School Selection List - Help

[aspiringdoc09]

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3.5 cgpa; 3.3 bcpm; Chemistry/Biochem (2009) and Biology/Micro (2011; DIY postbac) degrees;Took 8/4 MCAT and don't feel good about it. Average MCAT 25. Mississippi Resident; Leadership at job and from college organizations (AED President); average clinical/shadowing; ~3 yrs part-time research in school; well-rounded over all; above average community service (current) and current shadowing/clinical. Completed DIY postbac taking upper-level bio and got math minor - 4.0 sgpa and 3.84 cgpa. Upward trend. Good PS and LOR (including supervisor). URM and disadvantage background. 1st college degree in immediate family.

Applying both MD and DO. Submitted AMCAS already. And will submit TMDSAS to apply to a few due to cheapness. A couple people where I posted yesterday said it is getting too late to apply to OOS. I still will take a chance. I don't care about the money if I will have a secured spot next year.

Current Schools:

DO Schools-
WCUCOM
NMDNJ
CCOM
OSUCOM
TCOM
Targeting East Coast schools mainly

MD Schools -
Univ. Miss Medical
Howard
Meharry
UCLA/Drew
Tulane (advised by Supervisor to apply)
UMich (advised by Supervisor to apply)
Reaches (JHU, Case, Baylor, Emory/Vandy) I definitely will apply to JHU, Case, Baylor
George Washington
RFU
UIC
Wright
Wayne
Drexel
Temple
Ohio State Univ
Texas/Florida??
North Carolina/Virginia/NY ties

What other schools should I apply to or remove due to OOS preference and stuff? Thanks for your help.

Also, I have FAP, so I need 14 minimum.

 

[neural432]

As someone who is reapplying this year (no shame though!) , I can't really comment too much on schools to apply to. I would say that OSU is a great choice (applied last year, got invited to do MedPATH instead of accept w/ 3.7 and 24 MCAT. So take what you will from that. A friend of mine got into state school with Liberal Arts degree and about the same GPA as you (much lower mcat than your average). One thing I learned was that Meharry and Howard are definitely not shoo-ins either for minority students. In fact, I've come to learn that nothing is ever guaranteed in admissions. Just friendly advice 😀

What about Albany? With your research exp, I would put Gtown on there too. Look into schools that like research from their applicants. Those places will be your best bet!

 

[aspiringdoc09]

As someone who is reapplying this year (no shame though!) , I can't really comment too much on schools to apply to. I would say that OSU is a great choice (applied last year, got invited to do MedPATH instead of accept w/ 3.7 and 24 MCAT. So take what you will from that. A friend of mine got into state school with Liberal Arts degree and about the same GPA as you (much lower mcat than your average). One thing I learned was that Meharry and Howard are definitely not shoo-ins either for minority students. In fact, I've come to learn that nothing is ever guaranteed in admissions. Just friendly advice 😀

What about Albany? With your research exp, I would put Gtown on there too. Look into schools that like research from their applicants. Those places will be your best bet!

Thanks Neural for the reply. I realize that the HBCUs are not shoo-ins, but I also realize that they try to take more into consideration than stats. Yeah, I forgot to add Albany on here but it is on my list and I'm looking at NYMC. Gtown never appealed to me, but I will look more into it. I am looking at a lot of research heavy schools too. I submitted a TMDSAS application to UTSA, UTH, UTMB, and TAMU also (it was cheap, so why not). I researched Pitt Med and I am very interested in their 5 yr MD/physician investigator program as well as CCLCM. I wonder what other schools have programs similar to CCLCM and Pitt Med?? I fell in love with Case at an ABRCMS meeting in 2007. I am thinking about adding the UCLA/PRIME program because it has a 5 yr MD/research focus.

 

[neural432]

Have you used your MSAR? I've found that to be a great resource throughout all of this. And the HBCU thing is just from my perspective haha. I don't know what your chances will be like in terms of applying to the physician investigator program at PittMed outright. However, you can apply to the program once you are in the school itself after a year. Their requirements are pretty stiff (esp. MCAT-wise!). I want to do a similar program but I know that my MCAT score isn't even close to what they're looking at. But it's up to you if you want to apply. Just don't forget that if you are applying to that program, you delay your application getting to the strictly MD committee! Are you from Cali? If not, getting into any UC school is also pretty difficult for anyone! UofM and UMiami are really great research schools (awesome campus in Miami). And if you don't mind coming to SC, there is a new medical school in Greenville through the USC system that is integrating research into their curriculum. They're still pretty new and the only school that requires a research project to be completed by their students at the end in SC. They're situated between a host of research-heavy colleges. Honestly, I would look at schools that have a good reputation for research on their own in order to find medical schools linked to those colleges to see where you end up! Most major research med schools are like that. Keep me posted on how the process goes for you! I'm hoping this forum gets revitalized soon!

