ADCOMS: Semi-Solicited Advice [Part II]

[enviromed21]

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nvmd-got the answer

 

[moto_za]

Hi,
Everyone is telling me to make sure to apply EARLY. I was wondering if I send my application in in june and then my mcat scores on july 1st will that be considered EARLY or should make sure to have my mcat scores in on june as well? thankss!!!

 

[Kfire326]

Hi,
Everyone is telling me to make sure to apply EARLY. I was wondering if I send my application in in june and then my mcat scores on july 1st will that be considered EARLY or should make sure to have my mcat scores in on june as well? thankss!!!

If its a matter of taking the test earlier to get the scores done by june, then nah, i don't think it matters. July 1st is fine.

 

[Richard8794]

Hi LizzyM
Thanks so much for helping us out here.

I have a question
I was wondering if medschools tend to forgive low verbal scores from ESL students?
Well I came to the states when I was 8th grade and was in ESL class for 2 years.

I got 31M (9VR, 10PS, 12BS) last August, and 33Q (8VR, 13PS, 12BS) this january. I know anything above 30 is good, but I am afraid that my low score on verbal could potentially keep me from getting any acceptance. can 9 on august verbal help to offset 8 on january verbal?

I am california resident and I would love to stay here for medschool as well.
My GPA is ~3.71 but I got Bs in all my English/writing classes in college (I took them freshmen year) would this affect my chance?
I have average ECs and research experiences (as anyone would expect from a typical applicant)

 

[LizzyM]

Hi LizzyM
I was wondering if medschools tend to forgive low verbal scores from ESL students?

Some adcom members will, some may ignore it. If you were born abroad (this information is on page 1 of your AMCAS application) and there is something in your committee LOR or in your essay that mentions the age at which you came to the States, this can be a prompt to check your writing score and to ask the interviewers to make a note of your ability to express yourself well verbally. As long as your verbal score is at least 50th percentile (which varies from one test date to another) I tend not to get too worried about it. Do check the stats at the schools where you'd like to attend and if you are really concerned, check with the adcom in late May (a slower time of year for them) and ask if there is a cut point below which it is not worth your time to apply.

 

[LizzyM]

My question is how do adcoms evaluate students who retake the MCAT with a score of 30?

They usually think, "here's a kid who isn't satisfiied with 'good enough'".

I was told by pre-med advisor that retaking the MCAT with a 30 can look questionable.

Not at all. I even saw someone who re-took after earning ~32 the first time ; he went up 4 points.

 

[LizzyM]

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?

It depends on the reputation of the two individuals. Sometimes we see an interviewer who has the respect of the committee and who can influence the committee's vote. Some others tend to have blind spots or see as negatives something that most of the committee members don't find particularly problematic. We take those interview notes with a big grain of salt. This often has less to do with the rank of the individual and more to do with their experience as an interviewer, their prejudices, and their insightfulness.

What's done is done. Keep your fingers crossed -- maybe it went better than you thought that it did.

 

[DrVanNostran]

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

bump

 

[Lindyhopper]

Hi Adcom,
Thanks for your efforts.
I'm looking for both specific & general advice. I have a 3.7 undergrad. 3.75 BCMP. One issue is that all those undergrad grade (except for an A+ in orgo II) are 10 years old.
Two years ago I returned to school taking orgo II & completed a non thesis MA in biology with a 4.0.
My MCAT were 32O 10V 10PS 12BS & I just recently got a 37P 12V 12PS 13BS.
I've been a volunteer EMT for the last three years & have TAed A&P for two years. I have some but not really significant research experience.
My state school is 20 minutes away. They have an SMP & also offer classes as on a non-matric bases. How valuable would doing well in one 5 credit SMP course in medical physio be for that program in particular or more generally?
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[LizzyM]

How valuable would doing well in one 5 credit SMP course in medical physio be for that program in particular or more generally?
Any advice would be appreciated.

Given your undergrad gpa, MCAT and Master's degree gpa, there is absolutely no added advantage to taking 5 additional credits. NONE. Spend your time writing the best personal statement you can and churning out those secondary applications. Apply broadly and you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Kfire326]

Hi again, adcom members. I'm just curious to know, what exactly IS a competitive GPA for medical school admissions? i.e. where is the unofficial cutoff b/w competitive and not competitive? To me, it seems like that cutoff is somewhere around 3.70-3.75. Is it lower? higher?

