How does my application sound

[BrianTN]

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Was wondering what you guys thought of my application, why I wasn't accepted and if the schools I chose this year might work for me. My stats are 31R, 3.74 GPA overall, 3.95 GPA for biochem/chem double major, graduating from my school's Honors College with highest GPA as a science major, numerous awards in college, 2 years undergrad chemistry research, shadowed throughout college with about 10 different MDs, volunteered for a summer in a children's hospital and my dad's office working with his patients (asking them questions, setting up the EKG). Also was on crew, a chemistry frat where I volunteered with disabled kids and boy scouts, was a TA five times for general chem and advanced inorganic chem labs, worked in the chemistry stock room for a year and worked outside of school part time.

Last year I applied to U of Tenn, East TN State and Vanderbilt hoping that being from TN would help, even though I went to SC for undergrad. Well I ended up never getting off of the waiting list at ETSU, being rejected after my interview at UT and never getting a secondary at Vandy. UT told me I didn't have enough "hands on experience." To remedy that I volunteered in my dad's office but I have a feeling it wasn't quite enough.

I applied early decision to ETSU and was rejected before a secondary. I never asked why I was simply waitlisted, but assumed it was the same reason as UT's. If I was rejected so quick it might be something else and I will call this week to find out. After the rejection I applied to MUSC hoping the ties with my undergrad works out but I want to apply to more schools. I was thinking these since most of their MCATs are around 31, average GPA of around 3.7 and a larger percentage of out of state applicants being accepted than most according to Barron's:

Emory
Tulane
USUHS
George Washington
Georgetown
Jefferson
Temple
UVA
Virginia Commonwealth
WVA
Duke
Wake Forest
Dartmouth
Colorado

Some of those are a reach for sure, but I was interested in them and figured I'd give it a shot. Any input?

 

[senseiturtle]

On paper, you look fantastic... but the idea that you got rejected after an interview makes me think that the issue lies in communication skills or perhaps personality clash.

My suggestion would be to get some interview skills training. If for any reason you come off cocky, rude, or even just "average" to them.. with no sparkling endearing factors or whatnot... they'll likely not fight "as hard" for you in front of the committee.

My other only suggestion is to apply only where you seriously think you could go. I find the idea of "nightmare school" absolutely stupid, and perpetuated by people who couldn't bear to have their egos crushed by sitting out a year.

Other than that, you're in good shape, just keep it up and the cards will eventually fall into place.