Should I bother applying this cycle?

[stu403270]

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Got my MCAT results back today and I'm crushed. I was expecting around a 507 since that's what I got on my AAMC FL and ended up getting a 502. In that instant I felt like I didn't have a chance and so I come here asking for your advice on whether I should even apply. Here's some relevant info:

My cGPA is 3.45, MCAT: 502. I'm a URM (Mexican) and very disadvantaged socioeconomically. I have approximately 100 service hours at the hospital at my campus, only about 20 shadowing hours tho. I have about 70 hours of volunteer service hours with a health promotion program that's tailored to hispanic families at risk for obesity. I've presented a research poster based on my work with this program at two different research symposiums/conventions and I have some strong letter of recommendation. Also, I have an upward trend since my first semester at college didn't go to well. I'm also a first generation student. I received FAP benefits so I plan on applying to 16 schools since it's all covered, but should I even bother applying to more than that? I'm an Illinois resident and my dream would be to attend UIC a be a part of their urban health program, but I don't think my stats really put me in reach for any MD 🙁 and that's put me in a rut as of today.
I'll be applying to several DO schools in light of today's results, but I just wanted to get advice from all of you, and brutal honesty as well. Should I even apply to MD? Thanks guys.

 

[Faha]

Where is your state of residence? Are you fluent in Spanish?

 

[stu403270]

Where is your state of residence? Are you fluent in Spanish?

I'm an Illinois Resident and yes I am.

 

[Faha]

I suggest these MD schools:
U Illinois
Loyola
Rosalind Franklin
Rush
Medical College Wisconsin
Oakland Beaumont
St. Louis
Creighton
Quinnipiac
New York Medical College
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
GW
Georgetown

 

[stu403270]

I suggest these MD schools:
U Illinois
Loyola
Rosalind Franklin
Rush
Medical College Wisconsin
Oakland Beaumont
St. Louis
Creighton
Quinnipiac
New York Medical College
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
GW
Georgetown

Thank you for the suggestions! So, then is MD still attainable even with my stats?

 

[Faha]

Yes, the GPA-MCAT grid shows your chances are ~50%. However, it would be a good idea to apply to at least 8 DO schools also.

 

[stu403270]

Where is your state of residence? Are you fluent in Spanish?

Out of curiosity, why does it matter if I'm fluent in Spanish or not?

 

[gyngyn]

Out of curiosity, why does it matter if I'm fluent in Spanish or not?

The value of UiM students is their potential to to be of greater service to a group whose needs are not being met. It is not a means of reparation.
If one cannot communicate effectively, value is diminished.

 

[Faha]

Out of curiosity, why does it matter if I'm fluent in Spanish or not?

Because many medical schools are in cities with large Hispanic populations (such as Chicago) so it is to your advantage as an applicant if you can easily communicate with those patients.

 

[stu403270]

The value of UiM students is their potential to to be of greater service to a group whose needs are not being met. It is not a means of reparation.
If one cannot communicate effectively, value is diminished.

Yeah that makes sense! Gracias 🙂