2019-2020 Duke

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PapaGuava

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Secondary prompts:
Tell us more about who you are. You may provide additional information that expands your self-identity where gender identification, racial and/or ethnic self description, geographic origin, socioeconomic, academic, and/or other characteristics that define who you are as you contemplate a career that will interface with people who are similar AND dissimilar to you. You will have the opportunity below to tell us how you wish to be addressed, recognized and treated.

Words left: 500


If one of the above identities do not best describe you, then what identity do you feel most comfortable with?(optional)
I self-identify as...

Words left: 50


Race/Ethnicity/Geographic Origin/Socioeconomic Status/ Advantage/Disadvantage/ Religious Affiliation(optional)
In addition to the broad categorization of race, ethnicity, geographic origin, socioeconomic status as provided through your AMCAS application, you may use the text box below to provide additional clarifying information that may reflect the impact of any of these parameters on your development thus far as well as the impact that these may have had on your path to a career in medicine and your plans for the future.

Words left: 200

_
Describe the community in which you were nurtured. What core values did you receive and how will these translate into the contributions you hope to make in medicine? What improvements do you think might make the community better?

Words left: 500


escribe a situation where you have chosen to advocate for someone who is different from yourself. What does advocacy mean to you and how has your advocacy developed? How do you see it linked to your role as a physician? What risks, if any, might be associated with your choice to be an advocate?

Words left: 500


What has been your most humbling experience and how will that experience affect your interactions with your peers and patients?

Words left: 500


Success can arise from failure. What have you gained from your failed experiences and how does this translate in your current way of thinking?

Words left: 500


Critical thinking involves a number of characteristics including creativity, innovation, discernment, emotional intelligence, application and analysis. Describe a situation in which you utilized critical thinking. Why is critical thinking vital in your future?

Words left: 500


Leadership, teamwork, and communication operate synergistically. What do you value most as a leader and member of a team? What attributes do you possess as a leader and how will you apply them every day?

Words left: 500


Please let us know of any additional information that you would like us to consider while reviewing your application:
Click to expand...

Good luck to everyone applying!

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Last edited:
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EmbryonalCarcinoma said:
What will you be doing with your research year?
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I’m going to keep it somewhat vague in this thread to preserve some semblance of anonymity, but I’ll be doing clinical research within one of the fields that I’m tentatively interested in going in to. Feel free to PM if you’d like more details.
 
Hey MC thanks for taking the time 🙂 I've heard on this site and from my premed advisor that Duke seems to appreciate late bloomers/comeback apps... does any of that ring true for you?
 
peanuttbuttah said:
Hey MC thanks for taking the time 🙂 I've heard on this site and from my premed advisor that Duke seems to appreciate late bloomers/comeback apps... does any of that ring true for you?
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In my talks with the admissions committee, they have mentioned how they read every completed application and that they are looking for a cohesive story. Therefore, I think this makes them inclined to invite more non-traditional/‘unique’ applicants, though I don’t have any hard evidence of this fact, just a hunch (and maybe the bias that I am a non-trad with a different background). Ultimately, I think the decision comes down to if you don’t mind spending the money for the application. I know the entire process sucks and is prohibitively expensive, but if you can picture yourself being at Duke, and your stats are somewhat within range, I would encourage you to submit an app.
 
MC_Infarction said:
I’m going to keep it somewhat vague in this thread to preserve some semblance of anonymity, but I’ll be doing clinical research within one of the fields that I’m tentatively interested in going in to. Feel free to PM if you’d like more details.
Click to expand...

Do people do research outside of the research year? I'm applying with a PhD and I've heard Duke waives the research year for students like me, but I do want to continue doing research down the line.
 
