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

[Darkshooter326]

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Looks good, I would add places like Duke and Yale. Also, a note, a few of your activities, the publications and your volunteer, cite next year, or in progress. From other threads, I think the concensus is you are only allowed to put on your application what you have completed thus far. But, that is neither here nor there, maybe something people want to clarify 😍

 

[SpinEcho13]

Looks good, I would add places like Duke and Yale. Also, a note, a few of your activities, the publications and your volunteer, cite next year, or in progress. From other threads, I think the concensus is you are only allowed to put on your application what you have completed thus far. But, that is neither here nor there, maybe something people want to clarify 😍

I think publications that cannot be cited are supposed to go in the same box as the research experience they were a result of. My third author pub is in press and should be citable now, though technically not published by the journal yet, it has been peer reviewed and accepted I believe. Similarily, the abstract of the 1st author pub has been accepted to a meeting (listed) but the paper is not complete, so I will stick that whole thing in the research experience box, not as its own.

The future leadership team technically began this week (I am still at school 🙁 ) and is just to show that I am still involved in the program, it is far from the cornerstone of my experience.

Finally, I know nothing about Yale, and don't know if I would even fit in? Duke's secondary is supposed to be a bear, and I am still a little irked at them for not accepting me undergrad but maybe I'll declare amnesty? Who knows 😉

 

[DoctorPardi]

I think publications that cannot be cited are supposed to go in the same box as the research experience they were a result of. My third author pub is in press and should be citable now, though technically not published by the journal yet, it has been peer reviewed and accepted I believe. Similarily, the abstract of the 1st author pub has been accepted to a meeting (listed) but the paper is not complete, so I will stick that whole thing in the research experience box, not as its own.

The future leadership team technically began this week (I am still at school 🙁 ) and is just to show that I am still involved in the program, it is far from the cornerstone of my experience.

Finally, I know nothing about Yale, and don't know if I would even fit in? Duke's secondary is supposed to be a bear, and I am still a little irked at them for not accepting me undergrad but maybe I'll declare amnesty? Who knows 😉

Yale is a real laid back school that is supposedly less stressful then most top 10 med schools.

 

[SpinEcho13]

Yale is a real laid back school that is supposedly less stressful then most top 10 med schools.

I need competition to succeed. 🙂

 

[ADeadLois]

Here it goes.

Undergrad: Northwestern

Overall GPA: 3.53
Sci. GPA: 3.28
MCAT: Unknown (April 2006)

LORs:
2 Chem Profs, research related: Done research with one for 1+ years, presented research to another who offered to write me a letter
1 Orgo prof: Got A- in orgo with him, then took grad-level class and got an A-
1 Religion prof: Took 3 classes with her and got A's
1 Doc who I've worked for for 5 years

ECs:
2 Years as a Resident Assistant, 1 year in a supervisory position
Weekly columnist for school newspaper
6 months weekly volunteering at Children's Hospital
2 years as weekly tutor for grade-school children
1 year chemistry research
5 summers cardiology related research/shadowing

I'm looking at UConn (state of residency), UVM + the Chicago and Boston area schools, possibly NY.

Bump. Any thoughts?

 

[afterthought]

Wanted to know what y'all think about my school list and everything else (esp clinical exp):


MCAT Score: VR 13, PS 11, BS 11, S
BCPM GPA: 3.55
Overall GPA: 3.67


- Biology/Politics double major
- Editor in Chief of school newspaper (weekly circulation 4000-4500)
- Summer of research in molecular genetics lab (probably no pub--also nonmedical)
- Study abroad one semester
- Overnight camp counselor one summer
- Working this summer as a clinical assistant in a hospital 35 hr/wk (other clinical exp is from HS [eek!] and following around my dad)
- Academic scholarship


Current list:
- Albert Einstein
- Baylor College
- Boston University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Mount Sinai School of Medicine
- New York University
- Northwestern University
- Stanford University
- Tufts University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Texas, Galveston
- University of Texas, Houston
- University of Texas, San Antonio
- University of Texas, Southwestern
- Yale University

 

[SpinEcho13]

Bump. Any thoughts?

Sci GPA looks like your toughest point, otherwise you should be competitive at your state school and RFU, Loyola possibly, dunno about Rush cause they take mostly in state. Definetly apply to some of the private NY/Philly schools and possibly GWU, Georgetown?

