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

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crixyphoid said:
+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
Click to expand...

What do I know, but I think you'll be fine. If you've articulated your motivation to go to med school well, then I think some schools should be ready to look past your BCPM GPA. And as far as I know, Carnegie Mellon is a tough grading school, no? But, maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part, since I am in a similar boat to you.... (Please see my mdapps to left -- i am another international health'er.) Of course your new MCAT scores will be super important -- good luck!
 
ok, i'll make it quick, knowing this forum is full of people who will respond with some good advice...

Started at Arizona State for 2 years and transferred to University of California Santa Barabara, where I graduated with an Overall GPA of 2.77 (BS in Business Economics with the intention of going to Med school since high school.)

Took most Pre-Med pre-reqs but still need to finish up the Physics series (and I also want to take as many other science courses necessary to boost my undergrad GPA (more importantly my science GPA, which hovers around a 2.9 right now, with aN F in Orgo I repeated and received a B in ). If I take Physics, Anatomy, Genetics, Physical Chem, etc. I may be able to boost my science GPA to around a 3.35 and my overall undergrad GPA to around a 3.0. I would take these courses at a state school in California in the next year while preparing for the MCATs and beginning full-time volunteer work at hospitals in my area.

I was wondering what my target MCAT score should be in the near future if I do raise my GPA to the one indicated above to get into a MD program in the US (or Canada).

Their are also a few reasons behind why my GPA was so low in the past and I was wondering if Med schools would take them into consideration (Felony assaulted last year, had my jaw wired for a few months and lost 45 pounds.)


Any advice is much appreciated regarding what my plans should be in the future, including if I should apply for a MPH somewhere... Lived away from home since I was 17... moving back home and Im 23 now... I feel as if I can work a lot harder now that Im back at home and I do not have to worry about rent and other living expenses... I am also a lot more mature than I was even at 21 (since my assault).
 
MCATbound said:
ok, i'll make it quick, knowing this forum is full of people who will respond with some good advice...

Started at Arizona State for 2 years and transferred to University of California Santa Barabara, where I graduated with an Overall GPA of 2.77 (BS in Business Economics with the intention of going to Med school since high school.)

Took most Pre-Med pre-reqs but still need to finish up the Physics series (and I also want to take as many other science courses necessary to boost my undergrad GPA (more importantly my science GPA, which hovers around a 2.9 right now, with aN F in Orgo I repeated and received a B in ). If I take Physics, Anatomy, Genetics, Physical Chem, etc. I may be able to boost my science GPA to around a 3.35 and my overall undergrad GPA to around a 3.0. I would take these courses at a state school in California in the next year while preparing for the MCATs and beginning full-time volunteer work at hospitals in my area.

I was wondering what my target MCAT score should be in the near future if I do raise my GPA to the one indicated above to get into a MD program in the US (or Canada).

Their are also a few reasons behind why my GPA was so low in the past and I was wondering if Med schools would take them into consideration (Felony assaulted last year, had my jaw wired for a few months and lost 45 pounds.)


Any advice is much appreciated regarding what my plans should be in the future, including if I should apply for a MPH somewhere... Lived away from home since I was 17... moving back home and Im 23 now... I feel as if I can work a lot harder now that Im back at home and I do not have to worry about rent and other living expenses... I am also a lot more mature than I was even at 21 (since my assault).
Click to expand...

I think your circumstances might warrant disadvantaged status, although I'm not totally sure. That said, a MCAT score in the mid 30s would be what you'd traditionally need.
 
MCAT 32Q (12PS/10V/10BS)
GPA OA: 3.43
GPA bpcm: 3.4
four year institution GPA: 3.9 (last 80+hrs)
Community college transfer GPA: 3.02 (reason for low GPA)
Bio major with Hist minor

Research:
two semesters, including a field ecological study of Giant Rats in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa. In the process of publishing but nothing as of yet (or before I apply).

EC:
Marine Reserves for 6 years (Sgt.) with two overseas deployments (Iraq)
-Various medals and Marine of the Year honors in 2005
-Also reason for becoming interested in medicine after guarding a hospital and interacting with injured Iraqi civilians and Marines outside of An Nasiriyah, Iraq April-June 2003 (essentially my PS).

