Late Jan MCAT

[meilideai]

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Hi all!
Forgive me for my bad searching skills, but I did try. I am planning on applying to SMP (Georgetown, etc) this coming Dec. Do you think taking the late Jan MCAT will significantly hurt my application?

Thanks for all the input - in advance 🙂

 

[easyrock]

Hi all!
Forgive me for my bad searching skills, but I did try. I am planning on applying to SMP (Georgetown, etc) this coming Dec. Do you think taking the late Jan MCAT will significantly hurt my application?

Thanks for all the input - in advance 🙂

Nope. I took it Jan 30th and am attending in the fall. Best thing that you can do is submit your application as early as possible so it can be processed (this is what takes so long). You can update them with your MCAT score when you receive it.

 

[wannabesrgn]

Same here. Took the Jan 30th and will be attending in Fall. I made sure to get everything else in as soon as possible, meaning December so that the MCAT score was the only thing they were waiting on.

 

[easyrock]

Same here. Took the Jan 30th and will be attending in Fall. I made sure to get everything else in as soon as possible, meaning December so that the MCAT score was the only thing they were waiting on.

There you go. Two convincing success stories. Get that application ready now and focus on preparing for the MCAT.

 

[meilideai]

There you go. Two convincing success stories. Get that application ready now and focus on preparing for the MCAT.

Hehe thanks guys!! I heart this community

But could it possibly be because you guys have slightly higher gpas than the average applicant to smps??

 

[easyrock]

Hehe thanks guys!! I heart this community

But could it possibly be because you guys have slightly higher gpas than the average applicant to smps??

In my case, definitely not. I do not have a GPA that would inspire confidence when applying to these programs. However, there were other aspects of my application that were significant and impressive. If you find that you're GPA is the only thing holding you back from a good shot at medical school then I would think you have a good chance of getting in. That is, of course, as long as you're above the 3.0 cutoff.

Take home message is apply early, focus on your MCATs, look forward to hearing back from gtown around April/May. Good luck

 

[wannabesrgn]

My gpa was a 3.25. Hopefully that helps you get a better idea. I would say the rest of my app was very strong (i.e. 3.5 years research, publications, tons of community service, etc...). I think you'll do fine seeing how proactive you already are. I wouldn't worry too much as long as you are above the 3.0 cutoff like easyrock said and above at least a 28 on the MCAT.

 

[camaras2480]

My gpa was a 3.25. Hopefully that helps you get a better idea. I would say the rest of my app was very strong (i.e. 3.5 years research, publications, tons of community service, etc...). I think you'll do fine seeing how proactive you already are. I wouldn't worry too much as long as you are above the 3.0 cutoff like easyrock said and above at least a 28 on the MCAT.

Definitely a good set of numbers to be working toward, a 3.0/28, for gaining acceptance to an SMP. OP, don't be completely hung up on it though - there are SMPs that take 2.9s, even 2.8s. They just would need a very compelling package in all other aspects (example: wannabesrgn's post).

Also, assuming you are targeting MD schools (as opposed to DO), a 28 on the MCAT would only be round 1 for you. You would need to retake and pull it up to at least a 32, depending on your uGPA.

 

[meilideai]

In my case, definitely not. I do not have a GPA that would inspire confidence when applying to these programs. However, there were other aspects of my application that were significant and impressive. If you find that you're GPA is the only thing holding you back from a good shot at medical school then I would think you have a good chance of getting in. That is, of course, as long as you're above the 3.0 cutoff.

Take home message is apply early, focus on your MCATs, look forward to hearing back from gtown around April/May. Good luck

What about the trend of your science and cum gpa? Did you have a strong upward trend. That is something important that I'm lacking. Mine only increased slightly, in fact, it was more like a 4.0, 2.3, 3.0, 4.0, 3.5, 3.5, 2.9.

That is actually one of the things I'm very worried about.

Any comment would be appreciated, thank you 🙂

 

[wannabesrgn]

What about the trend of your science and cum gpa? Did you have a strong upward trend. That is something important that I'm lacking. Mine only increased slightly, in fact, it was more like a 4.0, 2.3, 3.0, 4.0, 3.5, 3.5, 2.9.

That is actually one of the things I'm very worried about.

Any comment would be appreciated, thank you 🙂

I had somewhat of a rollercoaster trend that many people seem to have. I had an overall increase in gpa from the first year both science and cumulative, but there were a few quarters that I got closer to a 3.0.

I think if you have a string of good semesters and grades you will be okay. If that 2.9 is your last semester then that may hurt you a little, but you also have some solid semesters with those 4.0's. The rest of your app would be key in helping/hurting you, esp your MCAT.

Also make sure you are ready to handle an SMP if that is what you're considering. Is that 2.9 at the end due to mistakes you have made in the past or is it an exception?

I hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[meilideai]

I had somewhat of a rollercoaster trend that many people seem to have. I had an overall increase in gpa from the first year both science and cumulative, but there were a few quarters that I got closer to a 3.0.

