*^~*~^* The Official What Are My Chances/Where to Apply Thread Part 2

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GPA: 3.63.
BCPM: 3.62
NJ Resident
nice ec's

10PS,10VR,10BS= 30R MCAT

I really want to go to one of the UMDNJ's or einstein. my MDApps may be more helpful (link below).

what are my chances?
 
Male Caucasian
36M MCAT
4.0 in Bioengineering UMaryland
Strong research background in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and genetics
Lots of volunteering in habitat, health center at school
Little shadowing (3 docs for ~20 hours total)
Chair in 2 engineering clubs


First in my family to apply to med school so a little confused/concerned about process.
Can I get into top tier (MD only, no time to take GREs)?
Just got in all my secondaries. Any feedback would be great. Good luck to other applicants! 🙂

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=08770
 
scroofoo said:
Male Caucasian
36M MCAT
4.0 in Bioengineering UMaryland
Strong research background in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and genetics
Lots of volunteering in habitat, health center at school
Little shadowing (3 docs for ~20 hours total)
Chair in 2 engineering clubs


First in my family to apply to med school so a little confused/concerned about process.
Can I get into top tier (MD only, no time to take GREs)?
Just got in all my secondaries. Any feedback would be great. Good luck to other applicants! 🙂

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=08770
Click to expand...

I think your app looks great (and kudos for having all of your secondaries in). My gut is that your list of 14 schools is a little top-heavy. I'd add five more schools for comfort (perhaps mid-level) if you can afford it, and maybe even add some more top tiers if you have any interest in them - never know where you'll get a shot.

I would actually bet that you'll probably get in somewhere on that list this year, but why risk it? Unless you know you're a shoe in at your state school and can really rely on it as a safety (can anyone?), in which case I guess you're fine. Good luck! Knock em dead at interviews!
 
NJDIF said:
GPA: 3.63.
BCPM: 3.62
NJ Resident
nice ec's

10PS,10VR,10BS= 30R MCAT

I really want to go to one of the UMDNJ's or einstein. my MDApps may be more helpful (link below).

what are my chances?
Click to expand...

I think you've got an excellent chance. Nice, evenly balanced score. Research at RWJMS and stellar ECs? Give it your best and I think you'll reap the rewards. Good luck!
 
Phoenix. said:
I think your app looks great (and kudos for having all of your secondaries in). My gut is that your list of 14 schools is a little top-heavy. I'd add five more schools for comfort (perhaps mid-level) if you can afford it, and maybe even add some more top tiers if you have any interest in them - never know where you'll get a shot.

I would actually bet that you'll probably get in somewhere on that list this year, but why risk it? Unless you know you're a shoe in at your state school and can really rely on it as a safety (can anyone?), in which case I guess you're fine. Good luck! Knock em dead at interviews!
Click to expand...

University of Maryland:
Accepted students in the 2006 entering freshmen class had an average GPA 3.66 and an average MCAT Score of 30.61.

Resident Applications 771
Resident Acceptances 200
% Accepted 25.9%

I think thats pretty much a shoo-in with a 4.0/36, esp being an alum of Maryland...
 
drizzt3117 said:
University of Maryland:
Accepted students in the 2006 entering freshmen class had an average GPA 3.66 and an average MCAT Score of 30.61.

Resident Applications 771
Resident Acceptances 200
% Accepted 25.9%

I think thats pretty much a shoo-in with a 4.0/36, esp being an alum of Maryland...
Click to expand...

Generally, I agree. I just get nervous with the thought of relying on one (or two) school/s as a "safety." I've seen people with stellar stats get rejected from mid-tier schools, but then again, they're not instate residents of state schools. I suppose state schools don't "play that game." So, I revise my post above. He's a shoo-in. Looks good. But I'd still add a couple more schools if it were me....
 
I think certain state schools are pretty hard to get into, relatively. Any CA school, U-CO, UM, and U-Washington are examples of these. Some other state schools are relatively easy (i.e. UT-Memphis, UTSD, others) while others are somewhere in between, such as my home state schools MCW and UW, which accept quite a few out of state people but there is a fairly small population of in-state applicants. I think if you're an strong applicant to top tier schools, unless your state school is UM or U-Dub or in CA, you can pretty much use it as a safety, but that's just my opinion. Even if you are in CA, you can still probably feel safe in applying to every UC and have the rest of your schools be top tier if you have the same stats as the OP, but that's just my $0.02.
 
