*^~*~^* The Official 2006-2007 "What Are My Chances/Where to Apply" Thread *^~*~^* part 01

[farikanok]

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Your profile looks good - your chances look good to me! Just curious why you put Kentucky & Alabama on there? Maybe family reasons? I guess if you wanted to add any other schools some ideas would be Creighton in NE, some more Chicago schools (Northwestern, Rosalind Franklin, Loyola), ...I could keep going but I don't know what you want (it seems like you're avoiding NYC schools?) Anyway, good luck!

thanks for the reply. my advisor suggested Kentucky and Alabama (they're close to family). i am also thinking about NYU, NY Medical College, and Mt Sinai. i would like a school that is a little research oriented, but anywhere that takes me would be great 😀

 

[FullTiltMD]

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=6011

I posted my MCAT from April 2006 ( 12 PS, 7 V, 12 BS) but my August 2005 scores were ( 10 PS, 9 V, 10 BS). Based on this info and other stuff in my profile, do I have a good shot at most of the schools I'm applying to?

 

[halekulani]

going to be a senior this fall...GPA 3.3 right now..hoping to boost to 3.4 by next year when I graduate
i'm taking the August mcats...let's say I get a 30

ECs
1 year hospital volunteer (4hrs/wk, all year)
3 years tutoring, now a director of the club.
emt-b license
biochem lab TA
currently doing clinical research this summer

i know my grades aren't great...science gpa around a 3.4...i've made improvements since my initial struggle and have made dean's list for 3 semesters now...planning on going out the same way.

i live in cali so state schools are a bit harder to get into. i'm not really sure where i stand with the lower tier schools and would like some feedback. i'm going to take a year off after i graduate, but haven't decided on what i should do yet.

 

[silas2642]

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=6011

I posted my MCAT from April 2006 ( 12 PS, 7 V, 12 BS) but my August 2005 scores were ( 10 PS, 9 V, 10 BS). Based on this info and other stuff in my profile, do I have a good shot at most of the schools I'm applying to?

I would definitely add a few more lower tiered schools in there, but don't apply to any schools that you wouldn't go to unless you got in. Some of those schools are crapshoots for just about anyone (UMichigan, Mayo, UPenn, Cornell, etc), and if you're looking to save money I would drop UWisconsin since you're not instate. The only "red flag" you have going on is that 7 in verbal, but you're still here in "average applicant land" with the rest of us= big crapshoot.

If I were you I would add schools like NYMC, Albany, Drexel, and maybe Wayne to increase your chances of ending up somewhere next year.

 

[Haemulon]

4.0 so far from a USNews Tier4
32 mcat
2 lor from profs that I did minor research w/ no presentations or posters yet
1 lor from a sociology prof
1 lor maybe from a bio prof
~1 yr as a peer mentor for disabled students (learning)
~1 yr research see above
currently doing a competitive summer research program that will req presentations and posters
-shadowed 2 docs ~80 hrs total
-prez next year for BBB
-vol since spring sem of this year only and did some (~6 months) near the end of senior year in high school.

i am just worried about just about my ECs specifically volunteering and my mediocre mcat. i am not sure if I could compete with ppl in schools w/ 33+ MSAR MCAT averages because I don't have that many activities like 3+ yrs of volunteering, 3+ yrs of research and unique sport/hobbies/talents.

With over 100 posts you have been on here long enough to know better than to call a 32 mediocre. You know full well that a 32 is above average for matriculation into medical school. Now for top tier schools with 33+ averages, give it a shot. Just make sure to apply to a wise selection of schools.

 

[ParvatiP]

I applied to a huge range of schools...the top ones are just for the .000001% who knows?! haha

Albert Einstein
BU
Brown
Columbia
Drexel
GWU
Harvard
Albany
Jefferson Med. College
Mt. Sinai
NY Med. College
NYU
SUNY Downstate
Temple
Tufts
UCONN
U. Maryland
UPENN
Yale
Georgetown

I don't think you have much of a chance at the upper tier schools (Harvard, Yale, UPenn, etc) because even though your ECs are good, really competitive applicants to these schools will have just as good ECs but much better MCATs. However, it seems like you've applied to a decent range of schools (although too top-heavy in my opinion), so you stand a good chance of getting in somewhere. Good luck!

 

[hmm...]

