My daughter is thinking of applying to the BA/MD program at University of New Mexico in the near future. We have looked at the website but can someone tell me the real scoop (details) of what the admissions committee is looking for? We do know that a strong commitment to practicing in state, prefferably in rural or underserved area. Activities such as doctor shadowing and hospital volunteering are already in place but how can she stand out from others? Academically she is competitive but so are the students that will be applying, I'm sure. She doesn't live in a rural area. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
BA/MD program at University of New Mexico
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Do you live in New Mexico? The requirements really aren't that strict, staying in the program is the hard part (a lot of people flunk out of the combined program).
Yes, we do live in New Mexico.
Do they use weighted GPA for their guide or unweighted?
You're right about the requirements not looking strict but how do we cover what they are maybe looking for? Is doing research a deal breaker or just a plus? My daughter does not want to leave the state. She wants to practice in NM, now she just has to tell them that through her work. That is going to be the hard part without directly coming out and saying it because I'm sure everyone is going to be doing the same thing.
Do they use weighted GPA for their guide or unweighted?
You're right about the requirements not looking strict but how do we cover what they are maybe looking for? Is doing research a deal breaker or just a plus? My daughter does not want to leave the state. She wants to practice in NM, now she just has to tell them that through her work. That is going to be the hard part without directly coming out and saying it because I'm sure everyone is going to be doing the same thing.
I applied to this program this past year, and I did not get accepted. I was put on the waiting list and am 29 which is not bad considering there was 500 applicants.
They are looking for HIGH ACT scores. Shadowing doctors of course. They are looking for students that participate in a lot of activities and are not just bookworms. DIVERSITY is their focal point as are a lot of places. The personal essay is huge. They really look into that, so I would really really recommend putting in there about practicing in NM and how you would specifically help address current issues..
Questions I got asked at my interview included a lot about current health issues of NM, such as our heart disease, and diabetes statistics. what you would bring to the cohort, describing yourself as you see, etc.. If you have any more Q's pm me. Ill try to think more about my whole experience applying.
They are looking for HIGH ACT scores. Shadowing doctors of course. They are looking for students that participate in a lot of activities and are not just bookworms. DIVERSITY is their focal point as are a lot of places. The personal essay is huge. They really look into that, so I would really really recommend putting in there about practicing in NM and how you would specifically help address current issues..
Questions I got asked at my interview included a lot about current health issues of NM, such as our heart disease, and diabetes statistics. what you would bring to the cohort, describing yourself as you see, etc.. If you have any more Q's pm me. Ill try to think more about my whole experience applying.
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Yes, they are looking for people who are hoping to work in New Mexico, that is part of the school's mission. Especially underserved/less fortunate regions. Is your daughter an ethnic minority or economically disadvantaged? Showing interest in biomedical research could be helpful. How did your daughter do in science courses? Did she take mostly AP science classes and get all As with maybe a few Bs? They are looking to see rigor in science coursework as well as a diversity of classes. Is she in the top 10% of her class?
Make sure she:
Takes a lot of AP classes (especially science)
Graduates in the top 10% of her class
Volunteers for all four years of high school
Participates in meaningful extracurricular activities
Gets 3 exceptional letters of recommendation (at least 1 should be a biology, physics, or chemistry teacher)
GPA > 3.5
SAT > 1900 is preferable
ACT > 29 is also preferable
Being an ethnic minority (especially of the navajo tribe) is highly beneficial.
She is doing well in school. We have a little while to go before the application process but it's good to get started as early as possible. She has not taken her ACT yet. Yes, ethnic minority but not from the Navajo Tribe. @nysegop - what would you consider to be meaningful EC (in your opinion)?
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Whatever interests her, she just has to explain why it's meaningful to her at an interview or in the application.
Hey VCheetah! I have an interview with the BAMD program and it would really be helpful if you could give me some insight into the types of questions they've asked you. I've been taking mock interviews and learning the program inside out but I am still extremely nervous.
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Hi everyone! I got accepted into the BA/MD program and on the contrary to nysegop, my ACT was in the low 20-25's and I never took the SAT, but my GPA was over a 4.0. It really doesn't matter what your ACT or SAT is, just as long as it's high enough to get the interviews. The majority is dependent on the personal statement/letters of recommendations, medical experience/grades/extracurricular, and two interviews.
Shadowing and medical experience is a major factor, as well as, diversity and dedication to serve in NM. There's no favoritism over ethnic minorities or being economically disadvantaged. It just comes down to how much experience you've had in the medical field and your passion for medicine. For instance, I shadowed 3 medical specialties, was involved in my school's STEM and medical clubs, took numerous medical and AP courses (including all the sciences), volunteered in my local clean ups and soup kitchens, etc. I know people who have done exceptionally better than me, but are wait listed because of their lack of medical experience. As for the interviews, they ask a lot of questions that test your interest in medicine and devotion to serving NM. They want people who know what lies ahead and are absolutely certain that they want to become a physician. None of this matters unless you truly have the passion to pursue medicine.
Shadowing and medical experience is a major factor, as well as, diversity and dedication to serve in NM. There's no favoritism over ethnic minorities or being economically disadvantaged. It just comes down to how much experience you've had in the medical field and your passion for medicine. For instance, I shadowed 3 medical specialties, was involved in my school's STEM and medical clubs, took numerous medical and AP courses (including all the sciences), volunteered in my local clean ups and soup kitchens, etc. I know people who have done exceptionally better than me, but are wait listed because of their lack of medical experience. As for the interviews, they ask a lot of questions that test your interest in medicine and devotion to serving NM. They want people who know what lies ahead and are absolutely certain that they want to become a physician. None of this matters unless you truly have the passion to pursue medicine.
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NM, isn't that where chiros, naturopaths, and psychologists prescribe?
