"low tier" allopathic that appreciate research

[Awesome Sauceome]

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I am applying next cycle. Due to some average stats I am going to be applying to what a lot of people on SDN would consider "low tier" schools ie, not top 20 or even top 50, maybe even not top 100.

I have a few schools on my list and I would be happy to go to any one of them, but for the sake of finding schools where I really fit into their mission and not necessarily just their numbers, are there any schools near the "bottom" that people have found really really appreciate research? I figure that for most schools, having research is viewed in a positive way on your application. But I would say that the amount of research that I have done over the past few years is probably one of the strengths of my application. So it would be nice to find schools where I fit into their stats (low/average), but also fit into their focus (research). Also, I would be interested in possibly doing a little research while in school (if accepted), so finding a school that appreciates research, but that I could actually get in to, would be good. So does anyone know of any of the schools that have lower/average stats but have high regards to research?

I figure this may be hard to find, because I imagine that most of the research "heavy" schools are the big gun top 20's (mostly because of shear size and money). But who knows, maybe someone on here will know of some? Maybe ones that during your interviews really really highlighted on research stuff that you did?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[SN12357]

I am applying next cycle. Due to some average stats I am going to be applying to what a lot of people on SDN would consider "low tier" schools ie, not top 20 or even top 50, maybe even not top 100.

I have a few schools on my list and I would be happy to go to any one of them, but for the sake of finding schools where I really fit into their mission and not necessarily just their numbers, are there any schools near the "bottom" that people have found really really appreciate research? I figure that for most schools, having research is viewed in a positive way on your application. But I would say that the amount of research that I have done over the past few years is probably one of the strengths of my application. So it would be nice to find schools where I fit into their stats (low/average), but also fit into their focus (research). Also, I would be interested in possibly doing a little research while in school (if accepted), so finding a school that appreciates research, but that I could actually get in to, would be good. So does anyone know of any of the schools that have lower/average stats but have high regards to research?

I figure this may be hard to find, because I imagine that most of the research "heavy" schools are the big gun top 20's (mostly because of shear size and money). But who knows, maybe someone on here will know of some? Maybe ones that during your interviews really really highlighted on research stuff that you did?

Thanks a bunch!

UCF. I guess they're 'lower-tier' viewed from some angles but it's mostly because they're new and haven't had time to establish themselves fully yet. Unlike a lot of new schools they are not primary care focused, they want to build a top medical school in all ways including research. They're also reasonably friendly to out of staters, with 25% of their spots reserved for OOS.

 

[Nena01]

UCF. I guess they're 'lower-tier' viewed from some angles but it's mostly because they're new and haven't had time to establish themselves fully yet. Unlike a lot of new schools they are not primary care focused, they want to build a top medical school in all ways including research. They're also reasonably friendly to out of staters, with 25% of their spots reserved for OOS.

+1

 

[stinkytofu]

Maybe Hofstra might fit as well. It's a new school with 3.5-3.6 GPA and 33 MCAT for average matriculants. OOS friendly. School is also interested in building a top med school.

 

[wiloghby]

I don't know what state you live in, but all of the NJ schools are very much into candidates with research experience. And I don't think any of them are in the top 50. They do, however, HEAVILY favor in-state applicants. The one exception is Cooper, which is reasonably friendly to OOS (I would expect mostly those from Pennsylvania/Philadelphia), but they are new -- I dunno if that's a problem for you.

 

[dcc23]

VT is very research focused, and their acceptance stats are not too terribly high although they have a very small class size (42) so it's still pretty competitive. They're a new school expecting to gain accreditation this year, but their Step 1 scores so far were through the roof.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Fantastic, I was completely unaware that UCF existed until now. As for the others, I am for sure looking more heavily in to them. Thanks a bunch, keep em coming, anyone know of any others?

I figure I could look at how much money the schools have for research but that does not necessarily mean it is a super bonus, it could just mean that they are part of a large research organism.

I am a Wisconsin native so I will obviously be applying to UW and MCW. I imagine they both will appreciate years of research on my application?

 

[QuantumQuark]

I would look at Oakland University in Michigan. Private school, research focused and pretty new.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I would look at Oakland University in Michigan. Private school, research focused and pretty new.

Thanks for confirming this. This was sort of in my undecided list. I really appreciate that it is new and is private, good to hear that it is research focused. Any others?

