MSTP Chances - 8 W's

[nygiants123]

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Here are my statistics:
MCAT 37, balanced score.
cGPA: 3.81.
sGPA: 3.83.
Hospital volunteer (400+ hours)
Shadowed eight physicians (both MD and DO) over the course of 3 years. (200+ hours.)
2 years research experience (no publications).
3 strong LoRs (2 science, 1 non-science).
3 years tutoring calculus and other higher level mathematics courses.
2 years Miscellaneous community service around my university's area (soup kitchen, etc.).
EMT-B certification with 2 years experience on local volunteer squad.

Currently doing Teach for America in the midwest as a Chemistry teacher.

The only major drawback to my application is that I have 8 Ws from years ago, when I was taking care of a sick and dying relative and couldn't handle the course load. I decided not to take a leave of absence.

I'd appreciate any insight. Barring the 8 Ws, how does my application otherwise look? Will the withdrawals screen me out of MSTPs?

I'm considering applying for positions at research labs (taking a couple gap years), to further bolster my research.

 

[StIGMA]

I don't think the 8 W's are a problem considering you have a reason for them (taking care of relative- don't emphasize 'couldn't handle the course load.') Is your research biomedical? Is it all computational? Do you have bench experience (if not, do you plan to stick to computational projects)?

I am more concerned that you elected to do Teach for America instead of research, considering you are planning to dedicate your career to research. You may have to explain this choice in interviews. Did you decide on MD/PhD while doing Teach for America?

Your volunteer experiences don't matter so much (but they are beneficial in that they speak to your character). On the other hand, the LoR's from your research advisors (or phone conversations they have with programs) carry enormous weight.

We can't speak to your research experiences unless you provide more detail. Your application seems very geared toward MD-only admission.

 

[Fencer]

You look very good except for the core thing that we look for: the quality of your RESEARCH experience as well as your choice for teaching as compared to further research. You should do at least 1 year full-time of research before applying and while leading a project, if possible.

 

[nygiants123]

I have two years of neuroscience research experience. No publications, but I was allowed to perform my own projects towards the end of the two years. I did TFA because I needed a job and it was something that was interesting to me. MD/PhD has always been on my radar. I think now is the time to act on it. I'm a NY resident, but went to school out west. I'm thinking of taking a gap year to do more research. What should I do, at this point, in terms of ressearch?

 

[Fencer]

You would look best if you follow your 2 years of neuroscience research experience with additional research in the Neurosciences. If you can, apply to the NIH IRTA program.

 

[dmblue]

You look very good except for the core thing that we look for: the quality of your RESEARCH experience as well as your choice for teaching as compared to further research. You should do at least 1 year full-time of research before applying and while leading a project, if possible.

I agree. I would bet the applicant would get a number of interviews at good programs, but the application would be a lot more competitive with another research year.