**2017-2018 URM Medical School Application Thread**

[720606]

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Guys, what are your thoughts for housing in med school? I lived in dorms my first 2 years of college, and the last 2 years I lived in a 4 bedroom apartment with 3 good friends. I am starting to look at housing, but I am not sure if I should look for a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment. I am not sure if I want to live completely alone, yet, but I have never lived with a stranger. Any input?

Many schools have Facebook or Google doc pages set up for looking for a roommate. As to the decision itself, it depends on who you are and what you want. I'm not super social so I need a safe haven to retreat to away from people (especially classmates after seeing them all day). Thus I live alone. Some prefer the company for encouragement through the hard road of med school plus as an automatic study/fun buddy so they get a roommate from the get go. Some people start one way and end up leaning another.

 

[Aspiring4MD]

Have you ever moved somewhere where you knew no one else? I find it can be extremely lonely so for that reason I always try to live with others in my first year in another city/country. It has for the most part worked for me but I am also very easy going and able to live with almost any personality.

I have never moved somewhere where I did not know anyone. That is why I just want some input since this will be my first time

 

[Aspiring4MD]

Everyone is going to have their own personal preference. Me personally, I want a one bedroom. I do not want roommates since I enjoy having my own space. I don’t give a rats @$$ about missing out on making friends, since I don’t think that’s will be true lol. What platforms are you using to search for your place? Will you tour apartments during second look?

I have just been googling stuff so far that’s close to the med school. And yes! I plan to make a list and look at some during second look!

 

[FlyMissMD93]

I have just been googling stuff so far that’s close to the med school. And yes! I plan to make a list and look at some during second look!

Awesome! I need to get on my hunting as well. I'll figure things out soon.

 

[Aspiring4MD]

Many schools have Facebook or Google doc pages set up for looking for a roommate. As to the decision itself, it depends on who you are and what you want. I'm not super social so I need a safe haven to retreat to away from people (especially classmates after seeing them all day). Thus I live alone. Some prefer the company for encouragement through the hard road of med school plus as an automatic study/fun buddy so they get a roommate from the get go. Some people start one way and end up leaning another.

Yeah, I’m in the FB group, but it just says “class of 22”. They haven’t really posted much yet, but I’m sure they’ll start posting stuff soon! Also, I am very social. An obvious extrovert. I feel like I’m usually gone on weekdays all day, so I mostly hang with my roomies on weekends. I’ve never lived alone, but I feel like I might want to try it out for the first year, and see how it goes? Idk, I think I’m making this decision much more tough than it is haha

 

[Aspiring4MD]

Awesome! I need to get on my hunting as well. I'll figure things out soon.

At my school, second look is in April. There are 2 locations, and I can give my preference, but there is no “guarantee” that I’ll even get what I choose. They say it’s a good chance, but ya never know. We don’t even get our placement until May! I really want one location over the other, so I am claiming I get it! And looking for apartments there haha

 

[FlyMissMD93]

At my school, second look is in April. There are 2 locations, and I can give my preference, but there is no “guarantee” that I’ll even get what I choose. They say it’s a good chance, but ya never know. We don’t even get our placement until May! I really want one location over the other, so I am claiming I get it! And looking for apartments there haha

Oh, you mean like there's two campuses that the school has?

 

[Aspiring4MD]

Oh, you mean like there's two campuses that the school has?

Yeah, it’s half at one campus and half at the other. The campuses are like an hour apart. It’s actually my home institution that I’m graduating from in May. Since I’ve been here for 4 years, I want to go to the other location for a change of scenery!

 

[CUatthefinishline]

I am black, low SES, and applied disadvantaged. I got rejected from Morehouse, and am in silence with Meharry. If they are fond of applicants like me, they must've brushed over my app haha

+1

 

[FlyMissMD93]

+1

I was just wondering because it seems like the Howard thread has been super quiet with II's...I'm like who all are they inviting to interview then?

 

[Ari77]

I was just wondering because it seems like the Howard thread has been super quiet with II's...I'm like who all are they inviting to interview then?

