Odd one out.

[ForeignHopeful]

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Hypothetical:

Medical school applicant graduating from a Canadian university with a solid 3.8-4.0 GPA. Scored 35+ on MCAT.

Some ECs, mostly medical, with particular emphasis on clinical work: has intimate understanding of therapeutic drugs, treatments, diseases and clinical diagnosis. Can adequately perform a variety of tasks: administer SC, IM, IV injections; administer emergency care; etc. Lots of medical volunteer work, mostly with children.

Some research background, mostly enzyme/drug interaction.

Worked as a UTA, only with labs. Shadowed oncologist and cardiologist, total 150+ hours.

However, is not a Canadian or American permanent resident/citizen. Can afford education.

Chances of getting into top-tier American Medical Schools, or any Medical School for that matter? I would appreciate a minimum of speculation. Success/Failure stories or personal experience would be cool.

Thanks

 

[Mobius1985]

Your "hypothetical" numbers and background sound terrific. You would have no trouble getting into American med schools (those that accept internationals) provided you have the proper visa, considering that funding is no problem. To get into a "top tier" school, you would likely need much more impressive research experience than what you've described.

 

[ForeignHopeful]

They're not really hypothetical. They're all actually all true apart from the MCAT score(I've done some practice tests, without studying beforehand, scoring an average of 30-34, but I know there's room for improvement).

I'm a slightly older applicant, having transferred from university in my home country and ended up repeating freshman and sophomore years. I was a pharmacology major, and I did a lot of volunteer work back home, which accounts for the significant portion of my experience and acquired skills.

So, yes, I have in fact been badgering my sciences professors quite a bit; trying to get an idea of what research work is being done on campus. I'll concentrate on getting more of that over my junior year.

Is there a quick reference of schools that do actually accept international students?

I've been told that it's a near impossible endeavor for non-Americans to get into American medical schools(It's easier in Canada!), and yet I don't see the perceived difficulty provided you work hard, show promise and apply. Unfortunately, I have yet to meet anyone who has managed it.

 

[Mobius1985]

Here is a link to a list of US medical schools and how they handlle Internationals: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=561844