drizzt3117 said:
I think certain state schools are pretty hard to get into, relatively. Any CA school, U-CO, UM, and U-Washington are examples of these. Some other state schools are relatively easy (i.e. UT-Memphis, UTSD, others) while others are somewhere in between, such as my home state schools MCW and UW, which accept quite a few out of state people but there is a fairly small population of in-state applicants. I think if you're an strong applicant to top tier schools, unless your state school is UM or U-Dub or in CA, you can pretty much use it as a safety, but that's just my opinion. Even if you are in CA, you can still probably feel safe in applying to every UC and have the rest of your schools be top tier if you have the same stats as the OP, but that's just my $0.02.
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Your two cents are always worth a buck in my book. Personally, I think we should rename this thread: "Ask guru drizzt3117: What are my chances?"
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. Can't apply to anymore...school's almost started and got nonstop work/school...plus can't afford more applications since I've already dished out $1800 🙁 Peace and chicken grease
 
Hi, i have a 3.81 cumulative, 3.76 science. mcat: 32Q (11 V, 11 P, 10 B).
chinese (technically taiwanese), illinois resident

extracurrics:
officer in 2 clubs (1 volunteering club, another club for pre-meds), member of 1 other (christian fellowship).
shadowed pediatric surgeon and a doctor in nuclear medicine
2 leadership positions at church.
counselor at inner city youth camp for 2 yrs
volunteered in ER for one summer,
health educator at a clinic for 1 yr.
research for 3 semesters (summer-spring) & won 2nd place at research symposium, but no publications 🙁


applied/applying to (here goes....):
rush
uic
loyola
david geffen/UCLA
drexel
penn state
keck
u of wisconsin
medical college of wisc.
u of chicago
northwestern
SIU
U of Hawaii (got interview..i know, a bit out there)
rosalind franklin
u of mich.
loma linda? (thinkin bout not sending secondary in)
case western
U of cincinnati
waiting on UNC & San fran's secondaries

so...what are my chances? i kinda want to stay in chicago, maybe rush? but i just want to get into med. school pretty much.
 
starter1259 said:
Hi, i have a 3.81 cumulative, 3.76 science. mcat: 32Q (11 V, 11 P, 10 B).
chinese (technically taiwanese), illinois resident

extracurrics:
officer in 2 clubs (1 volunteering club, another club for pre-meds), member of 1 other (christian fellowship).
shadowed pediatric surgeon and a doctor in nuclear medicine
2 leadership positions at church.
counselor at inner city youth camp for 2 yrs
volunteered in ER for one summer,
health educator at a clinic for 1 yr.
research for 3 semesters (summer-spring) & won 2nd place at research symposium, but no publications 🙁


applied/applying to (here goes....):
rush
uic
loyola
david geffen/UCLA
drexel
penn state
keck
u of wisconsin
medical college of wisc.
u of chicago
northwestern
SIU
U of Hawaii (got interview..i know, a bit out there)
rosalind franklin
u of mich.
loma linda? (thinkin bout not sending secondary in)
case western
U of cincinnati
waiting on UNC & San fran's secondaries

so...what are my chances? i kinda want to stay in chicago, maybe rush? but i just want to get into med. school pretty much.
Click to expand...

I think your chances are excellent (as much (if not moreso) for Loyola as Rush). I'd say your odds are best at Rush, Loyola, UIC, RFU, SIU (if you're not from the Chicago area, which sometimes hurts an application with them, or so I've heard), U of Wisc and MCW. You could even land an interview at NU, but I wouldn't necessarily bank on it (no one should). If you're thinking about not filling out LLU's secondary and want to add another school (in the midwest), perhaps check out SLU. But I think you've got your bases covered and have a solid app. Congrats on the Hawaii invite! That certainly bodes well.
 
I wouldn't bother with LLU, there's better schools much closer at hand unless you really like desert, it's not even close to LA (although most ppl think it is). You have pretty good chances at the midwestern schools. I would probably write off UCSF but you never know, I suppose.
 
i went to uic for undergrad and i live in the northwest suburbs of chicago, so that covers most of the illinois schools, but i heard SIU likes more central illinois residents. low chance for that school you think?
 