I think if you have a string of good semesters and grades you will be okay. If that 2.9 is your last semester then that may hurt you a little, but you also have some solid semesters with those 4.0's. The rest of your app would be key in helping/hurting you, esp your MCAT.

Also make sure you are ready to handle an SMP if that is what you're considering. Is that 2.9 at the end due to mistakes you have made in the past or is it an exception?

I hope this helps. Good luck.

hey 🙂 thanks for the encouragement. The 2.9 at the end is due to the same mistake I made before - doing too much at once. I was really running out of time - busy with work/lab internships and other things - that I didn't have as much to study for the final. I was at a good standing going into the final. It's kind of complicated and I'm not sure how I can explain this to adcoms, any suggestion would be appreciated.

My biggest drop in gpa was junior and senior year when some personal problems occurred, and severely hurt my ability to focus. I lost some motivation and as much as I hate to say it, I think I was in depression. However, I was in denial about it, and didn't want to admit that there was something wrong - so I kept pushing forward, manifesting a string of bad grades.

After I eventually walked out of the situation, going into my 5th year, I found myself doing too much - working + lab internships + being full time student and involved in student organizations on campus. That was my mistake - not managing my time well. In retrospect, I really didn't have much time to get my act together because my history has been full of transferring to different institutions and moving more than 13 times in my life due to my dad's occupation. For college, I was starting to get my act together when I had to transfer to a community college due to financial hardships. Then I transferred to UCSD and the moment I entered, was when the personal problem happened. I was seriously ready and motivated to do well here in San Diego. You see, I never really had much time to adapt to one environment is what I'm really trying to say. I don't think my situation was at all pitiful or deserves to be called 'disadvantaged,' but they did have some effect on my academic performance. The thing I worry about is how I can properly convey this information to adcoms without making it seem like I want them to feel sorry for me. In which case, I definitely have no desire to.

So I'm not sure if this is considered a past mistake I made or something happened.

Thanks for your input!

P.S. Speaking of my gpa trend, I posted a few days ago a detailed outline of each year which can be found here http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=645248

 

[wannabesrgn]

hey 🙂 thanks for the encouragement. The 2.9 at the end is due to the same mistake I made before - doing too much at once. I was really running out of time - busy with work/lab internships and other things - that I didn't have as much to study for the final. I was at a good standing going into the final. It's kind of complicated and I'm not sure how I can explain this to adcoms, any suggestion would be appreciated.

My biggest drop in gpa was junior and senior year when some personal problems occurred, and severely hurt my ability to focus. I lost some motivation and as much as I hate to say it, I think I was in depression. However, I was in denial about it, and didn't want to admit that there was something wrong - so I kept pushing forward, manifesting a string of bad grades.

After I eventually walked out of the situation, going into my 5th year, I found myself doing too much - working + lab internships + being full time student and involved in student organizations on campus. That was my mistake - not managing my time well. In retrospect, I really didn't have much time to get my act together because my history has been full of transferring to different institutions and moving more than 13 times in my life due to my dad's occupation. For college, I was starting to get my act together when I had to transfer to a community college due to financial hardships. Then I transferred to UCSD and the moment I entered, was when the personal problem happened. I was seriously ready and motivated to do well here in San Diego. You see, I never really had much time to adapt to one environment is what I'm really trying to say. I don't think my situation was at all pitiful or deserves to be called 'disadvantaged,' but they did have some effect on my academic performance. The thing I worry about is how I can properly convey this information to adcoms without making it seem like I want them to feel sorry for me. In which case, I definitely have no desire to.

So I'm not sure if this is considered a past mistake I made or something happened.

Thanks for your input!

P.S. Speaking of my gpa trend, I posted a few days ago a detailed outline of each year which can be found here http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=645248

No worries. The way I see it, things happen for a reason and it is what it is. The best thing to do now is look forward and try to figure out what the best next step is, which you are already doing. So keep it up.

The reason I asked if you consider it a past mistake is because it's crucial you learn from your mistakes if you are going into an SMP. Although I'm not totally justified in saying this since I haven't started my program yet, it seems that everyone that has gone through the program describes it as a do or die situation. Either you figure it out or you don't get into a US school.

Not to freak you out. It's just important that you don't continue to make the mistakes made in ugrad in an SMP.

The "too many things to do" story is one that is unfortunately extremely common amongst us pre-meds. In fact, I have that same exact story. My extra-currics are excellent, but as a result my gpa isn't so excellent. I think it's a blessing in disguise though. You can always relate this to how you are a driven person that looks to take on many challenges. However, since college is a learning process for everyone, you took some time to really learn to prioritize your tasks and learn to manage your time. (Somewhere in here you have to explain that last quarter). I'm assuming your extra-currics are fairly strong if that really is the reason you were too busy to focus on academics.

I can't really give you any tips/suggestions on the personal problem you developed because I don't totally have an idea of what happened, but I'm sure you will be able to find a way to explain it to adcoms.

Anyway, not sure if any of this info helps, but stay focused and don't lose hope. There are an incredible number of options to reach your dream if you want it badly enough.

 

[meilideai]

I'm assuming your extra-currics are fairly strong if that really is the reason you were too busy to focus on academics.