Thanks

 

[LizzyM]

Hi again, adcom members. I'm just curious to know, what exactly IS a competitive GPA for medical school admissions? i.e. where is the unofficial cutoff b/w competitive and not competitive? To me, it seems like that cutoff is somewhere around 3.70-3.75. Is it lower? higher?

Thanks

You are in the ballpark. Check the average gpa for each school. I'd say average and above is strong - anything within 0.15 of the average has a chance at getting noticed by the adcom and an applicant with a gpa more than 0.25 below the school's average will have an uphill climb.

 

[Kfire326]

Hi all,

I'm wondering what a letter of interest/intent should look like if I'm on the waitlist at a certain school. It pretty much is a letter of intent, but I don't want to go as far as saying "If you accept me, I'm coming," but rather, say that they're my first choice school.

Lizzy M suggested that in a pre-interview letter of interest, I should mention the schools attributes that I like, and mention the schools philosophy and/or curriculum...does that apply here? What else should the letter have in it?

Thanks a lot.

 

[doctorbettyrock]

Lizzy M you are amazing... answering all these questions!
I had a specific question in my interview that has been bothering me ever since. "Tell of a time when you had a conflict with another co-worker." I started to talk about my present situation at work. Just to give you some background information, my boss is frequently making "jokes" at me that are belittling, and she does this whenever I make suggestions at work.

This is what I told the interviewers: "There have been a few disagreements at work. The clients are completely dependent on us for everything, including such things as eating, drinking and toileting. Because they are non-verbal they cannot speak up and ask for water if they are thirsty, etc. I think they should have at least 8 glasses of water a day, but it's hard to make every staff member follow through."

"There's no meetings at this agency, and I'm starting to see that meetings are essential. Actually, at the agency that I worked for previously, we had tons of meetings. At the time, I didn't see the need for them, but in retrospect, I can see their importance."

"Oh another example - In one of the clients care plans, he has to go into his recliner in the afternoon if he wakes up before 10:00 a.m. This guy is already sleeping too much! If he looks like he is fully awake (smile on his face, laughing, etc.), I don't think he needs to go into the chair. I told the other staff member that I would take the blame for 'not putting him in his chair.' "
Interviewer - "Did you tell your boss about this?"

Me - "I did. But she is very (pause, don't want to sound negative) defensive... I can be defensive too (pause), but I tend to control it.
She is often making little jokes about me like "Oh, you could never do such and such a course; you would drop out, fail." I eventually told her that I need positive feedback in order to do a good job. Since then I have noticed our relationship improving."

Lizzy, do you think that this answer is too scattered? I didn't really explain to the interviewers how I handled the situations. I just told them what happened. I do believe in listening to people objectively, etc. but this never came out in my answer. I guess my current situation is not like any other I've had in the past. I got in over my head in the interview. I probably should have used an example that happened at the more professional agency, and I would have given a more "CORRECT" communication answer.

 

[LizzyM]

I'm wondering what a letter of interest/intent should look like

Some people will say "if you accept me, I'll be there" (often they have one offer & one waitlist and they'd prefer the waitlist school). If you can't go that far then your letter may be a little less strong than some others. Provide an up-date of your activities since the last contact (grades, volunteer activities, publications, presentations, attendance at conferences, an anecdote about an experience). Make a statement about what impressed you when you visited on interview day or something that you recently saw in the news about the school and how it relates to your interests. Say the school is your top choice... if it is. You can always say that you would be honored to attend or to call Hotstuff Medical School your alma mater.

 

[doctorbettyrock]

Lizzy M you are amazing... answering all these questions!
I had a specific question in my interview that has been bothering me ever since. "Tell of a time when you had a conflict with another co-worker." I started to talk about my present situation at work. Just to give you some background information, my boss is frequently making "jokes" at me that are belittling, and she does this whenever I make suggestions at work.

This is what I told the interviewers: "There have been a few disagreements at work. The clients are completely dependent on us for everything for such things like eating, drinking and toileting. Because they are non-verbal they cannot speak up and ask for water if they are thirsty, etc. I think they should have at least 8 glasses of water a day, but it's hard to make every staff member follow through."

