AAMC FL #3 C/P was a beast in all honesty! I felt like it was way harder than my actual exam and I ended up with a 127 in it on the actual! Have you done the section banks? Those are more indicative, I think. On the actual exam, just breathe and pace yourself and if C/P is hard, don't let that discourage you because that will affect how you go into the other sections. As for applying, if you're ECs are strong, I see no reason why you shouldn't apply this cycle! Good luck this Saturday!
***2018-2019 URM Medical School Application Thread***
- Thread starter takeurmeds02
- Start date
Hey guys, occasional lurker here. It's my first post! I really need your help with my school list. Below are some info that might help (it's a tad bit thorough lol)>> Thanks in advance!
Btw S/O to all the OGs paying it forward, Y'all are the MVPs!
• Year in school: Graduate, class of 2018, Psychology Major.
• URM: Yes, African Male. migrated from Nigeria < 5 years ago.
• State of residence: Illinois.
• School list: (Very tentative): In-state schools- (UIC, RUSH, Loyola, UChicago, Southern Illinois, Rosalind Franklin).
OOS (based on stats and honestly, good weather- S/O to IL residents!)-
Alabama
BU
Wake Forest
UCLA
Central Michigan
Indiana University
Howard
U of Kansas
U of Kentucky
Louisville
U of Miami
Central Florida
UNC
Ohio State
SLU
Wayne State
U of Wisconsin
Morehouse
Baylor Coll of Med
I’m open to replace, remove or add suggestions. My goal is 20 schools!
• Cumulative GPA: 3.93
• Science GPA: 4.0 (Attended Junior College for first 2 years before transferring to highly ranked state school. Almost all pre reqs were taken at junior College. Still took higher level science classes at 4 year Uni- Orgo 2, Genetics, Biochem, Anatomy 2 + lab.
• MCAT Scores: 505 (126, 126, 125, 128)
• Research : Speaker/ presenter at Midwest Psych conference, RA in psych lab for 2 semesters (received credit, no publication/authorship).
• Volunteering (clinical): Volunteer at level 1 trauma ER- 120 hours by time of verification (plan to continue until matriculation)
• Physician shadowing: occupational medicine (50hrs- plan to continue), General surgeon (105), currently trying to find a psychiatrist (significant interest)
• Non-clinical volunteering: home healthcare internship (60 hrs), food bank (200 hrs), vis-à-vis grade school tutor (80 hrs)
• Extracurricular activities: Minority male support club (exec), honor societies, pre-med club, Basketball and soccer (both intramural, multiple years)
• Employment history: Independent Student so Worked all through college, up to 60 hrs some weeks- Multiple retail jobs, private tutoring, housing counselor for University housing, College tutor (TRIO math and science), Undergrad Library & more
• Interest in rural health : Yes
• Additional info- Interested in MD/MPH, Passionate about Mental Health (especially in underserved areas), endured homelessness, paid way through college hence research and “classic ECs” may be lacking. I don’t know if it shows but I’m a hard worker (as are all of you lol), and I really cannot afford to retake the MCAT or take an additional gap year. So PLEASE HELP! THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Btw S/O to all the OGs paying it forward, Y'all are the MVPs!
• Year in school: Graduate, class of 2018, Psychology Major.
• URM: Yes, African Male. migrated from Nigeria < 5 years ago.
• State of residence: Illinois.
• School list: (Very tentative): In-state schools- (UIC, RUSH, Loyola, UChicago, Southern Illinois, Rosalind Franklin).
OOS (based on stats and honestly, good weather- S/O to IL residents!)-
Alabama
BU
Wake Forest
UCLA
Central Michigan
Indiana University
Howard
U of Kansas
U of Kentucky
Louisville
U of Miami
Central Florida
UNC
Ohio State
SLU
Wayne State
U of Wisconsin
Morehouse
Baylor Coll of Med
I’m open to replace, remove or add suggestions. My goal is 20 schools!
• Cumulative GPA: 3.93
• Science GPA: 4.0 (Attended Junior College for first 2 years before transferring to highly ranked state school. Almost all pre reqs were taken at junior College. Still took higher level science classes at 4 year Uni- Orgo 2, Genetics, Biochem, Anatomy 2 + lab.
• MCAT Scores: 505 (126, 126, 125, 128)
• Research : Speaker/ presenter at Midwest Psych conference, RA in psych lab for 2 semesters (received credit, no publication/authorship).
