How far can networking get an applicant?

[GalliaEst]

I am very connected to the major donor and spokesperson of a local medical school. In addition to a 3.8 GPA in History, a deficiency in ECs (unfortunately), full time work manufacturing medical devices and pharmaceuticals, very strong interview skills, great LORs, and a 34 MCAT, what can this do for me and how would you consider my chances?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[red doctober]

Did that person say that he/she would vouch for you? I mean if you were besties with Carl Icahn, I suppose you'd have a pretty good shot at the school that contains his name.

 

[Goro]

Easy interview, but with a donation, automatic acceptance. iIve seen it happen. You're what we call a "special".

I knew someone years ago whose uncle was a donor to Mt Sinai. That landed him an interview. Lucky for him he had a GPA <3 and below avg MCAT, and he got rejected. Medical school would have killed him!

Just try and bone up on the altruism.

I am very connected to the major donor and spokesperson of a local medical school. In addition to a 3.8 GPA in History, a deficiency in ECs (unfortunately), full time work manufacturing medical devices and pharmaceuticals, very strong interview skills, great LORs, and a 34 MCAT, what can this do for me and how would you consider my chances?

 

[GalliaEst]

Did that person say that he/she would vouch for you? I mean if you were besties with Carl Icahn, I suppose you'd have a pretty good shot at the school that contains his name.

Yes. Being in state and considering my stats, would this be a significant boost in getting in?

 

[red doctober]

See Goro's post.

 

[GalliaEst]

Easy interview, but with a donation, automatic acceptance. iIve seen it happen. You're what we call a "special".

I knew someone years ago whose uncle was a donor to Mt Sinai. That landed him an interview. Lucky for him he had a GPA <3 and below avg MCAT, and he got rejected. Medical school would have killed him!

Just try and bone up on the altruism.

I've had a pretty extraordinary life. As far as having a "story" goes, I've definitely got one. I somehow have great networking and interviewing skills, which got me into a great job plus benefits that requires a Chemistry degree and many years of experience while having 0 experience and 0 degrees.
I'm beginning a year of clinical volunteering in the summer. I founded and head my university's History Club, I've lead study groups, started and participated in clubs, and shadowed two physicians in different specialties. I'm hoping these ECs in combination with my unique work experience and life experience will give me a decent shot.