Advice for undergrad

[2105]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi!
I am a rising junior at a top public university. I am an African-American female with interest in MSTP or MD/PhD program.
Here are some current stats:
Double Major Chemistry (BS); Math (BA)
GPA: 3.3
Science GPA: 3.5
Volunteering in Hospitals, Schools, Autism Program (leadership position), Part-time Job with Autism Research.
I've done 1 year and 3 summers worth of research. Publication possibly by the end of this year. I will continue with research my remaining 2 years. I have also presented research in more than 3 different conferences/symposiums
Taking MCAT in Spring

I realize my GPA will hold me back, definitely from top schools. I am also open to a post-bac to bring my GPA up, if needed. I am really interested in becoming a physician scientist. I was wondering if you have any advice on what I should do in the future, along with bringing up my GPA to make myself more competitive. Thanks.🙂

 

[KevAquarius]

My advice is to just keep truckin' in lab and work really hard (in class and lab - your PI and profs will notice).

Maybe start developing your own projects if you have that autonomy.

Also if you smoke the MCAT you should be able to get into some pretty decent schools. Don't know how much URM status factors in, but I'm sure it will help!

Good luck! 🙂

 

[Shifty B]

You are probably in better shape than you think. You are a good MCAT away from most programs in the country.

 

[KevAquarius]

BTW, does your school have a McNair Scholars program? Or have you thought about applying to the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship (if you are eligible that is)?

I've seen some pretty impressive applicants who were underrepresented in MSTP and medicine and got these scholarships are were pretty much set to make it into big programs (i.e., just evidence that they can stand out in a qualified group of applicants).

Just things to think about!

 

[ucbundergrad]

I definitely think you should listen to the above poster's advice. Also I think HHMI has some kind of undergrad research program. But for that one you may need to have an HHMI investigator recommend you.

 

[2105]

Thanks everyone!

I don't qualify for the McNair program which is strictly phd at my school. I don't qualify for hhmi either because of financial reasons. I'm looking into the NIH.
I'm still looking into md/phd programs and careers to see if I'm up for the commitment.
I'm really into translational research and practicing medicine. I would like to go into pediatrics. Ideally I would like to have a 50/50 career, but I'm realizing this is not common. Any advise on where to go for my guidance exploring the md/phd more in depth in terms of career options? Are there other ways to become a physician-scientist?

 

[K31]

Don't know how much URM status factors in, but I'm sure it will help!

At least from discussions with the director of my program, applicants with a good MCAT and so-so GPA are the ones who will be helped most by URM status.