• Volunteering (clinical): Volunteer at level 1 trauma ER- 120 hours by time of verification (plan to continue until matriculation)
• Physician shadowing: occupational medicine (50hrs- plan to continue), General surgeon (105), currently trying to find a psychiatrist (significant interest)
• Non-clinical volunteering: home healthcare internship (60 hrs), food bank (200 hrs), vis-à-vis grade school tutor (80 hrs)
• Extracurricular activities: Minority male support club (exec), honor societies, pre-med club, Basketball and soccer (both intramural, multiple years)
• Employment history: Independent Student so Worked all through college, up to 60 hrs some weeks- Multiple retail jobs, private tutoring, housing counselor for University housing, College tutor (TRIO math and science), Undergrad Library & more
• Interest in rural health : Yes
• Additional info- Interested in MD/MPH, Passionate about Mental Health (especially in underserved areas), endured homelessness, paid way through college hence research and “classic ECs” may be lacking. I don’t know if it shows but I’m a hard worker (as are all of you lol), and I really cannot afford to retake the MCAT or take an additional gap year. So PLEASE HELP! THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2013
- Messages
- 409
- Reaction score
- 736
This is just my experience but I got to same score on AAMC FL3 and ended up with a 515. I cant remember if it was the chemistry that brought my score down on the practice test but I remember it being very organic heavy.
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2016
- Messages
- 59
- Reaction score
- 103
Hi all, excited to be applying this cycle for 2019 matriculation with everyone
. Looking to get some good opinions on my school list! Please help me .
22 years old, Female, African-American (1st Gen American-Cameroonian)
Major: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry & Bioinformatics (Biochem concentration)
GPA: 3.604 cgpa, 3.50 sgpa
Undergrad: Top 10 liberal arts public school
MCAT: 509 (retake from 501) --> 129 (C/P), 124 (CARS), 128 (B/B), 128 (P/S)
State of Residence: Maryland
Clinical
Scribe, Emergency Department, 8 months to present, ~ 700 hours
Medical Assistant/Scribe, primary care office, 1 year, ~1000 hours
Volunteer, clinical at hospital, 1 year, ~200 hours
Shadowing: Cardiologist (catheterizations) (60 hours), Allergist (30 hours), Dermatologist (30 hours), Critical Care and Trauma (80 hours)
Research, Undergrad biochemistry lab, multiple posters/presentations, no publications, 1.5 years, ~600 hours
Volunteer, Outreach/Education promoting HIV/STD awareness, 6 months, 30 hours
Tutor, Hispanic youths in underdeveloped community, 8 months, 30 hours
Mentor, minority youth women in underdeveloped community, 1 year, 50 hours
Choreographer, African Male dance team - 2 years
Counselor, Community Crisis services, 8 months to present, ~450 hours
Clinician/Tutor, (paid) For kids with intellectual disabilities, 3 months, ~500 hours
Vice President, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology club at undergrad, 1 year
Treasurer/Secretary, pre-med club, 2 years
Current Schools list:
· Albany Medical College
· Wake Forest School of Medicine of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
· Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
· Georgetown University School of Medicine
· George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Howard University College of Medicine
· Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
· Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
· Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
· University of Maryland School of Medicine (state school)
· Meharry Medical College
· New York Medical College
· Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
· Tufts University School of Medicine
· Tulane University School of Medicine
· University of Vermont College of Medicine
· Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
· Eastern Virginia Medical School
· Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
· Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
· Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
· Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Suggestions from @Faha @Goro @gyngyn @LizzyM would be highly appreciated as well!
Good luck to EVERYONE on applying this cycle. YOU CAN DO THIS!!
. Looking to get some good opinions on my school list! Please help me .22 years old, Female, African-American (1st Gen American-Cameroonian)
Major: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry & Bioinformatics (Biochem concentration)
GPA: 3.604 cgpa, 3.50 sgpa
Undergrad: Top 10 liberal arts public school
MCAT: 509 (retake from 501) --> 129 (C/P), 124 (CARS), 128 (B/B), 128 (P/S)
State of Residence: Maryland
Clinical
Scribe, Emergency Department, 8 months to present, ~ 700 hours
Medical Assistant/Scribe, primary care office, 1 year, ~1000 hours
Volunteer, clinical at hospital, 1 year, ~200 hours
Shadowing: Cardiologist (catheterizations) (60 hours), Allergist (30 hours), Dermatologist (30 hours), Critical Care and Trauma (80 hours)
Research, Undergrad biochemistry lab, multiple posters/presentations, no publications, 1.5 years, ~600 hours
Volunteer, Outreach/Education promoting HIV/STD awareness, 6 months, 30 hours
Tutor, Hispanic youths in underdeveloped community, 8 months, 30 hours
Mentor, minority youth women in underdeveloped community, 1 year, 50 hours
Choreographer, African Male dance team - 2 years
Counselor, Community Crisis services, 8 months to present, ~450 hours
Clinician/Tutor, (paid) For kids with intellectual disabilities, 3 months, ~500 hours
Vice President, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology club at undergrad, 1 year
Treasurer/Secretary, pre-med club, 2 years
Current Schools list:
· Albany Medical College
· Wake Forest School of Medicine of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
· Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
· Georgetown University School of Medicine
· George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Howard University College of Medicine
· Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
· Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
· Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
· University of Maryland School of Medicine (state school)
· Meharry Medical College
· New York Medical College
· Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
· Tufts University School of Medicine
· Tulane University School of Medicine
· University of Vermont College of Medicine
· Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
· Eastern Virginia Medical School
· Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
· Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
· Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
· Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Suggestions from @Faha @Goro @gyngyn @LizzyM would be highly appreciated as well!