With over 100 posts you have been on here long enough to know better than to call a 32 mediocre. You know full well that a 32 is above average for matriculation into medical school. Now for top tier schools with 33+ averages, give it a shot. Just make sure to apply to a wise selection of schools.

thanks. i was really heading for schools in CA or the mid-high schools that all have 33+ mcat averages. i will try a range and have been convinced by many people not to retake it. i will have a range of schools through. i was also thinking of md/phd, but i guess that is out of the question now

 

[DrPhysician]

What do you guys think??
The MCATs will be the main thing holding me back, in my opinion.

 

[ParvatiP]

What do you guys think??
The MCATs will be the main thing holding me back, in my opinion.

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=06024

I agree that the MCAT will be holding you back. Generally you need at least a 28 or 29 to be considered competitive. Your GPA is alright, but not stellar, same with your ECs. If I were you I might reconsider your reach schools. It's ok to have reach schools, but you have to fit them to your stats. Harvard and Yale seem a bit out of reach and applying there would just be throwing money out the window. If you are a URM, you might have better chances. Adding more lower tier schools could also be helpful. Good luck!

 

[DMBAND]

I don't think you have much of a chance at the upper tier schools (Harvard, Yale, UPenn, etc) because even though your ECs are good, really competitive applicants to these schools will have just as good ECs but much better MCATs. However, it seems like you've applied to a decent range of schools (although too top-heavy in my opinion), so you stand a good chance of getting in somewhere. Good luck!

Thanks I pretty much agree...I live in CT and really don't want to go to far, can you think of any schools I should maybe add that are relatively close and I have a better shot at? Thanks and Happy 4th! 🙂

 

[boomerang]

Hey guys I've read posts on here forever but finally broke down and decided to post something myself... Anyway, everyone around me thinks I have a great chance of getting into one of the 22 schools I applied to but I'm curious what random outsiders think...BCPM: 3.56 CUM GPA: 3.57 B.S. Psych, Minor Neuroscience 3 years intense hospital neuropsychiatric research with thesis, EMT, clinical work as PCA for surgery at a hospital (still doing it), tons of volunteer work, tons of music/performance stuff, tons of shadowing...basically my EC's are a little out of control 🙂 I just graduated and i'm working at a hospital and taking a few upper-division science courses during the year...my concern is really with my MCAT scores: I took them April 2005 which was dumb because I knew I wasn't ready and had mono. and it was just horrible anyway I got a 6PS 5VR 6BS and O for writing...but I took them again "for real" this April and got 10BS 10VR 7PS Q for writing...I managed to raise my score 10 points but the 7 is baaaaaaad news and a 27 isn't that great anyway...I was told as long as I get an interview I have a good chance 'cause I've always done really well in interview-type situations...Oh yeah and I have really good LOC's and my personal statement was really good too. My state school is UCONN and I went there undergrad. and was an honors student so I heard that can help...what do you think? I'm completely obsessed with becoming a doctor... I seriously can't imagine doing anything else with my life!!! 😍

DMBAND:

I don't think you should shoot low at all. I have read some responses to your post and I have to say I don't agree. Although, your MCAT is about average, your EC's are not ordinary, and they show you have a genuine interest in medicine. Schools are not looking for high MCAT's, they are looking for a well-rounded person who is ready to dedicate themselves to medicine. You are certainly well-rounded.

Half of my friends are physician (literally HALF!.. and my sister), and I have been told many tales of people getting into HARVARD with 27's 29's and 30's. I am not saying that MCAT's don't mean much, but DON'T undermine your confidence because of them. You have a lot to offer. Ask for little and you get little. Ask for much and you get much.

I literally called each school I intend to apply to and spoke with a Dean and asked them if I should apply. I gave them my stats ( let's say I almost flunked out of college my junior/senior year) and what I have done since college. Three of the 8 schools I called told me to send in my application right away because I was a HIGHLY desirable applicant. The others said although I had a lackluster college experience, my current EC's and MPH degree and post-bacc overshadow them.

I was in shock, I thought they were going to tell me to bring up my MCAT or something, but they did the opposite. That is great considering, I am a re-re -applicant.

Long story short, try them all. I know some of the schools may be reach schools, but realize that you are not average in terms of your EC's or experience.

SUNY Downstate, NJ would be good places to apply and Mt. Sinai and GW. These schools love non-traditional students. I called all of them. They especially site that they are seeking students who are "well-rounded" and have "perserverance".

If you notice, people on SDN are very above average and the ones who may respond to your blog may not represent those extraodinary stories.

Be confident and apply EARLY!

