black female, 3.3, 524

[Neuro50]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello everyone

I'm doing research now during gap years and wanted to know what my chances are for top 10 schools

Race/Gender: african-american female
School: graduated from one of HYP
Majors: biology & political science

STATS
cGPA: ~3.3
sGPA: ~3.4
(low GPA's due to lackluster first two years with two Ws, and a few Cs/Ds.)
MCAT: 524

Clinical experience
- Work as an EMT and CNA
- Volunteering in local hospital, free clinic, hospice, nursing homes (altogether 400+ hours)

Non-clinical volunteering
- Tutoring, habitat for humanity, dance marathon, soup kitchens, etc.

Research
- Besides what I'm doing now, did about 1 year of neuro research during undergrad (1 poster)

Shadowing
~100 hours (various specialties)

Leadership
- Many positions in various organizations (including pre-med orgs.)

Miscellaneous
- Proficient in Spanish
- Medical mission trips in Central America

What do you think my chances are for the top 10/20 schools? My ultimate top choice is Johns Hopkins.

 

[radiculating spines]

That MCAT score is the real deal. ECs are great and while the GPA is low, if there's a strong upward trend as you describe, I think your chances are damn good, especially as an URM. Apply, and the IIs will come.

 

[catmullclark]

As long as your upward trend is solid, you should be set to apply to some great schools. Overall, a 3.3 GPA is low. Top 10/20 chances should be solid if you are able to explain your academic performance during your first two years.

 

[Walter Raleigh]

Quite good. The ECs and MCAT are very good, and the URM status and very strong upward trend mean that a low GPA can be forgiven, even by top 20 schools. You should be golden at your state schools for sure, with good chances at top 20s.