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Coolio30

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Question: How much will being an Asian in the admissions process hurt me. With a 3.9 and a 30, will that be sufficient or do i need a 3.9 and a 32.
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You're screwed man... you need a 4.0 and a 40.
 
A higher MCAt is definitely a plus but i think you are ok given that you have some extracurriculars. good luck
 
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depends. if you have another year before applying, then go ahead and take the mcat over. from the 3.9, i'm assumming you can do better on the mcat. if you don't have another year, then go ahead and apply. it's not a bad score.
 
Asian,
You're totally screwed, totally! :wink:
 
Answer: It won't.
 
Coolio, where do you attend undergrad? Where did you get the impression to be worried with a 30 on the mcat. I thought that as long as you have a 30 or higher you are really competitive.
Thanks
 
Take the MCAT only if you think you can improve on your 30. Otherwise, try to get more good EC. What you have now is very competitive for 2nd tier schools. I'm not sure how it looks for the top tier schools.

-2NT
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Coolio30:
•Question: How much will being an Asian in the admissions process hurt me. With a 3.9 and a 30, will that be sufficient or do i need a 3.9 and a 32.•••••man, your asian...poor thang...now had you been a "majority" aka white caucasion...u would have been able to get in with such lower stats....I know I know...political correctness and the status quo ain't pretty, but the fact that 80% of all medical school deans are white, male upper class people...your chances don't look good brother... :clap: :D
 
Suddenly, everybody on SDN is a comedian. :) :D Y'all are probably gonna freak this guy out!! At least level with him.
 
I hope you don't turn into some arrogant son of a bitch physician.

Or maybe you were writing this message when you were drunk

Hello!!!!

"minorities" are always favored

Jeez a 3.9 and a 30 MCAT. Most people you kill for that. For your sake, please think before you write.

If I was your admissions committee I wouldn't have selected just becasue you said that.

Thank you for reaffirming that the medical profession is still attracting arrogant individuals.

Have a great day

Ak :mad:
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
•Suddenly, everybody on SDN is a comedian. :) :D Y'all are probably gonna freak this guy out!! At least level with him.•••••oh my ur signature is hilarious...

dyslexics of the world - unite!!!! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />
the funny part is, I read it unite the first time around!!! took me a while to find "untie"... :p :clap: <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

good one...

and by the way, for ur info, me and scoobzie were the king of comedy, before you pple came along :D
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Doc AdamK in 2006:
•I hope you don't turn into some arrogant son of a bitch physician.

Or maybe you were writing this message when you were drunk

Hello!!!!

"minorities" are always favored

Jeez a 3.9 and a 30 MCAT. Most people you kill for that. For your sake, please think before you write.

If I was your admissions committee I wouldn't have selected just becasue you said that.

Thank you for reaffirming that the medical profession is still attracting arrogant individuals.

Have a great day

Ak :mad: •••••whoooaaaa....profession attracting arrogant individuals.... :p well, I'm glad you will soon be joining us <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> :wink: :D
 
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•••quote:•••Originally posted by Doc AdamK in 2006:
•I hope you don't turn into some arrogant son of a bitch physician.

Or maybe you were writing this message when you were drunk

Hello!!!!

"minorities" are always favored

Jeez a 3.9 and a 30 MCAT. Most people you kill for that. For your sake, please think before you write.

If I was your admissions committee I wouldn't have selected just becasue you said that.

Thank you for reaffirming that the medical profession is still attracting arrogant individuals.

Have a great day

Ak :mad: •••••Since when did Asians become minorities in the med school admissions game? If anything, they're overrepresented, and have to have the highest stats to get in. In light of these facts, I think you'll realize the absurdity of your above statements.
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by WatchaMaCallit:
• •••quote:•••Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
•Suddenly, everybody on SDN is a comedian. :) :D Y'all are probably gonna freak this guy out!! At least level with him.•••••oh my ur signature is hilarious...

dyslexics of the world - unite!!!! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />
the funny part is, I read it unite the first time around!!! took me a while to find "untie"... :p :clap:

good one...

and by the way, for ur info, me and scoobzie were the king of comedy, before you pple came along :D •••••Thanks! *takes a bow* :D :wink: I have some other hilarious ones too, but I just changed those today, so I'll wait a while before I change it again!

