Only State Schools?

[halethsonofhama]

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I am a California resident, applying this term.

sGPA and cGPA = 3.9
MCAT = 10VR, 12BS, 12PS - Q
Lots of clinical/shadowing, medical volunteering
some leadership/non-medical volunteering
Few research
I am a junior at UCLA (transfer student)

I will be applying to most of the California schools; all of which would be a great school to attend

UCLA, UCI, UCSD, UCD, UCSF
USC
Standford
Loma Linda

I feel like I have the requirements for most of these schools, but obviously there is still a chance (large or small, i'm not sure) I won't get in.

If I were to apply to out of state schools, but decide not to go to any, and wait until next round, hoping for a California school. Does that look bad?

Does it matter when I reject a school: secondary application, interview, or even acceptance offer?



Would it be a good idea to apply to the CA schools first, wait around for secondary/interviews, and if I change my mind, then apply to out of state safety schools later?

 

[Catalystik]

I replied on your other, similiar thread regarding California-only applications.

Honestly, if you want to be a doctor, you would be foolish to limit your applications to your state. There are just too many excellent Californian applicants. As your application stands right now, you are not an excellent applicant, so if you apply this season, to have a decent chance of acceptance, you'd need to apply more widely (OOS).

If you receive any allopathic acceptance and turn it down so as to attend no med school that year, it would reflect badly on you without an excellent explanation. On the other hand, you can apply to OOS schools, but withdraw from consideration at any time, pre- or post-interview. You can hold multiple acceptances until May 15 of the application season before you have to decide which to attend, giving lots of time for schools higher on your list to accept you or take you off a wait list.

I recommend that you not apply to any school that you would not attend if you got no love from your home state schools.

 

[halethsonofhama]

Honestly, if you want to be a doctor, you would be foolish to limit your applications to your state.

I do want to become a Doctor, but I would be willing to delay this for a year if means I can get a chance at attending a school in california. I figure I have been working hard these past 4 years, and would appreciate the 'break' it would give me (Its in quotes because obviously there are no breaks on the path to med school)

If you receive any allopathic acceptance and turn it down so as to attend no med school that year, it would reflect badly on you without an excellent explanation. On the other hand, you can apply to OOS schools, but withdraw from consideration at any time, pre- or post-interview. You can hold multiple acceptances until May 15 of the application season before you have to decide which to attend, giving lots of time for schools higher on your list to accept you or take you off a wait list.

Just so I am clear; If I were to apply to a OOS school, I could submit a secondary and still interview, just so long as I withdraw from consideration before acceptance with no negative impact.

I just submitted my AMCAS for the California schools, but I will still be trying to do some research on schools that are out of state. I figure I can always add later on.

What would you (or anyone else), recommend I do for an out of state school that is friendly to Californians? It doesn't have to be close by or have similar weather. If I am going out of state, I might as well go anywhere.

 

[Catalystik]

1) Just so I am clear; If I were to apply to a OOS school, I could submit a secondary and still interview, just so long as I withdraw from consideration before acceptance with no negative impact.

2) I just submitted my AMCAS for the California schools, but I will still be trying to do some research on schools that are out of state. I figure I can always add later on.

3) What would you (or anyone else), recommend I do for an out of state school that is friendly to Californians? It doesn't have to be close by or have similar weather. If I am going out of state, I might as well go anywhere.

1) Correct.

2) As long as the schools' deadline hasn't passed, you can add more on later.

3) A commonly used tool to help one decide likelihood of a school to offer one an interview is the LizzyM score. With your 3.9/34, your LizzyM Score is [MCAT score + (cGPA X 10)] + 1 = 74. [School's score (using median acceptee stats) doesn't include the +1.]

