MD/PHD school list help

[visualtrick]

Help make a school list, I will be applying to state schools in New York, but also open to any out of state private schools with MD/Phd programs.
No California schools or Florida school. I love the snow here in NEW York.
But HARVARD IS MY DREAM school. I wonder, I don't think I will fit in their stats requirements.
MD or MD/PhD: MD/PhD
Overall GPA: 3.68
Science GPA: 3.52
MCAT: scheduled for APRIL,05

State of Residence: New York
Undergraduate Institution: Cuny-City College
Major: Biology
Minority Status: First Gen, Bengali Pell grant receiver

Socioeconomic Status (SES): Pell Grant receiver
Reapplicant: No
Nontraditional Applicant: Yes, 2 gap years by matriculation

Clinical Experience ​

• Volunteer medical scribe- 96 hours
• Volunteer emergency medicine substance abuse screener =288 hours
• Scribe-tech at Urgent care-960 hours
• Patient care rep in urgent care -240 hours ( will start full time after exam, so will keep increasing)

Volunteering Experience​

• Nonprofit Human rights: 50 hours
• Red cross Volunteering ~ 80 hours (still doing)
• Community Volunteering (in multiple projects like food pantry, delivery): ~50 hours (still doing)

Employment​

• Sales Rep - 5640 hours
• SAT tutor: - 200 hours
• Research Positions: Multiple roles (see Research section)- 8620 hours

Research Experience​

• Snail venom research for liver cancer therapy: 768 hours
• COVID-19 Research and Testing: 5760 hours
• Huntington Research : 2860 hours

Presentations & Publications:

• 4 Poster Presentations
• 1 publication
• Contributing to a manuscript as a likely 2nd author , Huntington related research

Leadership Roles​

• Student ambassador
• Member of an on-campus leadership organization
• SAT instructor
• Fitness instructor with a blue-tick Instagram channel for fitness

Honors & Awards​

• College-wide recognition at graduation -divisional scholarship in biochemistry
• Magna Cum Laude
• Multiple small scholarships
• Yale PATHS alumni-MD/PhD
• Phi Theta Kappa

Additional Information & Potential Red Flags​

• Personal Statement Focus: Experience caring for grandmother during illness, poverty related life changing events
• Uncertain About Additional Shadowing: May not be able to reach originally intended 50-hour goal
• Licenses-
  
  • 1.Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC), Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC), EKG Technician Certification (ETC), PCTC/PTC/ETC- 3163 from American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
  • 2.Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) License no. CMAC- 3163 from American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Nursing Assistant/Aide program certification from Metropolitan Learning Institute, Inc.

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[findingdorymed]

Is your research basic or clinical? That matters a lot. And secondly, hard to give you a school list without an MCAT score

 

[visualtrick]

Is your research basic or clinical? That matters a lot. And secondly, hard to give you a school list without an MCAT score

Its clinical research, for one research I worked with humanized mouse models for Huntington research. The other project was with mammalian cells. I am targeting for the highest score for MCAT.

 

[RockClimberMed]

Nothing jumps out to me about your application that screams T20 let alone Harvard, unfortunately. Even with a crazy MCAT, your lack of research productivity in basic science for how many hours youve spent would make me question if PhD is right for you. Your volunteer hours and GPA are also low for T20 schools.

With a good MCAT you should receive interviews from MD schools. Other, more experienced, ppl can comment on your MD/PhD chances. Also, is english your first language? Make sure you have someone proofread your essays.

 

[visualtrick]

Nothing jumps out to me about your application that screams T20 let alone Harvard, unfortunately. Even with a crazy MCAT, your lack of research productivity in basic science for how many hours youve spent would make me question if PhD is right for you. Your volunteer hours and GPA are also low for T20 schools.

With a good MCAT you should receive interviews from MD schools. Other, more experienced, ppl can comment on your MD/PhD chances. Also, is english your first language? Make sure you have someone proofread your essays.

English is my first language, I have a compelling personal statement, made it proof read by an admission counselor, and my why medicine is intriguing.And I am not targeting a T20, just stated that Harvard is my dream school. I have invented a novel measuring technique for demyelination and was able to secure poster presentations for that project in few symposiums. Got publication, I just need a list of schools I might have a chance in. I don’t aim on T20 or T50.

 

[RockClimberMed]

English is my first language, I have a compelling personal statement, made it proof read by an admission counselor, and my why medicine is intriguing.And I am not targeting a T20, just stated that Harvard is my dream school. I have invented a novel measuring technique for demyelination and was able to secure poster presentations for that project in few symposiums. Got publication, I just need a list of schools I might have a chance in. I don’t aim on T20 or T50.

Post MCAT when available 🙂

 

[dimplesage]

When it comes to MD/PhD school lists, there were a couple of things that I evaluated:

1. Could I live there for 8 years?
2. Could I afford the COL on the school's stipend (if funded) for 8 years?
3. Are there 5+ faculty that I would be willing to work with for my PhD in my research area of interest?
4. Do I like the structure and curriculum of the program?
5. Is my GPA and MCAT within their range?
6. Do the students seem supported by admin?