Co-founder and VP of the schools Veteran Student Association

Charity marathon runner with over $900 raised for pediatric cancer

Chemistry and Genetics Tutor for school (1 year)

Biology club president for a year and subordinate leadership roles for an additional year

-Very Good LOR's
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
My main concern is that my only clinical experience is the time that I spent with doctors and patients in Iraq (~2.5months). I am hoping that my GPA trend at a university is the one that the adcomms will pay more attention too. I also have many W's on my application (that had to do with being pulled out of school twice to go to Iraq) that I did not explain, but I hope the schools will recognize that. I also submitted my Application to aamc a bit late (Aug 7th) and am worried about that.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the schools I am applying (IL res):

Albany
Creighton
Duke (shooting for the moon)
George Washington
Georgetown
Loyola
Medical College of WI
Rosalind Franklin
Rush Medical
Southern IL
UIC
University of Chicago
University of Iowa
University of MN
University of WI
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

So what do you think? Should I apply to more schools?
 
Cumulative GPA: 3.85
Science: 3.56 (would be a 3.7 except for 1 D my junior year of high school)
MCAT: 29R (9V/10P/10B)

-Teach a supplemental instruction course for physics II
-over 120 hours volunteering/shadowing in emergency room and clinics
-held many jobs in my fraternity (recruitment chair, scholarship chair..)
-Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (top 10% of seniors)
-lots of community service and stuff I don't feel like listing

Applied to:
-TTU
-TCOM
-UTH
-UTSA
-UTMB
-A&M
-Southwestern
-Baylor
 
I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I made the decision to apply this year at the last minute and i am taking the september MCAT. I am worried about my verbal but i am hoping to pull off something goood in the PS, BS and writing prompt. I am yet to submit my AMCAS cos i am waiting for my personal statement and letters of recommendation. Plan to hit the submit button if i am allowed by the end of this week.

My stats include
BCPM- 3.5
Cumulative 3.7
I am a minority student (Nursing major and in my senior year this fall) Is this a plus?
I have taken Anatomy and physiology, CLEPed Microbiology, Pharmacology etc
Acitivites-

Volunteered at UCDavis Medical center (Childlife and trauma unit and emergency room) and did clinical shadowing there freshman and sophomore year (through AMSA membership at my school)

Shadowed doctors at the Sacramento AIDS Cares Clinic

Organized and volunteered at annual native American POW WOW health fair at UCDAVIS (2003 & 2004)

Tutored students in the chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, statistics, arts and humanities

Currently tutor for nursing classes at my school

Honor Roll and deans Scholar, 4/5 of tuition paid by school since second semester of freshman year

Taught 1st, 2nd and 6th graders arabic for 2 years ( I am not a native arabic speaker so i imagine this is a plus)

Founded and served as president for African students association club at my school (Initiated annual african day event)

Worked at Penn Hospital last year for 6months as a Nurse Extern and returned to work this year for another 6 months in their Abramson Cancer Center over 2,000 hours patient exposure (including my regular clinical rotations)

No research whatsoever

Schools i am considering

Howard
Baylor
Vanderbilt
Penn State
Emory

Letters of recommendation from Physics and Chemistry Professor, Program Director in School.

I am also thinking of getting a letter from my Sociology professor, the principal at the school i taught Arabic at and my dad's friend who is a Pediatrcian in private practice in california.

Any other suggestions? I am also a foreign student so i am limited by the number of schools i can apply to.

Please help, i need honest feedback. Thanks
 
Hey,
I was wondering what my chances are at a top 10 med school. I have great numbers (37Q, 3.87 science, 3.83 cumul. from an ivy) but everything else is unimpressive, a few semesters of volunteering, a frat, minor leadership and a little unpublished research. My dream school is Penn, and I havent applied to too many safeties, maybe 10 reach and 5 mid-range.

How important are the numbers compared with everything else?
 
ohnodapopo said:
Hey,
I was wondering what my chances are at a top 10 med school. I have great numbers (37Q, 3.87 science, 3.83 cumul. from an ivy) but everything else is unimpressive, a few semesters of volunteering, a frat, minor leadership and a little unpublished research. My dream school is Penn, and I havent applied to too many safeties, maybe 10 reach and 5 mid-range.

How important are the numbers compared with everything else?
Click to expand...

Numbers are important, but your ECs and LORs are important as well. I think 15 schools with those stats is probably fine unless your ECs/LORs are really that bad.
 
I've already applied to 15, but I would rather broaden my application than be a reapplicant next year. So...I'd like some suggestions on where I might best be served by applying this year.