Good luck to EVERYONE on applying this cycle. YOU CAN DO THIS!!
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2011
- Messages
- 28,440
- Reaction score
- 54,200
You should get several interviews.Hi all, excited to be applying this cycle for 2019 matriculation with everyone
22 years old, Female, African-American (1st Gen American-Cameroonian)
Major: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry & Bioinformatics (Biochem concentration)
GPA: 3.604 cgpa, 3.50 sgpa
Undergrad: Top 10 liberal arts public school
MCAT: 509 (retake from 501) --> 129 (C/P), 124 (CARS), 128 (B/B), 128 (P/S)
State of Residence: Maryland
Clinical
Scribe, Emergency Department, 8 months to present, ~ 700 hours
Medical Assistant/Scribe, primary care office, 1 year, ~1000 hours
Volunteer, clinical at hospital, 1 year, ~200 hours
Shadowing: Cardiologist (catheterizations) (60 hours), Allergist (30 hours), Dermatologist (30 hours), Critical Care and Trauma (80 hours)
Research, Undergrad biochemistry lab, multiple posters/presentations, no publications, 1.5 years, ~600 hours
Volunteer, Outreach/Education promoting HIV/STD awareness, 6 months, 30 hours
Tutor, Hispanic youths in underdeveloped community, 8 months, 30 hours
Mentor, minority youth women in underdeveloped community, 1 year, 50 hours
Choreographer, African Male dance team - 2 years
Counselor, Community Crisis services, 8 months to present, ~450 hours
Clinician/Tutor, (paid) For kids with intellectual disabilities, 3 months, ~500 hours
Vice President, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology club at undergrad, 1 year
Treasurer/Secretary, pre-med club, 2 years
Current Schools list:
· Albany Medical College
· Wake Forest School of Medicine of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
· Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
· Georgetown University School of Medicine
· George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Howard University College of Medicine
· Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
· Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
· Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
· University of Maryland School of Medicine (state school)
· Meharry Medical College
· New York Medical College
· Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
· Tufts University School of Medicine
· Tulane University School of Medicine
· University of Vermont College of Medicine
· Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
· Eastern Virginia Medical School
· Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
· Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
· Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
· Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Suggestions from @Faha @Goro @gyngyn @LizzyM would be highly appreciated as well!
Good luck to EVERYONE on applying this cycle. YOU CAN DO THIS!!
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2010
- Messages
- 72,623
- Reaction score
- 115,667
Aim higher. Start list with WashU and radiate outwardsHi all, excited to be applying this cycle for 2019 matriculation with everyone
22 years old, Female, African-American (1st Gen American-Cameroonian)
Major: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry & Bioinformatics (Biochem concentration)
GPA: 3.604 cgpa, 3.50 sgpa
Undergrad: Top 10 liberal arts public school
MCAT: 509 (retake from 501) --> 129 (C/P), 124 (CARS), 128 (B/B), 128 (P/S)
State of Residence: Maryland
Clinical
Scribe, Emergency Department, 8 months to present, ~ 700 hours
Medical Assistant/Scribe, primary care office, 1 year, ~1000 hours
Volunteer, clinical at hospital, 1 year, ~200 hours
Shadowing: Cardiologist (catheterizations) (60 hours), Allergist (30 hours), Dermatologist (30 hours), Critical Care and Trauma (80 hours)
Research, Undergrad biochemistry lab, multiple posters/presentations, no publications, 1.5 years, ~600 hours
Volunteer, Outreach/Education promoting HIV/STD awareness, 6 months, 30 hours
Tutor, Hispanic youths in underdeveloped community, 8 months, 30 hours
Mentor, minority youth women in underdeveloped community, 1 year, 50 hours
Choreographer, African Male dance team - 2 years
Counselor, Community Crisis services, 8 months to present, ~450 hours
Clinician/Tutor, (paid) For kids with intellectual disabilities, 3 months, ~500 hours
Vice President, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology club at undergrad, 1 year
Treasurer/Secretary, pre-med club, 2 years
Current Schools list:
· Albany Medical College
· Wake Forest School of Medicine of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
· Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
· Georgetown University School of Medicine
· George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Howard University College of Medicine
· Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
· Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
· Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
· University of Maryland School of Medicine (state school)
· Meharry Medical College
· New York Medical College
· Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
· Tufts University School of Medicine
· Tulane University School of Medicine
· University of Vermont College of Medicine
· Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
· Eastern Virginia Medical School
· Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
· Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
· Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
· Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Suggestions from @Faha @Goro @gyngyn @LizzyM would be highly appreciated as well!
