I'm depressed from reading all these threads

[Aliko]

I've been reading all the 'what are my chances thread' just to get an idea of chances that I have, and I must say that most were discouraging. I have a 30M with 10 in each section and overall gpa 3.7 ans Science gpa of 3.5. Most of my prereq were taken in Community college after which I transfered to University of Maryland. I recently started volunteeing in ER, now with 50 hours of experience, I have over 200 hours of research, but I have 1000+ hours of volunteering in Human rights organizations, have a very unique and interesting background. Had plenty of experience with leadership roles, coach a youth football team. so I was just wondering about my chances at any MD schools... Sorry about the length of this thread, but really, reading the other threads, it makes it sound like most med schools are extremely hard to get into. Here i thought I had a pretty good chance. Any feedback would appreciated... thanks guys
P.S I know myself, and I will never quit until I get into med school, because that is my passion, even though I started late.

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[Showtime14]

You seem like a fairly competitive candidate. Why are you so worried? Remember that everyone has their uniqueness about them- and that stats are just stats- to get your foot in the door. And not that yours are bad by any means (your overall GPA is above average, although your science GPA is on the borderline; the average matriculant has a ~3.61), just right around the average. The community college courses might hurt you, especially at the more competitive schools, but if you have performed well in the university you transferred to, then it doesn't matter much. As far as the MCAT, it is one point below the allopathic matriculant average (which is right around 31.5 or so) but since you have a balanced score of 10's across the board, you shouldn't be worried.

You seem to have quite a bit of life experience- and unique ones at that. If you can tie that in with a compelling personal story, then you'll be good to go. Make sure you get more clinical experience though- because research is good to try, just to show that you can do it. What is more important is exposure to the profession- and you need to get this in droves (think shadowing, CNA, Hospice, etc.) As far as this website- its madness. The people you see here are in the top quartile of medical school applicants- so don't get worried. There are PLENTY of people who aren't a part of this forum who get into medical school every year. I would advise you to stop worrying, and focus on writing some kick ass secondaries so you can pursue your dream!

BTW: I dont know if you are URM (look that up if you aren't sure) because if you are part of the URM group, then you have nothing to worry about. URMs with your stats and experiences get interviews at Hopkins

BTW: Do look at this page for a great idea of where you stand; its direct from the American Association of Medical Colleges:

https://www.aamc.org/download/86006/data/table23mcatgpabysex09mat.pdf

But remember though, its just to clinch that interview. Keep your head up! Its a looong road ahead!

 

[Catalystik]

Your numbers are fine, though some more As in science classes before you submit would be nice to see. Try to pick a group of schools that accept applicants with similar numbers (you can see this from the MSAR, available in your prehealth advising office). Also pick out a few dream schools and a few safety schools. Apply to 15-20 schools total.

Your heavy human rights involvement will help you and will even make you stand out. Your teaching (coaching), leadership, and research all make your application stronger. Your clinical experience is on the light side right now. Try to have 150 hours by the time you apply, plus maybe 50 hours minimum of physician shadowing. Plan to continue your involvement in some of these activities during your application year so you have material to mention in update letters and during interviews.

 

[Aliko]

Thank you guys, a little encouragement goes a long way, at least for me I will do my best to get in and I will get in, just can't give up. I will take your advice and strengthen my application in those areas. As for URM, I think I might be able to argue for that... thanks again.. this forum has been a great help

 

[Hejman]

Thank you guys, a little encouragement goes a long way, at least for me I will do my best to get in and I will get in, just can't give up. I will take your advice and strengthen my application in those areas. As for URM, I think I might be able to argue for that... thanks again.. this forum has been a great help

Just jumping in to give my view on things. I think you are pretty darn competitive. If you need a good idea of how competitive you are, check out
www.mdapplicants.com; click on "Search Profiles" and enter in your school. It gives you a list of people who applied from your school. Here is the link for the University of Maryland: http://mdapplicants.com/search.php?style=advanced

 

[Neon Cough]

P.S I know myself, and I will never quit until I get into med school, because that is my passion, even though I started late.

The only reason a lot of people don't make it into medical school is because they quit. When I was in undergrad I heard stories all of the time about people with amazing applications not getting in, and it scared me, but I didn't let it make me quit or decide to go into another field. So anyway, you have the right attitude, don't give up.

Also from what you said about yourself, it sounds like you have a 100% chance of getting in (as long as you do the whole application process properly and apply to a decent number of schools and pretty much whatever your prehealth advisor tells you to do). So don't worry, keep up the good work.

 

[TriagePreMed]

With a 3.7 GPA you would best be served by applying exclusively to Caribbean Medi... ARE YOU INSANE?! You have very competitive scores. The only way your community college education will be questioned is if your MCAT is low, which in your case it is not. You have a very good chance at any mid-tier or lower school. You have a possible shot at top tier. Go stop being depressed.

I've been reading all the 'what are my chances thread' just to get an idea of chances that I have, and I must say that most were discouraging. I have a 30M with 10 in each section and overall gpa 3.7 ans Science gpa of 3.5. Most of my prereq were taken in Community college after which I transfered to University of Maryland. I recently started volunteeing in ER, now with 50 hours of experience, I have over 200 hours of research, but I have 1000+ hours of volunteering in Human rights organizations, have a very unique and interesting background. Had plenty of experience with leadership roles, coach a youth football team. so I was just wondering about my chances at any MD schools... Sorry about the length of this thread, but really, reading the other threads, it makes it sound like most med schools are extremely hard to get into. Here i thought I had a pretty good chance. Any feedback would appreciated... thanks guys
P.S I know myself, and I will never quit until I get into med school, because that is my passion, even though I started late.