Hey all,
The past cycle was rough on me. I can't seem to figure out what could be wrong with my application. I realize my numbers are not FANTASTIC, but my application is extremely strong in other areas which I feel can make up for my shortcomings. I'm applying to MD programs, just for clarification.
cGPA/sGPA: 3.4 Overall, 3.234 Science
I realize my science GPA is low, and my overall. But I received a 4.0 in every pre-medical requirement. I chose to take graduate-level classes such as advanced quantum chemistry and thermodynamics which is where I received a few C's and several B's. Looking back, I would not have done this and would have taken some fluff classes. I learned a lot, but I regret putting myself in this hole to begin with.
MCAT: 31T
Again, not stellar. It's a shame that I had to go and score perfect on the writing section when it has become pretty clear nobody cares about it.
Research:
I blame my involvement in research for a LOT of my shortcomings in grades. Starting in January of 2011 (cumulative GPA at this point, 3.83) I began working 20-25 hours per week in a research lab. My research mentor didn't quite understand that I was only signed up for ONE credit hour and worked me to the bone. I thought everyone did this. I would get home exhausted and just crash every night - too tired to spend enough time hitting the books. I got a lot done, but my project didn't end up getting published because my P.I. preferred to 'publish big' and wanted to delay publishing anything.
Volunteering:
Over the summer in 2011 I began working at a free medical clinic that serves the underserved - people without any health insurance. I became the head new patient screener - a job that is sometimes difficult to explain. Basically, I needed to understand the entire healthcare system from our clinic to the larger hospital that we were involved with. I had to know which physicians were available on which days, and be available to meet our patients and ensure that they had access to every resource possible. I consider this much of my clinical experience because I learned how to manage this from the ground up. I volunteered there for about 10 hours a week for nearly two years.
Shadowing:
I shadowed a ophthalmologist who specialized in facial plastic surgery. I managed to work my way into the OR several times, as well as spending a good amount of time with her in clinic. I suppose my application could be lacking here, but I've spent well over 100+ hours at her side.
Extracurriculars:
This is where I feel my application really shines. I was an elected representative and committee chair on Student Government for two years. I was Vice-President of our club tennis team (which competes with D2 and D3 colleges at a national level every year). I was a member of multiple honors societies and really involved on campus. I taught tennis clinics over the summer - this was on top of volunteering, shadowing and researching.
On top of all of this, I had a significant life event in which a close family member was diagnosed with a serious cancer and given several months to live. This required a HUGE amount of time for me - and although I've addressed it in my application both times, it doesn't seem as though anyone really cares.
I think that my letters are strong, and I'm happy with my personal statement. I'm confident that 2/4 of my letters are EXTREMELY strong, and happy with the other. The fourth one I'm not 100% sure about as I didn't really KNOW the professor, just performed well in her class.
Does anyone have any idea what could be seriously wrong with my application? I've applied to nearly 30 medical schools in the past, going as low as I could go. I've never even been graced with an interview.
EDIT: I'm from Michigan, applied to all in-state schools as well as nearly every school in the immediate Great Lakes region.
Thanks for any advice!
The past cycle was rough on me. I can't seem to figure out what could be wrong with my application. I realize my numbers are not FANTASTIC, but my application is extremely strong in other areas which I feel can make up for my shortcomings. I'm applying to MD programs, just for clarification.
cGPA/sGPA: 3.4 Overall, 3.234 Science
I realize my science GPA is low, and my overall. But I received a 4.0 in every pre-medical requirement. I chose to take graduate-level classes such as advanced quantum chemistry and thermodynamics which is where I received a few C's and several B's. Looking back, I would not have done this and would have taken some fluff classes. I learned a lot, but I regret putting myself in this hole to begin with.
MCAT: 31T
Again, not stellar. It's a shame that I had to go and score perfect on the writing section when it has become pretty clear nobody cares about it.
Research:
I blame my involvement in research for a LOT of my shortcomings in grades. Starting in January of 2011 (cumulative GPA at this point, 3.83) I began working 20-25 hours per week in a research lab. My research mentor didn't quite understand that I was only signed up for ONE credit hour and worked me to the bone. I thought everyone did this. I would get home exhausted and just crash every night - too tired to spend enough time hitting the books. I got a lot done, but my project didn't end up getting published because my P.I. preferred to 'publish big' and wanted to delay publishing anything.
Volunteering:
Over the summer in 2011 I began working at a free medical clinic that serves the underserved - people without any health insurance. I became the head new patient screener - a job that is sometimes difficult to explain. Basically, I needed to understand the entire healthcare system from our clinic to the larger hospital that we were involved with. I had to know which physicians were available on which days, and be available to meet our patients and ensure that they had access to every resource possible. I consider this much of my clinical experience because I learned how to manage this from the ground up. I volunteered there for about 10 hours a week for nearly two years.
Shadowing:
I shadowed a ophthalmologist who specialized in facial plastic surgery. I managed to work my way into the OR several times, as well as spending a good amount of time with her in clinic. I suppose my application could be lacking here, but I've spent well over 100+ hours at her side.
Extracurriculars:
This is where I feel my application really shines. I was an elected representative and committee chair on Student Government for two years. I was Vice-President of our club tennis team (which competes with D2 and D3 colleges at a national level every year). I was a member of multiple honors societies and really involved on campus. I taught tennis clinics over the summer - this was on top of volunteering, shadowing and researching.
On top of all of this, I had a significant life event in which a close family member was diagnosed with a serious cancer and given several months to live. This required a HUGE amount of time for me - and although I've addressed it in my application both times, it doesn't seem as though anyone really cares.
I think that my letters are strong, and I'm happy with my personal statement. I'm confident that 2/4 of my letters are EXTREMELY strong, and happy with the other. The fourth one I'm not 100% sure about as I didn't really KNOW the professor, just performed well in her class.
Does anyone have any idea what could be seriously wrong with my application? I've applied to nearly 30 medical schools in the past, going as low as I could go. I've never even been graced with an interview.
EDIT: I'm from Michigan, applied to all in-state schools as well as nearly every school in the immediate Great Lakes region.
Thanks for any advice!
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