Good luck to EVERYONE on applying this cycle. YOU CAN DO THIS!!
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2012
- Messages
- 17,920
- Reaction score
- 8,954
You should receive several interviews from your list.
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2005
- Messages
- 27,757
- Reaction score
- 51,576
With a MCAT subscore < 125, I cannot concur. The list OP has presented looks reasonable and I would predict no less than 5 interviews and at least 2 offers. OP, come back this time next year and let us know how the cycle worked out for you.
premed1808
Full Member
- Joined
- May 27, 2018
- Messages
- 20
- Reaction score
- 12
Hi, everyone! I'm very excited to finally be applying to medical school! I really need help coming up with a school list so any help is much appreciated!
21 years old, Female, African-American (1st Gen American-Cameroonian)
GPA: 3.271 cGPA
MCAT: Waiting on score
State of Residence: Ohio
Extra Curricular
- Patient Care Technician: 500 hours
- Medical Assistant: 3000 hours
- Non clinical service: 900 hours (3 separate ones including an organization that I started)
- Medical fraternity: 300 hours
- Leadership position: 1200 hours
- Research: 350 hours (no publications)
- Research: 600 hours (no publications)
- Leadership position: 950 hours
- Scholars group: 400 hours
- Scholars group: 100 hours
- Clinical volunteering: 1,000 hours
- Shadowing: 500 hours
I also speak three languages!
Any advice on a school list is much appreciated from everyone! @Goro @Faha @gyngyn @LizzyM
21 years old, Female, African-American (1st Gen American-Cameroonian)
GPA: 3.271 cGPA
MCAT: Waiting on score
State of Residence: Ohio
Extra Curricular
- Patient Care Technician: 500 hours
- Medical Assistant: 3000 hours
- Non clinical service: 900 hours (3 separate ones including an organization that I started)
- Medical fraternity: 300 hours
- Leadership position: 1200 hours
- Research: 350 hours (no publications)
- Research: 600 hours (no publications)
- Leadership position: 950 hours
- Scholars group: 400 hours
- Scholars group: 100 hours
- Clinical volunteering: 1,000 hours
- Shadowing: 500 hours
I also speak three languages!
Any advice on a school list is much appreciated from everyone! @Goro @Faha @gyngyn @LizzyM
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2010
- Messages
- 72,623
- Reaction score
- 115,667
Come back with an MCAT score, and then we can advise.
premed1808
Full Member
- Joined
- May 27, 2018
- Messages
- 20
- Reaction score
- 12
I'm concerned about secondaries since I won't be getting an MCAT score till the end of July. I'm thinking I will score approximately 507-510. Do you think it is better to hold off? Thank you for responding!
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2010
- Messages
- 72,623
- Reaction score
- 115,667
I can't advise without an MCAT.
But your state school and the HBCs should be at top of list.
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2016
- Messages
- 59
- Reaction score
- 103
Thank you all for the input. Much appreciated!
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2017
- Messages
- 29
- Reaction score
- 24
Hey guys so I usually don't post but I just got my MCAT score and I'm trying to make a school list. So, I have decent research, shadowing and volunteering, nothing too crazy but my stats are
cGPA: 3.57
sGPA: 3.49
MCAT scores: 509 (126,126,129,128)
NJ resident
Any help would be appreciated and I intend on applying MD and DO, but below is an MD list I have so far.
Cooper Medical School of Rowan
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Rutgers Robert WJ med school
Seton Hall School of Medicine
Albany Medical College
New York Medical College
SUNY Upstate
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Drexel
Temple
Howard
Morehouse
Meharry
Tufts
Georgetown
George Washington University
Quinnipiac
cGPA: 3.57
sGPA: 3.49
MCAT scores: 509 (126,126,129,128)
NJ resident
Any help would be appreciated and I intend on applying MD and DO, but below is an MD list I have so far.
