ADCOMS: Semi-Solicited Advice [Part II]

[LizzyM]

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I posted this question a couple of weeks ago, but, alas, no reply. So let me ask again.

It was originally asked to extend the question of whether graduate school grades are at all relevant in AdComms' decision making.

Do AdComms give value to a Masters degree per se, especially if its in a relevant field (say neurobiology)?

One may argue -- probably correctly -- that grades in graduate classes tend to be A's, but does the additional education/training/dedication/research etc. that a Masters implies factor into AdComms' decision making? Assume that the Masters thesis advisor provides a very positive recommendation.

Thanks in advance

If the undergrad gpa is 3.66 or greater, then an excellent MS trackrecord, particularly if combined with good research experience, is a nice plus. If the gpa is <3.5 then the assumption is often "grade inflation" and the whole thing tends to be discounted.

 

[CagedBird]

Hello adcomm. What is more important in the admissions process: gpa or mcat? I would venture to say mcat. Let's say an applicant goes to an interview and is being reviewed post- interview. If the applicant has a low gpa, high mcat...how is that viewed as opposed to if applicant has high gpa, low mcat? I always thought that it was better to show continual achievement (i.e.-gpa) but it seems like the mcat has more weight...?
And another question- what is your opinion on calling schools to ask for updates?

 

[move2west]

Dear adcomms,

I am planning to apply to MD/PhD programs next year, and I would like some advice on clinical exposure requirements. I had 10+ hours a week of experience in a hospital setting in high school (ending with the conclusion of my senior year) as a CNA and an EMT-Basic. In college I strayed into the pre-grad school option and away from further clinical experiences. I did do some shadowing of physicians occasionally through this time period, which if added up is probably fairly significant.

I am currently doing post-bac research fellowship for two years, and I recently have decided to pursue a MD/PhD instead of a PhD. All of my clinical certifications have expired, which makes it difficult to find meaningful clinical experiences. I am probably a little picky side about selecting a clinical experience as it difficult to go from direct patient care to just transporting people from department to department. Recently, I have started volunteering in a clinical research lab in which I have some contact with patients diagnosed with a neurological disorder, but we only have a pt every few weeks or so for 2-3 hours.

Will this more recent experience in a clinical lab and some physician shadowing be enough to be competitive in the medical school application process, especially MD/PhD programs? If not, I would like some ideas of what I could add to my already busy schedule.

Finally, I have heard the rule of thumb is to not include activities four or more years out on med school applications (e.g is not pre-college). I will be a year out of college at the time of application. Should I still put all of my activities from my first two years of college on the application?

Thanks in advance for your help,

I posted this question a few weeks ago, and it was skipped over like a few others. Hence the repost. In regards to other clinical opportunities, I work full-time so I am unable to do any of the foreign opportunities that someone posted (no summer or spring breaks).

Thanks in advanced adcoms for your advise.

 

[LizzyM]

Hello adcomm. What is more important in the admissions process: gpa or mcat? I would venture to say mcat. Let's say an applicant goes to an interview and is being reviewed post- interview. If the applicant has a low gpa, high mcat...how is that viewed as opposed to if applicant has high gpa, low mcat? I always thought that it was better to show continual achievement (i.e.-gpa) but it seems like the mcat has more weight...?
And another question- what is your opinion on calling schools to ask for updates?

MCAT is a more level playing field because everyone takes the same test whereas courses can differ in level of difficulty, intensity of the competition in the classroom, grading policies, course load and course mix. That said, gpa tends to show how you do day to day over a period of years whereas MCAT is a one-day, one shot deal. A brilliant goof -off can have a piss poor gpa and score a 40 on the MCAT -- are we to give that more importance than someone with a very good gpa and a 36 MCAT? Truth is, we look at both and consider both.

 

[LizzyM]

I posted this question a few weeks ago, and it was skipped over like a few others. Hence the repost. In regards to other clinical opportunities, I work full-time so I am unable to do any of the foreign opportunities that someone posted (no summer or spring breaks).

Thanks in advanced adcoms for your advise.