Thus far I have applied to: Brown, Loyola (no secondary yet), NEOUCOM (no secondary yet), Ohio State, OHSU, U. of Cinci, U. of Kentucky, U. of Louisville, U. of Miami (no secondary yet), U. of Michigan, U. of Toledo, U. of Wisc., Wake, WVU (no secondary yet), and Wright State.

My stats are:

MCAT: 33M (14 VR, 10 PS, 9 BS)
BCPM: 3.12 (due to a bad freshman year 18 years ago -- my junior and senior year BCPMs are 3.77 and 3.78, respectively)
Cumulative GPA: 3.08 (going from 1.5 my freshman year to 2.27 sophomore to 3.86 junior to 3.88 senior)

Other details:

Econ major
Non-trad (36 years old, mom of 3)
Currently working (and have been for the past 9 years) as a unix sysadmin/programmer for a large state agency

EC are limited due to the last two mentioned just above, as well as taking 1-2 classes per quarter. They are: 1+ year volunteering at a local free clinic, 4 years volunteering at a local community festival, 2003-2007 Dean's List.

My only hard limits on schools is that while I love research, I don't want to attend a school that would require independent research as a condition of graduation (i.e. Case).

So, any suggestions for another 2-4 schools for me?
 
I guess my situation is slightly unique.

So i have the option of applying to wake forests early assurance program, which is reserved for Juniors, the only problem is that if i dont get in this year I will be considered a reapplicant.

I was wondering whether schools look down on or expect more out of reapplicants. Will this make it harder for me to get into other medical schools if i dont get into Wake this year, and one last thing do i even have a chance. For early assurance they dont require the MCAT, but they dont look down on you for taking it either, taking it in 2 weeks, practice test average 33-34. So hoping for atleast 32, but who knows

White, male
3.89 cum GPA
3.94 science GPA
600+volunteer Hours as EMT
250+ volunteer hours as camp counselor for children with muscular dystrophy.
~30 hours shadowing an Orthopaedic and Family Practice
1 year of research with no publications and a presentation coming up.
3 years of SGA (vice president 2 years)
Lifeguard- 1 year
Resident Assistant- 2 years
Pre-Med Club (leadership position)
Intramurals, Church Basketball.

Any thoughts would be appreciated...
And one last thing Wake Says that this program is for "highly competitive JUniors" so i guess its fairly difficult to get in.

Thanks ahead of time!!!
 
Ohiogeekgirl said:
I've already applied to 15, but I would rather broaden my application than be a reapplicant next year. So...I'd like some suggestions on where I might best be served by applying this year.

Thus far I have applied to: Brown, Loyola (no secondary yet), NEOUCOM (no secondary yet), Ohio State, OHSU, U. of Cinci, U. of Kentucky, U. of Louisville, U. of Miami (no secondary yet), U. of Michigan, U. of Toledo, U. of Wisc., Wake, WVU (no secondary yet), and Wright State.

My stats are:

MCAT: 33M (14 VR, 10 PS, 9 BS)
BCPM: 3.12 (due to a bad freshman year 18 years ago -- my junior and senior year BCPMs are 3.77 and 3.78, respectively)
Cumulative GPA: 3.08 (going from 1.5 my freshman year to 2.27 sophomore to 3.86 junior to 3.88 senior)

Other details:

Econ major
Non-trad (36 years old, mom of 3)
Currently working (and have been for the past 9 years) as a unix sysadmin/programmer for a large state agency

EC are limited due to the last two mentioned just above, as well as taking 1-2 classes per quarter. They are: 1+ year volunteering at a local free clinic, 4 years volunteering at a local community festival, 2003-2007 Dean's List.

My only hard limits on schools is that while I love research, I don't want to attend a school that would require independent research as a condition of graduation (i.e. Case).

So, any suggestions for another 2-4 schools for me?
Click to expand...

Alas, I think that you should be applying to more like 30 schools. And even then, you might have to take a year to take classes to boost your gpa and ECs and reapply next year. With your gpa, it would be best to apply really early, and to many many schools. I see from mdapps that you were verified in August, and have been submitting secondaries the last few weeks. That's fine, but not "really early." And just so you know, Miami has a very strict OOS 3.6 gpa cut off, you likely won't receive the Miami secondary.

