Good ECs, High BCPM, Low Overall - Can I get advice on school selection?

[hopslam]

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Hey everyone!

First post here. I feel like my ECs are good. I bombed my first 2 years of Community College, then did 2 good years at art school, decided I wanted to become a doctor and study bio, so I transferred to a 4 year university. I have done very well there for 3 years and will be graduating in May. So 2 bad years followed by 5 great years hovering the 3.8-3.9 line. Overall: 3.43 -- BCPM: 3.88. I am submitting primary June 1st. My MCAT is on May 28th. In August I will start as a post bacc IRTA at the NIH as part of the NIH Acadamy program, which focuses on research to reduce health disparities (still basic/translational though.)

Here is my mdapps:
http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=9175

I need help with my school selection. I feel that I have a realistic shot at allo, but the 3.43 is going to make it tough. Any suggestions concerning school selection and what MCAT score I realistically need (allthough I know that can be tough to answer.) Can I get by with a 30+? School selection help is most needed.

I appriciate any responses.

hopslam

 

[drizzt3117]

You probably need a 33+ to be competitive for allo.

 

[Mobius1985]

Without a solid MCAT score, it's hard to know what level of selectivity your chosen schools should be in. You'll need way better than an MCAT of 33 to have reasonable chance at some of the top research schools you have on your list. Your ECs are great though. Along with your recent upward grade trend, I hope they will help overshadow your lower GPA.

 

[hopslam]

Without a solid MCAT score, it's hard to know what level of selectivity your chosen schools should be in. You'll need way better than an MCAT of 33 to have reasonable chance at some of the top research schools you have on your list. Your ECs are great though. Along with your recent upward grade trend, I hope they will help overshadow your lower GPA.

Okay, so I think I will take off most of the super-reach schools but just leave a few (who knows?). I have taken two AAMC practice tests and got a 29 and a 30 with very little studying. I have a month and a half until I take the mcat. I figure that a 33 should be in my reach. Any other schools that you might suggest?

 

[Stratego]

Check out the School Selection spreadsheet stickied at the top of this forum. If you can get an MCAT of 33, the less-selective schools on that list will be within your reach.

 

[hopslam]

Thanks a lot. That spreadsheet looks like a great resource.

 

[dragonfly99]

Do NOT underestimate the difficulty of getting a high MCAT score. Many have done so, and many have gotten their lunch. 1.5 months isn't very long to study for the MCAT. You better get to work.

 

[longhorn09]

Do NOT underestimate the difficulty of getting a high MCAT score. Many have done so, and many have gotten their lunch. 1.5 months isn't very long to study for the MCAT. You better get to work.

Many ppl here in sdn think that pulling a 33+ is an easy job...

 

[hopslam]

Many ppl here in sdn think that pulling a 33+ is an easy job...

Yeah, I would agree after looking at some of the mdapps on here. It makes it feel like a 33 is barely cutting it even for a normal applicant's gpa. I bought the examkrackers books and have found them very useful so far. Very concept oriented, which is my style. Thanks for all the help so far guys.

 

[longhorn09]

Yeah, I would agree after looking at some of the mdapps on here. It makes it feel like a 33 is barely cutting it even for a normal applicant's gpa. I bought the examkrackers books and have found them very useful so far. Very concept oriented, which is my style. Thanks for all the help so far guys.

Anyways, I wish you luck and do well on your test =]