MD Please help picking school list: UCLA GPA 3.65, MCAT 37

[ca-sunshine]

cGPA 3.70, sGPA 3.62; flat or minor up trend
MCAT 37: 12/12/13
CA resident,
Asian.
ORM.
All other EC: doctor shadowing, research, clinical volunteering, leadership are strong.
Thanks 🙂

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[ChrisMack390]

"Fine" is not a sufficient description of your ECs. If they are great, you have a good shot all over the place. If they suck you will struggle. Elaborate?

 

[Goro]

Let's see your list, and we'll help edit.

cGPA3.65, sGPA 3.5; flat trend
MCAT 37: 12/12/13
CA resident,
Asian.
Not URM.
All other EC: doctor shadowing, research, clinical volunteering, leadership are fine.
Thanks 🙂

 

[ca-sunshine]

Thanks for your reply.
Here are more details:

Volunteering (clinical):

1. 2 yrs (400+ hrs) hospital volunteering, rotated through different departments (+ leadership)
2. 1 yr caseworker for a local mobile/street clinic
   
3. Shadowed a family medicine doctor, 50 hrs

Volunteering (non-clinical):

1. 3 yrs high school science outreach program to at-risk student. Leadership for 2 of those yrs: 1 yr high school teacher liaison, 1 yr president, dean's prize for individual achievement
   
2. 3 yrs mentoring students at a local high school through free SAT prep classes and college-bound workshops (+ leadership)
3. 1 yr gave health talks at local shelters/centers
   
4. undergrad assistant for lower-div math modeling course (mentoring)

Research:

1. 3 yrs research on molecular mechanisms of heart failure (3rd author on poster for national meeting)
   
2. 1 summer research exchange program studying obesity/diabetes in mice
   
3. 1 summer (paid) oncology research at a big pharmaceutical company

 

[ca-sunshine]

Goal is to be a family practitioner, or physician in internal medicine, or pediatrician to work with underserved

 

[Banco]

With those activities and stats you should be applying to top tiers and mid tiers. Very strong application.

 

[Lost_Premed]

You might want to take a look at the comments on my post, we have similar stats/experiences.

 

[ca-sunshine]

Here's the final school list; Need your help to to trim it down to 25 schools.
The list is open for any suggestions (add, remove, or replace)!
Thanks for your time and help 🙂
UCLA
UCSD
UC Davis
UC Irvine
Loma Linda
USC keck
Albany Medical college
Boston U
Case Western
Univ of Cincinnati
Creighton Nebraska
Emory
Hofstra
Loyola Univ Stritch
univ of Miami miller
medical college wisconsin
New York Medical College
Oakland University
Quinnipiac Frank Netter
univ of Rochester NY
Rosalind Franklin IL
Rush medical college
Sidney Kimmel Thomas Jefferson
Tulane University
Eastern Virginia
Virginia Commenwealth Univ
Virginia Tech x1
Wake Forest x3
Uniformed service
Univ Louisville KY
Western Michigan Homer Stryker
University of Illinois
Univ Arizona-tucson

The schools below are on the "Maybe" list:
UC Riverside
Georgetown
George Washinton U
Ohio State
SUNY Downstate NY
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Drexel
Temple univ PA
Tufts University
Univ Colorado
Univ AZ-Ph
Univ of Toledo OH

Also any suggestions for DO schools?

 

[GrapesofRath]

Good list!

If we are looking for cuts start with: Nebraska, Louisville, Toledo, Illinois, UC Riverside(If you are not from the inland empire), Ohio State, GW/G-town(if your trying to cut these two and their 14K apps got to go), SUNYs(maybe)

You want at least a dozen schools with a realistic chance of interview OOS. You definitely have that in
Albany, Creighton, Loyola, Miami, Medical College Wisconsin, Oakland, Quinnipac, Rosalind, Rush, Thomas Jefferson, Temple, Tulane, Eastern Virginia, Saint Louis, Wake Forest, VCU, and Western Michigan. Hell I counted 17 there. Pick your favorite 12-14 and give it a go.

