Need help deciding where to apply and my chances for this cycle

[Kharbie]

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Thank you everyone for your responses, I appreciate your advice.

 

[Kharbie]

Bump, any advice please?

 

[Catalystik]

Hi all,
I retook the MCAT in March and I'm really upset with my results after months of hard work (I scored 3pts below my practice avg). My numbers are not as strong as a result, but I would appreciate advice as to where to apply this June and my chances for acceptance:

Numbers:
State of Residence: Florida
Total Undergrad GPA: 3.696
BCPM GPA: 3.577
9/12/09 MCAT: Phys.= 7, Verb = 8, Bio = 10; Total = 25O
03/26/11 MCAT: Phy = 9, Verbal = 8, Bio = 11; Total = 28N

Experiences:
Depart. of Neurology Assistant Researcher (March 2011- Present), 30 hrs/wk: University of Miami - Currently conducting research with the Neurology department, Interventional division, using small and large animal models of stroke. I assist in the conduct of both of these studies, performing middle cerebral artery occlusion and other rodent surgeries and providing technical support for the large animal surgeries. Perform other laboratory techniques for these projects, including tissue sectioning, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, neurodeficit testing, and perfusion/fixation. Assist in the management of the laboratory (i.e., supply ordering and equipment maintenance), organization and analysis of the research data, and project management. Train new laboratory members in the assigned techniques and duties. Through regular reporting and interaction with the principal investigator, help with the composition of grant submissions and research papers for publication.

Genographic Project Assistant Researcher (October 2010 – December 2010), 25hrs/wk: Conducted research abroad for National Geographic's Genographic Project at the Lebanese American University.Analyzed patterns in small nuclear polymorphisms on the Y-chromosome of regional participants in order to chart new knowledge on the migratory history of humans.Worked with DNA purification and extraction techniques, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and automated sequencing.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Assistant Researcher (January 2008-January 2009), 300hrs:
Florida International University - Investigated the different thermodynamic properties of xanthophylls through the use of UV-Vis spectroscopy, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, and purification techniques. Focused on lutein and zeaxanthin, which are xanthophylls that have been associated with lowering the risk for developing various human diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cancer, and atherosclerosis.

Church Volunteer (August 2002-Present), 1hr/wk: Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church - As an active member, I serve and organize church fundraising events that include festivals and dinners. With help from the Sisters of Mother Theresa, prepared thanksgiving lunch and organized clothing donations for the homeless in downtown Miami.

Wound Care Center Volunteer (October 2007- December 2008), 292hrs: South Miami Hospital - Interacted with patients by signing them in and organized, prepared, and presented files for doctors. I also had the responsibility to take cell/tissue samples to the pathology laboratory.

Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity member (January 2008- May 2010), 1hr/wk: Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity - Conducted and participated in fund-raising and awareness activities with Children's Miracle Network.
Among other events, I volunteered for Radio Lollipop (charity) events at Miami Children's Hospital and designed and coordinated play/learning activities for patients.

Peer Led Teaching and Learning (PLTL) Leader & Supervisor (September 2008 – December 2009), 2hrs/wk: Florida International University - Used Problem Based Learning (PBL) to design lessons and teach a supplementary university General Biology classes. Supervised sessions conducted by new teachers in order to assure the quality of the program.

Professional Illustrator and Painter (June 2005-Present), 15hrs/wk: I create paintings, drawings, and medical illustrations for private clients and donations. I have exhibited my art in the following exhibitions: Miami Art Museum (MAM), Miami, FL; Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.; Presiding Offices of The President's Committee on the Arts Old Post Office Washington D.C.; Fine Arts International Expo, Miami, FL.

Honors/Awards: Scholastic Art and Writing Awards National Winner of 2005 - U.S. President's Committee on the Arts chosen artist for exhibition (1 of only 40 nationally), U.S. National Gold Award winner (1 of only 500 nationally) and Florida Regional Gold Award winner (Miami-Dade, FL).

Extracurricular/Hobbies, 7 hrs/wk: Go to the gym regularly and play basketball. I've played in summer leagues since High School.

-Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to give a complete image of myself as an applicant.

Thank you!