***EXTRA CONFIDENCE BOOSTER****
My friend attends GW. She was accepted with a 24 MCAT (she did graduate with a 3.8 G.P.A. (magna cum laude, though). She happened to finish her first year with HONORS in all her classes.

 

[DrPhysician]

I agree that the MCAT will be holding you back. Generally you need at least a 28 or 29 to be considered competitive. Your GPA is alright, but not stellar, same with your ECs. If I were you I might reconsider your reach schools. It's ok to have reach schools, but you have to fit them to your stats. Harvard and Yale seem a bit out of reach and applying there would just be throwing money out the window. If you are a URM, you might have better chances. Adding more lower tier schools could also be helpful. Good luck!

dumb question, but what is a reach school? and what are some examples of reach schools?

thanks

 

[OBRN2MD]

Yep shes a mod. 👍

Okay, am I so old I don't get this? What's a "mod" and what's a *****ty school?

 

[DMBAND]

😀

DMBAND:

I don't think you should shoot low at all. I have read some responses to your post and I have to say I don't agree. Although, your MCAT is about average, your EC's are not ordinary, and they show you have a genuine interest in medicine. Schools are not looking for high MCAT's, they are looking for a well-rounded person who is ready to dedicate themselves to medicine. You are certainly well-rounded.

Half of my friends are physician (literally HALF!.. and my sister), and I have been told many tales of people getting into HARVARD with 27's 29's and 30's. I am not saying that MCAT's don't mean much, but DON'T undermine your confidence because of them. You have a lot to offer. Ask for little and you get little. Ask for much and you get much.

I literally called each school I intend to apply to and spoke with a Dean and asked them if I should apply. I gave them my stats ( let's say I almost flunked out of college my junior/senior year) and what I have done since college. Three of the 8 schools I called told me to send in my application right away because I was a HIGHLY desirable applicant. The others said although I had a lackluster college experience, my current EC's and MPH degree and post-bacc overshadow them.

I was in shock, I thought they were going to tell me to bring up my MCAT or something, but they did the opposite. That is great considering, I am a re-re -applicant.

Long story short, try them all. I know some of the schools may be reach schools, but realize that you are not average in terms of your EC's or experience.

SUNY Downstate, NJ would be good places to apply and Mt. Sinai and GW. These schools love non-traditional students. I called all of them. They especially site that they are seeking students who are "well-rounded" and have "perserverance".

If you notice, people on SDN are very above average and the ones who may respond to your blog may not represent those extraodinary stories.

Be confident and apply EARLY!

***EXTRA CONFIDENCE BOOSTER****
My friend attends GW. She was accepted with a 24 MCAT (she did graduate with a 3.8 G.P.A. (magna cum laude, though). She happened to finish her first year with HONORS in all her classes.

Thank you so much...that was a nice lil confidence booster and boyyyyy do I need that!

 

[shawn128]

Well here goes:

Computer Engineering B.S., Biomedical Sciences B.S.

3.55 GPA, science gpa probably a slightly lower (haven't calculated yet)

Freshman year: Aced all classes, with a B here and there
Sophmore year: Mostly B's, C here and there (one in bio II 🙁) (had to deal with my gf of 2 years cheating on me, both sets of grandparents going into the hospital and a heart attack scare with my father)
Currently: Summer student (will be junior in fall), taking Biochem, hopefuly trying to bring everything back up 🙁

Note: I've been taking 18+ credit semesters...so at the end of this summer, I'll have close to 120 credits

EC:
-Cancer hosptial for 6 mo's freshman year
-working on a benefit commitee for cysitic fibrosis foundation for all of my sophmore year
-volunteering at a museum for the summer (some interaction with children)
-Going to be the webmaster/historian for our school's Pre Med AMSA organization
-Vice President and Co-Founder of University of South Florida's Engineering Pre-Medical Society
-Working at a research lab programming and constructing polymer analysis machines since January 2006

 

[kevster2001]

Well here goes:

Computer Engineering B.S., Biomedical Sciences B.S.