EmbryonalCarcinoma said:
Do people do research outside of the research year? I'm applying with a PhD and I've heard Duke waives the research year for students like me, but I do want to continue doing research down the line.
Click to expand...
Yeah, you can do research from day 1 if you would like. No shortage of research to be done!
 
unluckyadhessiveness said:
Do you know anyone who applied for Duke's MD/MBA program? How selective is it?
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Just to clarify, you don't apply to the MD/MBA program upon admission - you apply to your MBA during your second year (first year of MBA during your MS3 year). So this gives you ample time to decide if you do/don't want to pursue an MBA. Unfortunately, I don't have any numbers on how selective the program is. I only know that two of my classmates this year applied, and both were accepted!
 
Isomorphic said:
I posted something similar to this in the WUSTL thread as well, but Duke is my other top choice for medical school. I was wondering being a Mathematics major along with two other challenging majors (Biochemistry and Immunology), would a GPA of around a 3.5 be too low to apply with? Unfortunately, I have earned several A-s/B+s because of the sheer difficulty of my curriculum rather than not studying enough. All other things considered, I have plenty of clinical volunteering hours and shadowing experience along with other ECs. I am counting on scoring well on my MCAT to compensate for the rather mediocre GPA but still I would like to know if it is even worth applying? And what would be a good MCAT score to aim for given my below average GPA?
Click to expand...
Good MCAT score to aim for? The higher the better, but a 518+ is solid for Duke and decent for WashU. A high MCAT does not make up for a low GPA, but a high MCAT can improve an app with a low GPA
 
MemeLord said:
Good MCAT score to aim for? The higher the better, but a 518+ is solid for Duke and decent for WashU. A high MCAT does not make up for a low GPA, but a high MCAT can improve an app with a low GPA
Click to expand...

Thank you for the quick response! At this point, I was wondering would it be even advisable for me to apply to Duke or no? I never intended for my MCAT to compensate for my medium GPA but I do wish to be competitive, I am realistically on the fence about applying given that these schools are very competitive so I'm unsure whether it is even worth applying. 🙂
 
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Isomorphic said:
Thank you for the quick response! At this point, I was wondering would it be even advisable for me to apply to Duke or no? I never intended for my MCAT to compensate for my medium GPA but I do wish to be competitive, I am realistically on the fence about applying given that these schools are very competitive so I'm unsure whether it is even worth applying. 🙂
Click to expand...
You can still get in anywhere with a 3.5 (Look at NYU class profile, they report a lowest GPA of 3.45).

Where you should apply is MCAT dependent. If you get 520+ then allly wherever you want it the app is good. 518+ will net you T20 not many T10. 515+ will be solid for T50. 512+ you still are highly competitive for most MD schools. 508+ do 50/50 MD/DO, 504+ do DO, 496+ do Podiatry.

You got this, just know that your school list is highly MCAT dependent.
 
Isomorphic said:
I posted something similar to this in the WUSTL thread as well, but Duke is my other top choice for medical school. I was wondering being a Mathematics major along with two other challenging majors (Biochemistry and Immunology), would a GPA of around a 3.5 be too low to apply with? Unfortunately, I have earned several A-s/B+s because of the sheer difficulty of my curriculum rather than not studying enough. All other things considered, I have plenty of clinical volunteering hours and shadowing experience along with other ECs. I am counting on scoring well on my MCAT to compensate for the rather mediocre GPA but still I would like to know if it is even worth applying? And what would be a good MCAT score to aim for given my below average GPA?
Click to expand...

It depends on the rest of your application, but statistically, with a 3.5, your chances are not great at either of these schools regardless of your MCAT. While both are great schools of similar prestige, Duke has a reputation for being more holistic and WUSTL has a reputation for being more numbers-focused.

It is unwise for any applicant to get fixated on one or two schools (particularly top schools) before applying. Apply broadly and smartly (e.g. include your state public schools) and see what happens. But first, do the best you can on your MCAT, not what you think will get you into Duke/WUSTL.
 
