My chances........advice please!

[TexasGirl]

My April MCAT scores were not what I had hoped (10VR,9PS,9BS,O). I am a Biomed Mechanical Engineering major with overall GPA 3.86 and Science GPA of 3.76. I am a Texas Resident and am applying to all schools here and a few outside. My dream school is UT southwestern but I don't think that is feasible with these scores. I have good ECs (varsity sport in college)and have had good summer jobs but they were engineering. I decided not to take the MCAT over because I thought it would be more valuable to volunteer/ shadow doctors this summer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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[Doctora Foxy]

Everything sounds fine, just try to get your amcas (or the Texas) application in as early as possible. When applying out of state, be sure to apply to a wide range of schools, and include upper and lower tiers. If applying to state schools out of Texas, make sure they accept a good percentage of out of state applicants so you don't waste your time and money.

And don't worry too much about that mcat score...if you apply early, it shouldn't be a problem.

I got a 27 on my MCATs and I chose not to retake, because just like you I did a great volunteership that summer. I had such a great experience that I ended up rewriting my personal statement about it...but I also applied in October. I received several acceptances, but not until very late (2 were this week! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> ), and I don't advise anyone to apply late and have to endure so much stress.

Good luck! Please PM me if you have questions

 

[Trek]

The thing about Univ of Texas schools is that they aren't rolling. Everyone who they want to interview is interviewed, THEN they make the decisions. So while getting your stuff in early will help you get an earlier interview, if you were going to get an interview, you would have anyway. I always hear that Southwestern and Baylor are more "numbers emphasis" schools- i don't know if that's true or just something someone said because their GPA/MCAT averages are quite high. I think southwestern will be a stretch but do not let that keep you from applying- at the interview they give you a big packet with TONS of stats about the class- how many had this MCAT and that GPA and so on. While the average is pushing 33/34 (i think) some got in with below a 30. I suggest (if you really want to) talking to a guy named Scott Wright and asking some similar questions. He's the director of admissions and a really really nice guy, and will probably give you a few mins of his time. Just remember that all the Texas schools are fine, and try not to pass judgement until you can get out there and interview and see for yourself. Any questions just ask. --Trek

 

[jaboy]

Listen to Trek. I spoke with Scott Wright and he is really nice. Check out SW's website and get Mr. Wright's email and set up a meeting.

 

[MandM06]

TexasGirl...First off let me say that my MCAT scores were similar to yours. I was also an engineering major (Chemical)who had a few summer jobs related to my major. But I still got into Southwestern. I think you should spend the time you have in the summer volunteering or clinical experience (CNA work would be a big PLUS..I did it :wink: ). Definitely talk to Scott Wright and look into the summer research programs offered at the school. BEST of luck (I thought I had no chance of getting in).

 

[bruinkid]

Trek-
I thought that UT did follow rolling admissions. Where did you get your information from?

 

[TexasGirl]

MandM06 or Trek-
Thanks, you guys just gave me some hope! What is CNA? It is too late to get involved in research at SW becasue I am living in San Antonio this summer with my parents so I can spend all my time volunteering and don't have to worry about paying rent. Do you think I should just email Scott Wright or should I try to set up an appointment? Is it ok to ask him about my chances or should I just leave all that up to my application? Again, thanks for all of your help.

 

[longhorn]

Texasgirl, I go to UT Austin and I have friends who got in with a 29, I think your fine. Talking with the "Dean guy" would be excellent. I don't know whether email or face time would be better. I will have to think about it. As for asking him about your chance, you are gonna have to, why else would you be e mailing him?

 

[Trek]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by bruinkid:
•Trek-
I thought that UT did follow rolling admissions. Where did you get your information from?•••••From getting into Southwestern on the same day as everyone else who got in. --Trek

 

[Trek]

I'd eMail him and try to set up an appointment. He's probably pretty busy getting stuff together for the incoming class but i'm sure in some weeks he could meet with you. Make sure you let him know of your interest, and have him take a look at your app if you're comfortable with that. He's a very nice guy, but i dont' know how up front he would be with you (since i don't know anyone who talked to him before applying).

Also, try not to put too much stock in anecdotes. The whole reason they're anecdotes are because they rarely occur. Look at averages and deviations, not one guy that got in with score X or GPA of Y. --Trek

 

[The Mysterious Stranger]

Southwestern is a major research school. They have four nobelaureates (sp??) on the faculty. The school is in constant battle with the State because a significant amount of state funding goes to research while the state wants SW to produce more doctors that will practice in underserved areas in TX. My point is remember this when applying to SW. SW is also very minority friendly--chances are if you have MCAT scores that are a little below average (like a 28/29) it is O.K. if you are a URM. It might be O.K. if you aren't a URM but have been published...When all is said and done the process can be a crapshoot. Don't give up and I hope you get in!