3.55 GPA, science gpa probably a slightly lower (haven't calculated yet)

Freshman year: Aced all classes, with a B here and there
Sophmore year: Mostly B's, C here and there (one in bio II 🙁) (had to deal with my gf of 2 years cheating on me, both sets of grandparents going into the hospital and a heart attack scare with my father)
Currently: Summer student (will be junior in fall), taking Biochem, hopefuly trying to bring everything back up 🙁

Note: I've been taking 18+ credit semesters...so at the end of this summer, I'll have close to 120 credits

EC:
-Cancer hosptial for 6 mo's freshman year
-working on a benefit commitee for cysitic fibrosis foundation for all of my sophmore year
-volunteering at a museum for the summer (some interaction with children)
-Going to be the webmaster/historian for our school's Pre Med AMSA organization
-Vice President and Co-Founder of University of South Florida's Engineering Pre-Medical Society
-Working at a research lab programming and constructing polymer analysis machines since January 2006

The GPA isn't that low so it's not going to break your app, especially if you do well junior year. Obviously it's a little too soon to be suggesting schools since your GPA isn't cemented and you have yet to take the mcats. post back in a year and the replies you get will be much more useful. the only think i would say is to shadow to gain some clinical experience

 

[Anastasis]

Okay, am I so old I don't get this? What's a "mod" and what's a *****ty school?

A Mod is a moderator. Means they basically deal with the running of the site.

 

[hnpjem]

This is a rather general question since I am still ~2 years from applying to medical school. I enrolled in an extremely challenging undergraduate engineering program and ended up with a terrible GPA for freshman year. I switched out to another engineering stream (decided I liked the material and research opportunities better) and got my grades up by a huge margin. My GPA, not counting first year, is above a 3.6 and is on an upward trend.

I always intended to go to medschool, but the way I wanted to do it was by getting as broad and enriching an undergraduate experience as possible. I’m getting that now, and enjoying it enormously, but I’m afraid my freshman year marks might jeopardize my chances of ever getting in.

I’m doing everything else I need – working at a hospital, volunteering, extracurriculars, research – and I love it. I know from talking to and shadowing doctors, and some long, hard thinking, that I absolutely want to do this. Long story short – is there still hope for me to get into a respectable institution? How willing are medschools to pardon one bad year?

 

[Anastasis]

This is a rather general question since I am still ~2 years from applying to medical school. I enrolled in an extremely challenging undergraduate engineering program and ended up with a terrible GPA for freshman year. I switched out to another engineering stream (decided I liked the material and research opportunities better) and got my grades up by a huge margin. My GPA, not counting first year, is above a 3.6 and is on an upward trend.

I always intended to go to medschool, but the way I wanted to do it was by getting as broad and enriching an undergraduate experience as possible. I’m getting that now, and enjoying it enormously, but I’m afraid my freshman year marks might jeopardize my chances of ever getting in.

I’m doing everything else I need – working at a hospital, volunteering, extracurriculars, research – and I love it. I know from talking to and shadowing doctors, and some long, hard thinking, that I absolutely want to do this. Long story short – is there still hope for me to get into a respectable institution? How willing are medschools to pardon one bad year?

Define "respectable" - do you mean any US medical school then sure, most likely yes. Or do you mean "respectable" like top 15 or something (before I get flamed - that's NOT my idea, I'm just clarifying) in which case you might have a hard battle.

 

[kevster2001]

This is a rather general question since I am still ~2 years from applying to medical school. I enrolled in an extremely challenging undergraduate engineering program and ended up with a terrible GPA for freshman year. I switched out to another engineering stream (decided I liked the material and research opportunities better) and got my grades up by a huge margin. My GPA, not counting first year, is above a 3.6 and is on an upward trend.

I always intended to go to medschool, but the way I wanted to do it was by getting as broad and enriching an undergraduate experience as possible. I’m getting that now, and enjoying it enormously, but I’m afraid my freshman year marks might jeopardize my chances of ever getting in.

I’m doing everything else I need – working at a hospital, volunteering, extracurriculars, research – and I love it. I know from talking to and shadowing doctors, and some long, hard thinking, that I absolutely want to do this. Long story short – is there still hope for me to get into a respectable institution? How willing are medschools to pardon one bad year?

I think it depends on a lot of things. How bad is "bad" ? What about your MCAT? How good is your research? Theres lots of ways to plug up a hole in your app provided you have to chops to do it. Dont count yourself out.

 

[hnpjem]

Thank you.
‘Bad’ is roughly a 2.0 for first year. I am just entering junior year so I’m still actually in the process of studying for the MCAT. I have a long time to study for it and I know it’s going to be an especially important marker or flag for my application, so I intend to do well (then again, who doesn’t, eh?)

