Fulbright, High GPA, Published Research, Honors, Awards...What are my chances?

[0139915]

Hello,

So I just got my MCAT scores back and they were not increadble but respectable so I am not wondering what my chances are, my metrics are below:

Academics:
Degree: B.S. in Science and Business, Minor: Pre-Medical Studies
Science GPA: 4.00
Overall GPA: 3.981
Graduated as distinguished honors scholar, Summa Cum Laude, Dean's list every semester
Spent 1 year abroad at University of Melbourne (Ranked #1 in Australia, #31 in the World) - GPA: 3.98 at UniMelb
MCAT: 26S - 10VR/9BS/7PS/WS

Research:
Spent 1.5 years on a single project. Presented at 7 conferences (3 local, 2 regional, 1 national and 1 international) - won 3rd place at national conference
This research discourse is being published in peer-reviewed journal in August 2012
Presented senior thesis at regional conference

Awards:
2 awards for chemistry bestowed by American Chemical Society; 1 specifically for research the other for overall achievment
Fulbright Award (I have accepted it and can't wait)

ECs
I have always worked throughout school and the summer holding at least 2 or 3 jobs every semester (Tutor and TA/University Researcher), shadowed an MD, volunterred in neurolab at hosiptal (400 hours), earned EMT certification, coached figure skating, volunteer work - some in college more in high school

I want to go to an allopathic school and I am not entirely sure what type of medicine I want to do, but I know I want an MD/MPH program. I am thinking of appling to all my state schools (NY) and schools in PA since I went to undergrad in Philly. I would send the bulk of my apps to schools with a 26-28 MCAT 10th percentile and reach for a school with a MCAT of 30 as their 10th percentile. I am thinking of not retaking the exam, I leave for the Fulbright in 6 weeks. Thoughts?...Anyone? - Thanks!

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[MedBound1]

It sounds like you somewhat already realize what your chances are for MD, and they are pretty low. A 26 is significantly below average for most every program. The thing that really stinks about this whole situation is that your application looks superb without the MCAT score. With a 26 you'll be fighting for a spot for a low-tier school (and probably not getting an acceptance til late in the cycle or off a wait list), whereas you could apply (and have a great shot) anywhere in the country with a 32+. So that's the situation you face, the decision of whether to retake or take a shot at a low-tier with what you got is up to you. If it were me, it would depend on how much I studied for the first take, my practice test scores prior to it, and how likely i think I would be to improve if I took it again. If you don't see yourself improving much, I would give the cycle a shot with the intent of retaking next year. If you think you could greatly improve, you might be better just holding off on applying until you retake and apply next year. I realize you are leaving in 6 weeks, and that definitely throws a wrench in to it. Are you applying right now? If so, I don't see it being possible to retake for this cycle, but you could take any time before next summer and be ready for the next one.

 

[0139915]

"I realize you are leaving in 6 weeks, and that definitely throws a wrench in to it. Are you applying right now? If so, I don't see it being possible to retake for this cycle, but you could take any time before next summer and be ready for the next one."

I was trying to apply for this cycle. I am on the Grant for 11 months so I would return about this time next year, and I will not be studying for the MCAT while on the Fulbright, plus I can't afford to ship all the study materials. Will med schools take the MCAT into context? or will they simply cut me and not consider the rest of the application? My issue is really just a low MCAT, everything else is good or well above average.

 

[MedBound1]

Will med schools take the MCAT into context? or will they simply cut me and not consider the rest of the application? My issue is really just a low MCAT, everything else is good or well above average.

This is why everyone hates the MCAT. There are so many people that fall into this same situation. The low MCAT score will simply cut you at many mid and top tier institutions. Your best bet is state schools where you fall into the 10% percentile and OOS schools with good acceptance rates for OOS students. I can think of a list of about 12-15 of these that are reasonable enough to stick an application in for. Knowing your home state would also help.

Some schools cut based on overall MCAT composite, some on low subscores (which your 7 PS might get you in trouble at a few places), and some do both. It really depends on the school. How do you plan to do interviews while on the Fullbright?

edit: Another question: if you can't afford to ship mcat study materials while on the fullbright, how are you planning on paying for secondaries and interview travel? Especially when you may be paying for secondaries that end up going nowhere due to your low MCAT score.

p.s. I'm not trying to be harsh, just trying to help you critically think through these decisions.

 

[Mountaineer12]

Unfortunately your MCAT score will almost definitely keep you out of MD schools, the low composite score coupled with a 7 in one of the sub-sections may even get you screened out before they see the rest of your application. If you don't want to retake the MCAT, try your state schools for MD, but also apply to DO schools. If you don't want to go DO then you'll almost definitely need to retake the MCAT.

 

[0139915]

@MedBound 1 - I welcome these questions, I need help thinking about this as well. My home state is NY. Physics and Gen Chem are my weakest subjects, at uni I took alot of bio, anatomy, organic chem, business, writing, and law classes. As a result I am a bit 'non-traditional'. By chance could you list some of those OOS schools?

