Please help with school list (URM, 24 MCAT)

[vrog33]

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I am a URM (black woman) and Colorado resident and I am seeking school selection advice. I am at 24 schools, 11 M.D. and 13 D.O. I will definitely be applying to the 2 schools in Colorado, the 3 schools in Arizona (I used to live there for 7 years), USUHS and the 3 historical Black schools. I figured I should apply to schools in my region and Florida is a top choice because I have family out there. Are there any other schools you think I should add or take off? And why? Here is some more information below.

MCAT: 24 (8,8,8)

GPA: Science and Cum 3.4-3.6

Research: Chemistry research for 1 year that I took for 1 credit each semester and presented a poster at an undergrad research forum. And two sociology research projects.

Military: I have been in the military for over 5 years and I have a job in the medical field that has provided me over 5,000 hours patient contact. I am also a supervisor in my department.

Other EC’s:

-2 years of big brothers big sisters

-Habitat for Humanity

-Volunteer CNA at a clinic that serves those in poverty and all medical staff are volunteers

-Citywide designated driver program

-Pre-health society and sociology honor society

-Week long alternative spring break program and volunteered with a variety of organizations

-Other short term volunteering, such as a military diversity day, volunteering for a program geared towards interesting young girls in STEM fields, ROTC drill meet judge


MD Schools:

Howard
Meharry
Morehouse
Florida State University
University of Central Florida
University of South Florida
USUHS – Military med school
University of Arizona-Phx
Creighton University School of Medicine
Cooper
CU Denver

DO Schools:

Lake Erie college of osteopathic medicine
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
AZCOM
A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine–California
Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Touro University of Nevada COM
Rocky Vista
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus


I also posted this in the DO forum since I have a good amount of MD and DO schools on the list so I hope this is allowed. Thank you for your help!

 

[Vain Brother]

take out cooper but otherwise looks good

 

[Salt Salt]

You seem to have a great application except for the MCAT. Have you considered simply retaking it?

 

[C@lidoc]

I would retake the MCAT so you can apply to more MD schools. You If you can get to 27-29 you will have great chances at many more schools

 

[itsogre]

I think you'll do great with your list of schools. Maybe add PCOM and Rowan-Osteo if you're applying to Cooper and don't mind slumming it on the east coast.

You should keep Cooper of Rowan Uni., as they are likely to interview you based on your history of service (your MCAT isn't too hot for MD admissions though).

If you raise your MCAT to 28-29 and above range you would do even better.

 

[deleted577188]

Wait a year, retake your MCAT aiming for the equivalent of a 30+, continue your EC's and apply wherever you'd like.

If you absolutely want to apply this cycle, I guess your list looks okay. You should get in somewhere...maybe.

 

[gyngyn]

I think you'll get interviews with your list.

 

[eye love lamp]

I think you'll do great with your list of schools. Maybe add PCOM and Rowan-Osteo if you're applying to Cooper and don't mind slumming it on the east coast.

You should keep Cooper of Rowan Uni., as they are likely to interview you based on your history of service (your MCAT isn't too hot for MD admissions though).

If you raise your MCAT to 28-29 and above range you would do even better.

lol wtf

 

[deleted577188]

lol wtf

omg hahahaaa

 

[GrapesofRath]

Solid list consider some other MDs such as Temple, Drexel, Jefferson, Medical College of Wisconsin, VCU, Eastern Virginia, Loyola, Rush, Western Michigan, Oakland and Quinnipac. Apply early and broadly you'll be fine.

 

[itsogre]

@eye love lamp
I meant it as a tongue in cheek comment since OP is from best coast, west coast.

I think OP will get interviews, and probably a mix of waitlists and acceptances. The MCAT is balanced, and with her great EC, she fits the mission of a few schools on her list.

 

[deleted642188]

I would add Charles Drew University since your doing HBCUs

Edit: their class size is only 25 folks, but I still think its worth it

 

[vrog33]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'm going to research some of the suggested schools. I already eliminated Touro Nevada because a MCAT of at least 25 is needed. And i don't think I'm going to consider retaking the MCAT at this time.

 

[resiroth]

If you retake the MCAT and do well you could be showered with merit money...something to consider.

 

[Goro]

Add UCLA/Drew
Both U AZ schools
IU
U WV
U IA

And many thanks for your service to our country.

Strongly suggest an MCAT retake. Your score is a risk factor for failing med school or Boards.

