Non-Trad School List Help

[wannabedocmath]

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Hi all,

I’m a 24-year-old non-trad getting a second degree in chemistry at a state school. My first degree was in math from a notoriously difficult T10 university. I plan to apply next cycle (matriculating 2027) and would appreciate guidance on what range of MD/PhD programs I should be targeting, plus any general advice.
Stats:

• MCAT: 521
• cGPA: 3.76, 4.0 post-bac (there are a few hiccups in my first transcript due to some personal circumstances).

Research:

• ~500 hours currently in a biochemistry/drug discovery lab.
• 1 first-author manuscript in review at peer reviewed journal
• Working with a PI to develop a new biochemical assay and conduct a fragment screen, with plans for me to lead the computational modeling (as per the grant). Project is expected to yield at least one first-author publication before application, with another possible around the time of secondaries.
• Project-based lab courses: produced one group manuscript on nanoparticle synthesis/characterization; currently leading a computational + synthesis project screening ~530 potential compounds as antibiotics.
• By application: ~1,500 hours research, likely ≥2 first-author publications.
• Poster presentation at school symposium x 2

Clinical Experience:

• Shadowing: 80 hrs.
• Clinical volunteering: 30 hrs (free clinic front desk); starting hospice volunteering this semester.

Non-Clinical Volunteering:

• ~50 hrs tutoring/supporting underprivileged kids (continuing to add more weekly).

Teaching / Work Experience:

• Extensive TA experience in calculus
• Run independent tutoring business (ACT/SAT Prep + Calculus)
• Work experience: server/host at family restaurant (only do this occasionally now)

Interests:

• Strongly drawn to metabolism/biochemistry and drug discovery (enzymes, small molecules).
• Considering physician-scientist training to bridge basic discovery with translational impact: how can we target metabolic pathways in disease processes to treat/mitigate the symptoms of that disease?

Given this profile, what MD/PhD programs should I be considering? I’d appreciate suggestions for a balanced school lis and any thoughts on potential gaps in my application. Also open to recommendations on specific labs I should look into. Thanks in advance.

 

[trilobites10294814]

Most programs have generally strong biochemistry. Not too familiar with drug discovery though. Pick your favorites from the T25, and then broaden your school list with strong mid-tier programs. I think applying to 25-30 schools, if you can manage, is a good number. It's better to have too many interviews (and be in a spot to decline interviews so they can go to other people) rather than not having enough interviews.