Hey everyone,
So I need some advice in regards to what I can do to improve my application and basically at this point, I'm just questioning if I even have a shot at applying in June. I'm currently a junior and haven't taken the MCAT. Sorry this post is super long...just really wanted to give nearly all of the details that I could to see if I have a shot.
Here's the details:
Overall GPA: 3.654 (Molecullar and Cell Bio major (honors program) with minors in Chem and Business)--Graduating in May 2012
AMCAS BCPM: 3.578
Planning on taking the MCAT in this May.
I attend a top 50 nationally recognized school (don't know how much that really weighs in...but thought I'd throw that in)
-I've been researching in a lab since Summer 2010 (so it's my 3rd semester now)--Don't see any publications in the future, but I may graduate with a thesis.
- I've also worked in a Psych Lab over a summer researching infant cognition. I plan on doing this along with my bio research this summer.
-I've had a steady job (~1.5 years) working as an usher at the concert hall at my school.
-I have volunteered at a hospital in town for ~70 hours. I recently switched to a different hospital in town because it's a lot closer to where I live now. I plan on volunteering over the summer also and hope to accumulate about 60 hours at this new hospital by the time of my application.
-Shadowed only for about 20 hours so far. I know this is a weak point.
-I have done a study abroad to Peru over winter break (during my soph year) to understand development in the Peruvian society. During most of my trip, I went to local communities in the Andes and helped build clean air burning stoves and clay water filters. I also had the opportunity to visit families in a particular community and discuss the benefits they had recieved from the new water filters that were donated by the NGO I worked with. For our final project in class, I shadowed two doctors (one community doctor and a private practice doctor) and wrote a paper and made a presentation on the differences in healthcare for those that depend on the governement healthcare versus those that can afford private healthcare. I have lot to say about my experience in Peru (as you can see!). This experience basically solidified my desire to become a doctor. Before this experience, I had no idea if being a physician was my calling.
-I am currently the treasurer of a biology group on campus. I am also an active member in a pre-medicine frat/club. I volunteer on a weekly basis at a women in transition center (this will be my third semester). I have been a peer advisor for biology undergrads for two semesters now (will be continuing it this semester also). I also am a part of a prestigious study abroad scholarship committee. I was also part of a group on campus that put on fun social events for college students on friday nights as an alternative to drinking.
-I have been on scholarship nearly all three years of college. It's a prestigious scholarship that I have had to apply for each year and I have had my tuition paid for completely. I have also won study abroad scholarships. I have been on the Dean's List for about 3 semesters now. I had a really rough first semester Junior year (I know...it's kinnda late to have a bad slump) because I took rigorous classes that I thought I could handle alongwith working in a lab for ~20 hours a week and keeping up with my EC's. It basically went in a completely different direction than anticipated. Don't think there's any excuse in the world to really explain why I did bad. It was merely poor time management on my part.
Sorry for all of this writing. I just really want a clear view on where I stand in your opinion. Feedback of ANY sort would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!
Forgot to mention: Not planning on applying to any top tier schools here. Just wondering if I even have a shot at MD anywhere.
So I need some advice in regards to what I can do to improve my application and basically at this point, I'm just questioning if I even have a shot at applying in June. I'm currently a junior and haven't taken the MCAT. Sorry this post is super long...just really wanted to give nearly all of the details that I could to see if I have a shot.
Here's the details:
Overall GPA: 3.654 (Molecullar and Cell Bio major (honors program) with minors in Chem and Business)--Graduating in May 2012
AMCAS BCPM: 3.578
Planning on taking the MCAT in this May.
I attend a top 50 nationally recognized school (don't know how much that really weighs in...but thought I'd throw that in)
-I've been researching in a lab since Summer 2010 (so it's my 3rd semester now)--Don't see any publications in the future, but I may graduate with a thesis.
- I've also worked in a Psych Lab over a summer researching infant cognition. I plan on doing this along with my bio research this summer.
-I've had a steady job (~1.5 years) working as an usher at the concert hall at my school.
-I have volunteered at a hospital in town for ~70 hours. I recently switched to a different hospital in town because it's a lot closer to where I live now. I plan on volunteering over the summer also and hope to accumulate about 60 hours at this new hospital by the time of my application.
-Shadowed only for about 20 hours so far. I know this is a weak point.
-I have done a study abroad to Peru over winter break (during my soph year) to understand development in the Peruvian society. During most of my trip, I went to local communities in the Andes and helped build clean air burning stoves and clay water filters. I also had the opportunity to visit families in a particular community and discuss the benefits they had recieved from the new water filters that were donated by the NGO I worked with. For our final project in class, I shadowed two doctors (one community doctor and a private practice doctor) and wrote a paper and made a presentation on the differences in healthcare for those that depend on the governement healthcare versus those that can afford private healthcare. I have lot to say about my experience in Peru (as you can see!). This experience basically solidified my desire to become a doctor. Before this experience, I had no idea if being a physician was my calling.
-I am currently the treasurer of a biology group on campus. I am also an active member in a pre-medicine frat/club. I volunteer on a weekly basis at a women in transition center (this will be my third semester). I have been a peer advisor for biology undergrads for two semesters now (will be continuing it this semester also). I also am a part of a prestigious study abroad scholarship committee. I was also part of a group on campus that put on fun social events for college students on friday nights as an alternative to drinking.
-I have been on scholarship nearly all three years of college. It's a prestigious scholarship that I have had to apply for each year and I have had my tuition paid for completely. I have also won study abroad scholarships. I have been on the Dean's List for about 3 semesters now. I had a really rough first semester Junior year (I know...it's kinnda late to have a bad slump) because I took rigorous classes that I thought I could handle alongwith working in a lab for ~20 hours a week and keeping up with my EC's. It basically went in a completely different direction than anticipated. Don't think there's any excuse in the world to really explain why I did bad. It was merely poor time management on my part.
Sorry for all of this writing. I just really want a clear view on where I stand in your opinion. Feedback of ANY sort would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!
Forgot to mention: Not planning on applying to any top tier schools here. Just wondering if I even have a shot at MD anywhere.
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