Any advice on how to improve?

[dflorida9]

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Hey SDN this is my first post

I'm graduating the Univ of Florida in May, I completed 13 MD apps for the 2010-2011 cycle and got 0 interviews.

BS in Biology
3.77 GPA/ 3.70 sci GPA
MCAT 11 PS, 10 VR, 10 BS (31Q)
-Paid position as an endoscopy tech in a GI surgery center for 4 mos one summer, 40 hrs/week (tons of pt contact, as well as shadowing the Dr.s)
-Volunteer in the Shands hospital Eye clinic for 4 months (total ~40 hrs)
-Shadowed a Family doctor summer before college, shadowed a general/GI surgeon for 4-5 hrs/week for a semester, shadowed an Oral/Maxillofacial surgeon for 2.5 mos (4 hrs/week)
-active member of the UF paintball Club/Team for 2.5 years (competed in local/national tournaments)
-member of GNP (Gator Nonprofit Professionals)
-Summer jobs at a local Golf course, and Uncle's McDonalds in KY
-IM Flag football team captain freshman year
-Dean's List (6 semesters)
-recreational working out/soccer/golf

I have been told that my weaknesses were NO research, little/no non-medical volunteering, and being complete late (Sept/Oct)

What do you all suggest I can do to make myself competitive for the 2011-2012 cycle? I plan to submit June 1st this time around.

 

[PNPCook]

I'm on the same position. I have acceptance for RFU-BMS. I applied in November last year.
It seems to be the only problem though. Applying late. All the advice I got was to apply early this year.

Hope that helps.

 

[dflorida9]

Yea I'm definitely going to apply early. Does anyone have input on what I should do for the year? I was thinking of getting a research position, hopefully start in May so i can list it on my AMCAS as an exp i plan to continue for the yr?

 

[kcola]

can i ask how you worked 40/wk and went to school? not to flame, just genuinely curious.

 

[dflorida9]

as the endoscopy tech? it was over the summer

 

[catswym]

Were most of your apps Florida schools? (assuming that is your state of residence)

It does seem weird (if that is the case) that you got NO interviews. I would try applying earlier and adding more schools.

What about your LORs? Do you know if those are very strong?

 

[Journey2become]

Were most of your apps Florida schools? (assuming that is your state of residence)

It does seem weird (if that is the case) that you got NO interviews. I would try applying earlier and adding more schools.

What about your LORs? Do you know if those are very strong?

I also think the hidden party at fault might be LOR or something in the personal statement might have come off wrong. Everything else looks pretty competitive. I would reevaluate those that wrote a LOR for you, possible get a few new ones to replace one or more you are not sure about. Have a few people read your personal statement objectively to see if there are any red flags (PM if you would like my opinion on it).
It would also be a good idea to get a LOR from a Physician, this will also help solidify that you have had exposure to medicine.

Doing a research project over the summer (or longer) can't hurt either.

 

[dflorida9]

@catsym: Yes I applied to all of the Florida schools (state of residence) as well as NYU, SLU, WashU (i have family in St. Louis), BU, and a few reach schools. I plan to apply early and much more broad. Im compiling a list of schools in my range (any help appreciated)

@Journey2become: I am pretty sure at least one of my LORs were pretty cut and dry, i barely knew the prof (Orgo) and had to scramble for a final science letter. Hell he even told me he would do his best but it would be a cookie cutter. I have already found another recommender to replace what I would imagine to be the only weak LOR in my packet. The others seemed to be good, especially the one from my surgery center manager (she loved me), and the OMFS I shadowed (he was a very helpful individual and I knew he would write a good letter)

As far as my PS goes I let several people read it including my cousin who is a DO and was on the committee at Nova, she made a few edits but otherwise it looked very nice imo. Of course I'm going to rewrite everything on my amcas/secondaries anyways, to incoporate my new experiences and how they influence my desire to become a doctor.

Do you guys think it's mainly bc I applied so late? What other ECs am I weak in?
BTW thanks for the responses so far i appreciate the feedback

 

[ToldYouSo]

Wow...3.7 GPA and 31 MCAT, makes me very nervous that you got no interviews... I wish you the best.

 

[Journey2become]

@catsym: Yes I applied to all of the Florida schools (state of residence) as well as NYU, SLU, WashU (i have family in St. Louis), BU, and a few reach schools. I plan to apply early and much more broad. Im compiling a list of schools in my range (any help appreciated)

@Journey2become: I am pretty sure at least one of my LORs were pretty cut and dry, i barely knew the prof (Orgo) and had to scramble for a final science letter. Hell he even told me he would do his best but it would be a cookie cutter. I have already found another recommender to replace what I would imagine to be the only weak LOR in my packet. The others seemed to be good, especially the one from my surgery center manager (she loved me), and the OMFS I shadowed (he was a very helpful individual and I knew he would write a good letter)

As far as my PS goes I let several people read it including my cousin who is a DO and was on the committee at Nova, she made a few edits but otherwise it looked very nice imo. Of course I'm going to rewrite everything on my amcas/secondaries anyways, to incoporate my new experiences and how they influence my desire to become a doctor.

