A little scared off by these forums....

[heelsfan94]

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This isn't a post intended to gain your guys' and girls' sympathy, I don't need/deserve/want it at all, but I keep seeing posts of people with 3.8+ GPAs, great ECs, and high MCAT scores having low acceptance/interview rates. This is awfully discouraging to me. I am a sophomore at a private school, 4.0 GPA, involved in a ton of clubs, shadow many physicians and surgeons (mom is a RN, I've got good connections with physicians thankfully!), and so on blah blah blah. Regarding research, I'm actually going to be working on a project next fall with my chemistry advisor. I plan to do that until I graduate. I'll take the MCAT next Spring. Anyways, I guess the point is, WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BE DOING?!?! Save your time on the sarcastic comments, I'm just in shock that so many outstanding applicants are struggling to get in. Thanks!

 

[drumstix]

only a 4.0 gpa? don't even apply, save your time and money and effort. just go to caribbean med schools or DO programs (which is what's been talked about lately, plus try to be a URM, that's also a hot topic this week).

 

[heelsfan94]

Also, I forgot to add that I have been volunteering at a hospital since my senior year of HS, if that is important to note.

 

[heelsfan94]

only a 4.0 gpa? don't even apply, save your time and money and effort. just go to caribbean med schools or DO programs (which is what's been talked about lately, plus try to be a URM, that's also a hot topic this week).

Exactly the type of comment I was hoping for. Get outta here, I'm asking for advice, not childish comments.

 

[theseeker4]

This isn't a post intended to gain your guys' and girls' sympathy, I don't need/deserve/want it at all, but I keep seeing posts of people with 3.8+ GPAs, great ECs, and high MCAT scores having low acceptance/interview rates. This is awfully discouraging to me. I am a sophomore at a private school, 4.0 GPA, involved in a ton of clubs, shadow many physicians and surgeons (mom is a RN, I've got good connections with physicians thankfully!), and so on blah blah blah. Regarding research, I'm actually going to be working on a project next fall with my chemistry advisor. I plan to do that until I graduate. I'll take the MCAT next Spring. Anyways, I guess the point is, WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BE DOING?!?! Save your time on the sarcastic comments, I'm just in shock that so many outstanding applicants are struggling to get in. Thanks!

There aren't THAT many outstanding applicants struggling to get in. SDN gives someone a highly inflated sense of what you "need" to get into med school. Plenty of people with middling GPAs, middling MCATs, and middling ECs get into US MD schools every year. MOST are in that category, not the "superstar" category it seems everyone on SDN falls into. Most people who talk about having great stats and struggling to get in either are exaggerating their numbers, ignoring/unaware of a red flag on their application, applying too top heavy, or they applied too late. Some people do everything right and still are not accepted, but these are a very small number of the high-stat applicants.

As far as what you should be doing, relax. Keep up your GPA first and foremost. Research is good. Meaningful leadership is good. You should be volunteering, and getting clinical experience aside from shadowing. Other than that, relax. Also, don't waste too much time with a bunch of random clubs....club membership is probably the least useful EC you could spend your time on. Even leadership of a "pre-med" club or some such is a low-quality EC unless you accomplish something meaningful during your tenure. Save some time for doing things for fun, not just for your med school application, and spend less time on SDN if what you are reading here is making you this worried.

 

[Syndicate]

This isn't a post intended to gain your guys' and girls' sympathy, I don't need/deserve/want it at all, but I keep seeing posts of people with 3.8+ GPAs, great ECs, and high MCAT scores having low acceptance/interview rates. This is awfully discouraging to me. I am a sophomore at a private school, 4.0 GPA, involved in a ton of clubs, shadow many physicians and surgeons (mom is a RN, I've got good connections with physicians thankfully!), and so on blah blah blah. Regarding research, I'm actually going to be working on a project next fall with my chemistry advisor. I plan to do that until I graduate. I'll take the MCAT next Spring. Anyways, I guess the point is, WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BE DOING?!?! Save your time on the sarcastic comments, I'm just in shock that so many outstanding applicants are struggling to get in. Thanks!