I know that you made tremendous improvement and have a great upward trend, but a 3.08 is pretty low for MD schools. It's always possible that you could get in, but it's not probable. Have you considered a DO school? I think adding some DO schools (as well as some MD schools) would be your best bet if you definitely want to get in this cycle. If you're willing to take more classes and try to boost your gpa and definitely would rather wait to reapply next year than go to a DO school, then I think you should just continue with your MD applications for now and see it through (and add more MD schools if you like: RFU, Drexel, Temple, Tulane etc.). Also, just be aware that for any schools that you apply to (or add) this cycle, you will be a reapplicant at next year if you don't get in. Reapplicants must show improvement from one year to the next, and generally will be asked to write an essay on what they have improved. This will probably be in the form of a specific secondary essay for each school asking if you applied there last year and what you have changed. Anyway, I truly hope that you get in this year, but I think you should also have a backup plan just in case. Good luck!
 
Phoenix. said:
I know that you made tremendous improvement and have a great upward trend, but a 3.08 is pretty low for MD schools. It's always possible that you could get in, but it's not probable. Have you considered a DO school? I think adding some DO schools (as well as some MD schools) would be your best bet if you definitely want to get in this cycle. If you're willing to take more classes and try to boost your gpa and definitely would rather wait to reapply next year than go to a DO school, then I think you should just continue with your MD applications for now and see it through (and add more MD schools if you like: RFU, Drexel, Temple, Tulane etc.).
Click to expand...

I'm in an odd position vis-a-vis GPA. Every 'A' I get only brings it up by .01 because I have so many credit hours. To get it to even a 3.3 I would have to take approximately 22 classes, which would be at least three years worth. I would rather apply to more MD schools now than wait another year to only see my GPA climb less than 0.1. I'm not applying to Tulane because I have no wish to live in NOLA, but I'll consider adding Drexel and Temple.

As for DOs, I have nothing against them, I just don't want to have to go through another set of transcripts and stuff, which is the same reason I didn't apply to any TX school.

Thanks for the advice!
 
Ohiogeekgirl said:
I'm in an odd position vis-a-vis GPA. Every 'A' I get only brings it up by .01 because I have so many credit hours. To get it to even a 3.3 I would have to take approximately 22 classes, which would be at least three years worth. I would rather apply to more MD schools now than wait another year to only see my GPA climb less than 0.1. I'm not applying to Tulane because I have no wish to live in NOLA, but I'll consider adding Drexel and Temple.

As for DOs, I have nothing against them, I just don't want to have to go through another set of transcripts and stuff, which is the same reason I didn't apply to any TX school.

Thanks for the advice!
Click to expand...

The question I think you should ask yourself is which would be worse: 1) having to reapply all over again next year and have all of your transcripts sent to AMCAS again and pay for it all over again; or 2) request your transcripts to apply to DO schools now and have a much better shot of starting medical school next year (in a DO school)? If the goal is to be a doctor, and you "have nothing against" DO schools, then not applying to them simply because you'd have to request transcripts and do the DO primary doesn't sound like the best reason to curtail your chances. Also, I'm not so up on SMP programs and the like, but you might consider checking them out. They might help off-set the low gpa - but again, I'm not so sure how that works. Good luck.
 
Phoenix. said:
The question I think you should ask yourself is which would be worse: 1) having to reapply all over again next year and have all of your transcripts sent to AMCAS again and pay for it all over again; or 2) request your transcripts to apply to DO schools now and have a much better shot of starting medical school next year (in a DO school)? If the goal is to be a doctor, and you "have nothing against" DO schools, then not applying to them simply because you'd have to request transcripts and do the DO primary doesn't sound like the best reason to curtail your chances. Also, I'm not so up on SMP programs and the like, but you might consider checking them out. They might help off-set the low gpa - but again, I'm not so sure how that works. Good luck.
Click to expand...

You've got a good point there. I guess I'll be working on my DO app tomorrow. Won't I be late in the game for that though? (FWIW, I submitted my AMCAS when I did because I was waiting for the results of my June 15th MCAT.)

SMP programs are out because I can't quit my job for just the chance/hope that I might get in to med school. I've got three growing kids to feed and clothe! I'll quit for med school, but I can't justify leaving this job otherwise.

Thanks again for all your help!
 
thanks in advance for your advice (esp. Drixxt who has been doling out great advice!).

-BCPM Gpa ~ 3.3
-overall GPA ~3.42
-grad GPA ~3.8
MCAT 30T
-strong extracurriculars/volunteering
-2 publications
-good PS essay...
-Canadian (so i have applied to a lot of private schools which take more cdns)
-also want to MD/PhD progs

any advice would be great!
 