Isomorphic said:
I posted something similar to this in the WUSTL thread as well, but Duke is my other top choice for medical school. I was wondering being a Mathematics major along with two other challenging majors (Biochemistry and Immunology), would a GPA of around a 3.5 be too low to apply with? Unfortunately, I have earned several A-s/B+s because of the sheer difficulty of my curriculum rather than not studying enough. All other things considered, I have plenty of clinical volunteering hours and shadowing experience along with other ECs. I am counting on scoring well on my MCAT to compensate for the rather mediocre GPA but still I would like to know if it is even worth applying? And what would be a good MCAT score to aim for given my below average GPA?
Click to expand...

Honestly the biggest question you need to ask yourself is this: would I like to go to Duke (and for that matter, Washington University) for medical school? If the answer is yes, and the finances are not an issue, then you should be applying to every school you could imagine yourself at. I would argue that a 3.5 is a fine GPA considering you were a triple major (if I was reading that correctly).

Duke's application is notorious, but it also gives you one of the strongest opportunities to make a case for yourself on paper. If you want to be here, there is no reason not to put your name in the hat.
 
Isomorphic said:
Thank you for the quick response! At this point, I was wondering would it be even advisable for me to apply to Duke or no? I never intended for my MCAT to compensate for my medium GPA but I do wish to be competitive, I am realistically on the fence about applying given that these schools are very competitive so I'm unsure whether it is even worth applying. 🙂
Click to expand...

Sorry, just chiming in. Do you have a MCAT score or just expecting to score 95+ percentile?
 
I do not as of yet, but based on my FLs, I am hoping to break a 518.
 
Isomorphic said:
I do not as of yet, but based on my FLs, I am hoping to break a 518.
Click to expand...
I would just want to caution that spending time thinking about the schools you'll apply to with your dream score is just time spent not actually studying. I've seen a few people make that mistake, wouldn't want it to happen to you.

Also n=1 but my actual score was 4.5 points lower than my FL average, so drops can happen. I say really crush the exam first and then swing for the fences after
 
peanuttbuttah said:
Also n=1 but my actual score was 4.5 points lower than my FL average, so drops can happen. I say really crush the exam first and then swing for the fences after
Click to expand...

So your average FL was 526? Good advice though, drops can and do happen all the time, don't bank on for sure hitting your FL score.
 
Zen Arcade said:
So your average FL was 526? Good advice though, drops can and do happen all the time, don't bank on for sure hitting your FL score.
Click to expand...
Yeah. I falsely took that to mean I should expect a 526 on the real deal, but really it just means that there are versions of the MCAT where I would earn a 526-527. There's no guarantee that your test day MCAT will fall into that category though
 
peanuttbuttah said:
Yeah. I falsely took that to mean I should expect a 526 on the real deal, but really it just means that there are versions of the MCAT where I would earn a 526-527. There's no guarantee that your test day MCAT will fall into that category though
Click to expand...


Once you get past a certain point the difference in 1 point can easily be 1 question. Just missing 1 additional question per section could net you 4 fewer points.
 
MC_Infarction said:
Hey all, rising Duke MS3 here. Feel free to post in the thread or PM with any questions. I’m always happy to help!!
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Do most people do research in the third year? What proportion of your classmates would you say choose other activities?

What would you say is the coolest thing you have seen someone doing for the third year?
 
zinrath said:
Do most people do research in the third year? What proportion of your classmates would you say choose other activities?

What would you say is the coolest thing you have seen someone doing for the third year?
Click to expand...
Did you have anything in mind when you said ‘other activities’? Just trying to clarify if there was something specific you had in mind!

Research is required your third year, as submitting some sort of comprehensive thesis is a requirement at the end of the year. There are also a couple of classes (minimal time commitment) that you’re expected to enroll in if you’re staying in Durham, with a few exceptions. A decent amount of the class does decide to get dual degrees (don’t know exact numbers), and research is also oftentimes built into these dual-degree programs.

Coolest thing I’ve seen? That’s a tough one but I think some of the global health programs are pretty unique, and people seem to have really rewarding experiences. Students spend 10 months in places like Tanzania, Singapore, Vietnam, etc. If that’s not a satisfying answer I can try to think of something else.
 