Consider researching some of these schools to see if their mission, weather, safety, curriculum, proximity to home, and cost match what you're looking for. It is important for the schools you pick to be a good fit for you on many levels, aside from stats. Some state schools prefer you to have state ties if OOS. (X%)=% matriculants that are from OOS. I have omitted strongly research-oriented schools since you don't have a lot of research experience.
71/UCF (24%), Boston (77%), Tufts (73%), SLU (70%), Einstein (52%), Rochester (52%),
70/Colorado (25%), UConn (17%), Georgetown (98%), Miami (26%), Iowa (35%), Maryland (23%), UMinn (21%), Stony Brook (15%), Wake (59%), Cincinnati (34%), Penn State (51%),
69/Loyola (55%), RFU (53%), UKentucky (30%), Creighton (89%), Albany (62%), SUNY Downstate (18%) Jefferson (60%), MCW (~65%)
68/UIllinois (27%), Wayne (17%), Buffalo (29%), Toledo (34%), Drexel (71%), Temple (52%), Vermont (72%), VCU (44%),

 

[bravofleet4]

it helps to know your exact reasons for wanting to stay in CA. once you figure that out you have to weight them against your desire to become a doctor and see which one wins out.

 

[halethsonofhama]

it helps to know your exact reasons for wanting to stay in CA.

I'm a family oriented guy so I want to stick close to my family. I also love the ocean. (yes I know there is an east coast, but you don't see anybody heading to new york for their beaches). Also, I have a girlfriend who I need to stick close to. I know that a lot of you are pre-med robots and have no emotion or commitments, only your prime directive of "being a doctor." So I don't expect you to understand.

With all those considered... once I step out of the state it doesn't matter if I'm in Oregon or Kentucky... it would all be the same.

once you figure that out you have to weight them against your desire to become a doctor and see which one wins out.

Although I do want to become a doctor (no way I'm doing all this work for nothing), I am more than willing to wait another year if it gives me the opportunity to stay in CA.

My plan is to try my luck this year with only CA schools. If I don't get in, which apparently is likely, I'll reapply next round, and include out of state schools.

 

[jbz24]

One semi-related question. Say you apply to only Cali schools and get into one SoCal school. Your family and girlfriend are from Northern California. You will be separated from them by a multiple hour drive. How is that any different than applying to another state, such as Oregon or Washington?

Also, how is applying next year to OOS schools going to be any different than doing it this year? You'll still be faced with the same issues. Why not just apply this year and see what happens?

 

[MiniMoo]

I don't see anything wrong with just applying to CA schools this year as long as you're willing to risk the possibility of having to apply again next year. I understand wanting to stay close to home. Definitely don't apply to schools you wouldn't go to. It's just a waste of money. I think, as far as numbers are concerned, you definitely have a shot at an in-state school. A lot will depend on your ECs, essays, and how you interview though. Good luck. 🙂

 

[MiniMoo]

Also, how is applying next year to OOS schools going to be any different than doing it this year? You'll still be faced with the same issues. Why not just apply this year and see what happens?

Because if the OP only got into OOS schools this year, he'd be wondering if he couldn't have gotten into an IS school had he tried one more time. I understand this thinking. I'm from CA too. 😛

But let's say he tries this year to CA schools only -- doesn't get in. Next year he applies again but with OOS schools and only gets in OOS. Well he'll be forced to go OOS or face waiting yet another year, which most wouldn't be willing to do. And at least he would know he gave it 2 good tries to stay in-state. *shrug* If OP is willing to face the possibility of reapplying and is willing to spend the time/money to do so, then I think that's better than applying to a bunch of OOS schools now and ending up withdrawing or turning them all down.

 

[jbz24]

Because if the OP only got into OOS schools this year, he'd be wondering if he couldn't have gotten into an IS school had he tried one more time. I understand this thinking. I'm from CA too. 😛

But let's say he tries this year to CA schools only -- doesn't get in. Next year he applies again but with OOS schools and only gets in OOS. Well he'll be forced to go OOS or face waiting yet another year, which most wouldn't be willing to do. And at least he would know he gave it 2 good tries to stay in-state. *shrug* If OP is willing to face the possibility of reapplying and is willing to spend the time/money to do so, then I think that's better than applying to a bunch of OOS schools now and ending up withdrawing or turning them all down.

This certainly makes sense to me and I have nothing against trying this. The only thing that concerns me is that California is a pretty big state, and OP can just as well be faced with distance issues within the state as well as applying outside the state.

