Should I apply?

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Interesting to hear you say this. I have heard other users argue that the caliber of student is higher at Ivies, and the material is more rigorous, hence the averages should be higher, hence the grades are not really inflated. I take it you don't share this view?

This conversation has been had multiple times over the past month. I don't think there's any need to rekindle the flames. I think gyngyn was tactfully trying to dispel the sense of entitlement that a misguided Ivy League applicant might acquire.
 
Don't apply to the PR med schools. There are 4. 1 is only for PR residents. Another fills 85 % of class with PR residents, leaving only 2. While it appears their MCAT scores are much lower than avg, it is because the folks down there do school mainly in Spanish (with a good amount of English too nonetheless). As such, don't be too surprised to see yourself grouped in with OOS and selected based upon MCAT which they'll expect a comparable score to the typical mainlander here. Besides the fluency (tested in interviews), you have to show service to the hispanic communities which it seems you haven't and they require language pre--reqs. You're currently rushing to find a DO to shadow as I read from other posts trying to quickly get in on the DO cycle so u don't need to add another layer of stress by all of sudden volunteering in El Barrio.

Just like with PR MD, your only problem with DO is adcoms may detect you're applying as backup demonstrated by the late shadowing. One may argue that many applicants do apply DO as a 2nd choice but they make the genuine effort to learn about osteopathic medicine and take charge to shadow for a considerable amount of hours way before they start their app cycle. You got the numbers so whether in this cycle or the next, DO is very possible. I must also add that there are many applicants who apply to MD (and DO) with way more than a year of research.

That said, research is just there as a cherry on a sundae unless you apply to research heavy schools or md/phd. Mcat retake if better would help with MD but you'd be running late into the md admission cycle. Ivy League status helps in certain fields but not so much in medicine, which is why it is so appealing to thousands of students nationwide.

Your best advice here has been posted by wise adcom members from different schools. Be thankful that they all came to give you advice. Really, with their words and all the input from your various threads, I think you have enough information to decide what your next step will be.
 
Interesting to hear you say this. I have heard other users argue that the caliber of student is higher at Ivies, and the material is more rigorous, hence the averages should be higher, hence the grades are not really inflated. I take it you don't share this view?
There is zero question that schools like Harvard, Dartmouth and Brown are inflated. The logic you mention only points to the inflation being justifiable
 
This conversation has been had multiple times over the past month. I don't think there's any need to rekindle the flames. I think gyngyn was tactfully trying to dispel the sense of entitlement that a misguided Ivy League applicant might acquire.
I wasn't trying to inflame anything wedge. I just have never heard an adcom members view on this, that's all.
 
I wasn't trying to inflame anything wedge. I just have never heard an adcom members view on this, that's all.
You'll be hard pressed to get any real opinions out of Gyngyn. He's always saying he's just here to inform
 
You'll be hard pressed to get any real opinions out of Gyngyn. He's always saying he's just here to inform
Very true.
 
Honestly should I just apply next cycle? I feel like I could do a lot better with another year...idk 🙁
 
What would you improve with the year? Retake MCAT?
ECs are pretty weak. He could spend a year building them up
 
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It's the whole picture. Many Ivies are grade inflated, your MCAT is modest at best. You have enjoyed every advantage.
We have kids who crawled here from Guatemala with a better gpa and a better MCAT despite ESL and a no-name school (and much more commitment to service).

If you went to an Ivy League school and are a native speaker of English, there is really no excuse for a verbal score of 7. That's what will do you in.

I would cry if they said these things to me......
 
MCAT, GPA, ECs, more research, stronger recs
 
MCAT, GPA, ECs, more research, stronger recs
I don't know if your GPA will move enough to make a meaningful difference. See what it comes out to with a years worth of 3.7
 
If you could improve your MCAT and your ECs in a year you would have a much better shot at MD schools. Currently you aren't really competitive for them; you are competitive for most DO schools, though.

If you are def applying this year, then apply to low-tier/new MD schools along with DO and hope for the best. It's not impossible to get MD, but it is improbable. Your call.
 
I don't know if your GPA will move enough to make a meaningful difference. See what it comes out to with a years worth of 3.7
I was thinking of just doing a psych major (30 credits, 2 semesters). So I would get all As which would help a lot.
 
Yeah it did make me cry a bit :'(

Your 1 year of research is just fine unless you're looking at research heavy schools. I don't see the GPA moving up much. But EC's must take first priority...then MCAT if MD is a must for you.
 
Honestly should I just apply next cycle? I feel like I could do a lot better with another year...idk 🙁

If you really want to become a physician take as long as it takes to become a competitive applicant. Take a year or two if necessary. Increase your exposure to non clinical and clinical service. Continue research of you are passionate about it. Extensively study for the new MCAT and ace it. Hopefully you will develop both the skills, stats, and humility I have no doubt ADCOMS appreciate.
 
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If you could improve your MCAT and your ECs in a year you would have a much better shot at MD schools. Currently you aren't really competitive for them; you are competitive for most DO schools, though.

If you are def applying this year, then apply to low-tier/new MD schools along with DO and hope for the best. It's not impossible to get MD, but it is improbable. Your call.
Ughhh idk. How bad would a previous rejection be? I'm thinking if just applying to all my state schools...
 
I was thinking of just doing a psych major (30 credits, 2 semesters). So I would get all As which would help a lot.
I disagree. I don't think AdComs will care if you ace a light psych course load.
 
I was thinking of just doing a psych major (30 credits, 2 semesters). So I would get all As which would help a lot.