 

[Goro]

I think you're good at your state schools, if you have them, and any of the mid-tier one. Do NOT apply to the Ivies or Stanford, but you'll be fine. good luck.

Hello,

So I just got my MCAT scores back and they were not increadble but respectable so I am not wondering what my chances are, my metrics are below:

Academics:
Degree: B.S. in Science and Business, Minor: Pre-Medical Studies
Science GPA: 4.00
Overall GPA: 3.981
Graduated as distinguished honors scholar, Summa Cum Laude, Dean's list every semester
Spent 1 year abroad at University of Melbourne (Ranked #1 in Australia, #31 in the World) - GPA: 3.98 at UniMelb
MCAT: 26S - 10VR/9BS/7PS/WS

Research:
Spent 1.5 years on a single project. Presented at 7 conferences (3 local, 2 regional, 1 national and 1 international) - won 3rd place at national conference
This research discourse is being published in peer-reviewed journal in August 2012
Presented senior thesis at regional conference

Awards:
2 awards for chemistry bestowed by American Chemical Society; 1 specifically for research the other for overall achievment
Fulbright Award (I have accepted it and can't wait)

ECs
I have always worked throughout school and the summer holding at least 2 or 3 jobs every semester (Tutor and TA/University Researcher), shadowed an MD, volunterred in neurolab at hosiptal (400 hours), earned EMT certification, coached figure skating, volunteer work - some in college more in high school

I want to go to an allopathic school and I am not entirely sure what type of medicine I want to do, but I know I want an MD/MPH program. I am thinking of appling to all my state schools (NY) and schools in PA since I went to undergrad in Philly. I would send the bulk of my apps to schools with a 26-28 MCAT 10th percentile and reach for a school with a MCAT of 30 as their 10th percentile. I am thinking of not retaking the exam, I leave for the Fulbright in 6 weeks. Thoughts?...Anyone? - Thanks!

 

[BigBlueBear]

My brother was able to get waitlisted somewhere with a 26 (6 in verbal). He did not get accepted, but there is still a really tiny chance that a nice state school will show you some love. If you have the money, it doesn't hurt to apply.

And also remember that you'd be a shoo-in at DO skools, if you want to apply there two

 

[MedBound1]

I think you're good at your state schools, if you have them, and any of the mid-tier one. Do NOT apply to the Ivies or Stanford, but you'll be fine. good luck.

I know you're an adcom so please elaborate on this for the rest of us. It's quite obvious that the OP wasn't even considering Ivies (he has a 26 MCAT, he will get screened out of every one of them before they even review his app). His MCAT is 10% percentile or below at near every school in the country. I don't understand where the confidence that 'he'll be fine' comes from. Some of my friends that had near identical apps to the OP had brutally rough application cycles ending in disappointment. Are you just providing encouraging hope for a rough situation or are you being sincere? I don't quite follow....

 

[TriagePreMed]

Definitely retake the MCAT. With a 29+ you can get in somewhere. With a 26, I would predict you'll have a hard time getting in somewhere.

 

[MedPR]

Hello,

So I just got my MCAT scores back and they were not increadble but respectable so I am not wondering what my chances are, my metrics are below:

Academics:
Degree: B.S. in Science and Business, Minor: Pre-Medical Studies
Science GPA: 4.00
Overall GPA: 3.981
Graduated as distinguished honors scholar, Summa Cum Laude, Dean's list every semester
Spent 1 year abroad at University of Melbourne (Ranked #1 in Australia, #31 in the World) - GPA: 3.98 at UniMelb
MCAT: 26S - 10VR/9BS/7PS/WS

Research:
Spent 1.5 years on a single project. Presented at 7 conferences (3 local, 2 regional, 1 national and 1 international) - won 3rd place at national conference
This research discourse is being published in peer-reviewed journal in August 2012
Presented senior thesis at regional conference

Awards:
2 awards for chemistry bestowed by American Chemical Society; 1 specifically for research the other for overall achievment
Fulbright Award (I have accepted it and can't wait)

ECs
I have always worked throughout school and the summer holding at least 2 or 3 jobs every semester (Tutor and TA/University Researcher), shadowed an MD, volunterred in neurolab at hosiptal (400 hours), earned EMT certification, coached figure skating, volunteer work - some in college more in high school

I want to go to an allopathic school and I am not entirely sure what type of medicine I want to do, but I know I want an MD/MPH program. I am thinking of appling to all my state schools (NY) and schools in PA since I went to undergrad in Philly. I would send the bulk of my apps to schools with a 26-28 MCAT 10th percentile and reach for a school with a MCAT of 30 as their 10th percentile. I am thinking of not retaking the exam, I leave for the Fulbright in 6 weeks. Thoughts?...Anyone? - Thanks!