 

[MiniMoo]

This certainly makes sense to me and I have nothing against trying this. The only thing that concerns me is that California is a pretty big state, and OP can just as well be faced with distance issues within the state as well as applying outside the state.

Well, OP wouldn't really be able to get into Washington as they have a very big in-state bias. Oregon would be an option since they take a good number of OOS, but the distance from Portland to say SF is still almost twice that of SF to Los Angeles. Other neighboring states like Nevada dont really take out of state applicants either. If the OP lived in SoCal, I would suggest he apply to Arizona schools though since the drive from LA to Phoenix is only about 6 hours (same as from So Cal to Nor Cal) and they recently increased the # of OOS applicants in each class to a max of 25%.

 

[halethsonofhama]

One semi-related question. Say you apply to only Cali schools and get into one SoCal school. Your family and girlfriend are from Northern California. You will be separated from them by a multiple hour drive. How is that any different than applying to another state, such as Oregon or Washington?

I am actually from southern California, so since most state schools are down here, hopefully I can stay close. However, I'm applying to UCSF and UCD as I have friends living in those areas and there are still surfable waves. And the 8+ hour drive actually isn't too bad. Obviously, these would be my last choice, but they are also the last ones to pick me as well.

Also, how is applying next year to OOS schools going to be any different than doing it this year? You'll still be faced with the same issues. Why not just apply this year and see what happens?

I'm hoping that with the year that I have off, I can develop the weak points in my application. My numbers are good, (I might reconsider taking the MCAT as I know I can do better on the VR; I spent ~2 months studying for the MCAT during school and got a 34Q. I figure with this whole summer to study, I can knock that up a couple points). I have strong clinical. I have good medical volunteer work. What I lack is non-medical volunteer, specific Dr. Shadowing, leadership roles, and Research.

I can heavily work on all of these over the course of this summer. I just got involved in research, I have a few Dr's to shadow, and I recently started a student group at UCLA. Hopefully this helps me in the interviews, but if not, at least I can get them on my application next year.

Fun Fact: One of my Activities I listed on the application was "Thomas Cat, Private Investigator." Its a comic book I'm working on.... I figure Dr. Shadowing would probably be more appropriate

 

[MiniMoo]

I have strong clinical. I have good medical volunteer work. What I lack is non-medical volunteer, specific Dr. Shadowing, leadership roles, and Research.

These are going to be your biggest problem, not your MCAT. I would take all of the time that you would've spent studying for the MCAT again and funnel it into patching up these holes in your application.

 

[indianjatt]

I'm a family oriented guy so I want to stick close to my family. I also love the ocean. (yes I know there is an east coast, but you don't see anybody heading to new york for their beaches). Also, I have a girlfriend who I need to stick close to. I know that a lot of you are pre-med robots and have no emotion or commitments, only your prime directive of "being a doctor." So I don't expect you to understand.

With all those considered... once I step out of the state it doesn't matter if I'm in Oregon or Kentucky... it would all be the same.



Although I do want to become a doctor (no way I'm doing all this work for nothing), I am more than willing to wait another year if it gives me the opportunity to stay in CA.

My plan is to try my luck this year with only CA schools. If I don't get in, which apparently is likely, I'll reapply next round, and include out of state schools.

I don't get it. Are you not going to apply to OOS schools this year to save money? I personally think you should dish out the extra $1000 or $2000 this year rather than testing your luck with only CA schools and reapplying next year with OOS schools and wasting a whole year in the process.

 

[halethsonofhama]

I don't get it. Are you not going to apply to OOS schools this year to save money? I personally think you should dish out the extra $1000 or $2000 this year rather than testing your luck with only CA schools and reapplying next year with OOS schools and wasting a whole year in the process.

Please refer to my post, which you quoted.

Maybe I should put it in terms you would understand; 110110101011101000101010010100101101000100010101000101110111010100010001010110100010110001110101

...robots....

 

[jbz24]

Please refer to my post, which you quoted.

Maybe I should put it in terms you would understand; 110110101011101000101010010100101101000100010101000101110111010100010001010110100010110001110101

...robots....

