ADCOMS: Semi-Solicited Advice [Part II]

[TexanGal]

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While im certainly not an ADCOM, I think I can answer.

Using APs for premed requirements is a big, big no-no. Using them for placement is ok (ie, I placed out of Calc I and II through BC calc, so I took Calc III for my premed math req), but they really do not want you to use APs, regardless of what you got on the exam.

See, I thought it was a no-no just as my pre-med advisor said... but I actually emailed my dream school, UTSW, and they said they accept them. I wonder if they were just saying that... lol

 

[BlackSails]

See, I thought it was a no-no just as my pre-med advisor said... but I actually emailed my dream school, UTSW, and they said they accept them. I wonder if they were just saying that... lol

Ive been told my premed advisor, and whomever answered the phone when I called NYU Med, that they want to see a college grade for their requirements on the transcript.

 

[LizzyM]

Does the post-interview rejection mean that I said something in my interview that they didn't like? I've heard that the school only interviews 4% of OOS applicants, so there must not have been anything too bad on my application. I'm really starting to worry about my next interview, because I thought the first two went really well. Is it too early to call the schools and ask what I could have done to improve my application? Will they tell me if it was the interview?

Lastly, was it foolish for me to believe that four interviews should equal one acceptance?

It could have been the interview or it could be that they just don't admit OOS applicants even though they interview a handful. Don't fret or you'll screw up your next interview. It might be too early to ask what you could do better -- wait until after May 15. Speaking of May 15, you still have 3 schools where you have a shot. Low waitlist is still a shot. Consider that many people on the waitlist will just go where they've been admitted & drop off the waitlist. Don't give up hope.

Four interviews should equal one acceptance and the jury's still out on this cycle for you.

 

[LizzyM]

Hey Adcoms!

I'm a chemical engineering student looking to go to med school. I took a year of calculus-based physics, but there is no lab co-req. The head of cme department said that because we take a couple advanced labs for our major, med schools look past the lack of physics lab. However my premed advisor isnt so sure of this. Do you know if med schools really look past these labs because the ones I will take go beyond those? or is this something that I would need to ask each and every med school I'm looking at?

Sidenote: I would just take these and not chance it, but it would mean I would be taking 4 credits of labs each semester=11 hours or lab! This doesn't really work well with the rigorous schedule of a cme as it is.

Thanks for any advice!

I'm not sure about this one, you might want to start a thread down below and current applicants with familiarity with this issue might be able to answer this one for you.

 

[midn]

Hello, I have a rather odd situation.

I attended a program in Texas that allowed me to go to college two years early so I could earn my diploma while completing two years of college work. When AMCAS or TMDSAS asks for all my work since high school graduation, can I list the things I did in my high school/college program since I technically was in college?

Also, because of this program, it will seem like I have been in college for five years (which I will have been when I graduate), but I will still be graduating a year earlier than those people my age. Will the amount of time I spent in college hurt my application?

Thanks a lot!

 

[jlamacc1]

Hello,
Is the Eagle Scout award something I should make note of on the AMCAS app? Also, if I have had extensive clinical experience in the past (shadowing in late high school and a summer program after high school graduation), is it really necessary to get any more (I've been much more research-oriented in college)?

Thanks

 

[LizzyM]

Hello, I have a rather odd situation.

I attended a program in Texas that allowed me to go to college two years early so I could earn my diploma while completing two years of college work. When AMCAS or TMDSAS asks for all my work since high school graduation, can I list the things I did in my high school/college program since I technically was in college?

Also, because of this program, it will seem like I have been in college for five years (which I will have been when I graduate), but I will still be graduating a year earlier than those people my age. Will the amount of time I spent in college hurt my application?

Thanks a lot!

If the coursework is on a college transcript, list it.

Med schools tend not to notice students on the 5 year plan. There are thousands ... but most graduate a year later than others their age.

Your young age could hurt you. You need to be sure that you are mature and have life experience that prepares you for medical school. It might be worth taking a year or two off between college & med school and engaging in some research or service.

 

[LizzyM]

Hello,
Is the Eagle Scout award something I should make note of on the AMCAS app?

Was the Eagle Scout awarded while you were in college? If not, it doesn't belong in the Experience section of the AMCAS although there's no rule against working it into your personal statement. I rarely see Eagle Scout on an application (maybe 1 in 450 applications from men). Some adcom members claim to see many (our workload is divided by geographic region so perhaps some areas of the country have higher participation in scouting and more Eagle Scouts??) and they often mention it -- but not in a good way since it is almost always a high school experience and high school experiences don't belong in the experience section.

