Sigh...No interviews yet... Is it even possible to gain admission now?

[LizzyM]

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As for clinical experience abroad, I definitely mentioned that in secondary essays, explained the pros of more global experience in terms of opportunity (I get to watch/assist in neurosugeries, work in the ER, start a foundation for the poor, etc.) and perspective and reasoned why I would choose to practice in the US vs. the Philippines, as selfish as that may sound.)

The things you describe doing in the Philippines aren't necessarily a plus particularly if you haven't had comparable experiences in the US and if you then "reason" why you'd prefer to practice in the US. That practicing in the US is "selfish" in your eyes does raise a red flag, too.

I cannot assure, however, that I had stellar LORs, I can only hope that I do because the people I asked were amazing and were a huge part of my life.

Having letters from peple who were a huge part of your life may be the problem. Ideally, the letter writers should be people who know you from the classroom, lab or work setting. While it is possible that you may have socialized at campus or work events, they shouldn't be "friends" or "friends of the family". Every letter writer begins the letter with how they know the applicant and if they've known your family for generations and gave you an opportunity to shadow or work in the lab or whatever, everything is colored by the fact that you are "friends" and therefore the letter writter is unlikely to be unbiased. If you were going to read a restaurant review, would you rather it be from someone who visited the restaurant three times over the course of two months but otherwise knows nothing about it or one written by the best friend of the restaurant owner's son.

 

[Signifier]

There are lots of things to learn from this thread- go in with a wise list of schools, apply as early as possible, etc. But this thread also worries me a bit, because if those things were not the primary factors (and the LORs were ok), then focus does fall as ahmcadams noted on the personal statement and secondaries.

The OP clearly seems like a smart person, and most likely did not write "I am great, let me into med school" for a PS.

...I mean, what sort of magical kungfu do you have to put in your essay to get interviews?

 

[Chanieish]

Thanks for all the encouragement. 🙂 They really do help in a time like this.

Yes, I did say selfish, but I did explain reasons why I wanted to practice in the US (research, academia, I can apply myself in a broader manner, etc.) I definitely did not come off as selfish of course and will never forget my roots and my background

As for the LORs, I never said that they were written by friends or family friends.
LOR 1: Research professor whom I took 3 classes under and spend 3 semesters in research with, also my faculty advisor.
LOR2: From a professor I worked under as a TA for one semester and took 2 classes under. Worked quite closely as I was teaching a class, which I had just taken a couple of semesters ago. A wonderful experience
LOR 3: Music teacher. I am horrible at music/singing, but I didn't let my preconceptions hinder me from putting in a much effort as I could and she saw that. It was one of the small classes I had at Cal, so I was able to communicate with her.
LOR 4: A physician I shadowed under in the Philippines for 3 months. He is an orthopedic surgeon and is my mentor. He has big dreams for me and I hope I do not let him down. He is also my parter in the foundation I have developed

LOR 5: This LOR will be brought to interviews. A letter from a Neurosurgeon whom I have been shadowing for the past two months and continue to do so. I am also conducting clinical research under him and some of his surgeries on congenital malformations of the brain/spinal cord have been funded by the foundation.

These people were a huge part of my life academically and beyond. None of them were family friends or people I have socialized with through work events, prior to my introduction to them. However by working and learning alongside them, I discovered they have made a huge impact on my life and future, so I consider them a huge part of my life.

As I said however, I do not know the contents of these letters, some of the few things out of my control. However, I would love to give them the great benefit of the doubt.

I hope these clears a few things up about the LORs. 🙂

Thanks everyone for your input. I had no idea this thread would be so popular. Thank you again for your time and knowledge, especially Ms. LizzyM. 🙂