*beep* *beep* Does not compute.

 

[bravofleet4]

lol maybe the whole joke about being cold, heartless robots wasn't exactly wise. Deciding on a career path that determines what you do for the rest of your life isn't exactly an easy choice...

 

[halethsonofhama]

lol maybe the whole joke about being cold, heartless robots wasn't exactly wise. Deciding on a career path that determines what you do for the rest of your life isn't exactly an easy choice...

Yeah, but deciding to become a doctor is just as tough as deciding to become a flight instructor. Its the path to get there that is the real trouble.

And the whole robot thing isn't exactly a joke. It seems as if I'm the only pre-med I know (i'm sure there are plenty other out there) who realizes there more to life than becoming a doctor. Doubtless, a Doctor is a noble profession, but that is all it is... a profession... its not who you are.

Med schools, although they say they like to see unique individuals with a wide variety of interests, couldn't care about who a person really is. I love to read world war II history and science fiction, I really like barbeques with friends and family, I love helping people move. I don't like school, I don't care much for research. Would I put this on my application? no.

Do I blame people for turning into robots? No. Its not their fault that medical schools demand so much from applicants that it is nearly impossible to hold onto your identity.

My point? Play their game, you won't get in if you don't. But make sure you hold onto your identity so that when you are done jumping through hoops, you still have a backbone to hold you up. (Robots don't have backbones, they have exoskeletons usually, which does have its advantages... but it just isn't the same)

 

[mdbound1987]

Yeah, but deciding to become a doctor is just as tough as deciding to become a flight instructor. Its the path to get there that is the real trouble.

And the whole robot thing isn't exactly a joke. It seems as if I'm the only pre-med I know (i'm sure there are plenty other out there) who realizes there more to life than becoming a doctor. Doubtless, a Doctor is a noble profession, but that is all it is... a profession... its not who you are.

Med schools, although they say they like to see unique individuals with a wide variety of interests, couldn't care about who a person really is. I love to read world war II history and science fiction, I really like barbeques with friends and family, I love helping people move. I don't like school, I don't care much for research. Would I put this on my application? no.

Do I blame people for turning into robots? No. Its not their fault that medical schools demand so much from applicants that it is nearly impossible to hold onto your identity.

My point? Play their game, you won't get in if you don't. But make sure you hold onto your identity so that when you are done jumping through hoops, you still have a backbone to hold you up. (Robots don't have backbones, they have exoskeletons usually, which does have its advantages... but it just isn't the same)

I understand what you are saying and this is 100% true, but med schools are trying to do everything within their power to NOT accept these robots. They want the well rounded people like you. The thing is...there are people, like me, who were able to do all of the research, leadership, community service, shadowing, etc. and still manage time well enough to not sacrifice a social life and have a great college experience. I am the same way as you except I don't mind studying, but I do not let studying take over my life like some people do. I personally (and I think is the sentiment of people here who don't understand you) would rather be in med school than worry about being with a gf or family. Although it would be nice to have that support, if I didn't get accepted near home, I would rather be in med school somewhere out of state than risking applying again especially since it is more difficult to do so. You are obviously different and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, so do what is best for you. The thing I think people here do not understand is why you are risking all of this when your app is not strong (no offense) for cali schools. Your numbers are obviously great...but the fact that you don't have research, shadowing (this is huge), leadership roles, or non-med community service isn't good. The vast majority of people who get accepted to Cali schools will have lives like you and will have all of those activities as well. I hope you get in so you don't waste a lot of money, but those factors could hold you back. Once again, do what is best for you and if that means taking a risk like you want to, then by all means do it.

 

[jbz24]

Yeah, but deciding to become a doctor is just as tough as deciding to become a flight instructor. Its the path to get there that is the real trouble.

And the whole robot thing isn't exactly a joke. It seems as if I'm the only pre-med I know (i'm sure there are plenty other out there) who realizes there more to life than becoming a doctor. Doubtless, a Doctor is a noble profession, but that is all it is... a profession... its not who you are.