 

[SpinEcho13]

Wanted to know what y'all think about my school list and everything else (esp clinical exp):


MCAT Score: VR 13, PS 11, BS 11, S
BCPM GPA: 3.55
Overall GPA: 3.67


- Biology/Politics double major
- Editor in Chief of school newspaper (weekly circulation 4000-4500)
- Summer of research in molecular genetics lab (probably no pub--also nonmedical)
- Study abroad one semester
- Overnight camp counselor one summer
- Working this summer as a clinical assistant in a hospital 35 hr/wk (other clinical exp is from HS [eek!] and following around my dad)
- Academic scholarship


Current list:
- Albert Einstein
- Baylor College
- Boston University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Mount Sinai School of Medicine
- New York University
- Northwestern University
- Stanford University
- Tufts University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Texas, Galveston
- University of Texas, Houston
- University of Texas, San Antonio
- University of Texas, Southwestern
- Yale University

Looks like you saw your MCAT and said "Hey I'm avg at most of the top 20's" You might be competitive at some of those schools but DEFINETLY add some backups... especially with 3.55sci, no clinical before applying, and no significant research... Add the usual EC private schools (NYMC, Drexel, Temple, GWU, Georgetown). Not a diss, just make sure you cover your bases.

 

[Anastasis]

Wanted to know what y'all think about my school list and everything else (esp clinical exp):


MCAT Score: VR 13, PS 11, BS 11, S
BCPM GPA: 3.55
Overall GPA: 3.67


- Biology/Politics double major
- Editor in Chief of school newspaper (weekly circulation 4000-4500)
- Summer of research in molecular genetics lab (probably no pub--also nonmedical)
- Study abroad one semester
- Overnight camp counselor one summer
- Working this summer as a clinical assistant in a hospital 35 hr/wk (other clinical exp is from HS [eek!] and following around my dad)
- Academic scholarship


Current list:
- Albert Einstein
- Baylor College
- Boston University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Mount Sinai School of Medicine
- New York University
- Northwestern University
- Stanford University
- Tufts University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Texas, Galveston
- University of Texas, Houston
- University of Texas, San Antonio
- University of Texas, Southwestern
- Yale University

You are a TX resident right? If not, I'd suggest narrowing down your list of TX schools. No TCOM, TT or TAMU?

Actually funny because our stats look kind of similar (your GPA is a bit higher) but that should be the realm of my MCAT - Good luck!

 

[afterthought]

You are a TX resident right? If not, I'd suggest narrowing down your list of TX schools. No TCOM, TT or TAMU?

Actually funny because our stats look kind of similar (your GPA is a bit higher) but that should be the realm of my MCAT - Good luck!

I certainly am a proud Texan 😉 (Though I go to school in the NE.) Still, I think I might kill myself if I had to live in Lubbock or College Station/Temple, so I didn't plan on including Tech or A&M. I sincerely hope my stats are more than sufficient to get into at least one of the other state schools, so I'm hoping it will be a non-issue.

EDIT: Ah, from mdapplicants, I see you're an Aggie 😉 No offense about CS--I'm just not a small town kind of guy. (Plus, I'm from Austin. Hook 'em!)

 

[Anastasis]

I certainly am a proud Texan 😉 (Though I go to school in the NE.) Still, I think I might kill myself if I had to live in Lubbock or College Station/Temple, so I didn't plan on including Tech or A&M. I sincerely hope my stats are more than sufficient to get into at least one of the other state schools, so I'm hoping it will be a non-issue.

EDIT: Ah, from mdapplicants, I see you're an Aggie 😉 No offense about CS--I'm just not a small town kind of guy. (Plus, I'm from Austin. Hook 'em!)

No worries - one more spot in TAMU for me! Have you thought about adding GW to your list? Another "safe" (like there is such a thing) school for you.

 

[afterthought]

Looks like you saw your MCAT and said "Hey I'm avg at most of the top 20's" You might be competitive at some of those schools but DEFINETLY add some backups... especially with 3.55sci, no clinical before applying, and no significant research... Add the usual EC private schools (NYMC, Drexel, Temple, GWU, Georgetown). Not a diss, just make sure you cover your bases.

No offense taken, of course. What do you mean exactly by "EC private schools"? Are those schools that put an emphasis on extracurriculars, or does EC stand for something else?

 

[SpinEcho13]

No offense taken, of course. What do you mean exactly by "EC private schools"? Are those schools that put an emphasis on extracurriculars, or does EC stand for something else?

East coast. Drexel, Temple, GWU, Georgetown, NYMC, etc. Not all, but pick 2 or so.