Hi, Any advice would be truly appreciated. Here are my stats:
Overall GPA : 3.79
Science GPA : I am not sure since my primary is still under review. I think it about the same as my overall GPA or a little higher.
School: UC berkeley,
Resident state : Massachusetts.
MCAT -- May 11 : 27L (4v, 12 P, 11B)
July 24 : 32 M (8v, 12P, 12B)
I know my verbal and writing is a bit lower than average but English is my 2nd language.

extracurriculars: Not so strong overall.
-One summer volunteering in surgery ward at UCSF.
-Student club member.
-3+ yrs of research with one publication (not the 1st author) currently working as a tech in Dana-Faber research institute.
-One fellowship, one research award, graduate with honor
-2.5 yrs of tutoring while I was in school.
- diverse background (hope that helps)

Schools applied:

-Darmouth, NH (my 1st choice)
-Tufts
-Boston Unversity
-Penn state
-U. of Wisconsin
-U. of Vermont
-Howard U.
-Meharry Medical college

What are my chances of getting into Dartmouth? I just got the secondary yesterday. It seems straight forward. Does Dartmouth need a lot of ECs? I am planning to start volunteering at Dana-Faber. And my research PI is MD and hope to get a good rec from him and my supervisors.
And I like to add a few more schools. Any advice would be great.
Thanks
 
I'm trying to keep this short...

My stats are:
HS College credits (no BPCM): 4.0
Undergrad BPCM GPA: 3.01
Undergrad Cum: 3.36
Grad BPCM GPA (SMP program): 3.91
MCAT: 11VR 11PS 10BS Q

I graduated 2003 with a Computer Science degree, my low BPCM is partly due to me initially going to a very rigorous engineering school well known for deflating GPAs. I transferred to a different school, did better, but not terribly better. I did some interesting ECs in college. I worked as a software engineer for a couple of years, medically/healthcare related. Now have completed one semester at an SMP, am doing very well. Working on research this summer, getting really good clinical experience. I think I have awesome LORs.

I've applied to almost 30 schools, so I won't list them all here. Moving through the secondaries is getting really difficult ... I feel paralyzed by my fear of not getting in. I'm complete at a few schools so far.

Any thoughts/suggestions?
 
starter1259 said:
i went to uic for undergrad and i live in the northwest suburbs of chicago, so that covers most of the illinois schools, but i heard SIU likes more central illinois residents. low chance for that school you think?
Click to expand...

Probably less of a shot than at UIC, but I'd still give it a shot if you're interested in SIU. I have heard of them interviewing and accepting applicants from the Chicago area, just not as often. Good luck!
 
memento2007 said:
Hi, Any advice would be truly appreciated. Here are my stats:
Overall GPA : 3.79
Science GPA : I am not sure since my primary is still under review. I think it about the same as my overall GPA or a little higher.
School: UC berkeley,
Resident state : Massachusetts.
MCAT -- May 11 : 27L (4v, 12 P, 11B)
July 24 : 32 M (8v, 12P, 12B)
I know my verbal and writing is a bit lower than average but English is my 2nd language.

extracurriculars: Not so strong overall.
-One summer volunteering in surgery ward at UCSF.
-Student club member.
-3+ yrs of research with one publication (not the 1st author) currently working as a tech in Dana-Faber research institute.
-One fellowship, one research award, graduate with honor
-2.5 yrs of tutoring while I was in school.
- diverse background (hope that helps)

Schools applied:

-Darmouth, NH (my 1st choice)
-Tufts
-Boston Unversity
-Penn state
-U. of Wisconsin
-U. of Vermont
-Howard U.
-Meharry Medical college

What are my chances of getting into Dartmouth? I just got the secondary yesterday. It seems straight forward. Does Dartmouth need a lot of ECs? I am planning to start volunteering at Dana-Faber. And my research PI is MD and hope to get a good rec from him and my supervisors.
And I like to add a few more schools. Any advice would be great.
Thanks
Click to expand...

Unless you're a URM, I'd suggest adding closer to twenty more schools, not just "a few more." As a CA resident, it's an uphill battle as it is. You've got a good app and stats (some will say the 8 VR is a problem, but I think it'll be ok at non-top-tier schools), BUT you're not verified yet, so submitting late is going to detract from your chances too. Thus, I suggest applying BROADLY. You've already submitted your primary and started the process, so I'd suggest following through, but adding about 20 schools ASAP, getting the essay questions from the secondaries from SDN and starting to pre-write them before you get the secondaries, and turning the secondaries around as fast as you can. Sorry, but I can't give you an idea of your Dartmouth chances specifically. Look up their stats in MSAR and see where you stand. It's a crap shoot though, so don't count on any school in particular.... Good luck!
 
litai said:
I'm trying to keep this short...