IL1B said:
According to the most recent MSAR data

for MATRICULATED students
MCAT Scores ranged 509-523
Science GPA 3.41-4.0
Ages 30-39: matriculated for years 2016-2018: 2, 3, 0 in that order, none over 40+ for now :hello:

forums.studentdoctor.net

xxx

xx
forums.studentdoctor.net forums.studentdoctor.net

Kids ages 19-23 make up majority of those matriculated
Total Matriculated: 129

Everyone who applied to Duke via AMCAS gets a secondary
On LORs: 4 minimum, 6 maximum with 2 coming from science faculty

Woo Hoo! Exciting. Glass ceiling baby! Lets blow it
Click to expand...
Interesting stats! Thanks for sharing.
 
MC_Infarction said:
Did you have anything in mind when you said ‘other activities’? ...
...
Coolest thing I’ve seen? That’s a tough one but I think some of the global health programs are pretty unique, and people seem to have really rewarding experiences. Students spend 10 months in places like Tanzania, Singapore, Vietnam, etc. If that’s not a satisfying answer I can try to think of something else.
Click to expand...

That is exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about. I have a strong interest in global health. Do you think it would be fine to talk about that as one of my reasons for selecting Duke? I'm amazed that a school is so devoted to individualizing the learning pathway for students.
 
zinrath said:
That is exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about. I have a strong interest in global health. Do you think it would be fine to talk about that as one of my reasons for selecting Duke? I'm amazed that a school is so devoted to individualizing the learning pathway for students.
Click to expand...
Yeah, absolutely something to mention as one of your reasons!
 
The requirement for LoRs is 4. I also see that it says they accept committee letters. Does anyone know how this works together? My school writes a committee letter and incorporates 3 LoRs (they take parts from each to form their own recommendation). I also am submitting a separate LoR, which is 4 total, even though three of them are together as a committee letter. Will Duke see and know this or is this something I should reach out to them and ask? Hope what I am asking is clear.
 
Knowing that Duke's secondary application tends to be on the more difficult side, if one of the responses to a prompt is significantly shorter than the word limit, as in maybe 50-60% of the max, does anyone think this is going to be an issue? I don't want to ramble to just fill space.
 
17Mito said:
Knowing that Duke's secondary application tends to be on the more difficult side, if one of the responses to a prompt is significantly shorter than the word limit, as in maybe 50-60% of the max, does anyone think this is going to be an issue? I don't want to ramble to just fill space.
Click to expand...

That’s fine.
 
BrycePatrick said:
The requirement for LoRs is 4. I also see that it says they accept committee letters. Does anyone know how this works together? My school writes a committee letter and incorporates 3 LoRs (they take parts from each to form their own recommendation). I also am submitting a separate LoR, which is 4 total, even though three of them are together as a committee letter. Will Duke see and know this or is this something I should reach out to them and ask? Hope what I am asking is clear.
Click to expand...

From their website: “If your school submits a committee letter, it applies the four letter rule. In other words, if you have a committee letter, you won't need to submit four letters of recommendation.”
This is also true at most other schools.
 
Can I ask a question about last years secondaries?

1. Tell us more about who you are. You may provide additional information that expands your self-identity where gender identification, racial and/or ethnic self description, geographic origin, socioeconomic, academic, and/or other characteristics that define who you are as you contemplate a career that will interface with people who are similar AND dissimilar to you. You will have the opportunity below to tell us how you wish to be addressed, recognized and treated. 500 words
Click to expand...

1. For this secondary, we are talking about diversity. Would it be okay to talk about experiences I've had in my life? Or only identity? e.g. Helping raise a special needs family member, athletics, overcoming childhood obesity, etc? Can I talk about 2-3 things, if they all are important, or stick to one?