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

You could try Drexel - they're not ranked in the US News 100 for research, but they really seemed to value research experiences and have a number of special programs for their students that allow them to take advantage of different research opportunities. It seemed like something they like to highlight although they're not particularly known as a research powerhouse. Also, greater Philly is a great place in general for research. Stats aren't too high but they do get a ton of apps.

Another thanks for another confirmation. Drexel was one of the first schools on my list. I love phili. This makes me even more excited to apply!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

bump

 

[La Presse]

Wouldn't research have a positive impact on your application at most schools?

 

[histidine]

Wouldn't research have a positive impact on your application at most schools?

One interviewer at a lower tier school asked me why I was even considering their school when I could just attend a research focused school (I wish it were that simple).

Another interviewer told me to forget about research. "Med school is the time to learn the art of medicine." Partially agree, but a little offensive.

 

[La Presse]

One interviewer at a lower tier school asked me why I was even considering their school when I could just attend a research focused school (I wish it were that simple).

Another interviewer told me to forget about research. "Med school is the time to learn the art of medicine." Partially agree, but a little offensive.

Mind PMing me the names of the school? haha

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Haha same? Want to make sure I am not putting that on my list.

Yea as I said in the OP, I imagine it can only help having research but as histidine said, I have more than enough research experience probably to get into a top 20. However, my MCAT and GPA are not even within the range of most of those schools. Hence I am trying to see if there are any "sweet spot" schools: those with low scores but will appreciate the research I have done and my point of view which is that research is important in medicine. They go hand-in-hand in my opinion. I would like to be involved in patient care both as a clinician but also research in some capacity. I want to find a dozen or so solid schools that agree with that. (But that I can actually get in to haha!)

 

[Body Habitus]

Virginia Tech Carilion - relatively new and with a "low" matriculate GPA mean of 3.5 but they seem to emphasize research. MCAT is high for the GPA though at 33. On the 2017 class profile page they list ~half of students enter with "exceptional research experience."

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Virginia Tech Carilion - relatively new and with a "low" matriculate GPA mean of 3.5 but they seem to emphasize research. MCAT is high for the GPA though at 33. On the 2017 class profile page they list ~half of students enter with "exceptional research experience."

Yea I think I am shooting for VT. I will hopefully be one of those "with exceptional research" but then I will be one of the half of the people that got below a 33 on the MCAT...

 

[Boolean]

Fantastic, I was completely unaware that UCF existed until now. As for the others, I am for sure looking more heavily in to them. Thanks a bunch, keep em coming, anyone know of any others?

I figure I could look at how much money the schools have for research but that does not necessarily mean it is a super bonus, it could just mean that they are part of a large research organism.

I am a Wisconsin native so I will obviously be applying to UW and MCW. I imagine they both will appreciate years of research on my application?

I'm a current undergraduate student at UCF. If you'd like to know anything about the school, perhaps I could provide some information on it 🙂

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I'm a current undergraduate student at UCF. If you'd like to know anything about the school, perhaps I could provide some information on it 🙂

At least at this stage in this whole process I am curious as to how many of the OOS'ers have like ZERO ties to FA. Because I would be in one of those groups heh... The school looks fantastic. I spent some time looking at it yesterday, but even 25% from OOS is kind of low... most my schools I have been trying to keep at least above 40% because I imagine those 25% of OOS probably have some sort of ties or are exceptional (grade wise).

 

[Boolean]

At least at this stage in this whole process I am curious as to how many of the OOS'ers have like ZERO ties to FA. Because I would be in one of those groups heh... The school looks fantastic. I spent some time looking at it yesterday, but even 25% from OOS is kind of low... most my schools I have been trying to keep at least above 40% because I imagine those 25% of OOS probably have some sort of ties or are exceptional (grade wise).

You have to remember how relatively new UCF is. Not to mention, the first two charter classes had their ENTIRE medical school education (including board) covered. This was largely due to a massive grant program designed to allow donors to basically pay for someones medical school. It's half the reason UCF has such a nice medical campus.

 

[histidine]

Honestly, I think it was the interviewers, not the schools, that disliked my research heavy app. I think most schools in general would appreciate someone with a heavy research background. Just apply to a lot of schools.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

You have to remember how relatively new UCF is. Not to mention, the first two charter classes had their ENTIRE medical school education (including board) covered. This was largely due to a massive grant program designed to allow donors to basically pay for someones medical school. It's half the reason UCF has such a nice medical campus.