Cooper Medical School of Rowan
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Rutgers Robert WJ med school
Seton Hall School of Medicine
Albany Medical College
New York Medical College
SUNY Upstate
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Drexel
Temple
Howard
Morehouse
Meharry
Tufts
Georgetown
George Washington University
Quinnipiac
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2018
- Messages
- 187
- Reaction score
- 274
Did anyone else get that email from U of Chicago encouraging you to apply? Even when my MCAT doesn't reach their 10th percentile lol
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2016
- Messages
- 296
- Reaction score
- 646
Yeah and I’m matriculating there in the fall.
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2018
- Messages
- 187
- Reaction score
- 274
What were your stats if you don't mind me asking? I have a 507 mcat and 3.85 gpa and this school was definitely not on my list, but that email was a good tactic on their part
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2016
- Messages
- 296
- Reaction score
- 646
What were your stats if you don't mind me asking? I have a 507 mcat and 3.85 gpa and this school was definitely not on my list, but that email was a good tactic on their part
3.68/510. You might as well apply. Did they give you a free secondary?
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2016
- Messages
- 59
- Reaction score
- 103
My bank account is happy/celebrating
lol
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2018
- Messages
- 187
- Reaction score
- 274
Yes they did, but I have FAP as well so it would have been waived. Guess it couldn't hurt to apply, only an additional primary app.
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2016
- Messages
- 296
- Reaction score
- 646
This is also assuming you have the other EC’s that Pritzker is looking for. I had significant research experience and a very compelling story. I also had the FAP, so I’d encourage you to apply to some more reaches if you didn’t include Pritzker. Northwestern and USC might give you a chance maybe even WashU.
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2013
- Messages
- 409
- Reaction score
- 736
I added that school to my list today so I was hoping it was a secondary lol. Nope..just an invitation to apply.
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2017
- Messages
- 114
- Reaction score
- 211
What are y'all doing about secondary photos? I've been searching on here and it looks like the general consensus is to get a passport photo in your business attire, but i'm actually not capable of doing that since I'm currently overseas. I'm torn between a really nice photo of me standing beside a friend after church (with her cropped out of course) that's really well lit or a selfie I took during my internship last summer in which I'm wearing business attire but the lighting isn't as good. Would anybody be willing to take a look at the two pictures for me via private message and give their feedback?
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2017
- Messages
- 573
- Reaction score
- 1,024
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think it's fine if you just get someone to take a passport-like photo for you. Just get a phone camera, wear some professional clothing and take the picture up against a plain white background or something.
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2018
- Messages
- 409
- Reaction score
- 518
That’s what I had my friend do for me and I think it’s fine
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2016
- Messages
- 296
- Reaction score
- 646
As long as they'll be able to tell its you when you interview you'll be fine with the second one. It's just to be able to remember you after you interview. As others have said you can also just take another selfie with a professional top against a wall.
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2013
- Messages
- 409
- Reaction score
- 736
My brain hurts from writing all these secondaries and I'm only halfway done with the ones I have in my inbox
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2018
- Messages
- 409
- Reaction score
- 518
same! I'm trying to catch up on the ones from last week and new ones keep coming inMy brain hurts from writing all these secondaries and I'm only halfway done with the ones I have in my inbox
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2016
- Messages
- 87
- Reaction score
- 121
Best of luck to everyone! This process is long and will definitely test your resilience.
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2013
- Messages
- 8,597
- Reaction score
- 19,854
My brain hurts from writing all these secondaries and I'm only halfway done with the ones I have in my inbox
I feel you. I'm taking a break for a couple of days because I can't even deal with these "repeat your entire primary" secondaries
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2018
- Messages
- 409
- Reaction score
- 518
WashU
UCLA-Drew
State schools
How much research experience do you have? I think your list is good tho!
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2016
- Messages
- 296
- Reaction score
- 646
If there are any schools in the top 20 that you're interested in you're probably fine to add them including Hopkins, UCLA, or Stanford. As the above poster said, add your state schools for safeties just in case because you don't want to be too top heavy - if you don't have a state schools or you're from CA, I might add a few mid-tiers as safeties (USC, Jefferson, Temple, SLU - you'd be fine at any of these). As a note, this is definitely bias since I am matriculating to UChicago, but there is a big emphasis on working with underserved and/or minority communities - so talk about it at all interviews, but especially at UChicago.
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2013
- Messages
- 8,597
- Reaction score
- 19,854
Sky’s the limit, I think you’re going to do great. Add Hopkins and Stanford for sure.
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2016
- Messages
- 296
- Reaction score
- 646
@Lucca I see that you already have an interview invite, congrats on that!