Also, if I have had extensive clinical experience in the past (shadowing in late high school and a summer program after high school graduation), is it really necessary to get any more (I've been much more research-oriented in college)?

Well, the general rule is that you shouldn't list high school experiences on the AMCAS so the only way to communicate to the adcom that you've had some clinical exposure will be to work this information into the personal statement. The details (number of weeks, number of hours) won't be as crisp as are found in the experience section and this could hurt you. If you think that you are interested in a career in medicine, you should be testing that interest as an adult. Doing research and finding it lacking is not sufficient reason to go into medicine. Even a couple hours per week in a patient care settng will give you a fresh perspective.

 

[Sparkler]

Greetings Adcoms!

I could use some advice. I was accepted to a DO school in February (sent in deposit to hold my spot) and waitlisted at an MD school (my absolute first choice - LOVE the school!!)

Is it okay to hold on to my acceptance at the DO school after May 15, while waiting (hoping, praying) for my top choice?

 

[LizzyM]

Greetings Adcoms!

I could use some advice. I was accepted to a DO school in February (sent in deposit to hold my spot) and waitlisted at an MD school (my absolute first choice - LOVE the school!!)

Is it okay to hold on to my acceptance at the DO school after May 15, while waiting (hoping, praying) for my top choice?

What's the alternative? Drop the DO spot and hope for the waitlist while reapplying to allo programs only next year? You got into medical school. Go! Hold the waitlist school for as long as you can (until you matriculate at the DO school or until you can't afford to break a lease & move to the allopathic school).

If you get off the waitlist, obviously you have to drop the first offer in order to accept the offer from the waitlist school.

 

[ppttie]

hey Lizzy,

quick break down of my stats:
3.3 UG GPA
3.6 SMP
31Q MCAT

Lots of research (3yrs), lots of clinical experience (shadow dr, volunteer - 8yrs)

I was told that my interviews went well, but I still got waitlisted at 2 schools that I interviewed. One of the admission director told me it's very competitive for out of state applicants, and it was my numbers holding me back.

I'm planning to take MCAT again this June, so that my primary will be completed by mid to late July. Would this be considered late?

Also, I feel like the only thing I can do to improve my numbers is to take MCAT again and get a higher score. Would you recommend this? some people say 31 is solid enough, but it still wasn't good enough this year (well, along with my GPA i guess)

Thanks in advance!!

 

[LizzyM]

I was told that my interviews went well, but I still got waitlisted at 2 schools that I interviewed. One of the admission director told me it's very competitive for out of state applicants, and it was my numbers holding me back.

I'm planning to take MCAT again this June, so that my primary will be completed by mid to late July. Would this be considered late?

With regard to the July MCAT, you'll be okay if you can crank out the supplementals in a timely fashion. However, how likely are you to do better than you've already done on the MCAT. Is a 32 going to be that much of an improvement that it will make a world of difference?

You are "good enough" to survive medical school (thus the waitlist) but not good enough to be a first choice (there are stronger applicants ahead of you). If part of what held you back this year was OOS, then you need to do a better job of choosing schools where OOS doesn't matter. Your gpa, not the MCAT, seems to be what's killing you. 🙁

 

[drjikim]

Howdy ADCOMS!

I have been accepted to a DO program and waitlisted at a MD school. In making plans for this fall and my medical education, I believe that I have four options.

1. (with luck) Gain acceptance to the MD school at which I am waitlisted.
2. Matriculate at the DO school, attend one year and pursue the option of transferring to a MD school.
3. Waive the acceptance to the DO school and attend a one year medical masters at the MD school I would like to attend. Reapply this year.
4. Attend the DO school.

My intention is to gain the best medical education that I can and become an influential physician, allowing for the possibility of academics in my career.

I am unfamiliar with the process of transferring to another medical school. Is it even possible for a DO student to transfer or apply to a MD program? If not possible, do you think my best option to attain a MD degree is to attend a med masters program this year? Thanks for your time!

 

[LizzyM]

Howdy ADCOMS!

I have been accepted to a DO program and waitlisted at a MD school. ...

My intention is to gain the best medical education that I can and become an influential physician, allowing for the possibility of academics in my career.

I am unfamiliar with the process of transferring to another medical school. Is it even possible for a DO student to transfer or apply to a MD program? If not possible, do you think my best option to attain a MD degree is to attend a med masters program this year? Thanks for your time!

Don't delay a year. Run with the DO. There are DOs on the faculties of allopathic med schools. Going DO will not preclude the opportunity to be an influencial physician with a career in academics.