By ‘respectable’ I just meant a well-known university. I will try for top 15, yes. It’s probably an uphill battle but bar that first year (which was the result of many contributing factors including entering university too young), I’m hoping I can put together a good, solid application.

 

[ADeadLois]

I've posted here before, but my GPA/MCAT scores have been finalized, and so has my list.

Northwestern, Chemistry Major, CT resident

GPA: 3.52
Sci. GPA: 3.42

MCAT: 32R (12VR, 11PS, 9BS)

ECs:

2 Years RA, including one RA as a supervising RA for a building
6 summers working in a cardilology research lab: hodgepodge of research, publications (4 abstract co-authorships), and shadowing
6 months as a bedside volunteer at children's hospital
1 year chemistry research
2 years elementary school tutor
Featured op-ed columnist for school newspaper

On my list,

UConn
Vermont
Northwestern
BU
Tufts
Yale
Drexel
NYMC
Geffen
Jefferson
GW
Albany
Temple
Case Western
Harvard
Mt. Sinai

Thoughts?

 

[rcd]

Univ. Missouri-Columbia, Bio Major, MO resident

GPA: 3.97
Sci. GPA: 4

MCAT: 30Q (8VR, 11PS, 11BS)

ECs:

1 summer volunteering @ hospital ER (100 hrs)
2 days shadowing doctors

Goal Schools: anywhere allo in the continental USA.

Do I have a worthwhile chance with an average MCAT and so few ECs?

 

[underdog32]

Hey everyone!!

As I read through numerous threads I am seeing how competitive it is applying to med-school. As a freshman in college, I was wondering if anyone could tell me what I need to know about the whole process. i.e) GPA, MCAT, volunteer service, etc. At this moment I have a 3.25 GPA and a 4.0 science GPA(lol 1 bio class). Also My GF is also looking into med school, she has a 3.72 GPA and a 3.78 science GPA thus far. she just got through taking physics which she recieved an A in both the class and lab. I hear physics is one of the hardest on route, am I right or does it get harder? i.e(organic and inorganic chemistry or other such classes) she is also a freshman. And just one mor question. My gf has taken calc. 1 and 2 and received and A in both, does that count toward her science gpa or just the overall?

 

[bearkat1]

Just click on my md applicant number 6012 and let me know what you think, I am applying ED to the university of Cincinnati and now I am starting to second guess my chances with just one med school on my app. Should I change and apply to other ohio schools like OSU and case western, PLEASE HELP!!

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?id=6012

 

[ParvatiP]

Univ. Missouri-Columbia, Bio Major, MO resident

GPA: 3.97
Sci. GPA: 4

MCAT: 30Q (8VR, 11PS, 11BS)

ECs:

1 summer volunteering @ hospital ER (100 hrs)
2 days shadowing doctors

Goal Schools: anywhere allo in the continental USA.

Do I have a worthwhile chance with an average MCAT and so few ECs?

Your stats will probably get you some interviews, but I think your lack of ECs will hurt you too. Your MCAT is fine. I would try to get in some more experience (are you doing anything this summer?) during application season because you're probably going to be asked about it during interviews. I don't really know what schools to suggest to you, but be realistic! Good luck!

 

[kevster2001]

Univ. Missouri-Columbia, Bio Major, MO resident

GPA: 3.97
Sci. GPA: 4

MCAT: 30Q (8VR, 11PS, 11BS)

ECs:

1 summer volunteering @ hospital ER (100 hrs)
2 days shadowing doctors

Goal Schools: anywhere allo in the continental USA.

Do I have a worthwhile chance with an average MCAT and so few ECs?

I think your average MCAT really hurts your GPA since they'll question the rigor of your courses. The EC list will keep you from a lot of the top tiers i think.

 

[ADeadLois]

I've posted here before, but my GPA/MCAT scores have been finalized, and so has my list.

Northwestern, Chemistry Major, CT resident

GPA: 3.52
Sci. GPA: 3.42

MCAT: 32R (12VR, 11PS, 9BS)

ECs:

2 Years RA, including one RA as a supervising RA for a building
6 summers working in a cardilology research lab: hodgepodge of research, publications (4 abstract co-authorships), and shadowing
6 months as a bedside volunteer at children's hospital
1 year chemistry research
2 years elementary school tutor
Featured op-ed columnist for school newspaper

On my list,

UConn
Vermont
Northwestern
BU
Tufts
Yale
Drexel
NYMC
Geffen
Jefferson
GW
Albany
Temple
Case Western
Harvard
Mt. Sinai

Thoughts?

bump...thoughts?

