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

[byong_soo]

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Hello Everypremeds
I alrdy posted earlier but didn't get any response. I know my MCAT scores are not out yet, but wanted to ask for choice of schools. I'm expecting about 33-36. Am I overestimating myself? Should I add couple of more mid-tier ones?? Thanks everyone for the input...

Profile link is below!! heh

 

[Robizzle]

Hey guys. I just ended my junior year as a Biomedical Engineering student at BU. I won't lie, compared to my classmates I am happy about my grades. But compared to you guys my grades are extremely sub par. I have a BCPM of 3.27 and an overall GPA of 3.47. (My junior year GPA's were 3.48 1st sem and 3.93 2nd sem). I have MCAT grade of 29N (10PS 10VR 9BS). My extracurriculars are: I am currently working in a lab and in my gym as a Personal Trainer. I have some hospital volunteering from the past, and a part-time job i've had for a long time now.

BU's BME program is ranked 7th in the nation and is a pretty tough program. If I were any of you guys, I wouldn't care about what I just said. But will medical schools take this into consideration??

I'm from New York and really want to go to either Stonybrook or NYMC. Downstate or Upstate would be great too. I'm also applying to about 20 other schools. I realize my grades ain't beautiful and pretty much every medical school is a long shot for me. But how long a shot we talkin'? Thanks for any help!

 

[ubermu]

I never got a follow-up to my recommendation inquiry, so I suppose I'll re-ask. I'm a UCSD bio grad with a 3.72 GPA and a 32 MCAT (only 3 weeks to study :<). My ECs are as follows:

Undergraduate research 1 year, ran my own project, looking to publish soon
Teaching Assistant for undergraduate biology class
1 year ER volunteer at the VA hospital, got a good letter of rec from this
Summer interning for local congressman
Summer interning at goldman sachs
Rugby
Tons of martial arts (jiu jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, capoeira)
Piano playing
Guitar playing

Should I even list ECs that aren't medically related, btw?

At any rate. I'm wondering if I should even apply to UCSF, and which out of state public/private schools should I be looking into?

 

[Looque]

Should I even list ECs that aren't medically related, btw?

At any rate. I'm wondering if I should even apply to UCSF, and which out of state public/private schools should I be looking into?

Your GPA and MCAT will be a little below the average of UCSF, if I'm not mistaken, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't apply. In fact, assuming you like California, I would apply to all of the UC schools--being in-state is to your advantage in the application process. Aside from those, I'm not going to suggest to what schools you should apply, but look around to see what best fits what you'd like in a medical school. Read about curriculum structures and what not.

Regarding your extra-curricular activities, definitely put your major non-medically related activities on your application. There's room for 15 activities on your AMCAS, afterall. It's good to show that you're well-rounded, which you seem to be. Play that up.

 

[donks06]

How much do you think my non-trad status will help me on this one?


MDApplicants Profile

 

[buckie]

Here are my stats: I took the April MCAT, so I"m still waiting on the scores.

Is my list a fair list of schools to apply to? Should I consider any others. Though I'm trying to narrow it down to about 20. What schools should I consider eliminating?

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=05612

 

[Amberite]

Thanks for any advice, and please be PAINFULLY honest with me 🙂

I graduated 2 years ago from Rutgers with two degrees - BS in Comp Sci and a BA in Communication. Through 162 credits, I have a 2.85 GPA, but a pretty good GPA in sciences (since I didnt have to take many of them) - around a 3.7.

I am going to do a 50 credit Post-Bac in Rutgers and plan on getting a 4.0. This will only raise my cumulative GPA to 3.2-3.3 but my science GPA will be close to a 4.0.

If I get a 34+ on my MCATs, what is my chance of getting into a medical school? I'm intelligent and I have a lot of confidence in my abilities, but unfortunately I didn't really care about my GPA in undergrad and partied alot (didn't know at the time I wanted to be a doctor).

Thanks for any help!

 

[72531]

IF you get a 34+? you might want to get there first. easier said than done.

 

[Amberite]

I know, obviously this is IFs, but I would like to know my chances if I manage to do this. As I said, I'm intelligent and I have a lot of confidence in my ability to do this. I just want to know ahead of time what kind of chances I'm looking at.