I am a URM (black woman) and Colorado resident and I am seeking school selection advice. I am at 24 schools, 11 M.D. and 13 D.O. I will definitely be applying to the 2 schools in Colorado, the 3 schools in Arizona (I used to live there for 7 years), USUHS and the 3 historical Black schools. I figured I should apply to schools in my region and Florida is a top choice because I have family out there. Are there any other schools you think I should add or take off? And why? Here is some more information below.

MCAT: 24 (8,8,8)

GPA: Science and Cum 3.4-3.6

Research: Chemistry research for 1 year that I took for 1 credit each semester and presented a poster at an undergrad research forum. And two sociology research projects.

Military: I have been in the military for over 5 years and I have a job in the medical field that has provided me over 5,000 hours patient contact. I am also a supervisor in my department.

Other EC’s:

-2 years of big brothers big sisters

-Habitat for Humanity

-Volunteer CNA at a clinic that serves those in poverty and all medical staff are volunteers

-Citywide designated driver program

-Pre-health society and sociology honor society

-Week long alternative spring break program and volunteered with a variety of organizations

-Other short term volunteering, such as a military diversity day, volunteering for a program geared towards interesting young girls in STEM fields, ROTC drill meet judge


MD Schools:

Howard
Meharry
Morehouse
Florida State University
University of Central Florida
University of South Florida
USUHS – Military med school
University of Arizona-Phx
Creighton University School of Medicine
Cooper
CU Denver

DO Schools:

Lake Erie college of osteopathic medicine
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
AZCOM
A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine–California
Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Touro University of Nevada COM
Rocky Vista
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus


I also posted this in the DO forum since I have a good amount of MD and DO schools on the list so I hope this is allowed. Thank you for your help!

 

[jbryant9]

Your app looks fine, and based off of the advice of some adcoms I've spoken to, your MCAT is fine. At this stage I wouldn't worry about taking it again, and I'm all for re-taking the MCAT for a higher score, but in this case, I think you should go ahead and apply and you should get into school somewhere, both MD and DO included.

 

[miszfifi820]

Solid list consider some other MDs such as Temple, Drexel, Jefferson, Medical College of Wisconsin, VCU, Eastern Virginia, Loyola, Rush, Western Michigan, Oakland and Quinnipac. Apply early and broadly you'll be fine.

I would add Charles Drew University since your doing HBCUs

Edit: their class size is only 25 folks, but I still think its worth it

I agree strongly with adding those schools to your list. I think if you apply broadly and early enough you will get a handful of interviews and probably a couple acceptances.
Also, i think your dedication to service will be a big bonus for the service based schools.

Also add Indiana U. to your list and some schools in the midwest.

I know not every application is the same, but ive seen a handful of people with your stats get in this past cycle. I had a 25 and got a full ride to an MD school

 

[deleted642188]

I agree strongly with adding those schools to your list. I think if you apply broadly and early enough you will get a handful of interviews and probably a couple acceptances.
Also, i think your dedication to service will be a big bonus for the service based schools.

Also add Indiana U. to your list and some schools in the midwest.

I know not every application is the same, but ive seen a handful of people with your stats get in this past cycle. I had a 25 and got a full ride to an MD school

Indiana U only accepts MCAT 2015

 

[miszfifi820]

Indiana U only accepts MCAT 2015

According to the aamc site, they haven't declared their policy yet

 

[deleted642188]

According to the aamc site, they haven't declared their policy yet

Hmm... interesting, I remember when I took my MCAT last summer, SDN had a fit about Indiana only accepting MCAT 2015, but it's nice to know they're at least reconsidering

 

[deleted642188]

I would second what goro said about retaking if OP wants a military scholarship. I stumbled upon a navy recruiter's blog about how a 25 is the bare minimum to have a fighting chance and that 30+ is golden for HPSP.... regardless of OP's decision, luck to her.

https://navymedicinebaltimore.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/how-to-apply-for-the-navy-hpsp-scholarship/

• Cumulative GPA for all courses taken after high school of 3.5 or better.
• MCAT Score of 25 is the bottom of the competitive range. Scoring a 30 or better is a great way to stand out. The Navy uses the MCAT scores as tool to predict how likely you will be to pass your board exams, so any score lower than an 8 may be concerning, and anything lower than a 6 is red flag. Remember, it’s not just about getting into medical school, or even just about graduating. The Navy is hiring a future physician and those that dole out the money want to make sure you’re a safe bet to pass your boards on the first try.
• Leadership and extracurricular activities help set you apart.