Hi everyone,
My undergrad GPA is a 3.4 from George Washingon
I've taken the MCAT 3 times (2003:29, 2004:32, 2007:36) and I've been thrown out of Barnes and Noble since for attacking a shelf of Kaplan text books in a blind rage.
I am currently enrolled in a Biomedical Masters program at Mount Sinai, and am trying to get my data published (It looks like this will happen within the next few months)
I've just received the student research award by the AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Disease)
I have good recs and personal statement and have had some experience (two summers) as an anesthesia aide at a hospital. Some other quality ECs as well, but not a ton.

I would love to stay in New York, but I just finished sending in secondaries all over the place. From what level school do you think I can expect to get some positive news.

(First Post By the Way!!!😀)
 
my guess is low and mid tiers, I think your gpa is too low for the upper tier. Good luck!
 
Jessie12 said:
thanks in advance for your advice (esp. Drixxt who has been doling out great advice!).

-BCPM Gpa ~ 3.3
-overall GPA ~3.42
-grad GPA ~3.8
MCAT 30T
-strong extracurriculars/volunteering
-2 publications
-good PS essay...
-Canadian (so i have applied to a lot of private schools which take more cdns)
-also want to MD/PhD progs

any advice would be great!
Click to expand...

I'm not as familiar of the chances of intl students but I imagine if you applied broadly (30+ schools) you should get some interest.
 
BoardinVT83 said:
Hi everyone,
My undergrad GPA is a 3.4 from George Washingon
I've taken the MCAT 3 times (2003:29, 2004:32, 2007:36) and I've been thrown out of Barnes and Noble since for attacking a shelf of Kaplan text books in a blind rage.
I am currently enrolled in a Biomedical Masters program at Mount Sinai, and am trying to get my data published (It looks like this will happen within the next few months)
I've just received the student research award by the AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Disease)
I have good recs and personal statement and have had some experience (two summers) as an anesthesia aide at a hospital. Some other quality ECs as well, but not a ton.

I would love to stay in New York, but I just finished sending in secondaries all over the place. From what level school do you think I can expect to get some positive news.

(First Post By the Way!!!😀)
Click to expand...

I would apply broadly. I imagine schools like NYMC, SUNY Downstate, AECOM, and perhaps Mt Sinai would be interested in NYC...
 
I would love to hear people's thoughts.

Here it goes:

First off, I'm in my mid 30's which may or may not be a factor(?).

Overall GPA = 3.82

BCPM (postbacc) = 4.00

Graduated from Ivy undergrad, am finishing postbacc premed at state school.

Good recommendations. All in a committee letter from postbacc school in which I was given the highest ranking (my postbacc school does rankings w/ committee letters).

Community service volunteering, shadowing, research volunteer in Emergency Room.

MCAT = PS:10 V:11 B:11 W:S
(disappointed with score because I was averaging higher on practice tests but the real thing seemed more difficult than any of the AAMCs I had taken)

Schools:

NYMC
Mt. Sinai
NYU
SUNY Downstate
Cornell
Columbia
Albert Einstein
U Penn
Drexel
Brown
USC
UCLA
OHSU (I'm an Oregon resident)

Am I in the ballpark with these?
 
ok i know this is kinda a second post, but it's appropriate here, i think. feel free, regulators to kick me out...don't remove this one though, remove the first!


University of Southern California
-Cello Performance major
-took some pre med classes too
-sucky gpa

University of California Los Angeles
-took "post bacc" classes
-4.0 gpa


still,
bcpm 3.37
oa 2.97
total 3.17

mcat 33s (12P/11V/10B)


Work Experience/Activities
Professional Concert Cellist
Resident Honors Program Scholar (40 in nation, freshman year)
Trustee Scholar - Full Academic Scholarship Recipient (100 usc freshman)
1926 Becker Cello Endowment Recipient
Med-COR Chemistry and Math Facilitator
KSCR Radio DJ
Resident Advisor - Fluor Tower and Portland Street House
Behavioral Health Unit Ward Clerk
Trojan Family Summer Science Camp Counselor
Electro-Optical & Cellular Physiology Laboratory Assistant
Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinical/Academic Laboratory Asst.
Miss Hollywood
American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress Poster
SAGES Clinical Congress Poster - Poster of Distinction
Esophageal Chapter for Sabiston Textbook of Surgery

more publications are included in the little synopsi that we are able to type in there.

honestly, i'm a little heartbroken. i've had a complete turnaround since 2004 and it shows in my perfect grades, great mcat score, and great LOR.

but still on paper i might not make the first cut. what can i do for this round of applications? i'm applying very veyr very very broadly haha.
 
i'm from california. just shoot me now.
 
aimsz88 said:
ok i know this is kinda a second post, but it's appropriate here, i think. feel free, regulators to kick me out...don't remove this one though, remove the first!


