cGPA 3.79 sGPA 3.63, applying this cycle?

[optimisticallypassingorgo]

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Currently a sophomore biology major (psychology minor) with senior standing. I'm taking the MCAT May 14. Applying MD. My cGPA (after this semester hopefully) will be 3.79 with 3.63 sGPA. Not great.

ECs:

1 summer and 1 semester of research (~300 hrs). 1 publication as 6th author, 1 poster coming up.

50+ hours as volunteer at local hospital since October 2015 (terrible, I know, but I'm volunteering 4 hrs a week from now until I apply).

Shadowing: 5 hrs w/ oncologist. ~30 hrs w/ internist.

Arabic Instructor/TA at private Sunday school. 100+ hours

TA with same school at different branch. 200-300 hours.

Currently helping organize a Syria Awareness Week at my college that, aimed at raising money for Syrians in need. Will take place in March.

I would truly appreciate any advice. Will my app be good enough will a good MCAT score? What are some areas I can improve on in the upcoming months?

 

[igor_raptor]

Really difficult to say anything without an MCAT score. When do the May MCAT scores come back? You really want to apply early (your stats are okay, although a boost to the sGPA won't hurt). Are you an URM by any chance?

 

[optimisticallypassingorgo]

They come back mid June, before apps are sent out to schools (at least according to last year's app threads). So, ideally, I would send my app June 1st, get verified, and have my scores sent before apps are actually sent to schools. I also would only technically apply to 1 school until I get my scores back (just in case my score is bad, if it is not I'm already verified so I can just add other schools?). Everything I know is from reading threads on SDN so please tell me if I'm mistaken!

No, unless Arab counts as URM (which it doesn't last I checked)?

 

[igor_raptor]

Arab does not count for URM I believe, sorry. And it looks like you will get your score back on June 14th according to https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/mcat-score-release-dates/.

Your chances depend on the MCAT, so make sure you do well on it.

 

[optimisticallypassingorgo]

What is the score you would say I should aim for?

 

[igor_raptor]

Perfect score!

Obviously I'm joking, but check this out: http://edge.studentdoctor.net/wamc/All_Applicants.png and http://edge.studentdoctor.net/wamc/All_Applicants_Contour.jpg

This is unfortunately a bit dated, and uses the old MCAT, but for the most part is reasonably accurate. I would say a 507 or so for MD. There is a conversion for old MCAT scores to new MCAT scores available somewhere on here if you want a better picture.

 

[optimisticallypassingorgo]

I'm definitely aiming for a 510+. I'm studying like hell from now until May. Already halfway through content review.

Thanks for my advice.

As for the rest of my app, anything that can be improved?

 

[igor_raptor]

Looks good unless I'm missing something...you already mentioned you're working on clinical volunteering.

Good luck on the MCAT, let us know how it goes! Have any schools in mind?

 

[whatever5]

With a 508+ and continued clinical volunteering, you should be okay. With a 507 or below, take a look at DO schools as well if that interests you.

Buy the MSAR and start tailoring a school list. Pay strong attention to who they admit (are they friendly to applicants from out of state? Do they have a particular mission and only select candidates that fulfill it?)