"There are no meetings at this agency, and I'm starting to see that meetings are essential. Actually, at the agency that I worked for previously, we had tons of meetings. At the time, I didn't see the need for them, but in retrospect, I can see their importance."

"Oh another example - In one of the clients care plans, he has to go into his recliner in the afternoon if he wakes up before 10:00 a.m. This guy is already sleeping too much! If he looks like he is fully awake (smile on his face, laughing, etc.), I don't think he needs to go into the chair. I told the other staff member that I would take the blame for 'not putting him in his chair.' "
Interviewer - "Did you tell your boss about this?"

Me - "I did.(pause)..... But she is very (pause, don't want to say anything bad about her) defensive... I can be defensive too (pause), but I tend to control it.
She is often making little jokes about me like "Oh, you could never do such and such a course; you would drop out, fail." I eventually told her that I need positive feedback in order to do a good job. Since then I have noticed our relationship improving."

Lizzy, do you think that this answer is too scattered? I didn't really explain to the interviewers how I handled the situations. I just told them what happened. I do believe in listening to people objectively, etc. but this never came out in my answer. I guess my current situation is not like any other I've had in the past. I got in over my head in the interview. I probably should have used an example that happened at the more professional agency, and I would have given a more "CORRECT" communication answer. Thank you so much for any thoughts.🙂

 

[LizzyM]

Lizzy, do you think that this answer is too scattered? Thank you so much for any thoughts.🙂

It is hard to say how the interviewer perceived the answer. You did communicate a lot about your attitudes and approaches to problems with that answer and it may depend on the interviewer's life experiences and interpretation of your responses as to whether or not your answer was "good" in the mind of the interviewer.

What's done is done. Let it go. If you are meant to be admitted there, you will be.

Meanwhile, every interview is an opportunity to learn and to think. The next time you'll have a better answer to that question. This is why interviews later in the season seem to be a little better than those early in the season - the applicants are a little more polished because they've learned from past interview experiences.

You might also use the "Interviews" button at the top of this page to link you to feedback about interviews at the schools where you are scheduled to interview. Viewing questions asked in the past at that school can give you some things to think about (think, don't write). Don't rehearse (memorize) but just have a few thoughts.

 

[beezel]

I had a question about the LOI and my shot. I got waitlisted at my first choice school. My undergrad gpa 3.9, science is shaping up to be 3.8(since I will be completing the reqs in May). I took my MCAT extremely early, before any orgo, phys II, or bio I, got a 28Q. I interned in the ETD at my hospital for 7 months, I have a lot of job experience in various endeavors, mostly customer service related. I really want to end up at this school, my friend thought I definately got watlisted because my final grades for the reqs are being worked on this semester. How right is she? And should I sent a letter of intent? If so, what should it say, I have already mailed thank you cards after the interview and an email update on my new project, both of which included my adoration for the school. When is it too much?😕

 

[LizzyM]

I had a question about the LOI and my shot. I got waitlisted at my first choice school. <snip>I really want to end up at this school, my friend thought I definately got watlisted because my final grades for the reqs are being worked on this semester. How right is she? And should I sent a letter of intent? If so, what should it say, I have already mailed thank you cards after the interview and an email update on my new project, both of which included my adoration for the school. When is it too much?😕

You most likely got waitlisted because the offers went to applicants who had everything you had plus an extra 4-6 points on the MCAT. Some of those applicants have multiple offers and they can only choose one. That means that some schools will have to fill in with what they might consider second tier appliants. You are good enough to get admitted (thus the interview & the waitlist slot) so you need to wait and hope to get an unfilled seat after those who were asked ahead of you decline the offers of admission. Stay in touch with the admissions office, reiterate your interest in the school.

Not having completed the pre-reqs has no bearing on waitlisting - in my experience.

