How competitive am I really?

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randomlogik

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I would just like to hear people's input on how competitive you think I really am. I got a 31 on Aprils MCAT (V10, PS10, B11, WS P). I have a 3.94 GPA (3.97 science) at a state school. Clinical experience is limited, but I do have some nonclincal volunteer experience. I am involved with theatre productions, and I am pursuing a theatre minor. Also, I have had tons of research experience resulting in posters and a paper. My dream school is Hopkins. I really want to go to a strong research school although I do not want to pursue a MD/PhD. Unfortunately the best research schools are also the most competitive. I think that I might stand a chance at a top school, but I am afraid that I am just deluding myself. What do yall think?

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•••quote:•••Originally posted by randomlogik:
•I would just like to hear people's input on how competitive you think I really am. I got a 31 on Aprils MCAT (V10, PS10, B11, WS P). I have a 3.94 GPA (3.97 science) at a state school. What do yall think?•••••Honestly, I think that people who post threads like this are borderline applicants who just want to get into any school, and are looking for advice. When your numbers are above the national average for matriculants, you know you have a shot at any school, so why post this? :rolleyes: Apply to top schools and lower schools and you'll get in somewhere, and that's all that matters. If you want to know what top schools you are competitive at, check out their numbers and compare. Try this link: <a href="http://www.studentdoc.com/medfind.html" target="_blank">http://www.studentdoc.com/medfind.html</a>
 
It sounds to me like you're a competitive applicant. But getting into ANY medical school is tough, nevermind Hopkins, no matter how good you look on paper. Who knows, they might have some sort of MCAT cutoff for interviews, and you might not even get an offer! But I'd be surprised if you didn't get into medical school SOMEWHERE. You just can't count on Hopkins, although it's definitely a possibility that you could get in.

By the way, why are you so set on Hopkins? Is it because of ranking/reputation, or just because of research? I only ask because I think there are a lot of other schools out there that might even better fit your interests/goals. For instance, if you're really into research, Wash U might be a better place for you. Just a thought...
 
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I think that you should take the August MCAT and try and increase your score 4-5 points. Your GPA could use some improvement, so delay your application and take some post-bacc classes. Good luck to you.
 
You need to improve your GPA greatly. A 3.9 and a MCAT 31 is just way too low. Take UCSFFreak's advice and take some extra classes to improve you marks. No medical school will even consider you.
<img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> :wink:
 
<img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

You two dudes crack me. Don't forget to remind'em that growing a hairy chest helps too, especially if theyre left-handed.
 
A hairy chest just isn't enough anymore. You also need a hairy ass to go along with it, and a birthmark on your left butt cheek too. Couple that with a 3.9998 and a 36 MCAT and you are set.
 
mmm....it looks like i still have some work to do :wink:
 
Don't mind these haters, they have nothing better to do than to criticize motivated people.
 
come'on Street Philosopher, were just jokeing around!
:p :wink:
 
Those stats suck, how can you even think about medical school.
 
I don't really understand why people specifically want good research schools when they are not interested in research... would somebody like to clarify? Is the teaching better or something (which I wouldn't think is true)?
 
probably for the same reason as why people use name brands over generics.
 
Since the process is somewhat random and arbitrary, I would say you have a shot to most medical schools.
 
randomlogik,

I think you're pretty competitive. I have a 3.8 gpa (state school) and 10 biol, 13-15 VR, 8 Phys. I have a lot of volunteer, some clinical, and a lot of research (sounds similar to you). Among other schools, I interviewed at Dartmouth, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins. I was accepted at Dartmouth and waitlisted at Hopkins. Stanford didn't even send me a secondary (probably the 8), and Mayo only asked for more money. By the way, I also got accepted to my state school (Utah) and St. Louis Univ. Don't be hesitant to apply to a handful of top schools if that's what you want (I wish I would have applied to more); but be sure to cover your bases because admissions committees can be inconsistent. Good luck, I'm sure you'll get in - just remember that there are ~150 great medical schools in the U.S.
 
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