School List for a TX Resident

[hookem5]

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Hi All,

I'll get right to it!

GPA: 3.9 something
MCAT: 36
ECs: ~350 shadowing hrs, mostly in critical care settings, ~200 volunteering (50/50 clinical/non-medical), just began a research position that will run through August- fingers crossed for a publication. NCAA athlete (though not for 4 years due to injury).

Whereas I didn't think I would want to leave Texas, after receiving my scores and talking to some of the docs I've formed relationships with, I'm excited that I may have a shot at some top OOS programs.

A really key consideration is that I'm unlikely to be eligible for any need-based aid, but I would "need" a merit-based scholarship to consider going OOS. Are there any other elite schools that I should consider where I'd have a shot at a scholarship (never a big chance, I know). Thank you all so much.

The List:

OOS

UCSF
UCLA
UChicago
UPenn
Vanderbilt

IS

Baylor
UTSW
UT Houston
UTMB
UTHSCSA
Texas A&M
UT Austin
TTU (Lubbock and EP)

 

[gyngyn]

I agree with your OOS strategy.But you should apply to all TX schools.
Let us know how it goes!

 

[hookem5]

I agree with your OOS strategy.But you should apply to all TX schools.
Let us know how it goes!

Somehow I managed to leave Tech off my list- fixed

Thank you! 🙂

 

[gyngyn]

Somehow I managed to leave Tech off my list- fixed

Thank you! 🙂

UCLA has a lot more recruitment $ than UCSF if it comes down to a choice between the two aps.

 

[hookem5]

UCLA has a lot more recruitment $ than UCSF if it comes down to a choice between the two aps.

Certainly. It seems the Geffen Scholarship program is almost unmatched in size and number. I do love SF though. I'll give them both my best shot!

 

[hookem5]

Another concern that arises with this situation is that, at least from what I understand with most of the UT System, you don't really get to weigh scholarships in your decision. It seems nearly all merit awards are given out long after match day.

Can anyone speak to this? Is this typical for a lot of programs?

I've read that the Geffen award usually arrives with the extension of acceptance (so there's at least one), I'm curious about the scholarships from other top schools.

 

[gyngyn]

I've read that the Geffen award usually arrives with the extension of acceptance (so there's at least one), I'm curious about the scholarships from other top schools.

The decision to use recruitment funds is quite variable (sometimes even at Geffen!).

 

[hookem5]

The decision to use recruitment funds is quite variable (sometimes even at Geffen!).

That's very interesting. I wonder what would be the best course of action in that type of situation.

Hypothetically, if one were to have been offered a significant scholarship to one institution, would it be disrespectful to make this known to other schools who've extended an acceptance, if they haven't released scholarship information yet? I suppose the difficulty in using funds for recruitment is the danger in underestimating the matriculation rate of the scholarship offerees.

 

[gyngyn]

That's very interesting. I wonder what would be the best course of action in that type of situation.

Hypothetically, if one were to have been offered a significant scholarship to one institution, would it be disrespectful to make this known to other schools who've extended an acceptance, if they haven't released scholarship information yet? I suppose the difficulty in using funds for recruitment is the danger in underestimating the matriculation rate of the scholarship offerees.

No need to worry about this now.

 

[hookem5]

No need to worry about this now.

Haha, no promises. Thanks Professor.

 

[EParker37]

Also, make sure to apply to TCOM as well. Its been said elsewhere on here, but I will re-hash, all of the adcoms in TX know each other, and not applying to TCOM, as it costs nothing extra, Just because it is a DO, can hurt you. Some may view it as elitism. But, as far as I know, its anecdotal, but it couldn't hurt.

 

[hookem5]

Also, make sure to apply to TCOM as well. Its been said elsewhere on here, but I will re-hash, all of the adcoms in TX know each other, and not applying to TCOM, as it costs nothing extra, Just because it is a DO, can hurt you. Some may view it as elitism. But, as far as I know, its anecdotal, but it couldn't hurt.

That's a really interesting point. Thanks very much for pointing this out.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Also, make sure to apply to TCOM as well. Its been said elsewhere on here, but I will re-hash, all of the adcoms in TX know each other, and not applying to TCOM, as it costs nothing extra, Just because it is a DO, can hurt you. Some may view it as elitism. But, as far as I know, its anecdotal, but it couldn't hurt.