Wannabesrgn,
Thanks for taking so much time in answering my questions. I really appreciate it. I think I saw you start the BU MAMS thread, good luck at the master program 🙂. I am considering it too, may I ask what made you decide on this one vs the other SMPs?

Also, can you elaborate on the strong extra currics? I always think I'm not doing enough so I don't know if I have strong extra currics. I've been working at a research lab for 2.5 years, which was not paid for awhile, so I had to find another job to pay for my living expenses. I do have a publication in a reasonably good journal for Allergy & Immunology, but that is because of the hard earned work for those 2.5 years. I have seen others with many more publications so I don't think that's anything impressive either.

I just started a clinical volunteering at a local hospital in which we aide much like CNAs. It's kind of cool because we get to see different departments. I know of people shadowing, but I don't know where to start. Do I call up random physicians and ask if I can shadow? Or perhaps someone in the academic community I suppose.

Thanks again 🙂! Please let me know what were some things that you did and felt truly helped you decide on your path to medical school. I mean other than a desire to help others and maintain their well being and interest in science, what motivated you to become a physician? My answer is actually very simple, and I'm not sure if it is a good one. But, I did at one point consider being a Nurse Practitioner - however, after I volunteered at the hospital - I did not feel the position was suitable for me. There are some things I saw in the hospital that confirmed my will to be a doctor. But beneath it all, the underlying reason is because I like to take care of people (+ being able to make crucial decisions) and truly believe health is one of the most important blessings a person could have to fulfill their dreams and hope - whatever it may be. I am more likely considering a family physician role. I know it's probably the same answer as all other premeds, but I have not encountered any relatives with disease or illnesses that motivated me to become a doctor. So that is all I can think of now - the experience at the hospital has really helped me here.

 

[wannabesrgn]

Wannabesrgn,
Thanks for taking so much time in answering my questions. I really appreciate it. I think I saw you start the BU MAMS thread, good luck at the master program 🙂. I am considering it too, may I ask what made you decide on this one vs the other SMPs?

Also, can you elaborate on the strong extra currics? I always think I'm not doing enough so I don't know if I have strong extra currics. I've been working at a research lab for 2.5 years, which was not paid for awhile, so I had to find another job to pay for my living expenses. I do have a publication in a reasonably good journal for Allergy & Immunology, but that is because of the hard earned work for those 2.5 years. I have seen others with many more publications so I don't think that's anything impressive either.

I just started a clinical volunteering at a local hospital in which we aide much like CNAs. It's kind of cool because we get to see different departments. I know of people shadowing, but I don't know where to start. Do I call up random physicians and ask if I can shadow? Or perhaps someone in the academic community I suppose.

Thanks again 🙂! Please let me know what were some things that you did and felt truly helped you decide on your path to medical school. I mean other than a desire to help others and maintain their well being and interest in science, what motivated you to become a physician? My answer is actually very simple, and I'm not sure if it is a good one. But, I did at one point consider being a Nurse Practitioner - however, after I volunteered at the hospital - I did not feel the position was suitable for me. There are some things I saw in the hospital that confirmed my will to be a doctor. But beneath it all, the underlying reason is because I like to take care of people (+ being able to make crucial decisions) and truly believe health is one of the most important blessings a person could have to fulfill their dreams and hope - whatever it may be. I am more likely considering a family physician role. I know it's probably the same answer as all other premeds, but I have not encountered any relatives with disease or illnesses that motivated me to become a doctor. So that is all I can think of now - the experience at the hospital has really helped me here.

Hey,

No problem. I did start the BU MAMS thread, but I'll actually be attending the Georgetown SMP this fall. I originally heard back from BU really early on and had put down my deposit to make sure I had somewhere to go, but a few weeks later I heard back from Gtown.

Georgetown was actually my top choice all along so I decided to lose the money at BU and go with my top choice.

The main reason I chose Gtown was because it is a 1 year program and I really woudl like to matriculate in 2010 for med school. I also felt that it's probably the best known program out of all the SMPs. I also like that it has a Gross Anatomy component that no other SMP offers. Those are just a few reasons I chose to go with it, but BU was also a great option and I would've gone there if I hadn't gotten into Gtown.

My EC activities are similar to yours: 3.5 years of research, 1 publication, 1 poster, 4 years of being a part of a community service organization and 3 of those years i was a director of the organization. I also have extensive shadowing experience.

In regards to shadowing it helps to try to get in through people you know. A great way to get in touch with practicing physicians would be through research mentors, they sometimes have contacts in the field. Also, try to find physicians that are connected to anyone you know! Family, friends, parents of friends...you have to be super persistent with anyone you can find and that's how you MAY get lucky and find some people that are willing to let you follow them around.

If you even have one publication it looks great, so don't worry about people that have 2 or 3. Sometimes those people are just getting their names on a paper and have no idea what it's about. I've been told over and over it's way more important to know your research and be able to talk about it during interviews. Personally, I'd rather have 1 publication and really know it like the back of my hand, rather than 3 or 4 and know very little about each one.

Hope this helps.