 

[EndSong]

You probably have very good chances especially with a 4.0 science from a postbac. However, your low GPA will hold you down so I wouldn't say you should realistically hope for a top 20 school. Postbacs are made for candidates with lower GPAs to really excel and you did that and it will prove that you're academically qualified for medical school, especially with a 34+ MCAT. However, you did not mention your ECs, LORs or PS. All those being good you should be a competitive applicant for many middle-tiered and upper middle tiered schools. Any big holes in those and you could have shot yourself in the foot.

 

[Apparition]

If you bring your overall GPA up to 3.2, make 34+ on MCAT, and apply to a lot of schools, you have a good chance to get in somewhere. But as the previous poster said it's not easy to get that score. You should be okay with 32 if you do bring up your GPA.

 

[Bluntman]

You should go to the official thread instead wasting space on a whole new one. 👎

 

[Oculus Sinistra]

From what I've seen, you should have a shot at a lower-tiered medical school or a state medical school with those stats, although you'll want to make sure your entire package is terrific (i.e. great letters of recommendation, volunteer/clinical experiences, etc).

Are you hellbent on being an MD? You'd probably have an awesome shot at a DO school as well... check out the FAQ on the pre-DO forum.

Good luck!

 

[akaz]

I know, obviously this is IFs, but I would like to know my chances if I manage to do this. As I said, I'm intelligent and I have a lot of confidence in my ability to do this. I just want to know ahead of time what kind of chances I'm looking at.

Go all out on your post-bac. Apply everywhere. Say you made a mistake and grew up. Try and get 31+ on MCAT. Apply everywhere. It is not impossible. Just don't expect Harvard, but don't rule big ones out. I ahve seen some crazy things with the top schools. Give it a shot and don't rule out DO. Even move to a less competitive state if you have to (Kentucky). I ahve had friends do that--it worked.

 

[Amberite]

You should go to the official thread instead wasting space on a whole new one. 👎

Whoops, sorry I didn't see that thread 😱

I'll go there now.. thx 🙂

 

[skypilot]

Go all out on your post-bac. Apply everywhere. Say you made a mistake and grew up. Try and get 31+ on MCAT. Apply everywhere. It is not impossible. Just don't expect Harvard, but don't rule big ones out. I have seen some crazy things with the top schools. Give it a shot and don't rule out DO. Even move to a less competitive state if you have to (Kentucky). I have had friends do that--it worked.

If you wanna be a doctor you will do what it takes.

 

[MollyMalone]

I'm going to go ahead and merge you into the official thread.

Enjoy your new surroundings!

 

[LilMango]

Hello. I graduated from USC in 2005, have done one year of great research (where I was published as a secondary author 3 times) and have stellar EC and glowing LORs. My GPA is def lacking though---My science GPA (not including transfer grades) is probably a 2.8, my overall a 3.4 The reason being my freshman year grades in basic bio and chem...I didnt know how to study back then but my GPA shot up afterwards. I took the April MCAT and was scoring anywhere from 32-34 on practice tests. What do my chances look like? I dont mind applying to the Carribean and to DO schools.

Sadly, I dont think I got my school's committee letter because of my science GPA. How will this make me look, considering that my school DOES have a committee?

Please any and all words of advisement are appeciated. USC's Pre-health advisors never tell you what to do (i assume becaue they dont want to be liable if you dont get in) but I need some help! Thank you very very much

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

Hello. I graduated from USC in 2005, have done one year of great research (where I was published as a secondary author 3 times) and have stellar EC and glowing LORs. My GPA is def lacking though---My science GPA (not including transfer grades) is probably a 2.8, my overall a 3.4 The reason being my freshman year grades in basic bio and chem...I didnt know how to study back then but my GPA shot up afterwards. I took the April MCAT and was scoring anywhere from 32-34 on practice tests. What do my chances look like? I dont mind applying to the Carribean and to DO schools.

Sadly, I dont think I got my school's committee letter because of my science GPA. How will this make me look, considering that my school DOES have a committee?

Please any and all words of advisement are appeciated. USC's Pre-health advisors never tell you what to do (i assume becaue they dont want to be liable if you dont get in) but I need some help! Thank you very very much

That's very irresponsible of your pre-heald advisors. I'm surprised since it is USC. With that aside, congratulations on your seconardy publications. That's noteworthy. If you do indeed score in the low to mid 30s, you would have a chance at a variety of MD schools. The sGPA will hurt you, but the overall 3.4 GPA is "good." Did you get anything below a C in your prereq courses? If so, you may want to take those over. If not, do a post bac.