Howard has always ignored me in past cycles so I decided to make it mutual this year lol. Meharry is a surprise for me. I had received an interview from them in a previous cycle (waitlist) but haven't heard a peep this time around. If the applicant pool has changed so much that I'm no longer a desirable option for them, then I am officially a hopeless case lol

 

[FlyMissMD93]

Howard has always ignored me in past cycles so I decided to make it mutual this year lol. Meharry is a surprise for me. I had received an interview from them in a previous cycle (waitlist) but haven't heard a peep this time around. If the applicant pool has changed so much that I'm no longer a desirable option for them, then I am officially a hopeless case lol

Yeah the HBCU medical schools are just a mystery to me.

 

[CandH23]

Howard has always ignored me in past cycles so I decided to make it mutual this year lol. Meharry is a surprise for me. I had received an interview from them in a previous cycle (waitlist) but haven't heard a peep this time around. If the applicant pool has changed so much that I'm no longer a desirable option for them, then I am officially a hopeless case lol

Don't give up just yet. Question though, why did you only fill out 14 secondaries? You got 2 interviews out of 14. 28 secondaries maybe could've gave you 4 interviews in total.

 

[peanut7979]

First time poster. I need some advice and know I can get a genuine response here. I'm a non-traditional, 32 years old, URM. I am a first time applicant who applied to 16 schools this cycle, 15 MD's and 1 DO program. I've received 3 interviews, been accepted to 1 MD program and the only DO program I applied to. I received a full scholarship to the DO program and received little to no help at the MD program with cost per year being a little over $55,000. The residency match list at the MD school has much more specialty matches than the DO program but the DO program still matches well in primary care. I chose to pursue a career in medicine at this stage in my life after working for four years in family medicine office so I really like the idea of working in primary care. I am also aware that my interests could change as I get more exposure in medical school. I also like the idea of not being $300,000 in debt in my 40s. I started this journey vowing to never let money be a factor that affects my decision to pursue medicine but now presented with this dilemma I'm not quite sure what to do. If you were in my shoes what would you do?

 

[FlyMissMD93]

First time poster. I need some advice and know I can get a genuine response here. I'm a non-traditional, 32 years old, URM. I am a first time applicant who applied to 16 schools this cycle, 15 MD's and 1 DO program. I've received 3 interviews, been accepted to 1 MD program and the only DO program I applied to. I received a full scholarship to the DO program and received little to no help at the MD program with cost per year being a little over $55,000. The residency match list at the MD school has much more specialty matches than the DO program but the DO program still matches well in primary care. I chose to pursue a career in medicine at this stage in my life after working for four years in family medicine office so I really like the idea of working in primary care. I am also aware that my interests could change as I get more exposure in medical school. I also like the idea of not being $300,000 in debt in my 40s. I started this journey vowing to never let money be a factor that affects my decision to pursue medicine but now presented with this dilemma I'm not quite sure what to do. If you were in my shoes what would you do?

Congratulations! Have you spoken to the MD school about whether they can match the scholarship you got from the DO school?

 

[Nathan17182]

First time poster. I need some advice and know I can get a genuine response here. I'm a non-traditional, 32 years old, URM. I am a first time applicant who applied to 16 schools this cycle, 15 MD's and 1 DO program. I've received 3 interviews, been accepted to 1 MD program and the only DO program I applied to. I received a full scholarship to the DO program and received little to no help at the MD program with cost per year being a little over $55,000. The residency match list at the MD school has much more specialty matches than the DO program but the DO program still matches well in primary care. I chose to pursue a career in medicine at this stage in my life after working for four years in family medicine office so I really like the idea of working in primary care. I am also aware that my interests could change as I get more exposure in medical school. I also like the idea of not being $300,000 in debt in my 40s. I started this journey vowing to never let money be a factor that affects my decision to pursue medicine but now presented with this dilemma I'm not quite sure what to do. If you were in my shoes what would you do?

I would talk to the MD school and see if they might match it or give you some more aid. However, if you think you'll want to do primary care then I would go with the DO school. DO's match very well into primary care and it's free. Even if you ended up wanting to do another specialty, you can do it as long as you do well on step. But if you can get the MD school do give you money, I would definitely pick MD.

 

[Ari77]

Don't give up just yet. Question though, why did you only fill out 14 secondaries? You got 2 interviews out of 14. 28 secondaries maybe could've gave you 4 interviews in total.

