2018-2019 Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine

BU Medical Sciences
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JBruinW said:
I've wanted to go to Dartmouth since high school. Are they more forgiving in terms of GPA? I noticed that they have a 10th percentile in the 3.3 range which is where I'm currently sitting. I scored a 525 on the MCAT and am a bit of a nontrad so I am wondering if it's even worth applying here. Would love some feedback!
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A lot depends on your explanation of that 3.3. I think anybody with normal intelligence can probably score in the ~515 range with enough hard work, but breaking 524 or so really takes something special. Obviously you’re smart, and that will potentially open some doors for you. If you’re so smart though, why did you get a 3.3?

There are good answers and bad answers to this question. I personally know a couple people with stats similar to yours (>99% MCAT, low GPA) who interviewed at many schools in the top 10. If the answer is that you got a 3.3/525 because you’re lazy but a genius, that’s bad obviously because med school requires hard work much moreso than raw intelligence. On the other hand if you were supporting your parents by working as a waiter while putting yourself through school, that’s really impressive.

I just scoped out your WAMC thread and I think they are often way too conservative with apps like yours that fall outside the norm. I don’t know your story and that counts for a lot - your EC’s are mediocre on paper at a glance but depending on what else is going on in your life maybe they’re stellar. I think you should aim much higher than they are suggesting. Because your app is so unusual, I think it’s wise to hedge your bets and have a spread of schools in the 10-20 range, 20-50 range, 50-unranked, plus all your state schools. I think high-ish yield reaches would be HMS, WashU, NYU, Columbia, Penn, UCLA (doubt you’d get any love from Stanford/UCSF but who knows). Odds are kinda slim at those schools with your EC’s, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if you got an II. Do still apply to plenty of “safety” schools, but IMO you owe it to yourself to fire off some apps to those top schools as well - never know if the right person will read your app and resonate with it.

Definitely do apply to Dartmouth as well - they love an interesting story and it would make our average MCAT score go up - win win.

Oh and don’t bother applying to any DO schools, IMO. Save that money for more MD apps.
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JBruinW said:
I've wanted to go to Dartmouth since high school. Are they more forgiving in terms of GPA? I noticed that they have a 10th percentile in the 3.3 range which is where I'm currently sitting. I scored a 525 on the MCAT and am a bit of a nontrad so I am wondering if it's even worth applying here. Would love some feedback!
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Lord Jesus. A 525? Who are these people? I don't belong, I am not worthy!
 
CarpeDiem1993 said:
Lord Jesus. A 525? Who are these people? I don't belong, I am not worthy!
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Buddy of mine from premed is a legit genius, scored a 526, is doing kinda mediocre in med school. Intelligence has diminishing returns in this game so don’t be intimidated - keep calm and Anki on. (***I might be singing a different tune once I get my Step 1 score back though, we’ll see...)
 
Secondary Received! I don't see anything about word count on the app

1. Please indicate your plans for the 2018-2019 academic year. If in school, please list your courses. If working, let us know something about the nature of your job. If your plans or courses change subsequently, you need to inform the Admissions Office by email at Geisel.Admissions@dartmouth.edu.

2. Please share with us something about yourself that is not addressed elsewhere in your application and which could be helpful to the Admissions Committee as we review your file.
 
Mr. Peanutbutter said:
Secondary Received! I don't see anything about word count on the app

1. Please indicate your plans for the 2018-2019 academic year. If in school, please list your courses. If working, let us know something about the nature of your job. If your plans or courses change subsequently, you need to inform the Admissions Office by email at Geisel.Admissions@dartmouth.edu.

2. Please share with us something about yourself that is not addressed elsewhere in your application and which could be helpful to the Admissions Committee as we review your file.
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Aw I was hoping for a few more prompts. For the second one, do you think a diversity essay is okay? I wrote about being in an LGBTQ group on my primary in my Experiences section but never talked in depth about how that identity affects my perspective, which I decided to save for secondaries since most ask directly. I’m also from a rural, underserved background, again not really mentioned in the primary. Would talking about those items in the context of a diversity essay be appropriate here?
 
hniel15 said:
Aw I was hoping for a few more prompts. For the second one, do you think a diversity essay is okay? I wrote about being in an LGBTQ group on my primary in my Experiences section but never talked in depth about how that identity affects my perspective, which I decided to save for secondaries since most ask directly. I’m also from a rural, underserved background, again not really mentioned in the primary. Would talking about those items in the context of a diversity essay be appropriate here?
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I'm planning on doing a "Why Dartmouth" essay for this prompt but I'm sure a diversity essay would fit just fine.
 
hniel15 said:
Aw I was hoping for a few more prompts. For the second one, do you think a diversity essay is okay? I wrote about being in an LGBTQ group on my primary in my Experiences section but never talked in depth about how that identity affects my perspective, which I decided to save for secondaries since most ask directly. I’m also from a rural, underserved background, again not really mentioned in the primary. Would talking about those items in the context of a diversity essay be appropriate here?
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I did something similar. Did a diversity/adversity essay about being LGBTQ froma. Rural conservative area. I feel like a “why us” wouldn’t be as impactful as the essay. Since Geisel is a rural area and we both have rural backgrounds, I think our background may explain why we like the school.
 
