guidance

[UTWANNABMD]

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I'm currently a junior and plan on graduating in 2013 because I am behind due to a spinal cord injury I had last year.

Anyways I currently have a 3.15 cGPA that is on a upward trend(messed up freshman year).

I just barely started volunteering at both a free clinic and the ED of the local hospital once a week.

What should I do from here?

I'll probably be able to raise my gpa to 3.4-3.6ish. What kind of MCAT scores do I need to offset that

 

[Catalystik]

I'll probably be able to raise my gpa to 3.4-3.6ish. What kind of MCAT scores do I need to offset that

You can see from this AAMC data the statistical likelihood of getting an acceptance with various MCAT/GPA combinations: : http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/table24-mcatgpagridall2007-09.pdf

Until you develop successful study strategies and are consistently earning great grades, I suggest you not get overly distracted by additional extracurriculars. Eventually, you'll need some physician shadowing, besides the clinical experience. Research and nonmedical community service are very helpful. Teaching and leadership also strengthen your application. And don't forget to list hobbies, sports, and artistic endeavors.

Average age of applicants is 24, so don't rush the process. Take your time to develop the strongest possible application so you only have to apply one time.

 

[UTWANNABMD]

You can see from this AAMC data the statistical likelihood of getting an acceptance with various MCAT/GPA combinations: : http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/table24-mcatgpagridall2007-09.pdf

Until you develop successful study strategies and are consistently earning great grades, I suggest you not get overly distracted by additional extracurriculars. Eventually, you'll need some physician shadowing, besides the clinical experience. Research and nonmedical community service are very helpful. Teaching and leadership also strengthen your application. And don't forget to list hobbies, sports, and artistic endeavors.

Average age of applicants is 24, so don't rush the process. Take your time to develop the strongest possible application so you only have to apply one time.

Thank you very much. I know I have some time and not to rush it, but ideally I would like to go to medical school immediately after my undergraduate studies are done as opposed to doing a masters program first.

Also, what are some examples of things that can help set you apart from the everyday applicant?

 

[Catalystik]

ideally I would like to go to medical school immediately after my undergraduate studies are done as opposed to doing a masters program first.

Also, what are some examples of things that can help set you apart from the everyday applicant?

There are few allopathic med schools that consider the GPA from a traditional masters degree. Primarily, you'll be judged by undergrad GPA.

Check out the MDApps link that you'll see under some members' avatars for examples of unique ECs they've developed.