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Could I make the cut for the big 3 ? (Bryn Mawr, Goucher, Scripps)

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Claren

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Heya, wanted some input on my stats, as well as some questions regarding these programs.

Stats: 26 years old, Psych BA from Seattle U in '08. 3.34 college GPA (not sure of my math/science GPA, but think it's a 3.0 or so?), 33 ACT. Haven't taken any of the med school pre-reqs. I'm 1st generation Mexican-American, as well, if that matters? Don't know my HS grades offhand; do they factor in?

"Why medicine?": Took an EMT-B class the summer between junior/senior year, liked it so much I got an ER tech job right after college instead of pursuing grad school. I've been a tech ever since (3 years full-time). Just completed paramedic school, got my card and fully intend to work as a medic for at least 3 or 4 years, then re-evalute to see if MD/DO is what I want to do at that point in life.

I haven't done any formal volunteering or "shadowing"; would this matter? Would paid hours be considered differently?

Thank you for taking the time to read this. 🙂
 
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Heya, wanted some input on my stats, as well as some questions regarding these programs.

Stats: 26 years old, Psych BA from Seattle U in '08. 3.34 college GPA (not sure of my math/science GPA, but think it's a 3.0 or so?), 33 ACT. Haven't taken any of the med school pre-reqs. I'm 1st generation Mexican-American, as well, if that matters? Don't know my HS grades offhand; do they factor in?

"Why medicine?": Took an EMT-B class the summer between junior/senior year, liked it so much I got an ER tech job right after college instead of pursuing grad school. I've been a tech ever since (3 years full-time). Just completed paramedic school, got my card and fully intend to work as a medic for at least 3 or 4 years, then re-evaluted to see if MD/DO is what I want to do at that point in life.

I haven't done any formal volunteering or "shadowing"; would this matter? Would paid hours be considered differently?

Thank you for taking the time to read this. 🙂

I don't know about Bryn Mawr and Scripps, but I did have to submit HS transcripts in my application to Goucher, so I suppose they do factor in somewhat.

If you have a lot of medical experience, I don't think it matters whether or not it was paid time. When I applied to Goucher, I had worked for many years in allied health positions but had never 'shadowed.' My experience was more than sufficient to claim an informed in switching careers.

I'm not sure about your GPA and ACT stats; I can't remember the ballpark benchmarks at Goucher. My suspicion is that your GPA in particular is a bit low. I think you might have a shot, though, so long as your application includes stellar letters of recommendation and a great personal statement.

Good luck!
 
Hi, Claren. Glad to hear you're interested in the Scripps program! I worked with their admissions for a bit. Like betterlate said, your GPA is kind of low, but your ACT score looks great. What are your Math and English subscores? Most applicant files did include high school transcripts.

For the Scripps program, be prepared to defend your academic performance since your total GPA and especially your math/science GPA is a bit low. The directors have suggested to prospective students that they take either calculus or chemistry at a community college prior to applying, to indicate that they can at least do well in a community college level math/science class. You might consider doing this.

Your paid experience is legitimate, so long as you can demonstrate on your personal statement and in the interview why you want to be a doctor specifically as opposed to ER tech or medic.

Heya, wanted some input on my stats, as well as some questions regarding these programs.

Stats: 26 years old, Psych BA from Seattle U in '08. 3.34 college GPA (not sure of my math/science GPA, but think it's a 3.0 or so?), 33 ACT. Haven't taken any of the med school pre-reqs. I'm 1st generation Mexican-American, as well, if that matters? Don't know my HS grades offhand; do they factor in?

"Why medicine?": Took an EMT-B class the summer between junior/senior year, liked it so much I got an ER tech job right after college instead of pursuing grad school. I've been a tech ever since (3 years full-time). Just completed paramedic school, got my card and fully intend to work as a medic for at least 3 or 4 years, then re-evalute to see if MD/DO is what I want to do at that point in life.

I haven't done any formal volunteering or "shadowing"; would this matter? Would paid hours be considered differently?

Thank you for taking the time to read this. 🙂
 
The directors have suggested to prospective students that they take either calculus or chemistry at a community college prior to applying, to indicate that they can at least do well in a community college level math/science class. You might consider doing this.

Your paid experience is legitimate, so long as you can demonstrate on your personal statement and in the interview why you want to be a doctor specifically as opposed to ER tech or medic.
Thanks, the information you have provided has been very helpful. It's good to know that Scripps will accept my paid experience. Additionally, I think the idea to take some courses at my local CC is a good one. I know I could kill gen chem.

Anyone know if the other two will view my experience the same or differently?
 
I think Goucher would definitely consider your work experience as a great plus. As for your lower sGPA, a calc course, like fmhern suggested, might be a good idea. You could also take the GRE and try to really rock the math section.

Good luck!

If you have more specific Goucher questions, I'm happy to answer anything!
 
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