You need some clinical experience. Find a free clinic or an organization that sponsors health fairs or the Red Cross or a hospice. Aim for a 1/2 day per week for the foreseeable future (you can list it on the AMCAS as 4/07-present and 4 hours/wk). If you have some skills, licensure etc might not be an issue at some of these venues (taking blood pressures, etc).

You should list all relevant experiences from HS graduation to the present on your AMCAS (not just in the last 4 years).

 

[move2west]

You need some clinical experience. Find a free clinic or an organization that sponsors health fairs or the Red Cross or a hospice. Aim for a 1/2 day per week for the foreseeable future (you can list it on the AMCAS as 4/07-present and 4 hours/wk). If you have some skills, licensure etc might not be an issue at some of these venues (taking blood pressures, etc).

LizzyM,

Is clinical exposure in a clinical research setting usually frowned upon relative to a traditional clinical setting? I could easily volunteer for an additional study or two in my current clinical research lab to average a few hours/week. I would be doing FMRI or something similar in this case (I am really interested in neurology).

Let me know whether this is fine or I should seek out a more traditional clinical opportunity in a non-research setting.

You should list all relevant experiences from HS graduation to the present on your AMCAS (not just in the last 4 years)

Is it fine to list major clinical experiences obtained before high school? Similarly, if an activity was started before hs graduation and continued through college, is it fine to list the dates before college on AMCAS or do you list the date as starting after hs graduation?

Thanks for taking time to answer questions for all of us pre-meds.

move2west

 

[LifetimeDoc]

🙁 I started this thread originally with a big intro post about myself and a little about my school. but now that they split it, the first "advice" is gone. that kinda sucks. I'm a 4th year, been on the committee 2 years.

I added your original information/advice to the first post. Thanks for all your hard work!

 

[LizzyM]

LizzyM,

Is clinical exposure in a clinical research setting usually frowned upon relative to a traditional clinical setting? I could easily volunteer for an additional study or two in my current clinical research lab to average a few hours/week. I would be doing FMRI or something similar in this case (I am really interested in neurology).

Let me know whether this is fine or I should seek out a more traditional clinical opportunity in a non-research setting.

Get some more traditional clinical exposure.

Is it fine to list major clinical experiences obtained before high school? Similarly, if an activity was started before hs graduation and continued through college, is it fine to list the dates before college on AMCAS or do you list the date as starting after hs graduation?

Thanks for taking time to answer questions for all of us pre-meds.

move2west

Do not list clinical experiences you had in H.S. The AMCAS should be about experiences in adulthood.

That said, if you started something as a child and continued on into college, then it is acceptable to list it with the entire time period. I see this most often with performers (music, dance, gymnastics) who list activity from age 5 through present for so many hours per week and usually it is listed as something done for enjoyment (goes to well roundedness).

 

[deleted103644]

A brilliant goof -off can have a piss poor gpa and score a 40 on the MCAT -- are we to give that more importance than someone with a very good gpa and a 36 MCAT? Truth is, we look at both and consider both.

Hi Lizzy,
Do you have any extra advice for a *ahem* brilliant goof-off?
Thanks.

 

[LizzyM]

Hi Lizzy,
Do you have any extra advice for a *ahem* brilliant goof-off?
Thanks.

Learn and practice self-discipline. Get a job (or a PhD) and achieve greatness (publications, in particular). Apply after working 2+ years, write essays that show remorse for your less than stellar undergrad grades and have LORs that speak to your "late bloomer" status as a hard worker with a strong intellect. If necessary, do a SMP (rather than PhD).

You need to show that you know how to work hard academically and that you've changed from goof-off to hard worker. No one wants to depend on a goof-off on a clinical setting.

 

[alman]

hey adcom/LizzyM,
I asked this question a couple of weeks ago, and no one replied so I'll give it another shot. I have been working at a restaurant for the past three years. I was wondering how a LOR from my boss would be looked upon. I talked to my pre-health adviser, and she said I shouldn't get a letter from him because he doesn't have experience writing these letters. So, should I get a LOR from my boss even though he may not write the most grammatically correct letter.
Thanks,
Alex Caten

 

[alphaholic06]

Lizzy,

I like the new avatar. I loved the fruitcake lady.