Poor lol. I was for the most part pretty smart about my school choices. In actuality I probably would've only added 4 or 5 more if I had more money but as it was I was adding and paying for the schools as I was going so while most secondaries went out by end of August, the rest trickled out throughout September. By end of September it didn't make sense to add anymore schools.

 

[peanut7979]

Congratulations! Have you spoken to the MD school about whether they can match the scholarship you got from the DO school?

I would talk to the MD school and see if they might match it or give you some more aid. However, if you think you'll want to do primary care then I would go with the DO school. DO's match very well into primary care and it's free. Even if you ended up wanting to do another specialty, you can do it as long as you do well on step. But if you can get the MD school do give you money, I would definitely pick MD.

Thank you! I received a scholarship award amount of 10k per year at the MD program but it would still be about 55k per year. I will definitely ask but based on some of my research the 10k scholarship is the best scholarship they offer.

 

[Nathan17182]

Thank you! I received a scholarship award amount of 10k per year at the MD program but it would still be about 55k per year. I will definitely ask but based on some of my research the 10k scholarship is the best scholarship they offer.

I think you’ll just have to really think about where you want your career to go. In actuality, it seems like being a DO doesn’t close any doors for you, it just makes it a little harder to get a spot in some of those competitive residencies. What school is the MD you have your acceptance from if you don’t mind me asking? Congrats by the way I never said it in my original post!!

 

[justalittlestar]

URM here currently holding 1 WL spot and not much else, trying to be hopeful. Anyone know when they usually start moving on wait lists for DOs? End of April-ish?

 

[VillageSweetie]

First time poster. I need some advice and know I can get a genuine response here. I'm a non-traditional, 32 years old, URM. I am a first time applicant who applied to 16 schools this cycle, 15 MD's and 1 DO program. I've received 3 interviews, been accepted to 1 MD program and the only DO program I applied to. I received a full scholarship to the DO program and received little to no help at the MD program with cost per year being a little over $55,000. The residency match list at the MD school has much more specialty matches than the DO program but the DO program still matches well in primary care. I chose to pursue a career in medicine at this stage in my life after working for four years in family medicine office so I really like the idea of working in primary care. I am also aware that my interests could change as I get more exposure in medical school. I also like the idea of not being $300,000 in debt in my 40s. I started this journey vowing to never let money be a factor that affects my decision to pursue medicine but now presented with this dilemma I'm not quite sure what to do. If you were in my shoes what would you do?

Now that's a huge decision to make! There are so many factors going into which school to matriculate at. I would personally go with the full-ride, because in the end you will be a doctor. That and I really do think DO's are AMAZING! I really wanted to learn OMM and am a bit sad that I turned down my D.O. acceptances (before the deposits were due). One of my top choice schools was a D.O. school, but that $2,000 non-refundable deposit just felt like too big of a risk for me to take on a school that I was not 100% sure that I would matriculate into.

I have met (shadowed, worked with, etc.) many doctors. I was surprised to hear a couple of decently paid specialists talk about money and how they do not feel well paid as a doctor, because of their huge debt that they were still paying on. At the same time, a family medicine doctor who went through the National Health Scholars Program actually felt the money he was making (because he had no debt). That blew my mind, because the family medicine doctor made a LOT less than the specialists.

I'm still figuring out which school I will matriculate at and money will play a huge role in my decision.

I hope you make the choice that you feel is right for your situation. Either way, you will become a doctor.

 

[CUatthefinishline]

Thank you! I received a scholarship award amount of 10k per year at the MD program but it would still be about 55k per year. I will definitely ask but based on some of my research the 10k scholarship is the best scholarship they offer.

If you are certain you want to go into primary care, then that full-ride sounds awesome. However, one thing to consider is the area & reputation that the DO school is in. Even if you change your mind to something outside of primary care later, a well-respected and established program can provide you with a certain regional bias (in your favor) come match time.

Are either of these schools located in the midwest at all? I interviewed at somewhere that had a 10-15k max on scholarships, too. & I would probably choose the DO full-ride over that one if I had it, just based on the DO schools location, faculty, students, regional reputation, match lists, & step scores.

Disclaimer: I worked at a great DO medical school. However, I also only applied MD for financial and professional reasons.