BTW, does anyone else notice that when responding to Watcha's posts, you always get that "you've exceeded the maximum number of smilies allowed" message?
 
Yes, Asians are definitely not considered minorities in the process and they are over represented to some extent. (Somebody has to be over represented for there to be under represented people.) That said, 3.9 is much higher than average for accepted students of all colors (assuming the adcom will know your school) and 30 is right about average, 29.5. Further, you've probably hit the number in most of your MCAT subsections where you are likely to do worse on a retake. Give the admissions game dice a roll, but don't forget to include schools like Finch, GWU and Albany in your AMCAS.
 
Yeah it will probably offset your stupid remarks.

All I'm saying is that your statement was insane.

Avg GPA getting into Medical School is 3.4-3.6 and avg MCAT is 28-31.

Your probably a fantastic student.

You might even make a good physician, if you don't make stupid remarks like that

AK

Have a great night
 
Anyone else get really bugged when people don't know the difference between "your" and "you're"?

I'm a little upset by DocAdamK's comments. Coolio asked a completely legitimate question and you're treating him like crap. DocAdam's comments also show that he's pretty ignorant on the subject matter. Look, if you don't know what you're talking about, just don't say anything, okay?
 
excuse me! i got into two top ten schools with a 30 MCAT!!! and lower GPA. so it is possible, no need to retake the MCAT.
i think with the right extracurriculars, this person is good enough for a first tier and shouldn't just be regulated to a second tier because of this MCAT.
 
My $0.02--

Asians ARE minorities by the political definition (they comprise less than 10% of the overall US pop) but NOT underrepresented/selected minorities by the definition of medical school. If you look at the published AAMC stat in 1997, 68.1% of the US med school graduates are whites, 15.9% Asian/Pacific Islander, URM 10.6%. This 16% Asian representation in medicine is thus considered OVER represented when compared against the 10% total Asian Am population in this country. In other words, you won't find yourself among the selected group from which med school actively tries to recruit.

Having said that, whether you're Asian or not, your stats are fine. You should be proud of keeping up with such a high GPA. If you are CERTAIN you can vastly improve the MCAT score, I strongly discourgage from retaking. Of course, what needs to be factored in is the type/competitiveness of schools you plan on applying. Be sure to apply to a wide range of schools both in their reputation and their program. Finally, it's ABSOLUTELY important that you have a range of life experiences (lots of meaningful ECs) and should be able to succinctly describe your reason for pursuing medicine using these experiences as the foundation to back it up. Since I don't know anything about you aside from your stat, this is all I can offer for now. Feel free to ask more Qs. :wink:
 
First of all, i understand all of the jabs at this opening post. It's true that asians are overrepresented in med schools. It's approx. 4% of asian in the US and about 14% population of asian med students in the US. My girlfriend sure doesn't have a problem with that (BTW, she latino). Anyway, the point I'm making is that your "typical" asian applicant is gonna have a 4. blah, blah average and 3_ -4_ (you fill in the last digits) MCATs. From a pool of asian applicant with those kinds of numbers, there isn't much to choose from in terms of unique, different, something that would break the mode. Instead of worrying what MCAT (your MCAT are pretty decent for 2nd tier schools), you should just concentrate on making life more than just school. IF you're worried about not getting into a ivy league medical school then take MCAT again. I like to think that it's the students that makes the school's rep, not vice versa. You could get someone to an top notch med. school, but it doesn't mean that person is gonna be a awesome doctor (I actual know some of these people). As for being asian, just be different (e.g. unique, rare) from the normal carbon-copy that med schools get with asian applicant. applicants. And this is coming from a future "unachieving" asian med student.

BTW: :cool: :cool: Duke is gonna win it all!!!!
 
Thanks for the comments. Fact of the matter is I know that being an Asian in the admissions game is not an advantage. Anyone else who does not believe that or wants to mock my comments are more than welcome. I know someone, who is also Asian, and was bluntly asked by an admissions committee officer why all ASIANS want to become doctors? Based on the question, I thought it was a reasonable question to ask. Thanks for welcoming me with such kindness.
 