 

[aspiringdoc09]

Have you used your MSAR? I've found that to be a great resource throughout all of this. And the HBCU thing is just from my perspective haha. I don't know what your chances will be like in terms of applying to the physician investigator program at PittMed outright. However, you can apply to the program once you are in the school itself after a year. Their requirements are pretty stiff (esp. MCAT-wise!). I want to do a similar program but I know that my MCAT score isn't even close to what they're looking at. But it's up to you if you want to apply. Just don't forget that if you are applying to that program, you delay your application getting to the strictly MD committee! Are you from Cali? If not, getting into any UC school is also pretty difficult for anyone! UofM and UMiami are really great research schools (awesome campus in Miami). And if you don't mind coming to SC, there is a new medical school in Greenville through the USC system that is integrating research into their curriculum. They're still pretty new and the only school that requires a research project to be completed by their students at the end in SC. They're situated between a host of research-heavy colleges. Honestly, I would look at schools that have a good reputation for research on their own in order to find medical schools linked to those colleges to see where you end up! Most major research med schools are like that. Keep me posted on how the process goes for you! I'm hoping this forum gets revitalized soon!

If the Pitt Med physician investigator program is similar to Case/CCLCM program; hopefully, it will be a difference in a check mark to apply to both. Not a Cali resident. Does UofM stand for UMich? I am planning to apply to UMich and UMiami (wouldn't mind the Miami scenery). Don't want to be in a guinea pig class, so I am staying away from all new schools. Btw, I do have access to the online MSAR and have found that to be a great resource. Still need to remove schools from list. I am at about 40 schools and I need to get rid of a lot, so I am still doing research on them to see if I could actually see myself at those schools. I want to remove schools with high tuition, but those might be the schools I can get into, so I am looking at other factors. I removed Mich State for that reason alone. Thanks for your help and keep me posted as well.

 

[aspiringdoc09]

To update this thread: Terrible MCAT score of 22Q (6 PS/ 7 VR/ 9 BS). The bright side is: eliminating schools will be easier. And I can just use my FAP to finish riding out this cycle. I will take a princeton review course next year for a spring MCAT date. I was scoring 8 minimum for PS/BS and it completely dropped. I gained 2 points in VR to lose 2 points in PS. Not a good trade out all. F U MCAT!!

 

[MedPR]

Current Schools:

DO Schools-
WCUCOM
NMDNJ
CCOM
OSUCOM
TCOM
Targeting East Coast schools mainly

MD Schools -
Univ. Miss Medical
Howard
Meharry
UCLA/Drew
Tulane (advised by Supervisor to apply)
UMich (advised by Supervisor to apply)
Reaches (JHU, Case, Baylor, Emory/Vandy) I definitely will apply to JHU, Case, Baylor
George Washington
RFU
UIC
Wright
Wayne
Drexel
Temple
Ohio State Univ
Texas/Florida??
North Carolina/Virginia/NY ties

What other schools should I apply to or remove due to OOS preference and stuff? Thanks for your help.

Also, I have FAP, so I need 14 minimum.

I see that you got a 22 on your MCAT. With a ~25 average and your GPA (URM also taken into account) you have no business applying to UCLA, JHU, Baylor, Case Western, UNC, UMich, Emory, or Vandy.

 

[aspiringdoc09]

I see that you got a 22 on your MCAT. With a ~25 average and your GPA (URM also taken into account) you have no business applying to UCLA, JHU, Baylor, Case Western, UNC, UMich, Emory, or Vandy.

WOW! You're pretty harsh or at least it comes off that way over the net! I know that my average was 25 but I did make a few 29s too. They're called "Reaches" for a reason. Also, I was just throwing out schools that I was interested in applying to because of their clincal and research opportunities. After all, stats are just one component of the application process. I'm not so delusional to think they will take me with a low MCAT score anywhere even if I am a URM. I am not banking on being a URM to get me places. I am too intelligent for that. I know it requires hard work, for which I have put in myself and will continue to strive to do in order to achieve my goals.

Btw, I have read a lot of your comments on this forum and most often they are harsh! I'm not looking for rainbows and unicorns, but don't tear me down just because you did ok on the MCAT. Telling people the reality is fine, but your delivery can be better. I hope that it is this forum that make your delivery seem harsh. If not, I would hate to see how you deal with patients in the future. Good luck in your application cycle! I know you will do well.