JBruinW said:
I've wanted to go to Dartmouth since high school. Are they more forgiving in terms of GPA? I noticed that they have a 10th percentile in the 3.3 range which is where I'm currently sitting. I scored a 525 on the MCAT and am a bit of a nontrad so I am wondering if it's even worth applying here. Would love some feedback!
Click to expand...
Definitely apply, I was in a similar boat! It hurt to spend $130 (or whatever ridiculous amount it was)... if you play your cards right you can end up with multiple acceptances despite what the MSAR says!
 
wanderingorion said:
Almost M2 at Geisel here! Let me know if you have any questions about the application process, etc!

Good luck!
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Curious what everyone's thoughts are on essay length for the two prompts in this app since there isn't a word/character limit. Maybe a current student can weigh in? My essays are hovering around 500 words each. I have quite a bit to say, but don't want to over do it. Thanks!
 
I'm also wondering what kind of information they might be looking for in the second prompt. I know if it's optional it's not necessary, but if there is something I can add, I would like to add it.

My diversity essay includes stuff from AMCAS so I wont add that.
 
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Spider2YBanana said:
I'm also wondering what kind of information they might be looking for in the second prompt. I know if it's optional it's not necessary, but if there is something I can add, I would like to add it.

My diversity essay includes stuff from AMCAS so I wont add that.
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I think, based on the language on DMS website and their general approach to admissions that they are giving applicants some room to run a little. My take is that this is a space to make yourself stand out a little. Maybe a time to drop academic or professional accomplishments and get into what drives you, what has influenced you, or just a little more about who you are. Maybe a current DMS student or recently accepted student can chime in here since I really don't know for sure, but that was my impression.
 
Dartmouth sends secondaries even if your AMCAS hasn't been verified yet right? Was wondering because I checked my email but haven't received one from them yet. 🙁
 
rippir said:
Dartmouth sends secondaries even if your AMCAS hasn't been verified yet right? Was wondering because I checked my email but haven't received one from them yet. 🙁
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I believe they do. At least they did in years past. Last time I applied I had to wait until Sep for my MCATs to come through, but I filled out a secondary over the summer.
 
rippir said:
Dartmouth sends secondaries even if your AMCAS hasn't been verified yet right? Was wondering because I checked my email but haven't received one from them yet. 🙁
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I also haven't gotten one yet and I was verified before the 29th. I'm giving it another week or so, they are probably just sending secondaries in waves.
 
I haven’t gotten one either, I’m not worried about it because I have 10 other secondaries to work on


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When they say they require one year of biology (8 semester hours of equivalent), do I need to include labs for the lectures? My bio 1 and 2 courses were 3 credits each. Is that all they want or should I add the labs separately?
 
DeadlyWarbler said:
Curious what everyone's thoughts are on essay length for the two prompts in this app since there isn't a word/character limit. Maybe a current student can weigh in? My essays are hovering around 500 words each. I have quite a bit to say, but don't want to over do it. Thanks!
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I remember this being mentioned in a previous cycle's thread. I think 1000 word limit was what they added after the fact, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. I don't think going over a word count in your essays will DQ you from an interview.
 
How long did you guys make the second essay?
 
Am I hallucinating or there isnt any place to put the course name for the pre-req?
 
Mr. Peanutbutter said:
Secondary Received! I don't see anything about word count on the app

1. Please indicate your plans for the 2018-2019 academic year. If in school, please list your courses. If working, let us know something about the nature of your job. If your plans or courses change subsequently, you need to inform the Admissions Office by email at Geisel.Admissions@dartmouth.edu.

2. Please share with us something about yourself that is not addressed elsewhere in your application and which could be helpful to the Admissions Committee as we review your file.
Click to expand...


I've spoken with the Dartmouth Admissions team. The woman I spoke with prefers short responses to these prompts. She recommended a paragraph. I wouldn't bother reiterating anything here unless it was only discussed in a very cursory way elsewhere, and you think it is essential to understand. I didn't ask about a sub 3.8 gpa, because that isn't my situation, but I did ask about MCAT, since I'm waiting to hear back on that, and a high science section 505 or better can get you in if other parts of your application are strong.
 
elastigirl/mollyweasley said:
I've spoken with the Dartmouth Admissions team. The woman I spoke with prefers short responses to these prompts. She recommended a paragraph. I wouldn't bother reiterating anything here unless it was only discussed in a very cursory way elsewhere, and you think it is essential to understand. I didn't ask about a sub 3.8 gpa, because that isn't my situation, but I did ask about MCAT, since I'm waiting to hear back on that, and a high science section 505 or better can get you in if other parts of your application are strong.
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Aw man. I might need to cut my essays back. I've got a ~400 and a ~800 word essay. This would make all our lives easier if they added a word limit
 
medschoolzombie said:
Aw man. I might need to cut my essays back. I've got a ~400 and a ~800 word essay. This would make all our lives easier if they added a word limit
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I agree, but I think that the point is that if you have more you need to say, you can. I'd write what you think is necessary but write with an eye to be concise. I wrote and submitted 196 words and 313 words.