Let's settle down here

 

[Banco]

Vandy and UChicago seem to give a good amount of merit aid, so those are good choices. Really if you apply to all the Texas schools then add whatever reaches you want and have the money for.

 

[EParker37]

Let's settle down here

? I was merely passing on advice I was given before I applied this year. I wasn't saying OP was elitist.

 

[mandym00]

Texas resident here too. I'm applying to all the same in-state schools except for the Texas Tech branches (too far away for my liking and wouldn't want to live in either place) and also applying to TCOM as well. If I get into one I'll be happy haha

 

[hookem5]

Texas resident here too. I'm applying to all the same in-state schools except for the Texas Tech branches (too far away for my liking and wouldn't want to live in either place) and also applying to TCOM as well. If I get into one I'll be happy haha

Good luck!!!! Are you looking at any OOS programs?

 

[mandym00]

Good luck!!!! Are you looking at any OOS programs?

You too! I wasn't going to simply because of how much more expense other schools are but after looking on this site I think I probably should just incase I don't get into any schools in Texas.

 

[hookem5]

You too! I wasn't going to simply because of how much more expense other schools are but after looking on this site I think I probably should just incase I don't get into any schools in Texas.

I was in a similar place. I think I'd only venture away from home if I just fell in love with a city and a school.

Be careful in your selections, especially if you're leaving the TTUs off of your list. Someone correct me if this has changed, but it's my understanding that anyone who has previously been offered admission at any school has almost no chance if they choose to reapply; That is, if you apply OOS and get an acceptance, and decide you'd rather try again next year for TX schools, they won't take kindly.

 

[fresnomike]

Let's settle down here

@GrapesofRath not sure why you're telling @EParker37 to settle down when multiple people have had this (not applying to a particular TX school) affect them negatively since it's the EXACT same price to apply to 1 school or all of them, so they are essentially saying they'd rather not attend medical school that year than attend that particular school. Of course this should be a personal decision, but why take the chance to have it (possibly) limit one's chances, unless you are 100% sure you would rather re-apply than attend that school? If you are certain you don't want to attend a particular school (such as the aforementioned Tech's or TCOM), just applying to them through TMDSAS, but don't complete a secondary. That way it still shows that you applied to all the TX schools and you didn't need to spend any extra money.

 

[GrapesofRath]

@GrapesofRath not sure why you're telling @EParker37 to settle down when multiple people have had this (not applying to a particular TX school) affect them negatively since it's the EXACT same price to apply to 1 school or all of them, so they are essentially saying they'd rather not attend medical school that year than attend that particular school. Of course this should be a personal decision, but why take the chance to have it (possibly) limit one's chances, unless you are 100% sure you would rather re-apply than attend that school? If you are certain you don't want to attend a particular school (such as the aforementioned Tech's or TCOM), just applying to them through TMDSAS, but don't complete a secondary. That way it still shows that you applied to all the TX schools and you didn't need to spend any extra money.

Apply to TCOM if you want. But this idea that someone with a 3.9/36 is going to create a bad impression and look "elitist" not applying to a DO school(which is what I responded to) is just baseless speculation based on nothing of merit. In fact really it's just spreading false info based off some hearsay which can be harmful.

You don't need to "act" like you are interested in osteopathic medicine to MD schools if you are not; particularly if you have stats like the OP's. There are numerous people who don't apply to all the Texas schools with stats like the OP. This idea of them looking "elitist" and it hurting them in admission isn't based off anything worthwhile. Apply where you are interested in and broadly(for the OP with their stats that includes some highly ranked OOS schools); that's far different than applying to every single school in Texas for the sake of not looking "elitist"

 

[mandym00]

Guess I'll be applying for TTUs now too even though I know I have no interest in going.

 

[clairephillips]

Guess I'll be applying for TTUs now too even though I know I have no interest in going.

You might be surprised by the Tech schools. Foster blew me AWAY and I almost went there. Keep an open mind, because you might be surprised. Ultimately, my prediction is that you will end up at UTSW or Baylor, but having options is always good.