My Stats and Getting Below the 'Surface'

[sonb780]

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Hi,
I just graduated and will be applying this year, therefore I'll be taking a year off. My MCAT is 32Q (9v,11P,12B) and a 3.7 GPA from top tier non-grade inflated school (molec bio). Will these numbers automatically keep me out of many of the top tier med schools? I have good research and solid ec's. I am a male that belongs to an over-represented minority group(its funny b.c applicants of these groups cry 'reverse-discrimination' while others feel it has little bearing.)
The second question I have: I hear alot of people posting on the forums that top schools are looking for a certain types of applicants that are obviously more than their numbers reflect. For an applicant like me I feel that is important as I may be borderline at schools. I am curious if someone could articulate the subtleties of 1) what kind of student that is and 2) how to make this reflect through the personal statement. It seems almost like a double-edged sword to think about this kind of question though: Should one already be that person or be themselves and hope they are that person. I really feel I possess the qualities that will help me do well at any med school and the qualities to be a compassionate/caring person.
Thanks for the help; im in that reflective attitude since I am writing my personal statement these days!

 

[Medikit]

Is the main reason so many people want to hit up a tier1 medical school the residencies? To me it just seems like a lot of people want to spend a lot of money.

 

[Ryan]

I know this has been said many times before in other threads but, you should just apply to the schools that you would be happiest being at for two intense years...the rotations should be well established. Many students, even at DO programs, make it into 'TOP' residency positions. Med school will be what you make of it. You have done the hard work. Just be yourself, know yourself and your application and you will do just fine. 🙂

 

[Fermata]

Is the main reason so many people want to hit up a tier1 medical school the residencies? To me it just seems like a lot of people want to spend a lot of money.

You can't really blame people for trying to put themselves into the best situation possible.

 

[Medikit]

You can't really blame people for trying to put themselves into the best situation possible.

How is going into severe debt a better situation than going into moderate debt?

 

[J33]

How is going into severe debt a better situation than going into moderate debt?

There is a flaw in your reasoning. You are assuming that "top tier" schools are more expensive than lower tier schools. Generally, the top tier schools (read: schools with more money) give better financial aid. At least that is the case with need-based aid. Every top tier school I got accepted to gave me significantly better financial aid than the middle tier schools, and that includes merit scholarships from the middle tier schools. So I will be saving a sh*tload of money going to a great school.

 

[Medikit]

There is a flaw in your reasoning. You are assuming that "top tier" schools are more expensive than lower tier schools. Generally, the top tier schools (read: schools with more money) give better financial aid. At least that is the case with need-based aid. Every top tier school I got accepted to gave me significantly better financial aid than the middle tier schools, and that includes merit scholarships from the middle tier schools. So I will be saving a sh*tload of money going to a great school.

Wow, I didn't realize that, I'm going to have to bring up that tuition webpage again and check it out.

 

[footcramp]

you've got a decent shot. don't count yourself out.

 

[babyface]

To the OP:

Definitely not: your numbers will not keep you out at ANY schools (except maybe the super duper number driven schools like WashU). Seriously, my numbers are pretty similar to yours (slightly higher MCAT and lower GPA) and I have gotten interviews are some top 10 schools like UCSF, Columbia, Duke, etc.. So no, number-wise, you are competitive. But like you said, numbers alone probably won't get you in anywhere, but it is the EC's and LOR's that count the most, especially at these schools. It has been said a million times before, but just do something you're interested in. I never feel that it is the type of activities that you're involved in that makes schools want you, but it is the passion and inspiration that you carry into them that count. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

 

[sonb780]

Thanks for the replies; could we possibly keep this discussion more geared to my initial question than whether it is worth it or not to go to top tier--i dont have my heart set on it but I enjoy research and would appreciate being at a school with good research--on balance this tends to be the top tier...Id love if someone could touch upon what schools look for beyond surface level jargon, thanks!

 

[Termwean]

"and a 3.7 GPA from top tier non-grade inflated school (molec bio). " Why do you say this? are you knocking other SDNers schools? I hate these kind of threads because: How would the people that populate these forums know the answer to you questions. Call the admissions office of the " top-tier" school that you want to go to.
Sometimes I think people start these threads just so they can write:
"Hi,
I just graduated and will be applying this year, therefore I'll be taking a year off. My MCAT is 32Q (9v,11P,12B) and a 3.7 GPA from top tier non-grade inflated school (molec bio). Will these numbers automatically keep me out of many of the top tier med schools? I have good research and solid ec's. I am a male that belongs to an over-represented minority group(its funny b.c applicants of these groups cry 'reverse-discrimination' while others feel it has little bearing.)

 

[OmahaMX80]

...a lot of these posts are really nothing more than, "check out my numbers, I'm really great! Tell me how great I am! Tell me how many great medical schools someone as great as me will get into! Tell me again how great I am! My MCAT score is in the top 5% of those who took it, is that good? Tell me again how great I am! My GPA is much higher than the average for those who get accepted to medical school, is that good? Tell me again how great I am! Are medical schools in the top 15 as great as those in the top 10? Tell me again how great I am! Let me list off 25 great medical schools and I want everyone to tell me I will get into every single one of them. Tell me again how great I am! I spent half my life in a hospital cleaning up vomit in the pediatric oncology unit, do you think medical schools will look favorably on that? Tell me again how great I am! I did a lot of research too, but do you think it's enough? Tell me again how great I am! Did I thank anyone yet for telling me how great I am, not that it matters but thank you, and just for kicks, could you tell me one more time how GREAT I am?!"

Uh, yeah... I'm sick of that crap too. The trouble with those kinds of posts is finding someone those people would consider even remotely equal enough that whatever is said, as far as constructive advice, would have any sort of credence. In my opinion, the only thing these sorts of posts are searching for is a lot of congratulatory BS.