I know you're an adcom so please elaborate on this for the rest of us. It's quite obvious that the OP wasn't even considering Ivies (he has a 26 MCAT, he will get screened out of every one of them before they even review his app). His MCAT is 10% percentile or below at near every school in the country. I don't understand where the confidence that 'he'll be fine' comes from. Some of my friends that had near identical apps to the OP had brutally rough application cycles ending in disappointment. Are you just providing encouraging hope for a rough situation or are you being sincere? I don't quite follow....

GPA is bottom 10 percentile, but his GPA is top 10 percentile. Combined with his ECs he can possibly get into state school or a lower-mid tier program. A 26 is low, but since he's not from california his state schools are reachable.

 

[ccfman1991]

GPA is bottom 10 percentile, but his GPA is top 10 percentile. Combined with his ECs he can possibly get into state school or a lower-mid tier program. A 26 is low, but since he's not from california his state schools are reachable.

que?

 

[MedBound1]

que?

He meant to say MCAT is bottom 10% percentile but GPA is top 10% percentile. A high GPA doesn't completely balance out a really low MCAT score. Schools that make a high number of automatic cuts (which is a lot with the number of applicants these days), will automatically cut anyone with a.. lets just say.. < 28 MCAT and/OR < 3.2 GPA.

The chances of someone with a 4.0/26 out of All applicants (includes URM's even though OP isn't one) is 50%.. this is also referenced from 2009-2011 data, it's getting increasingly harder to get in every year with the economy the way it is. That certainly means that there is a decent possibility that they will get accepted, I never said that he wouldn't get accepted. I was just wondering where the reassuring talk about it being easy to get into his state school is about when it's really a coin flip by the statistics to get in anywhere at all.

http://i44.tinypic.com/2r40pr6.jpg

 

[saveourpens]

You have a pretty good app but that MCAT doesn't complement it well at all. I'd retake if I were you.

 

[darkjedi]

I suggest taking a year off and retaking the MCAT after you study for it significantly. With your background you could potentially go to a medium or top tier school, but your MCAT needs to match your application. Even if you can get above a 30, you will have a much better shot than you do now.

 

[qwerty2012]

With such impressive background, I am 100 % positive you can pull at least a 30+.
Don't apply. You will sell yourself extremely short.
If needed, take 4 months just purely for MCAT.
I believe that MOST with 4 months of intense preparation can pull a 30.

 

[ridethecliche]

Such a differential between MCAT and GPA is sketchy. IMHO, it makes an adcom wonder how rigorous your undergrad really was.

Going just by GPA and MCAT, here are your chances granted that you have incredible extra curriculars.

https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/app...mcat-gpa-grid-by-selected-race-ethnicity.html

If I was you, I'd raise my score just because not doing so is almost a waste of all the hard work you put in undergrad. Say you get into a school with your current stats, if you did much better, that same school might be throwing money at you. It might be worth the time/resource investment.

You could probably dial in your work and get it together in a few weeks, if spots for the test are open, of course.

With such impressive background, I am 100 % positive you can pull at least a 30+.
Don't apply. You will sell yourself extremely short.
If needed, take 4 months just purely for MCAT.
I believe that MOST with 4 months of intense preparation can pull a 30.

I took 6 months while working full time (more like 5 because I took a month off) and went from a 30 to a 34. OP, you can bump yourself up.

 

[mimelim]

The gap is way too broad and calls into question pretty much every other part of your application.

 

[justhanging]

With so much research in chemistry, how did you score so low on the PS? ACS doesn't give awards so easily.

 

[Sandstorm]

Re-take. Internet access? Don't need the books.

 

[ridethecliche]

The gap is way too broad and calls into question pretty much every other part of your application.

Yup.

A 26 is not respectable for MD programs given your other stats. The average is a 24, right? So you're what, in like the top 40% of test takers? With your GPA that looks really sketchy.

 

[pfaction]

Such a differential between MCAT and GPA is sketchy. IMHO, it makes an adcom wonder how rigorous your undergrad really was.

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

[cyanide12345678]

Even if you only have 6 weeks, I really really really think you should re-take. A 26 is disasterous compared to the rest of your application. I see your other things and I wonder "HOW DID THIS GUY GET A 26?!" Did you not study at all for the mcat or what :S ? In my opinion you shuld really consider taking 3 - 4 months off and studying for the mcat and getting a 30+ and then applying next year (guess that can be plan B for you). Meanwhlie, just apply to a few state schools and a few low tier schools and see if you can get an acceptance this cycle.

 

[Rumalum]

what kind of minor is "pre-medical studies"? That means absolutely nothing

 

[Sandstorm]

what kind of minor is "pre-medical studies"? That means absolutely nothing

Some schools have this but I've seen it more as a 'concentration'. It just means that they have to satisfy certain course requirements that hopefully will be of use to them as they take the mcat and transition into the first years of med school.

Our school also had a set number of community service hours as a requirement. I think basically the idea is to make sure you're covering the stuff that you probably need to get into med school.