Tell me there's a shot in hell

[acromonkey]

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I'm trying to get some advice on the application process and where to apply to schools. From reading different articles and blogs, many people seem to know what schools to apply to and what their chances are. I always feel that I am behind the eight ball and don't find things out until it is too late! So I'm trying to get a step ahead here.

I graduated with a cGPA of 3.78, double major in math and biology from a decent school (but not an ivy league). I am currently doing my Master's degree in biotechnology at Columbia University. I am from NY and plan to apply to NY schools, possibly NJ schools also. I have tons of non-medical related volunteer work, was the President of two Honor societies, VP of one, a resident assistant for 3 years during undergrad, worked in a physical therapist's office as an aid for a year, worked as a lab prep, taught dance classes, was a finalist for the NY Knicks City Dancers, did 2.5 years of cancer bio research during undergrad and am currently working in the medical center at Columbia doing kidney disease research. I have not yet taken the MCAT (currently studying planning to take it in April/May).

Those are just some stats about my undergrad and current work. What are my chances of getting into a NY or NJ school? I know the MCAT means a lot also, but I am looking for any advice at this point that can be helpful, i.e. schools to apply, chances, anything to boost my application, ANYTHING!

I appreciate any advice! Thanks!

 

[acromonkey]

I forgot to add that I also will have a publication in several weeks and have had m research presented on a poster presented at a National Cancer Conference. I also graduated with many awards, including awards from my university and national awards: "Who's who among College Students" "Project Pericles Award for Community Service" to name a few.

 

[acromonkey]

I'm trying to get some advice on the application process and where to apply to schools. From reading different articles and blogs, many people seem to know what schools to apply to and what their chances are. I always feel that I am behind the eight ball and don't find things out until it is too late! So I'm trying to get a step ahead here. Do I have a shot in hell to get into schools?! Primarily I would like to stay in NYC!

I graduated with a cGPA of 3.78, double major in math and biology from a decent school (but not an ivy league). I am currently doing my Master's degree in biotechnology at Columbia University. I am from NY and plan to apply to NY schools, possibly NJ schools also. I have tons of non-medical related volunteer work, was the President of two Honor societies, VP of one, a resident assistant for 3 years during undergrad, worked in a physical therapist's office as an aid for a year, worked as a lab prep, taught dance classes, was a finalist for the NY Knicks City Dancers, did 2.5 years of cancer bio research during undergrad and am currently working in the medical center at Columbia doing kidney disease research. I have not yet taken the MCAT (currently studying planning to take it in April/May).

Those are just some stats about my undergrad and current work. What are my chances of getting into a NY or NJ school? I know the MCAT means a lot also, but I am looking for any advice at this point that can be helpful, i.e. schools to apply, chances, anything to boost my application, ANYTHING!

I appreciate any advice! Thanks!

I forgot to mention I also have a publication coming out in the next few weeks for my kidney disease research, as well as had my research for molec. bio of cancer presented at a national cancer conference. I have also received many awards from my university and national awards upon graduation for academics, community service, and being a well rounded student.

 

[slatermd]

You've got a shot.

 

[gravitywave]

your app sounds awesome, the sky's the limit for you. two things spring to mind:

1) don't underestimate the MCAT. everything here looks great, but that exam is the great equalizer. score 35+ and you have a shot anywhere. less than 30 will mean trouble at MD programs. you should also be looking for 9 or better in each section. the writing score is meaningless at US programs.

2) regardless of how MCAT works out, be prepared to apply outside NY/NJ. these schools are all very competitive and if you only want to apply once (trust me, you only want to apply once), apply broadly. again, it depends on your MCAT. a well balanced 32 or better, you could get away with maybe 13-15 schools. less means more applications.

regardless, make sure you apply broadly, and EARLY. submit AMCAS by mid-June if possible and no later than mid-July in any event.

good luck

 

[acromonkey]

Thank you for the post. Is that just because I said please tell me there's a shot? Lol, I definitely still wan honesty! haha.

Are you currently in med school? Any advice as to which medical schools I should apply or any advice at all?

