3.42 BCMP 3.52 cGPA what Mcat do I need?

[link2swim06]

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I want to know what MCAT score I will need for DO schools and the score needed for MD schools.

BTW I have what I would call above average EC, and know all my LOR writers well and therefore think they will write good letters.

 

[Mobius1985]

With average ECs, and assuming you'd aim for mid- to low-selectivity schools, I'd go for 31+ on the MCAT for MD and 24-27+ for DO (I am less expert in the DO arena, but this is my impression). For highly-selective MD schools, get a 35+ and be sure there's 1-2 years of research among the ECs.

 

[pazan]

I basically have your GPA (3.51 cGPA nad 3.45 sGPA), a 35 MCAT, good but nowhere near great ECs, and nice LORs... you can watch how I do this cycle if you want some insight. But do your best on the MCAT -- I don't think there's a magic number, just study and practice like you intend to get a 45T.

 

[link2swim06]

I basically have your GPA (3.51 cGPA nad 3.45 sGPA), a 35 MCAT, good but nowhere near great ECs, and nice LORs... you can watch how I do this cycle if you want some insight. But do your best on the MCAT -- I don't think there's a magic number, just study and practice like you intend to get a 45T.

What would consider great ECs?

My ECs will be as follows

1. Volunteer for 3 years at hospital, various deptartments ~200 hours
2. Coordinator for ~30 volunteers in the ER for one year
3. Lifeguard and Assistant Manager of Swimming Pool summer before freshman year and before sophmore year
4. Spinal cord injury research for 3 years, multiple poster presentations
5. Teaching Assistant for biology for one quarter
6. Founder/ Owner of an internet business I started
7. Member of various clubs (ex. AED, cycling etc.)
8. Studied abroad in Costa Rica for 2 weeks (tropical ecology)
9. Alternative spring break volunteer trip
10. Member of Honors program/ deans list
11. Shadowed two doctors for about 60 hours total (one MD and one DO)

I still have one more year, can you think of any areas in ECs I am weak in that I could improve on. I still have a little spare time. I was think of trying to becoming a CPR instructor... do you think this would help me?

 

[Mobius1985]

I think your ECs are very strong. I don't think you need to improve in any area, just continue whatever you're currently involved in. Get great grades this year, so you have good things to relate in update letters. You don't "need" to become a CPR instructor. Do it if it's fun and you really want to do it. I doubt it will help you at this point.

 

[pazan]

What would consider great ECs?

My ECs will be as follows

1. Volunteer for 3 years at hospital, various deptartments ~200 hours
2. Coordinator for ~30 volunteers in the ER for one year
3. Lifeguard and Assistant Manager of Swimming Pool summer before freshman year and before sophmore year
4. Spinal cord injury research for 3 years, multiple poster presentations
5. Teaching Assistant for biology for one quarter
6. Founder/ Owner of an internet business I started
7. Member of various clubs (ex. AED, cycling etc.)
8. Studied abroad in Costa Rica for 2 weeks (tropical ecology)
9. Alternative spring break volunteer trip
10. Member of Honors program/ deans list
11. Shadowed two doctors for about 60 hours total (one MD and one DO)

I still have one more year, can you think of any areas in ECs I am weak in that I could improve on. I still have a little spare time. I was think of trying to becoming a CPR instructor... do you think this would help me?

I think those ECs are solid and show a commitment to medicine, but I wouldn't classifiy them as "great." I feel like great is something that makes you stick our to anyone reviewing your app -- like a high-level scholarship (marshall, fullbright), div 1 sports, publications, etc. It's not something that just happens, but something you need to spend a lot of time working on. You're fine for now... I don't think your ECs will hinder your chances, but they won't get you in on their own.