University of Southern California
-Cello Performance major
-took some pre med classes too
-sucky gpa

University of California Los Angeles
-took "post bacc" classes
-4.0 gpa


still,
bcpm 3.37
oa 2.97
total 3.17

mcat 33s (12P/11V/10B)


Work Experience/Activities
Professional Concert Cellist
Resident Honors Program Scholar (40 in nation, freshman year)
Trustee Scholar - Full Academic Scholarship Recipient (100 usc freshman)
1926 Becker Cello Endowment Recipient
Med-COR Chemistry and Math Facilitator
KSCR Radio DJ
Resident Advisor - Fluor Tower and Portland Street House
Behavioral Health Unit Ward Clerk
Trojan Family Summer Science Camp Counselor
Electro-Optical & Cellular Physiology Laboratory Assistant
Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinical/Academic Laboratory Asst.
Miss Hollywood
American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress Poster
SAGES Clinical Congress Poster - Poster of Distinction
Esophageal Chapter for Sabiston Textbook of Surgery

more publications are included in the little synopsi that we are able to type in there.

honestly, i'm a little heartbroken. i've had a complete turnaround since 2004 and it shows in my perfect grades, great mcat score, and great LOR.

but still on paper i might not make the first cut. what can i do for this round of applications? i'm applying very veyr very very broadly haha.
Click to expand...

were your academic scholarships suspended after freshman year? if so that might not look good.

You certainly are wellrounded but your overall will be an issue. Your BCPM is in better shape, but still not quite average. Not sure what to say, its a pretty clear cut case. You have a chance, but its not the best, especially since you're a californian. I'd suggest bumping that GPA some more, not sure how extensive your postbacc was, but are there more courses you can take?
 
hey guys,

i already posted this in another thread but didnt get a lot of answers, probably since i should've posted in this thread to begin with. so here it is:

this is perhaps somethign i should have done a long time ago, but i was wondering if you guys coudl give me feedback on my list of schools. ive already started applying, but late is better than never i suppose. here goes:

3.47 BCPM, 3.59 overall, MCAT is 39T (13, 13, 13). GPA has upward trend. a lot of research experience with no pubs, 100 hrs of shadowing (not last-minute) and 75 hrs of last-minute volunteering in a hospital, some community service but not much, went to a top 15 undergrad (or at least what USNews considers one). also wrote for a journal in college and was in random clubs, where i had some leadership positions. LORs should be ok (one good one and two probably ok ones). CA resident. non-URM. traditional applicant.

applied to:
NYMC
Albany
Rosalind Franklin
Drexel
Jefferson
BU
UCI
UC Davis
UCSD
USC - Keck
Einstein
Tufts
Mt. Sinai
Pitt
Columbia
UCSF
Stanford
UCLA
Northwestern
Harvard
Penn
Yale
NYU
Cornell
U of Chicago - Pritzker

i tried to apply broadly since im from CA and my app has a couple of weaknesses. im really not sure what to expect in terms of what caliber of school will accept me, but i guess thats probably true of a lot of people since this process is so random. anyways, what do you guys think? also, im going to start volunteering elsewhere soon since i had to quit my last minute volunteering to go to my full time job which i'll be working at while i apply. thanks!
 
Ok, here goes.

I just submitted my primary AMCAS on 8/30 (I have no good excuse as to why I turned it in so late). I am wondering how much you think the late submission is going to hurt me....

As far as my stats, I have a 4.0 at the University of Tennessee and made a 40S on the MCAT. My extracurriculars have a good dose of leadership and my volunteering is normal. I've had a pretty good research background, although no publications. And I'm a minority (born in Peru).

I've applied to a whole range of schools.... I am really wondering if sending it in this late is going to hurt me. Input from the experienced SDNers/moderators would be really appreciated, as well as anyone else that would be so kind!

Also, I'm starting my secondaries now instead of waiting for the AMCAS to be verified first. I'll submit them as soon as I'm verified and begin receiving invitations, I hope.

Thank you for your input!

