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

[MDpride]

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look my new post below

 

[Classic17]

MCAT 32Q (12PS/10V/10BS)
GPA OA: 3.49
GPA bpcm: 3.41
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
-Tutor (1 year)
-Biology club president for a year and subordinate leadership roles for an additional year
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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.
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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?

 

[The Nigal]

I would appreciate any comments on my chances on successfully being admitted to med school. I'm in the middle of my secondaries and I guess I'm getting a bit nervous.

Cum GPA 3.35
BCPM GPA 3.61
MCAT 12V 13P 14B 39R
Major Psychology

I am a nontraditional applicant. I've been working full time for the past five years in a totally unrelated field, so I don't really have any research experience to speak of. I have been volunteering at a hospital for the last year and a half with around 175 hours logged. I experienced a personal loss during my junior year and took some time off of school, which accounts for my low GPA.

I haven't encountered any other applicants with higher science GPAs than overall GPAs. Do my MCAT scores and science grades offset some of my earlier coursework? I have applied to a lot of mid tier schools and a few reaches. Should I expand my pool, or keep working on my resume and reapply next year if necessary?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Walden]

I am feeling a little anxious about my lack of volunteer hours and research. Here are my stats:

Undergrad GPA: 3.5
Graduate GPA (Social Work): 3.88
Post Bac: 3.96
BCPM: 3.74
MCAT: 34S (10PS, 11VR, 13BS)

I have worked for over two years as a social worker at a children's hospital. Prior to that I managed a national partnership program for an international adoption agency. In that role I was able to visit child welfare organizations in India, China, Russia and Korea.

MN resident applying to:
U of MN - Duluth
U of MN - Twin Cities
Mayo
U of Iowa
U of Wisconsin
Medical College of WI
Yale
Case Western (Interview scheduled)
Creighton
UCSF

Any thoughts?

 

[GeorgeFoster]

Why not add my own neurosis?

My LizzyM score (MCAT + (GPA x 10)) is a 76.5 which is nice to have, but I've only recently fully committed to medicine - meaning two things: I don't have much clinical experience before this March and my application is late (thus rushed in addition to getting less attention).

My problem? I'm mid-western so I like big schools and schools in the mid west. But I haven't found many programs that interest me outside the top 30. Wisconsin, Minn, OSU, Mich, Iowa? All are really good schools so I feel like there's a chance I might not get in at all. I've also added Tulane, Oklahoma and UIC but I doubt I'd be happy at UIC (I dislike Chicago and want to get out).


Do I need more less-competitive-schools to be safe? Or should I shut up and quit worrying: Applying to 13 schools is plenty even if most of them are in the Top 30?

 

[brsboarder]

Here's My Story:

Freshman Year: University of Maryland 3.00
Transfer to Wesleyan University (Top 11 Liberal Arts)
Total GPA, BCPM 3.45, improving over the years

MCAT: 11V, 11B, 12P, Q

Howard Hughes Fellow, 1 year of molecular biology research
Clinical Volunteer in Moshi, Tanzania for a summer
TA for Organic Chemistry Lab, 2 years
President of photography society
Founder of Biological Sciences Club

Moving to the Dominican Republic Oct 1st to volunteer in a clinic for the year, but returning for Interview

NY Resident:
Stony Brook
Buffalo
NYU
Columbia
Rochester (interview)
Yale
UCSF
UCLA
OHSU
USC
GW
Emory
Upstate
Drexel
Penn
Jefferson


Thoughts on my schools, chances?

 

[Phoenix.]

Why not add my own neurosis?

My LizzyM score (MCAT + (GPA x 10)) is a 76.5 which is nice to have, but I've only recently fully committed to medicine - meaning two things: I don't have much clinical experience before this March and my application is late (thus rushed in addition to getting less attention).

My problem? I'm mid-western so I like big schools and schools in the mid west. But I haven't found many programs that interest me outside the top 30. Wisconsin, Minn, OSU, Mich, Iowa? All are really good schools so I feel like there's a chance I might not get in at all. I've also added Tulane, Oklahoma and UIC but I doubt I'd be happy at UIC (I dislike Chicago and want to get out).