There are many aspects of the game. Some of the high stats people on here only have stats, hence they don't know how to play the game and are not getting the results they would like. Use these forums to learn how to play the game strategically. You already have a solid start.

 

[Pacna]

Exactly the type of comment I was hoping for. Get outta here, I'm asking for advice, not childish comments.

It's a joke, man. Welcome to the internet.

 

[mcloaf]

You're already doing everything you need to be, it sounds like.

While it's stressful to hear about people you think are qualified not getting in, if you look at the AAMC data the vast majority of people with 3.8+ and strong mcat scores fare fine.

 

[Stoptheclot]

You'll be just fine. Getting into medical school is completely dependent on the schools you apply to. Be sure to research the schools you're most serious about and make sure your secondary essays reflect your interests, and if a med school likes what they read, you'll have your chance to shine.

However, take it easy for the next couple years, at least in perspective of med school applications. Thats the least of your concerns as a sophomore. Keep doin' what you're doin'. Because, lets be honest, you can trust ANYTHING you read on the internet.

 

[cookiebandit]

You will be fine. Make sure your interview skills are up to snuff and you know how to conduct yourself in a professional manner. Apply to appropriate schools and not just the top 10.

 

[ChEMD]

The most stressful thing you can do is compare yourself to other people. This is true both in medical school admissions and medical school itself. It's sad to think about, but there will always be someone smarter than you, does more than you, etc...The best thing to do is to focus on yourself and make sure that you're doing the best you can to reach your goals. If that's the case, you shouldn't have any regrets. Comparing yourself to others, especially the people on SDN who seem to have found a way to cram 40 hours of work into each 24 hour day, can only end poorly.

With regards to your activities, you seem to be doing everything right. Keep up the hard work and you'll get to where you wanna be!

Edit: Also, don't forget to have fun!!!

 

[Utenation]

This isn't a post intended to gain your guys' and girls' sympathy, I don't need/deserve/want it at all, but I keep seeing posts of people with 3.8+ GPAs, great ECs, and high MCAT scores having low acceptance/interview rates. This is awfully discouraging to me. I am a sophomore at a private school, 4.0 GPA, involved in a ton of clubs, shadow many physicians and surgeons (mom is a RN, I've got good connections with physicians thankfully!), and so on blah blah blah. Regarding research, I'm actually going to be working on a project next fall with my chemistry advisor. I plan to do that until I graduate. I'll take the MCAT next Spring. Anyways, I guess the point is, WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BE DOING?!?! Save your time on the sarcastic comments, I'm just in shock that so many outstanding applicants are struggling to get in. Thanks!

SDN is a lot of good things, but it's not a good measuring stick for your app compared to others. People lie about their numbers, publications, ECs and omit red flags. If you want the truth, then compare yourself to the MSAR or USnews.

 

[heelsfan94]

Thanks to everyone who commented so far. I guess I'm just an overdramatic perfectionist who needs to chill TF out haha... I'm the type who gets mad about a 90 on an exam, which is ridiculous. I realize that I need to relax a little bit. I think SDN and the whole pre med hype has my mind warped just a bit lol

 

[TexasSurgeon]

This isn't a post intended to gain your guys' and girls' sympathy, I don't need/deserve/want it at all, but I keep seeing posts of people with 3.8+ GPAs, great ECs, and high MCAT scores having low acceptance/interview rates. This is awfully discouraging to me. I am a sophomore at a private school, 4.0 GPA, involved in a ton of clubs, shadow many physicians and surgeons (mom is a RN, I've got good connections with physicians thankfully!), and so on blah blah blah. Regarding research, I'm actually going to be working on a project next fall with my chemistry advisor. I plan to do that until I graduate. I'll take the MCAT next Spring. Anyways, I guess the point is, WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BE DOING?!?! Save your time on the sarcastic comments, I'm just in shock that so many outstanding applicants are struggling to get in. Thanks!