Typically, as a post-bacc, you'd be expected to take upper level science courses (or a healthy mix of sci and non-sci if cgpa is also lacking)even if you take neuroscience classes thru psych dept they may not be added to your science gpa
 
Postbacc would be better you think?
Only if you can handle it.

There is no need for a post-bacc, a 3.6 is a fine GPA. Increasing it with psych courses will still count, they aren't going to simply discredit it.

I disagree. I don't think AdComs will care if you ace a light psych course load.

This is nonsense - tell that to the psych majors who get accepted. Rigor matters but 30 credits isn't a light load.
 
Would it be better to do some psychology major (med schools emphasize that now, right?) and then focus my time in ECs and research?
 
Postbacc would be better you think?

Postbacc is just a term given to anyone who takes undergrad classes after getting their bachelors. Whether taking psych classes or doing sciencce you are doing post bacc work. If you mean, a SMP, then that is different. Not advisable since you're willling to do DO and you got the numbers for it (and can get the stats for MD too)
 
Would it be better to do some psychology major (med schools emphasize that now, right?) and then focus my time in ECs and research?

No extra major needed. Just work on EC's (and MCAT for MD)
 
My urge for instant gratification tells me to go DO...but I feel like in 30 years when some punk resident with an MD laughs at my DO, I'd regret it. Any thoughts? Is it better to spend another year to get an MD instead of a DO?
 
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In an ideal world, stats are only reflective of your personal journey. Do what it takes to grow your skill set. If you work hard enough it will reflect in your stats. If you take psych courses just to improve your stats... That shows you need more growing.
 
My urge for instant gratification tells me to go DO...but I feel like in 30 years when some punk resident with an MD laughs at my DO, I'd regret it. Any thoughts? Is it better to spend another year to get an MD instead of a DO?

No INTELLIGENT MD resident is going to make fun of a DO (def not in 30 years). If the letters behind your name bother you and your drive to become a physician can't override that feeling, then don't do DO.
 
There is no need for a post-bacc, a 3.6 is a fine GPA. Increasing it with psych courses will still count, they aren't going to simply discredit it.
I was about to say a higher MCAT score would help the most. But there's no reason for him to think he will magically get a better score just because he retakes the exam.
If his GPA is considered inflated (and I have no idea if it is), and he really needs to raise it, he needs to do so with hard science courses. AdCom members are not stupid, they know grade padding when they see it. But I don't really think his GPA is the big problem here.
 
There is no need for a post-bacc, a 3.6 is a fine GPA. Increasing it with psych courses will still count, they aren't going to simply discredit it.



This is nonsense - tell that to the psych majors who get accepted. Rigor matters but 30 credits isn't a light load.
The psych majors Aced everything the first time around. Nobody does GPA redemption with humanities or social sciences courses. Nobody should anyway.
 
@rachiie01 what do you think, could he convince interviewers his V is low because he's too smart to score well on that joke of a section 😉
I personally would retake with a 7 in any subject, even verbal.
A 7 paired with 2 10's doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. An 8 paired with 2 13+'s and I'll throw you a bone.
 
My urge for instant gratification tells me to go DO...but I feel like in 30 years when some punk resident with an MD laughs at my DO, I'd regret it. Any thoughts? Is it better to spend another year to get an MD instead of a DO?
Another year=/= getting an MD.

Another year= possibly increasing your chances of getting an MD, or possibly being right back where you started. Only you can decide if it is worth the risk.
 
The psych majors Aced everything the first time around. Nobody does GPA redemption with humanities or social sciences courses. Nobody should anyway.

I'm under the assumption he still has 1 year of undergrad left. If he has already taken a bunch of upper levels and gotten a 3.6, good grades in psych courses aren't going to raise eyebrows. It can only be a positive.
 
I'm under the assumption he still has 1 year of undergrad left. If he has already taken a bunch of upper levels and gotten a 3.6, good grades in psych courses aren't going to raise eyebrows. It can only be a positive.
I thought he graduated. In that case, he can add a psych minor if he wants. I still think AdComs won't really care. Acing a years worth of upper div science courses would be infinitely more impressive.
 
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Wait really?
Think about it.
Claimed to be part Native American.
Almost identical stats.
Takes offense where none is intended.
 
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You could be in medical school in a year, instead of two years. How badly do you want to be a doctor?

Your problem is the MCAT, not your GOA. If you're boning for the MD, then retake the MCAT and this time, ace it. Use the gap year to add to your ECs.

My urge for instant gratification tells me to go DO...but I feel like in 30 years when some punk resident with an MD laughs at my DO, I'd regret it. Any thoughts? Is it better to spend another year to get an MD instead of a DO?
 
mrh125!
He's morphed into an Ivy grad
As soon as you point this out OP gets probationary status. Hmmm, I think youre on to something.
 
reincarnated troll sense tingling
I won't deny that. The Leonardo dicaprio avatar should give it away.

Anyways, thank you all very much for all the comments and suggestions. I really do appreciate it. For now I'm off to submit AMCAS to my state schools and low tier MD schools. I may apply to a few DO schools too. I'll return in a few months to let y'all know how it turned out. Thanks again guys!
 
A useful, kind, non-hateful post. This is why I love @Goro

We are trying to give you honest advice that you solicited from us. We're not the ones being salty.
 
I won't deny that. The Leonardo dicaprio avatar should give it away.

Anyways, thank you all very much for all the comments and suggestions. I really do appreciate it. For now I'm off to submit AMCAS to my state schools and low tier MD schools. I may apply to a few DO schools too. I'll return in a few months to let y'all know how it turned out. Thanks again guys!
So wait, are you mrh?
 
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