Do I need more less-competitive-schools to be safe? Or should I shut up and quit worrying: Applying to 13 schools is plenty even if most of them are in the Top 30?

Well, it's hard to really advise without knowing your breakdown (but your numbers do sound good), and the fact that you didn't have any clinical experience more than a few months ago AND the fact that you're applying a little later than ideal makes me think that you should definitely add at least a couple more schools if you'd rather be safe than sorry. If you like the mid-west but you're averse to Chicago schools, how about some of the non-top-30 schools in MI, WI and OH? And if your MCAT is high, throw in WashU. Speaking of which, how about SLU too? Anyway, just thoughts. You could be fine with the 13 you applied to, but I'm more the cautious sort....

 

[Phoenix.]

Here's My Story:

Freshman Year: University of Maryland 3.00
Transfer to Wesleyan University (Top 11 Liberal Arts)
Total GPA, BCPM 3.45, improving over the years

MCAT: 11V, 11B, 12P, Q

Howard Hughes Fellow, 1 year of molecular biology research
Clinical Volunteer in Moshi, Tanzania for a summer
TA for Organic Chemistry Lab, 2 years
President of photography society
Founder of Biological Sciences Club

Moving to the Dominican Republic Oct 1st to volunteer in a clinic for the year, but returning for Interview

NY Resident:
Stony Brook
Buffalo
NYU
Columbia
Rochester (interview)
Yale
UCSF
UCLA
OHSU
USC
GW
Emory
Upstate
Drexel
Penn
Jefferson


Thoughts on my schools, chances?

Obviously, your ECs and MCAT are great, while your gpa is not-so-great (but with an upward trend, which is good). But you're also a NY resident, and from what I've heard, you've probably got a great shot at a state school. Your list also looks good. If you're looking for more schools to add, how about NYMC and Temple? Although, you're probably fine as is. Good luck.

 

[Phoenix.]

I would appreciate any comments on my chances on successfully being admitted to med school. I'm in the middle of my secondaries and I guess I'm getting a bit nervous.

Cum GPA 3.35
BCPM GPA 3.61
MCAT 12V 13P 14B 39R
Major Psychology

I am a nontraditional applicant. I've been working full time for the past five years in a totally unrelated field, so I don't really have any research experience to speak of. I have been volunteering at a hospital for the last year and a half with around 175 hours logged. I experienced a personal loss during my junior year and took some time off of school, which accounts for my low GPA.

I haven't encountered any other applicants with higher science GPAs than overall GPAs. Do my MCAT scores and science grades offset some of my earlier coursework? I have applied to a lot of mid tier schools and a few reaches. Should I expand my pool, or keep working on my resume and reapply next year if necessary?

Thanks for any advice.

It's hard to say without knowing what your state of residency is and which schools (and how many) you applied to already. But I think you've got a good shot if you applied broadly and get those secondaries in asap. That killer MCAT should do a little to help push an adcom over any hesitancy about your earlier grades, especially if you have a good upward trend your senior year, good LORs and a great personal statement. Good luck.

 

[The Nigal]

It's hard to say without knowing what your state of residency is and which schools (and how many) you applied to already. But I think you've got a good shot if you applied broadly and get those secondaries in asap. That killer MCAT should do a little to help push an adcom over any hesitancy about your earlier grades, especially if you have a good upward trend your senior year, good LORs and a great personal statement. Good luck.

Thanks for the feedback, I was begging to wonder if anyone was still checking these boards. Its nice to hear a positive response.

I'm in Oregon, so I'm kind of short changed when it comes to state schools. I have a 3.98 GPA for my senior year, I just had a rough start. I applied to 15 schools - mostly private - but recently added a few more just in case, and I'm trying to get out each secondary within four days of receipt.