 

[SpinEcho13]

.

 

[DrHusky]

OK, I posted earleir, but now I have selected some schools. I am submitting AMCAS tomorrow or the next day, so any last minute help would be nice. I think I may be reaching too much.

mdapplicant profile

Thanks.

 

[iceman77_7]

My mdapps is in my profile. I know most of the schools on my list is top tier, but if I get into just one of the ones on my list, I'd be pretty darn happy. Suggestions on additional schools to add and chances?

 

[kevster2001]

My mdapps is in my profile. I know most of the schools on my list is top tier, but if I get into just one of the ones on my list, I'd be pretty darn happy. Suggestions on additional schools to add and chances?

Wayyy to many top tiers in my opinion. You say getting into just one woudl be nice, but getting into that ONE is going to be hard with your GPA. Your EC list is good but it's not amazing enough to guarantee atleast one admission. I would really look at some mid tiers and a low tiers or two

 

[Haemulon]

Hey everyone!!

As I read through numerous threads I am seeing how competitive it is applying to med-school. As a freshman in college, I was wondering if anyone could tell me what I need to know about the whole process. i.e) GPA, MCAT, volunteer service, etc. At this moment I have a 3.25 GPA and a 4.0 science GPA(lol 1 bio class). Also My GF is also looking into med school, she has a 3.72 GPA and a 3.78 science GPA thus far. she just got through taking physics which she recieved an A in both the class and lab. I hear physics is one of the hardest on route, am I right or does it get harder? i.e(organic and inorganic chemistry or other such classes) she is also a freshman. And just one mor question. My gf has taken calc. 1 and 2 and received and A in both, does that count toward her science gpa or just the overall?

Calculus counts towards the BCPM GPA (yeh, the science GPA). I found physics to be tough. O.Chem is tough too. (got B's in both). Inadditional to doing well in your classes, you need to get involved with activities on and off campus. Run for a student government position, do some philanthropy with student groups, get some medidcal exposure through volunteering and shadowing. You will need to list your extra-curricular activities on your medical school application. Go to http://www.aamc.org/students/start.htm to find out more about the process. And talk to your pre-med advisor!

 

[ParvatiP]

OK, I posted earleir, but now I have selected some schools. I am submitting AMCAS tomorrow or the next day, so any last minute help would be nice. I think I may be reaching too much.

mdapplicant profile

Thanks.

Yeah you definitely have a lot of reach schools. I might cut out a few and add some mid or lower tier schools. Your stats and ECs look great, so you'll probably make it in to a top school, but you never know. Good luck!

 

[ParvatiP]

Wayyy to many top tiers in my opinion. You say getting into just one woudl be nice, but getting into that ONE is going to be hard with your GPA. Your EC list is good but it's not amazing enough to guarantee atleast one admission. I would really look at some mid tiers and a low tiers or two

I agree. Your GPA is a bit low for most of those schools.

 

[Dr.Acula]

hey guys, i still have a year to go but i'd just like to know what you guys think of me right now.
3.8 BCMP
On a 4 yr scholarship
no MCAT yet (hoping for 30 of course)

Research:
1 semester of research on microvasculature (possible pub soon)

Volunteering:
~100 hours of volunteering at 2 hospitals over a summer
2-3 days of shadowing a couple of different physicians
~25 or random volunteering over 3 years like habitat for humanity, elder-aid, Katrina relief, etc. (each only a few hours though)
Also, i've been doing wildlife rehabilitation for 8 years (is this worth puting on an app??)

Clubs:
1 year active member of pre-med society
1 semester academic bowl club

LORs:
okay, not great

I am only applying in Texas and not interested in going to a top-tier school, just wanna get in. 😉

 

[Erina]

hey guys, i still have a year to go but i'd just like to know what you guys think of me right now.
3.8 BCMP
On a 4 yr scholarship
no MCAT yet (hoping for 30 of course)

Research:
1 semester of research on microvasculature (possible pub soon)

Volunteering:
~100 hours of volunteering at 2 hospitals over a summer
2-3 days of shadowing a couple of different physicians
~25 or random volunteering over 3 years like habitat for humanity, elder-aid, Katrina relief, etc. (each only a few hours though)
Also, i've been doing wildlife rehabilitation for 8 years (is this worth puting on an app??)

