chances?

[Jumpu]

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Where do I begin? I have a rather coloured academic background: I spent my first two years of university of Toronto where due to some very screwed up personal issues, I did very badly. I walked away from there with a 2.0 GPA, with 60 credits. Shortly thereafter I got married and took a year off, (I didn't have a choice, INS was processing my paperwork). I literally started again at a state school in florida and graduated in 2.5 years with 118 credits behind me (not including the first 60), with a GPA of 4.0. My cumulative GPA is now 3.3. I took the MCAT this past April and did relatively well (33M, 10V-11P-12B). I would like to apply to MD-PhD as well as MD-only programs. I've done over two years of research, in particular related to melanoma, looking at the problem from a peptide chemistry point of view as well as a molecular biology point of view. I also have excellent LORs, ECs and a *little* clinical exposure. So what do you think? Should I bother applying for the MD-PhD programs or just apply to MD programs only

 

[none]

Yep...you have a pretty good shot at MD programs or maybe even MD/PhD. You are absolutely not penalized for applying MD/PhD, so go for it and if you don't get in, you just apply internally as a medical student. You know the GPA is a problem. Be prepared to discuss it in interviews, not in your personal statement. Also, get more clinical experience, NOW! It does not matter if you can't get it on the AMCAS, although do mention that you've started some more. You seem to have the research stuff down, but schools will want to see clinical stuff too. Here is the contact info for the VA Hospital in your area. Find out when the next orientation date is and get started!

West Palm Beach VA Medical Center
7305 N. Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33410-6400
COMM: (561) 882-8262
Fax: (561) 882-6707

 

[Jumpu]

As much as I would like to start building on my clinical exposure, I cannot. Right now I'm in the middle of a high risk pregnancy and have decided to get some rest. I realize this puts my application at a less than acceptable position but there really isn't much I can do. Thanks for the encouragement though! I'll probably give it a go anyways!

 

[none]

Oh, yeah definitely do it anyways. It sounds like you'll be getting clinical exposure regardless.

 

[Doctora Foxy]

I volunteered at a great free clinic in Boyton Beach...they let you do everything there. :wink: I know you're not up to it now, but if you're interested, send me a PM and I'll give you some more info. It's called the Caridad Health Clinic sponsored by the Migrant Association of South Florida. 🙂

You sound like an excellent applicant, and although your gpa is low, med schools will notice the HUGE upward trend. 🙂 Best of luck!

And welcome to SDN 😀

 

[Jumpu]

Thanks Foxy! Your posts have always seemed relevant and useful! In fact, CMS is my first choice and I hope to see you there someday.