But do you feel that that is why there is an greater majority of IS applicants? Or do you think the school is selective?

 

[tantacles]

But do you feel that that is why there is an greater majority of IS applicants? Or do you think the school is selective?

Keep in mind that that particular student is an undergraduate. So while he/she has some insight into the campus, the medical school is a whole other ball game.

 

[Boolean]

Keep in mind that that particular student is an undergraduate. So while he/she has some insight into the campus, the medical school is a whole other ball game.

^Fully agree with this. Perhaps I can see if I can get into contact with some of the medical students though?

Here is some particularly interesting info that you may be looking into

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Seems like they are staying pretty tight to that 25% OOS...

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

bump

 

[Goucher2013]

Maybe Hofstra might fit as well. It's a new school with 3.5-3.6 GPA and 33 MCAT for average matriculants. OOS friendly. School is also interested in building a top med school.

+1 on Hofstra. I had a chance to visit the place and was very impressed. If their location hadn't been a no-go for my spouse, Hofstra would have been a top choice for me. They'll definitely be enthusiastic about anyone interested in research and they have more resources and mentors to throw at you than even many of the most established schools.

 

[SixStringPsych]

Purely based on anecdotal evidence, I would say SUNY Stony Brook. I didn't even get an interview from them despite having grown up on Long Island when friends with more research experience have gotten in.

Of course they have a very high IS acceptance rate so there's that.

 

[occams_razor]

Purely based on anecdotal evidence, I would say SUNY Stony Brook. I didn't even get an interview from them despite having grown up on Long Island when friends with more research experience have gotten in.

Of course they have a very high IS acceptance rate so there's that.

Definitely agree. Stony brook is very big on research. One of my friends, a stony brook alum, had a 3.9/34 and didn't even get an interview which I believe is because she had no research. they have also been know to accept lower GPAs (ie 3.3-3.4) for people with strong research experience

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Definitely agree. Stony brook is very big on research. One of my friends, a stony brook alum, had a 3.9/34 and didn't even get an interview which I believe is because she had no research. they have also been know to accept lower GPAs (ie 3.3-3.4) for people with strong research experience

Fantastic thanks a bunch, I will for sure look into it more now! These are great yall, I really appreciate it. The MSAR is good and all, but it doesnt provide information like this.

 

[alpinism]

There are some good suggestions above. But, remember as a general rule "lower ranked" schools will have less opportunities available esp related to non primary care research projects.

Another option would be to look at schools nearby research powerhouses. If you're motivated enough, its not too difficult to get into a lab and/or collaborate on projects with neighboring schools. (think places like Boston, NYC, Baltimore, Chicago, Philly, St. Louis)

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

There are some good suggestions above. But, remember as a general rule "lower ranked" schools will have less opportunities available esp related to non primary care research projects.

Another option would be to look at schools nearby research powerhouses. If you're motivated enough, its not too difficult to get into a lab and/or collaborate on projects with neighboring schools. (think places like Boston, NYC, Chicago, Philly, St. Louis)

Hmm, a very important note... Right now I am shooting for a couple schools in Phili. I spent a lot of time in phili during undergrad and when you are in the spots of the city where you arent dodging bullets, the city swells with education. I imagine that in general most of the types of schools I apply to will not have the opportunities of Haravrd, JHU etc. I just want to find a place I am happy at and that appreciates me for the work I have done and gives me some room to keep growing. NYC seems solid too. The farther you go to the northeast, the stiffer the numbers are to get accepted unfortunately.... so I would probably stop at NYC. Though I LOVE Boston... best city I have ever been too personally

 

[QuantumQuark]

There are some good suggestions above. But, remember as a general rule "lower ranked" schools will have less opportunities available esp related to non primary care research projects.

Another option would be to look at schools nearby research powerhouses. If you're motivated enough, its not too difficult to get into a lab and/or collaborate on projects with neighboring schools. (think places like Boston, NYC, Baltimore, Chicago, Philly, St. Louis)

Good point but a lot of the research oriented schools suggested above are unranked because they are new and not because they don't have opportunities for research. For example Oakland (OUWB) is partnered with Beaumont Hospitals and has plenty of research opportunites via Beaumont, but yet they're new and unranked.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Unranked/new is ok with me 😉

Just means they dont have a chip on their shoulders about finding "perfection" in their applicants. I would love to find more schools like OUWM, Drexel, Hofstra etc