Carribiean and DO schools are viable options. However, they don't like to be considered fallback schools. Your GPA and MCAT scores will most probably get you into the Carribean and/or DO schools.

Not having a committee letter may or may not hurt. Some med schools prefer a committee letter over a compilation of individual letters. If they do prefer a committee letter, which I believe the vast marjority of them do, you may have to explain yourself in your PS or during the interview. You should ask the committee about it. Best of luck.

 

[LilMango]

Thanks so much. That was helpful. I did score below a C (C-) in one of my classes so maybe I will take it over. Thanks

That's very irresponsible of your pre-heald advisors. I'm surprised since it is USC. With that aside, congratulations on your seconardy publications. That's noteworthy. If you do indeed score in the low to mid 30s, you would have a chance at a variety of MD schools. The sGPA will hurt you, but the overall 3.4 GPA is "good." Did you get anything below a C in your prereq courses? If so, you may want to take those over. If not, do a post bac.

Carribiean and DO schools are viable options. However, they don't like to be considered fallback schools. Your GPA and MCAT scores will most probably get you into the Carribean and/or DO schools.

Not having a committee letter may or may not hurt. Some med schools prefer a committee letter over a compilation of individual letters. If they do prefer a committee letter, which I believe the vast marjority of them do, you may have to explain yourself in your PS or during the interview. You should ask the committee about it. Best of luck.

 

[LilMango]

So what kind of post-bacc programs are viable for me--someone who performed poorly their freshman year? I thought most post-bacc programs do not like to take indivudals who did poorly but rather those who decided late in the game to be pre-med.

Any advice on what to do for my final year off? (take random classes and continue research?)

That's very irresponsible of your pre-heald advisors. I'm surprised since it is USC. With that aside, congratulations on your seconardy publications. That's noteworthy. If you do indeed score in the low to mid 30s, you would have a chance at a variety of MD schools. The sGPA will hurt you, but the overall 3.4 GPA is "good." Did you get anything below a C in your prereq courses? If so, you may want to take those over. If not, do a post bac.

Carribiean and DO schools are viable options. However, they don't like to be considered fallback schools. Your GPA and MCAT scores will most probably get you into the Carribean and/or DO schools.

Not having a committee letter may or may not hurt. Some med schools prefer a committee letter over a compilation of individual letters. If they do prefer a committee letter, which I believe the vast marjority of them do, you may have to explain yourself in your PS or during the interview. You should ask the committee about it. Best of luck.

 

[LilMango]

Hello. I graduated from USC in 2005, have done one year of great research (where I was published as a secondary author 3 times) and have stellar EC and glowing LORs. My GPA is def lacking though---My science GPA (not including transfer grades) is probably a 2.8, my overall a 3.4 The reason being my freshman year grades in basic bio and chem...I didnt know how to study back then but my GPA shot up afterwards. I took the April MCAT and was scoring anywhere from 32-34 on practice tests. What do my chances look like? I dont mind applying to the Carribean and to DO schools.

Sadly, I dont think I got my school's committee letter because of my science GPA. How will this make me look, considering that my school DOES have a committee?

Please any and all words of advisement are appeciated. USC's Pre-health advisors never tell you what to do (i assume becaue they dont want to be liable if you dont get in) but I need some help! Thank you very very much

 

[skypilot]

One feasible way to do this and good prep for the MCAT is just enroll at a university as a non degree candidate. Start the first summer with Gen Chem. Take Bio Physics and Organic in the Fall and Spring. and then take the MCAT. If you do well in this program it will really jack up your GPA. Take the courses at a University where you are confident you can get As.

 

[LilMango]

Thanks for your reply. However, I already took the MCAT and I think I scored well enough to leave it alone (not sure as my scores have yet to come back but anywhere from 30-35 I think)

My Physics grades are B and B+
Bio C and C-
GChem B and C
Ochem B- and A

should I just take the courses over in which I got Cs and C-s?

One feasible way to do this and good prep for the MCAT is just enroll at a university as a non degree candidate. Start the first summer with Gen Chem. Take Bio Physics and Organic in the Fall and Spring. and then take the MCAT. If you do well in this program it will really jack up your GPA. Take the courses at a University where you are confident you can get As.

 

[stiffany]

Thanks for your reply. However, I already took the MCAT and I think I scored well enough to leave it alone (not sure as my scores have yet to come back but anywhere from 30-35 I think)

My Physics grades are B and B+
Bio C and C-
GChem B and C
Ochem B- and A

should I just take the courses over in which I got Cs and C-s?