 

[ppttie]

With regard to the July MCAT, you'll be okay if you can crank out the supplementals in a timely fashion. However, how likely are you to do better than you've already done on the MCAT. Is a 32 going to be that much of an improvement that it will make a world of difference?

You are "good enough" to survive medical school (thus the waitlist) but not good enough to be a first choice (there are stronger applicants ahead of you). If part of what held you back this year was OOS, then you need to do a better job of choosing schools where OOS doesn't matter. Your gpa, not the MCAT, seems to be what's killing you. 🙁

Thanks for a quick and honest response. I think a big part of this year's shortcomings was that my applications were not completed until January because the school's waited until my first semester grades from SMP came out. I did turn in my primaries early (july) but I guess it didn't really help. Hopefully that part will be improved by applying early.

I'm from Cali, so not really easy getting some love from in-state schools =)
But there were some schools that accept lots of OOS that I missed, so I will DEFINTELY do my homework on those next time around.

and for a follow up, how can I improve my GPA at this point? From what I read in previous posts, SMP grades won't be a substitute for a poor UG GPA. Would you recommend I take a year off and take more UG courses to bring up my UG GPA? I'd hate to lose another year (26yo, and this was my second time applying), but if that's the only way to fix my main problem, I might have to do that.

Thanks again for your honest answers. I'm incredibly grateful that you're doing this for all of us.

 

[LizzyM]

Would you recommend I take a year off and take more UG courses to bring up my UG GPA?

No. It is almost impossible to bring up a UG gpa after you've already earned 100+ credits. It is like putting an ice cube into a swimming pool with the hopes of cooling the water.

Buy the MSAR and consider your options for the next round. Consider establishing residency somewhere where you might have a better shot at an in-state school. (that might be going overboard but if you are going into the job market in the next few months and you have the flexibility it might be worth the effort)

 

[moto_za]

Hi Lizzy,

I am not sure if this has been asked before but coudnt find it. How do you decide how many hours you have worked per week without lying. I work every week based on my school schedule (weeks that have exams, etc). So basically one week I work 7 hrs the next maybe 5 and it is always up and down. Should I take the average of these hours or just make a rough estimate? One last quesition, do most medical school check the information, since I would imagine students (myself included) would be tempted to just round up their hours? thanks

 

[LizzyM]

Hi Lizzy,

I am not sure if this has been asked before but coudnt find it. How do you decide how many hours you have worked per week without lying. I work every week based on my school schedule (weeks that have exams, etc). So basically one week I work 7 hrs the next maybe 5 and it is always up and down. Should I take the average of these hours or just make a rough estimate? One last quesition, do most medical school check the information, since I would imagine students (myself included) would be tempted to just round up their hours? thanks

Take an average. Schools do have the option of checking so be as accurate as you can.

 

[jlamacc1]

Was the Eagle Scout awarded while you were in college? If not, it doesn't belong in the Experience section of the AMCAS although there's no rule against working it into your personal statement. I rarely see Eagle Scout on an application (maybe 1 in 450 applications from men). Some adcom members claim to see many (our workload is divided by geographic region so perhaps some areas of the country have higher participation in scouting and more Eagle Scouts??) and they often mention it -- but not in a good way since it is almost always a high school experience and high school experiences don't belong in the experience section.



Well, the general rule is that you shouldn't list high school experiences on the AMCAS so the only way to communicate to the adcom that you've had some clinical exposure will be to work this information into the personal statement. The details (number of weeks, number of hours) won't be as crisp as are found in the experience section and this could hurt you. If you think that you are interested in a career in medicine, you should be testing that interest as an adult. Doing research and finding it lacking is not sufficient reason to go into medicine. Even a couple hours per week in a patient care settng will give you a fresh perspective.

So, I shouldn't include on the AMCAS a clinical internship that I did the summer AFTER I graduated HS (I was 18 at the time)? Even if the experience confirmed my desire to be a physician? Seems like a grey area: after hs, before college...

 

[littlealex]

I have a relatively low GPA, by the time I graduate I'll probably be around a 3.4. Does it matter that I was in a competitive UG institution versus other schools?

How should that affect the target schools I apply to? (Granted that one with such a GPA will have to apply VERY broadly.)

