Alluding to the title, I have been a long-time visitor to the subforum and am not interested in "my chances" outlook, but I feel like I have a unique situation and would like some advice on refining/improving my application to fit a broader selection of schools for applying.
General Bio:
Graduated Spring 2012
GPA 3.93
Major: Nutritional Sciences from a Big 12 school (I get this a lot, but this is not a degree that tells you what to eat, but the biochem/MB behind nutrient-health paradigm)
MCAT: Taking on July 27th
Research: 2+ years with a submitted 1st author paper (Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
EC/awards
University Graduation Marshall
Research awards/Internship
2 semesters of teaching assistantship
President and Treasurer of my college's academic honor society w/ volunteer work
Member on my departments technology implementation committee and College student council.
A decently accomplished Olympic Weightlifter at the regional/state level
On top of the traditional bio rundown, I spent 4 years in the Marines Corps (OIFII vet) and am in the reserves now as a sergeant. I doubt this helps the application process, but it gave me time and motivation to know what I want. This fall I start a MS in pathology at a Big 10 university, a research-based degree program (with no TA responsibility). I applied to this program because my wife got an early admittance to dental school without a bachelors and I had to hurry, graduate and find something of worth. Although I have some research experience in basic sciences, I did not have clinical research experience and I know that is not a perquisite for an application to the MSTP – I wanted to have an "intensive" experience so I can have a more encompassed view on how to proceed with the MSTP/career. The program offers a good deal of flexibility and I can take almost any classes in the medical center.
Specific Questions:
Alright so now the preamble is complete, besides getting a solid MCAT score (35+) how would you improve my CV before the application next year (2013)?
What should I look for in choosing a research lab – what accomplishments would delineate me from other applicants?
With my flexible curriculum requirements – what courses do you think I should tackle? (Undergrad included biochem, MB, genetics, physiology, metabolism courses and the general requirements for admission).
Am I being a stereotypical pre-med student and worrying about the minutia?
Things currently on the burner:
General Bio:
Graduated Spring 2012
GPA 3.93
Major: Nutritional Sciences from a Big 12 school (I get this a lot, but this is not a degree that tells you what to eat, but the biochem/MB behind nutrient-health paradigm)
MCAT: Taking on July 27th
Research: 2+ years with a submitted 1st author paper (Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
EC/awards
University Graduation Marshall
Research awards/Internship
2 semesters of teaching assistantship
President and Treasurer of my college's academic honor society w/ volunteer work
Member on my departments technology implementation committee and College student council.
A decently accomplished Olympic Weightlifter at the regional/state level
On top of the traditional bio rundown, I spent 4 years in the Marines Corps (OIFII vet) and am in the reserves now as a sergeant. I doubt this helps the application process, but it gave me time and motivation to know what I want. This fall I start a MS in pathology at a Big 10 university, a research-based degree program (with no TA responsibility). I applied to this program because my wife got an early admittance to dental school without a bachelors and I had to hurry, graduate and find something of worth. Although I have some research experience in basic sciences, I did not have clinical research experience and I know that is not a perquisite for an application to the MSTP – I wanted to have an "intensive" experience so I can have a more encompassed view on how to proceed with the MSTP/career. The program offers a good deal of flexibility and I can take almost any classes in the medical center.
Specific Questions:
Alright so now the preamble is complete, besides getting a solid MCAT score (35+) how would you improve my CV before the application next year (2013)?
What should I look for in choosing a research lab – what accomplishments would delineate me from other applicants?
With my flexible curriculum requirements – what courses do you think I should tackle? (Undergrad included biochem, MB, genetics, physiology, metabolism courses and the general requirements for admission).
Am I being a stereotypical pre-med student and worrying about the minutia?
Things currently on the burner:
- I have already applied to be an inpatient volunteer for oncology at the Hospital 3-6 hours/week
- .I am in the process of scheduling a regular shadowing appointment with an MD/PhD that works in hematology to get a better grasp of the "reality" of the 80/20 obligation. .