 

[MedPR]

WOW! You're pretty harsh or at least it comes off that way over the net! I know that my average was 25 but I did make a few 29s too. They're called "Reaches" for a reason. Also, I was just throwing out schools that I was interested in applying to because of their clincal and research opportunities. After all, stats are just one component of the application process. I'm not so delusional to think they will take me with a low MCAT score anywhere even if I am a URM. I am not banking on being a URM to get me places. I am too intelligent for that. I know it requires hard work, for which I have put in myself and will continue to strive to do in order to achieve my goals.

Btw, I have read a lot of your comments on this forum and most often they are harsh! I'm not looking for rainbows and unicorns, but don't tear me down just because you did ok on the MCAT. Telling people the reality is fine, but your delivery can be better. I hope that it is this forum that make your delivery seem harsh. If not, I would hate to see how you deal with patients in the future. Good luck in your application cycle! I know you will do well.

Except being a URM will get you places. If you're so interested in research why didn't you list WashU or Duke? Those are two of the best and most reseasrch oriented institutions in the country.

Those schools that I listed are top schools. You (or anyone else) has no business applying to them with a below average MCAT score. My MCAT score has nothing to do with your situation or with my advice for your situation.

However, it's your money (actually my money since you are using FAP) so use it how you want.

 

[aspiringdoc09]

Except being a URM will get you places. If you're so interested in research why didn't you list WashU or Duke? Those are two of the best and most reseasrch oriented institutions in the country.

Those schools that I listed are top schools. You (or anyone else) has no business applying to them with a below average MCAT score. My MCAT score has nothing to do with your situation or with my advice for your situation.

However, it's your money (actually my money since you are using FAP) so use it how you want.

Wow Dude! Aren't you a URM too? Actually the FAP is my money too because I work and my dad works, so I am just getting back taxes for we paid. I just feel your delivery can be better. I did consider WashU and Duke before, but changed my mind. I am more attracted to the other schools. I don't mean to offend you, so I apologize for that, but you should change your delivery. I'm glad you got a 33 MCAT, I remember helping you out with a physics topic before that I understood well, so I'm happy for you. I just need to figure out what works best for me on this test. Thanks for your advice though. I do appreciate it.

 

[neural432]

aspiringdoc: sorry to hear about the MCAT score! this test isn't an easy thing to take. I wouldn't totally count you out---not by anything. As I mentioned before, my friend (URM) got accepted to the toughest school in our state with a <22 MCAT and <3.0 sciGPA (her major was a liberal arts!). So don't feel like this is the end of the world! Admissions is a pretty tricky process and if you get an interview, tell your life story! Please keep pushing forward and don't give up on your dreams! I'm sorry people feel the need to use this space to voice their negativity on your thread (some schools will be out of reach but you already knew this before you posted and reiterated in your previous post)! DO schools are not totally out of the question either. Work hard on your secondaries and nab an interview above anything else! Interviews mean they like you----seal the deal from there! 😀 Good luck!

 

[aspiringdoc09]

aspiringdoc: sorry to hear about the MCAT score! this test isn't an easy thing to take. I wouldn't totally count you out---not by anything. As I mentioned before, my friend (URM) got accepted to the toughest school in our state with a <22 MCAT and <3.0 sciGPA (her major was a liberal arts!). So don't feel like this is the end of the world! Admissions is a pretty tricky process and if you get an interview, tell your life story! Please keep pushing forward and don't give up on your dreams! I'm sorry people feel the need to use this space to voice their negativity on your thread (some schools will be out of reach but you already knew this before you posted and reiterated in your previous post)! DO schools are not totally out of the question either. Work hard on your secondaries and nab an interview above anything else! Interviews mean they like you----seal the deal from there! 😀 Good luck!

Thanks for your continued support. My EM resident friend told me to put everything I can into this cycle and to even apply carib schools so I can start next year (don't know about carib). I still plan to take a prep course next year for April MCAT just to cover my basis. I may add more than the 14 schools just to cast my net broadly. My application is pretty well-rounded other than the MCAT smudge. The MCAT doesn't say anything about my potential and what kind of doctor I can be. I just have to jump over the hurdle. I've been told by a Dean of a medical school that he "would love to train me" based on my work ethic alone, so that speaks tons compared to this test and grades.

Any interviews for you yet? Good luck!

