4.0 GPA overall, 34Q MCAT, possible to get into MSTP program?

[alternativeneem]

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[maestrohuang]

Not likely with under 2 years of research experience. I had a friend recently get admitted to Wayne State's MD/PhD, but he had at least 3 years of research, more volunteer experience, more publications, just about everything you have... but more.

 

[red doctober]

Hey guys,

I'm a third-year biochemistry major at UC Santa Barbara trying to apply for MSTP programs this year so I don't have to sit around for 1 year after graduating. I have a 4.0 GPA overall (taken all the core courses, just waiting for fourth-year chemistry electives, and already passed the infamously difficult biochemistry lab series with flying colors) but I just got my July 14th MCAT scores back and I scored much lower than I was expecting to : 34Q. I am used to scoring 99th percentile on everything so this score was devastating. Do I still have a chance at getting into an MSTP program for this cycle, even though I will be applying fairly late in the cycle (early September)?

Here are my extracurriculars:

8 months clinical volunteer experience in the oncology ward
>1 year chemistry research experience, preparing for publication (but not published yet)
received a departmental scholarship ($1000) for my research
received Honorable Mention for a national science scholarship (the Barry Goldwater)
presented at a university undergrad poster session
2 years volunteer tutoring experience for first-generation immigrant families

I have not shadowed a doctor, but I have attended a radiology class for resident students at the local hospital. I am also expecting stellar letters of recommendation. However, my extracurriculars are not too strong, and my MCAT is less than stellar, what do you guys think? Should I even bother applying to the big schools (UCSF, UCLA, Stanford)?

Thanks!

"Neem"

Not to be a jerk or anything, but you're just going to have to get over it because it's most likely going to keep happening as you go through med school, residency, fellowship, and career. Accepting that you can't be the best at everything is a sign of maturity.

The only EC that really matters is research, and unfortunately compared to other MD/PhD applicants out there, yours is on the weak side. MSTPs are crazy competitive especially ones like UCSF, UCLA, and Stanford. If you want to apply this year, go for it, but apply broadly and to many programs (not just MSTPs.) Also, you would have to get on it right now. The more you wait, the less your chances are at securing an interview spot.

Potential pros of waiting: (1) more time to beef up your research experience while potentially getting paid, (2) re-taking the MCAT (if you choose, it may not be worth it with a 34), (3) beef up on other ECs and shadowing, (4) applying early with a well thought-out application

 

[411309]

Hey guys,

I'm a third-year biochemistry major at UC Santa Barbara trying to apply for MSTP programs this year so I don't have to sit around for 1 year after graduating. I have a 4.0 GPA overall (taken all the core courses, just waiting for fourth-year chemistry electives, and already passed the infamously difficult biochemistry lab series with flying colors) but I just got my July 14th MCAT scores back and I scored much lower than I was expecting to : 34Q. I am used to scoring 99th percentile on everything so this score was devastating. Do I still have a chance at getting into an MSTP program for this cycle, even though I will be applying fairly late in the cycle (early September)?

Here are my extracurriculars:

8 months clinical volunteer experience in the oncology ward
>1 year chemistry research experience, preparing for publication (but not published yet)
received a departmental scholarship ($1000) for my research
received Honorable Mention for a national science scholarship (the Barry Goldwater)
presented at a university undergrad poster session
2 years volunteer tutoring experience for first-generation immigrant families

I have not shadowed a doctor, but I have attended a radiology class for resident students at the local hospital. I am also expecting stellar letters of recommendation. However, my extracurriculars are not too strong, and my MCAT is less than stellar, what do you guys think? Should I even bother applying to the big schools (UCSF, UCLA, Stanford)?

Thanks!

"Neem"

only 34? you poor thing. I mean did you even study? Wow...34..you could of at least tried a little man. you're always going to look back remember this was the day you scored 95th percentile instead of 99th.

no but really..come on..lol. This is an anoymous internet forum. we dont care how smart you are or claim to be, you can tone it down a bit...not even trying to be the bad guy but many people would beg for your 34, it's unsettling to see that it devastated you and makes me question where your priorities are..

 

[coolingglasses]

Sorry bro, apply podiatry and hope for the best.

 

[touchpause13]

Have you thought about the Carribean?

 

[Neuroligin1]

This thread should be moved to the physician scientist forums, if a mod could do so. OP is not trying to sound cocky, he actually is in a little bit of trouble for MSTP's.

The admissions process is pretty intense, and there are a couple things that might hold you back. However, I don't think what will hold you back is your MCAT score. Generally, MSTP programs like to see 2+ years of research. Your GPA and MCAT are both ok for MSTP's imo. What this will come down to in my opinion is having an obscenely strong LoR from your PI in your lab, but I think either way without 2 years research it is an uphill battle.

As far as MD side goes, it is important to have clinical experience. Shadowing is a necessity because MD adcom members will think you don't know whether you really want to be a physician, or just a scientist. It could raise a few flags at an MSTP to have no shadowing.

That's all I can tell you, best of luck to you OP! Check out the physician scientist forums, specifically the 'What are my chances?' sticky by Neuronix.

 

[nysw]

Hey guys,

I'm a third-year biochemistry major at UC Santa Barbara trying to apply for MSTP programs this year so I don't have to sit around for 1 year after graduating.

Wait, just for clarification, when do you graduate again? Are you graduating in May 2013, applying for Fall 2013 (you said third-year)?

If so...continue your extracurrics during the year, and I think you'll be fine for most mid-tier. You could try for some big name ones (a handful of reaches), but I highly suggest applying broadly. By early September, you' won't be verified until late Sept/early Oct, and you'll miss out on the October (and possibly November) invites. For the rolling schools, that'll hurt you.

 

[alternativeneem]

Are you graduating in May 2013, applying for Fall 2013 (you said third-year)?

That's correct.

Thanks for your guys' advice.

Does anyone have a medical school admissions consultant to recommend?