 

[kevster2001]

Wanted to know what y'all think about my school list and everything else (esp clinical exp):


MCAT Score: VR 13, PS 11, BS 11, S
BCPM GPA: 3.55
Overall GPA: 3.67


- Biology/Politics double major
- Editor in Chief of school newspaper (weekly circulation 4000-4500)
- Summer of research in molecular genetics lab (probably no pub--also nonmedical)
- Study abroad one semester
- Overnight camp counselor one summer
- Working this summer as a clinical assistant in a hospital 35 hr/wk (other clinical exp is from HS [eek!] and following around my dad)
- Academic scholarship


Current list:
- Albert Einstein
- Baylor College
- Boston University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Mount Sinai School of Medicine
- New York University
- Northwestern University
- Stanford University
- Tufts University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Texas, Galveston
- University of Texas, Houston
- University of Texas, San Antonio
- University of Texas, Southwestern
- Yale University

Way too many reach schools and not enough mid-tier/low tiers

 

[Haemulon]

Does anyone know how much a graduate degree helps an application?

My Stats:
age: 29
BA Biology, minor Religion (GPA 3.54)
MS Biology (vertebrate systematics and molecular genetics focus) (GPA 3.88)
MS Biomedical Science (focus in Clinical Embryology, in progress) (GPA 4.0)
(all of the above at different schools) overal GPA about 3.67

Many leadership roles in undergrad student organizations, arbitration boards
Vice President of my fraternity
Religion honors society
2 Teaching assistanships in General Biology
2 Research assistantships in ecological monitoring and marine research
Part time work as a biological illustrator (published illustrations)
1 co-authored publication in the field of marine biology and taxonomy
Full time employment as an Evironmental Specialist (6 months)
FT employment in a hospital as a Genetics Technologist (3+ years)
Attended a number of national conferences

Waiting on my MCAT scores ... think I did ok.

I'm looking at Hopkins and UVA as my top choices. Any suggestions?

 

[SpinEcho13]

Waiting on my MCAT scores ... think I did ok.

I'm looking at Hopkins and UVA as my top choices. Any suggestions?

What is ok? If its 29-33 I wouldn't count on Hopkins, tho you can always apply... 34-36 would be iffy, and 37+ you would prolly have a pretty good shot. Your GPA is .3 below their mean tho

 

[ADeadLois]

Sci GPA looks like your toughest point, otherwise you should be competitive at your state school and RFU, Loyola possibly, dunno about Rush cause they take mostly in state. Definetly apply to some of the private NY/Philly schools and possibly GWU, Georgetown?

I think my Sci GPA would look better in the context of my transcript. I did better than my GPA indicates for my pre-reqs. I got an A- average for 3 quarters of orgo, B+ for physics, and B for Bio, A- in Calc and Gen-chem. I just got owned by a couple of upper-level chem classes (likely will get a C+ this quarter in stat thermo).

 

[SpinEcho13]

I think my Sci GPA would look better in the context of my transcript. I did better than my GPA indicates for my pre-reqs. I got an A- average for 3 quarters of orgo, B+ for physics, and B for Bio, A- in Calc and Gen-chem. I just got owned by a couple of upper-level chem classes (likely will get a C+ this quarter in stat thermo).

I hear ya, NU basic sciences are pretty competitive... I got my worst grades in calc, genchem, and bio... damn you NU.

 

[ADeadLois]

I hear ya, NU basic sciences are pretty competitive... I got my worst grades in calc, genchem, and bio... damn you NU.

Haha, "pretty competitive" would be an understatement. I honestly think you have a better chance winning the lottery than getting an A in that bio sequence.

 

[Darkshooter326]

I am surprised a thread like this actually died down. Help out the newbie 😀

Overall GPA- 3.66
Science- 3.68
Expected MCAT- 30-33
Major- Chemistry

ECs of note- Chemistry tutor
Good amount of clinical experience, summers in hospitals, shadowing during the year
Uneventful research, 1 year, no LOR, no publication


UPenn
UChicago
Case Western (OH)
Harvard
Northwestern
Emory
Baylor
UPittsburgh
Colombia
Loyola
Georgetown
Saint Louis U
Tufts
Temple
Tulane
Wake Forest


I know I've got a lot of reach schools on here, namely UPenn/Harvard, but I figure a reach should actually stretch the muscles out Also, i've gotten 35's on practice MCATs, so that is possible, but I just want to be realistic. I've had about an equal amount of good semesters and bad ones, so no real trend/improvement over the years. I am really worried about my research, because I feel like I have nothing to show for it, and it is too late to do anything about it. Alright, go!!! 😕 Thanks

 

[kevster2001]

I am surprised a thread like this actually died down. Help out the newbie 😀

Overall GPA- 3.66
Science- 3.68
Expected MCAT- 30-33
Major- Chemistry

ECs of note- Chemistry tutor
Good amount of clinical experience, summers in hospitals, shadowing during the year
Uneventful research, 1 year, no LOR, no publication


UPenn
UChicago
Case Western (OH)
Harvard
Northwestern
Emory
Baylor
UPittsburgh
Colombia
Loyola
Georgetown
Saint Louis U
Tufts
Temple
Tulane
Wake Forest


I know I've got a lot of reach schools on here, namely UPenn/Harvard, but I figure a reach should actually stretch the muscles out Also, i've gotten 35's on practice MCATs, so that is possible, but I just want to be realistic. I've had about an equal amount of good semesters and bad ones, so no real trend/improvement over the years. I am really worried about my research, because I feel like I have nothing to show for it, and it is too late to do anything about it. Alright, go!!! 😕 Thanks

Maybe I'm wrong but I thought Harvard wanted a LOR from anyone you did research with?