Welcome to SDN.

 

[happysnowman]

Thanks to everyone who commented so far. I guess I'm just an overdramatic perfectionist who needs to chill TF out haha... I'm the type who gets mad about a 90 on an exam, which is ridiculous. I realize that I need to relax a little bit. I think SDN and the whole pre med hype has my mind warped just a bit lol

SDN is a lot of good things, but it's not a good measuring stick for your app compared to others. People lie about their numbers, publications, ECs and omit red flags. If you want the truth, then compare yourself to the MSAR or USnews.

People forget that personal statements, secondary essays and letter of recommendations play an critical role in determining if you get an interview. After a certain point, the GPA/MCATS become a range and you're placed in a pile...they know you can handle the academic rigors.

There are many qualified applications so the admissions offices often have the luxury to look at fit in personality. Truthfully I feel like strong stats puts you in the top pile but the interviews/LOR/essays then come into play.

Finally from what I've read from your posts you're really going to have to think long and hard for good answer on what was your biggest struggle and how you had overcome it.

 

[heelsfan94]

People forget that personal statements, secondary essays and letter of recommendations play an critical role in determining if you get an interview. After a certain point, the GPA/MCATS become a range and you're placed in a pile...they know you can handle the academic rigors.

There are many qualified applications so the admissions offices often have the luxury to look at fit in personality. Truthfully I feel like strong stats puts you in the top pile but the interviews/LOR/essays then come into play.

Finally from what I've read from your posts you're really going to have to think long and hard for good answer on what was your biggest struggle and how you had overcome it.

I've actually got a pretty great story about a struggle I had to overcome. (at least I think it's a legitimate one)

 

[LizzyM]

Grades and scores are important as are experiences but also get some time talking to real people. Learn how to ask questions and listen. Get comfortable talking about your research and being able to explain it in simple terms. Make a point of reading at least one piece of fiction each year and one non-fiction book not assigned for a class. Keep up with current events in medicine such as the issues in health care policy that have been in the news for the past couple years.

 

[Gregor Wiesmann]

Maybe the people with 3.8 GPA's and great MCAT's who didn't get accepted forgot that they were actually supposed to live a life too. Can you imagine interviews that go something like this:
"So, what have you done over your college years? What separates YOU from the other applicants?"
"Well, I got A's in my science classes, studied for the MCAT for 8 months, and read a bunch of Forums on SDN."
".......ok."

 

[heelsfan94]

Do you do anything unique or at an exceptional level? If you want to stand out in whatever "pack" of applications you end up in, that helps. Pretty much everyone shadows, does research, joins clubs. How far you take those things and what else you do other than those things is important.

I've played the drums and guitar since I was 14 years old, is that considered unique? I'd like to get involved with a band, but I can never find people willing to work at it haha

 

[heelsfan94]

Maybe the people with 3.8 GPA's and great MCAT's who didn't get accepted forgot that they were actually supposed to live a life too. Can you imagine interviews that go something like this:
"So, what have you done over your college years? What separates YOU from the other applicants?"
"Well, I got A's in my science classes, studied for the MCAT for 8 months, and read a bunch of Forums on SDN."
".......ok."

haha thanks man! No, I'm definitely a "normal" dude, I just worry myself too much. I am a completely sociable person, I have a huge life outside of school (as hard as that is to believe from my whiny posts!)

 

[Gregor Wiesmann]

haha thanks man! No, I'm definitely a "normal" dude, I just worry myself too much. I am a completely sociable person, I have a huge life outside of school (as hard as that is to believe from my whiny posts!)

Sounds like you should have NO problem getting in if you do well on your MCAT. Remember, look up the average GPA's and MCAT scores for the schools you are going to apply to. The people who don't get in are the ones who have a 3.3 GPA and apply to Harvard and Yale, don't get accepted, and then think they can never be a doctor. And yeah, I'm a drummer too and volunteer with my Church, so I think letting them know you're a musician is a good thing to add.