 

[tabascosauce]

you can do it

 

[acromonkey]

Gravitywave, thank you for the reply. I know the MCAT is going to be weighted heavily. I don't plan to apply if I get less than a 30, so that shouldn't be a problem. I plan to take the MCAT in early May, so I will be able to apply by mid-june. What do you mean by apply broadly? How do you know how to rank schools? I've heard of this scoring thing (your MCAT + (10xGPA) +1) is this an accurate estimate? How far below my score should I apply and how far above? I've heard that some schools that are much lower than your 'score' may not accept you, because they feel you won't stay at their school if your scores are much higher than what they accept?

 

[slatermd]

Thank you for the post. Is that just because I said please tell me there's a shot? Lol, I definitely still wan honesty! haha.

Are you currently in med school? Any advice as to which medical schools I should apply or any advice at all?

I assume this is directed at me.

Where you end up being a competitive applicant is going to depend on your MCAT, as already mentioned.

NY schools (and the northeast in general) are very tough. My only advice at this point is to be open to going outside of NY. But you do have a chance. You'll get more specific advice from the attending posters (Catalystik)

 

[CardiacIntensivist]

NY has the most schools of any state. I believe we are at 14 now? If you get a decent MCAT (at least 30-33) you will be in a good place for the SUNYs.

 

[acromonkey]

thank you medzealot...yes that specific post was to you but at first I didn't know how to do a quick reply, so I just replied and couldn't see your name....sorry!
Thanks for the reply! It's all very appreciated since I don't know too much about the process and my pre-med advisor at school seems to think you can just apply anywhere and I need a cover letter with my resume! Ha...
What is an attending poster? Catalystik??... sorry I'm new to this site as of today, so I don't know what that means...

 

[slatermd]

What is an attending poster? Catalystik??... sorry I'm new to this site as of today, so I don't know what that means...

No sweat, friend. There are attending physicians (doctors who have finished all of their training) who post on these forums. Catalystik is the screen name for one of them who frequently answers questions like this, and gives some of the best advice. Be on the lookout for that reply.

 

[Catalystik]

I'm trying to get some advice on the application process and where to apply to schools. From reading different articles and blogs, many people seem to know what schools to apply to and what their chances are. I always feel that I am behind the eight ball and don't find things out until it is too late! So I'm trying to get a step ahead here.

I graduated with a cGPA of 3.78, double major in math and biology from a decent school (but not an ivy league). I am currently doing my Master's degree in biotechnology at Columbia University. I am from NY and plan to apply to NY schools, possibly NJ schools also. I have tons of non-medical related volunteer work, was the President of two Honor societies, VP of one, a resident assistant for 3 years during undergrad, worked in a physical therapist's office as an aid for a year, worked as a lab prep, taught dance classes, was a finalist for the NY Knicks City Dancers, did 2.5 years of cancer bio research during undergrad and am currently working in the medical center at Columbia doing kidney disease research. I have not yet taken the MCAT (currently studying planning to take it in April/May).

Those are just some stats about my undergrad and current work. What are my chances of getting into a NY or NJ school? I know the MCAT means a lot also, but I am looking for any advice at this point that can be helpful, i.e. schools to apply, chances, anything to boost my application, ANYTHING!

I appreciate any advice! Thanks!

You can get a general idea of your statistical chances of an acceptance depending on the MCAT score you get from this AAMC data: https://www.aamc.org/download/157450/data/table24-mcatgpagridall2008-10.pdf.pdf

Appropriate school choices depend on the ECs, MCAT, as well as the GPA, so it's too early for that right now. If you want to get a general idea about various schools, see the premed advising office and ask to look at their copy of the MSAR.

For ECs, consider getting in a variety of physician shadowing, and maybe add to your clinical experience. It helps to list hobbies, sports, and artistic endeavors (dancing might qualify for any of these). It looks like you have teaching, leadership, and nonmedical community service well covered.

 

[circulus vitios]

3.78 GPA, double major, tons of research and extra curriculars. No, you have absolutely no shot.

 

[JJMrK]

Merging threads. Please don't post the same thing twice.

 

[acromonkey]

Sorry, I wasn't getting any responses, when I moved the post, I had people answer. I didn't know it wasn't allowed. Sorry

 

[Reaction]

You definitely have a chance=] Just kill the Mcat and continue doing ecs (try shadowing if possible) and you should be fine

 

[shbrown2]

You definitely have a shot in hell. Your GPA is good and you have a lot of positive points for EC, just make sure that you do well on your MCAT and I don't see why you wouldn't be a competitive applicant.