To you and anyone else who gets an invite, I have a few tidbits of advice from my past cycle (As a reference I applied to 11 schools and got 7 II with 6 acceptances and 1 waitlist to which I turned down):
To you and anyone else who gets an invite, I have a few tidbits of advice from my past cycle (As a reference I applied to 11 schools and got 7 II with 6 acceptances and 1 waitlist to which I turned down):
- I highly suggest you all have semi-prepared answers to typical interview questions (Why do you wanna be a doctor/Why medicine - I got asked this at every interview and most of them said "I know you're PS addressed it but to ask again", Why this school, tell me about yourself, ect.
- Have a question prepared to ask at the end - this one was always hard for me, so just try to find something you can ask about that has a little substance and couldn't be answered by a super quick google search. I usually asked about minority/underserved outreach because I always interviewed with the diversity director lol
- Have fun at interviews - you're interviewing the school as much as they're interviewing you, I fell in love with my school during my interview day and I knew that's where I wanted to go (it was my 6th interview and almost every one before I really liked, but I instantly knew Pritzker was for me above all the ones before).
- Finally, stay with a host during your interviews! Not only will you save money on hotels, but they will make you feel 1000 times better about your interview. I was not nervous for a single interview and a big part that was getting to talk to current students, having dinner with them, and having them walk me to the interview. You'll get firsthand accounts of how the students like the schools. I wanted classmates who loved their school so if I didn't get that vibe then I definitely took that into account for my final decision. A lot of interviewees were jealous when I mentioned I stayed with a host and they wished they had done it AND it was a great opening conversation during my interviews. The interviewer would usually start with a how are you or how is blank city treating you and I would always say I am great/it's great and I actually did the host program last night and stayed with blank and it was great getting to know a current student and the interviewer always responded positively. If anyone gets an invite to UChicago feel free to reach out to me, I would be happy to get some coffee or something the day before your interview or even host you!
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2017
- Messages
- 39
- Reaction score
- 70
I would really appreciate feedback on my school list and whether I should add any higher tier or lower tier schools to balance it out.
My MCAT was 512 (C/P: 127, B/B:127, CARS:127, P/S: 131) My GPA over all is 3.71 with a science GPA of 3.64 I have solid extracurriculars involving a lot of clinical/non-clinical volunteering , leadership and research experience(2 years in undergrad, continuing on into gap year).
In terms of demographics I am a Colombian Woman (Latina), 21 years old with residency in Wisconsin.
**Here is my list:**
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin
Case Western (I participated in a summer program there)
Duke (reach but I am really interested in their primary care track)
Loyola
Ohio State
St. Louis University
University of Minnesota
Temple
University of Chicago (Reach but they emailed me inviting me to apply and are
waiving my secondary fee so worth the shot)
Rush
University of Michigan-Ann Harbor
University of Miami (if it helps I grew up in Florida and have a lot of ties to the area)
UCLA
Boston University
Also, I received a letter from northwestern inviting me to apply and offering to waive my secondary fee. I am not sure if I should apply seeing as my stats are not even in the range of their admitted students according to MSAR. I would love to hear people’s thoughts on this.
I plan on adding ~3 more mid/lower tier schools to this list
My MCAT was 512 (C/P: 127, B/B:127, CARS:127, P/S: 131) My GPA over all is 3.71 with a science GPA of 3.64 I have solid extracurriculars involving a lot of clinical/non-clinical volunteering , leadership and research experience(2 years in undergrad, continuing on into gap year).
In terms of demographics I am a Colombian Woman (Latina), 21 years old with residency in Wisconsin.
**Here is my list:**
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin
Case Western (I participated in a summer program there)
Duke (reach but I am really interested in their primary care track)
Loyola
Ohio State
St. Louis University
University of Minnesota
Temple
University of Chicago (Reach but they emailed me inviting me to apply and are
waiving my secondary fee so worth the shot)
Rush
University of Michigan-Ann Harbor
University of Miami (if it helps I grew up in Florida and have a lot of ties to the area)
UCLA
Boston University
Also, I received a letter from northwestern inviting me to apply and offering to waive my secondary fee. I am not sure if I should apply seeing as my stats are not even in the range of their admitted students according to MSAR. I would love to hear people’s thoughts on this.
I plan on adding ~3 more mid/lower tier schools to this list
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2018
- Messages
- 409
- Reaction score
- 518
I think you can apply wherever you could see yourself attending
I would consider adding:
Tufts
Emory
NYMC
GWU
Cincinnati?
Jefferson?
Drexel?