 

[akhil4]

Hi, this is my first time using SDN and I'm really impressed at the way people are so helpful here. I have a 3.2 overall and a 3.0 science gpa from the University of Virginia and 34 MCAT (11P, 13V, 10B). I really am not picky about what school I go to however if I had to pick one Howard would be my number one choice. I have a decent amount of clinical work through volunteering at my local hospital and free clinic and medical research experience. What are my chances with these stats for any MD in 08 or am i looking to boost my GPA through an post bac or other program. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.🙂

 

[midn]

If the coursework is on a college transcript, list it.

Med schools tend not to notice students on the 5 year plan. There are thousands ... but most graduate a year later than others their age.

Your young age could hurt you. You need to be sure that you are mature and have life experience that prepares you for medical school. It might be worth taking a year or two off between college & med school and engaging in some research or service.

Thanks for the information.

As per my age, I had that concern myself but I found from many my peers that also went through this program that their age did not hamper them (some of them are starting med school at age 20). I've been working as a volunteer in the ER for the past few months and plan to continue doing so until graduation. Will this suffice as a "mature" experience? I don't have any doubt in my maturity, but will my age preclude me from an interview where I may prove it?

Also, I didn't mean listing the courses, I meant the extracurriculars I did, particularly research. I got secondary author on a paper but that was all before I graduated high school, but I was still co-enrolled in college. I don't want that to go to waste or else my application is going to look rather empty.

Thank you so much for your time!

 

[KGI]

Hi ADCOMS

I was wondering what my chances to get into med school were. I have a 31R on the MCAT (10V, 11P, 10B). My undergraduate GPA (from UC Berkeley) was quite low (3.27 Total, 3.00 BCPM). However, I have shown an upward trend, finishing my Senior year with a 3.6. I am currently in a masters program, with a cumulative GPA so far of 3.75, and science around 3.85. I have volunteered at a hospital, have had numerous leadership positions, have 1 publication and another on the way. I applied during this cycle and received one interview, for which I was waitlisted. Is my undergrad GPA going to hold back my application? I was going to apply this upcoming admission cycle. Advised?

 

[LizzyM]

I have a relatively low GPA, by the time I graduate I'll probably be around a 3.4. Does it matter that I was in a competitive UG institution versus other schools?

How should that affect the target schools I apply to? (Granted that one with such a GPA will have to apply VERY broadly.)

Your UG institution's reputation might help. You are correct that you will need to apply broadly.

 

[LizzyM]

So, I shouldn't include on the AMCAS a clinical internship that I did the summer AFTER I graduated HS (I was 18 at the time)? Even if the experience confirmed my desire to be a physician? Seems like a grey area: after hs, before college...

If you've no other clinical experience, you'll need to include it. It isn't ideal but since it is after HS graduation it isn't too bad.

 

[LizzyM]

Hi, this is my first time using SDN and I'm really impressed at the way people are so helpful here. I have a 3.2 overall and a 3.0 science gpa from the University of Virginia and 34 MCAT (11P, 13V, 10B). I really am not picky about what school I go to however if I had to pick one Howard would be my number one choice. I have a decent amount of clinical work through volunteering at my local hospital and free clinic and medical research experience. What are my chances with these stats for any MD in 08 or am i looking to boost my GPA through an post bac or other program. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.🙂

Your MCAT is pretty good. Did you take honors courses at UVa?

You should apply to Howard but plan to apply to at least 10 other schools. Are you African-American? If not, you might want to explain in any supplemental materials to Howard that you are particularly interested in service to the black community.

Go for a couple of reach schools but pretty much focus on schools that have avg gpa of 3.5 and avg MCAT of 30. You have a good shot at schools that are within that range.

A SMP might be your best activity for the gap year if you don't get admitted right out of college.

 

[LizzyM]

Thanks for the information.

As per my age, I had that concern myself but I found from many my peers that also went through this program that their age did not hamper them (some of them are starting med school at age 20). I've been working as a volunteer in the ER for the past few months and plan to continue doing so until graduation. Will this suffice as a "mature" experience? I don't have any doubt in my maturity, but will my age preclude me from an interview where I may prove it?

Maturity is more about life experience. Have you suffered loss? heart-break? Can you empathize with people who are going through hard times?

Also, I didn't mean listing the courses, I meant the extracurriculars I did, particularly research. I got secondary author on a paper but that was all before I graduated high school, but I was still co-enrolled in college. I don't want that to go to waste or else my application is going to look rather empty.

Thank you so much for your time!

If you have college coursework listed on the AMCAS for the same time period then perhaps you can list the experiences of the same time period.