 

[779354]

Anyone get accepted with a 501 MCAT?

 

[Sidthekiddd]

Anyone get accepted with a 501 MCAT?

My friend got accepted with a 500 last cycle

 

[Ari77]

Anyone get accepted with a 501 MCAT?

Friend got a DO acceptance this cycle and had an MD interview as well

 

[DrStephenStrange]

Anyone get accepted with a 501 MCAT?

Was accepted to two DOs with a 499. Though unsurprisingly, I was rejected by my state MD (my only MD II).

Sent from my SM-G950U using SDN mobile

 

[Ari77]

Just got my second waitlist of the season... *sigh*

 

[sweetgreen342]

Anyone get accepted with a 501 MCAT?

I just got my first acceptance today and I’ve had 3 II this cycle, all MD! So there’s hope! Feel free to PM me, everyone in this thread is so amazing and supportive!

 

[Ari77]

I just got my first acceptance today and I’ve had 3 II this cycle, all MD! So there’s hope! Feel free to PM me, everyone in this thread is so amazing and supportive!

Congrats! Maybe mine will come one of these days 🙂

 

[sweetgreen342]

Congrats! Maybe mine will come one of these days 🙂

I am sending positive thoughts your way! I know you'll prevail this cycle 🙂

 

[Icantplayspades]

I’m so very depressed. The grad program, who I was so sure would accept me, has rejected me. I received 4 MD rejections this week and I’ve been really concerned for my well-being.

My cGPA=3.3 and sGPA=3.1; 500 MCAT. I really want to go to medical school but I really cannot fathom what to do now.

 

[DrStephenStrange]

I’m so very depressed. The grad program, who I was so sure would accept me, has rejected me. I received 4 MD rejections this week and I’ve been really concerned for my well-being.

My cGPA=3.3 and sGPA=3.1; 500 MCAT. I really want to go to medical school but I really cannot fathom what to do now.

Did you apply to any DO schools? My GPAs were 3.72 and 3.70, MCAT 499. Out of 25 DO I applied to, I got 12 interview invites, I only went to 5 and got 2 acceptances. Also, applied to 7 MD and only received one II from my state MD which turned into a rejection. If you don't get in this cycle, I suggest you do as I did this coming cycle. Also, make sure you shadow at least one DO that can write you a LOR because a lot of schools require a physician letter (with most either prefer or strictly require a DO letter). Or you can still try to retake the MCAT, but you gotta be sure you're gonna get at least a 508+.

Sent from my SM-G950U using SDN mobile

 

[Nathan17182]

I’m so very depressed. The grad program, who I was so sure would accept me, has rejected me. I received 4 MD rejections this week and I’ve been really concerned for my well-being.

My cGPA=3.3 and sGPA=3.1; 500 MCAT. I really want to go to medical school but I really cannot fathom what to do now.

I've already given my advice on what you need to do to have a successful cycle but before any of that, you need to make sure you're in a good mental place. I suggest finding a professional to talk to. You need to be mentally healthy to finish this journey out. I wish the best to you.

 

[VillageSweetie]

I will say this though, people applying for future cycles should definitely aim to score no lower than a 502 on their MCAT. It's only getting more and more competitive to get accepted and the MCAT is the most important part of your application.

I definitely do not think the MCAT is the "most important" part of an application. It is simply a number, like GPA, that is used to screen your application. After that, your personal statement, extra-curriculars and interview play a huge role. But I do agree that a 502 is an okay score. Some schools will cut off at a 503.

I read somewhere once that the average accepted applicant scores a 507. I scored a 502 and received quite a bit of attention. I do wish I studied harder for my MCAT though. I know that I did not do it justice.

I do not think of my MCAT or GPA as my "win" for schools. I have strong write-ups and letters of recommendation. I think that is my strong suite.

 

[FlyMissMD93]

I definitely do not think the MCAT is the "most important" part of an application. It is simply a number, like GPA, that is used to screen your application. After that, your personal statement, extra-curriculars and interview play a huge role. But I do agree that a 502 is an okay score. Some schools will cut off at a 503.

I read somewhere once that the average accepted applicant scores a 507. I scored a 502 and received quite a bit of attention. I do wish I studied harder for my MCAT though. I know that I did not do it justice.

