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Hi people of the physician scientist program, I could use a little input on making a realistic school list, all I really have to work with are old threads and school websites, as there isn't really an MSAR for MD/PhD. I don't really feel like applying to super top-tier schools, just schools I have a decent chance at getting accepted to.
I just graduated from a large public university from California majoring in biochemistry. Slight upward trend, from ~3.55 my first two years to graduating with a ~3.7 cumulative and science GPA.
37Q MCAT. (12,11,14)
Chemistry research for 2 years. One first author pub, one second author pub, another one pending, (won't be written by app time). Working in the biotech industry during my year off.
Okay affirmation of why I want to go into medicine is fine then? As opposed to initially why I wanted to go into medicine? I didn't want to do a sudden realization story. I always think those are less believable. I think I might head in that direction then. And EMT is probably a good idea. Thanks.
I was under the impression that if you pass initial screening and get an interview, your GPA is less important relatively speaking, compared to your ability to discuss your research.
Anyway, I might take out some lower tier schools. I was just very intimidated by the very high GPA averages for the top tier schools (~3.9), so I was only planning on applying to a few top 20. Just to be on the safe side, I might apply to about 25 in total.
I think interviewing is one of my strong points, I generally have better people and lab skills than I do at purely memorizing (see my GPA). The main reason I didn't want to do Davis or USC/Caltech was the lack of MSTP and anecdotal stories of being stuck in the PhD portion for ~6 years.