 

[SpinEcho13]

Maybe I'm wrong but I thought Harvard wanted a LOR from anyone you did research with?

I've heard some schools ask for this... do you know of any others?

Darkshooter, what is your undergrad school?

 

[kevster2001]

I've heard some schools ask for this... do you know of any others?

Darkshooter, what is your undergrad school?

can't say that i do. does the msar not say anything?

 

[Darkshooter326]

current school- Cornell, but does it really matter?

I have only heard that MD/PhD programs require letters from research positions, for obvious reasons. If anyone knows about normal MD program/research letters, share the knowledge 😳


More about my list, I like big cities, that's why the school choices seem a bit random.

 

[kevster2001]

current school- Cornell, but does it really matter?

I have only heard that MD/PhD programs require letters from research positions, for obvious reasons. If anyone knows about normal MD program/research letters, share the knowledge 😳


More about my list, I like big cities, that's why the school choices seem a bit random.

http://hms.harvard.edu/admissions/default.asp?page=researchapply

It doesn't make mention of MSTP only so I'm assuming its for regular MD as well

 

[SpinEcho13]

current school- Cornell, but does it really matter?

No, as long as it's not West Bumblefawk College. You should be fine, possibly add U Miami and Med. College Wisc? In Miami and Milwaukee respectively, both of decent size.

 

[Darkshooter326]

HAHA, WBC, i think my cousin goes there 😛


UMiami sounds good. Is M. Col Wisc a private school? I have not heard much about this place. Would you recommend adding these schools onto what I have, or substituting out some of the upper levels, like UChicago or UPenn. For me, money isn't really the issue with number of applications, it's being accepted somewhere with a good balance of prestige/location. Thanks for the input 😍

 

[SpinEcho13]

Um, I'm not an expert, I'm just going by MSAR and where kids I know have gotten in, but it seems like MCW is on par with Temple, so obviously not a reach school or anything. If app fees are not an issue just tack them on, you know how much of a crapshoot this whole thing is, and you don't want to get left out in the cold. UChicago, while very well regarded has lower avg numbers than UPenn... take from that what you will. Also, your GPA would be in the bottom 25% of their admitted class... I think the middle 75% is between a 3.8 and a 3.7 or something like that (from what the Dean of Admissions told us at an info session), but anything can happen...

 

[penisclaw]

I'm new around here, and after reading most of this thread I'm a little scared of my chance of getting into a med school 😱 I really hope SND isn't representative of the average, cause then I'm probably below average.

Anyway, I have a more general 'what are my chances' question. When I graduated high school (02), I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life, so I went to a local community college. I was focusing on computer science and graphic design type stuff during those years, and I pretty much screwed around so my grades suffered. I transfered to a state school last year with about a 3.0 GPA at which point I decided I wanted to try medicine. This past year I took 18 units each semester (mostly lower level pre-med requirements), and pulled straight A's both semesters, bringing my GPA to about a 3.30. I have 2 more years taking strictly science classes before I graduate, and if I pull A's in all of them (which I'm pretty confident I can do), I can up my GPA to somewhere between a 3.55 and 3.65. I haven't started studying for the MCAT yet as I haven't completed a lot of the classes it is based on, but I did get the EK books to start reviewing the topics I have covered, so lets just assume I can pull a 30 or so for now. In the fall semester when I go back to school I plan on trying to find volunteer work at a local hospital/clinic, as well as a doctor shadowing opportunity. My school offers a research internship at the NIH every summer, and I plan on trying to get involved with that for next summer. I have some non-science EC's all revolving around sports and outdoor activities including an AS run adventure outings program amoung others. I want to know what my chances of getting into any decent medical schools are based on what I've done so far and what I plan on doing. Is there anything I should add/change to improve my chances? Oh, I'm from California too 😎

 

[Bluntman]

I'm new around here, and after reading most of this thread I'm a little scared of my chance of getting into a med school 😱 I really hope SND isn't representative of the average, cause then I'm probably below average.