 

[Wasik]

Hello everyone!! I am new to SDN, and look forward to participating to this wonderful site in the future. I have a question for the adcoms:

I had a relatively late interest in medicine (approx. 10 months ago…im a junior in college) and I am a little worried that despite my efforts that med schools (especially the top tier schools) would be more inclined to accept someone who has been on the pre-med track for a couple of years, has a sustained experiences over long periods of time (clinical, research w/ publications, etc), and a more through coursework in the sciences. I’ll give a brief background of myself: econ major, 4.2 Cum. GPA, 4.25 science GPA (completed all prereqs this past 10 months), research (6 months), free clinic volunteer (10months), ER volunteer, medical mission in South America over this winter. Any input on how applicants such as myself fair in application process would be greatly appreciated. Also, does taking the July MCAT place applicants at a major disadvantage?

 

[LizzyM]

Hello everyone!! I am new to SDN, and look forward to participating to this wonderful site in the future. I have a question for the adcoms:

I had a relatively late interest in medicine (approx. 10 months ago…im a junior in college) and I am a little worried that despite my efforts that med schools (especially the top tier schools) would be more inclined to accept someone who has been on the pre-med track for a couple of years, has a sustained experiences over long periods of time (clinical, research w/ publications, etc), and a more through coursework in the sciences. I’ll give a brief background of myself: econ major, 4.2 Cum. GPA, 4.25 science GPA (completed all prereqs this past 10 months), research (6 months), free clinic volunteer (10months), ER volunteer, medical mission in South America over this winter. Any input on how applicants such as myself fair in application process would be greatly appreciated. Also, does taking the July MCAT place applicants at a major disadvantage?

Don't worry. Apply broadly. July MCAT puts you at a slight disadvantage. Have your AMCAS ready to go and prepare supplemental essays and have them ready to go as they arrive (earlybirds will post the essay questions on SDN beginning in early July).

 

[mongrel]

I've got a question about depth of EC's. I think the rest of my app looks pretty good with 3.95 cum GPA, 36 MCAT, 40+ hrs of physician shadowing, leadership positions held in continually active campus organizations, and lots of lab experience working in the pharmaceutical industry (my major is biochem engineering).

My dilemma arises when it comes to volunteer experience. I've helped with blood drives and youth health awareness programs put on with my school's pre-health student club. But- I haven't had a consistent "went out on my own and found it" sort of volunteer experience. I plan on applying to med school this summer and I've just started doing 4-5 hrs/week at a local nursing home. From what I've read, it almost seems like the longstanding individual crusade/experience is all that counts to adcoms and without that people reek of "false devotion". Is this correct or do you think I'll be okay?

 

[LizzyM]

From what I've read, it almost seems like the longstanding individual crusade/experience is all that counts to adcoms and without that people reek of "false devotion". Is this correct or do you think I'll be okay?

I think that you 'll be ok. Apply broadly. Apply early.

 

[Kfire326]

I think that you 'll be ok. Apply broadly. Apply early.

Is it ever even somewhat safe to apply late (like Nov-Dec.)? Other than maybe people who are rejected/deferred early decision applicants, i guess..

 

[alexsmith]

hey adcom, ive interviewed at one school, and it just so happens to be my number one choice. ive already sent in a letter of intent, do you know what else i could do post-interview, before they make their decision, to make myself stand out or so show that i am truly 100% committed to their school. thanks.

 

[RollSkins]

I got gugudoc's advice on this but perhaps you could give me your opinion LizzyM. What would you like to see me doing during my year off between undergrad and medschool?

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]

Is it ever even somewhat safe to apply late (like Nov-Dec.)? ..

No.

 

[LizzyM]

I got gugudoc's advice on this but perhaps you could give me your opinion LizzyM. What would you like to see me doing during my year off between undergrad and medschool?

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

Do what you love. Do what you are going to be able to talk about with enthusiasm during your interviews. There is a broad range of things that people do.... at the very least, get a job, if you can.

 

[Kfire326]

No.

just curious. 🙂

 

[RollSkins]

Do what you love. Do what you are going to be able to talk about with enthusiasm during your interviews. There is a broad range of things that people do.... at the very least, get a job, if you can.

Thanks, I really appreciate, as I am sure everyone else does, your answers to these questions and the fact that you repliy so quickly. I am definetly getting a job, since I haven't found any of those trees with money for leaves. I am going to do construction for most of the year, framing houses, should I mention this during interviews or might some people look down on 'blue collar' work? I really love it and think that my work ethic in consruction will translate into a good work ethic in medschool as it has for undergrad, well except my pre-premed freshman year. Also I am going to go to Australia to visit family (my moms Australian) and travel so I guess that is what I had planned so far. Oh yeah I am sure I will continue my pet therapy volunteering. Basically those are three things that I am enthusiastic about that I have explicitly planned out.