2. (Optional) In addition to the broad categorization of race, ethnicity, geographic origin, socioeconomic status as provided through your AMCAS application, you may use the text box below to provide additional clarifying information that may reflect the impact of any of these parameters on your development thus far as well as the impact that these may have had on your path to a career in medicine and your plans for the future. 200 words
Click to expand...

2. I'm kind of bad at reading, but is this saying ONLY talk about stuff pertaining to those 4 factors?

7. Critical thinking involves many aspects including curiosity, comprehension, application and analysis. Describe a time when you have utilized critical thinking. How do you anticipate critical thinking being used as part of your career? 400 words
Click to expand...

Should I stick to an example from research? I wanted to talk about my creative writing but... thats not really critical thinking unless I go really in depth on trying to convince the reader that planning out the narrative elements of a story takes a lot of critical thinking
 
MonsterSizedQuadriceps said:
Can I ask a question about last years secondaries?



1. For this secondary, we are talking about diversity. Would it be okay to talk about experiences I've had in my life? Or only identity? e.g. Helping raise a special needs family member, athletics, overcoming childhood obesity, etc? Can I talk about 2-3 things, if they all are important, or stick to one?



2. I'm kind of bad at reading, but is this saying ONLY talk about stuff pertaining to those 4 factors?



Should I stick to an example from research? I wanted to talk about my creative writing but... thats not really critical thinking unless I go really in depth on trying to convince the reader that planning out the narrative elements of a story takes a lot of critical thinking
Click to expand...
1. I think about this question as pertaining to self-identity. In my opinion, your self-identity/diversity can come from a lot of different factors, including your experiences, so I would feel free to write about your experiences if you feel like those are what help define you. I think talking about 2-3 things is fine.

2. I think what this prompt is saying is that AMCAS has these broad generalizations that you're able to put down, but if you want to expound upon any of those factors, you can. So I think the prompt does want you to stick within those 4 factors, broadly ('impact of any of these parameters,' with the parameters being the aforementioned . 4 factors). For what it's worth, I left this question blank, as I didn't feel like I had anything else to meaningfully write about after answering the above prompt (not low SES, white dude, etc.).

7. Personally (though I'm a bit biased as I was an English major), I think creative writing requires a lot of critical thinking. But you can also feel free to play it safe and talk about your research. I think the topic matters less than how you frame the critical thinking.
 
MemeLord said:
You can still get in anywhere with a 3.5 (Look at NYU class profile, they report a lowest GPA of 3.45).

Where you should apply is MCAT dependent. If you get 520+ then allly wherever you want it the app is good. 518+ will net you T20 not many T10. 515+ will be solid for T50. 512+ you still are highly competitive for most MD schools. 508+ do 50/50 MD/DO, 504+ do DO, 496+ do Podiatry.

You got this, just know that your school list is highly MCAT dependent.
Click to expand...

When you refer to T10, T20, T50...what ranking list are you referring to? If USNWR, which list, primary care or Research as they are very different? Where is a good list of schools ranked?
 
jecki46 said:
When you refer to T10, T20, T50...what ranking list are you referring to? If USNWR, which list, primary care or Research as they are very different? Where is a good list of schools ranked?
Click to expand...
I use T10, T20, T50 arbitrarily to refer to whatever the person I am talking to thinks are those schools. I think most people use USNWR but I could give two ****s about lists lol Sorry I am not of any help, but I just use those as shorthand to refer to different levels of schools.

As @Goro says, there are probably 20 T10 schools, 30-40 T20 schools and like 80 T50 schools.
 
jecki46 said:
When you refer to T10, T20, T50...what ranking list are you referring to? If USNWR, which list, primary care or Research as they are very different? Where is a good list of schools ranked?
Click to expand...

There are probably at least 25-30 schools that people on here will commonly refer to as "T20," and I think that's fine since we're talking arbitrary cutoffs anyway. Personally, if you must look at a ranking, I think the program director rankings are more meaningful vs. either of the USNWR lists
 
Hello! Does anyone know if secondary applications are going out yet? Has anyone received one yet? Thank you!
 
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