 

[heelsfan94]

Sounds like you should have NO problem getting in if you do well on your MCAT. Remember, look up the average GPA's and MCAT scores for the schools you are going to apply to. The people who don't get in are the ones who have a 3.3 GPA and apply to Harvard and Yale, don't get accepted, and then think they can never be a doctor. And yeah, I'm a drummer too and volunteer with my Church, so I think letting them know you're a musician is a good thing to add.

Thanks again. What kind of music do you like to drum along to?!

 

[knv2u]

Your original post is silent on clinical exposure and volunteering. These are an important part of the process.

 

[heelsfan94]

Your original post is silent on clinical exposure and volunteering. These are an important part of the process.

Yeah, sorry I didn't add much of that. I have volunteered at a hospital since my senior year of hospital and I shadow ER physicians and various surgeons at the same hospital (have been since my senior year). I appreciate your comment, though.

 

[Gregor Wiesmann]

Thanks again. What kind of music do you like to drum along to?!

As far as Church music goes, we do a lot of Hillsong Live, Hillsong United, Bethel, David Crowder, All Sons and Daughters, etc. Other than that, I really like to jam to Muse, Paramore, and Switchfoot! What about you?

 

[heelsfan94]

As far as Church music goes, we do a lot of Hillsong Live, Hillsong United, Bethel, David Crowder, All Sons and Daughters, etc. Other than that, I really like to jam to Muse, Paramore, and Switchfoot! What about you?

That's awesome!! I really like Paramore as well! I usually drum to bands like Nirvana (simple stuff, but fun), RHCP (love the funky and fast pace), and Godsmack. If you love drumming, you gotta check out Danny Carey from the band Tool.

 

[knv2u]

Yeah, sorry I didn't add much of that. I have volunteered at a hospital since my senior year of hospital and I shadow ER physicians and various surgeons at the same hospital (have been since my senior year). I appreciate your comment, though.

As long as you score well on the MCAT, you should be fine then. Also, I think you should try to take the exam either late this fall/winter or in early January 2015. I say that because after that time, a new MCAT will be administered that is 6 hours long and includes additional subjects that are related to the social sciences. I would try to avoid the increased length and extra studying if I were you.

 

[ruedjgtc]

There aren't THAT many outstanding applicants struggling to get in. SDN gives someone a highly inflated sense of what you "need" to get into med school. Plenty of people with middling GPAs, middling MCATs, and middling ECs get into US MD schools every year. MOST are in that category, not the "superstar" category it seems everyone on SDN falls into. Most people who talk about having great stats and struggling to get in either are exaggerating their numbers, ignoring/unaware of a red flag on their application, applying too top heavy, or they applied too late. Some people do everything right and still are not accepted, but these are a very small number of the high-stat applicants.

As far as what you should be doing, relax. Keep up your GPA first and foremost. Research is good. Meaningful leadership is good. You should be volunteering, and getting clinical experience aside from shadowing. Other than that, relax. Also, don't waste too much time with a bunch of random clubs....club membership is probably the least useful EC you could spend your time on. Even leadership of a "pre-med" club or some such is a low-quality EC unless you accomplish something meaningful during your tenure. Save some time for doing things for fun, not just for your med school application, and spend less time on SDN if what you are reading here is making you this worried.

I think the OP should take this quote to heart. Although the statistics per school are pretty low of applicants versus accepted, usually around 5-8% of applicants. Around 42% (I may be off by a few points, but it's in the 40s) who apply to medical school get into a medical school, and I assure you not all of them are golden child's as portrayed on this forum. If the OP looks up the MSAR information (non free part) they'll see that there's actually a pretty healthy range in GPAs, MCAT scores. TheSeeker4 nailed it on the head, a lot of people don't get in for various reasons: late application, red flags, poor AMCAS application, poor interviewer etc.