 

[Flopotomist]

I’ll give a brief background of myself: econ major, 4.2 Cum. GPA, 4.25 science GPA...

How is it possible to have a GPA higher than a 4.0 in undergrad?

 

[Wasik]

How is it possible to have a GPA higher than a 4.0 in undergrad?

The school I'm at is on the +/- system A+ = 4.33. Although on on the med school app its capped at 4.00.

 

[prznpremed]

Stay in touch with the admissions office, reiterate your interest in the school.

Do you have any additional advice for waitlisters? I seem to be getting waitlisted repeatedly and think it's because my stats are below average at those schools. I've been looking at it this way: their average GPAs and MCATS are just that, an average, and they have to make up the lower half of that average somehow. I have been writing the schools regularly with updates and reiterating my interesting. Would visiting the dean of a school (say your top choice, or the school you had the best shot at based on averages) be overkill?

 

[LizzyM]

Do you have any additional advice for waitlisters? I seem to be getting waitlisted repeatedly and think it's because my stats are below average at those schools. I've been looking at it this way: their average GPAs and MCATS are just that, an average, and they have to make up the lower half of that average somehow. I have been writing the schools regularly with updates and reiterating my interesting. Would visiting the dean of a school (say your top choice, or the school you had the best shot at based on averages) be overkill?

It might be. Whatever you do, don't go without an appointment. Given that some schools have hundreds on the waitlist, you can imagine that the Dean doesn't have the time to meet with each person on the waitlist.

There is below average and there is below average.

I suspect that in most cases the bell curve of MCAT scores and gpa is very narrow with a right tail. (a small standard deviation and some outliers at either end but more outliers with high scores than with low).

Let's say that a school has an average gpa of 3.70.

Most of the applicants may fall in the range of 3.62 to 3.78 with some above 3.78 and with very few (what we'd call outliers) below 3.6. or above 3.8. Don't believe for a minute that an average of 3.7 means that the school routinely admits people with gpas of 3.3 because the range must be between 3.3 and 4.0 with 3.7 in the middle.

 

[JimT30]

I'm fairly new to the site and am planning to apply for the upcoming application cycle. My background isnt exactly traditional. I graduated from Binghamton University (NY) back in 2001 with a dual degree in Biology and Economics. GPA was around 3.3. Since then I completed a Master's degree in Immunology at the University at Buffalo (NY) with very heavy emphasis on research but with no publications (GPA around 3.2-3.3). Since then I have worked as a teaching assistant at UB and also as a Trainer and GM in the fitness industry. This past summer I decided I wanted to go back to school and get more involved with health care, the fitness industry just wasn't professional enough for me. I decided on Chiropractic School since I was really interested in body mechanics and musculoskeleton conditions. I have really applied myself here and have recently realized that I wasn't mature enough when I graduated college to continue with my education back then, which I am now positive that I am. This is evident by my 4.0 GPA at Chiro School while taking a lot of the same courses that are offered at medical school. However, I have also realized, through the curiculum here, that I would be much happy as a MD like an orthopedic, than I will be as a limited practioner (Chiropractor). I have also been doing basic science research here at chiro school to keep my hand in it, and hopefully I will have a publication or two come out of it.

I was wondering if anybody has heard anything about how adcoms view chiro school or classes and if switching before i finish the DC degree would hurt? Also, do you think that my strong grades at NYCC will weigh heavy compared to my lower undergrad grades. I am at New York Chiropractic College which has a good working relationship with SUNY Upstate, which is my top choice. By the way I am 28 and would be 29 if I were to get accepted and enroll into med school.

Any thoughts or comments will be appreciated.

Jim

 

[Suaveness]

Question about writing a letter of interest/intent.

Is it ok to write one now, when I haven't heard back from them yet? I had my interview in November, and sent them first sem. grades in Dec. I didn't know whether or not I should save that until afterwards, if I get waitlisted. Or can I send one now, and one if I get waitlisted?