Med schools, although they say they like to see unique individuals with a wide variety of interests, couldn't care about who a person really is. I love to read world war II history and science fiction, I really like barbeques with friends and family, I love helping people move. I don't like school, I don't care much for research. Would I put this on my application? no.

Do I blame people for turning into robots? No. Its not their fault that medical schools demand so much from applicants that it is nearly impossible to hold onto your identity.

My point? Play their game, you won't get in if you don't. But make sure you hold onto your identity so that when you are done jumping through hoops, you still have a backbone to hold you up. (Robots don't have backbones, they have exoskeletons usually, which does have its advantages... but it just isn't the same)

I truly don't mean this as an insult, and I realize it's more to do with the point you are in this process, but you are coming off as a bit naive. There are schools that absolutely care about yourself as a person (and it comes up during interviews), schools that care less if you did research - it's unfair to lump every med school together because they all have widely different missions. It's unfortunate for you that most of the Cali schools place importance on things like research.

Also to group people together in the profession as robots because they place importance on practicing medicine, as opposed to surfing, is also unfair. You'd be surprised at how many people have a great life outside of medicine AND are able to excel in the profession, both clinically, academically, and through research. But you also have to realize how difficult the process is from medical student to a resident to an attending. There will be many years in the process that you will have a minimal life outside of medicine due to the difficulty and long hours in training. We can argue if this is right or wrong, but that's the reality.

Lastly, it's also unfair to assume that we can't understand your position. Do you realize how many of us take our families, significant others, and friends into consideration? I know I did. However, any profession/occupation requires the risk of sacrifice so that in the end you can make a better life for the people important to you, whether that means living away from your significant other for school or even just explaining to him/her that you will be really busy and may not be able to go to the beach every weekend.

 

[halethsonofhama]

....

You are saying all of this like I disagree with you. I am speaking from what I see at my position here at UCLA, with only CA schools in mind. I wasn't saying Doctors are robots, I was saying a lot of pre-med students are. Getting to medical school is tough, it requires a lot of sacrifices. Some people just have an easier time letting go of their identity.

...

Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to go all the way and do what it takes. I guess I'm hoping that I can get lucky this round, and land acceptance somewhere in CA. If this fails, then I'll be forced to make a lot of sacrifices for the next round, including applying to out of state schools.

And thanks for bringing this thread back on topic. You said that I am "risking all of this" by only applying to CA schools. What am I risking (other than the couple hundred bucks)?

My thinking was that I would rather submit an application this round with a small chance, as opposed to not submit and have no chance.

Other than the money, and the shame of being rejected... is there anything else I am risking?

 

[jbz24]

You are saying all of this like I disagree with you. I am speaking from what I see at my position here at UCLA, with only CA schools in mind. I wasn't saying Doctors are robots, I was saying a lot of pre-med students are. Getting to medical school is tough, it requires a lot of sacrifices. Some people just have an easier time letting go of their identity.




Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to go all the way and do what it takes. I guess I'm hoping that I can get lucky this round, and land acceptance somewhere in CA. If this fails, then I'll be forced to make a lot of sacrifices for the next round, including applying to out of state schools.

And thanks for bringing this thread back on topic. You said that I am "risking all of this" by only applying to CA schools. What am I risking (other than the couple hundred bucks)?

My thinking was that I would rather submit an application this round with a small chance, as opposed to not submit and have no chance.

Other than the money, and the shame of being rejected... is there anything else I am risking?

Not much. You would be a reapplicant to those schools, so they would expect you to improve on your application during your year off, like doing research. I'm not sure if your chances decrease by being a reapplicant but I would say no.

 

[halethsonofhama]

Not much. You would be a reapplicant to those schools, so they would expect you to improve on your application during your year off, like doing research. I'm not sure if your chances decrease by being a reapplicant but I would say no.

This is to be expected. Like I said in an earlier post, alot my my gaps in my application are mostly because I am a transfer student and I am just now getting involved in research, leadership etc....

Obviously I made sure to mention that I am involved in cancer research, and that I am the founder/vice president of a humanitarian student group.... but the "Start Date: May 2010" for both of those things will be doing me some damage.