Anyway, I have a more general 'what are my chances' question. When I graduated high school (02), I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life, so I went to a local community college. I was focusing on computer science and graphic design type stuff during those years, and I pretty much screwed around so my grades suffered. I transfered to a state school last year with about a 3.0 GPA at which point I decided I wanted to try medicine. This past year I took 18 units each semester (mostly lower level pre-med requirements), and pulled straight A's both semesters, bringing my GPA to about a 3.30. I have 2 more years taking strictly science classes before I graduate, and if I pull A's in all of them (which I'm pretty confident I can do), I can up my GPA to somewhere between a 3.55 and 3.65. I haven't started studying for the MCAT yet as I haven't completed a lot of the classes it is based on, but I did get the EK books to start reviewing the topics I have covered, so lets just assume I can pull a 30 or so for now. In the fall semester when I go back to school I plan on trying to find volunteer work at a local hospital/clinic, as well as a doctor shadowing opportunity. My school offers a research internship at the NIH every summer, and I plan on trying to get involved with that for next summer. I have some non-science EC's all revolving around sports and outdoor activities including an AS run adventure outings program amoung others. I want to know what my chances of getting into any decent medical schools are based on what I've done so far and what I plan on doing. Is there anything I should add/change to improve my chances? Oh, I'm from California too 😎

You're plan sounds good. But getting straight As for 2 years and pulling 30+ on the MCAT is easier said than done...You won't really know your chances until you've got your MCAT score and know what your final GPA will be. Just stay focused and don't burn out and I think you'll be fine tho...remember it's a marathon and not a sprint. Best of luck! 👍

 

[MaiPenRai]

I guess this is the "what are my chances", so I will ask.

I am 25 and working in Thailand, so I had very little advice before submitting the AMCAS on the first day. Help me, please.

I graduated from Princeton University as a Religion major. High grades in my major, but the sciences were year 1 and 2 and were much worse. Grades got better later in the game (of course).

BCPM: 3.22
GPA: 3.57
MCAT: 13(BS), 11(PS), 13(VR), R

*Teach for America (middle school science), 2 years
*Founded and coached a middle school track team, 1 year
*Teaching English at a University in Thailand, 1 year
*Translating (Spanish) 4 hours a week, 6 months
*Clinic Volunteer 30 hours a week, 2 months
*Shadowing 30 hours a week in Ecuador, 1 month
*ER 4 hours a week, 2 months
*Masters degree in education from Fordham University while teaching and taking courses physiology/immunology/biochem (4.0) at Columbia/NYU
*Leadership in community service during college (blah, blah, blah, but it did take up time)
*Varsity track and field
*Thesis research on religio-magical medicine in Ecuador

My problem is that my premed committee told me I could apply to a whole bunch of schools that I fear I am not qualified for, and I am worried I won't get in anywhere.
*AECOM
*Boston U
*Harvard
*U Colorado (I am from MN)
*U Minnesota Minneapolis
*U Minnesota Duluth
*Mayo
*NYU
*New York Med
*Cornell
*Stanford
*Tufts
*George Washington
*Georgetown
*Vanderbilt
*Jefferson
*USC Keck
*Mt Sinai
*Dartmouth
*U Penn

So many, I know. If I can convince the premed committee to send the letter to a few more schools and pay a bit more, any suggestions? Do I have any chance?

Thanks guys.

 

[DrVanNostran]

I guess this is the "what are my chances", so I will ask.

I am 25 and working in Thailand, so I had very little advice before submitting the AMCAS on the first day. Help me, please.

I graduated from Princeton University as a Religion major. High grades in my major, but the sciences were year 1 and 2 and were much worse. Grades got better later in the game (of course).

BCPM: 3.22
GPA: 3.57
MCAT: 13(BS), 11(PS), 13(VR), R

*Teach for America (middle school science), 2 years
*Founded and coached a middle school track team, 1 year
*Teaching English at a University in Thailand, 1 year
*Translating (Spanish) 4 hours a week, 6 months
*Clinic Volunteer 30 hours a week, 2 months
*Shadowing 30 hours a week in Ecuador, 1 month
*ER 4 hours a week, 2 months
*Masters degree in education from Fordham University while teaching and taking courses physiology/immunology/biochem (4.0) at Columbia/NYU
*Leadership in community service during college (blah, blah, blah, but it did take up time)
*Varsity track and field
*Thesis research on religio-magical medicine in Ecuador

My problem is that my premed committee told me I could apply to a whole bunch of schools that I fear I am not qualified for, and I am worried I won't get in anywhere.
*AECOM
*Boston U
*Harvard
*U Colorado (I am from MN)
*U Minnesota Minneapolis
*U Minnesota Duluth
*Mayo
*NYU
*New York Med
*Cornell
*Stanford
*Tufts
*George Washington
*Georgetown
*Vanderbilt
*Jefferson
*USC Keck
*Mt Sinai
*Dartmouth
*U Penn

So many, I know. If I can convince the premed committee to send the letter to a few more schools and pay a bit more, any suggestions? Do I have any chance?

