How big of a deal is "URM Status"?

[bluesTank]

I know there is a URM board, but I asked a question a few weeks ago and basically got no answers.

I have just recently started hearing about this URM concept. I am Hispanic, and am applying for 08 admission. I would say I have pretty ok stats, but I am taking the MCAT may 16 and things aren't looking to good right now. My highest VR score has been an 8 and I can't get it much higher, while my sciences are around 10-12 each...

So how big of a deal is it to be classified as a URM just in general in the whole app process. Is it taken into account pre/post interview?

Thanks!

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[sirus_virus]

I know there is a URM board, but I asked a question a few weeks ago and basically got no answers.

I have just recently started hearing about this URM concept. I am Hispanic, and am applying for 08 admission. I would say I have pretty ok stats, but I am taking the MCAT may 16 and things aren't looking to good right now. My highest VR score has been an 8 and I can't get it much higher, while my sciences are around 10-12 each...

So how big of a deal is it to be classified as a URM just in general in the whole app process. Is it taken into account pre/post interview?

Thanks!

So big a deal that this thread is going to reach 5 pages in 1 hour.

 

[gotmeds?]

So big a deal that this thread is going to reach 5 pages in 1 hour.

I think that's a conservative estimate.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

It's so big of a deal, they made a board just for it ...

 

[bluesTank]

It's so big of a deal, they made a board just for it ...

I'm aware, but I just wanted a straight answer. Not many people visit the URM board... like will medical schools be more willing to overlook a low score (like VR). I guess this was kind of a broad question, but I just am looking for some hope

thanks

 

[pennybridge]

check the URM box and find out. it's not like it can hurt...

 

[Law2Doc]

Not many people visit the URM board...

Well, the point of separating things off into other boards is to target the audience appropriately. You will perhaps get more responses on here, but the discussion will probably deteriorate much faster.

 

[DoctaJay]

URM Status helps, there is no question about it. It helps because it is the AAMC's desire to increase the amount of minority doctors that will eventually treat more minority patients. But you can't breeze into medical school riding only on your URM status. Work hard, and apply. From what you are saying, if you got the maximum scores from your test scores, meaning: PS-11, BS-12, VR-8=31 MCAT, you would be good whether you were a URM or not, especially if you have a good GPA (3.6+). Just do your best, and apply. Let the admissions committee folks worry about how to use the fact that you are a minority. Most schools only have about 10 spots per class for minorities anyway, so you would be competing for a small amount of spots (LLU M1 class had 4 black people in a class of 185). Do your best is my advice.

 

[DoctaJay]

Also, below is a list of the URM threads that have been started in case you want to do more research:

Underrepresented Minorities Get in Easier: UNFAIR: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=332544
MCRI battles AA in Michigan: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=331226
AA totally out of control?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=324769
Who agrees with affirmative action?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=323889
Amazing URM fact-oid:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=306866
So when do the less qualified people get invites?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=315055
Diversity in Med School:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=262097
Howard, Moorehouse, and Meharry SOM'S....low GPAs?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=309219
affirmative action thread:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=46604
what is URM?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=306827
URM Status:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=12020
URM status:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=286946
You thought we have it bad. Check this out:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=286302
What is the advantge to being an URM when applying?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=285817
whats the difference between ethnicity and race?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=283152
native american-how much blood to be considered URM?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=281362
URM acceptance rates – confused:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=270608
My Skin Is 'White,' but I'm Gonna Claim URM Status. Any Thoughts?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=274301
Hispanic Applicants and AA:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=235379
URM benefits???:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=239656
Someone is getting into these schools with below-average scores...:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=235599
AA in med:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=235528
Do you think it is wrong to put myself down as a minority?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=234632
ethnicity a factor in acceptance?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=234441
Does being hispanic help?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=233933
Asians: ORM= really bad news?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=221780
Who's this African American URM?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=221853
Someone is getting into these schools with below-average scores...:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=235599
Affirmative Action - Med School Admis:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=215366
Minority Acceptance:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=208025
Affirmative Action!!:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=203685
Affirmative Action in Medical Schools?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=203601
Minorities in med school:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=190172
"Let Asians compete freely with white students.":http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=70922
Affirmative Action Again!!!:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=186948
Disadvantage if Asian-American male?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=182886
Interesting aa article (NYTIMES):http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=179526
Affirmative action:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=175977
Marginalization of average white males:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=174092
Under-represented groups:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=173587
affirmative action:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=168516
Reverse affirmative action?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=165859
Message to all Pre-Meds regarding AA:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=162406
does 1/4 URM count?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=159790
Diversity disappointment:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=155920
Am I URM?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=151874
Study: Too few minorities in health care:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=150933
AA - thoughts on overrepresentation as well:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=141039
More on Affirmative Action:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=132594
A note about Affirmative action:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=134799
It's sad to be asian:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=134683
Not just another Affirmative Action thread.:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=133164
Underrepresented in Medicine and the ethnicity breakdown in the US:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=119146
Some asians may have a legit reason to want URM status but...:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=119131
Affirmative Action and Diversity in Admissions:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=95471
"Underrepresented":http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=116785
Affirmative Action and Med School Application:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=111772
reply about the "problems with asians" thread:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=85539
Another thought on Affirmative Action:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=102358
Afirmative Action and its place in MEDICINE!:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=102533
Why Is an Affirmative Action Debate Moved From Pre-Allo:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=102369
for URMs (and ORMs) : serious discussion.:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=53999
The Problem with AA:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=96949
AA: Why does everyone get so worked up?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=96133
Affirmative Action:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=95297
I don't Want To Start Another War on Here But Guys I Was Just Checking Out Stats...:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=86457
Affirmative Action:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=87760
Historically Black Medical Schools:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=78969
why do we have AA for grad school??:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=76640
retire affirmative action thread?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=75569
Why Asian American Students Succeed:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=74452
We are neglecting the meaningful questions relating to AA:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=74149
The official AAAAAA thread:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=74168
An ORM who sides with the URM folks.:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=71199
Rallying my fellow URMs:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=68499
AA the thread to end all threads....:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=73478
AA and nonURM minorities:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=73161
If you like/dislike AA, watch Dateline RIGHT NOW:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=71384
AA Solution? Need feedback.:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=71935
Sobering realities and statistics of AA:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=71823
Why URM's should NOT worry about the Supreme Courts' decision.:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=70811
Why Are Black Students Lagging?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=71103
Applying Disadvantaged- Affirmative Action for UC Schools?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=68067
Why do WHITES complain about AA???:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=66957
Rich URM's vs. poor whites and Asians:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=65768
AAMC president on diversity:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=67316
Why is diversity of ethnicity sooo important?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=66935
A solution to selection by race...Individualism:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=65919
An Alternative to AA:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=66037
I am sick of people complaining about AA and URMs:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=65889
Minorities in Medicine:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=62673
am I a URM?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=61718
Ignore Affirmative Action:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=46603
Why do non-URM envy the so-called "advantage" the URM have for admissions?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=48465
CNN AA Poll:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=56293
What are your most recent feeling towards the debate about Affirmative Action?come in:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=56307
Chances as a ORM??? UGHHH:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=53809
underepresented minority edge:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=51799
U.Michigan: Lack of Diversity?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=45309
revealing ethnic identity:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=43576
Do Adcoms compare GPAs and MCATs by URM status?:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=320954
RACISM, Foriegn MED Students/Doctors and the REASON's WHY:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=317813
Different playing field for URMs: MCAT and GPA:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=313272
Justification to admit URMs:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=313510
opinion on URM..repeat? dont care:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=372527

