Decent research, average stats?

[DJBroca]

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Not trying to spell out my CV here, but I have been thinking about this lately. Throughout undergrad, I was committed to my research more than any other EC. I presented 3 first-author posters (1 international, 1 national, and 1 local), 4 mid-author posters (3 national, 1 international), published 1 mid-author publication (1 first-author pub in progress, 3 other mids in progress), and have submitted around 9 abstracts. Most of this was independent work that I lead. Also completed a thesis but I'm sure it's not as noteworthy as the papers.
I know Top 20s love folks with a passion for research. The question I have is: do I stand competitive at any Top 20 with my research experience, but only applying with a cGPA: 3.68, sGPA: 3.53? What would my MCAT composite have to be (520+?) to be competitive at any Top 20? I am trying to set a reasonable goal score-wise before I start my study plan. I don't want to work myself to a 520 if that is just going to look too odd with my below average GPA that Top 20s typically don't look for in applicants.
Looking back I wish I had spent more time studying for my classes as opposed to playing in the lab till late at night. Still enjoyed every minute of it though!

Much love,
DJBroca
@Goro @LizzyM 😍

 

[Goro]

518+ MCAT PLUS the needed clinical ECs. Stanford might love you, but UCSF, Northwestern and others will shoot you down.

Did you have a rising GPA trend?

 

[LizzyM]

From my experience of interviewing candidates at a top 20, you should be fine if you can manage 130 or more in 3 sections and not less than 127 in the fourth section. Doesn't matter which is which.

 

[DJBroca]

518+ MCAT PLUS the needed clinical ECs. Stanford might love you, but UCSF, Northwestern and others will shoot you down.

Did you have a rising GPA trend?

Okay. Clincial ECs: been working in a hospital for a year doing patient transport and have been volunteering for two years in a hospice home for end-stage dementia pts. Trend was upward. Finished my last semester with a 4.0. Currently in a gap year for MCAT and so I can finish up a few lingering papers.
I'm a white male, so the only unique thing about me is I race professional motocross.

 

[DJBroca]

From my experience of interviewing candidates at a top 20, you should be fine if you can manage 130 or more in 3 sections and not less than 127 in the fourth section. Doesn't matter which is which.

Noted. Thank you for the input. Time to get to work!

 

[Goro]

Okay. Clincial ECs: been working in a hospital for a year doing patient transport and have been volunteering for two years in a hospice home for end-stage dementia pts. Trend was upward. Finished my last semester with a 4.0. Currently in a gap year for MCAT and so I can finish up a few lingering papers.
I'm a white male, so the only unique thing about me is I race professional motocross.

Great stuff!

 

[DJBroca]

Great stuff!

Thanks @Goro . I was actually expecting a hard no knowing how low my GPA is compared to Top20 medians. Any other suggestions besides Stanford if I can pull out a 518+?

 

[Goro]

Thanks @Goro . I was actually expecting a hard no knowing how low my GPA is compared to Top20 medians. Any other suggestions besides Stanford if I can pull out a 518+?

Any of the top 20s, which actually include some 30 schools.