The UC's make it 16. USC, Boston U, Rochester, Case, and Emory make it 21. You could throw in the Arizona schools as well to make it 23. For your final couple you can throw in some reaches. For these research heavy schools your PI's rec letter will carry definite weight.

Here are the types of reaches I would consider:
Mayo, NYU, Mt Sinai, UCSF, Northwestern, Michigan, Duke, Cornell. Others not listed could work as well. As a note Michigan, Cornell and UCSF might perhaps be pushing it just a little.

 

[Banco]

Grapesofrath hit the nail right on the head with his suggestions.

Remove the ones he said. And def add the reaches, cuz you never know. Pitt and Vandy are other schools you should consider.

 

[ca-sunshine]

GrapesofRath, just want to get clarify: do you think Creighton Nebraska should be on the list or be removed?
Thanks!

 

[GrapesofRath]

Creighton is fine get rid of Nebraska.

 

[Old&InTheWay]

GrapesofRath, just want to get clarify: do you think Creighton Nebraska should be on the list or be removed?
Thanks!

Creighton should definitely stay, especially considering your desire to work with the underserved. All of the Jesuit schools (Creighton, SLU, Loyola, Georgetown) have great community-service oriented missions. Georgetown gets so many applications though, it might not be worth it.

 

[ca-sunshine]

Thanks for your feedback!
So many people recommend Saint Louis University and I like it, too. But the Median cGPA and sGPA are 3.9 which seems too high for me, especially the 10th percentile for sGPA is 3.5. Do you think I have a chance there?

What about Loma Linda? I don't mind its religion and happy to be there.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Thanks for your feedback!
So many people recommend Saint Louis University and I like it, too. But the Median cGPA and sGPA are 3.9 which seems too high for me, especially the 10th percentile for sGPA is 3.5. Do you think I have a chance there?

What about Loma Linda? I don't mind its religion and happy to join there.

Check the 10th-90th percentile. If you are above the 10th percentile you can be within range. Your MCAT will generate attention.

http://www.slu.edu/medicine/admissions/how-to-apply

Btw I don't know about median but the average is 3.84/3.81. Yes, it is high. I would still give it a go though as the 10th percentile stat is the important one.

 

[gyngyn]

Thanks for your feedback!
So many people recommend Saint Louis University and I like it, too. But the Median cGPA and sGPA are 3.9 which seems too high for me, especially the 10th percentile for sGPA is 3.5. Do you think I have a chance there?

What about Loma Linda? I don't mind its religion and happy to join there.

Loma Linda is a mission-based school. If your mission is to serve Christ, it is an excellent choice.
"Not minding religion" is not what they are looking for (no matter how good the stats!).

I like @GrapesofRath's suggestions.
You will be fine. 25 schools should be plenty.

 

[ca-sunshine]

Thanks Gyngyn. I'll Keep Loma Linda on the list.

 

[ca-sunshine]

Thanks GrapesoRath for your encouragemenr. I will add SLU as "reach" 🙂

 

[Goro]

My suggestions:

UCLA
UCSD
UC Davis
UC Irvine
USC keck
Boston U
Case Western
Univ of Cincinnati
Creighton Nebraska
Emory
Hofstra
Loyola Univ Stritch
univ of Miami miller
Quinnipiac Frank Netter
univ of Rochester NY
Rush medical college
Sidney Kimmel Thomas Jefferson
Tulane University
Univ Arizona-tucson
Gtown
Einstein
UC Riverside (only if you're from the Inland Empire)
Ohio State
SUNY Downstate NY OR SB
Temple univ PA
Univ AZ-Ph
SLU

If staying in CA is important, consider Western or Touro-CA. I don't think that you'll have any problem getting into an MD school.

 

[ca-sunshine]

Stay in CA will be the best outcome but not the most important factor.
Will remove UC Riverside from the list.
No DO shadowing yet but will do it soon. Will apply to Western or Touro-CA.
A few questions below:

1. Albany vs. Einstein, which one is closer to get an interview (Einstein has higher average GPA)?
2. SLU, 35% admitted were undergraduate from SLU. Isn't it a concern for OOS?
3. Am I going to be drowned in the Georgetown ~13K applicants' pool?