Hi LilMango. I would definitely take the C- course over since many schools will not take less than C grades in the pre-reqs (although check with those you're interested in before signing up). For the other C grades, I personally wouldn't bother and would instead take upper level classes in biology/chemistry/whatever that show you can do the work.

I had very similar introductory science grades when I started Penn's postbac program (After three C's, thanks to poor study habits, I said to heck with being premed sophomore year and didn't pick up the interest again until senior year) and at least here, there's both a program for those who haven't taken the basic science courses and also a program for people who are interested in taking upper level science classes (called the Special Sciences program) to boost their science GPA's. Since I'd only taken half of the prereq's before starting the program, I kind of straddled both since I wanted to retake orgo I (since it had been three years and I didn't do well the first time, not to improve the grade so much) and then I needed to take both semesters of physics, orgo II, and orgo lab. Still, it's flexible and to raise my own science GPA, I've also taken advanced bio courses (something I'll continue to do during the application year just in case I have to reapply). If you were a science major in college though, you should have more grades to help boost your science GPA (Math classes also count). But, if you were a nonscience major, it's not a big deal and it can actually be much easier to raise your science GPA quickly since there aren't as many classes contributing to your current lower GPA.

So, I don't think you're doomed at all (I at least hope not since I'm in somewhat of a similar boat ;-))- but don't be shocked if you do need to take some upper level classes to improve your GPA and apply again. Check out the postbac forum part of SDN for information on dozens of programs offering help for those of us with lower science GPAs (You can also get a list of postbac programs at www.aamc.org).

Finally, if you do want to do Caribbean or DO, I wouldn't fret as much. Neither of these other options strike me as being number-****** in the same way that allopathic schools are. Check out the osteopathic forum or individual school websites for their averages. It seems to be (from a very ill-equipped judgement point) that your cumulative GPA and proposed MCAT would more than compensate for a lower science GPA within these routes, but since I'm only preparing to apply to allopathic programs this year, I could definitely be wrong.

 

[MollyMalone]

Hello. I graduated from USC in 2005, have done one year of great research (where I was published as a secondary author 3 times) and have stellar EC and glowing LORs. My GPA is def lacking though---My science GPA (not including transfer grades) is probably a 2.8, my overall a 3.4 The reason being my freshman year grades in basic bio and chem...I didnt know how to study back then but my GPA shot up afterwards. I took the April MCAT and was scoring anywhere from 32-34 on practice tests. What do my chances look like? I dont mind applying to the Carribean and to DO schools.

Sadly, I dont think I got my school's committee letter because of my science GPA. How will this make me look, considering that my school DOES have a committee?

Please any and all words of advisement are appeciated. USC's Pre-health advisors never tell you what to do (i assume becaue they dont want to be liable if you dont get in) but I need some help! Thank you very very much

There is a whole thread for people who want to know what their chances are. I'm merging your thread into it. Enjoy!

 

[DoctorPardi]

I might as well post on here too, I could go for an ego stroking, or destroying either way really .

Ok so I have an mdapps profile but here are my stats:'
Overall GPA:3.72
BCPM:4.0 (haven't taken physics or organic yet )
MCAT: Not taken yet

Extra curriculars:
Volunteered in an orthopedic surgeon's office during clinic 2+ years
Biology Lab assistant 1 semester
15 credit hours of research with two poster presentations (hopefully one publication). Basically 2 entire summers and fall semesters of basic science research dealing with plants lol.
Worked as a nurse's assistant in an operating room 2+ years
Worked as a lab tech in a pathology lab for 2+ years
EMT-B (this summer I am getting certified and plan on doing volunteer work plus getting a job as an EMT)


Schools I am currently looking at:

Reach:
Baylor
Boston
Brown
Case Western
Columbia
Dartmouth
Duke
New York University
Michigan
Penn
Vanderbilt
Yale

Safety(if you can use that term):
Albany Medical College
Albert Einstein
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
Georgetown
Mount Sinai
NYMC
SUNY Buffalo
Alabama
South Alabama
Wake Forest


If anyone wants to comment on my schools or suggest others feel free. Also if anyone has suggestions for new activies/ec's or tips for organic/physics next year, I'll take that too!

Thanks!

 

[kevster2001]

I might as well post on here too, I could go for an ego stroking, or destroying either way really .

