How to best improve my application

Started by MountainClimber94
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Browse articles Compare schools My application plan Read Interview Feedback
Practice for interviews Ask an Advisor
M

MountainClimber94

Full Member
5+ Year Member
Hey Guys!

I was recently admitted to a MS in Bio program at a local state school. Program is well structured and the PI is a great mentor. I was hoping that I could use this program as a way to improve my application. I have asked local physicians and residents and I have heard some pretty crazy "comeback" stories. Some did SMPs, DIY-postbacs, Masters programs, or formal-postbacs. What I have concluded is that there is no right way to got about improving one's application with respect to GPA. And yes, I understand that each applicant is unique and what worked for someone else won't necessarily work for me. The general gist: do the thing (whatever it is) that will show adcoms that you can cut it in med school and have your ECs show that you are generally interested in the profession of a physician.

@Goro can you add some insight on this?
 
It would be best if you gave specifics, the advice could change depending on a number of factors. We can't help you improve your application without knowing your application, so specifically:

1. GPA?
2. MCAT?
3. General outline of ECs
 
My advice is aceing (GPA 3.7+) a year of DIY coursework, or an SMP. For MD schools, aceing MCAT (513+) is also a must . DO schools will give you some more slack.

There are MD schools (and all DO) that reward reinvention. We have recently learned that AZCOM and PCOM are still honoring the old grade replacement policy.

A formal post-bac is a program for career switchers to fill you up in the pre-reqs.

Research MS programs are looked down upon by MD schools (but not DO).

MountainClimber94 said:
Hey Guys!

I was recently admitted to a MS in Bio program at a local state school. Program is well structured and the PI is a great mentor. I was hoping that I could use this program as a way to improve my application. I have asked local physicians and residents and I have heard some pretty crazy "comeback" stories. Some did SMPs, DIY-postbacs, Masters programs, or formal-postbacs. What I have concluded is that there is no right way to got about improving one's application with respect to GPA. And yes, I understand that each applicant is unique and what worked for someone else won't necessarily work for me. The general gist: do the thing (whatever it is) that will show adcoms that you can cut it in med school and have your ECs show that you are generally interested in the profession of a physician.

@Goro can you add some insight on this?
Click to expand...
 
Goro said:
My advice is aceing (GPA 3.7+) a year of DIY coursework, or an SMP. For MD schools, aceing MCAT (513+) is also a must . DO schools will give you some more slack.

There are MD schools (and all DO) that reward reinvention. We have recently learned that AZCOM and PCOM are still honoring the old grade replacement policy.

A formal post-bac is a program for career switchers to fill you up in the pre-reqs.

Research MS programs are looked down upon by MD schools (but not DO).
Click to expand...

Goro, can you explain why research MS programs would be looked down upon by MDs? It seems very counter-intuitive.
 
Goro said:
Rampant grade inflation. You're expected to do well. Plus, research coursework ("Seminars in Neuroscience" "DNA techniques") don't really substitute for things like Anatomy or Histology.
Click to expand...

Isn't that the kind of thing you could avoid by taking the more difficult classes?
 
Goro said:
I believe that others will indeed follow.
Click to expand...

Quick question Goro,

Are AZCOM and PCOM (and other schools to follow) continuing with grade replacement permanently or is it just a one year thing for this cycle? I can apply in 2018 at the earliest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.