With a 3.69/3.57/28, your best chances are likely to be at your in-state schools. Considering your stats, some others with a decent OOS matriculation rate you might check out for "fit" might be:
GWU, Louisville, Tulane, NYMC, MUSC, SCarolina, EVMS, Rush, Michigan State, Oakland (new), Commonwealth MC in Pa
Don't forget Florida Atlantic University (new).

Do you have any physician shadowing yet?

 

[Kharbie]

With a 3.69/3.57/28, your best chances are likely to be at your in-state schools. Considering your stats, some others with a decent OOS matriculation rate you might check out for "fit" might be:
GWU, Louisville, Tulane, NYMC, MUSC, SCarolina, EVMS, Rush, Michigan State, Oakland (new), Commonwealth MC in Pa
Don't forget Florida Atlantic University (new).

Do you have any physician shadowing yet?

Thank you Catalystik. I have done physician shadowing overseas, and scrubbed in for a few surgeries here. I am planning to start shadowing a doctor this month since I've heard that Adcoms don't really care about oversea shadowing.

I'm really nervous about my chances because of my MCAT results (breakdown - Phy9/Verbal8/Bio11), do you think I have a decent chance for acceptance? Also, does being hispanic affect my app?

 

[Lil Mick]

You have a good chance at Florida schools. The research will probably be good for UM, UF, and FSU (though low with the MCAT). FAU, Nova, USF, FIU, and UCF will probably be around right for your stats. Fortunately, Florida has quite a few medical schools, and many take quite a few in-state students 🙂

Also, some of the listed OOS schools don't take many OOS students (generally combined degree program applicants).

 

[Kharbie]

You have a good chance at Florida schools. The research will probably be good for UM, UF, and FSU (though low with the MCAT). FAU, Nova, USF, FIU, and UCF will probably be around right for your stats. Fortunately, Florida has quite a few medical schools, and many take quite a few in-state students 🙂

Also, some of the listed OOS schools don't take many OOS students (generally combined degree program applicants).

Thank you, I appreciate the response.

 

[Catalystik]

1) I'm really nervous about my chances because of my MCAT results (breakdown - Phy9/Verbal8/Bio11),

2) do you think I have a decent chance for acceptance?

3) Also, does being hispanic affect my app?

1) All the schools in your state ahave a bottom tenth percentile for VS of 8 or below, so I wouldn't worry too much about your score breakdown.

2) With a 3.69/28, by my rough eyeballing of the AAMC stats, you have about a 75% chance of acceptance to an MD school.

3) Is Spanish your primary language, and are you fluent and literate in it? Do you have any activities that connect you with a latino ethnic community? Then it will help.

 

[Catalystik]

decent OOS matriculation rate

I'd define this as taking at leat 15% OOSers. Other's definitions might vary.

 

[Kharbie]

1)

3) Is Spanish your primary language, and are you fluent and literate in it? Do you have any activities that connect you with a latino ethnic community? Then it will help.

Spanish is not my first language, I can read/write/carry out a conversation. I live in south florida (Miami) where I help run my father's business and that requires me to know spanish. Also, I was born in Venezuela where I have family that I visit in the summer. Can I apply as hispanic or are there extra qualifications to be considered?

 

[Catalystik]

If you self identify as Hispanic, then mark it. If not, then your birthplace will be on the application anyway.

 

[Kharbie]

If you self identify as Hispanic, then mark it. If not, then your birthplace will be on the application anyway.

I was 2 years old when I moved to Miami from Venezuela and from 6th to 12th grade I went to a predominantly Cuban school (Belen Jesuit Prep.), so I self identify as Hispanic. I'm going to confirm that I may mark this on my app. with my university's health career advising office

Thank you for your responses.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

I think you should try to go for a US med school acceptance.

It may be possible to do what you were advised, but the feasibility of travel will be difficult.

Your stats are fine for Florida programs (you might have issues with UF, but there's plenty of schools in FL, apparently)

Apply to EVERY school in FL. Avoid OOS schools, especially in the South. Most southern schools are geared towards instaters with the exception of AL schools; however, your stats aren't high enough to be considered for an OOS slot.