Thanks guys.

With your numbers the minnesota schools should be a lock, not sure about Mayo since they only take 42 or so. But with your numbers, I think your list is fine. I would be shocked if you didn't get in--numbers plus some great EC's. Good luck

 

[Jonesie]

Please check out my profile and let me know what you think of my school list. Thanks in advance!

 

[UMP]

Ok, let me try again... 3.05 GPA, 3.22 sci GPA, post-bacc 4.0 over 36 credits with 27 BCPM (although 6 credits are repeated Orgo C's). practice MCAT scores are hovering in the balanced 36-38 range. My LOR's will be okay from my profs, but I should get a great one from my former boss. EC's nothing special from the clinical stand point, about 100 hours of volunteering in the ER. A couple semesters of bench research work. I've been involved in my ethnic group's (European) clubs and organizations quite extensively. Having attended numerous camps as a young boy, and later being a counselor there where I promote the young ones to learn about their heritage and keep their ancestors language going. Also helped put on an annual film festival a few years in a row that shows movies in my native language on campus. (I don't know why I'm being so cryptic) I've travelled quite extensively since I graduated, most of the US and Europe, and then worked in an optometrist's office which gave me a passion for being a family practitioner who is part of the community... went back to do my post-bacc, etc. Now, if you are still reading, help me pick out the schools I have and which ones I should drop. I'd like to stay in the midwest, but private low-tier schools need to be added to my list from anywhere and everywhere... michigan resident.

I have quite a list of over 30 schools... ranked from 1-3 where I'd be least-most competitive

3 Albany Medical College
1 Case Western Reserve University
1 Cleveland Clinic Medical School
3 Creighton University
3 Drexel University
1 Emory University
2 Indiana University
3 Jefferson Medical College
2 Loyola University Chicago
1 Mayo Medical School
2 Medical College of Ohio
2 Medical College of Wisconsin
3 Michigan State University
2 Ohio State University
2 Ohio University
2 Pennsylvania State University
3 Rosalind Franklin University
3 Saint Louis University
2 Temple University
1 University of Chicago
2 University of Cincinnati
2 University of Illinois
2 University of Iowa
2 University of Kentucky
2-3? University of Michigan
2 University of North Dakota
1 University of Pittsburgh
2 University of Rochester
2 University of Vermont
2 University of Wisconsin
1 Vanderbilt University
3 Wayne State University
2 West Virginia University
2 Wright State University

Thanks for any input if you guys get through this... hopefully someone can answer this time around

 

[stars6868]

Ok so I am not near as qualified as most people but here it is. I graduated Cum Laude from Oklahoma University. Overall gpa of 3.5 non science 3.9 science 3.0. I had to retake cell bio and got C's in Ochem. MCAT i took twice getting a 27(11v, 8 8 ) and then 30(13V, 9p, 8b) My letters will be pretty good but not from proffs i had classes with but instead one volunteer cooridinater/mentor(high ranking guy at baylor med) and one ex med proff at texas tech. non clinacal volunteer hours are really high and clinical are about average, lots of shadowing, about 50 hrs in the ER, etc. I also worked part time for half of college if that matters. I had lots of leadership activities and was really involved on campus doing campus activites council and what not. So what do you people think?

 

[kevster2001]

Ok, let me try again... 3.05 GPA, 3.22 sci GPA, post-bacc 4.0 over 36 credits with 27 BCPM (although 6 credits are repeated Orgo C's). practice MCAT scores are hovering in the balanced 36-38 range. My LOR's will be okay from my profs, but I should get a great one from my former boss. EC's nothing special from the clinical stand point, about 100 hours of volunteering in the ER. A couple semesters of bench research work. I've been involved in my ethnic group's (European) clubs and organizations quite extensively. Having attended numerous camps as a young boy, and later being a counselor there where I promote the young ones to learn about their heritage and keep their ancestors language going. Also helped put on an annual film festival a few years in a row that shows movies in my native language on campus. (I don't know why I'm being so cryptic) I've travelled quite extensively since I graduated, most of the US and Europe, and then worked in an optometrist's office which gave me a passion for being a family practitioner who is part of the community... went back to do my post-bacc, etc. Now, if you are still reading, help me pick out the schools I have and which ones I should drop. I'd like to stay in the midwest, but private low-tier schools need to be added to my list from anywhere and everywhere... michigan resident.