Thank You!

 

[ca-sunshine]

Creighton should definitely stay, especially considering your desire to work with the underserved. All of the Jesuit schools (Creighton, SLU, Loyola, Georgetown) have great community-service oriented missions. Georgetown gets so many applications though, it might not be worth it.

Thanks for your very helpful suggestion about the missions of these schools.

 

[unnumzaan]

Stay in CA will be the best outcome but not the most important factor.
Will remove UC Riverside from the list.
No DO shadowing yet but will do it soon. Will apply to Western or Touro-CA.
A few questions below:

1. Albany vs. Einstein, which one is closer to get an interview (Einstein has higher average GPA)?
2. SLU, 35% admitted were undergraduate from SLU. Isn't it a concern for OOS?
3. Am I going to be drowned in the Georgetown ~13K applicants' pool?

Thank You!

0. I don't think you need to apply DO unless you want to.
1. Einstein is a better fit.
2. Lots of Californians interview at SLU, don't worry about the OOS bias.
3. Probably. Apply to Georgetown completely depends on your interest level in going there. It's also the most expensive school in the country.

 

[Banco]

Stay in CA will be the best outcome but not the most important factor.
Will remove UC Riverside from the list.
No DO shadowing yet but will do it soon. Will apply to Western or Touro-CA.
A few questions below:

1. Albany vs. Einstein, which one is closer to get an interview (Einstein has higher average GPA)?
2. SLU, 35% admitted were undergraduate from SLU. Isn't it a concern for OOS?
3. Am I going to be drowned in the Georgetown ~13K applicants' pool?

Thank You!

1.) Einstein is better suited for your application. GPA may be higher than yours, but your MCAT is 4 pts above their median.
2.) No
3.) Maybe, unless you specify why you want Georgetown.

 

[ca-sunshine]

great to hear your opinions on these specific issues. You are life savers

 

[unnumzaan]

Shameless plug: Apply to Pitt! You have enough research on your app to fit their mold.

 

[ca-sunshine]

Looking at avg c/sGPA, I'm closer to Albany median (3.7/3.6) than Einstein (3.8/3.8). Any feedback on why Einstein is a better fit? @unnumzaan @Banco

 

[Banco]

Looking at avg c/sGPA, I'm closer to Albany median (3.7/3.6) than Einstein (3.8/3.8). Any feedback on why Einstein is a better fit? @unnumzaan @Banco

More research focus from Einstein, plus I have a feeling Albany will think with your stats you are using them as a fallback; overall Einstein is a better school, receives a similar amount of apps compared to Albany, but also interviews significantly more people (check this on MSAR). You also have to look at range for GPA as well, and realize that your MCAT is above the medians for both schools.

 

[unnumzaan]

I think you are underestimating your competitiveness. Plenty of people with your stats distribution (mediocre GPA, high MCAT) get into top schools each year. For you, Einstein is a target, Albany is a fallback.

 

[Banco]

Yeah agree with @unnumzaan, I think you can afford to add some more reaches honestly (like grapesofrath said) - don't sell yourself short now!

 

[ca-sunshine]

Please let me know your thoughts on the trimmed list .
I'm confused now with "Reach"vs." Target" and "fallback/safe" schools.
Maybe still too safe?
Wanted to get to 25 schools and still 1 over.
Just want to get into a medical school.
Also, religously devoted. Really want to serve in parmary care or as a pediatrician

1. UCLA
2. UCSD
3. UCDavis
4. UC Irvine
5. Loma Linda
6. USC-keck
7. Boston U
8. Case Western
9. Emory
10. Quinnipiac
11. Rochester
12. Miami Miller
13. Tulane
14. Jefferson
15. SLU
16. Creighton
17. Loyola
18. Ohio State (? feedback)
19. Rush
20. Hofstra
21. Wake Forest
22. Einstein...maybe
23. Albany or NYMC
24. Tufts or Penn State

Reach:
25.University of Pitt ... maybe @unnumzaan, Is it too high to "reach"?
26. Duke ?