By next year I should hopefully have a publication (or two), some solid accomplishments with my student group, and I will have specific Dr. Shadowing. If that doesn't get me into a CA school, I'm sure I'll find an OOS that will take me.

I think most of my concerns have been addressed, I thank you all for your input.

 

[mdbound1987]

The only risks I was speaking of was the money, but more importantly being a reapplicant to those Cali schools which will make it more difficult to get in. However, if you address what's missing in your app like you said you are, then you should have no problem proving to schools that you should be accepted. Good luck.

 

[OGMD]

OP, I am not judging you as a person, but after reading through this thread, I must say you come off as arrogant. Hopefully your essays don't reflect the same attitude, it could be detrimental to your application.

Good luck though, I am also from CA and hope to stay here.

 

[indianjatt]

Please refer to my post, which you quoted.

Maybe I should put it in terms you would understand; 110110101011101000101010010100101101000100010101000101110111010100010001010110100010110001110101

...robots....

If that is your exact reasoning then why the **** are you going to apply to OOS schools next year. All I was trying to say was that you're taking a risk here. If you don't get in, you'll waste one WHOLE year whereas if you apply now you will only risk money. I know you want to go to CA schools, which I understand but if you are going to apply next year to OOS schools and money or time isn't really an issue then it would be best to do it now. The worst that can happen is time wasted and you get an acceptance to a CA school, but what can also happen is no acceptance to a CA school but an acceptance to an OOS school.

 

[halethsonofhama]

It is simple: I do not want to leave California. Waiting one more year allows me to increase my chance at getting into a CA school. However, I don't see the harm in applying now just in case a miracle happens. If I don't get into a CA school (this time or next time) then at least I had one more year here to tie up any loose ends before I go OOS.

Again, I don't expect you 'gotta be doctors ASAP' people to understand. You can call me arrogant, I'll call you robots. We all have our priorities; mine just happen not to match yours.

 

[indianjatt]

It is simple: I do not want to leave California. Waiting one more year allows me to increase my chance at getting into a CA school. However, I don't see the harm in applying now just in case a miracle happens. If I don't get into a CA school (this time or next time) then at least I had one more year here to tie up any loose ends before I go OOS.

Again, I don't expect you 'gotta be doctors ASAP' people to understand. You can call me arrogant, I'll call you robots. We all have our priorities; mine just happen not to match yours.

That's all I was asking - some clarification.

 

[OGMD]

It is simple: I do not want to leave California. Waiting one more year allows me to increase my chance at getting into a CA school. However, I don't see the harm in applying now just in case a miracle happens. If I don't get into a CA school (this time or next time) then at least I had one more year here to tie up any loose ends before I go OOS.

Again, I don't expect you 'gotta be doctors ASAP' people to understand. You can call me arrogant, I'll call you robots. We all have our priorities; mine just happen not to match yours.

Yes, we do all have our priorities, but that doesn't mean that all anyone on this board cares about is getting into med school, nor does it make us "robots".

Hell, I'm in a similar position as you. Family and gf in CA, tons of leisure activities that really only can happen here. Am I still a robot because I want don't want to waste time before going to medical school? Don't be so close-minded.

 

[halethsonofhama]

Primary Directive: Become a doctor
Girlfriend: Terminated
Family: Terminated
Personal Hobbies: Terminated.
...must complete primary objective... *beep *boop... *whhiiirrrrrrr.... must ***** myself out to the first med school that takes me....

Sounds like a Robot to me.

-Cheers

 

[deleted238468]

I replied on your other, similiar thread regarding California-only applications.

Honestly, if you want to be a doctor, you would be foolish to limit your applications to your state. There are just too many excellent Californian applicants. As your application stands right now, you are not an excellent applicant, so if you apply this season, to have a decent chance of acceptance, you'd need to apply more widely (OOS).

If you receive any allopathic acceptance and turn it down so as to attend no med school that year, it would reflect badly on you without an excellent explanation. On the other hand, you can apply to OOS schools, but withdraw from consideration at any time, pre- or post-interview. You can hold multiple acceptances until May 15 of the application season before you have to decide which to attend, giving lots of time for schools higher on your list to accept you or take you off a wait list.