My list of schools:

Albert Einstein
Baylor
Boston University
Columbia
Dartmouth
Duke
East Tennessee State University
Eastern Virginia
Emory
George Washington
Harvard
Loyola
New York Medical College
New York University
Northwestern
Tulane
University of Pennsylvania
University of Rochester
University of Tennessee
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt
Wake Forest
Washington University in St. Louis

Thanks a lot once again!
 
add the UCs, JHU, Yale. Why not? 4.0/40 is an amazing # combo
 
Hi Everyone. I just wanted some input on my chances at these schools and where else I should apply to.

MCAT 28Q 10PS, 8VR, 10BS
GPA 3.65
science GPA 3.67
Great research experiences, pending publication
average hospital experience, nothing outstanding
Lots of leadership, activities, and organizations

I have 17 schools now. What are my chances at these schools? I don't have much money left, but out of Tulane, AMC, Creighton, and RFU, which should I add?

U of Vermont
U of Rochester
U of Pittsburgh
NYU
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY Upstate
SUNY Downstate
SUNY Stony Brook
New York Medical College
Jefferson
Drexel
Temple
VCU
Medical College of Wisconsin
Wake Forest
PennState
Albert Einstein
 
Cataract said:
Hi Everyone. I just wanted some input on my chances at these schools and where else I should apply to.

MCAT 28Q 10PS, 8VR, 10BS
GPA 3.65
science GPA 3.67
Great research experiences, pending publication
average hospital experience, nothing outstanding
Lots of leadership, activities, and organizations

I have 17 schools now. What are my chances at these schools? I don't have much money left, but out of Tulane, AMC, Creighton, and RFU, which should I add?

U of Vermont
U of Rochester
U of Pittsburgh
NYU
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY Upstate
SUNY Downstate
SUNY Stony Brook
New York Medical College
Jefferson
Drexel
Temple
VCU
Medical College of Wisconsin
Wake Forest
PennState
Albert Einstein
Click to expand...

Honestly? I would suggest adding all of them if you want the best chance at getting an acceptance this year and not have to reapply. If you can at all swing it, stir up the money for those additional secondaries. If you were applying earlier in the cycle, you'd be a lot safer. But given how late it is, I think you should add them all. Regardless, your state schools are always your best bet, so hopefully a SUNY gives you some love. Good luck, and get those secondaries in ASAP if you want a good shot.
 
Phoenix. said:
Honestly? I would suggest adding all of them if you want the best chance at getting an acceptance this year and not have to reapply. If you can at all swing it, stir up the money for those additional secondaries. If you were applying earlier in the cycle, you'd be a lot safer. But given how late it is, I think you should add them all. Regardless, your state schools are always your best bet, so hopefully a SUNY gives you some love. Good luck, and get those secondaries in ASAP if you want a good shot.
Click to expand...

Thanks Pheonix, always appreciate it. As a follow up, my committee LORs won't be sent until sometime this week and hopefully all my secondaries will be sent too. So is the first week of September too late to be complete?

Also, I'm hesitant about Creighton because they seem to favor people west of the Mississippi. Any truth to that or other schools to recommend?
 
LEdaddy said:
I would love to hear people's thoughts.

Here it goes:

First off, I'm in my mid 30's which may or may not be a factor(?).

Overall GPA = 3.82

BCPM (postbacc) = 4.00

Graduated from Ivy undergrad, am finishing postbacc premed at state school.

Good recommendations. All in a committee letter from postbacc school in which I was given the highest ranking (my postbacc school does rankings w/ committee letters).

Community service volunteering, shadowing, research volunteer in Emergency Room.

MCAT = PS:10 V:11 B:11 W:S
(disappointed with score because I was averaging higher on practice tests but the real thing seemed more difficult than any of the AAMCs I had taken)

Schools:

NYMC
Mt. Sinai
NYU
SUNY Downstate
Cornell
Columbia
Albert Einstein
U Penn
Drexel
Brown
USC
UCLA
OHSU (I'm an Oregon resident)

Am I in the ballpark with these?
Click to expand...

Anyone got any love for me? I'm feeling all alone with no responses.
 
Cataract said:
Thanks Pheonix, always appreciate it. As a follow up, my committee LORs won't be sent until sometime this week and hopefully all my secondaries will be sent too. So is the first week of September too late to be complete?

Also, I'm hesitant about Creighton because they seem to favor people west of the Mississippi. Any truth to that or other schools to recommend?
Click to expand...

Too late? It's all relative. It's of course better to be complete in July or August, but if you're trying to give it your all this cycle, just get everything and become complete as soon as you can. I know people who submitted their AMCAS in early September and still got a few interviews and an acceptance, but that's not necessarily something you can bank on. I'd add Creighton regardless, but I don't personally know about such a preference.
 