 

[MedStudentWanna]

Lizzy, I have a question regarding grades. I'm a career changer and in my previous career, I took a computer class mandatory for my job at a local CC. It was paid for by my job and the only requirement was to get it done. Is this a grade I need to report since it was part of my job?

 

[yerfdog]

I'm a junior Bio major, Chem minor, 3.63 overall, 3.4ish sci/math, good clinical experience. I have been planning to take the MCAT this spring like a good little traditional pre-med student. However, talking with my advisor and some serious thinking is leaning me towards actually taking it *next* spring, after my senior year. My thoughts...

pro: year off for more experience or possible overseas volunteer work, upper level classes under my belt (biochem, genetics), more time to study for MCAT, better able to focus on app, time to pull grades up a little more

con: getting rusty on ochem and physics for MCAT, adcoms interpret extra time as academic weakness, etc.?

If you're the adcom, what are you going to think about seeing this? What would you prefer to see?

Thanks so much for all your input!

 

[LizzyM]

Question about writing a letter of interest/intent.

Is it ok to write one now, when I haven't heard back from them yet? I had my interview in November, and sent them first sem. grades in Dec. I didn't know whether or not I should save that until afterwards, if I get waitlisted. Or can I send one now, and one if I get waitlisted?

Decisions should be out in the next week or two so hold your fire - I mean your up-dates - until then.

 

[LizzyM]

Lizzy, I have a question regarding grades. I'm a career changer and in my previous career, I took a computer class mandatory for my job at a local CC. It was paid for by my job and the only requirement was to get it done. Is this a grade I need to report since it was part of my job?

All post-secondary coursework must be reported. Failure to do so amounts to falsification of your application.

 

[LizzyM]

I'm a junior Bio major, Chem minor, 3.63 overall, 3.4ish sci/math, good clinical experience. I have been planning to take the MCAT this spring like a good little traditional pre-med student. However, talking with my advisor and some serious thinking is leaning me towards actually taking it *next* spring, after my senior year.

More and more applicants are taking a year off (a gap year) between college & med school. Adcom members I know almost always see it as a plus because almost everyone benefits from an extra year of maturity.

 

[viciouz]

Can I mention that I am motorcycle enthusiast, race em, ride em, work on em, in an interview. I also worked on cars with the same passion but the last year I've been into bikes.

Any Negatives/Positives?

 

[GoLAClippers]

Question about writing a letter of interest/intent.

Is it ok to write one now, when I haven't heard back from them yet? I had my interview in November, and sent them first sem. grades in Dec. I didn't know whether or not I should save that until afterwards, if I get waitlisted. Or can I send one now, and one if I get waitlisted?

Interesting point here. Today, I overheard a former adcom of a "low-tier" school explaining this issue to another pre-med volunteer. He said that it does help significantly for his school if one writes a sincere, thoughtful, and meaningful one. Additionally, he said that it is especially valuable if one is waiting for a response post-interview.
However, another adcom member from one of the UCs told me that it doesn't help at all for his school. IMO, the lower the rank of school, the more valuable and useful the letter. I am sure LizzyM, adcomm or REL will elaborate more on this.

 

[Dr.Watson]

pro: year off for more experience or possible overseas volunteer work, upper level classes under my belt (biochem, genetics), more time to study for MCAT, better able to focus on app, time to pull grades up a little more

con: getting rusty on ochem and physics for MCAT, adcoms interpret extra time as academic weakness, etc.?

I say take the year off, but take the MCAT post-junior year. You don't want senior spring to suck, which it will if you're studying for the MCAT. Also, if you screw it up, you have another chance junior summer/senior year.

 

[LizzyM]

Can I mention that I am motorcycle enthusiast, race em, ride em, work on em, in an interview. I also worked on cars with the same passion but the last year I've been into bikes.

Any Negatives/Positives?

Sure, it would make you stand out. Mention it once. You can use it as the answer to the question "what do you do for fun?" or "tell me about yourself." (Of course, the "tell me" question should have a three or four part answer and that can be one aspect of "you".) Don't relate back to it in your response to every question. (You'd think that applicants would know better but I had one who turned every question into an opportunity to talk about his sport.)

 

[viciouz]

LizzyM... I have one concern...

