Standard WAMC -

[Amarillo]

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Thank you for your help. 🙂

 

[DDX2k]

Well, I'm a bit far out from applying - best case scenario would be next cycle, but I really doubt I can get everything in order ($, job, etc. wise) by the point, so we may be talking a bit further out. Understanding, of course, that admissions standards are on the rise, I would love comments and suggestions regarding my application status as it stands now. I realize that U.S. MD schools are likely out of reach, although I probably would put in 2-3 applications to in-state schools and one school where I have strong personal ties. I have already graduated.

cGPA: 3.19 (AACOMAS) - both GPAs show strong upward trend, including 4.0 sGPA Jr yr and 3.73 sGPA Sr yr
sGPA: 3.13 (AACOMAS)
MCAT: unknown. Only full length diagnostic was 31, taken without extensive prep.

ECs

• 300+ hrs volunteering in ED doing clinical research
• Competed regularly on college club sport team, including regional and zone awards
• 30+ hrs of shadowing (DO, MD - all EM. Intend to do FM, and expand)
• 45 hrs tutoring disadvantaged youth in math and computer skills. Developed curriculum for computer skills program.
• 30 hrs packaging food for overseas shipment
• 90 hrs annual fundraising event - 8 yrs consecutive commitment so far
• Currently serve as a state advisor for a high school "branch club" that I started while I was in HS
• Leadership positions in three student organizations on campus - one position held for 3 yrs. Only freshman elected to office.
• Internships in Public Health & Epi research

Other

• Averaged 30 hrs/wk employment through undergrad. Generally worked 2-3 jobs. Held one of the positions for 3.5 years. Held one position in research, but did not get anything in the way of publications.
• Taught summer camp for three years for University's youth camps. Developed curriculum, oversaw camp instruction, and coordinated volunteer instructors.
• Feel comfortable with my ability to get strong LORs

My plans for the next year are a.) work in clinical research within a health center b.) expand non-medical and medical volunteering and c.) retake 2-3 courses. GPAs above do include conservative retake grades. Would additionally need to take one course (Physics II) that I have not taken.

I realize that this has gotten lengthy (my apologies!) and there are many unknowns that I cannot account for, thus making this a difficult judgement call for any who care to respond. Thanks for giving it a shot, and I welcome all suggestions for improvement. 🙂

Yeah, without things like MCAT, its hard to gauge chances....

That said, ECs look good. Work on getting your cGPA up past 3.3 and your sGPA past 3.2 (at the very very least) so you can have a halfway solid shot at DO.

 

[Amarillo]

Thanks for the feedback. I know it is difficult to gauge without solid numbers; I had no interest in going into medicine until 6-7 months ago, so I am still on the learning curve in regards to what - besides the numbers, which I am familiar with - makes a good application. I've spent a good amount of time lurking and thought it may be time to throw my situation out there and see if I couldn't get some feedback.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Thanks for the feedback. I know it is difficult to gauge without solid numbers; I had no interest in going into medicine until 6-7 months ago, so I am still on the learning curve in regards to what - besides the numbers, which I am familiar with - makes a good application. I've spent a good amount of time lurking and thought it may be time to throw my situation out there and see if I couldn't get some feedback.

A few retakes can get you far. As it is right now, your chances for D.O. are within reach, but you'd need an MCAT above the average to seal the deal. Your upward trend definitely shows you can be capable and committed.

Best of luck.