As already mentioned, the OP should devote more time to research, if you're going to join a club just make one and make it about reading and critiquing "research journals" --it was a mandatory club placement for my research lab. The lion's share of premeds at the school I got into (90% according to MSAR) have research experience, along with the other typical applicant stuff. So, keep your scores up as you've done OP, but make sure to branch out. And build your ignore/bs list on SDN quickly.

You're free to take or ignore my advice, but this is my idea about research and applying to medical school: http://doctororbust.wordpress.com/2014/02/08/research-doing-research/

 

[Psai]

People with good scores are more likely to share them. Try not to think about it too much and just do the best you can.

 

[heelsfan94]

As long as you score well on the MCAT, you should be fine then. Also, I think you should try to take the exam either late this fall/winter or in early January 2015. I say that because after that time, a new MCAT will be administered that is 6 hours long and includes additional subjects that are related to the social sciences. I would try to avoid the increased length and extra studying if I were you.

I'd take it in the fall; however, I'm not taking Physics until then. I'll be taking Biochem in the fall, too, so I feel like I might have a decent shot at the new MCAT assuming it will be on schedule for next Spring.

 

[heelsfan94]

I think the OP should take this quote to heart. Although the statistics per school are pretty low of applicants versus accepted, usually around 5-8% of applicants. Around 42% (I may be off by a few points, but it's in the 40s) who apply to medical school get into a medical school, and I assure you not all of them are golden child's as portrayed on this forum. If the OP looks up the MSAR information (non free part) they'll see that there's actually a pretty healthy range in GPAs, MCAT scores. TheSeeker4 nailed it on the head, a lot of people don't get in for various reasons: late application, red flags, poor AMCAS application, poor interviewer etc.

As already mentioned, the OP should devote more time to research, if you're going to join a club just make one and make it about reading and critiquing "research journals" --it was a mandatory club placement for my research lab. The lion's share of premeds at the school I got into (90% according to MSAR) have research experience, along with the other typical applicant stuff. So, keep your scores up as you've done OP, but make sure to branch out. And build your ignore/bs list on SDN quickly.

You're free to take or ignore my advice, but this is my idea about research and applying to medical school: http://doctororbust.wordpress.com/2014/02/08/research-doing-research/

Thanks for the advice, it means a lot. I will definitely look into starting my own organization on campus, whether it be something health related or not, thanks again.

 

[Gregor Wiesmann]

That's awesome!! I really like Paramore as well! I usually drum to bands like Nirvana (simple stuff, but fun), RHCP (love the funky and fast pace), and Godsmack. If you love drumming, you gotta check out Danny Carey from the band Tool.

Haha, he's better than I am! If you really love groovy drumming, I'd look up some Benny Greb videos. It's literally like he speaks a different language than everyone else on the drums; so unique!

 

[Goro]

Just take a deep breath and keep on doing what you have been doing. Definitely work on the self esteem. You can do this. Remember, it's a marathon, not a race.

If someone with a great app is getting rejected, it's because they have a red flag, are applying too late, or are bombing their interviews. That's it!

This isn't a post intended to gain your guys' and girls' sympathy, I don't need/deserve/want it at all, but I keep seeing posts of people with 3.8+ GPAs, great ECs, and high MCAT scores having low acceptance/interview rates. This is awfully discouraging to me. I am a sophomore at a private school, 4.0 GPA, involved in a ton of clubs, shadow many physicians and surgeons (mom is a RN, I've got good connections with physicians thankfully!), and so on blah blah blah. Regarding research, I'm actually going to be working on a project next fall with my chemistry advisor. I plan to do that until I graduate. I'll take the MCAT next Spring. Anyways, I guess the point is, WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BE DOING?!?! Save your time on the sarcastic comments, I'm just in shock that so many outstanding applicants are struggling to get in. Thanks!