 

[Adcom2]

adcomm, i'm just curious to know... are you a student adcom member? or a faculty member?

And I'm a 2nd year med student, one of 4 who serve on our (large) admissions committee. It's my first year, so most of the admissions folks posting here have more experience than I. LizzyM, adcomm, gujuDoc (you're certainly welcome in my book) - thanks for jumping in. I've had a full plate and have not been around for a couple of months. And acdomm - great idea getting this thread started in the first place. It's a real service.

 

[LizzyM]

hey adcom/LizzyM,
I asked this question a couple of weeks ago, and no one replied so I'll give it another shot. I have been working at a restaurant for the past three years. I was wondering how a LOR from my boss would be looked upon. I talked to my pre-health adviser, and she said I shouldn't get a letter from him because he doesn't have experience writing these letters. So, should I get a LOR from my boss even though he may not write the most grammatically correct letter.
Thanks,
Alex Caten

You don't need a letter from a boss unless you are working in a science lab, in which case it is expected. Listing the restaurant as "paid employement - non-military" on the AMCAS experience list, the boss as the contact, and a description of the duties and lessons learned (be brief but obviously service with a smile under time pressures and team work would be the skills that transfer well to medicine) is sufficient.

 

[adcomm]

I added your original information/advice to the first post. Thanks for all your hard work!

thanks 😀

 

[adcomm]

Do not list clinical experiences you had in H.S.

I have to admit I went against this advice when I applied, back in the day. I had over 700 clinical hours through a really unique HS program and I put that and the volunteering I started then and continued through college on the application. If you have something really substantial (we see some health-science magnet HS applicants, too) I think it's appropriate to list it.

 

[adcomm]

hey adcom/LizzyM,
I asked this question a couple of weeks ago, and no one replied so I'll give it another shot. I have been working at a restaurant for the past three years. I was wondering how a LOR from my boss would be looked upon. I talked to my pre-health adviser, and she said I shouldn't get a letter from him because he doesn't have experience writing these letters. So, should I get a LOR from my boss even though he may not write the most grammatically correct letter.
Thanks,
Alex Caten

no, your letters should come from professors, docs, or people who have worked very closely with you in volunteering type activities.

 

[alman]

Adcomm and LizzyM,
Thanks a lot for the advice.

 

[cabound]

Hi adcomms -

I have a low GPA (science ~ 2.64; overall ~ 3.09ish.... with a strong upward trend, especially in upper division science courses and science retakes my last two years... like, from Cs/Ds to As...(3.6s and 3.7s my last quarters...)

I took the MCAT = 23R; Retook = 29S

I already applied this year, and of course didn't get in with the GPA and August MCAT... but with this Jan. MCAT should I retake??

I know your advice would be to do some graduate/post-bacc work to increase that GPA, but I really want to apply early this year, and would it help if I tried to take classes over the summer? even if I applied in June?

B/c if not, I was thinking I would try D.O... (I do like the osteo philosophy.. but it still is perceived with greater limitations...)

I have a good amount of shadowing/volunteer experience. I'm working as a nurse assistant, and I just got a job at a hospital as an ICU cross-trained tech..so this will definitely give me a great amount of clinical exposure. I am also doing research work with a pharm professor at a D.O. school nearby and working towards a publication.

My problem is really getting passed the number screen - I know now I would be a valuable medical student, but is taking another year off and spending more money on more classes/another degree the only solution??

I really want to focus this next year on the research I just began, my new job, volunteering/shadowing, and possibly retaking the MCAT.... should I just leave most of that and focus full-time on classes (in addition to all the apps of course)? I just don't want to try to take on too much to improve and end up having negative results (i.e. too much at once...)

I'm really confused, but I really want to go to med school, and I will take another year (2009) if necessary, but I would LOVE to start next year.