 

[LizzyM]

Hi ADCOMS

I was wondering what my chances to get into med school were. I have a 31R on the MCAT (10V, 11P, 10B). My undergraduate GPA (from UC Berkeley) was quite low (3.27 Total, 3.00 BCPM). However, I have shown an upward trend, finishing my Senior year with a 3.6. I am currently in a masters program, with a cumulative GPA so far of 3.75, and science around 3.85. I have volunteered at a hospital, have had numerous leadership positions, have 1 publication and another on the way. I applied during this cycle and received one interview, for which I was waitlisted. Is my undergrad GPA going to hold back my application? I was going to apply this upcoming admission cycle. Advised?

Apply early, apply broadly. Shoot for the lower tier schools where your gpa may be less of an issue.

 

[caffeineaholic]

I'm rather lacking in clinical experience and would like your advice. I've volunteered at a hospital for 2.5 semesters (about 80 hours so far) and shadowed a surgeon for half a day during freshman year. I've heard somewhere that ~200 hrs of clinical experience is suggested (is this right?), so my experience doesn't seem adequate. Plus, I really would like more clinical experience to see medicine practiced in a greater variety of settings and to gain a more accurate picture of what clinical work is like in different areas of medicine as well as among different populations. I was hoping to volunteer a lot more (at least reach 100 hrs) and shadow extensively this semster, but getting injured and being on crutches for the past couple months has made it quite difficult. I'm going to try to shadow some physicians over the next couple months (hopefully they won't mind my relative lack of mobility). I plan to apply in June and I start working full-time in mid-June (since I'm graduating this semester). I hope to volunteer in a free clinic on weekends (still looking at opportunities) over the course of the next year.

Since my future volunteer work will be performed after I submit the AMCAS application, is there any way for med schools to be aware that I'm increasing my clinical experience? If i have the volunteer opportunity organized before I submit AMCAS, would it be quite inappropriate to mention the future volunteer work since it wouldn't have been done yet? Would there be opportunities to mention it on secondary applications?

Also, would you recommend volunteering at a second location (like at a hospital) in addition to volunteering at a free clinic (if volunteer opportunities there are only for a few hours each week). I would optimally want to volunteer as much as possible at a place that serves the underserved population (I've had experience with advocacy for the homeless population in my urban city hometown and care immensely about urban poverty issues), but I realize that there may not be extensive opportunities for me to volunteer on weekends especially as a pre-med student with no real clinical skills to offer. Hospitals, on the otherhand, might have more opportunities on the weekends (hah, especially on Sunday nights when pre-meds still in undergrad will probably be studying) and I could find something to do to help the nurses out.

Thank you, I really appreciate your advice!

 

[variablistic]

Hey everyone,

In applying for med school this year I did a couple of things you're never supposed to do. I applied late and to only four schools. I still have what I call a decent chance at getting into a med school yet this year, but I'm trying to plan in the event I don't.

I have a 3.7 nonscience, 3.7 bcmp gpa. 35 MCAT (10v 13p 12b). And I'll be graduating magna cum laude with a double major in chemistry and biology this month.

My ECs are lacking I'd say.
Senior class representative in Student Government Association (5-7 hours/week)
Faculty senate (1 hour/week)
Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society
Chemistry Club
I have 120 hours of physician shadowing.
Nurse Aide in a hospital (8 hours/week now, 40 in the summer)
I tutor 6 hours a week in chemistry; I've tutored math in the past.
I'm also a lab TA in anatomy and phys right now, and I've been one for organic and gen chem in the past.

The places I'm lacking are research and volunteering. The extent of my volunteering was a week long camp for high schoolers.

Saying now that I'm dedicated to applying for the next application cycle early, I have a couple questions.

What should I do this summer? I think my number one priority should be getting more hours volunteering. Would a medical mission accomplish this goal? I've wanted to go overseas for a while, but I've always been limited financially. Also, should I try to do research as well, or am I better off continuing my work as a nurse aide, (and possibly a unit clerk). Then again, having a degree, shouldn't I be able to find a better job than a nurse aide?

I think I'll have a few followup questions once I get a response or two.

Thank you so much for your time and help.

 

[Old ortho]

I have a question for Admission Committee members or those of you who know. When you are on the waitlist or alternate list of a medical school, how much difference is there if you send in occasional updates (your EC, achievement, your interest in this school) comparing to someone who does not send in updates?

Let's say there are two top students on the waitlist and there is one opening coming up. Student A has a score of 87, but never send in an update. Student B has a score of 86, but send in several Letter of Interests and updates. Would Admission Committee re-evaluate after May 1 or May 15 and give more points to Student B? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Bust-A-rhyme]

Hey Adcom!
A few q's.
I am a canadian and am interested in applying to the states. I am currently doing my masters. When looking at the medschool req'ts i noticed that there are 2 course requirments that i havent fufilled, chem and english. can i take these coures during the upcoming school year, while applying to med school this July? or must i complete these requirements prior to applying?