I do not think of my MCAT or GPA as my "win" for schools. I have strong write-ups and letters of recommendation. I think that is my strong suite.

In my opinion, it's definitely a make a break for receiving an acceptance, even after you interview. I say this so that people who do score a 499 do not get complacent with a score such as that. Yes, your personal statement, extra-curriculars, LOR and what have you play a role as well, but let's not lie to ourselves that the MCAT is not extremely important. I'm not sure why folks/adcoms like to lie about that or paint a picture that it's not...

 

[Ari77]

In my opinion, it's definitely a make a break for receiving an acceptance, even after you interview. I say this so that people who do score a 499 do not get complacent with a score such as that. Yes, your personal statement, extra-curriculars, LOR and what have you play a role as well, but let's not lie to ourselves that the MCAT is not extremely important. I'm not sure why folks/adcoms like to lie about that or paint a picture that it's not...

IMHO MCAT plays a huge part in the decision. Apps may not even get seen by adcoms if MCAT is too low. I would argue that MCAT is the most important factor at first glance (just because it is standardized and is predictive of Step scores). All that extra stuff will help you get in, but the MCAT is what gets your foot in the door. But don't mind me, I'm just old and bitter 😉

 

[FlyMissMD93]

IMHO MCAT plays a huge part in the decision. Apps may not even get seen by adcoms if MCAT is too low. I would argue that MCAT is the most important factor at first glance (just because it is standardized and s predictive of Step scores). All that extra stuff will help you get in, but the MCAT is what gets your foot in the door. But don't mind me, I'm just old and bitter 😉

Exactly.

 

[Nathan17182]

I will say this though, people applying for future cycles should definitely aim to score no lower than a 502 on their MCAT. It's only getting more and more competitive to get accepted and the MCAT is the most important part of your application.

I agree with this along with GPA. While yes, your personal statement and extracurriculars play a big role in getting an acceptance to a school, your MCAT and GPA at least gets eyes on your app and might even snag you an interview alone.

 

[lalalala_4]

IMHO MCAT plays a huge part in the decision. Apps may not even get seen by adcoms if MCAT is too low. I would argue that MCAT is the most important factor at first glance (just because it is standardized and is predictive of Step scores). All that extra stuff will help you get in, but the MCAT is what gets your foot in the door. But don't mind me, I'm just old and bitter 😉

First: MCAT is not predictive of Step scores, studies have found no correlation.

Second: While I do agree that MCAT is important at first glance and getting past screening I definitely do not believe that it plays a huge part in the decision.

side note: if you have "good" extracurriculars and "decent" LORs than MCAT might play a HUGE role, if it is exceptional

 

[Ari77]

First: MCAT is not predictive of Step scores, studies have found no correlation.

Second: While I do agree that MCAT is important at first glance and getting past screening I definitely do not believe that it plays a huge part in the decision.

side note: if you have "good" extracurriculars and "decent" LORs than MCAT might play a HUGE role, if it is exceptional

If studies have found no correlation then someone should mention that to every adcom member I've ever spoken with since starting this process. Lol

 

[drgweeds]

First: MCAT is not predictive of Step scores, studies have found no correlation.

Second: While I do agree that MCAT is important at first glance and getting past screening I definitely do not believe that it plays a huge part in the decision.

side note: if you have "good" extracurriculars and "decent" LORs than MCAT might play a HUGE role, if it is exceptional

Hahah everyone, why are we even talking about this? Everyone's humble opinions are nice and all, but none of them matter to anyone here. None of us are on the admissions committee (unless you are, then fam, you need to hook us up with the deets). I'm sure every school has their own philosophy on what they think are the most important factors that they look for in applicants. Bottom line is that you should just strive to be the strongest applicant you can be - across all metrics. I had a pretty average MCAT for med school applicants and found myself rejected from many schools but also found myself offered interviews from many schools too. All you got to know is that the MCAT IS IMPORTANT. That's why it is REQUIRED. Also, to say that it dosent play a huge part in making admissions offers is just not believable. Look a schools like WashU Vandy, NW. They care about numbers. Hofstra is good example too. New school, little reputation you would think that they would star off by taking lower MCAT, but BAM!, they care about MCAT numbers. That's why their median matriculant composite score is a 514.

