Definitely need advice and clarification.

[Lebrownies]

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Hey everyone! I just had a few questions about the effect URM has on med school applications. Ive had people tell me that its not what it used to be and others say its a huge advantage. It sounds like a grey area and i was hoping to get some first hand accounts. I am a hispanic male (Ecuadorian/Puerto Rican)

Taking the Mcat in january so im giving my self 6 months to prep and volunteer.
cGPA 3.3 sGPA 3.4
I'm Chem but have an upward trend. Freshman year and parts of soph I had like a 2.6. I took time off, then went to a state U and finished my last 2 years and major classes (orgo etc) there with a cGPA 3.72 and sGPA 3.85.
Also got like 2 years of independent research. No first name publication but I will be included in the paper come sept.
Essentially im wondering if med school is still viable with a 90th or 89th percentile mcat. Im just very nervous about sinking all this time and money into something that may be impossible. Im also open to D.O. schools ( not really sure why there is a stigma). Pretty much going to apply to anywhere where there is a lack of URM applicants.

Any info or stories are greatly appreciated to help cast some light on the correct path to take.

 

[eteshoe]

Take a look: https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/157998/factstablea24.html

 

[Lebrownies]

Take a look: https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/157998/factstablea24.html

Wow thats huge, but at the same time a Kaplan "admissions counselor" said it wasnt what it used to be.

 

[Lebrownies]

Wow thats huge, but at the same time a Kaplan "admissions counselor" said it wasnt what it used to be.

Also eteshoe I noticed you were in a MD PhD program. How tough was it to get in? Before i choose to go down this path I was looking towards a PhD in orgo or med chem.

 

[eteshoe]

Wow thats huge, but at the same time a Kaplan "admissions counselor" said it wasnt what it used to be.

I haven't applied in a few yrs but I can't imagine things have changed too much (especially with the data in the table being pretty current). If you are a URM w/ a strong MCAT and decent GPA and you apply smart, you'll be fine.

Also eteshoe I noticed you were in a MD PhD program. How tough was it to get in? Before i choose to go down this path I was looking towards a PhD in orgo or med chem.

MD/PhD programs tend to be tougher to get into than most MD programs, especially MSTP ones. You typically need a high GPA + high MCAT score, plus significant research experience on top of the typical pre-med ECs.

Now PhD programs are usually more forgiving in terms of their GPA requirements (except at the top programs where the requirements are quite similar to top MD programs) but they do require significant and sustained research experience. I'll point you to a thread I replied to a bit ago dealing with my thoughts on PhDs in med chem (make sure to read through the whole thread - you may find it helpful): click here

In order to get into a PhD program (if you choose that path), you'll need to take the GRE (and maybe a subject GRE in Chem or Biochem - very program dependent).

 

[Lebrownies]

Right, PhD was the original plan but I changed paths. My gpa etc is listed in the original post. I think its decent for md but idk. I'm sure I can get into a solid PhD program.

 

[eteshoe]

Right, PhD was the original plan but I changed paths. My gpa etc is listed in the original post. I think its decent for md but idk. I'm sure I can get into a solid PhD program.

With a solid MCAT (e.g. 85th+ percentile) with your GPA + URM status and you'll get into most MD programs barring no other major red flags. For PhD programs you'd have a pretty solid chance of getting into some top programs depending on your GRE score (80th+ percentile).