Tbh, I created my school list by starting with a list of the MSTP's and slowly whittling it down based off those criteria.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

We need an official MCAT score to give solid advice, but you should be able to answer why you need both degrees for your future, and you need to have a good idea what constitutes a supportive department and program. As pointed out, you're looking at a 8-10 year commitment to living off a student stipend and insurance, delaying getting an attending's salary by the length of time you need for your research thesis. Will you get appropriate protected time for research or for clinic rotations?

Furthermore, do you have a plan to shut down your social media/Instagram endeavors?

 

[visualtrick]

We need an official MCAT score to give solid advice, but you should be able to answer why you need both degrees for your future, and you need to have a good idea what constitutes a supportive department and program. As pointed out, you're looking at a 8-10 year commitment to living off a student stipend and insurance, delaying getting an attending's salary by the length of time you need for your research thesis. Will you get appropriate protected time for research or for clinic rotations?

Furthermore, do you have a plan to shut down your social media/Instagram endeavors?

I already know I want to pursue Md/PhD, I had opportunity to get informal interviews from PIs who offered to apply to their labs and I did not want to just do PhD so did not apply for only PhD programs. My social media or fitness channel was a part of my hobby. I enjoy working out and have helped a lot of people loosing weight also. In last 7/8 months, the channel has been idle regardless, due to my studying and priorities. Besides, I have given thought to this career, and adamant on pursuing MD/PhD. so looking for school list.

 

[ATP.Synthase]

Nothing jumps out to me about your application that screams T20 let alone Harvard, unfortunately. Even with a crazy MCAT, your lack of research productivity in basic science for how many hours youve spent would make me question if PhD is right for you. Your volunteer hours and GPA are also low for T20 schools.

With a good MCAT you should receive interviews from MD schools. Other, more experienced, ppl can comment on your MD/PhD chances. Also, is english your first language? Make sure you have someone proofread your essays.

I don't mean to start anything here, but I feel like this is a bit harsh of an opinion. OP has clearly dedicated themselves personally, professionally, in volunteer work, research, and important experience in other fields of employment that equips them immensely well for a career as a well-rounded physician scientists. 8600 hours of research is an AMAZING amount and in a diverse range of fields, adding further to their capacity to have contributed to multiple spheres of science. Between all of their background: clinical, volunteering, leadership, dedicated hobbies, awards, licenses, etc., I think they're really well positioned to apply to any range of programs.

I have to challenge your comment saying "your lack of research productivity in basic science for how many hours you've spent would make me question if PhD is right for you." I hope it wasn't intended to come off this way, but when I read it, this seems like it'd sow a lot of doubt into someone who's worked really hard to be positioned to apply. As someone who is looking to pursue an MD/PhD in a clinical/non-traditional basic science field, it's discouraging to see someone suggest that they should question whether a PhD is right for them. I think that's far too harsh. Folks can work thousands of hours to never get a publication let alone a poster. Also, not sure where the assumption that English wasn't their first language came from.

OP shouldn't have to defend themselves on their reasoning or rationale for wanting to become a physician scientist or their school list as they did in the replies -- all this does is discourage folks with similar aspirations in a totally unnecessary fashion. Also, if they want to get into Harvard, who is saying they can't try? There's an amazingly diverse range of applicants with all kinds of experiences and resumes, and I think we need to collectively remind ourselves that we're here to provide advice to help folks, not demean them -- even if the truth is hard. Yes, this pathway is brutal and unearthly competitive, but we can be excited, encouraging, and supportive of future physician scientists which we need more than ever. We can be realistic as much as we want but we shouldn't dissuade anyone.

Sorry for ranting, and all of this is n=1 of course, but I think we all need to remember that we're in this together, regardless of where we are in this career.

OP, keep your head up -- you've put together an awesome, impressive, and diverse application that I know you'll be able to speak volumes as to how each experience influenced your desire to become a physician scientist. Channel that into your application, essays, and interviews. Good luck on your MCAT, you're going to crush it!!

 

[visualtrick]

I don't mean to start anything here, but I feel like this is a bit harsh of an opinion. OP has clearly dedicated themselves personally, professionally, in volunteer work, research, and important experience in other fields of employment that equips them immensely well for a career as a well-rounded physician scientists. 8600 hours of research is an AMAZING amount and in a diverse range of fields, adding further to their capacity to have contributed to multiple spheres of science. Between all of their background: clinical, volunteering, leadership, dedicated hobbies, awards, licenses, etc., I think they're really well positioned to apply to any range of programs.

I have to challenge your comment saying "your lack of research productivity in basic science for how many hours you've spent would make me question if PhD is right for you." I hope it wasn't intended to come off this way, but when I read it, this seems like it'd sow a lot of doubt into someone who's worked really hard to be positioned to apply. As someone who is looking to pursue an MD/PhD in a clinical/non-traditional basic science field, it's discouraging to see someone suggest that they should question whether a PhD is right for them. I think that's far too harsh. Folks can work thousands of hours to never get a publication let alone a poster. Also, not sure where the assumption that English wasn't their first language came from.