Alright, so here are my stats!

MCAT: 31Q (10 verbal, 10 bio, 11 phys)
Undergrad: BCPM: 3.64, Overall: 3.7
Grad (one year of pharm): BCPM: 3.86, Overall: 3.8

EC:
Research: one year, complete with grant, published first author (well in press)
-4 months with another prof, poster presented at national conference
Officers of 3 clubs
-hospital and women's shelter volunteer
-on editorial board of undergrad science research journal

Personal Statement: I have no idea... pretty good?
Reference letters: for sure one is outstanding, the others seem strong

Applying:
Only to private colleges as I am Canadian

Georgetown (realllllllllly hoping for it... any ideas???)
GW
RFU
Alb. Ein (far reach)
BU
Keck
Loma Linda
Howard
penn state

THANKS GUYS!!!!!
 
8/6 MCAT v-10, ps-9, b-11 (30) ws-O
UGPA - 3.94 bio major at small private school

Due to just recently deciding to go into medicine, I only have about 50 hours of shadowing a couple doctors - no other clinical experience.

LORs should be strong and community volunteering is pretty good.

I feel like my application will be very "middle of the road". As a resident of NY, I will definitely apply to the state schools, but am unsure of what qualifies as a "reach" school for me. Heck, for all I know the state schools may be a reach. Any advise on schools to try and what my odds of getting in are?
 
Should I add some schools? (I took down my specifics on mdapps bc i don't want adcoms to see me!) I have strong LOR and strong very strong and unique ECs....grad from an Ivy.
 
Surfstarj, if you instate for NC, definitely do wake, Duke, and ecu
 
surfstarj said:
Should I add some schools? (I took down my specifics on mdapps bc i don't want adcoms to see me!) I have strong LOR and strong very strong and unique ECs....grad from an Ivy.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming that UConn will be a pretty good bet as a safety, but if you're concerned about your gpa and want to apply more broadly, how about some more Philly schools? Jefferson? Drexel? Any other cities you're keen on? If so, maybe pick a few more mid-range. Then again, I think you're probably fine. Good luck!
 
Not technically. I live there now. I'll be a "legal resident" in a few months but my permanent residency is CT (which sucks because we only have UConn. not that UConn sucks at all, but it's the only instate school).
 
Really?? I didnt think I was even all that good. Im young so I thought that would hurt me a good deal no matter fi I showed maturity or not. Thanks surfstarj...u brightened my day!!
 
SAS1284 said:
Hey, I was wondering if anyone had any opinions about my chances, I am nervous because of my average MCAT and GPA. Any commentary would be great.

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8526
Click to expand...

You have a very good MCAT, a nice "safety" instate school, average gpa (but that upward trend is key), great ECs, you applied broadly, were complete at most schools in August, and, well, you add that element of diversity. I think you're set!
 
Im pretty positive that youll get into more than one school, but im not an ADCOM. good luck
 
MCAT: 35S
major: cell biology & biochemistry.
graduating: 12-07.
Hi,
I was a very bad undergraduate student when i entered college as freshman from high school, my high school GPA was 3.9 with sat scores of 1350 and above 700 in subject tests. I was barely 16+ when i started college as freshman. My first quarter gpa was 1.9. I was ahrdly focussed on what i am going to do and never studied. My gpa fell to 2.49 in 2005. I had to take a 1 quarter off as i fell sick. I geared my focuss and started again in winter 2006 and took human physiology course, biochemistry courses, organic chem courses and labs all upper division courses. I have been gettin now a's in all courses with a lowest of B+ in human physiology lab. My 2006 gpa was 3.75 and 2007 was also 3.75. Since my previous years gpa is pathetic 2.4 it is right now at 3.15. i have repeated d grades and sought a's and also 2 f's i have repeated again. I got score of 12( Phys), 12( Bio) and 11(VR) on Mcat of 6th august with a writing score of S.
I have started Volunteering at tri city medical center a hospital and also shall be doing Volunteering at Scripps Hospital from october end.
My question is should i apply now? to get into a decent medical school in 2008? I am going to graduate in winter 2008 with a BS degree and my cummulative gpa is expected to be at 3.2 with all baggage included. I am eligible to enroll in BS/MS integrated program leading to a masters degree with a research and thesis and about 12 units of graduate subhects.Should i pursue a masters degree for one eyar and then apply for 2009? Please advise.
 
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