Is this worth my time?

[TheRock]

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Hi,
I've been off and on in this forum for awhile now, but I need some advice. I just graduated from a well known private school with a 3.65 overall and 3.45 science gpa. I am now at Johns Hopkins doing research. My PI is going to let me take classes in the school of med. (he is very well known at hopkins). I am interested in md/phd, and I realize what I am up against applying to hopkins, but I believe I can be competitive. I had excellent ex-currics. in college (some which really do set me apart), and am anticipating several publications in the next few years. So, I really want to attend this school, the question is, do I have a legitimate shot if I do well in the med school courses here (considering the rest of my application is strong... I'll be taking at least 5 over the next 2-3 years)? I haven't taken the mcat yet, so this question really stems from the thought that maybe I can make up for my average gpa with top scores in med school courses... (damn't... I went to a tough school, studied greek, latin, and cell biology nearly every semester... it was, in my opinion, much more rigorous than typical "joe-pre-med") ... Any advice would be helpful--- thanks

 

[coldchemist]

From what I hear, it's common knowledge that Hopkins grades its undergrads more harshly than most schools. If that is the case, than the admissions committee will certainly take that into account. Research is the most important thing and it looks like you've got that nailed.

I'm not so sure about taking med school classes--if I were you I would definitely contact someone on the admissions committee prior to enrolling. I do know that some schools (including Harvard) heavily discourage applicants from taking advanced classes that will be covered in medical school--but hey, if you're taking them at the school you want to go to, it might not matter.

I have been intensively researching my own odds of being admitted to a good MD/PhD program for the last 4-5 months. I have a 32O with a 10BS (plus a 3.6 GPA), and I strongly feel that I have a good chance of being accepted into a decent program. Would I consider applying to Hopkins with those numbers? Hell no! But then again, I went to a third tier national university with a poor reputation for sending people to med school. With the same numbers and a degree from Hopkins, I would think that my chances of getting accepted were at least good enough to make it worth applying. My advice is to go for it, but put your entire effort into it. Don't slack on your AMCAS or the secondary--make sure you're noticed! Good luck...😀