Do you guys think it's mainly bc I applied so late? What other ECs am I weak in?
BTW thanks for the responses so far i appreciate the feedback

IDK, it might depend on the state. I applied late (Jan) and got a few interviews - which I was very grateful for! However, maybe the class in FL fills up fast...

I would probably have considered WashU a reach school since (at least a year or two ago) they had the highest GPA and MCAT average in the nation - they are also REALLY big on research.

To be honest your application looks great from what I can see. I don't even think that a weak LOR would ruin that...the only thing I could imagine you didn't get any interviews was because you applied late and possibly one of your LOR (even unintentionally) said something that really turned off all of the schools. What does your cousin that was on the committee think could have happened? They probably have a good idea of what would make a great applicant be turned down.
Also, some of the schools you applied to might be big on research and not having any experience (with the fact of applying late) could have played a big part in their decision.

 

[tartrate]

I completed 13 MD apps for the 2010-2011 cycle and got 0 interviews.

I have been told that my weaknesses were NO research, little/no non-medical volunteering, and being complete late (Sept/Oct)

Probably a combination of all of these, and no strong "hook" that the 13 schools you've applied to could see from your application. People who do well after applying late usually have really compelling applications.

 

[frescoengano]

@catsym: Yes I applied to all of the Florida schools (state of residence) as well as NYU, SLU, WashU (i have family in St. Louis), BU, and a few reach schools. I plan to apply early and much more broad. Im compiling a list of schools in my range (any help appreciated)

@Journey2become: I am pretty sure at least one of my LORs were pretty cut and dry, i barely knew the prof (Orgo) and had to scramble for a final science letter. Hell he even told me he would do his best but it would be a cookie cutter. I have already found another recommender to replace what I would imagine to be the only weak LOR in my packet. The others seemed to be good, especially the one from my surgery center manager (she loved me), and the OMFS I shadowed (he was a very helpful individual and I knew he would write a good letter)

As far as my PS goes I let several people read it including my cousin who is a DO and was on the committee at Nova, she made a few edits but otherwise it looked very nice imo. Of course I'm going to rewrite everything on my amcas/secondaries anyways, to incoporate my new experiences and how they influence my desire to become a doctor.

Do you guys think it's mainly bc I applied so late? What other ECs am I weak in?
BTW thanks for the responses so far i appreciate the feedback

I wouldn't apply to NYU or WashU without any research

 

[dflorida9]

Thank you all for your input.

I think I'm going to forget the research, as it may look like a last-minute attempt, and numerous advisors/doctors have told me that it really only holds weight if you publish/present at a conference, which would be difficult in a short period.

Instead I plan to get a tech job back home, either in the hospital or as the endoscopy tech again, BUT I will be adding more shadowing, as well as consistent medical/non-medical volunteering. I am going to replace my possible negative orgo letter with a (hopefully) good from anatomy, and I will also refresh my two non-academic letters, but there is a possibility I might have to reuse the same Physics and english LOR? would that be a problem? I am confident they were not poor recommendations.

of course I am applying early/broad, and catering to schools that are not research heavy.

 

[tartrate]

Thank you all for your input.

I think I'm going to forget the research, as it may look like a last-minute attempt, and numerous advisors/doctors have told me that it really only holds weight if you publish/present at a conference, which would be difficult in a short period.

Instead I plan to get a tech job back home, either in the hospital or as the endoscopy tech again, BUT I will be adding more shadowing, as well as consistent medical/non-medical volunteering. I am going to replace my possible negative orgo letter with a (hopefully) good from anatomy, and I will also refresh my two non-academic letters, but there is a possibility I might have to reuse the same Physics and english LOR? would that be a problem? I am confident they were not poor recommendations.

of course I am applying early/broad, and catering to schools that are not research heavy.

This seems like a solid plan, and it looks like you're getting good feedback from people you know IRL as well. Best of luck.

 

[dflorida9]

. Best of luck.

Thanks to all😀

 

[dflorida9]

I wanted to update on my status.

I have been volunteering for 2 weeks now doing Special Equestrians, a nonprofit org that allows special needs kids to be able to ride horses. I do this every saturday morning for 4 hours. It's def a fulfilling experience, you can really see the joy that the kids get out of being on top of that horse.

I have also acquired a job in the hospital as Perioperative Assistant! I will be starting soon! I'm very excited about all the clinical experience i'm gonna get here!

How am I looking? I got that anatomy letter on the way to replace the orgo.

