- Joined
- Jan 15, 2012
- Messages
- 27
- Reaction score
- 1
Hey folks,
It's almost time for me to apply...
Well actually I am going to take a year off & was just wondering what I really need to work on developing a stellar application to get into a top 20 MSTP (although I have no problem attending any MSTP - given the quality of applicants).
I attend a tier 1 state school.
GPA: this shouldn't be a problem, I have a 3.92 sGPA & 3.93 overall with a double science major. I can expect to graduate with a 3.85+. I have also taken the hardest classes at my university - but I doubt anyone is going to sit there complimenting my course rigor in front of hundreds of other stellar applicants.
Research:
This is a bit iffy. I have 2 years. Unfortunately it really isn't progressing. I work 20-30+ hours easily a week & always have the worst problems - problems that are 100% outside of my control, i.e. technology failure & genetic mutations & etc (great for talking about in interviews I guess). I am changing labs next year & doing some sort of summer research experience this summer.
The amount of hours I put in with my course load really makes it impossible for me to get involved in leadership style things at my university.
Clinical:
~50 hours altogether - only shadowing, I have never volunteered. There is just so much paperwork and commitment involved with volunteering that I find it easier to just shadow & I think it is a better anyways. Correct me if I am wrong.
MCAT:
Given my terrible SAT score I am not sure how I will perform on this. However I do plan on actually studying for this exam, and taking it about 10x more seriously.
I would hope 33-38.
What do you students who have been successful at getting into top 20 programs think my application is missing that gives it the gold star? Or what can I do to give it a gold star?
Forget publications.
It's almost time for me to apply...
Well actually I am going to take a year off & was just wondering what I really need to work on developing a stellar application to get into a top 20 MSTP (although I have no problem attending any MSTP - given the quality of applicants).
I attend a tier 1 state school.
GPA: this shouldn't be a problem, I have a 3.92 sGPA & 3.93 overall with a double science major. I can expect to graduate with a 3.85+. I have also taken the hardest classes at my university - but I doubt anyone is going to sit there complimenting my course rigor in front of hundreds of other stellar applicants.
Research:
This is a bit iffy. I have 2 years. Unfortunately it really isn't progressing. I work 20-30+ hours easily a week & always have the worst problems - problems that are 100% outside of my control, i.e. technology failure & genetic mutations & etc (great for talking about in interviews I guess). I am changing labs next year & doing some sort of summer research experience this summer.
The amount of hours I put in with my course load really makes it impossible for me to get involved in leadership style things at my university.
Clinical:
~50 hours altogether - only shadowing, I have never volunteered. There is just so much paperwork and commitment involved with volunteering that I find it easier to just shadow & I think it is a better anyways. Correct me if I am wrong.
MCAT:
Given my terrible SAT score I am not sure how I will perform on this. However I do plan on actually studying for this exam, and taking it about 10x more seriously.
I would hope 33-38.
What do you students who have been successful at getting into top 20 programs think my application is missing that gives it the gold star? Or what can I do to give it a gold star?
Forget publications.
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