Sorry for the long post, thanks for any advice 🙄

 

[Magus]

Hi adcomms,

Not sure if this has been covered before, but I was interested in working at a free clinic. Is it better to have 2 hours/week for 3 years rather than 300 hours over a summer? I imagine the first would show more commitment and interest, but not sure. Also, does it matter if you work at one clinic for those 3 years or is it OK to move around to another one provided you still spend those 3 years volunteering? Last, can you recommend any good places to volunteer? I've checked Planned Parenthood, free clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Thanks!

 

[Jimmydix]

Adcom,

I applied for medical school this year but have not got an interview. I applied to a wide rage of schools, 17 in total, to increase my chances but my MCAT of a 29 (11 V, 10PS, 8 Bio Q) combined with a low GPA of 3.2 in science is my downfall.

I was accepted to a good SMP program and will likely enroll in the Fall of 07 and apply again in June of 07

So the one question I have, should I retake the MCAT?

 

[LizzyM]

Hi adcomms,

Not sure if this has been covered before, but I was interested in working at a free clinic. Is it better to have 2 hours/week for 3 years rather than 300 hours over a summer? I imagine the first would show more commitment and interest, but not sure. Also, does it matter if you work at one clinic for those 3 years or is it OK to move around to another one provided you still spend those 3 years volunteering? Last, can you recommend any good places to volunteer? I've checked Planned Parenthood, free clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Thanks!

Two hours per week for 3 years does show commitment and it is possible that your experience, over time, will let you take on more responsibilities than you would be assigned as a full-time volunteer for 10-12 weeks. This might include training, directing or supervising new volunteers. This gives you a chance to show "leadership skills". All of the places you've listed are good. Go with whatever works best for you.

 

[LizzyM]

Adcom,

I applied for medical school this year but have not got an interview. I applied to a wide rage of schools, 17 in total, to increase my chances but my MCAT of a 29 (11 V, 10PS, 8 Bio Q) combined with a low GPA of 3.2 in science is my downfall.

I was accepted to a good SMP program and will likely enroll in the Fall of 07 and apply again in June of 07

So the one question I have, should I retake the MCAT?

Look at the schools you'd like to attend. Is your gpa within 0.2 of the average gpa for that school? Is your MCAT within 1 point (in each section) for that school? If not, you are looking at an extreme reach. You can try to find schools with lower stats or you can try to improve your stats. Of course, if you have 48+ credits averaging 3.2 it is hard to move the gpa by taking a few credits more. It might be easier to improve the MCAT, particularly the biological science section.

 

[LizzyM]

Cabound... the DO schools tend to be more forgiving of grades and if you admire the philosophy it might be a good fit for you.

 

[GoLAClippers]

You don't need a letter from a boss unless you are working in a science lab, in which case it is expected. Listing the restaurant as "paid employement - non-military" on the AMCAS experience list, the boss as the contact, and a description of the duties and lessons learned (be brief but obviously service with a smile under time pressures and team work would be the skills that transfer well to medicine) is sufficient.

Hi, what if I worked at a biochem lab for 6 months during my freshman year? If I apply next year, that would be ~4 years removed from my first lab experience. Since then, I have worked at various clinical fields including ER, Cardiology, Family Med, Derm, Pathology and more. Do I still need that biochem letter of rec or is it fine just to get a few letters from the physicians and volunteer coordinators coupled with Microbiology, Physics and Musicology professors fine? Thanks. P.S. What I mean by this is do I need to turn in letters from all the PIs?

 

[banana5]

Adcom,

Thanks in advance for your help.

Question: I'm currently a sophomore and have been offered a summer research position at a med school that is way out of my league, as well as a position at a school to which I'll likely be applying. I'm slightly more interested in the research at the higher ranked school, but I could probably go either way.

Since the person I'll work with will probably write a LOR for me, should I do the work at the institution to which I'll apply? In other words, when you read LORs from summer research PIs, does it matter if they're internal or from another institution?