Ok so I have an mdapps profile but here are my stats:'
Overall GPA:3.72
BCPM:4.0 (haven't taken physics or organic yet )
MCAT: Not taken yet

Extra curriculars:
Volunteered in an orthopedic surgeon's office during clinic 2+ years
Biology Lab assistant 1 semester
15 credit hours of research with two poster presentations (hopefully one publication). Basically 2 entire summers and fall semesters of basic science research dealing with plants lol.
Worked as a nurse's assistant in an operating room 2+ years
Worked as a lab tech in a pathology lab for 2+ years
EMT-B (this summer I am getting certified and plan on doing volunteer work plus getting a job as an EMT)


Schools I am currently looking at:

Reach:
Baylor
Boston
Brown
Case Western
Columbia
Dartmouth
Duke
New York University
Michigan
Penn
Vanderbilt
Yale

Safety(if you can use that term):
Albany Medical College
Albert Einstein
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
Georgetown
Mount Sinai
NYMC
SUNY Buffalo
Alabama
South Alabama
Wake Forest


If anyone wants to comment on my schools or suggest others feel free. Also if anyone has suggestions for new activies/ec's or tips for organic/physics next year, I'll take that too!

Thanks!

That's quite a few schools, especially in the reach dept. Duke has a sh1t load of essays in their secondary, so just keep that in mind. Also living in Durham really isn't that fun.

 

[Bluntman]

If anyone wants to comment on my schools or suggest others feel free. Also if anyone has suggestions for new activies/ec's or tips for organic/physics next year, I'll take that too!

Thanks!

I think we'd be able to give you a better idea after you've taken physics/orgo/MCAT. Wait are you actually trying to apply this year, or is this for 2007/8? 😕

 

[DoctorPardi]

That's quite a few schools, especially in the reach dept. Duke has a sh1t load of essays in their secondary, so just keep that in mind. Also living in Durham really isn't that fun.

Yeah the more I think about it, the more I think I will stay away from highly competitive schools like Duke and lean more towards the Yale's of the world. If I can find more Yale clones then I will add them and replace the Dukes.

Also I have a big choice between staying in-state (UAB) or going out of state. So I'll have to decide how important debt is versus having a cool OOS experience at a place like Yale (although I really doubt I have a chance at getting in there).

I think we'd be able to give you a better idea after you've taken physics/orgo/MCAT. Are you actually trying to apply this year, or is this for 2007/8?

I will be applying for the 2008 year of matriculation, so I am about a year away from taking the MCAT.

 

[Bluntman]

I will be applying for the 2008 year of matriculation, so I am about a year away from taking the MCAT.

Ohhhh ok...now that makes more sense. I was like wtf this guy is applying and hasn't done his year of physics/orgo or taken the mcat?!

Anyway, it's gonna depend a ton on how you do this next year, but assuming you get mid-30s on your MCAT and nail orgo/phys to keep your GPA where it is, I'd say your school list is fine. 👍

 

[DoctorPardi]

Ohhhh ok...now that makes more sense. I was like wtf this guy is applying and hasn't done his year of physics/orgo or taken the mcat?!

Anyway, it's gonna depend a ton on how you do this next year, but assuming you get mid-30s on your MCAT and nail orgo/phys to keep your GPA where it is, I'd say your school list is fine. 👍

I'm just a big goober who spends too much time with my nose in an MSAR. Plus it is fun to think about where I might be going in a few years. I'll probably end up at UAB which will not be a bad thing.

 

[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.

 

[nubbey24]

Me too!!!!!

 

[doublehh03]

GPA - 3.82 or somewhere around there
BPCM - 3.85ish
MCAT - august 2006 (hopefully for 30+)

UCSD undergrad

ECs
1) Lab assistant for neursoscience lab for 1 year
2) Lab technician for another lab for 6 months
3) Research intern for a molecular bio lab for 1 year and counting (helping a MD performing a knockout experiment right now)
4) Hospital volunteer for 6 months (4 hrs a week); trying to get into another hospital now
5) Retirement/nursing home volunteer for 1 year

LORs, asking near week of finals

i REALLY want to stay in cali and hope to get into one fo the UCs so i hope you guys can advise me on if i should improve my ECs in what areas, what MCAT score i should aim for...

but since im a cali resident ima apply to some out of state schools

i'm realistic so ima apply schools w/in my range
colorado (may be tough for OOS)
george washington
georgetown
howard (safety)
rosalind franklin
loyola
tulane
boston
creighton
albany
albert einstein
NYMC
wake forest
ohio
drexel
jefferson
temple

some reaches: UCSD, UCSF, stanford

any advice would be GREATLY appreciated

 

