of paranoia, let me tell you. I'm just usually quiet about it lol. Maybe I'll submit to my safeties too


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Gurl, you know how much ballz I had to develop to submit in October. That was crazy! I don't even know why I done it lol
I felt like living on the edge and being riskay lol
 
Gurl, you know how much ballz I had to develop to submit in October. That was crazy! I don't even know why I done it lol
I felt like living on the edge and being riskay lol

Haha that's exactly the feeling right now. I'm like "what the heck are you doing, you are risk aversive. No! No! No!"

It's going to take a while to click that button. Breathing. Lol


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Haha that's exactly the feeling right now. I'm like "what the heck are you doing, you are risk aversive. No! No! No!"

It's going to take a while to click that button. Breathing. Lol


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Don't go in labor while you're breathing lol
What's the worst that can happen?
Submit to one to get verified. This is high tide season
 
Don't go in labor while you're breathing lol
What's the worst that can happen?
Submit to one to get verified. This is high tide season

Oh no I submitted to a throwaway on the first day. I've been verified for a while. I mean submitting my apps without my score back. I took the Jul 22nd MCAT.

So I'm deciding if to be confident on my practice scores leading up to the test or to just wait until the end of August for my score.


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Oh no I submitted to a throwaway on the first day. I've been verified for a while. I mean submitting my apps without my score back. I took the Jul 22nd MCAT.

So I'm deciding if to be confident on my practice scores leading up to the test or to just wait until the end of August for my score.


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How was the MCAT by the way?
 
I admire your tenacity and your desire to become a physician. These are traits that schools are looking for 🙂

Can you kindly explain what went wrong with each cycle and how you changed? What was the issue and how you rectified it? Most importantly how did you fund your app?

I only applied once and very late. I was broke afterwards lol
I currently doing another fellowship so these students on this forum would be my classmates 🙂.

Well, thanks. I keep reminding myself of that. You are very fortunate to have applied late and received multiple acceptances. And yes, each application cylce wipes me out financially as well lol. I don't understand what you mean by doing another fellowship. You're not in med school now?

1st cycle: low MCAT/limited ECs - resulted in my post-bacc
2nd cycle: low GPA & MCAT/limited ECs - no interviews/no acceptances
3rd cycle: low GPA/improved MCAT/more ECs - 1 interview/deferred/no acceptances
4th cycle: low GPA/same MCAT/more ECs - 1 interview/waitlist/no acceptances
5th cycle: improved GPA/same MCAT/more ECs - ???
 
Well, thanks. I keep reminding myself of that. You are very fortunate to have applied late and received multiple acceptances. And yes, each application cylce wipes me out financially as well lol. I don't understand what you mean by doing another fellowship. You're not in med school now?

1st cycle: low MCAT/limited ECs - resulted in my post-bacc
2nd cycle: low GPA & MCAT/limited ECs - no interviews/no acceptances
3rd cycle: low GPA/improved MCAT/more ECs - 1 interview/deferred/no acceptances
4th cycle: low GPA/same MCAT/more ECs - 1 interview/waitlist/no acceptances
5th cycle: improved GPA/same MCAT/more ECs - ???

I admire your tenacity and motivation as well. I would have definitely given up after the third cycle. Hopefully the fifth time is a charm. We're all hoping for the best with your cycle.☺
 
How was the MCAT by the way?

Really great actually. Had much more extra time than any of my practices. Psyc and CARS was super easy, but those are my strengths. My C/P and Bio felt very comfortable, like the unscored in terms of difficulty. I was relaxed and careful and feel very happy with my performance.

Hopefully my scores speak to the confidence I've felt.


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Well, thanks. I keep reminding myself of that. You are very fortunate to have applied late and received multiple acceptances. And yes, each application cylce wipes me out financially as well lol. I don't understand what you mean by doing another fellowship. You're not in med school now?