I also, dont have too much hospital experience but a heck of a lot volunteering with health related issues int he community. Will this be looked down upon?

Also, does a master's improve you're chances of getting into medical school.

thanks!

 

[IzzyMarieDMD]

Hi
I've just decided at the last minute to apply for the 2008 cycle. I was pre-dental and I have have lots of dental shadowing expereinces, however I have had zero medical experiences. I have a ~3.6 overall and ~3.3 science GPA. I will be taking the MCAT in May. (I'm assuming I will do ok)
My question is, do I stand a chance with no volunteering expereince and my GPAs? Should I wait a year to apply so I have time to make my application awesome? Also, should I include my dental shadowing hours in my application?
Thanks guys!
~Izzy

 

[Surf Rx]

Hi. I have heard that having an alcohol violation isn't too much of a deal breaker at most schools. But how bad is having two alcohol violations (both during freshman year while living in the dorms)?

 

[sashie19]

Hi,

I'm wondering what to do next year while I reapply. I've applied to a post-bacc program and was thinking of taking a couple courses per semester and while working in a clinic or hospital. But now, I'm starting to wonder if I would better off by just working full time.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MDhopeful6891]

Hi LizzyM,
Let me first say thanks...you have truly been a tremendous resource. I look forward to hearing your comments on my particular situation, but I have definitely benefited from reading your advice for other applicants.

I'm planning on applying for the upcoming cycle, submitting my AMCAS after my spring grades come out.
It looks like I'm going to pull [just barely] an overall GPA: 3.60, Sci GPA: 3.50. While not really in my control at this point, my first question in this regard is truly (in your opinion, as well as your experiences with other Adcoms), how much do aesthetics count (i.e., if the sci gpa is 3.49 vs. 3.50 or overall is 3.59 vs. 3.60)?

Given those GPA #'s, I am a bit of an unusual case in that I am going to have >190 semester units going into that GPA (traditional app, but just took A LOT of college courses at community college and state college while in hs). I am, however, graduating from a perennially top-5 ranked ugrad.

MCAT: 34N (13PS,11VR,10BS, N) --> How much might a subpar BS and WS affect my chances at top schools (or for that matter, any school -- my WS seems particularly bad!)?

EC's:
Daily Newspaper since beginning of Freshman Year (Senior Staff Writer, Desk Editor) + Invited article contributor to campus ethnic quarterly magazine

Significant Research- 1 yr in Vascular Research lab (conference presentation, independent project leading towards honors thesis, will continue during senior yr); 1 summer in CV development lab (contributed to two projects, not counting on the papers I'm going to be on to be out by app time, though); 3 yrs Endocrinology lab during HS+summer after (abstract, independent project); at current school, won undergraduate grants to support independent project

Free Clinic- Clinic Volunteer in a number of capacities (Since September 06), Clinic Steering Committee (since January 07); 2yrs Previous significant shadowing/ER volunteering as part of student-run pgrm w/ some mid-level leadership (had to leave after two years due only to some transportation issues)

On-campus tutoring of middle school kids from local underserved community

Misc: Intramural Sports, Religious Groups, Piano (performed solo overseas before college, now I just play for fun)

I currently have a huge application list (~30), basically because I'm originally from CA, so I'm applying definitely to 7 Cali schools (UC's, Stanford, USC)...I'm also thinking of applying broadly to New England/East Coast (NY, MA, DC, PA +Yale, Duke, maybe Darmouth, JHU), some Chicago schools...which of course, then include a whole bunch of reaches, in addition to (somewhat of a compensating measure) a number of "less selective" schools (though I'm not suggesting confidence for necessarily getting into ANY). Not to be presumptuous nor condescending, but those "less selective" schools I am currently considering and would be happy attending FYI include: Jefferson, Loyola-Stritch, NYMC, BU, Tufts. Once again, I understand that these are not "gimmees" by any sense of the word, but...

Your advice would be greatly appreciated regarding an application strategy, and perhaps how to accentuate my strengths (as there's not much time left to make any drastic additions/changes)...thanks so much!

 

[hmm...]

Hey Adcom!
A few q's.
I am a canadian and am interested in applying to the states. I am currently doing my masters. When looking at the medschool req'ts i noticed that there are 2 course requirments that i havent fufilled, chem and english. can i take these coures during the upcoming school year, while applying to med school this July? or must i complete these requirements prior to applying?