I have quite a list of over 30 schools... ranked from 1-3 where I'd be least-most competitive

Thanks for any input if you guys get through this... hopefully someone can answer this time around

I'd parse that down to places you want to live and also places that take a good number OOSers

 

[aung]

Hi everyone

I've always thought my numbers were in the borderline region. Here they are:

3.48 cumulative GPA, 3.5 science gpa
Biochemistry Major
Volunteered over 200 hours in Recovery Room of Elmhurst Hospital years ago
Volunteered in the Emergency Room of Lourdes Hospital during half of Junior year
29P mcats (11p/8v/10b)

Thats roughly what my application is going to look like, in addition to the LORs, some other ECs that are not health related, work, etc.

I am looking to apply to schools like Albany, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Upstate, SUNY Downstate, NYMC, Boston University, Rosalind Franklin, Stony Brook, and most other schools in the Northeast. What does my chances look like? Keep in mind, english was my second language and I didn't start schooling in America until fifth grade.

 

[CardiacIntensivist]

Hi everyone

I've always thought my numbers were in the borderline region. Here they are:

3.48 cumulative GPA, 3.5 science gpa
Biochemistry Major
Volunteered over 200 hours in Recovery Room of Elmhurst Hospital years ago
Volunteered in the Emergency Room of Lourdes Hospital during half of Junior year
29P mcats (11p/8v/10b)

Thats roughly what my application is going to look like, in addition to the LORs, some other ECs that are not health related, work, etc.

I am looking to apply to schools like Albany, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Upstate, SUNY Downstate, NYMC, Boston University, Rosalind Franklin, Stony Brook, and most other schools in the Northeast. What does my chances look like? Keep in mind, english was my second language and I didn't start schooling in America until fifth grade.

Finally, another Binger. I was beginning to think I was the only one. Are those your only extracurriculars? Though you have pretty good hours I hope you have other things you haven't listed. Also, you have a pretty average GPA for BU students and plenty have gotten in, I wouldn't worry too much about it. The verbal is what might hurt you and though English is your second language, medical schools may not be as forgiving because you are expected to be able to speak and understand the language well. You might want to consider schools outside of the northeast so you can apply more broadly.

How was volunteering at Lourdes? If you are going to be a senior next year you might want to apply to the Shadowing program that is due in 6 days! Or you could consider doing an OCC internship at Wilson, Lourdes or Binghamton General.

 

[aung]

Finally, another Binger. I was beginning to think I was the only one. Are those your only extracurriculars? Though you have pretty good hours I hope you have other things you haven't listed. Also, you have a pretty average GPA for BU students and plenty have gotten in, I wouldn't worry too much about it. The verbal is what might hurt you and though English is your second language, medical schools may not be as forgiving because you are expected to be able to speak and understand the language well. You might want to consider schools outside of the northeast so you can apply more broadly.

How was volunteering at Lourdes? If you are going to be a senior next year you might want to apply to the Shadowing program that is due in 6 days! Or you could consider doing an OCC internship at Wilson, Lourdes or Binghamton General.

I already graduated! 🙂 I do have other ECs like teacher's assistant and work.

Volunteering at Lourdes was a little slow. Most of the time you just walk around and check if beds need to be fixed and if patients need food. You pretty much have to find the clinical experience on your own by getting yourself involved more. Thanks for the heads up on the programs but since I already graduated in December 2005 I can't do those programs.

 

[UofT_475]

Lol here goes:

CGPA: 3.73 or so (3, 3.9, 3.96, 4.0 in each year respectively)

MCAT: don't know, aiming for 35 at least

Extras:
-3 years research, 1 pub (on the horizon)
-Intramurals at Uni
-Playing for a private club
-part of clubs and organizations at school
-Few months of volunteer activities in third world country
-volunteer at hospital, the usual
-Prepared clinical case presentation for neuro conference
-lots of activities during school time; governing council rep, etc

Schools aiming for I think:
-Northwestern
-Tufts
-Chicago
-Baylor
-Vanderbilt
-Texas
-NYU
-BU
-Duke
-Emory
-Brown

 

[rajad10]

not sure about anything in life right now, but here's who i am

Univ Florida
3.91 GPA, 3.92 BCPM GPA, Expecting 30-35 MCAT

frat boy - not just partying, but leadership positions
hospice volunteering for a year
hospital volunteering
alzheimer's day care volunteering
shadowing overseas and instates
intramural tennis
2 years biochem research
full time surgical assistant

AND i have to say YES to institutional action for a freshman year dorm noise/conduct violation

is my app strong enough to apply to places like u mich, northwestern and u chicago even with my inst. action?