Clubs:
1 year active member of pre-med society
1 semester academic bowl club

LORs:
okay, not great

I am only applying in Texas and not interested in going to a top-tier school, just wanna get in. 😉

well i'm not really good at helping people figure out which schools to apply to but i would definitely put the wildlife rehabilitation on your application. it'll make you stand out.

 

[UtProsim]

Hi guys,

3.49 GPA <---Worries Me
30M MCAT
11V
8 PS <----Again with the worrying
11B


Virginia Resident

20-30 hrs/week with volunteer rescue squad during school year


What do you think?

 

[ParvatiP]

Hi guys,

3.49 GPA <---Worries Me
30M MCAT
11V
8 PS <----Again with the worrying
11B


Virginia Resident

20-30 hrs/week with volunteer rescue squad during school year


What do you think?

Your GPA and MCAT are ok (I don't think the 8 is too much to worry about- you won't be screened out or anything). Do you have any more clinical experience or extracurriculars? Just doing the one thing is ok, but you might want to diversify your experiences and do some shadowing, etc. I would look at low and mid tier schools if I were you and work on those ECs. Good luck!

 

[mvenus929]

Ok, this is what I do because no one will hire me for the summer... I look and see what I need to do to apply for med school. So, here's the deal:

I'm going into my second and junior year in college, taking organic this year and planning on taking the MCAT in May of next year, then applying after that. I really want to go to med school in NY (Mt Sinai is looking really good right now) for mostly personal reasons. However, I'm going to a state school now (U of Colorado @ CO Springs), have absolutely no research experience, little co-curriculars (pre-med society), and a little volunteer experience (Probably about 10 hours now). I have a 4.0 currently, but I've only got 29 credits that count for GPA in right now, so that's not saying much. Besides the obvious (volunteering, which I'll do for about 4 hours a week shortly after school starts at the local hospital, shadowing, and getting more involved), what should I do to strengthen my application?

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

hey guys, i still have a year to go but i'd just like to know what you guys think of me right now.
3.8 BCMP
On a 4 yr scholarship
no MCAT yet (hoping for 30 of course)

Research:
1 semester of research on microvasculature (possible pub soon)

Volunteering:
~100 hours of volunteering at 2 hospitals over a summer
2-3 days of shadowing a couple of different physicians
~25 or random volunteering over 3 years like habitat for humanity, elder-aid, Katrina relief, etc. (each only a few hours though)
Also, i've been doing wildlife rehabilitation for 8 years (is this worth puting on an app??)

Clubs:
1 year active member of pre-med society
1 semester academic bowl club

LORs:
okay, not great

I am only applying in Texas and not interested in going to a top-tier school, just wanna get in. 😉

Texas schools mostly care about overall GPA (not BCPM) and MCAT scores, so it's hard to say at this point. If your overall is about the same as your BCPM and you can pull a 30+ on the MCAT, you have a good chance of getting in somewhere. You will be at a slight disadvantage for applying late (I assume you are taking that August MCAT) but you certainly won't be alone.

 

[inside_edition]

I've been reading sdn for a while now but this is my first post. What are the chances of getting into medschool in this cycle?

stats/background info: I'm majoring in biology at the university of michigan-ann arbor and finishing undergrad in three years. right now my gpa is a 3.39 and my science gpa is 3.32 (if AMCAS doesn't count undergrad research under BCPM then it's a 3.2 . my transcript only says university course-undergrad research, however I researched in a biomedical field but it doesn't say on the transcripts). I have two semesters worth of research (research results and paper is not published, but I still wrote a paper on it) and two semesters of volunteering. ( a semester at michigan is 4 months).

I'm taking the MCATs this august, btw.

Basically, my Q is..what are my chances at schools in the midwest and the eastern states? Of course this depends on my mcat score. MSAR isn't really that helpful because it shows the stats for accepted(as opposed to matriculated) students and has no stats on the ranges of the total mcat score or the ranges of the gpa's.

thanks and any input is appreciated.

 

[braluk]

I've been reading sdn for a while now but this is my first post. What are the chances of getting into medschool in this cycle?

stats/background info: I'm majoring in biology at the university of michigan-ann arbor and finishing undergrad in three years. right now my gpa is a 3.39 and my science gpa is 3.32 (if AMCAS doesn't count undergrad research under BCPM then it's a 3.2 . my transcript only says university course-undergrad research, however I researched in a biomedical field but it doesn't say on the transcripts). I have two semesters worth of research (research results and paper is not published, but I still wrote a paper on it) and two semesters of volunteering. ( a semester at michigan is 4 months).