[SpinEcho13]

any advice would be GREATLY appreciated

Don't bother with U Colorado, they only interview 10% of OOS as compared with like 40%+ in state? Your grades are pretty good, if you score around 35+ on MCAT you'll have a lot of excellent choices. You should add a few more reach schools, dont apply to all the bottom of the barrel privates... IE pick 1 of Drexel, RFU, Temple, Creighton, add Northwestern, U of Chicago in the other two's place. Take off Albany and add NYU, should be an excellent spread, albeit a ton of schools to apply to.

Don't apply to Howard as a backup unless you are URM. They will know.

 

[doublehh03]

Don't bother with U Colorado, they only interview 10% of OOS as compared with like 40%+ in state? Your grades are pretty good, if you score around 35+ on MCAT you'll have a lot of excellent choices. You should add a few more reach schools, dont apply to all the bottom of the barrel privates... IE pick 1 of Drexel, RFU, Temple, Creighton, add Northwestern, U of Chicago in the other two's place. Take off Albany and add NYU, should be an excellent spread, albeit a ton of schools to apply to.

Don't apply to Howard as a backup unless you are URM. They will know.

would it help if like a TON of my relatives live in colorado? i mean, my family almost moved there last summer.

 

[SpinEcho13]

would it help if like a TON of my relatives live in colorado? i mean, my family almost moved there last summer.

Don't know, sorry. Call and ask? I think generally the only things that help if you are out of state are alums in the family, but what the hell do I know (not much 😉). I think mainly schools want to admit in state kids because they have paid taxes in state not because they have a strong connection to the state...

 

[Desielmo4]

I, probably like a lot of you out there, am really scared that I probably won't get into any US schools and end up going to the carribean (I'm not scared of the Carribean, I just hate the heat dangit! 🙂) and would love some honest feedback from all of you out there that I know understand.....

Because I had a lousy semester (2 C's), my GPA dropped a lot to 3.07 Overall, 3.2 Science and I have a 32O (11P, 11V, 10B) on the MCAT....and since I live in NY i applied to a bunch of the SUNY schools, does anything think I have a reasonable shot at any school at all?

Oh, and EC's are as follows:

Volunteering - 200 hrs in the Emergency Room (including shadowing ER docs)
Tutoring Chemistry for 18 months
Tutoring Writing for 36 months
Backpacked around the world
Deans list twice (back when my grades were good)
founded a south asian cultural/charity club @ school
organic research for 2 years, no published though

LORs from my an Orgo Prof, a G. Chem Prof, Volunteer Director @ the hospital and my boss from the writing center where I tutor writing.

Thanks a lot for the feedback

 

[doublehh03]

I, probably like a lot of you out there, am really scared that I probably won't get into any US schools and end up going to the carribean (I'm not scared of the Carribean, I just hate the heat dangit! 🙂) and would love some honest feedback from all of you out there that I know understand.....

Because I had a lousy semester (2 C's), my GPA dropped a lot to 3.07 Overall, 3.2 Science and I have a 32O (11P, 11V, 10B) on the MCAT....and since I live in NY i applied to a bunch of the SUNY schools, does anything think I have a reasonable shot at any school at all?

Thanks a lot for the feedback

i think your MCAT is above the avg (30) so that's good. i think your GPA is low. why not take post-bacc classes or go to a grad school before you apply? i mean, if you do really well those, it could offset your low undergrad GPA. if you had an MCAT like that, don't let a low GPA pull you down. take more classes

 

[Johannen]

Alright, new member here.

I'm just going to toss this out here, because I'm getting jittery for the upcoming season; any advice, feel free to send it my way!

I'm about to enter my senior year at Wisconsin - Madison.
I plan on applying early decision to the Medical College of Wisconsin; many other places if that falls through.
My MCAT scores are still out there; I took the April test and haven't gotten them back yet. I don't know how I did. (Wasn't this year's VR hard? whoa!)
My overall GPA is a 3.73 (bad first semester), but my Science GPA is around a 3.9.
I have letters coming from my Biochem Professor (Nelson, he literally wrote the book ^_^) and an analytical chem professor.
I've worked in a research lab for my entire undergrad career, making me realize that I like medicine over research.
I've volunteered in a pedatric clinic since then.
Some other stuff, Inorganic chem student of the year award, etc.