OP shouldn't have to defend themselves on their reasoning or rationale for wanting to become a physician scientist or their school list as they did in the replies -- all this does is discourage folks with similar aspirations in a totally unnecessary fashion. Also, if they want to get into Harvard, who is saying they can't try? There's an amazingly diverse range of applicants with all kinds of experiences and resumes, and I think we need to collectively remind ourselves that we're here to provide advice to help folks, not demean them -- even if the truth is hard. Yes, this pathway is brutal and unearthly competitive, but we can be excited, encouraging, and supportive of future physician scientists which we need more than ever. We can be realistic as much as we want but we shouldn't dissuade anyone.

Sorry for ranting, and all of this is n=1 of course, but I think we all need to remember that we're in this together, regardless of where we are in this career.

OP, keep your head up -- you've put together an awesome, impressive, and diverse application that I know you'll be able to speak volumes as to how each experience influenced your desire to become a physician scientist. Channel that into your application, essays, and interviews. Good luck on your MCAT, you're going to crush it!!

Thank you so much 🥹. I really appreciate your support and encouragement. Honestly, discouragement and demotivating words from total strangers have always been something I never took to heart. Thank you once again for words of encouragement. This path is brutally hard and kindness just helps to keep our heads up.

 

[RockClimberMed]

shouldn't have to defend themselves on their reasoning or rationale for wanting to become a physician scientist

My apologies if I came off harsh...I do believe you should be prepared to defend your rationale for wanting to become a phsyician or physician scientist...especially to a school who will invest >1mil$ in you over 8 years. I only ask so OP can be prepared when admissions committees ask similar things for realz. Hoping for the best for OP and I'm sure the MCAT will work out. Good luck!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I also remind everyone that a WAMC profile is NOT the application. The OP will need to show through many long essays and interviews that they are fully aware and willing to embrace the life of a graduate student and the delayed gratitude of being an MD/PhD. We only work off impressions and probabilities; the OP has enough control to change the impressions based on their writing and interviews. But it is important for the OP and similar applicants to know the programs are making a significant investment in each admitted student, and it's natural for us to look at whether each candidate has shown enough to provide the desired return and result. We're harsh in a constructive way to help the OP's improve their perspective with how the admissions process and subsequent education/training will be like.

 

[ATP.Synthase]

I also remind everyone that a WAMC profile is NOT the application. The OP will need to show through many long essays and interviews that they are fully aware and willing to embrace the life of a graduate student and the delayed gratitude of being an MD/PhD. We only work off impressions and probabilities; the OP has enough control to change the impressions based on their writing and interviews. But it is important for the OP and similar applicants to know the programs are making a significant investment in each admitted student, and it's natural for us to look at whether each candidate has shown enough to provide the desired return and result. We're harsh in a constructive way to help the OP's improve their perspective with how the admissions process and subsequent education/training will be like.

Thank you for this reminder, I agree wholeheartedly that a WAMC is not a full application -- that's absolutely essential to remember. I also agree that we have to keep in mind that these applications aren't for a small investment, but I do feel like much of that is already assumed and understood. The field is undoubtedly one of the most competitive out there, and there is an exceptionally high standard to meet and many of us approach our applications with that in mind.

While I also agree that it's important we look at candidates in terms of what they can bring and yield from their experience, I think it's important to highlight that in this context of this specific thread, there's a difference between being harsh or realistic in a constructive manner and being harsh and discouraging. While it's important candidates face the reality of their chances, which can be a hard truth sometimes, I don't think suggesting someone reevaluate their goals (which they've dedicated themself to more many years, more than likely) or that they aren't in the right place is constructive at all. OP came to these forums to help get advice on pursuing the career they've dedicated themselves to, not to be shouted down for the sake of being "realistic."

As you correctly suggested, the remainder of the education/training will be chock full of harshness, discouragement, and dissuasion, but that's probably known for most people who choose to go down this pathway. I don't think it's necessary to suggest people doubt their years of work. In my opinion, we should focus on trying to uplift and encourage candidates, not discredit them. While this community strives to help people constructively and does so admirably, we have to recognize that this status quo of toxicity in the field can start very early, even before people apply. Yes, that's the current reality -- but it doesn't mean we can't try our best to change it. Kindness and realism are not mutually exclusive. We should strive to help foster the next generation of empathetic, competent, and disciplined physician scientists but do so in a truly supportive manner.

 

[ATP.Synthase]

Thank you so much 🥹. I really appreciate your support and encouragement. Honestly, discouragement and demotivating words from total strangers have always been something I never took to heart. Thank you once again for words of encouragement. This path is brutally hard and kindness just helps to keep our heads up.

Of course!! You deserve it -- you've worked immensely hard for a long time to get here, and while it'll only get tougher, your attitude (which is really admirable) will carry you farther than ever. Keep fighting for your goals and you'll get there! Feel free to reach out if you ever need any advice or help with the application process or anything related. Lmk when you get that Harvard A!!!

 

[motheshow1212]

Very difficult to assess without MCAT honestly, the MCAT will tell you the tiers you can apply to. Your research is solid GPA is not great but its fine as long as MCAT is good.