That your and you're thing is annoying me too :)

AdamK, why don't you get your facts together before making stupid comments.

•••quote:••• If I was your admissions committee I wouldn't have selected just becasue you said that. ••••:rolleyes: And you're calling someone else arrogant? :rolleyes:
 
Well said, Sinseema. Hey Coolio30, I sent you a PM.
 
First of all, it should be MOST asian, if was ALL asian, then I should be puzzle as to why, an asian assoicate of mind is making $100,000 with a MBA than with an MD? (I proably would have corrected the admission officer on this) Maybe I got this all figured out wrong. As to why most asian want to become doctors is of many reasons, some personal, some finanical, it all depends on the individual. Heck, if most asian are doing it for the same reason, then hell, the admission people got us figure out. The bottom line is, as asian there are similar things in race and culture but as person, you're an individual. If an admission officer ask you why "all" asian want to become doctors, just ask him/her if you can use his/her cell phone and would he/she mind if you'll rang up the phone bill to call up the 4% of the us popl that are asian about becoming doctors. On the serious side, just state you don't know about the minds of other but you own personal reason about becoming a doctor :cool: :cool: .
 
I'd have to say it's more than personal or financial. There must be cultural (read: familial) reasons out there and that would make a valid discussion point for an interview. URMs are constantly asked about medical issues related to their culture. "Why are there so FEW chicano/as in medicine?" I see no reason why ORMs shouldn't be treated in the same manner. The particular question, however, was phrased rather poorly.
 
I think some of you will find the "confidential post?" thread interesting. Check it out, maybe it'll help you understand why the original poster posted that question, even though his/her stats seem terrific (wish I had them!)

That said, YEAH!!! why the heck do all asians want to become doctors??! I've been asking that question for years! I want to become one, but as far as I know, it had no cultural influence. Sheesh. Maybe there's a "doctor wannabe" gene somewhere :)
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by none:
•I'd have to say it's more than personal or financial. There must be cultural (read: familial) reasons out there and that would make a valid discussion point for an interview. URMs are constantly asked about medical issues related to their culture. "Why are there so FEW chicano/as in medicine?" I see no reason why ORMs shouldn't be treated in the same manner. The particular question, however, was phrased rather poorly.•••••Using the word "must" is a strong word. I would have used "might". If it is indeed "must" than I should be a mechanic like my dad, better yet, enter the army where my uncle's a ranger (yes a ranger fighting as we speak). I am not saying you're wrong and I DEFINITELY NOT saying you're right, it all depends the individual who's applying and the reasons can be more than one. But in my case IT WAS NEVER cultural, it is, and always will be a personal reason.
 
Well, if we must get into syntax, when I said must...I meant in the larger societal context, not at the individual level. Very few "musts" exist at the individual level in anything.
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by none:
•Well, if we must get into syntax, when I said must...I meant in the larger societal context, not at the individual level. Very few "musts" exist at the individual level in anything.•••••True with that!! "must" does exist in all things in the context you're proposing. I don't know about the first line, you're gonna need to do a censor vote on that.
 
The only way to find out is to apply. Good luck!
 
Coolio..

Your numbers are fine. I wouldn't worry about them at all. I can understand why many people think you are silly for asking if a 3.9 and a 30 is good enough. As rajneel mentioned above, he has been very successful with numbers similar to that. It takes much more than numbers to get into medical school. I hope you realize this before you go apply and begin to go on interviews. Over-reliance on numbers may leave you inadequately prepared to discuss other aspects of your life/experience. In my opinion, once you get the interview, this is what it is all about.

As for the whole Asian thing. There are smart Asians and there are dumb Asians, just like everyone else. The current thinking is that whites and asians have to have very high numbers to get into 'good schools'. I don't agree. If you have good numbers, extensive experience, a great essay, and personality..you will be successful. Some people can get by with just their numbers, but most of us succeed with a balanced approach. I guess I am saying these things b/c you seem to be overly concerned about numbers. I'm sure you have had some great experiences, ECs, etc..Integrating your grades, mcat, volunteer work, research, essays, etc is what it is all about. Just keep that in mind, if you wish.

