Help, Honestly Can't Decide if I am Qualified to apply MSTP or Not

[Hypnotoad]

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Hey Guys,
First off, I want to thank the forums for providing a wealth of info that is making a lot of decisions a whole lot easier.

After reading through the forums, I can't decide if I am just a borderline candidate for MSTP or decent enough to get in somewhere.
HOME STATE: IL

LORS: 2 Sci, 1 humanties from undergrad (very strong), 1 from my PI at U Chicago, 1 from Surgeon I've been shadowing at their hospital (Both strong)

GPA: Cgpa 3.51/ BCPM: 3.55
GPA By Semester:
Freshman: 2.66/3.33
Sophmore: 3.33/ 3.58
Junior: 3.92/3.75
Senior: 3.62/3.75

I also took First Semester Physics over the summer between Sophmore and Junior Years and got an A.

Mcat: 37Q 12V,13B,12P

Research Exp.

Ungraduate thesis, where i worked on independent project dealing enzyme characterization for Junior and Senior years, and the summer In between.
1.5 years total

Currently been working in a lab at University of Chicago, working on an independent project, where I have slowly moved up the ladder in terms of responsibility. Currently been 1.5 years, will be 2.5 years total by the time I go to school

Clinical/ VOlunteering

Chemistry Tutor for 4 years during undergrad, once a week
Hospital Intern: over 150+ Hours working directly in patient care
Athletic Trainer: Working with atheltes to rehab sports injuries, etc.
Summer Volunteer Expereince: Worked in mentally disabled home in South America for 5 weeks

Clubs Etc:
South Asian Society 4 years
Secretary 2 years, President Senior year, raised $1300 for a South Asian Charity

Red Cross Club- 3 years, held several leadership Positions

Varsity Athlete- Football 1 year, Track & Field 2 years

Shadowing:
Currently 50+ Hours shadowing Surgical Oncologist, 10+ In primary Care

Thanks again. I am just really struggling with what I Should Do. I would really love to go MSTP, But I want to be realistic and I don't want to apply if I am only a borderline candidate.

 

[Catalystik]

See this: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=539268

But be aware there are less-selective programs who might consider you. UIC is one possiblity to look into, either for the Chicago or CU campus.

And you can apply to MD or MD/PhD programs at the same time.

 

[Hypnotoad]

Thanks Cat,

I looked at thread before, and I was not sure if my research experience would count as 4+ years or as 3?

Also I know for MSTP standards my GPA is below their averages, but does the positive trend help my situation at all?

Finally, my fear with applying to both MD/ MD PHD programs simultaneously is that if some schools look at me for MSTP first, and reject down the road, my chances at MD could possibly suffer at that school.

 

[Catalystik]

1)
I looked at thread before, and I was not sure if my research experience would count as 4+ years or as 3?

2) Also I know for MSTP standards my GPA is below their averages, but does the positive trend help my situation at all?

3) Finally, my fear with applying to both MD/ MD PHD programs simultaneously is that if some schools look at me for MSTP first, and reject down the road, my chances at MD could possibly suffer at that school.

1) I'd add it up in calendar years rather than academic years, but either way, I think you're fine.

2) This is not my area of expertise, but my observation is that it might help you if you have special circumstances related to challenges affecting your education, due to disadvantage, race, first gen college student, military, etc.

3) That's true. And all MD/PhD programs don't automatically kick you into the MD-only pile.