I recommend that you not apply to any school that you would not attend if you got no love from your home state schools.

Hi Catalystik!
I was just wondering how the OP isn't an excellent applicant with a 3.9 and a 34 MCAT. I really value your advice and was wondering with stats like that, how could one improve to become an excellent applicant.
As a CA resident myself, said statement above really freaks me out.

 

[MiniMoo]

Hi Catalystik!
I was just wondering how the OP isn't an excellent applicant with a 3.9 and a 34 MCAT. I really value your advice and was wondering with stats like that, how could one improve to become an excellent applicant.
As a CA resident myself, said statement above really freaks me out.

It's not that the OP's numbers aren't competitive, because they are. But the OP has admitted to having very little research, leadership, shadowing, and non-medical volunteer experience. It is the relative lack of ECs that weaken the OP's application.

(sorry didn't mean to answer for Cat. Just saw the question and figured I'd chime in 🙂 )

 

[mdbound1987]

it's not that the op's numbers aren't competitive, because they are. But the op has admitted to having very little research, leadership, shadowing, and non-medical volunteer experience. It is the relative lack of ecs that weaken the op's application.

(sorry didn't mean to answer for cat. Just saw the question and figured i'd chime in 🙂 )

+1. The vast majority of people accepted to these schools have the numbers. Once you've got the numbers, the only thing to compare applicants is what they've done outside the classroom, so if someone is lacking in these areas, it could potentially be a serious issue.

 

[halethsonofhama]

Pretty much make sure you squeeze every last drop of opportunity out of this summer so that when you apply (I assume you are a sophmore) you can have impressive Numbers and Extra-Curriculars.

If you have nothing lined up (which most likely isn't the case) I'd say the best 'bang for you buck' would be to shadow a doctor(s) in your home town; primary care if possible. spending just a few days annoying an MD seems apparently goes a long way.

Trust me.... I've been a member of SDN for a couple days

 

[mspeedwagon]

Trust me, when I say I understand your desire to stay in CA. I understand that you want to be close to your family and your gf. However, not applying to an OOS is NOT smart. If you do not get in, then you will have to re-apply. As a re-applicant you will need to improve your application greatly from your original app.

The best strategy is to apply broadly. The worst case scenario is you don't get in anywhere in CA and get in OOS. Being apart from family/gf for a few years is not so bad. My gf and have managed a long distance relationship while she is in med school in Syracuse and I'm in NoCal. Best of luck.

 

[halethsonofhama]

As a re-applicant you will need to improve your application greatly from your original app.

I understand that reapplying does have its disadvantages. Obviously they would expect my application to be better, they can't expect me to be a completely different candidate.

Just so long as they see that I have improvement in my weak areas, they should still consider me based on the same level as everyone else. They don't automatically throw my 2nd application to the bottom of the pile... do they?

Follow-up question: I'm assuming this is necessary, but do med schools keep old applications on file, specifically for the purpose of comparing? If I were to reapply, would I need to completely rewrite my personal statement or maybe just add a paragraph about how being rejected 'strengthened me' or some BS like that... because quite frankly... my current PS is golden.

 

[MiniMoo]

I understand that reapplying does have its disadvantages. Obviously they would expect my application to be better, they can't expect me to be a completely different candidate.

Just so long as they see that I have improvement in my weak areas, they should still consider me based on the same level as everyone else. They don't automatically throw my 2nd application to the bottom of the pile... do they?

Follow-up question: I'm assuming this is necessary, but do med schools keep old applications on file, specifically for the purpose of comparing? If I were to reapply, would I need to completely rewrite my personal statement or maybe just add a paragraph about how being rejected 'strengthened me' or some BS like that... because quite frankly... my current PS is golden.

I think you have a good handle on where you can improve, so if you did need to reapply, your application should reflect positive changes in those areas. As long as that's apparent, you will be fine.

