Dear Cobalt6,
Hi Lisa. I couldn't help but to reply to your post as I sit here procrastinating. Here is what I think: Judging from the attitude of your posts I think you have a great chance at getting into a medical school (probably even more than one!) Be confident--apply to Hopkins as well!
The *wonderful* application process can sometimes make people think that one must have a 3.99 GPA or above to have a chance in hell to become accepted. This is not the case!!!! For the most part, (as long as your grades are decent, which yours definately are)it is you, as a person who they want to see and know and accept. Your work experience makes you unique and gives you a much more valuable experience than getting a better score in chemistry can ever do.
You remind me a bit of myself when I first started the application process. I worked 40+ hrs/wk and didn't have the time to get the "great" grades. (Then I spent my remaining time hanging out with my close friends.) Even with my less-than-stellar GPA, I interviewed at a good number of schools and had some interesting stories to tell about those 40+ hrs I spent in the real world. As it ended up, the very school I wanted to go to (which some consider a "top" school, I thought I didn't stand a chance with my kinda stinky scores) asked for an interview. During the interview I was asked about my grades, I think it was something like, "Explain your grades." Since I had nothing to lose, I said, "So what? I could have done better, but I would rather spend my free time with my friends." Then the interviewer said, "Cool. It sure is refreshing to hear that!" Anyway, as I blabble on, I go to that school now and am very happy. It is kinda like a big vacation in that I no longer work and I just get to spend time learning.
Lisa, and all other cool individuals: Keep up the good work and be yourself! Apply to a good range of schools (ie, "top ten," "middle teir," and others as well). You will get accepted.
Best wishes,
Jova