Any schools to be removed, swiped, or added? The reason for it?
Thanks!

 

[Goro]

I suggest:

1. UCLA
2. UCSD
3. UCDavis
4. UC Irvine
5. Loma Linda
6. USC-keck
7. Boston U
8. Case Western
9. Emory
10. Quinnipiac
11. Rochester
12. Miami Miller
13. Tulane
14. Jefferson
15. SLU
16. Creighton
17. Loyola
18. Pitt
19. Rush
20. Hofstra
21. Wake Forest
22. Einstein
23. Albany or NYMC
24. Tufts
25. Duke or Northwestern or Pitt, maybe. the GPA is < avg. but the MCAT is nothing to sneeze at!
26. U VM
27. U AZ

I'd rule out DO schools unless you really, really, really want to stay in CA, in which case, Western and/or Touro-CA should be considered.

 

[ca-sunshine]

@Goro

1. I noticed that you removed the original #18 Ohio State and replaced it with Pitt.
2. You also have Pitt listed in the new #25. I will be brave this time and apply to Pitt.
3. Will add U Arizona at Tuscon

Therefore, total 27 on the list.
I'll take your advice and not apply to DO anymore.
Thank YOU🙂

 

[unnumzaan]

Well, I interviewed at OSU and Pitt and think you can too. We have similar stats and your ECs are probably stronger. Goro's list is a great base, you can safely add as many reaches as you can afford money-wise and time-wise onto that.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Goro's list is by far the best input you'll get use that as your guide and just apply away.

 

[ca-sunshine]

Will be happy to get into any school on the list. Thanks for your help. will keep you updated during the cycle 🙂

 

[Banco]

Yup add Duke and Pitt to your most recent list and you're good to go.

 

[ca-sunshine]

I suggest:

1. UCLA
2. UCSD
3. UCDavis
4. UC Irvine
5. Loma Linda
6. USC-keck
7. Boston U
8. Case Western
9. Emory
10. Quinnipiac
11. Rochester
12. Miami Miller
13. Tulane
14. Jefferson
15. SLU
16. Creighton
17. Loyola
18. Pitt
19. Rush
20. Hofstra
21. Wake Forest
22. Einstein
23. Albany or NYMC
24. Tufts
25. Duke or Northwestern or Pitt, maybe. the GPA is < avg. but the MCAT is nothing to sneeze at!
26. U VM
27. U AZ

I'd rule out DO schools unless you really, really, really want to stay in CA, in which case, Western and/or Touro-CA should be considered.

What school is U VM on #26?

 

[Goro]

U Vermont. Normally, I would have written the proper state abbreviation (VT), but have been corrected by multiple people that the University prefers U VM!

What school is U VM on #26?

 

[ca-sunshine]

U Vermont. Normally, I would have written the proper state abbreviation (VT), but have been corrected by multiple people that the University prefers U VM!

Thank You 🙂

 

[Lawpy]

Goal is to be a family practitioner, or physician in internal medicine, or pediatrician to work with underserved

I realize it's been consistently addressed already, but just wanted to add another vote of confidence. With your strong application and good school list provided/refined by Goro and GrapesofRath and few others, you will have substantial success in this application cycle and will be swimming in with interviews and acceptances. It's also important to avoid underselling yourself and do well in interviews. Good luck!

 

[ca-sunshine]

I realize it's been consistently addressed already, but just wanted to add another vote of confidence. With your strong application and good school list provided/refined by Goro and GrapesofRath and few others, you will have substantial success in this application cycle and will be swimming in with interviews and acceptances. It's also important to avoid underselling yourself and do well in interviews. Good luck!

Really appreciate the encouragement and guidance from you and all others on SDN. I never know the existence of "WedgeDawg's Applicant Rating System". Thanks 🙂

 

[ayjaystudent]

If we are looking for cuts start with: Nebraska, Louisville, Toledo, Illinois, UC Riverside(If you are not from the inland empire), Ohio State, GW/G-town(if your trying to cut these two and their 14K apps got to go), SUNYs(maybe)

As someone that is familiar with the UC system, why was UC Riverside cut unless from the inland empire?