FWIW I also received similar emails from Vanderbilt and UChicago and I got passed the screen at Vanderbilt so Northwestern might be worth a shot if you have time to work on the secondary
Your list looks good and I think adding the ~3 lower tier will help, good luck!
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2016
- Messages
- 296
- Reaction score
- 646
Since you already plan on adding more mid tiers (USC and Jefferson would be good picks), you should add a few more reaches to your list. Pick a few in the top 20 you like and see what happens. Definitely apply to Northwestern since all you have to pay is the primary. You have a slightly higher GPA and MCAT than me and I got acceptances from UChicago and Northwestern.
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2015
- Messages
- 272
- Reaction score
- 291
I think you will be fine as long as you keep it neat, and bun would serve that purpose. Your braid style is just another hair style choice among many; just keep it professional (e.g. no crazy color choices, no emblems shaved into your head, etc.) and you will be fine. I wore my natural hair actually, and I sent that picture everywhere. I kept everything neat and professional with my hair in a semi-up do around a thin head band. I had actually planned to put some big, longer havanna-esque twists in before the cycle started but didn't. Throughout the cycle I realized that it came down to how you wore the style because I saw all kinds on the interview trail, and people really rocked everything. You'll be great either way, but don't stress too much over it.
7
720606
Had braids the entire season. Worked out great!
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2017
- Messages
- 50
- Reaction score
- 11
Has anyone had any weird vibes from any schools they've interviewed at, or seen that reported here? Like unfriendly/unsupportive towards urm-vibes. I remember seeing a post like that about one school awhile back but now that it's time for me to apply I want make sure to avoid those.
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2012
- Messages
- 143
- Reaction score
- 110
.
Last edited:
Hispanic male (Puerto Rican) from NY
513 MCAT (128,128,129,128)
3.83cgpa
3.88sgpa.
I have decent clinical volunteer/shadowing/community service hours and also am very involved in student government, but I have no research experience. I’m a comparative literature major, and all the clinical research opportunities I could find required too many hours for me (I worked 20 hours a week throughout college). What are some schools that I should look at despite not having any research experience? I have the MSAR and I’m honestly terrified seeing that every school has 90+ % students that did research, and I worry that despite my stats/other ECs I’ll be held back.
513 MCAT (128,128,129,128)
3.83cgpa
3.88sgpa.
I have decent clinical volunteer/shadowing/community service hours and also am very involved in student government, but I have no research experience. I’m a comparative literature major, and all the clinical research opportunities I could find required too many hours for me (I worked 20 hours a week throughout college). What are some schools that I should look at despite not having any research experience? I have the MSAR and I’m honestly terrified seeing that every school has 90+ % students that did research, and I worry that despite my stats/other ECs I’ll be held back.
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2015
- Messages
- 272
- Reaction score
- 291
Hey, your app looks good. You had a big MCAT jump so be prepared to talk about that (e.g. what you did differently or how you have matured).
My suggestions:
- I would maybe add more schools in the Midwest (e.g. more schools from Illinois, MCW, Boonshoft,etc.) and the South/Southwest (e.g. HBCUs); Midwestern schools tend to favor reinvention more and I just have a fondness for the South (schools in the South also are used to a diversity of applicants overall and tend to be very direct with how they recruit).
- I know, being from the West coast, that the Midwest and South may not be on your radar as much but they really might be a great option for you
- Also, I am biased : I was born & raised in the Midwest, and earned both of my degrees in the South.
- Your gpa will probably be brought up in some way at least once. Be prepared to talk about that, and relate it back to your growth as an applicant. You have shown academic improvement and they want to know that you can communicate why clearly, showing that it was not a fluke and is long-lasting change.
- Up play your research and if you worked at all to support yourself or family during school. Don't make it a humble brag sort of thing, but make sure it is noted in real way (e.g. if it affected your academic life)
- You come from a very competitive state so I would at least apply to 30+ (I actually applied to that many and I am not even close to CA).
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2015
- Messages
- 272
- Reaction score
- 291
I think you still have a good/reasonable (great in my opinion) shot of getting in without research experience, especially due to your higher gpa & MCAT. However, some of the higher-tier schools may see your app as wanting without it, so it kind of depends on where you apply. There are many schools that will take you without research experience and it is not a requirement to apply at most schools (if any?).
Having research just shows that you understand how research/science actually works, and that you can actually take your knowledge outside of the classroom. Try to show that in other parts of your application, like in your courses/gpa (e.g. did you do well in some upper level difficulty BCPM courses?) or ECs (e.g. did you work in a data intensive profession or were you TA for a science course).
I think you'll be fine, just apply broadly. Your state also has some really great schools that would probably love to have you, but do step outside your state & region for your school list as well.