My stats are:
HS College credits (no BPCM): 4.0
Undergrad BPCM GPA: 3.01
Undergrad Cum: 3.36
Grad BPCM GPA (SMP program): 3.91
MCAT: 11VR 11PS 10BS Q

I graduated 2003 with a Computer Science degree, my low BPCM is partly due to me initially going to a very rigorous engineering school well known for deflating GPAs. I transferred to a different school, did better, but not terribly better. I did some interesting ECs in college. I worked as a software engineer for a couple of years, medically/healthcare related. Now have completed one semester at an SMP, am doing very well. Working on research this summer, getting really good clinical experience. I think I have awesome LORs.

I've applied to almost 30 schools, so I won't list them all here. Moving through the secondaries is getting really difficult ... I feel paralyzed by my fear of not getting in. I'm complete at a few schools so far.

Any thoughts/suggestions?
Click to expand...

My thought/suggestion would be that since you're already in the thick of things, just keep your head up and slog on through the secondaries as fast as you can. And if you really don't want to apply next year, and like the DO philosophy, you might consider adding a DO school or so if you are interested in them (but of course, don't do so if you have no interest in attending one). I'm not as familiar with how strongly a great SMP influences things, but I would think that it definitely ups your chances (and probably gives you a good shot at the schoool at which you're doing the SMP). Basically, you're doing everything right, and doing everything you can, so just stick with it. A great personal statement, LORs and ECs really might make up for the low undergrad gpa. I wish you the best of luck!
 
Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster here

How do I look?


GPA: Science: 3.75 Total: 3.8 (slight downward trend)
MCAT: 13 PS 13 BS 10 VR P

ECs:
~9 months of vol work, 4 hrs a week
one month of shadowing in China during winter break, ~8hr/5days
Two summers (including this one) of fellowship at the CDC STD prevention branch - 2nd author on a paper
One semester of research at a biochemistry lab, one at a tissue eng lab, no pubs
3 semesters of research at a neuro engineering lab, no pubs, conference pending
One semester of research scholarship - 1500 dollar stipend
One semester in student government - representative for my major

Personal statement-medium
Ref letters: don't know, probably medium-strong? Wouldn't say very strong

Schools applied to:
case western
emory
george washington
penn state
mercer
medical college of georgia
tulane
univ of maryland
univ of washington @ seattle

My concerns:
1. clinical experience - I have very little. I'm trying to make up for it now by reading up on everything related to medicine, is this a viable strategy? If not, is there any way to compensate for my lack of clinical experience?

2. Not enough volunteer experience, similar to issue #1, except I don't think there is a way to compensate for this.

3. Not applying to enough schools - should I apply to more schools?

4. my rec letters. I probably won't get my last one until late september.

5. Any other glaring holes in my resume?

You guys are always helpful, thanks in advance.
 
what's your state of residence?

Yes, apply to more schools.

ECs are probably ok if not the strongest.

cxz said:
Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster here

How do I look?


GPA: Science: 3.75 Total: 3.8 (slight downward trend)
MCAT: 13 PS 13 BS 10 VR P

ECs:
~9 months of vol work, 4 hrs a week
one month of shadowing in China during winter break, ~8hr/5days
Two summers (including this one) of fellowship at the CDC STD prevention branch - 2nd author on a paper
Two semesters of research at a biochemistry lab and a tissue eng lab, no pubs
3 semesters of research at a neuro engineering lab, no pubs, conference pending
One semester of research scholarship - 1500 dollar stipend
One semester in student government - representative for my major

Personal statement-medium
Ref letters: don't know, probably medium-strong? Wouldn't say very strong

Schools applied to:
case
emory
george washington
penn state
mercer
medical college of georgia
tulane
univ of maryland
univ of washington @ seattle

My concerns:
1. clinical experience - I have very little. I'm trying to make up for it now by reading up on everything related to medicine, is this a viable strategy? If not, is there any way to compensate for my lack of clinical experience?

2. Not enough volunteer experience, similar to issue #1, except I don't think there is a way to compensate for this.

3. Not applying to enough schools - should I apply to more schools?

4. Any other glaring holes in my resume?

You guys are always helpful, thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
 
state of residence is georgia.
 
duplicate post, sorry
 
yes to amcas - submitted and reviewed.

Can you elaborate a little on middle-tier?
 
cxz said:
yes to amcas - submitted and reviewed.

Can you elaborate a little on middle-tier?
Click to expand...

The usual suspects would be the NY and Boston schools, maybe some in Chicago as well. Is there a specific reason you picked the schools you did? Also, do you have ties to Washington? If not, don't bother applying.
 
I got all my info about which schools to apply to out of the MSAR, which is to say that I probably don't know crap.

The 3 georgia schools I applied to were because of my in-state status, other schools were pretty much randomly chosen
No ties to washington - why should I not bother here? Out of state?