I'm taking the MCATs this august, btw.

Basically, my Q is..what are my chances at schools in the midwest and the eastern states? Of course this depends on my mcat score. MSAR isn't really that helpful because it shows the stats for accepted(as opposed to matriculated) students and has no stats on the ranges of the total mcat score or the ranges of the gpa's.

thanks and any input is appreciated.

you have a low chance of getting into a medical school. you'll have a better shot at applying to low tier med schools and your own state school. If you ace the MCAT, you'll have a better chance, but the fact that your application is on hold until MCAT scores are available in october will put you at a delay anyway, and work against you. By the time that your transcripts will be verified ad your MCAT scores uploaded, and your primary submitted, you will be doing secondary applications relatively late in the game while earlier applicants are going on interviews, and starting to fill up classes at med schools. However, this does not mean you shouldn;t apply at all. I do think that you should apply to a few special masters programs in the meanwhile whily vying for adcoms to accept you.

 

[kevster2001]

This should be in the "What are my Chances Thread"

 

[Anastasis]

Texas schools mostly care about overall GPA (not BCPM) and MCAT scores, so it's hard to say at this point. If your overall is about the same as your BCPM and you can pull a 30+ on the MCAT, you have a good chance of getting in somewhere. You will be at a slight disadvantage for applying late (I assume you are taking that August MCAT) but you certainly won't be alone.

Wow, I did not know that. Where'd you hear that, Jota?

 

[MollyMalone]

This should be in the "What are my Chances Thread"

Yup! Moving...

 

[JDUB44]

guess I'll Join the fun, "What are my chances" at the schools listed in my mdapplicants profile, I'm gonna add more but also consider EVMS, Wakeforest, VCU, U of Kentucky, Louisville, Mercer, just hadn't added them yet. thanks all, any suggestions for schools are more than welcome gonna wait a week or so before adding any more.

 

[SpinEcho13]

.

 

[beaverfetus]

Molly Malone eh?

don't they call that statue the tart with the cart?

anywho, my info:
white guy
State o residence: maryland (right smack on top of dc)
university: vandy

GPA: 3.64*
BCPM: Some 3.6ish type thing
*note: got a 2.9 first semester frosh year, a 3.1 second semester, and since then i've been hovering between a 3.85 and 3.9

MCATS:
38-O (cant write under pressure)
bio: 12
verb: 14
phys:12

EC:
-started big ole website thingy freshman year, which lasted untill now. I used to work about 8-10 hours a week on it

-worked in endocrinology lab in a paid internship 8-10 hours a week since sophmore year. I'm getting co-authorship on a paper in fall. I'm in a program this summer with medstudents, continuing my research.
(my PI is writing a rec and he's on vandy faculty)

-did a really small comitment community service club called FIMRC 2 hours a weekish for 2 years.

My worries:
-My list is too long (22)
-My list only includes a few less competitive picks: g-town, george washington university and u of maryland (instate). Otherwise populated by top tier schools.
-An "o" on the writing section? bah!
-overall gpa tooo lowww
-ec's not as steller as most

anywho my doctor father has billed me as a top tier applicant. problem is... what does he know? tell me what you think.

 

[lizt]

Hi!

-white female
-bio major (possibly chem or english minor, any opinions?)
-will be a junior in honors program at a state university
-4.0 gpa, all med school pre-reqs done, MCATS to be taken in 2007
-2 semesters research in chem lab
-will be in bio lab, plan to stay there until i graduate and write thesis
-EMT certification (i'm having a hard time finding a place to volunteer)
- ~40 hrs shadowing ob-gyn so far
- ~60 hrs volunteering at a rehab center
- ~30 hrs helping foriegn students learn english (will be about 60-80 hrs)
-if i can't find an EMT job at school i plan to volunteer at a hospital a few hours every week next year

Questions:
I don't think I've gained enough clinical experience or volunteering. What does everyone else think? (because i still have time to improve if needed)
My school is huge, and I don't know professors besides those in my lab, will this greatly hurt me for LOR?
Where do you think I might be competitive if I get a 30 on the MCATS?
I probably wont ever have a job in college, is it better to get a job or volunteer more if I can do either?
I took AP bio, got a 5, but retook the 2 classes b/c of bad advice, it shows on my transcript as a "repeat." Is there a way to explain this on my app.?
(just a paranoid thought...)

THANKS SO MUCH!