 

[LizzyM]

Hi, what if I worked at a biochem lab for 6 months during my freshman year? If I apply next year, that would be ~4 years removed from my first lab experience. Since then, I have worked at various clinical fields including ER, Cardiology, Family Med, Derm, Pathology and more. Do I still need that biochem letter of rec or is it fine just to get a few letters from the physicians and volunteer coordinators coupled with Microbiology, Physics and Musicology professors fine? Thanks. P.S. What I mean by this is do I need to turn in letters from all the PIs?

What I meant by "if you work in a lab" was if you have a f/t job after college. Anyone applying MSTP should have at least one LOR from a PI.

Anyone else: it's optional but will highlight your experience in that field.

 

[LizzyM]

In other words, when you read LORs from summer research PIs, does it matter if they're internal or from another institution?

Sometimes an application reader may not think highly of a faculty member in his own school (knows the guy, warts and all) and may put more weight on the "name recognition" of a LOR from a more highly ranked school. On the other hand, some readers think that if you've already spent a summer "here" you may like it "here" and be likely to matriculate if offered admission (this presumes you have the stats that make us think that schools will be fighting over you). Another, totally "luck of the draw" situation is when the reader knows and highly regards the LOR writer. It can be someone here or elsewhere and mostly depends on getting a reader who if familiar with the players in your area of research (a long shot but it does happen).

 

[kaku123]

Hi Adcom,
What are the real differences between attending a state school versus a private school? Should cost be the defining factor of where to attend? Do those coming from a good private school have an advantage when applying for residencies? Do they tend to match better? Thanks!

 

[LizzyM]

Hi Adcom,
What are the real differences between attending a state school versus a private school? Should cost be the defining factor of where to attend? Do those coming from a good private school have an advantage when applying for residencies? Do they tend to match better? Thanks!

Are you asking the medical school admissions people if it is better to attend a state school or a private school for the bachelor's degree or are you asking which type of medical school is better? Bringing up residency match confuses me. 😕

 

[peterish]

Hay all; a newbie here, just wanted to say what a kickass thread!

Anyway, my scores are 12, 10, 10 = 32M. GPA = 3.6

I was one of the test takers who were bestowed with the mismatched verbal passage...If I give med schools the formal letter from AAMC explaining what happened with that whole mess, would they take it into positive consideration for my application?

Also, the 32 is pretty much what I've gotten on my highest AAMC CBT; but I do feel like I could do better if I studied a little more and did the 5 recently released AAMC CBT's. The M also bothers me because it's definitely lower than what I should have gotten on the essay. How much of a difference does the essay score make; I've heard a lot of premeds say that schools don't look at it?

 

[LizzyM]

I've seen some adcom members look at writing scores, some don't. Some will be extra careful in reading the AMCAS PS and supplemental essays if the MCAT writing score is substandard, and if those seem poor then you are toast. In particular, don't cut & paste your PS to answer a supplemental. Write something fresh. Submitting a rehash makes it seem like you can't/won't write and that will hurt you.

 

[doctorbettyrock]

I'm just wondering if any of you would be able to share with me what impresses you about an applicant during an interview? I am so worried about my interview last month, and would like to hear what you guys like (eventhough it's over now........). Thanks for letting me in on your thoughts 🙂

 

[hmm...]

I need advice. I have applied this semester and seem to be having some bad luck with my application and I am worried. I am not sure if it is bad luck or normal for someone with my scores. So far I have only one acceptance, but some people on this forum have denigrating Drexel. I was thinking the reason for my bad luck could be my 32Q or that I attend a less selective/fourth tier school because of financial/special circumstances.

Right now, I was wonder what else I could do to help get me off the waitlists I am on. I have done more shadowing experiences and also more volunteer hrs. I plan a well crafted LOI, but I am not sure how much that will help.

 

[LizzyM]

I need advice. I have applied this semester and seem to be having some bad luck with my application and I am worried. I am not sure if it is bad luck or normal for someone with my scores. So far I have only one acceptance, but some people on this forum have denigrating Drexel. I was thinking the reason for my bad luck could be my 32Q or that I attend a less selective/fourth tier school because of financial/special circumstances.

