Stanford EDP?

[hopeful1234]

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Hi all I am finishing up my last semester as a post bacc at Columbia and am a hispanic female. I currently have a 3.53 gpa (no grades below B+), hopefully a 3.6 by the end of this semester. I did my undergrad at Yale and graduated with a 3.52, with distinction in my major. I have significant clinical experience and a ton of undergrad extracurriculars, but no science research experience. I am taking my mcat in june so have some time to prepare, and am shooting for a 31 or 32 or higher (I could possibly score higher but have not taken a diagnostic yet)

I am trying to figure out whether I have a shot at Stanford's Early Decision program. It is my dream school but I don't know if I should risk applying early and holding off all my other rolling applications until Oct 1 deadline (in case I don't get in). Can anyone tell me honestly their opinion? I know my gpa is below stanford's average but columbia's post bacc is really grueling and I was hoping they would take that into account....also how much can being a URM really help me here?

Would finding a research position help? I am already quite overwhelmed this semester but wondering if you think that would make a difference...

Thanks very much for any help 🙂

 

[19nbj58]

Do you have any prior research experience at all? Stanford heavily weighs research.

 

[hopeful1234]

My senior thesis in undergrad was a political science statistical research paper, I had to use different statistical programs and manage/interpret a large volume of numerical data. Other than that, no real research experience. My plan was to do scientific research in my application year, starting after I take the mcats in june, so if I get an interview in sept. (if im early decision) I can talk about it. Do you think that is too late in the game?

Thank you so much, any advice would be great...

 

[19nbj58]

My senior thesis in undergrad was a political science statistical research paper, I had to use different statistical programs and manage/interpret a large volume of numerical data. Other than that, no real research experience. My plan was to do scientific research in my application year, starting after I take the mcats in june, so if I get an interview in sept. (if im early decision) I can talk about it. Do you think that is too late in the game?

Thank you so much, any advice would be great...

Do you have any interest in academic medicine? I ask because they really want to train academic physicians and look for a demonstrated interest for this track. My advice is to not apply EDP and to just apply early and broadly to several schools, including Stanford. I doubt an EDP application to an institution such as Stanford will markedly increase your chances in any manner. I realize this is your (current) 1st choice, but you have to give yourself potential options down the line.

The research in june will only help when applying in general, but not sure what Stanford's take on it would be. Hope this helps.

 

[hopeful1234]

Thanks that is very helpful. I didn't realize Stanford is so research focused (I thought they would have a good mix of clinically oriented and academically oriented)- I know all of these highly ranked schools are, but I couldn't get the vibe that stanford was more than other research schools from their website. I am definitely interested in academic medicine but want to put in some substantial clinical years first.
I have not taken an in depth look at a variety of schools yet (just my reach schools). What schools would you recommend based on my stats/interest? I was also looking at Cornell, UVA and UCSF... I actually really would like to be in california, although I am from nyc...

Also, how much does early decision help if you feel sure? I am assuming it works a little differently from undergrad?

 

[19nbj58]

Thanks that is very helpful. I didn't realize Stanford is so research focused (I thought they would have a good mix of clinically oriented and academically oriented)- I know all of these highly ranked schools are, but I couldn't get the vibe that stanford was more than other research schools from their website. I am definitely interested in academic medicine but want to put in some substantial clinical years first.
I have not taken an in depth look at a variety of schools yet (just my reach schools). What schools would you recommend based on my stats/interest? I was also looking at Cornell, UVA and UCSF... I actually really would like to be in california, although I am from nyc...

Also, how much does early decision help if you feel sure? I am assuming it works a little differently from undergrad?

If you do well on the mcat you should be fine numbers wise for these schools. When choosing where to apply, begin with preferred location. Start with nyc/cali programs and go from there. Dont do EDP b/c the risk outweighs the benefit, particularly in this case since Stanford is very picky. If they want you, they will accept you regardless if you apply EDP or through regular decision.

Its hard to predict what your chances are at these places b/c they each have their own unique definition of "the most qualified applicant", which speaks to the subjectivity and variability inherent in the med school app process.