seeking some MSTP advice

[jsg1985]

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Hello all,
Thanks for reading my post. I graduated with B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis past spring. Currently, I am working at NIH as a research assistant. I will hold this position for 2 years and intend to apply in MSTP for Fall 2009.

Bit about my stats: I haven't taken MCATs yet (taking it on 5/23/08...wish me luck!). I have decent GPA overall 3.81 (science 3.74). Full ride scholarship plus various other scholarships. Member of Phi Sigma biological honors society, phi kappa phi, & MCB club. One year as a Resident Adviser in the dorms. One year as a Production Editor of college newspaper.

Research experience: about 4 quarters in biochemistry lab. One summer at NIH in leukemia lab. I will have 2 years of experience at NIH as a research assistant before I start MSTP. I have not had a publication yet, but I anticipate one or two in about 8 months. I have one poster and one is pending in april.

I do not have any clinical experience yet, but I will be shadowing my PI at NIH clinical center. I am also looking into volunteering at local hospital.

Here is question: how can I improve my chances to get into MSTP? Ideally, I would like to get into top schools (it all depends on MCAT). I know that there is no "ideal" route, bu tI would like to know what kinda things will enhance my application......

If you would like any other info, please PM me. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!!!

 

[OncDoc19]

Your research and GPA are fine but you definitely need more clinical experience and extracurricular activities. You must be marketable to the MSTP, the med school and the PhD department which means you need to meet the criteria for all three. Enhance your MD application and have good reasons for why MSTP and you will do fine.

 

[magwi11]

Hey,
I've been at NIH for a little over two years now, and from my interview process, I can say that will really help a lot. Other things that I have done with my time that have gotten a positive response:
1.) Keep taking classes: Chances are your PI will pay for an FAES course or two, and if he won't, they're only like $400. Schools won't take them as seriously in terms of GPA, but they do show that you're interested in learning, and there has to be at least 1-2 that would be helpful in your area. If you're interested in GPA improving/more serious coursework, UMD has a pretty great program with night classes that aren't too expensive.
2.) CLINICAL!: There's a great program at Anne Arundel Medical Center if you're willing to drive about 45mins to the hospital. I spend 16 hours a week getting paid (peanuts, but anything helps on the IRTA stipend) to shadow ER doctors and do their charts for them. I know how to write a history, record labs and read radiology reports, and have gotten to watch tons of procedures. It's pretty sweet. If you're interested, PM me and I'll hook you up with more details.

Good luck!
magwi

 

[jsg1985]

Thanks guys for prompt responses. I am looking around to get some clinical exposure. Any ideas for good extra curricular? 🙂 Thanks!!!!

During undergrad, I was too focused on pre-grad and missed the pre-med boat.

Appreciate your help.

 

[seraph524]

I can only speak from my experience...so by no means do I speak for everybody here...so here goes...

I think teaching is a great extracurricular activity. It's able to show schools that you have a good grasp of science enough to relay that information to others. Also, it emphasizes your wish to be in academic medicine (if that is what you want to do). Lastly, teaching shows them your ability to connect and interact with people, which is an important skill to emphasize towards the medical school.

 

[j-weezy]

I can only speak from my experience...so by no means do I speak for everybody here...so here goes...

I think teaching is a great extracurricular activity. It's able to show schools that you have a good grasp of science enough to relay that information to others. Also, it emphasizes your wish to be in academic medicine (if that is what you want to do). Lastly, teaching shows them your ability to connect and interact with people, which is an important skill to emphasize towards the medical school.

plus you can make $

 

[jsg1985]

cool....I am looking into either of two options: volunteering at local library or hospice(whichever fits into my schedule). I still have not decide yet!! Any other ideas ???

 

[ab100]

Hello all,
Research experience: about 4 quarters in biochemistry lab. One summer at NIH in leukemia lab. I will have 2 years of experience at NIH as a research assistant before I start MSTP. I have not had a publication yet, but I anticipate one or two in about 8 months. I have one poster and one is pending in april.

Make sure to get those publications, first author is definitely best, middle author is better than abstract, which is better than nothing.
Also, since NIH's funding of MSTP has not to date produced the results (most of the trainees do not end up doing independent research), you will need to spend some time explaining why they should think that you will. Here again, your publications will be paramount. Everything in your CV looks solid, great job! Good luck 🙂

 

[Dodo23]

cool....I am looking into either of two options: volunteering at local library or hospice(whichever fits into my schedule). I still have not decide yet!! Any other ideas ???

Both will do, but if you have to choose between them, you may want to keep in mind that clinical experience is always a good thing to have even for an MSTP applicant. FWIW, if I were you, I'd go with the hospice (provided it fits into your schedule).