Why schools in NY Boston and Chicago? They like out of state students?
 
cxz said:
I got all my info about which schools to apply to out of the MSAR, which is to say that I probably don't know crap.

The 3 georgia schools I applied to were because of my in-state status, other schools were pretty much randomly chosen
No ties to washington - why should I not bother here? Out of state?

Why schools in NY Boston and Chicago? They like out of state students?
Click to expand...

Washington doesn't accept out of state applications unless people have shown significant work working with underserved populations. It's hard to get into even if you are in state and basically impossible if you're OOS unless you have done amazing things.

Tufts, BU, Einstein, NYU, MSSM, Loyola, Rush, RFU, would be a good mix of schools to add to your apps. You can add more schools in states adjacent to yours if you want as well.
 
drizzt3117 said:
Washington doesn't accept out of state applications unless people have shown significant work working with underserved populations. It's hard to get into even if you are in state and basically impossible if you're OOS unless you have done amazing things.

Tufts, BU, Einstein, NYU, MSSM, Loyola, Rush, RFU, would be a good mix of schools to add to your apps. You can add more schools in states adjacent to yours if you want as well.
Click to expand...

Very helpful advice, thank you very much. Good luck with your apps too.

Also can I just ask where you get this information from? Is there a consolidated source, or should I just lurk more?
 
cxz said:
Very helpful advice, thank you very much. Good luck with your apps too.

Also can I just ask where you get this information from? Is there a consolidated source, or should I just lurk more?
Click to expand...

You can use the MSAR to determine how competitive schools are. Your stats make you competitive at all of the schools I mentioned, and they are mostly mid tier schools with a few upper tier schools. You can add a few more top tier schools if you like as well.
 
Please check out my MDApps Profile (to left). I would really appreciate any comments. Super nervous about my BCPM GPA, and wondering whether my ECs/work experience + MCAT might help make up for it....

(Just FYI, not applying to any US "low tiers" since I would rather go to school in Canada and pay far less -- unless I get in to an "upper tier" US school.... But now I'm worrying if I'll get in anywhere....)
 
nova1983 said:
Please check out my MDApps Profile (to left). I would really appreciate any comments. Super nervous about my BCPM GPA, and wondering whether my ECs/work experience + MCAT might help make up for it....

(Just FYI, not applying to any US "low tiers" since I would rather go to school in Canada and pay far less -- unless I get in to an "upper tier" US school.... But now I'm worrying if I'll get in anywhere....)
Click to expand...

I'm probably not the best person to comment on your chances, since I'm not as familiar with the issues that Canadians face applying to US med schools. Are you considered an international applicant? I'm assuming the answer is "yes," and if it is, did you double-check with each of the US schools that they definitely accept international applicants? I'm assuming you probably did. If so, all you can do is cross your fingers. You have EXCELLENT ECs and a great MCAT. But given the smaller number of international "spots" at US med schools, I have no idea what your chances are - other than that they must be pretty good. Also, I see that you marked "other" for your ethnicity. Are you a URM? Cause that could certainly improve your chances. Regardless, you've made your application the best that it can be for this cycle, so just stick with it. I would think that you'll definitely get in, but again, I'm not so up on international applicant chances, and know nothing about your chances at Canadian schools except that I've heard that they're incredibly demanding when it comes to good stats. Are there any schools on your list that you feel comfortable calling a "safety" in Canada? If so, don't sweat it. And if what you fear does somehow come to pass, beef up that science gpa for next year.... Good luck!
 
Any advice would be appreciated...

Double Major: Biology, Earth & Geographic Science (GIS)
UMass Boston (UMB)
GPA: AMCAS gives me 3.119 BMCP, 3.74 other, 3.41 culm (UMB gave me 3.7)
MCAT: 27P (10VR, 8PS, 9B)
Graduated spring 2007 with B.S., honors, magna cum laude
Age: 23/white/male

EC

Founded student club
Served as President of Sustainability Club for 2 years
Founded the UMass Boston Renewable Energy Trust, $5 student fee for renewable energy at UMB
Senator on the Undergraduate Student Senate
Boston Medical Reserve Corps, training for leadership level volunteer, started in July
Volunteer weekly at Joslin Diabetes Center started in June
Volunteer with Boston Area Rape Crisis Center started in June
Fenway Solar Energy Committee member
various other stuff, but above are the major/clinical ones

Research

1 year senior thesis "Geospatial Analysis of the potential energy, environmental and health benefits of green roofs for the Muddy River watershed"
Certificate of Excellence for research poster presentation at research symposium
In June began new research job with Massachusetts General Hospital, working on several publications to be published soon..