I also, dont have too much hospital experience but a heck of a lot volunteering with health related issues int he community. Will this be looked down upon?

Also, does a master's improve you're chances of getting into medical school.

thanks!

You simply need to fulfill your prereqs before you matriculate at a med school. So you can apply while you take those courses.

Hospital experience is not a requirement, but good for patient contact and clinical experience. However, it seems that your volunteer exp is quite adequate assuming that you patient contact and that you have also done some shadowing.

Masters will be useful if you have gotten decent grades and research done. Competitive research schools and MD/PhD programs especially look for research experience.

 

[xtal]

long story short: I took 2 classes (winter quarter) at a comm. college while I was taking a 2 yr. break from UG. I took the classes out of interest and paid out-of-pocket, no fin. aid. That was 8 yrs ago and I pretty much forgot about it until one of the courses turned out to be a pre req at one of the schools I applied to. Problem: those 2 courses are not mentioned on my AMCAS. I have no reason to be dishonest, as I received A's in both classes. I just didn't really think about it. I have never used those classes for transcripts or anything. What should I do? Do I take a quickie online course to fulfill the req or do I come clean with the admissions people and hope that they don't crucify me? I really need help! What is the worst thing that could likely happen if I come clean now?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[patrickd223]

I have switched over to premed earlier this year. I am just now getting into the pre-reqs and am recovering from a bad first semester. Should I apply between my junior-senior year when my GPA will be about a 3.35-3.4 or wait until I graduate with a 3.5-3.6. I also think that I will be able to score much higher on the MCATs if I wait until a year later(havent taken them yet). Scared that applying with a 3.3 and a MCAT score that I think I can improve on alot if I wait an extra year will limit me severly and hamper my future application if I didnt get in. Have good clinical/volunteering but no research. 😱

 

[LizzyM]

Since my future volunteer work will be performed after I submit the AMCAS application, is there any way for med schools to be aware that I'm increasing my clinical experience? If i have the volunteer opportunity organized before I submit AMCAS, would it be quite inappropriate to mention the future volunteer work since it wouldn't have been done yet? Would there be opportunities to mention it on secondary applications?

Also, would you recommend volunteering at a second location (like at a hospital) in addition to volunteering at a free clinic

You can mention it on the secondary, if asked. You can send an up-date at any time, or bring a printed up-date to be added to your file on interview day. You can send up-dates after you've interviewed.

More locations gives you a broader experience. Longer hours at a single location gives you more depth, particularly if you are given greater responsibility as time goes on and they get to know you there. Either is ok.

 

[LizzyM]

Hey everyone,

In applying for med school this year I did a couple of things you're never supposed to do. I applied late and to only four schools. I still have what I call a decent chance at getting into a med school yet this year, but I'm trying to plan in the event I don't.

In the event that you don't get in this cycle, you have an excellent opportunity to work for a year while applying for admission in Fall 2008. Given your background, a job in a research lab shouldn't be out of the question and would give you the reseach opportunity you lack. Spend an evening per week or a half-day each weekend at a volunteer activity (service to the needy of some sort, or hospice) and you should have made up for the deficiencies in your application. Good luck!

 

[LizzyM]

I have a question for Admission Committee members or those of you who know. When you are on the waitlist or alternate list of a medical school, how much difference is there if you send in occasional updates (your EC, achievement, your interest in this school) comparing to someone who does not send in updates?

Let's say there are two top students on the waitlist and there is one opening coming up. Student A has a score of 87, but never send in an update. Student B has a score of 86, but send in several Letter of Interests and updates. Would Admission Committee re-evaluate after May 1 or May 15 and give more points to Student B? Thanks in advance for your help.

This is going to vary by school. If the list is ranked, it may be set in stone. If the list is unranked then "scores" don't matter and the Dean of Admissions is going to make the offer to the waitlisted applicant who seems most interested (why waste a phone call on someone who's been quiet & was just too lazy, maybe, to withdraw from the waitlist but has already accepted an offer elsewhere?).

If the school is open to up-dates and letters of interest, than it is in your best interest to send them.

 

[LizzyM]

Hey Adcom!
A few q's.
I am a canadian and am interested in applying to the states. I am currently doing my masters. When looking at the medschool req'ts i noticed that there are 2 course requirments that i havent fufilled, chem and english. can i take these coures during the upcoming school year, while applying to med school this July? or must i complete these requirements prior to applying?