Also how is this school list?:

FIU, FL
FAU, FL
UM, FL
UF, FL
USF, FL
UCF, FL
FSU, FL
Boston U, MA
Tufts, MA
Mizzou, MO
Albert einstein, NY
Rosalind Franklin, IL
UI, IL
U Louisville, KY
Tulane, LA
Loma Linda, CA
GWU, DC
Georgetown, DC
Howard, DC
SLU, MO
Creighton, NB
UMDNJ, NJ
Albany MC, NY
NYMC, NY
UNC Chapel Hill, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Case Western, OH
Toledo, OH
Commonwealth MC, PA
Drexel, PA
Jefferson, PA
Temple, PA
MUSC, SC
Vandy, TN
VCU, VA
MC Wiscosin, WI

How does my application look? Is my list good? I tried to avoid research-heavy. Any suggestions?? Thanks.

 

[dflorida9]

any1?

 

[felixthekat]

Both UNC and MUSC has a strong preference for state residents. Since you are a FL resident, you may want to consider these two unless you have strong ties to either of the Carolinas.

 

[gl0baltrader]

Also how is this school list?:

FIU, FL
FAU, FL
UM, FL
UF, FL
USF, FL
UCF, FL
FSU, FL

Boston U, MA

BU is big on research experience, so not sure if it would be wise to apply based on your lack of research

Tufts, MA
Mizzou, MO
Albert einstein, NY
Rosalind Franklin, IL
UI, IL

U Louisville, KY

They might be big on in state student, so double check the MSAR and look at the breakdown of in state vs. out of state.

Tulane, LA
Loma Linda, CA
GWU, DC
Georgetown, DC

Howard, DC

Howard focuses on DIVERSITY and underserved care. Look at MSAR breakdown for admitted student and you can see they are very selective.

SLU, MO
Creighton, NB

UMDNJ, NJ

they have a preference for in-state student, check MSAR.

Albany MC, NY
NYMC, NY

UNC Chapel Hill, NC

In state preference.

Wake Forest, NC
Case Western, OH
Toledo, OH
Commonwealth MC, PA
Drexel, PA
Jefferson, PA
Temple, PA

MUSC, SC

definitely in-state preference.

Vandy, TN
VCU, VA
MC Wiscosin, WI

How does my application look? Is my list good? I tried to avoid research-heavy. Any suggestions?? Thanks.

Pick schools that are aligned with your experience and interest. Add in a couple more private and/or out-of-state friendly schools.

Good Luck..

 

[dflorida9]

Updated:

FIU, FL
FAU, FL
UM, FL
UF, FL
USF, FL
UCF, FL
FSU, FL
Boston U, MA
Tufts, MA
Mizzou, MO
Albert einstein, NY
Rosalind Franklin, IL
UI, IL
U Louisville, KY
Tulane, LA
Loma Linda, CA
GWU, DC
Georgetown, DC
Howard, DC
SLU, MO
Creighton, NB
UMDNJ, NJ
Albany MC, NY
NYMC, NY
UNC Chapel Hill, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Case Western, OH
Toledo, OH
Commonwealth MC, PA
Drexel, PA
Jefferson, PA
Temple, PA
MUSC, SC
Vandy, TN
VCU, VA
MC Wiscosin, WI
Eastern Virginia, VA
Loyola, IL
Marshall, WV
Mich. St, MI
U. Illinois, IL
U. Iowa, IO
U. Minn, MN
U. Cinn, OH
U. Alabama, AL
SUNY Downstate, NY
Rush, IL
Oakland, MI
UK, KY
U. Maryland, MD
U. Oklahoma, OK
Rochester, NY
USA, AL
U. Vermont, VT
V. Tech Carilion, VA
Wayne St., MI
WVU, WV
Wright St, OH

What do you all think?

 

[xhealthdental]

So you must know what are the things to improved because they already told you. First you must accept the fact that you have many things to learn, second you must let your strength overcome your weakness and last one if you know the solutions don't hesitate to go for it. If you need more training just go and be better. Always give all what we've got. 🙂

 

[Journey2become]

btw dflorida9, how are the apps going? Hopefully they are in - or at least just about to apply 🙂
Good Luck

 

[dflorida9]

btw dflorida9, how are the apps going? Hopefully they are in - or at least just about to apply 🙂
Good Luck

Good man. Amcas went in june 1st, I wrote a pretty awesome PS. Already getting so many secondary invites, Trying to get a new letter from the OR director at the hospital where I've been working for 3 weeks now (AMAZING EXPERIENCE). Now I gotta get those applications DONE. aiming for end of july to be complete everywhere! LEGGO

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

This thread scares the **** outta me.

 

[SisterDisco08]

Isn't Case Western very research based as well?

I was going to suggest Oakland and Wayne as well 🙂

 

[deleted357625]

Yea I'm definitely going to apply early. Does anyone have input on what I should do for the year? I was thinking of getting a research position, hopefully start in May so i can list it on my AMCAS as an exp i plan to continue for the yr?

apply smart and to more schools and even D.O if you have too which is prob not necessary

 

[Don15]

this thread really scares me. my stats are a tad lower than the OP. also what exactly is a bad LOR? it is hard for me to imagine that someone would actually write something negative in a LOR...if they don't have good things to say they should just politely refuse to write a letter all together. douche move on the part of the writer if you ask me