EDIT: I forgot to suggest specific schools. There are so many, but for an applicant like yourself (or what I now know of you) I would really suggest applying in Illinois/Chicago. Especially if you like the big city feel, but perhaps want a change of environment. There are some big names there, and if you wish to return to NY you will have little problem doing so based on attending any of them. It also has a great diversity of patients, and different learning environments too.
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2015
- Messages
- 272
- Reaction score
- 291
If I am not mistaken there have been a couple schools with diversity/urm issues in the past. I am not sure about all of them, but I had a weird experience at one interview. They did not seem unfriendly or unsupportive to urms per se, but it felt awkward, like they were trying to hard to save face (but only on this day) and I was definitely their potential claim at "diversity". They were off, but not abrasive; I think I may have been one of their first attempts to actively recruit urms so it may have just been growing pains. I just know that when I left the interview, I knew that my interest would not be supported there (e.g. serving underserved or minority communities and advocating for them). That was just not there focus or where their resources went.
I think overall, most schools that interview you are going to be supportive in some way to urms. In other words, if they took the time to see you in person, they will also know that many urm students will want to enter into a friendly, inclusive environment. We are also changing as a country socially, and that is definitely being reflected in medical schools and encouraged by their governing body.
Thank you so much! I do prefer the city but definitely applied broadly. I applied to a few top 20s, but mostly because they’re nearby so if they happen to interview me, they’d be easy to travel to (columbia,cornell, NYU). I’m not banking on top schools by any means though, so the majority of my schools are not big research schools. Chicago seems like a good option, and I did get an email from Loyola waiving my secondary, so I’ll apply there as well.
I also have a question similar to another poster about perceived friendliness towards URMs and willingness to recruit them. Some schools I applied to have especially low numbers of hispanics, (like <5%) so how should I interpret this? Should I expect a school like this to be especially welcoming towards hispanic applicants to try to increase their diversity, or should I expect them to not really care about recruiting hispanics at all? I know each school is different, but I’m just wondering if the number is so low because they just don’t get enough applicants or if there’s something about the school that’s a turn off for minority applicants
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2015
- Messages
- 272
- Reaction score
- 291
The MSAR was my best friend during the app cycle so I understand seeing numbers like that & getting concerned. Honestly, there are many factors as to why a school has a lower % of Hispanics (or any minority group). A lot of it can be region dependent; if the state or city that the school is in is lacking in diversity, then usually the medical school will reflect that. I think that that is part of the reason why schools in the South or in highly populated "urban" areas having a higher % of minority students.
Also, some schools will just draw more minority applicants based off their locations, mission, or outlook on stats (many minority applicants have lower stats, and may be more likely to be weeded out at hard-minimum schools). I would say to take this % in light of the school's location, surrounding population (also your potential patient population to learn from/with), and mission/values. I really read through each school's mission if I considered applying there. I was not the highest stat-wise either, so I had to make sure that a school was focusing on the things I cared about and would see me as an asset to their mission. I think that is really reflected in the schools that interviewed me or gave me great feedback.
DISCLAIMER/BIAS: I attended a wonderful HBCU so I understand the need for seeing like-minded individuals that look, sound, or share the same culture as you in your learning environment. I also did not want to just be 1 of 1-3 AA or minority students on campus. That is a lonely experience that I had before college that I prefer to not return to. Additionally, I attended an overall more diverse grad school (variety of races, ethnicities, ages, genders, sexualities, etc.) and that is what I wanted in medical school; I wanted the students and surrounding patient population to reflect a diverse world in all aspects; not just more of people like me but more of human variety overall. I say all this to say that you should keep your eyes peeled for schools that are diverse in many aspects because ultimately that will lead you to where their resources and focus is.
Sorry, I'm rambling (bored at work
). Overall, I think that the mission of a school is very important, and should be weighed along with their minority (or specifically Hispanic/AA/etc.) percentage. Schools will tell and show you what is important to them, and sometimes it goes beyond the stats (but the stats are important). Let me know if that was confusing lolEDIT: By "lonely" I just meant isolating, but that did not mean I did not enjoy grade school. I loved it and made lifelong friends there, but I would have definitely preferred it to be more diverse in people & thought. That being said, if you are okay or want to stand among the few other Hispanics at a school, then that is great. I think there is strength in that too, especially if you have not experienced it before. I accomplished a lot of things at my high school as the "first Black to ___" and "first Black female to ___" so it is not all terrible. We need the trailblazers too.
EDIT 2: & talk to other minority applicants/matriculates
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2012
- Messages
- 143
- Reaction score
- 110
Just got an II to Keck, as a reapplicant this is exciting!!!