Remember, the more space that something takes up on your application, the longer they will be thinking about it.

Now, I'm just crossing my fingers and praying that my MCAT went well. I'll know on 7/31. Ugh.
 
elastigirl/mollyweasley said:
I agree, but I think that the point is that if you have more you need to say, you can. I'd write what you think is necessary but write with an eye to be concise. I wrote and submitted 196 words and 313 words.

Remember, the more space that something takes up on your application, the longer they will be thinking about it.

Now, I'm just crossing my fingers and praying that my MCAT went well. I'll know on 7/31. Ugh.
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I basically wrote a diversity/adversity/why this school essay for the long one. Lol I hope they don’t just toss it cause it’s long. That would suck

I’m sure you did great!
 
For coursework, do we put "College of Arts and Sciences" for college or the university we attended?
 
elastigirl/mollyweasley said:
I've spoken with the Dartmouth Admissions team. The woman I spoke with prefers short responses to these prompts. She recommended a paragraph. I wouldn't bother reiterating anything here unless it was only discussed in a very cursory way elsewhere, and you think it is essential to understand. I didn't ask about a sub 3.8 gpa, because that isn't my situation, but I did ask about MCAT, since I'm waiting to hear back on that, and a high science section 505 or better can get you in if other parts of your application are strong.
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Dang. I submitted today wish a rather long second essay. It was a mix of diversity, adversity, future mission, and how Geisel will help me work towards this goal. Hopefully this won't hurt my chances :/
 
elastigirl/mollyweasley said:
I've spoken with the Dartmouth Admissions team. The woman I spoke with prefers short responses to these prompts. She recommended a paragraph. I wouldn't bother reiterating anything here unless it was only discussed in a very cursory way elsewhere, and you think it is essential to understand. I didn't ask about a sub 3.8 gpa, because that isn't my situation, but I did ask about MCAT, since I'm waiting to hear back on that, and a high science section 505 or better can get you in if other parts of your application are strong.
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Are C/P AND B/B the only science sections on the MCAT or is P/S classified as a science section as well. Also when you say high science section, does that mean C/P and B/B are given more weight than CARS?
 
rippir said:
Are C/P AND B/B the only science sections on the MCAT or is P/S classified as a science section as well. Also when you say high science section, does that mean C/P and B/B are given more weight than CARS?
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I also talked to admissions about my app last cycle. She said they like to see higher BB/CP sections and are more lenient on CARS. I scored a 505 before with a sub 125 CARS but higher science sections and she said thats seen as competitive. I think they look mostly at the hard sciences instead of the social sciences.
 
MomJeansandDadJorts said:
I also talked to admissions about my app last cycle. She said they like to see higher BB/CP sections and are more lenient on CARS. I scored a 505 before with a sub 125 CARS but higher science sections and she said thats seen as competitive. I think they look mostly at the hard sciences instead of the social sciences.
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Bless
 
rippir said:
Are C/P AND B/B the only science sections on the MCAT or is P/S classified as a science section as well. Also when you say high science section, does that mean C/P and B/B are given more weight than CARS?
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I'm saying that, if you are going to be "low" on something (aka, if you are going to have a 505-510) it's better to be low in CARS than C/P or B/B. Unfortunately, P/S and CARS are my strengths.
 
elastigirl/mollyweasley said:
I'm saying that, if you are going to be "low" on something (aka, if you are going to have a 505-510) it's better to be low in CARS than C/P or B/B. Unfortunately, P/S and CARS are my strengths.
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Or you can be like me and score the lowest in B/B and the highest in CARS when in every practice test you have taken, AAMC or third-party, I have scored the highest on B/B and the lowest in CARS. I scored the lowest in the most important category and the highest in a category that gets the most leeway (as an immigrant ORM too). Though I shouldn't complain, my MCAT is more than adequate (though it ain't great lol).

Now I'm just ranting haha.
 
Unlimited Apps said:
Or you can be like me and score the lowest in B/B and the highest in CARS when in every practice test you have taken, AAMC or third-party, I have scored the highest on B/B and the lowest in CARS. I scored the lowest in the most important category and the highest in a category that gets the most leeway (as an immigrant ORM too). Though I shouldn't complain, my MCAT is more than adequate (though it ain't great lol).

Now I'm just ranting haha.
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I RELATE SO MUCH
 
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