Shadowing: 8 hours, possibly more in September


Plan to apply to:

Einstein
BU
Temple
Harvard (1 rec writer, possibly 2)
Jefferson
SUNY Downstate
Loyola
Tulane
UMass
Tufts
U Illinois Chicago
Rush
EVMS
Georgetown
Rosalind Franklin

I'm considering a few other state schools (MichState, UKentucky)... also am considering taking September MCAT... not sure if it is worth it at this point though.

Any other schools? What are my chances at above? Thanks for any help!
 
envirodoc said:
Any advice would be appreciated...

Double Major: Biology, Earth & Geographic Science (GIS)
UMass Boston (UMB)
GPA: AMCAS gives me 3.119 BMCP, 3.74 other, 3.41 culm (UMB gave me 3.7)
MCAT: 27P (10VR, 8PS, 9B)
Graduated spring 2007 with B.S., honors, magna cum laude
Age: 23/white/male

EC

Founded student club
Served as President of Sustainability Club for 2 years
Founded the UMass Boston Renewable Energy Trust, $5 student fee for renewable energy at UMB
Senator on the Undergraduate Student Senate
Boston Medical Reserve Corps, training for leadership level volunteer, started in July
Volunteer weekly at Joslin Diabetes Center started in June
Volunteer with Boston Area Rape Crisis Center started in June
Fenway Solar Energy Committee member
various other stuff, but above are the major/clinical ones

Research

1 year senior thesis "Geospatial Analysis of the potential energy, environmental and health benefits of green roofs for the Muddy River watershed"
Certificate of Excellence for research poster presentation at research symposium
In June began new research job with Massachusetts General Hospital, working on several publications to be published soon..

Shadowing: 8 hours, possibly more in September


Plan to apply to:

Einstein
BU
Temple
Harvard (1 rec writer, possibly 2)
Jefferson
SUNY Downstate
Loyola
Tulane
UMass
Tufts
U Illinois Chicago
Rush
EVMS
Georgetown
Rosalind Franklin

I'm considering a few other state schools (MichState, UKentucky)... also am considering taking September MCAT... not sure if it is worth it at this point though.

Any other schools? What are my chances at above? Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...

Well.... If you "plan" to apply to these schools, I'm assuming that you haven't submitted any secondaries yet. You need to get on top of that ASAP if you want a decent shot. Also, while your ECs are interesting, most of your medicine-related ones were just started a month or so ago. I would think that med schools would view your clinical experience to date as on the low side. Ditto with your MCAT and gpa. So, since you didn't apply early and you don't have a stellar MCAT or gpa or outstanding clinical/medical research ECs, I would say that you should apply as BROADLY as humanly possible if you really want to get in this year. 15 schools really might not cut it. I'd aim more for 30. And turn around each secondary ASAP. If you are at all interested in DO schools, and would consider a DO school rather than reapplying next year, I would suggest adding some. If you have time to study to retake the September MCAT and are scoring much better in practices than last time, I'd suggest that retaking it couldn't hurt. It might help with your apps this cycle when you update schools with your new MCAT score, and if not, it will certainly help with applying next year (and you'd be taking the MCAT while the material is still fresh rather than starting over from scratch next year when you go to take it). While you might get in with a 27 (I know people who have), a slightly better MCAT could really improve your chances.

You might also think about some plans for improving your app if you don't get in this year. Maybe take some post-bac classes to improve your science gpa. Anyway, bottom line is that I think you should go through the MSAR and pick out more schools, add them, and get secondaries turned around as soon as you can. Good luck!
 
Overal GPA: 3.58
Science GPA: 3.59
Upward Trend (3.0 freshman yr, 3.5 soph, 3.85 junior)

MCAT:

May 2007: 11 PS - 06 VR - 10 BS = 27Q
July 2007: 10 PS - 10 VR - 10 BS = 30R

solid EC's, including lots of clinical and community service, a lil bit of research
good LOR

applying to:

georgetown
GWU
maryland
jefferson
rosalin franklin
drexel
temple
BU
uic
albert einstein
downstate
vcu
tulane
nymc
albany
eastern virginia
buffalo
upstate
west virginia

what are my chances?? do i have a shot with these?? Thanks!!
 
soccerpunk60 said:
Overal GPA: 3.58
Science GPA: 3.59
Upward Trend (3.0 freshman yr, 3.5 soph, 3.85 junior)

MCAT:

May 2007: 11 PS - 06 VR - 10 BS = 27Q
July 2007: 10 PS - 10 VR - 10 BS = 30R

solid EC's, including lots of clinical and community service, a lil bit of research
good LOR

applying to:

georgetown
GWU
maryland
jefferson
rosalin franklin
drexel
temple
BU
uic
albert einstein
downstate
vcu
tulane
nymc
albany
eastern virginia
buffalo
upstate
west virginia

what are my chances?? do i have a shot with these?? Thanks!!
Click to expand...

