Number ******?

[antissa]

Hi! I'm a Canadian looking to apply to American schools this year. I read in a thread somewhere that Washington U is a real "number *****", and it made me laugh. What does this mean?
What are some others schools that are number ****** and will take Canadians? I have a good GPA and MCAT, but I didn't always know I wanted to be a doctor, so I haven't been accumulating a lot of volunteer/shadowing hours thoughout my undergrad, unlike some premeds I know

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[45408]

Number ****** aren't going to be good for most students - it means that the school is obsessed with a high GPA and high MCAT. If that's you, then it's good for you.

 

[YzIa]

Hi! I'm a Canadian looking to apply to American schools this year. I read in a thread somewhere that Washington U is a real "number *****", and it made me laugh. What does this mean?
What are some others schools that are number ****** and will take Canadians? I have a good GPA and MCAT, but I didn't always know I wanted to be a doctor, so I haven't been accumulating a lot of volunteer/shadowing hours thoughout my undergrad, unlike some premeds I know

The highest incoming MCAT scores at US schools are:
Wash U - 36.?
Duke - 35.?
Columbia - 35.?
U Mich- 34.5

So to think of a school with a reputation for "number whoring" as a benefit you better have a high 30's MCAT and a 3.8+.

 

[antissa]

Oh wow, but some of those are schools I've heard of all the way up here, with my ears packed in snow and all. That must mean they're top notch, and probably recruit people who, in addition to having awesome numbers, also have everything else going for them too. Intimidating...
I have a 3.9ish GPA and 38 MCAT but a terrible personality. No, I'm jking but it's true that I got started late and I didn't know I was "supposed" to be accumulating volunteer hours because I thought keeping the GPA up was the only really important factor, so I've only done some stuff for fun - playing with kids and seniors, nothing longer than two months or so. I thought maybe there'd be some places that'd forgive my own number whoriness. Or count internet surfing as an extracurricular activity...

 

[DrDarwin]

Oh wow, but some of those are schools I've heard of all the way up here, with my ears packed in snow and all. That must mean they're top notch, and probably recruit people who, in addition to having awesome numbers, also have everything else going for them too. Intimidating...
I have a 3.9ish GPA and 38 MCAT but a terrible personality. No, I'm jking but it's true that I got started late and I didn't know I was "supposed" to be accumulating volunteer hours because I thought keeping the GPA up was the only really important factor, so I've only done some stuff for fun - playing with kids and seniors, nothing longer than two months or so. I thought maybe there'd be some places that'd forgive my own number whoriness. Or count internet surfing as an extracurricular activity...

Volunteer hours don't matter. Just find something you are passionate about and throw yourself into it. Perfunctory participation will not be appreciated.

 

[CanadianPre-Med]

What US schools should a Canadian applicant apply to with a 40 MCAT and a 3.85 GPA with decent extra-currics (i.e. few clubs, leadership, couple summers of research)?

 

[dr.z]

What US schools should a Canadian applicant apply to with a 40 MCAT and a 3.85 GPA with decent extra-currics (i.e. few clubs, leadership, couple summers of research)?

Any private schools (Ivy league ones and some others). Some state schools which will take foreign applicants, but I don't see that you would have much problem anywhere.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

Hi! I'm a Canadian looking to apply to American schools this year. I read in a thread somewhere that Washington U is a real "number *****", and it made me laugh. What does this mean?
What are some others schools that are number ****** and will take Canadians? I have a good GPA and MCAT, but I didn't always know I wanted to be a doctor, so I haven't been accumulating a lot of volunteer/shadowing hours thoughout my undergrad, unlike some premeds I know

wow looking at your mdapplicant, Canadian schools are tough! You are young too, see the thread on young applicants. That may be your most greatwest problem. Your numbers are great and you do have research and some volunteer/shadowing. Concentrate on doing more of that to show you have the maturity to handle medical situations. Best of luck!

 

[FloridaMadame]

Hi! I'm a Canadian looking to apply to American schools this year. I read in a thread somewhere that Washington U is a real "number *****", and it made me laugh. What does this mean?
What are some others schools that are number ****** and will take Canadians? I have a good GPA and MCAT, but I didn't always know I wanted to be a doctor, so I haven't been accumulating a lot of volunteer/shadowing hours thoughout my undergrad, unlike some premeds I know

Antissa, you are VERY YOUNG. Have you given any thought to taking a full year off, doing extensive (full-time or part-time) research and maybe some hospital volunteer work, shadowing, working in a Dr.'s office, or mentoring on weekends or evenings before you apply again? Actually, you can start doing this stuff now and you will be able to put it all on your AMCAS application this coming summer, and you can state that you are continuing this work throughout the year. I think this might help. Good luck. BTW, all the numbers ***** schools will provide you with an excellent medical education but each of them has their own issue that you can research (ie, location, gunners, possible loss of accreditation, etc.) so don't just concentrate on them. There are MANY great schools out there. (In honor of St. Patrick's day)

 

[FloridaMadame]

Just thought of one other thing: Make sure your LOR's are really good