MD How do you think I will fare at Texas MD schools next cycle? Should I even apply for MD/PhD?

[jd989898]

-Cumulative GPA: 3.76

-BCPM: ~ 3.7 (currently unable to confirm whether or not a few classes are classified as BCPM under the new guidelines)

-MCAT (I will be taking the April 2015 MCAT, so I would hope to assume an above average score for Texas schools and maybe average at Baylor, UTSW, etc.) - I have traditionally been a "good test taker" and have taken up to biochem 2, A&P 2, genetics, sociology, psychology, and tutored fresh/soph level biology/chemistry/math for years. I plan to prepare all spring and have lowered my schedule to 12 hours to allow for maximum study time.

-Research: I have been part of a nationally funded research program in Biology-Mathematics within my university for 4 semesters. It required an application, pairing with a group of professors and 1 or more undergrads, I've worked on a specific project for the entire time. May or may not result in a publication, but I'm extremely passionate about the work we do. It pays students a stipend.

-Clinical Experience: I have volunteered in 3 different clinical settings for a total of ~150 hours. I have shadowed 3 different specialties for ~30 hours each. My dad is also a doctor and I have spent a lot of time with him at work if that counts.

-Volunteering: I began as a GED teacher's assistant 6 semesters ago (650+ hours). I am very passionate about this. Over the 3 years I've done this, I have slowly gained more responsibilities including eventually being given the opportunity to teach the class independently while the teacher was absent.

-Work Experience: I have worked as a "supplemental instructor" for my university for 3 semesters. This involves being assigned to a professor's course that you have already received an A in and holding tri-weekly study sessions for the students in which the leader makes worksheets, games, etc. I currently work as an on-site tutor for my student apartment complex where I tutor residents in their college courses for 20 hours a week. I also worked at a fast food restaurant and a K-12 math tutoring center for 2 semesters for extra money.

-LORS: two should be above to significantly above average, the other two will probably be about average. Can't really say for sure, though.

-I suppose assume PS, essays and interviewing skills will be at least above average. I plan on putting a lot of work into all.

-Not sure if this matters at all, but I always took a far heavier and more rigorous course load than I was required to take. I did it to challenge myself and attempt to learn more mathematics & science for my research project.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I plan on applying exclusively to Texas MD schools. I am a Texas resident. As far as I can tell, UTSW, Baylor, and UT Houston will be reaches, the majority will be "matches," and the remaining few will be "safeties." Not even sure what to think about applying MD/PhD, I think my numbers are too low..

I would be extremely grateful for any input & advice. Other than that, "How do you think I will fare at Texas MD schools next cycle? Should I even apply for MD/PhD?"


Thanks in advance!

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[Goro]

Come back when you have an MCAT score.

-Cumulative GPA: 3.76

-BCPM: ~ 3.7 (currently unable to confirm whether or not a few classes are classified as BCPM under the new guidelines)

-MCAT (I will be taking the April 2015 MCAT, so I would hope to assume an above average score for Texas schools and maybe average at Baylor, UTSW, etc.) - I have traditionally been a "good test taker" and have taken up to biochem 2, A&P 2, genetics, sociology, psychology, and tutored fresh/soph level biology/chemistry/math for years. I plan to prepare all spring and have lowered my schedule to 12 hours to allow for maximum study time.

-Research: I have been part of a nationally funded research program in Biology-Mathematics within my university for 4 semesters. It required an application, pairing with a group of professors and 1 or more undergrads, I've worked on a specific project for the entire time. May or may not result in a publication, but I'm extremely passionate about the work we do. It pays students a stipend.

-Clinical Experience: I have volunteered in 3 different clinical settings for a total of ~150 hours. I have shadowed 3 different specialties for ~30 hours each. My dad is also a doctor and I have spent a lot of time with him at work if that counts.

-Volunteering: I began as a GED teacher's assistant 6 semesters ago (650+ hours). I am very passionate about this. Over the 3 years I've done this, I have slowly gained more responsibilities including eventually being given the opportunity to teach the class independently while the teacher was absent.

-Work Experience: I have worked as a "supplemental instructor" for my university for 3 semesters. This involves being assigned to a professor's course that you have already received an A in and holding tri-weekly study sessions for the students in which the leader makes worksheets, games, etc. I currently work as an on-site tutor for my student apartment complex where I tutor residents in their college courses for 20 hours a week. I also worked at a fast food restaurant and a K-12 math tutoring center for 2 semesters for extra money.

-LORS: two should be above to significantly above average, the other two will probably be about average. Can't really say for sure, though.

-I suppose assume PS, essays and interviewing skills will be at least above average. I plan on putting a lot of work into all.

-Not sure if this matters at all, but I always took a far heavier and more rigorous course load than I was required to take. I did it to challenge myself and attempt to learn more mathematics & science for my research project.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I plan on applying exclusively to Texas MD schools. I am a Texas resident. As far as I can tell, UTSW, Baylor, and UT Houston will be reaches, the majority will be "matches," and the remaining few will be "safeties." Not even sure what to think about applying MD/PhD, I think my numbers are too low..

I would be extremely grateful for any input & advice. Other than that, "How do you think I will fare at Texas MD schools next cycle? Should I even apply for MD/PhD?"


Thanks in advance!

 

[jd989898]

Come back when you have an MCAT score.

Yes, even I didn't want to make this thread because of this.

Unfortunately, even if I take the earliest new MCAT possible, my scores will be released 6 weeks after TMDSAS opens. I believe I read we will be given rough percentiles ranges of our score before we get the actual score, but still.. That's rough.

I am still absolutely open to any other criticisms/advice even if my chances cannot be evaluated.

 

[sat0ri]

Research is going to be the most important part of your application. On paper, you don't have anything "exceptional" or "stellar". But it is more about the quality of your research as opposed to your quantity (or other 1-dimensional indices). Do you understand the field? Were can innovations be made? How will your work change things?

 

[jd989898]

Research is going to be the most important part of your application. On paper, you don't have anything "exceptional" or "stellar". But it is more about the quality of your research as opposed to your quantity (or other 1-dimensional indices). Do you understand the field? Were can innovations be made? How will your work change things?

Thank you for the input. I know my application seems pretty cookie cutter, but I am very passionate about the things I do. I feel like I can talk about them articulately/extensively. I tried countless activities/clubs/positions in my freshman/soph. year and the things I listed are the ones that essentially stuck. Do you think I'm at a big disadvantage for not having anything that "jumps out"?