Am I applying to too few schools with these stats? I'm 29.

[Bride2Be]

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Hi everyone,

I'm applying to 27 schools. My AMCAS was processed July 26 and now I'm doing secondaries. I plan to have all my secondaries in by August 20, after the August MCAT.

I'm concerned, though, that I have too few schools. I'm concerned about my credentials.

Here's my stats:
overall GPA: 3.4, from Williams College
post-bacc GPA: 3.60
no MCAT yet, but have been scoring 27 consistently.
Master's degree in art history, 3.0

I did a lot of EC's this year as a post-bacc--lots of clinic work, etc. I am also a professional artist, I'm not sure if this helps my case.

Anyhow, my question is: applying early, with my stats, and a predicted MCAT score of 27--is 27 schools too few--should I add more? I'm already 29 years old and I really don't want to have to repeat this process, thus I'm applying to a lot of schools now.

 

[aingeal]

thats a good number of schools, so long as you have a mix of different tier schools.
as far as a 27, you will get mixed answers regarding that score. of course some people have gotten in w a 27, but really its up to you individually, and you will never know if you can get in until you go through the process. what is holding you back on the MCAT? have you taken the aamc practice tests? certain tests are harder than the real thing, but those are generally a good indicator.
def post this question in the non-trad forum, as they would be able to give you a more relative answer than me!

also, art history = awesome, i'm visual arts myself

best of luck aug 14!

 

[skypilot]

Unless you flub on the MCAT you are going to end up with lots and lots of interviews! A 3.4 from Williams? I wouldn't worry. If money is no object go ahead and apply to 27 schools but 20 should be plenty. Just make sure that you include plenty of mid tier private schools, and not too many state schools (except those of your own state of residence). 🙂

 

[bella_dottoressa]

I think 27 is a good number, and you should get in somewhere. Before applying to carib schools I'd research some osteopathic ones and apply to a few if you're ok with that. then at least you know you will most likely be going somewhere for sure. good luck 🙂

 

[Bride2Be]

Some of the schools I applied to include:

Temple
Drexel
U Vermont
UIC
Rush
Loyola
Dartmouth
Penn
Brown
Jefferson
U VA
Oregon Health
MCW
Mercer
Harvard 🙂
Albany
Rochester
NYMC

Any others I should add post-processing? I only want MD.

 

[Darko]

I'd add Rosalind. Because of their probationary status, they may have an off-year applicant-wise.

 

[jeatmonkey]

I'd add Rosalind. Because of their probationary status, they may have an off-year applicant-wise.

probationary status? sorry for going off topic.. i was just wondering what you meant by that.. thanks

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

I can't fault you for having reach schools, but I just dont see (barring any obscenely awesome life experience or extra currics) that you have a shot at Harvard or Penn, or some of the other schools with MCAT averages in the 32+ range. But dont let me stop you from applying to them 👍 🙂

 

[itsaliger]

hi bride 2 be -

i am also a williams grad (class of 02) and currently in med school. i wanted to pass on that i think there are certain schools that are really interested in students from our school (ie, they've had a history of taking us or just a bunch of great students who were williams grads). you probably have already, but maybe you could speak with the med counselor there (i don't know if the guy i worked with is still there, but he was great! i forget his name, though). he may be able to help you strategize.

27 sounds like plenty to me, though.

good luck!

--s

 

[skypilot]

Some of the schools I applied to include:

Any others I should add post-processing? I only want MD.

What is your residency state?

How about Tufts, GW, and Tulane?

 

[Bride2Be]

Hello,

My residency state is IL. I did also apply to GW and Tufts. Forgot to add them in my original list above. I don't want to be in the south, so I don't want to apply to any southern schools.

Any others people can add?

Also, I do have one pretty kick-ass life experience, one that no other pre-med has, I'll bet. Doctors I talk to are always saying, "that one thing alone would get you into Harvard," so that's why I figured I'd give it a shot and apply there.

I'm mainly worried about my MCAT. My post-bacc GPA was actually 3.67 but AMCAS whittled it down to 3.6 with their grade conversions. I'm trying to do better but 27 is all I've been pulling thus far. I spent the summer taking orgo I and planning a wedding as well, so I couldn't put in all the study time I wanted, though I've been trying.

Thanks!

Bride

 

[skypilot]

I hope you are applying to every school in Illinois. Even private schools often give some preference to local residents.

You may very well do better on the MCAT than in your practice tests. Just remember to breathe! 🙂 I'd take a timed test too.

 

[uclabruin2003]

I would add tulane and VCU. they seem generous in letting people in with good life experiences.

and why not DO? ok....i hope everyone does not clobber me all at once....cuz that would suck

 

[WillHague007]

What about, Pitt, BU, Vanderbilt, Case, ...if I were you I'd apply to a WIDE range of schools. You are an older (non traditional) applicant and medical schools love you guys. Just write a kick ass personal statement and be amazing at your interviews. I would even try to apply to some higher ranked schools, like the Penns, Yales, Stanfords, etc... Who knows, you might surprise yourself.