3.66 cGPA, 3.61 sGPA, 30 MCAT

[ro51092]

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Hey guys. I'm in a dilemma over whether to retake the MCAT. I also would like to know if I realistically stand a chance at a US allopathic school.

Major: Econ
Minor: Chem

3.66 cGPA, 3.61 sGPA
MCAT: 30, 10 PS, 11 VR, 9 BS

I have spent 2 years working in an electrochemistry lab, I spent 2 months working at an NGO (clinical volunteering) in India, I'm currently shadowing an internist. I haven't done any hospital volunteering, but I'm hoping my clinical time in India would help my case. I have no clue where I stand, anyone have any input? I'm hoping to go to SUNY Upstate or Downstate (I live in NYS). I'm applying to:

-Albany MC
-Einstein
-BU
-Drexel
-Upstate
-Downstate
-Buffalo
-Stony
-Dartmouth
-GW
-Georgetown
-NYMC
-Hofstra
-Jefferson
-Loma Linda
-PSU
-Rosalind Franklin
-Rush
-Temple
-UVM
-Rochester
-VCU
-Wake Forest

Any other suggestions?

 

[Noggin]

I think applying early would be a better bet than retaking the MCAT and having a later application. I think you stand a decent chance at an acceptance somewhere however your ECs are lacking a bit. You are doing the right thing by applying broadly.

 

[ro51092]

I'm hoping to get my primaries out in the next 2 days. I've been a bit worried about my lack of clinical hours.

 

[ro51092]

Oh, and add Tufts. That's another school I am hoping to at least get an interview at.

 

[Noggin]

I'm hoping to get my primaries out in the next 2 days. I've been a bit worried about my lack of clinical hours.

Yeah most adcoms want to see medical volunteering in the United States because it proves that you have spent time trying to learn about the American health care system. If I were you I would continue shadowing and try to do some hospital volunteering/scribing,etc... over the summer and throughout next year. You can talk about it in your secondaries and send schools updates when appropriate.

 

[ro51092]

Here's a concern:

If I got my secondaries in by August, and started volunteering in September, how would that work?

 

[Noggin]

Here's a concern:

If I got my secondaries in by August, and started volunteering in September, how would that work?

Why don't you just start volunteering now? If you do start in September I can't imagine why you still couldn't discuss what you plan to do with your year off. You can also send updates to schools later on in the cycle.

 

[ro51092]

By the time I'm processed by one of the local hospitals, it would be early August. I would leave for school by mid-August. There would be no point.

 

[Goro]

I'd add Quinnipac, all other new schools in MI, VA, PA and FL,

Would subtract Penn State, VCU and U VT. State schools favor the home team. I fear your stats are well below avg for Rochester, but I don't have my MSAR handy. If you think you're qualified for Dartmouth, then Brown might work as well, perhaps Mt Sinai as well. But a 30 MCAT is, I think well below their avg's too.

Don't forget PCOM, NYCOM and Touro-NY

-Albany MC
-Einstein
-BU
-Drexel
-Upstate
-Downstate
-Buffalo
-Stony
-Dartmouth
-GW
-Georgetown
-NYMC
-Hofstra
-Jefferson
-Loma Linda
-PSU
-Rosalind Franklin
-Rush
-Temple
-UVM
-Rochester
-VCU
-Wake Forest

 

[ro51092]

Dartmouth is a reach, without a question. I don't stand much of a chance there, I think.

 

[newbegin2013]

Boston - reach;
Loma Linda - read their requirements for LORs before applying

 

[ro51092]

Yeah Loma Linda's off my list. I can't work with their "lifestyle agreement."

 

[ro51092]

So I submitted on the 21st.

I'm due to retake my MCAT on 7/26, and the scores come out on 8/25 or thereabouts. Will this put me at a decent disadvantage? I'd be thrilled to get into any of the schools I put applications into. I added Tulane, SLU and Brown to my list of schools.

 

[Giantra Volta]

I agree with some of the other posters that you should get your secondaries out ASAP. Shadowing now and then sending in updates to your schools would also be a good idea. I'd keep University of Vermont if I were you (I had similar stats to you and was invited to interview there - and I'm a NYS resident also). It might be a good idea to add Creighton, and some DO schools, as Goro mentioned.

I see you wrote that you're retaking the MCAT. I personally would not have retaken a 30 (especially one that is balanced like yours). Unless you were consistently scoring significantly higher on the AAMCs, I'd rethink retaking.

Btw, some strong non-medically related ECs and leadership positions would also help to make you a solid applicant. And make sure to put individualized effort into your secondary applications.

Best of luck!

 

[Noggin]

Yeah I wouldn't retake a 30 either (unless you were scoring much higher on practice tests). If you happen to get a lower score on a retake it would not be good.