am I on the right track?

[dbcooper23]

---

Members don't see this ad.

One more semester left of my post bacc pre med classes so I just wanted to check in and see what else I can do to improve my chances.

-cGPA 3.6 in Economics
-sGPA 3.6
-60 hours of clinical volunteering (will be doing 3hrs/week this semester)
-20 hours of research experience (will be doing 4hrs/week this semester)
-Big Brother/Big Sister Mentor since September
-working on a research paper for publication
-MA resident but it doesn't help (UMass requires 5 years of residency for in-state)

I'm taking the MCAT in May.

How much will a second author publication help my chances?
What are my chances of getting into an MD program?
Is there anything else I should be doing?

 

[Therecanbeonlyo]

One more semester left of my post bacc pre med classes so I just wanted to check in and see what else I can do to improve my chances.

-cGPA 3.6 in Economics
-sGPA 3.6
-60 hours of clinical volunteering (will be doing 3hrs/week this semester)
-20 hours of research experience (will be doing 4hrs/week this semester)
-Big Brother/Big Sister Mentor since September
-working on a research paper for publication
-MA resident but it doesn't help (UMass requires 5 years of residency for in-state)

I'm taking the MCAT in May.

How much will a second author publication help my chances?
What are my chances of getting into an MD program?
Is there anything else I should be doing?

I think you're definitely on track and have a good chance at being competitive at an MD program. The publication would be a big help.

As far as things you should be doing I would recommend the following:

1. Kill the MCAT. This should be very very high priority. Take practice test to see abouts where you are and then take a prep class if necessary.
2. Get some good LOR (letters of rec). Especially if you are doing research/clinical work with an MD. If you can, you can get a couple of letters and then pick and choose which ones you think are the best..(though some people say not to look at them). When you ask for the letters don't be afraid to state exactly what you want from the writer - i.e. "Do you think you can write me a STRONG letter of recommendation that will HELP me get into medical school?"
3. With 2 in mind... Update your CV. Get all of your research experience, educational experience, volunteer experience, work experience, academic awards, and other stuff together. This is a huge thing to be able to give letter writers.
4. Work on your personal statement starting now. They suck to write and always take longer than you think. Also, it's not a bad thing to also be able to give letter writers. There are a couple of editing companies that will help you wriite the letter if you need guidance.

All in all, just start early getting yourself prepared for the application process. It's a very daunting and expensive process you don't want to have to repeat.

Good luck
Cheers

 

[ksmi117]

Duplicate thread. Please reply here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=786368