You must have the coursework before you matriculate so you could do it during this 2007-08 academic year. That said, some schools may prefer to interview applicants who have already completed those courses and have the grades to show.

I also, dont have too much hospital experience but a heck of a lot volunteering with health related issues int he community. Will this be looked down upon?

This depends very much on the individual adcom members and how well the individual(s) reading the application feel that you've answere the question "why medicine".

Also, does a master's improve you're chances of getting into medical school.

It may depend on the school. It may be a little help at some schools -- among US applicants it is often associated with a poor UG gpa so knowing if it improves chances would require a multivariate analysis adjusting for other factors... I don't know that anyone has looked at it that way.

 

[LizzyM]

Hi
I've just decided at the last minute to apply for the 2008 cycle. I was pre-dental and I have have lots of dental shadowing expereinces, however I have had zero medical experiences. I have a ~3.6 overall and ~3.3 science GPA. I will be taking the MCAT in May. (I'm assuming I will do ok)
My question is, do I stand a chance with no volunteering expereince and my GPAs? Should I wait a year to apply so I have time to make my application awesome? Also, should I include my dental shadowing hours in my application?
Thanks guys!
~Izzy

Why medicine? How do you know? How have you tested your interest in medicine?

 

[LizzyM]

Hi. I have heard that having an alcohol violation isn't too much of a deal breaker at most schools. But how bad is having two alcohol violations (both during freshman year while living in the dorms)?

Slow learner, eh?

Show remorse, show that you've learned and grown, show that you've gotten help to deal with your failure to learn your lesson the first time.

 

[Revilla]

Reposted

 

[LizzyM]

Hi,

I'm wondering what to do next year while I reapply. I've applied to a post-bacc program and was thinking of taking a couple courses per semester and while working in a clinic or hospital. But now, I'm starting to wonder if I would better off by just working full time.

Thanks in advance!

Why take courses? Get a job, work hard, do some good in the community in your spare time. Unless you think that a course would improve your ability to do your new job, there really isn't much point in taking coursework. (Unless you wanted to take something very different for personal enrichment -- something in the humanities, for example).

 

[LizzyM]

I'm planning on applying for the upcoming cycle, submitting my AMCAS after my spring grades come out.
It looks like I'm going to pull [just barely] an overall GPA: 3.60, Sci GPA: 3.50. While not really in my control at this point, my first question in this regard is truly (in your opinion, as well as your experiences with other Adcoms), how much do aesthetics count (i.e., if the sci gpa is 3.49 vs. 3.50 or overall is 3.59 vs. 3.60)?

MCAT: 34N (13PS,11VR,10BS, N) --> How much might a subpar BS and WS affect my chances at top schools (or for that matter, any school -- my WS seems particularly bad!)?

EC's:
Daily Newspaper since beginning of Freshman Year (Senior Staff Writer, Desk Editor) + Invited article contributor to campus ethnic quarterly magazine <snip>

You seem to have a good shot. Don't sweat 3.49 vs 3.50. It's 2 decimal places and rounded, AFAIK. The writing score is mitigated by the fact that you've been on the school paper for 4 years. Obviously, you are literate. Do a good job on your PS and the supplementals (they are going to overwhelm you with supplemental essays so you're going to need to write quickly and clearly over the summer to keep up).

Good luck.

 

[LizzyM]

long story short: I took 2 classes (winter quarter) at a comm. college while I was taking a 2 yr. break from UG. I took the classes out of interest ... Problem: those 2 courses are not mentioned on my AMCAS. I have no reason to be dishonest, as I received A's in both classes. I just didn't really think about it. I have never used those classes for transcripts or anything. What should I do?

You have a problem. You might as well come clean to the school that asked for the pre-req and send the community college transcript to that school. You could contact AMCAS and ask to up-date your AMCAS application stating that you'd made an error of omission.

Good luck.

 

[LizzyM]

I have switched over to premed earlier this year. I am just now getting into the pre-reqs and am recovering from a bad first semester. Should I apply between my junior-senior year when my GPA will be about a 3.35-3.4 or wait until I graduate with a 3.5-3.6. I also think that I will be able to score much higher on the MCATs if I wait until a year later(havent taken them yet). Scared that applying with a 3.3 and a MCAT score that I think I can improve on alot if I wait an extra year will limit me severly and hamper my future application if I didnt get in. Have good clinical/volunteering but no research. 😱

Don't waste your time & money if you don't think you have a reasonable shot at getting admitted. Wait the year and plan to get a job that will help you round out your application. Many, many applicants are choosing this route.