 

[ryandote]

Brigham Young University

Economics / Biology (double major)

3.65 BCPM
3.75 non (believe it or not, these GPA's show a significant upward trend after a terrible freshman year)

30Q MCAT ( 7-PS 11-VR 12-BS ) (incidentally, I'm considering taking it again, seeing as PS is actually a strong point for me, and I made a serious time-management mistake and left 20+ questions blank!)


Service:
6 months as an assistant Scoutmaster
2 years of LDS proselytizing mission *concurrently*
*4 months YMCA volunteer
*4 months Thomas Jefferson University surgical volunteer
Plenty of active volunteering/leading/teaching in local church group
8 months Co-organization and activity in BYU Student Autism Volunteers and Educators
1 Year volunteering at local hospital emergency department
Weekly personal economics tutoring sessions

Employment:
8 months as phone sales agent for MyFamily.com
18 months employment as network/security analyst for LDS church
9 months employment as acute/inpatient physical therapy aide
Approximately 30 hours of physician shadowing

Research:
2 (6 hrs /wk) semesters of research on ecology/evolution @ BYU
10 week internship (full time) of recombinant DNA / molecular biology research @ University of Utah


I'd be plenty happy with my state school, any chance at other state schools?
(I feel really confident in increasing my MCAT by 2-3 points)

Advice on which schools to apply to, or where I could shore up in case I need to apply again?

 

[jogurt]

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=5719

Am I applying to too many crazy schools? Should I have more backups and eliminate some top-tier choices? Thanks SDN!

 

[Magnum]

New to this forum. My AMCAS 2007 application has just finished being processed and I wanted to see if anyone, from their experiences, could give me predictions on my chances of getting into the following: Dartmouth, Duke, Mayo, Washington Univ. in St. Louis, Florida State, Univ. of South Florida, and Univ. of Miami. I am a Florida resident, my final GPA was 3.989, MCAT=32 (sci=10, verbal=10, bio=12), 6 recommendations (1 preprofessional committee, 2 from former science professors (both with PhDs), 2 from veterinarians, and 1 from an M.D. I also have three years experience as a veterinary technician, where I acquired a lot of medical knowledge as well as numerous clinical skills (drawing blood, putting in catheters, x-ray, assist in surgery, everything). However, I have no volunteer experience and no formal research participation. Please note: I was employed full time during most of my undergrad, and I lived (and still do) about an hour from the university.

Thanks, any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Bluntman]

New to this forum. My AMCAS 2007 application has just finished being processed and I wanted to see if anyone, from their experiences, could give me predictions on my chances of getting into the following: Dartmouth, Duke, Mayo, Washington Univ. in St. Louis, Florida State, Univ. of South Florida, and Univ. of Miami. I am a Florida resident, my final GPA was 3.989, MCAT=32 (sci=10, verbal=10, bio=12), 6 recommendations (1 preprofessional committee, 2 from former science professors (both with PhDs), 2 from veterinarians, and 1 from an M.D. I also have three years experience as a veterinary technician, where I acquired a lot of medical knowledge as well as numerous clinical skills (drawing blood, putting in catheters, x-ray, assist in surgery, everything). However, I have no volunteer experience and no formal research participation. Please note: I was employed full time during most of my undergrad, and I lived (and still do) about an hour from the university.

Thanks, any help is greatly appreciated.

Go here.

 

[Compass]

Your GPA seems to be in order, to say the least.

 

[kevster2001]

Your GPA and MCATs dont match so that could make the 3.9 not as impressive. You probably should have added some more midtiers given your lack of research/volunteering.

 

[instigata]

Not another what are my chances with a 4.0 thread!!! 🙁

 

[bbas]

I think an interview question that you are sure to get is why you're applying to med school and not vet school, considering your experience as a vet tech. Without any medically related volunterring, I think it might be hard to answer that question. Although, your GPA is stellar and the MCAT is good so you may have a shot. I would apply to more schools though.

 

[Law2Doc]

I think an interview question that you are sure to get is why you're applying to med school and not vet school, considering your experience as a vet tech. Without any medically related volunterring, I think it might be hard to answer that question. Although, your GPA is stellar and the MCAT is good so you may have a shot. I would apply to more schools though.

To follow up with this point -- do you (OP) not have any human clinical exposure? The point of clinical experience is not to have done procedures, but to have been exposed to (human) patients, and observed physician patient interactions. Medicine is a long hard road, and thus med schools want to see that you really know what you are getting into, and since medicine is a patient service profession, this means dealing with human patients. Thus if you don't have any human clinical experience, I think your odds aren't going to be nearly as good as someone with the same numerical stats but has that component instead of your vet stuff. Good luck.