3.9, 42, can only apply to 15 schools. Is my list too top heavy?

[strongbones]

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Currently a rising senior at an Ivy
AMCAS gpa 3.89, sgpa 3.88
MCAT 42 (15ps, 13vr, 14bs)

I've done a lot of teaching and TA'ing in various subjects, and that's what I spend most of my time on at school. I've done research for 1 year on membrane proteins, I've volunteered 2 hrs/week helping an underserved population since freshman year, and I have held many leadership positions. I had a brief stint as a hospice volunteer, but the volunteer coordinator has never been very helpful/responsive, especially when I tried to continue that this summer, so I'm low on clinical experience (I sound like I'm blaming her, but I also recognize that I could have done more on my own, which I regret not doing).

This is my list right now; I can only apply to 15 schools due to financial considerations, and this is what I've narrowed it down to, although now I'm worried I don't have enough of a safety net. I'm trying to apply as soon as possible, and only need to finish polishing my essay. Thanks in advance for whatever advice you can give!

Einstein
Columbia
Cornell
Georgetown
Mt. Sinai
NYU
Northwestern
UChicago
UPenn
UVA (in state)
VCU (in state)
WashU
Mayo
Vanderbilt
UCLA

 

[Lambda Phage]

State of residence?

 

[gyngyn]

Swap out Georgetown.
Get some more clinical experience.

 

[strongbones]

VA resident. I am definitely applying now, but hope to get more clinical experience later this summer and I guess I will send update letters to schools about it.

What would I swap Georgetown for?

 

[gyngyn]

VA resident. I am definitely applying now, but hope to get more clinical experience later this summer and I guess I will send update letters to schools about it.

What would I swap Georgetown for?

Any place you like!

 

[zzxxzz]

VA resident. I am definitely applying now, but hope to get more clinical experience later this summer and I guess I will send update letters to schools about it.

What would I swap Georgetown for?

Maybe Virginia Tech?

Statistically, you can apply to any school you like. It's up to you to decide whether you think your ECs will be competitive there.

 

[strongbones]

VTech is a private school, so no obvious in-state preference there, and they don't appeal to me much. I know that I have fairly good numbers, which is why I'm left evaluating the more qualitative aspects which are much harder to get information on and make decisions with. That's the reason I'm now worried my list is too top-heavy. I know my numbers qualify me, but after a point you are evaluated much more on your qualitative factors and I just don't know how I stack up there to the average applicant.

The reason I included Georgetown is that I live near DC and I really like the city. I've been to that hospital for several surgeries and I could see myself there. I did some research into the school and their justice and education programs sound really interesting to me. I know that they probably receive way too many applications already, but is that the only reason you're suggesting I don't apply there?

 

[solitarius]

Solid list. Has a lot of schools that like high stats.

Should consider swapping out UCLA for something more East Coast like Pitt, and maybe swapping out Mayo for another stats/pedigree preferential school like Michigan.

 

[Lambda Phage]

Have you considered Hopkins or Duke?

 

[gyngyn]

I know that they probably receive way too many applications already, but is that the only reason you're suggesting I don't apply there?

Yes, and they may find your stats too rich for their yield.
However, if you have a letter from there, or significant ties...

 

[zzxxzz]

The reason I included Georgetown is that I live near DC and I really like the city. I've been to that hospital for several surgeries and I could see myself there. I did some research into the school and their justice and education programs sound really interesting to me. I know that they probably receive way too many applications already, but is that the only reason you're suggesting I don't apply there?

Yes. They'll take one look at your 42, say "this person is getting in somewhere else and won't come here," and toss your app in the trash.

If you really want to go there, you may consider writing to the admissions office, explaining that despite your stats Georgetown is one of your top choices, and ask that they consider you. Not sure what effect it'd have.

 

[strongbones]

Have you considered Hopkins or Duke?

I decided against applying to Hopkins because it seems to be a very stressful environment (moreso than other med schools), and against Duke because I go to school in the middle of nowhere already and want more of a city environment for my next 4 years.

Yes. They'll take one look at your 42, say "this person is getting in somewhere else and won't come here," and toss your app in the trash.

If you really want to go there, you may consider writing to the admissions office, explaining that despite your stats Georgetown is one of your top choices, and ask that they consider you. Not sure what effect it'd have.

Does that mean I can't have any "safety schools" because anything that would be judged as a safety from a statistical standpoint would reject me for this reason? 🙁
I'm hoping that I can just write a really good "Why Georgetown" essay for the secondary. I don't have a letter, and I don't know if being treated there for several months would could as significant ties.

 

[Lambda Phage]

I think you list is fine.

 

[zzxxzz]

Does that mean I can't have any "safety schools" because anything that would be judged as a safety from a statistical standpoint would reject me for this reason? 🙁
I'm hoping that I can just write a really good "Why Georgetown" essay for the secondary. I don't have a letter, and I don't know if being treated there for several months would could as significant ties.

It's impossible to tell how schools will view your scores, and many schools don't screen the top end. In general, schools in your geographical area won't screen you, which helps for Georgetown.

But keep in mind Georgetown isn't your average "safety school." Almost 30% of MD applicants apply to Georgetown. They can't look at every app...

 

[gyngyn]

I'm hoping that I can just write a really good "Why Georgetown" essay for the secondary. I don't have a letter, and I don't know if being treated there for several months would could as significant ties.

If you really want to attend, go ahead. It's sort of a reverse reach for you, that's all. They also tend to emphasize community service which seems to be your Achille's heel.
I'll admit that I have a weakness for applicants who have received care at my hospital, though.

 

[QofQuimica]

Does that mean I can't have any "safety schools" because anything that would be judged as a safety from a statistical standpoint would reject me for this reason? 🙁
I'm hoping that I can just write a really good "Why Georgetown" essay for the secondary. I don't have a letter, and I don't know if being treated there for several months would could as significant ties.

No. I was accepted to all of my state schools when I applied with stats like yours, even the unranked ones. You do need to have a good reason for "why school X". If you do for Georgetown, then sure, apply there.

I think your list is good overall, but I agree with the user who suggested removing UCLA unless you have a pressing reason for applying there and/or strong ties to CA. Are you sure VA Tech doesn't give any in-state preference even though it's private? Some private schools still do give preference for local or regional applicants. If not, I'd choose another regional private school like Emory or Miami since you want a city. Personally, I love Atlanta. It's a lot cheaper to live there than NYC, Chicago, or DC; it's a great city for young professionals with lots of things to do; and the weather is better. 👍