I was going to guess Maryland, but I hate guessing wrong. 🙂 Anyway, yes, I think you have a good shot. A nice balanced MCAT, good upward-trend gpa, and (according to you) good clinical/community ECs and LORs. So, provided that you got/get your apps in as soon as possible, I think you're looking very good. Your list of schools looks spot-on as well. Since you say you have good community service ECs, I'd suggest adding Loyola (given you already have UIC and RFU on there you're obviously considering the Chicago area). Loyola is quite keen on students with a demonstrated interest in community service, and your numbers are in line with theirs (and I've heard that students there LOVE their school). Good luck!
 
Phoenix. said:
I was going to guess Maryland, but I hate guessing wrong. 🙂 Anyway, yes, I think you have a good shot. A nice balanced MCAT, good upward-trend gpa, and (according to you) good clinical/community ECs and LORs. So, provided that you got/get your apps in as soon as possible, I think you're looking very good. Your list of schools looks spot-on as well. Since you say you have good community service ECs, I'd suggest adding Loyola (given you already have UIC and RFU on there you're obviously considering the Chicago area). Loyola is quite keen on students with a demonstrated interest in community service, and your numbers are in line with theirs (and I've heard that students there LOVE their school). Good luck!
Click to expand...

sounds good, thanks a lot, appreciate the help
 
first time posting,

I haven't submitted my AMCAS yet, but I plan to submit it by end of August. I was just wondering if applying so late would significantly hurt my app. Help is much appreciated. Thanks guys. Here are my stats:

East-Asian Male
BCMP: 3.95
Other: 3.93
MCAT: VR15 PS15 BS13 S, 43S
Texas resident

EC: 1 year + summer research in one lab, no pub
2+ years of clinical volunteering
2 summers of clinical volunteering abroad
3 years on school table tennis team
Artwork published in art publications and art awards during college and hS

Here are the school I'm thinking about applying to:

Baylor (top choice)
Columbia
UCLA
UCSD
UCSF
UMich Ann Arbor
Harvard
Johns Hopkins
Yale
Stanford
Emory
Chicago
Wash U
University of Washington
Cornell
USC
Duke
Northwestern
Southwestern
UTMB
UTH

Thanks again!🙂
 
Definitely send in your primary right away!
 
Phoenix. said:
I'm probably not the best person to comment on your chances, since I'm not as familiar with the issues that Canadians face applying to US med schools. Are you considered an international applicant? I'm assuming the answer is "yes," and if it is, did you double-check with each of the US schools that they definitely accept international applicants? I'm assuming you probably did. If so, all you can do is cross your fingers. You have EXCELLENT ECs and a great MCAT. But given the smaller number of international "spots" at US med schools, I have no idea what your chances are - other than that they must be pretty good. Also, I see that you marked "other" for your ethnicity. Are you a URM? Cause that could certainly improve your chances. Regardless, you've made your application the best that it can be for this cycle, so just stick with it. I would think that you'll definitely get in, but again, I'm not so up on international applicant chances, and know nothing about your chances at Canadian schools except that I've heard that they're incredibly demanding when it comes to good stats. Are there any schools on your list that you feel comfortable calling a "safety" in Canada? If so, don't sweat it. And if what you fear does somehow come to pass, beef up that science gpa for next year.... Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks Phoenix! -- yeah, most of the US schools are "friendly" to Canadian applicants, and the rest (except for UNC, it seems) accept 5 or more international students a year. My worry is that if I don't get into my home-province school, then there's a possibility that I won't get in anywhere.... Anyway, thanks for your comments 🙂
 
hrw212 said:
first time posting,

I haven't submitted my AMCAS yet, but I plan to submit it by end of August. I was just wondering if applying so late would significantly hurt my app. Help is much appreciated. Thanks guys. Here are my stats:

East-Asian Male
BCMP: 3.95
Other: 3.93
MCAT: VR15 PS15 BS13 S, 43S
Texas resident

EC: 1 year + summer research in one lab, no pub
2+ years of clinical volunteering
2 summers of clinical volunteering abroad
3 years on school table tennis team
Artwork published in art publications and art awards during college and hS

Here are the school I'm thinking about applying to:

Baylor (top choice)
Columbia
UCLA
UCSD
UCSF
UMich Ann Arbor
Harvard
Johns Hopkins
Yale
Stanford
Emory
Chicago
Wash U
University of Washington
Cornell
USC
Duke
Northwestern
Southwestern
UTMB
UTH

Thanks again!🙂
Click to expand...