 

[neural432]

With that attitude, you will go far! That is exactly what you tell them! Use what the dean told you to fuel the fire! I was just able to scrounge some pennies together for my secondaries today, so I am eagerly awaiting interviews right now! I'd love to see how this year turns out for you!!

 

[aspiringdoc09]

I guess I should! I didn't think about using it, but why not. I will have to add it to secondaries some way, especially the ones that ask for additional information to tell the adcoms. I have to add you as a friend on here.

I'm thankful that I was able to find a good job just for this application cycle. This process will definitely leave your bank account in the negative but it's worth it.

 

[HopeItWorksOut]

asdf

 

[aspiringdoc09]

Thanks for the encouragement. I was just shocked by the calculation heaviness of my take. I have an action plan though. Like I said, my average was 25 but I ranged from 22 (starting out) to 29. I am saving up to take a prep course and am prepared to reapply next year with an even stronger application. I'm a Plan B type of person. I am only applying because I had submitted everything early on and was waiting on the score. I won't make that mistake again.

Dear Aspiring Doc,

I am a student that had a very similar experience. I didn't apply when I received my MCAT score (24) I studied really hard and retook it and achieved a 30 the second try. My uGPA cumm and sci is 2.9 but my graduate GPA is a 3.8 (all science). Excellent ECs/research/LOR. I already have 4 interview offers this cycle and I submitted my secondary applications 2-3 weeks ago. Don't be discouraged see what happens this cycle since you already submitted and have FAP. If you're not accepted you can study really hard and ace the MCAT for the next cycle. A lot of schools like it when you assess your weaknesses, address them, and reapply. Use that time to obtain meaningful ECs and research as well as study for the MCAT. Also you're not out of the range in the DO sector. If you apply broadly enough you may still be ok. I haven't been accepted yet, but I have a lot of friends that don't fit the cookie cutter 3.7 GPA/33 MCAT that have. A 22 is a long shot but not impossible, especially when you put DO schools into the equation. Remember if everyone was chosen to attend medical school based on simply MCAT and GPA then they wouldn't even need a personal statement or secondary essays. Sure a great score will get you places, but numbers don't make great physicians so there are obviously other factors that come into play. You should play up those factors in your application.

 

[aspiringdoc09]

Bump

Update on this thread: First Interview Invite for UTMB-Galveston. Super Super Excited

 

[asli]

This is a little late, but congrats Aspiringdoc09!! If you take a look at what the AAMC publishes about race, MCAT scores/gpa, and chances of admission you will be pretty surprised. I wish you the best of luck and hope you get in!

 

[aspiringdoc09]

This is a little late, but congrats Aspiringdoc09!! If you take a look at what the AAMC publishes about race, MCAT scores/gpa, and chances of admission you will be pretty surprised. I wish you the best of luck and hope you get in!

Thanks! I wish you the same if you are currently applying! I would like to think schools care more about me than stats, LOL! Good luck with everything.

 

[neural432]

I am so proud of you!! I just had a feeling you would get an interview! Stun them at the interview and you should be fine! Praying for things to go your way!

 

[aspiringdoc09]

I am so proud of you!! I just had a feeling you would get an interview! Stun them at the interview and you should be fine! Praying for things to go your way!

Thanks! I am praying for a few more too. I will give that interveiw all I have. I had to reread my TMDSAS application to see what I said to convince them to invite me. UTMB didn't require a secondary, so I sold them in my primary alone. I can't wait to attend and check out the school.

In other news, I am a little burnt out from all the secondaries, but I am complete at a lot of schools. 2 rejections thus far but you win some, you lose some. I haven't even started tackling DO applications. I saw you had an interview invite. Have you attended yet? If so, how was it?

 

[neural432]

Yup! I have been really lazy about coming to visit this site tbh lol. I just went to it yesterday! It was so crazy how quick they offered me one after submitting my secondary (got the invite the day after submitting). I have one more IS with my alma mater next week. I'm about to put in an app for Meharry since I just received my first paycheck (yay!) so we'll see about them. My interview was pretty amazing. The staff were more supportive of me this time and I felt more confident about myself. I mean, the dean even patted me on the back about the type of students they were looking for so that has to account for something right? lol

 

[aspiringdoc09]

I'll just start PMing you then. That's great to hear! Yeah submit to Howard and Morehouse too if you are interested in their programs. I decided I wouldn't check my e-mail and status pages so often because it is driving me crazy. I am still early in the process than I expected. It just dawned on me that my state school's primary application deadline just passed yesterday.

 

[aspiringdoc09]

Interview invite to state school!

Update: Accepted 11/14/12 to state school after interviewing yesterday!!!!