My Overall is like a 3.3... my Science is 3.25 at UCI. I screwed up badly Freshmen year and came out with like a 2.5 GPA Overall. Ever since then I've been gettning nothing short of A's and -A's, and like 1 B+ while working part-time all throughout school. I have got really good extracurricular activities (research, volunteering, tutoring) and I am a very well rounded person.

I took the MCAT before ans scored a 29N, but I didn't take it too seriously that time, and now I am scheduled to take it again MAY 11th. So... since I am a Californian Kid how broadly do you think I should apply? Do I even have a shot at medical school this upcoming cycle?

 

[Janny]

I saw a similar post earlier and want to reiterate the question to an adcomm member: I interviewed recently at my dream school. The adcomm meets in about 3 weeks to discuss my file, I was wondering if I should send a letter of intent now or wait to see if I am waitlisted? Do you think having a signed letter of intent will influence the decision on my application? Any insight would be sincerely appreciated. thanks😳

 

[LizzyM]

LizzyM... I have one concern...

My Overall is like a 3.3... my Science is 3.25 at UCI. I screwed up badly Freshmen year and came out with like a 2.5 GPA Overall. Ever since then I've been gettning nothing short of A's and -A's, and like 1 B+ while working part-time all throughout school. I have got really good extracurricular activities (research, volunteering, tutoring) and I am a very well rounded person.

I took the MCAT before ans scored a 29N, but I didn't take it too seriously that time, and now I am scheduled to take it again MAY 11th. So... since I am a Californian Kid how broadly do you think I should apply? Do I even have a shot at medical school this upcoming cycle?

Well, for starters you do have upward trend thing going and anyone who looks at your AMCAS will see your gpa split out by year and by science/other (it is a multi-cell table and will be impressed with a 3.67+ every year after a bad first year. If you continue on this track you should pull up the gpa over the next couple of semesters, right?

Here's LizzyM's formula for determining whether you have a shot at a given school given your academic record. Multiply your gpa by 10. Add your MCAT. That's your number. (for you at this point it is 62). Figure out "the number" for a school and subtract 1. If the school's number (minus 1) is equal or less than your number you have a decent chance of being admitted. Most of your schools to which you apply (8-10 schools) should be in this range. You can pick a few (1 or 2) reach schools that have a number higher than your number. Pick 2 or 3 safety schools that have a numbers less than your number. Pay attention and don't waste money on out of state (OOS) schools unless they are very, very friendly to OOS applicants. You can get all the stats you need from the MSAR and it is well worth the $25 investment if it saves you from paying one unwise secondary application fee.

When you look at the numbers for schools that interest you then you will have a better idea of what you have to shoot for when you retake the MCAT. There will be a lot riding on that exam.

Good luck.

 

[CagedBird]

Hello,
What is your stance on calling the admissions office to ask for status updates? Do you think that would annoy them and affect your application?

 

[prznpremed]

Hi LizzyM, thanks for the help with the previous post about waitlists. Really, I have a much larger question ahead of me: what to do to improve myself should the waitlists not pan out? (A very real possibility).

The dreaded stats... I graduated undergrad, double major, have a 3.4, 3.36 science and am a CA resident. My MCAT: 10B 10V 9P Q. I applied very widely and broadly, ended up with 3 interviews that turned out to be all waitlists.

My waitlisted schools: School 1 has stats more in my range, School 2 less so (but has a lot of waitlist movement), and School 3 has something like a 3.7 avg, and I'm thinking the committee won't be giving up a spot to me unless they all go mad. My thoughts are to focus on the school that has less waitlist movement, but is closer to my numbers (School 1).

Now I want to try and map out what to do next year. I have heard that a post-bac to raise my undergrad GPA would look like I'm "padding" my GPA. In reality, even after a two years of good grades, I could potentially raise my undergrad GPA to maybe a 3.6. I might be better off in an SMP, and I have applied to a few of those.

I didn't study very long for the MCAT. I could take a significant amount of time off and work to raise that to something more impressive, and perhaps that might cause some adcomms to look past my undergrad GPA.

What do you think is a good route to go? I would prefer to stick with allopathic, US schools. It seems to me that the best thing to do is find time to raise my MCAT, do an SMP, and maintain a good GPA in that.

I appreciate any thoughts/advice about this. Thanks 🙂