Submit your primary ASAP and turn around secondaries as fast as you can (perhaps put off non-rolling schools like Cornell until last). Given your absolutely stellar stats, if your personal statement and LORs are good too, I think you're fine, and that applying late won't have that much of an impact on you (as it would with someone who has average stats). Also, I know Texas schools start this whole process earlier, so I'm not sure what the disadvantage would be at Texas schools at this point. However, I'd think they'd still have a spot for you somewhere in Texas given your stats. Just be sure to write great essays and don't come off as arrogant in interviews. Good luck (although I doubt you'll need it!).
 
Phoenix. said:
Submit your primary ASAP and turn around secondaries as fast as you can (perhaps put off non-rolling schools like Cornell until last). Given your absolutely stellar stats, if your personal statement and LORs are good too, I think you're fine, and that applying late won't have that much of an impact on you (as it would with someone who has average stats). Also, I know Texas schools start this whole process earlier, so I'm not sure what the disadvantage would be at Texas schools at this point. However, I'd think they'd still have a spot for you somewhere in Texas given your stats. Just be sure to write great essays and don't come off as arrogant in interviews. Good luck (although I doubt you'll need it!).
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the help 🙂
 
+GRADES
Undergrad: Carnegie Mellon
BCPM: 2.98
AO: 3.75
Overall: 3.41
~worked 20-40hrs/wk throughout & family illness so time away
Grad (MPH): Yale
BCPM: 3.7 (only 2 classes though)
AO: 3.92
Overall: 3.90
** Please don’t write that the MPH is not the best way to get into Med- that was not my intention with the program- it was genuinely for international health purposes. It is all over my application that it fits my long term goals. Additionally it gave me a lot of patient contact, clinical experience, LORs…***

+MCAT:
First MCAT 2006: 8PS, 9BS, 9VS, R WS (26R)
Second one taken Aug 2007

+ECs:
~Child and Family Therapist (present job)
~Presentations:
Oral presentation: Unite for Sight Annual Conference: Social Capital and Hypertension in rural Haitian women
Poster presentation: American Public Health Assoc Annual Conference: Prevalence of hypertension in rural Haitian women
~Statistical Research Associate (summer paid employment)
~Downs Memorial International Health Prize for Outstanding Thesis
~International Health Fellowship (summer grant for Thesis research)
** LOR from advisor, Duke professor
~Biostat TA
~Directed Independent Language Study Scholar (Haitian Creole)
~Latino Education Advisor and Teacher
~ Board member and Research Director Yale Student-run Free Clinic.
~Behavioral Science Research Assistant
~Peer and Neighborhood Health Advocate throughout undergrad and grad
~Divisional Representative for Grad school
~International Volunteer Hospital Assistant (attempting to get LOR from Ghana…he has one more week…)
~Shadowing at the Denver VA
~Glassblowing volunteer at Recycled Arts Center
~Diabetic teen counselor.

(**I’ll knock one off or combine- probably knock off the Language scholar or smtg::::: ADVICE VERY WELCOME!!)


+LORs: 2 medium-strong, 3 super-strong (I estimate)

+NY Resident

Applying to:
Total Reaches: Duke, Columbia, Dartmouth
Reach: Jefferson, Tulane, Drexel, GW, Med Univ of Ohio, Stonybrook, Temple, Tufts, UConn, U Vermont, Wake Forest, W Virg, Yeshiva
Reasonable: Albany MC, Mercer, E. Virg, Howard, Morehouse, Rosalind, SUNY Syracuse,UMDNJ, U Buffalo, Virginia Commonwealth,
2 International: Ben Gurion (Israel), Royal College of Surgeons: Dublin
 
GPA: 3.65 (SGPA: 3.7), also I received a D in a course sophmore year, a philosophy course, but retook the course and got an A.
MCAT: 30Q (10,10,10)

Extracurriculars: I don't have too many of the usual "president of this or secretary of that..." but I have been a teacher at my sunday school for the past 4 years. Also I have the usual research (no publications) and volunteer and job shadowing. I have good, solid LORS but realize that I am late in the application cycle.
Also I am a IL resident. Wanted any advice on my chances/where I should apply. Thanks!
 
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