Chances 2016 FlexMed for engineering student?

[skf2120]

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[pstrick]

literally insane?

 

[skf2120]

@pstrick thanks for pointing that out, I didn't realize I accidentally used colloquial language one time in the entire post..

 

[Lucca]

Use the search function to look up past FlexMed threads, you might be able to look at or message some successful applicants there. I would wait until the last possible year for you to apply and work on getting that GPA higher. I'm sure your major is tough and you are only a freshman but no excuses, figure out how to improve. You seem like an intelligent and capable person so I believe in you but you have to be proactive! The reason I suggest waiting until your last eligible year is that it is a very competitive program and if you can have one more year's worth of stuff/grades you will be all the better.

 

[md-2020]

Stats:
2180 SAT
3.85 GPA at one of the top five private high schools in the country
3.41 GPA freshman year at Columbia's Engineering school
I'm the head of a big committee of one club (relay for life) and heavily involved in two other organizations (my sorority and the Persian culture club). I also do very extensive research at Columbia University Med Center that I plan on carrying out until the end of college. <--publications needed
100 Hours volunteering at hospital, and will shadow a lot this summer
and I've been told I'm a great essay writer and I know I'm good with interviews–however, will my stats screw me over before I even get to interview?
Should I apply now or wait until I get my GPA higher in the Fall? Any feedback or opinions are appreciated!

Very slim chances, unfortunately. I've highlighted the issues; this program is seriously intense.

Keep in mind the minimum required GPA that Flexmed acceptees must maintain is a 3.5, so there is an almost nonexistent chance they'll look past your numerical deficiencies.

 

[skf2120]

@md-2020 @Lucca thank you both for your honesty!

 

[skf2120]

@md-2020 one question about the publications though. I definitely understand the need for them when you're working in a wet lab. However, my research is with doctors at the med school and my physics prof; he and I are building a new type of medical machine from scratch, not carrying out tests. So I'm not really sure if the publication requirement applies here, what do you think?

 

[md-2020]

@md-2020 one question about the publications though. I definitely understand the need for them when you're working in a wet lab. However, my research is with doctors at the med school and my physics prof; he and I are building a new type of medical machine from scratch, not carrying out tests. So I'm not really sure if the publication requirement applies here, what do you think?

It's about having really notable achievements in whatever field you're stressing makes you suitable for their program, and the bar is really damn high. So from your post it seems you're going to highlight your research, which probably puts you up against applicants who've (keep in mind most of these are academic superstars) been well published/presented/etc. You'll need something special to make your research experiences seem special. Perhaps a patent, selling your machine, etc etc would also be fine. I mentioned publications b/c that's the most common "crowning" research achievement.

 

[pstrick]

@pstrick thanks for pointing that out, I didn't realize I accidentally used colloquial language one time in the entire post..

No problem! Always glad to help.

May I also recommend you change that comma to a semicolon and remove one of the trailing periods?

 

[skf2120]

@pstrick please stop.

 

[pstrick]

Sorry. Sometimes I can't help myself.

 

[justadream]

With that GPA, basically no chance. The SAT is not very impressive as well (relatively speaking for FlexMed).

But that's not the end of the world either. Work hard and improve your GPA and you can be a strong applicant in the regular cycle.