Right now, I was wonder what else I could do to help get me off the waitlists I am on. I have done more shadowing experiences and also more volunteer hrs. I plan a well crafted LOI, but I am not sure how much that will help.

Decide on a point at which you will go to Drexel so that you can have your ducks in a row to start school there without the distraction of waitlists (unless you are waiting on other schools in the same area such that living situation would be unchanged regardless).

Send a letter in early April expressing your interest in the school (be specific as to what you love about the school) and up-dating your file. Do the same in early May. If you have Spring grades, send them when they become available along with another letter noting that you can "move" at a moment's notice. Provide your telephone number that is the best way to reach you during the workday in that time zone.

Keep in mind that you do have an offer which is more than many have at this point. Congratulations on that!

 

[LizzyM]

I'm just wondering if any of you would be able to share with me what impresses you about an applicant during an interview? I am so worried about my interview last month, and would like to hear what you guys like (eventhough it's over now........). Thanks for letting me in on your thoughts 🙂

Good posture. A smile. An up-beat, relaxed attitude. A well modulated voice (don't shout or whisper). Fluency in speech (no umms or long pauses or 'ya know'). Answers brief enough that I have an opportunity to ask a follow-up question.* Non-rehearsed ( "canned") answers (i.e. know what you are going to say but don't memorize a speech). Evidence of some knowledge about the school (every school has a web site and view book with information about opportunitites for students, etc) and questions for me based on that basic knowledge. Enthusiasm for past ECs and for opportunities at this medical school (goes along with an up-beat attitude). A realistic attitude about the practice of medicine. Curiosity. Compassion and a genuine interest in caring for those who suffer.


*I once said to an applicant "I see that you are just back from ___." and she gave me a long monologue about the trip (~ 3 minutes). I would have preferred a 20 second response so that I could ask specific questions about the trip and move on to other aspects of her application.

 

[kaku123]

Hi Adcom,
What are the real differences between attending a state school versus a private school? Should cost be the defining factor of where to attend? Do those coming from a good private school have an advantage when applying for residencies? Do they tend to match better? Thanks!

Sorry if my question was unclear!!
I meant for medical school, what is the real difference between attending a good private school, or a state school. How much does where you went to school, influence residency program's decisions to accept you?

 

[CremasterFlash]

Dear ADCOM folks -

many thanks for this wonderful thread.

I'm an old postbacc (about halfway done) and have taken three volunteer positions over the past year: one in emergency medicine research, one in a trauma ICU and one in a pediatric hospital.

My problem is this: the emergency medicine group asked me to join them full-time as a researcher, so I did. Then I built a database for the trauma center and they want to pay me for it - an Honorarium. The problem is that I'm not in this for the money.

I didn't cash the check and now they're insisting that I do. If I put this Honorarium and the fact that I was hired from being a volunteer on my application, are ADCOMs going to think I'm some kind of mercenary? I didn't take these volunteer positions to make money...

At least the pediatric hospital hasn't offered me anything yet.

 

[doctorbettyrock]

Thanks for your opinion, Lizzy M. It is helpful 🙂. I was also wondering if an M writing sample looks really bad (I have As/A+s in English, 3.8 science G.P.A., 3.78 over-all and a 29 MCAT - 8 VR /11 PS /10 BS). I think I didn't do so well on my MCAT b/c I had to focus so much on physics, a subject that I had not seen in over 10 years. Thus, I tried really hard for physics, but everything else got neglected.

 

[chriserc]

Thanks for the help
I am currently writing my PS and I need a little advice. I am a SDA (Seventh Day Adventsit) who is applying to Loma Linda (a SDA affiliated school that accepts alot of SDA's) and I am also applying to my state school (UAB) and a variety of other school at which I feel that I am a competitive applicant. My question is, will adding something about being a christian and how that adds to my desire to become a doctor hurt me at the non religious schools to which I am applying? Since I live in the "bible belt" I don't feel like this should be a problem, as long as I don't come off as a crazy cultish person, but I was just wondering your imput.