 

[TheVisionary]

There was another thread about this, but the three best predictors of Step 1 score were MCAT Bio, MCAT Phys/Chem, and the average Verbal of your undergraduate institution. The correlations were decently strong (0.44-0.55). It's weird, but the former two at least make sense since Step is also a sit-down science exam. As an aside, I hope the latter doesn't encourage more inbreeding of top institutions.
Undergraduate Institutional MCAT Scores as Predictors of... : Academic Medicine

I don't have the other papers available, but there was data that MCAT verbal scores predicted success of honoring rotations. I don't have direct numbers on this either, but I keep hearing 25-26 (499-500) as the minimum score you should aim for on the MCAT. Adcoms here have said that scoring below that amount puts you at risk of failing boards---though obviously your mcat can't predict your Step 10 times out of 10.

I think having 500 as a rough cutoff actually shows how the MCAT is not the end-all-be-all, and that you should not always pick students with the highest scores when designing a class. Someone's potential and capabilities cannot be summarized in a LizzyM score. I don't think other posters were contesting this. Still, while the MCAT isn't everything, it is pretty darn important.

 

[Icantplayspades]

My PI mentioned a post-bacc that basically equates to me being a paid research associate for a year. During this time, I could beef up my ECs, retake the MCAT and network at my state school(where I’d love to attend medical school).

What do you guys think? The stipend from the post-bacc would let me live comfortably and I could just really work on myself.

 

[TheVisionary]

My PI mentioned a post-bacc that basically equates to me being a paid research associate for a year. During this time, I could beef up my ECs, retake the MCAT and network at my state school(where I’d love to attend medical school).

What do you guys think? The stipend from the post-bacc would let me live comfortably and I could just really work on myself.

This sounds really great! I am down with this plan 1000%. Love how this post bac would let you raise your stats while also not making you worry about finances. We are rooting for you.

 

[xochitl]

My PI mentioned a post-bacc that basically equates to me being a paid research associate for a year. During this time, I could beef up my ECs, retake the MCAT and network at my state school(where I’d love to attend medical school).

What do you guys think? The stipend from the post-bacc would let me live comfortably and I could just really work on myself.

yeah that sounds dope!! would you be taking undergrad classes? just make sure you put your grades over your research in terms of importance.

 

[Icantplayspades]

This sounds really great! I am down with this plan 1000%. Love how this post bac would let you raise your stats while also not making you worry about finances. We are rooting for you.

Thank you! I’ve found some much needed peace.

 

[Icantplayspades]

yeah that sounds dope!! would you be taking undergrad classes? just make sure you put your grades over your research in terms of importance.

I haven’t worked out all the particulars but, from what I hear, it’s a good avenue.

 

[Nathan17182]

My PI mentioned a post-bacc that basically equates to me being a paid research associate for a year. During this time, I could beef up my ECs, retake the MCAT and network at my state school(where I’d love to attend medical school).

What do you guys think? The stipend from the post-bacc would let me live comfortably and I could just really work on myself.

As long as you’re taking classes to raise your uGPA, this sounds great! Good luck with it!

 

[Nathan17182]

so I retook the MCAT and went from low 490s to a 501. Would you all suggest applying next cycle. I have a 3.5 GPA with strong activities and volunteering. I want to attend an allopathic school. Do you think I have a chance of getting in somewhere.

I'm not sure if you should apply or not, but if you do you'll have to apply very broadly and have a strong PS and LOR's. You'll have to be prepared to get screened out at a lot of MD schools too.

 

[drgweeds]

so I retook the MCAT and went from low 490s to a 501. Would you all suggest applying next cycle. I have a 3.5 GPA with strong activities and volunteering. I want to attend an allopathic school. Do you think I have a chance of getting in somewhere.

If you're AA, then around 67% of people who had similar numbers as you were accepted into at least one medical school, according to historic AAMC data (full disclosure, using the Lizzy M calc). Really, it would depend on what your trends look like. If I were you, I would go back to school and take some upper level bio classes, making sure to keep a 4.0. At least 8 courses over 4 semesters would give people a good idea that you will be able to handle difficult coursework. So if you did well senior year, then just take a year to beef up your GPA. But definitely will need a compelling story and great references.