 

[postbacker]

Most schools only have about 10 spots per class for minorities anyway, so you would be competing for a small amount of spots

Without knowing if your number is correct, it leads me to this point: When you apply to a med school with, say, 100 spots, you are not competing for one of 100 spots. You are categorized according to your gender, race, residency status, etc., and are competing for a much smaller number of spots...

Example: So say out of the 100 spots, say you are a white, out of state femaie. So say URM spots have been set aside for 7 people...and MD/PHD get 5 spots...take the remainder (88) and assume 50 percent females, divide by two to get to 44, then apply the OOS percentage of say 30 percent, and you realize that you are applying not for one of 100 spots, but one of 13 spots for non-URM, non-MD/PHD, out of state females.

Supply your own math, but when you look at it this way, it is pretty shocking how many "shots" an individual has at a spot in the class...the killer in my example is, of course, out of state numbers, but still the point I am trying to make is whether it is URMs, or MD/PHDs, or protected in-staters, in reality you are competing for a very small number of spots in medical school.

 

[Sinfekl]

So yea, this thread may degenerate, but something that might adress your question is the average MCAT and GPA sorted by ethnicity/race for applicants and matriculants. From the AAMC website:

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2006/mcatgparaceeth.htm

 

[pennybridge]

So yea, this thread may degenerate, but something that might adress your question is the average MCAT and GPA sorted by ethnicity/race for applicants and matriculants. From the AAMC website:

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2006/mcatgparaceeth.htm

hmm, according to that data I have a Puerto Rican GPA and a hyper-white MCAT score.

we should abolish all numbers and report our scores in "skin colors" instead! It's a new era of political correctness!

 

[soeagerun2or]

Supply your own math, but when you look at it this way, it is pretty shocking how many "shots" an individual has at a spot in the class...the killer in my example is, of course, out of state numbers, but still the point I am trying to make is whether it is URMs, or MD/PHDs, or protected in-staters, in reality you are competing for a very small number of spots in medical school.

At most schools the male/female non-underrepresented minority in medicine status (e.g. white/asian/jewish) admission rate is dictated by the proportion and quality of applicants. Thus if more average-MCAT average-GPA white females apply they're competing against better-than-average-MCAT better-than-average-GPA white males. State status doesn't matter at private schools, which everyone knows are the only schools worth going to.

 

[BigRedPremed]

It's a pretty big deal. Let's leave it at that.

 

[EBI831]

"Most schools only have about 10 spots per class for minorities anyway, so you would be competing for a small amount of spots"

I really don't think that most schools set aside only a certain number of spots for minority applicants. i don't think that if 20 minority applicants had 40 MCAT/4.0 GPA (extreme example i know...just to prove a point) and had perfect ECs and interviews , 10 would be rejected because the school only wanted 10 URMs. To use less of a hyperbole, I don't think med schools would turn down qualified applicants who claimed minority status just because they had already filled their allotted 10 minority spots. Granted, I do believe that the whole admission process is chaos and qualified candidates sometimes don't get in to schools. I think the small amt of URMs in most medical schools (which is usually more than 10 if you add blacks/hispanics in most schools) owes more to the fact that there aren't that many URM applicants in the first place and has less to do with a certain golden number of URMs the medical schools set out to achieve. however, I would just like to say great work in compiling a list of all of the URM pertinent information for med school admissions...i'm sure it will often proves helpful.

 

[Kfire326]

I know there is a URM board, but I asked a question a few weeks ago and basically got no answers.

I have just recently started hearing about this URM concept. I am Hispanic, and am applying for 08 admission. I would say I have pretty ok stats, but I am taking the MCAT may 16 and things aren't looking to good right now. My highest VR score has been an 8 and I can't get it much higher, while my sciences are around 10-12 each...

So how big of a deal is it to be classified as a URM just in general in the whole app process. Is it taken into account pre/post interview?

Thanks!

About as big as your tuition bill