Thanks again

 

[RollSkins]

Adcomms,
I was wondering if going to a small, relatively unheard of school will hurt my chances of acceptance? Also since I am taking a year off, what would you like to see me doing during that time?

Here are my 'stats' if that helps
GPA 3.67
Science GPA 3.75
MCAT havent taken yet
Good EC's w/ clinical experience

Thanks alot

 

[LizzyM]

If I put this Honorarium and the fact that I was hired from being a volunteer on my application, are ADCOMs going to think I'm some kind of mercenary?

No. They will thnk that you were talented enough that the group you were working for felt that you deserved to be paid for your work. A feather in your cap.

 

[LizzyM]

My question is, will adding something about being a christian and how that adds to my desire to become a doctor hurt me at the non religious schools to which I am applying?
Thanks again

You need to be very careful with this situation. Don't put it in your AMCAS but add it to your supplementals at schools with a religious affiliation. I've know a few non-Christian adcom members who are skittish about applications from evangelical-types because they've been pressured in the past and made to feel uncomfortable around colleagues who wanted to convert them.

 

[chriserc]

You need to be very careful with this situation. Don't put it in your AMCAS but add it to your supplementals at schools with a religious affiliation. I've know a few non-Christian adcom members who are skittish about applications from evangelical-types because they've been pressured in the past and made to feel uncomfortable around colleagues who wanted to convert them.

I understand what you are saying what about just puting something about a christian upbringing and the values that were instilled in me? I know that alot of people have a bad idea of what SDA's are because of a few overbearing crazy 'evangelical types' but most of us are just as normal as say a bapist. Anyway thanks for the advice

 

[LizzyM]

I understand what you are saying what about just puting something about a christian upbringing and the values that were instilled in me? I know that alot of people have a bad idea of what SDA's are because of a few overbearing crazy 'evangelical types' but most of us are just as normal as say a bapist. Anyway thanks for the advice

You can say upbringing and values without using the adjective "Christian". You can describe your values (e.g. compassion for the sick, an obligation to be of service to others) and give examples of how you've lived your life without unintentionally offending adcom members who may be over-sensitive.

 

[DrVanNostran]

A little confused...If I apply EDP to an allopathic school, can I still apply early to Osteopathic schools via AACOMAS and TMDSAS?

 

[Mayday]

It would appear that my question never got noticed because you fell behind 🙂

How do adcoms looks at ECs? Well, that's perhaps not quite the way to put it. Which would be prefered? All Medical related ECs (shadowing, volunteer work at the hospital etc) or a mix of medical and non medical (shadowing, volunteer at the hospital, and community service type things like being a big sister thorugh the big brothers/big sisters program)?

 

[LizzyM]

It would appear that my question never got noticed because you fell behind 🙂

How do adcoms looks at ECs? Well, that's perhaps not quite the way to put it. Which would be prefered? All Medical related ECs (shadowing, volunteer work at the hospital etc) or a mix of medical and non medical (shadowing, volunteer at the hospital, and community service type things like being a big sister thorugh the big brothers/big sisters program)?

You may list, IIRC, up to 15 items. There is a sticky here about ECs and one lists all the possible categories. I expect to see at least one non-medical thing to show your "well-roundedness". Many students have a 50-50 split between medical and non-medical with performing arts, music, sports, tutoring, leadership roles, campus jobs & summer jobs, etc taking up at least half.

 

[lakersbaby]

if there are 2 people on the admissions committee does one have priority over the other based on his status in the school? One of my interviewers was a MD/PhD and is currently in his 4th year of the MD already finished the PhD and he is on the committee. My other interviewer is asst. dean of admissions and also on the committee. My interview with the MD/PhD went extremely well but the other interview was so-so. Do their inputs weigh equally?

 

[ToastyBubble]

Thanks for your help LizzyM. My question is how do adcoms evaluate students who retake the MCAT with a score of 30? I was told by pre-med advisor that retaking the MCAT with a 30 can look questionable. My gpa is good 3.93 with lots of activities and research. Is it worth retaking if you think you can improve your score by about 2-3 pts.

Thanks!