I know for a fact some medical schools do keep your previous application on file for comparison. How closely they compare is anyone's guess. But I know that at UCLA, my current cycle's and previous cycle's LORs, secondary essays, and PS were all printed out for interviewers to read over. I would completely rewrite the PS. You would be a year older and presumably a year wiser. 😉 Hopefully your new experiences and strengthened application would give you a lot more to talk about.

 

[halethsonofhama]

😉

Alrighty, good to know. Thanks a lot everybody

Again, all my questions have been answered... for my health I think its best I stop checking this thread.

 

[Catalystik]

Hi Catalystik!
I was just wondering how the OP isn't an excellent applicant with a 3.9 and a 34 MCAT. I really value your advice and was wondering with stats like that, how could one improve to become an excellent applicant.
As a CA resident myself, said statement above really freaks me out.

It's not that the OP's numbers aren't competitive, because they are. But the OP has admitted to having very little research, leadership, shadowing, and non-medical volunteer experience. It is the relative lack of ECs that weaken the OP's application.

(sorry didn't mean to answer for Cat. Just saw the question and figured I'd chime in 🙂 )

+1. The vast majority of people accepted to these schools have the numbers. Once you've got the numbers, the only thing to compare applicants is what they've done outside the classroom, so if someone is lacking in these areas, it could potentially be a serious issue.

MiniMoo, as usual, is completely correct. Mdbound makes an important point, also. Once one gets past screening, it isn't about the numbers anymore.

 

[mspeedwagon]

1- Question 1 depends on school. There are some med school that do not consider re-applicants until the very end (after they look at all new candidates). Some look at them as they come in. Some barely give them any consideration. There is an adcom on here that claimed she rarely looked at re-applicants. The one I talked to at a UC said they look at them after they look at new applicants. My gf was a re-applicant and got an interview pretty early on (so there are some that must look at them as they come in). Problem is you don't really know which one is which.

2- Schools compare apps pretty closely. My gf was asked at two different places questions about things that appeared the first time she applied that didn't appear in her subsequent application. Luckily for her, she had a huge MCAT score improvement (mid-20s to mid-30s) and this is what she was told was part of the reason she was rejected the first time around.

1- Just so long as they see that I have improvement in my weak areas, they should still consider me based on the same level as everyone else. They don't automatically throw my 2nd application to the bottom of the pile... do they?

2- Follow-up question: I'm assuming this is necessary, but do med schools keep old applications on file, specifically for the purpose of comparing? If I were to reapply, would I need to completely rewrite my personal statement or maybe just add a paragraph about how being rejected 'strengthened me' or some BS like that... because quite frankly... my current PS is golden.

 

[bannie22]

I am a California resident, applying this term.

sGPA and cGPA = 3.9
MCAT = 10VR, 12BS, 12PS - Q
Lots of clinical/shadowing, medical volunteering
some leadership/non-medical volunteering
Few research
I am a junior at UCLA (transfer student)

I will be applying to most of the California schools; all of which would be a great school to attend

UCLA, UCI, UCSD, UCD, UCSF
USC
Standford
Loma Linda

I feel like I have the requirements for most of these schools, but obviously there is still a chance (large or small, i'm not sure) I won't get in.

If I were to apply to out of state schools, but decide not to go to any, and wait until next round, hoping for a California school. Does that look bad?

Does it matter when I reject a school: secondary application, interview, or even acceptance offer?



Would it be a good idea to apply to the CA schools first, wait around for secondary/interviews, and if I change my mind, then apply to out of state safety schools later?

Not really.
I suggest you apply OOS. Only applyin to ~4 schools in your range isnt very clever for a doctor-to-be with decent stats!👍

 

[mdbound1987]

I hope you meant decent stats for the Cali schools. Only on sdn would a 3.9 cgpa and sgpa and a 34Q be decent and not outstanding. Lol.

 

[mspeedwagon]

Definitely for CA schools... if 3.9/34Q were low, I'd be re-considering my plans now!

I hope you meant decent stats for the Cali schools. Only on sdn would a 3.9 cgpa and sgpa and a 34Q be decent and not outstanding. Lol.