Strong ECs, decent MCAT, chances at top 30?

[warrior209]

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Hey guys, thank you in advance for your time. I'm a junior applying in the upcoming cycle and would like to know your thoughts on my chances at top 30 schools. Hoping my interests in biotech and business (and soccer!!) sets me apart from others, especially with the time investment into my company.

MI resident
cGPA: 3.90 sGPA: 3.95 MCAT: 33 (10/11/12)

Research: 3 years, 3 posters, 1 pub, 3 international conferences, and a senior thesis. Looking forward to a very strong LOR from my PI

Work experience:
- Co-founded a not-for-profit, student-run business consulting company, working with various start-ups around Michigan. Lots of great business and entrepreneurship experience and leadership skills.
- Lab tech intern/business development intern at a stem cell biotech start-up for 9 months.
- Soccer referee for 7 years, working as paid head referee and assistant for premier and state cup teams.

Volunteer/Etc
- Big hip-hop head, and I've been producing music since 17. Not sure if this matters for much, but one of the things I'm most passionate about.
- Vice president of local blight desctruction club for 2 years. (nonclinical)
- Report published on the international science research org, utilized as market research report by a pharmaceutical company.
- 100 hours volunteering at local hospital. (clinical)
- 80 hours volunteering as EMT. (clinical)
- 50 hours shadowing (neurosurgery, ED, peds). (clinical)



I know it's not a long list of activities, but I am very passionate about the activities that I've done thus far.

 

[gyngyn]

You are in a good state. A third of all MI applicants matriculated into a school in their home state last year! Get the new MSAR and make a list of the OOS schools you would like to add.

 

[warrior209]

You are in a good state. A third of all MI applicants matriculated into a school in their home state last year! Get the new MSAR and make a list of the OOS schools you would like to add.

Haha I've noticed that many MI schools are in fact lenient towards IS. I've been fortunate enough to be in a program in my school so I will be applying mainly to reaches and targets. My interests thus far: UMich, Emory, Case Western, Albert Einstein, Mt. Sinai, Duke, Mayo, and Northwestern. I know my MCAT is on the lower half of most of these schools, but I would like a second opinion on my options.

 

[gyngyn]

Haha I've noticed that many MI schools are in fact lenient towards IS. I've been fortunate enough to be in a program in my school so I will be applying mainly to reaches and targets. My interests thus far: UMich, Emory, Case Western, Albert Einstein, Mt. Sinai, Duke, Mayo, and Northwestern. I know my MCAT is on the lower half of most of these schools, but I would like a second opinion on my options.

Are these in addition to all the MI schools?

 

[warrior209]

Are these in addition to all the MI schools?

I don't believe so. Due to the program I am in I have a seat in my home school's medical school, which I am very happy to attend. UM would be the only IS I plan to apply to.

 

[gyngyn]

I don't believe so. Due to the program I am in I have a seat in my home school's medical school, which I am very happy to attend. UM would be the only IS I plan to apply to.

I see. Then, all's well.
The worst that happens is you go to an excellent school. Do you forfeit your seat if you apply out?

 

[warrior209]

I see. Then, all's well.
The worst that happens is you go to an excellent school. Do you forfeit your seat if you apply out?

Fortunately I do not have to forfeit my seat for applying out.

 

[gyngyn]

Fortunately I do not have to forfeit my seat for applying out.

Then, you should only apply to schools that you would prefer to one where you have a seat.
Frankly, I would not interview a student with a guaranteed seat in their own state unless I thought that they were so spectacular that I could offer a recruitment scholarship, though.

 

[Goro]

I think you'll do fine with:

UMich,
Emory,
Albert Einstein,

 

[technician]

I think you'll do fine with:

UMich,
Emory,
Albert Einstein,

OP, you've stumped Goro.

 

[Goro]

Thatr was just from the OP's list. I can go on...

OP, you've stumped Goro.

 

[warrior209]

Thatr was just from the OP's list. I can go on...

Please do go on! I am open to any suggestions. I only found my MCAT score last week so I haven't had much time to digest it and research possibilities, so I would love to hear your opinions.