My issue is physician shadowing. I can't get in anywhere; no one will help me! I talked to a friend from the fitness / racquet center where I have worked for years in customer service. She said I could shadow her; this gives me a few months.

My questions to you, oh wise readers of this board:
1. Is 2-3 months of physician shadowing enough?
2. Does my application have a chance..anywhere?
3. Where else should I apply?

Thanks for all your help!

Edit: One last thing I completely forgot to note..I'm graduating with my Biochemistry degree in three years. I feel that this is a pretty big accomplishment for me...do you think anyone else (admissions personnel) will care?

 

[cuyegs]

newbie here! hahahah well... i'm an incoming junior and i've got a good gpa and i've got some hospital volunteer work (4 months)--moving so i have to let it go and im doing something called SMDEP (summer med and dental enrichment program) at UCLA this summer for six weeks but i have no research experience or any other orgs. what else should i do?? advice PLEASE....

 

[uclasoccer]

i didn't do the mdapps but what do you guys think about this

gpa - 3.67 (3rd year ucla undergrad)
mcat - 13 physical, 12 verbal, 10 bio, S writing

ECs

student athletic trainer - 2+ years
ucla club soccer - 3+ years
research on hyponatremia - 6+ months
hospital volunteer - 3 months
6 quarters on dean's list
golden key award nominee
soccer camp counselor (it was only about one week... is it worth putting on the app?)
student health advocate (basically like an RA in the dorms... but for medical stuff) - 15 months
IM sports for a few years
some random stuff (AIDS marathon, organizing blood drives, etc... are those worth putting down, or are they unimportant?)
access monitor (security guard) - 4 months

Schools:
reach: stanford, columbia, duke, cornell, ucsf, nyu
competitive: ucsd, davis, irvine, ucla, michigan, uwashington, chicago, unc, u of minnesota, boston u, usc, uconn
backup:albert einstein, maryland, georgetown, miami...? i need good backups. any suggestions?

 

[SpinEcho13]

U Washington, U Michigan should probably be in reach... I think they are extremely competetitve. Also, double check and make sure UConn accepts OOS people (assuming you're not from there). I thoguht I read somewhere they take no OOS at all...

For backups add maybe MCW, Drexel/Temple, otherwise looks pretty good...

 

[buckie]

What about me? Some advice please!

Here are my stats: I took the April MCAT, so I"m still waiting on the scores.

Is my list a fair list of schools to apply to? Should I consider any others. Though I'm trying to narrow it down to about 20. What schools should I consider eliminating?

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=05612

 

[katrina_cough]

Hi-ho!

Here goes nothing... please don't hesitate to offer advice/wisdom/devil's advocacies.

10-V, 7-P, 8-B
11-V, 11-P, 10-B (take 2, 4 months later)
*will need a waiver for old scores at some schools

-"non-traditional reapplicant" + Katrina "victim"
-raised/permanently reside in rural, medically underserved area (not apply for disadvantaged status however)
-Major post-bacc/graduate scholarship/fellowship recipient
-MPH in progress (3.9 GPA), also Graduate TA
-Pass/Fail undergraduate honors college (some pre-med reqs done elsewheres, 4.0 GPA)
-Interdisciplinary major (science+non-science)
-Senior thesis + research grants
-Various unique research endeavors/fellowships (publication, conference; not just science)
-Science Lab TA
-HIV Clinic Volunteer, also HIV test-counselor
-Developed free SAT tutoring program
-Health Dept. Pharmacy Free Medication Program (grant-writing, dispensing meds)
-Study abroad in studio art
-Board of Trustees at alma mater
-Founded successful on-campus volunteer organization
-Elected student government positions (undergrad and grad)
-Free clinic volunteer
-Derm clinic volunteer
*all these have committments of 3 months or longer

Top choices: UNC, UCSF, Stanford, NYU, Case Western, Davis
Runners up: Sinai, Cornell, San Diego, UVA
Honorable Mentions: Wake Forest, Yale
(considered out-of-state for all the above public schools)

Possible later additions: Pritzker, U Washington, other pass/fail schools

Thank you for your enlightenment.

 

[SpinEcho13]

I've looked at a few other people's in here, but could use some advice myself. I think of myself as teetering between the top 20's and the mid level schools, don't know what to focus on.