I wish you the best of luck. :D
 
Coolio, YOu have better stats than me, both GPA and MCATs. I'm Asian, had 5 interviews and have been accepted to 1 school so far, waitlisted on 1, and waiting to hear from 3. BUT, this isn't my first time applying. I did a postbac program, however, my MCATs stayed the same and my GPA only went up by less than .1 to a 3.6. I really polished up my personal essay, explained my motivation for med school, and talked alot about my background/experiences on the essays and during interviews. So to make a long story short, you can definately get in with your stats. I've known many asians who got in with your scores. And those asians that don't get in, it gets pretty pathetic when they start blaming their skin color and not their lackluster personality or sucky application/interview. Here's my advice: don't get so obsessed about statistics, I know that may be hard to do, but med schools really are looking for more than 4.0's and 40 MCATs. If you have something unique to offer schools and if your motivation shows through on your application and during the interview, you will get in. Never under-estimate the importance of your personal essay, really work on that sucker when you apply. Good luck to ya.
 
hey souljah, my post is almost identical to yours, you beat me to it! But you said it better than me. Coolio, heed the wise words of souljah...
 
The percentage of asian friends i know who are pre-meds is something like 50%. My internal medicine cousin tells me that, being an asian is definitely a disadventage to get into a med school, cuz they don't like so many of you to be in there. Being an asian PLUS a PR like me is definitely doomed for the pre-med quest. Well, we have to do what we have to do, right?

36 hours to the end of the final.....
 
i know for schools like OHSU, they rank you on a point system. Your gpa, mcat, interview are all quantified and added up. So being asian won't hurt you (although it could possibly play a role during the interview)

in Cali, quotas are illegal. Dunno about other states.
 
Hey Gooloogooloo, what's a PR?
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by gobears:
•Anyone else get really bugged when people don't know the difference between "your" and "you're"?•••••newp, i make it simple and just say "yer"

i also often flip affect and effect, further and farther. i got an 8 on the verbal :(

did okay on the writing tho :wink:
 
To the OP-

I read your post and chuckled. As most of this board will concur, your numbers are fine. Without having knowledge of your ECs and what you intend to write in your PS, I can't offer you advice on admission since the process itself is random. You'll also have to take into consideration to which state you are a resident. You may only need to worry about your MCAT if you're a FL or CA resident.

With that said, there are many Asians that fit the stereotypical studious, hard-working, ambitious personality, there are also many lazy, but bright ones who have great numbers, but won't be accepted. As everyone has said, it may be a bit more competitive to matriculate into medical school as an Asian. You're competing against the first generation Asian-Americans whose parents have engraved it in their heads that they have to have 1500 SATs, 3.9 GPAs, and 30+ MCATs. Does that mean you have to be bitter and think that some other "underrepresented" minority is taking your place? No, it doesn't.

I'm Asian, I have a 3.56 (3.42 sci, 3.9 AO) and a 30 MCAT. I was offered 7 interviews and attended 5 of them. I have 5 acceptances. I don't consider myself disadvantaged by any means and I'm not bitter that if I could have been at a higher ranked school if I was another skin color.

I think many of my interview offers weren't number based, but more EC and PS based. I wasn't always pre-med, I did major in a science, but after a bad research experience, I decided to enter medicine as opposed to a PhD in chemistry. I was a varsity athlete for two years. The last two years of college, I served as an RA. I also ventured into being an inner city tutor, a camp counselor for physically and mentally challenged students, a GED tutor for adults, and a volunteer at an AIDS clinic. No, I didn't do these activities to get into med school, I participated because there was a shortage of individuals willing to work in those environments.

In addition to those activities, I held two part-time jobs through college. I'm not saying a have the perfect formula for an Asian with average stats to enter medical school. I would just like to offer some advice to the OP. I've loved most of the ECs I've done and wouldn't do anything different than I had in undergrad. I went to Hopkins where many are bitter about the social life and the lack camarderie. I had a great time. My GPA doesn't show for it because I was out a lot, but I'm in and that's all that matters :)
 
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