1st cycle: low MCAT/limited ECs - resulted in my post-bacc
2nd cycle: low GPA & MCAT/limited ECs - no interviews/no acceptances
3rd cycle: low GPA/improved MCAT/more ECs - 1 interview/deferred/no acceptances
4th cycle: low GPA/same MCAT/more ECs - 1 interview/waitlist/no acceptances
5th cycle: improved GPA/same MCAT/more ECs - ???

I hope this cycle is successful. Did you apply early?


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Really great actually. Had much more extra time than any of my practices. Psyc and CARS was super easy, but those are my strengths. My C/P and Bio felt very comfortable, like the unscored in terms of difficulty. I was relaxed and careful and feel very happy with my performance.

Hopefully my scores speak to the confidence I've felt.


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Yes! I'm so happy for you. Watch you come out with a 528...
 
Are you still going to make that how to crush the MCAT post you were talking about? haha

Ehhh never said anything about how to crush the MCAT post haha. I said I was going to post my schedule and the materials and the practice scores. Which are for the most part in the July thread spread out, but I wanted to rewrite it as one post. I PM'ed those that PMed me for a synopsis, but I should probably wait for my score to post the final thing so actual performance can be compared.




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Well, thanks. I keep reminding myself of that. You are very fortunate to have applied late and received multiple acceptances. And yes, each application cylce wipes me out financially as well lol. I don't understand what you mean by doing another fellowship. You're not in med school now?

1st cycle: low MCAT/limited ECs - resulted in my post-bacc
2nd cycle: low GPA & MCAT/limited ECs - no interviews/no acceptances
3rd cycle: low GPA/improved MCAT/more ECs - 1 interview/deferred/no acceptances
4th cycle: low GPA/same MCAT/more ECs - 1 interview/waitlist/no acceptances
5th cycle: improved GPA/same MCAT/more ECs - ???

Why you kept applying with the low Mcat and low GPA and did you regret applying although your app was not as strong yet?
What is considered a low GPA and Mcat? My GPA was avg and MCAT was low to SDN standards?
I applied to a lot of top schools because YOLO lol
I felt like if I had applied earlier I would have gotten at least ten interviews and I should have applied to thirty five like my original plan instead of 26. I also received FAo so all secondaries were covered.

I was lucky in that regard to still be liked despite my late application. I am a pretty strong applicant despite the little boo boo of a MCAT.

Yes I got accepted to med school and decided to defer to next year because I was awarded another fellowship. I won one after graduation as well that's why I said another lol. I meant I won a fellowship and my school decided to let me defer.

I'm just relaxing and probably do some basic science review in the interim before school starts next year. I am doing a pre matric next year for ten weeks since it has been more than four years since I have grad undergrad.

I still look youthful though. Hello! Melanin rarely cracks though 😉
 
Hey guys just chiming in. I'm a URM from jamrock. Took the exam July 22nd and waiting for my score while trying to get my PS done and fighting zika at the same time
 
You Mind Pming me your stats ?? You could really put my mind at ease

What exactly do you want?

My MCATs were 22, 23 and 501 and science GPA was 3.53 and 3.61 over all. I was a science major.
I have done a lot of things in undergrad and post grad, and I have been honored to win some competitive awards. I think my other activities really helped.

My profile is really strong, if you omit the MCAT, lol. If I have gotten at least a 503, I would have had a better outcome.

I am not playing when it comes to Step 1. Redemption 😀
 
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Guys... I submitted all my primaries. Here's to hoping I didn't fail out of nowhere and just screwed myself

Good for you for being brave and just going for it! I'm sure once you get your spectacular MCAT score, you'll wonder what all that worrying and stressing were for.


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Figured I'd jump on here since I looked to past URM app threads before applying to gauge my chances.

I'm a reapplicant (this is my first cycle applying outside of Texas). AA female. LizzyM ~66 and I have 3 MD IIs so far. I really think that being able to convey your value in your PS and in secondaries makes a huge difference.

Good luck to everyone. I'll be posting here with updates and such.
 
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