-----------------------------------

Age: 21
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Home State: MN

Undergraduate Institution: Northwestern University
Area of Study: Engineering/Technology

Application Year: 2007
MCAT Score: 35-38 hopefully? (pract test range)
BCPM GPA: 3.81
Overall GPA: 3.77


Brief Profile:
Biomedical Engineering Major

Worked in a hospital in Northern Saskatchewan (Canada) for 4 weeks (12hrs/day) shadowing on-call doctor -- Native American healthcare stuff: off site clinics, lab days, checkups, medevacs etc.
Cardiac Surgery shadowing - observed transplants, bypasses, performed multiple heart/lung extractions from sacrificed pigs (3 weeks)
Orthopedic Surgery shadowing (2 weeks 8+ hrs/day)
Mayo Clinic SURF program (1 summer)
MRI research @ Mayo (2 summers + projects during breaks)
Tissue (vascular) Engineering research @ NU (2 quarters)
Campus Kitchens - (2 years volunteer, leadership team next year)
Dean's List 5 quarters
Mayo Scholarship
Abstract accepted for ISMRM Cardiac Flow and Motion Workshop @ NYU
1st author on MR Elastography saftey paper (in preparation)
3rd author on MRI paper (in press, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine)


Overview of Applications:
Awaiting Secondary
Albert Einstein of Yeshiva University
Baylor College
Case Western Reserve University
Columbia University
Dartmouth College
Emory University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Mayo Medical School
New York University
Northwestern University
Oregon Health & Science University
Pennsylvania State University
Saint Louis University
Stanford University
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Chicago
University of Iowa
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Pennsylvania
University of Saskatchewan
University of Southern California
University of Utah

Summary of Application Process:
Tentative list, waiting on MCAT scores.

 

[kevster2001]

I've looked at a few other people's in here, but could use some advice myself. I think of myself as teetering between the top 20's and the mid level schools, don't know what to focus on.

-----------------------------------

Age: 21
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Home State: MN

Undergraduate Institution: Northwestern University
Area of Study: Engineering/Technology

Application Year: 2007
MCAT Score: 35-38 hopefully? (pract test range)
BCPM GPA: 3.81
Overall GPA: 3.77


Brief Profile:
Biomedical Engineering Major

Worked in a hospital in Northern Saskatchewan (Canada) for 4 weeks (12hrs/day) shadowing on-call doctor -- Native American healthcare stuff: off site clinics, lab days, checkups, medevacs etc.
Cardiac Surgery shadowing - observed transplants, bypasses, performed multiple heart/lung extractions from sacrificed pigs (3 weeks)
Orthopedic Surgery shadowing (2 weeks 8+ hrs/day)
Mayo Clinic SURF program (1 summer)
MRI research @ Mayo (2 summers + projects during breaks)
Tissue (vascular) Engineering research @ NU (2 quarters)
Campus Kitchens - (2 years volunteer, leadership team next year)
Dean's List 5 quarters
Mayo Scholarship
Abstract accepted for ISMRM Cardiac Flow and Motion Workshop @ NYU
1st author on MR Elastography saftey paper (in preparation)
3rd author on MRI paper (in press, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine)


Overview of Applications:
Awaiting Secondary
Albert Einstein of Yeshiva University
Baylor College
Case Western Reserve University
Columbia University
Dartmouth College
Emory University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Mayo Medical School
New York University
Northwestern University
Oregon Health & Science University
Pennsylvania State University
Saint Louis University
Stanford University
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Chicago
University of Iowa
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Pennsylvania
University of Saskatchewan
University of Southern California
University of Utah

Summary of Application Process:
Tentative list, waiting on MCAT scores.

Any particular reason for the bolded schools?

 

[Bluntman]

I've looked at a few other people's in here, but could use some advice myself. I think of myself as teetering between the top 20's and the mid level schools, don't know what to focus on.

Assuming your MCAT turns out in the range you gave (or even a bit lower), go for top 20s with a few mid-levels as back-up. You're solid. 👍

 

[SpinEcho13]

Any particular reason for the bolded schools?

It's tough picking midlevel schools when you only have 1 state school.

Iowa:
MN resident, (Rochester=40 mins from IA) and (unbelievably) I really like the area. I hear IA admits a decent number of OOS people and I am from the general geographic region so it seemed like a Good choice. Good reputation as well...

Penn State:
Apparently admit a large number of OOS students?

U Miami:
Good location? 😉

U Utah:
Same, good location. I've been to SLC a couple times and love it. Interview approx 25% OOS so I think I'd have a shot.