Starting to wake up... 3.66GPA

[T1R3KO]

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I'm currently a junior at a top liberal arts college. Med school has always been on my mind, but I've always been sort of lax about the idea. Now I'm halfway through junior year and starting to freak out. My current research experience has fueled a novel passion in me for surgery, which is not something I see many women reaching for.

I'm looking to apply to med schools in the NY-Philly-Boston area, but for personal and financial reasons am close to desperate about getting into a Manhattan school; I live around the corner from Mt. Sinai, outside of having some strange kind of addiction to NYC.

My stats, as they currently stand:

GPA: 3.66 (3.88F, 3.46S, 3.66J [so far])
BCPM GPA: 3.78
MCATs: taking them in May, once I finish up with chem.
Major: biology

Clinical exp: ~4 months doing clerical work in a doctor's office, 1 month shadowing a pathologist, occasional ambulatory EMT work, about to start a patient-care volunteer position at Mt. Sinai
Research: currently 7 months into a projected two years in a neurophysiology lab, working on one project per year with high probability of publication; work full-time during the summer, and for credit (9 hrs/wk) during the semester. Also involved in the publication of a high-visibility journal article in CHEST re: treatment of sleep apnea and its effects on golf handicap.
School-related ECs: marching band (all four years, one year of leadership, 10-20 hrs/wk), bio lab TA (3/4 years, 4-6 hrs/wk), freelance bartending (~20hrs/month), pre-health club (4/4 years, two years of leadership), and a year of special-interest housing in which we make science more accessible and "fun" to the academic and surrounding communities.

And for whatever it's worth, my parents are both Mt. Sinai graduates (and top NJ doctors) and my grandfather still teaches there. I hate mentioning this because of the "I'm a prissy entitled little angel" impression it gives, but I am curious as to how that affects me as an applicant, if at all.

While the GPA dip my second year isn't huge, it can be partly explained by family problems (drugs, jobs, and hospitalizations) as well as a hugely increased music involvement.

I'm wondering if, assuming things continue as is or better over the next year, I've got a decent shot at schools in the NY area. Or if I should realistically plan on applying after my senior year so I can beef out my ECs. I realize my MCAT scores will be hugely important, but I'm expecting to do decently on them (33+). My LORs should be great, as I'll be taking them from people I've had close relationships with over 2+ years.

So, any thoughts?

 

[bravofleet4]

You can only list things that you've done, not things you plan to do. Therefore, if you want a more accurate opinion over your chances and what you need to improve, you need to tell us how much you've done so far. For example projected 2 years in neurobiology is great but that only means something if you plan to apply your senior year. The reason is because for all everyone else knows you might quit after the summer even though you were doing it the time you submitted your application. It's difficult to really plan out your life at this point that far ahead at a time when everyone's wondering what they're going to do after they graduate from college.

You probably are going to need more clinical experience as far you've only gotten 4 months. Not discussing hours, most people would recommend 1.5 year's worth of clinical experience. Research is also important and the minimum recommended is 1 year's worth but you should have that if you plan to apply this upcoming cycle.

It's good that you have leadership experience through pre-med society and teaching experience as well through TAing. I assume music is a big part of your life, which makes for an interesting topic during interviews. It really shows the adcom's where your interests lie and how much you're willing to pursue them. Working with the community is shown by the special interest housing.

Your GPA is fine. Coupled with an MCAT score of 30+, then I'm sure you have a shot at some NY schools. But yeah, you need way more clinical experience...

 

[J ROD]

Looks like you are on track....GPA is fine.

Need to get more clinical stuff...which you plan on.

I would get 200+hrs of clinical volunteering in and 100+hrs of shadowing to make sure you stand out.

33+ MCAT and you will be in great shape....30+ will get you in I think.

 

[T1R3KO]

You're right -- I can only list what I've done. By the time I apply, I'll have clocked a year of research and 100+ hours of patient-care volunteering.

 

[T1R3KO]

I think my main question is whether I should apply this year or next year. Waiting a year will give me the benefit of more clinical experience, publication, more classes (like biochem and neuro), and a fine-tuned MCAT score. On the other hand, I'm anxious as hell about applying ASAP.

Is there any real disadvantage to waiting a year? Do med schools prefer to admit students fresh out of undergrad?

 

[SoundofSilver]

From what I understand, there is absolutely no disadvantage to waiting until after your senior year to apply. Plenty of students take a gap year.

Apply when you feel your application is the best it can be. If you think waiting a year will significantly improve your chances, then wait. A gap year can be a very positive, refreshing experience.

 

[gumboelephant]

I had a pretty similar revelation my junior year. Decided to go do premed at the end of my junior year. I am currently in my year off and applying. I mainly took the gap year because I had a lot of prereqs to do my senior year, but I am very glad that I did. My GPA is similar to yours, with a strong upward trend. Make sure you finish your junior year very well as well as get excellent grades your senior year. Get some volunteering experience too and of course do well on your MCAT. Sounds like you really do know what you need to do to make yourself as competitive as possible. Good luck!

 

[J ROD]

Do work!!