 

[toye7690]

Hi,
I'm a sophomore in college( pre-medicine), and I just need you to give me a quick check on my eligibility to get into the med schools such as Harvard, Yale, UPenn, Univ. of Cal, Ohio state, UWisc, Tufts, Johns Hopkins, case western, University of washington etc.
Major: Biology
Minor: Engineering, Biomedical
My present cum GPA is 3.74
Science is 3.95
Not taken MCATS yet,

So far:

summer internship with at an internist clinic: 385hrs
Shadowing an internist: 12hrs/week of shadowing for 3 consecutive months
Math tutor

Religious community service ( volunteer for a christian organization) for 2hrs/week

Religious leader in my church for the youths...Serve as a mentor to teens

Fraternity member of (Alpha Lambda Delta/ Phi Eta Sigma)- these are academic fraternities

Intramural soccer

Awards:

Dean's List for 3 semesters so far
National dean's list member



Things I plan to do:

More shadowing of surgeons
Clinical volunteering at a top 50 hospital
Research paper ( to be published)


I need advice on what other things I need to start doing to meet the standards of these schools/ to be highly qualified.

I would greatly appreciate your reply.

 

[Phoenix.]

Hi,
I'm a sophomore in college( pre-medicine), and I just need you to give me a quick check on my eligibility to get into the med schools such as Harvard, Yale, UPenn, Univ. of Cal, Ohio state, UWisc, Tufts, Johns Hopkins, case western, University of washington etc.
Major: Biology
Minor: Engineering, Biomedical
My present cum GPA is 3.74
Science is 3.95
Not taken MCATS yet,

So far:

summer internship with at an internist clinic: 385hrs
Shadowing an internist: 12hrs/week of shadowing for 3 consecutive months
Math tutor

Religious community service ( volunteer for a christian organization) for 2hrs/week

Religious leader in my church for the youths...Serve as a mentor to teens

Fraternity member of (Alpha Lambda Delta/ Phi Eta Sigma)- these are academic fraternities

Intramural soccer

Awards:

Dean's List for 3 semesters so far
National dean's list member



Things I plan to do:

More shadowing of surgeons
Clinical volunteering at a top 50 hospital
Research paper ( to be published)


I need advice on what other things I need to start doing to meet the standards of these schools/ to be highly qualified.

I would greatly appreciate your reply.

This board is really intended for people applying this year, but regardless, keep up the grades, follow through on your planned activities (especially the clinical volunteering, and the research for some of your research-heavy schools), kill the MCAT, and be sure to apply early. Oh, and cross your fingers.

 

[jad2121]

Here's My Story:

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Postbac at Columbia University
Total GPA 3.45, BCPM 3.6

MCAT:
may 31'st test 27N (PS 8 VR 9 BS 10 WS N)
aug 9th test 33R (PS 12 VR 10 BS 11 WS R)

4 summers of volunteer work at 3 different special needs schools and hospitals

1 year of shadowing doctors at St. Luke's hospital

1 year of psychology lab work

currently working in a bioimaging laboratory at Cornell for the lag year


NY Resident:
Stony Brook
Buffalo
NYU
Columbia
Rochester
Yale
Einstein
mount Sinai
GW
downstate
Drexel
UPenn
Jefferson
penn state
BU
Cornell
Ny medical college
upstate
University of Wisconsin
Albany

Thoughts on my schools, chances?

 

[DoctorAK]

Someone please say something... I am a female URM GPA 3.49 BCPM 3.4 and a P:09 B:09 V:05 M i know the 05 hurts me....I have 1 years research experience and also have volunteer experience + other ECA's
but what are my chances for mid/lower tier schools....I think im gonna apply to :
Howard
Morehouse
East Virginia Uni
Marshall University in West Va
Meharry
Temple
Suny Downstate-i'm a NY state resident
and a few others
Help me please🙁

 

[toye7690]

This board is really intended for people applying this year, but regardless, keep up the grades, follow through on your planned activities (especially the clinical volunteering, and the research for some of your research-heavy schools), kill the MCAT, and be sure to apply early. Oh, and cross your fingers.

Thanks a lot for the advice.

 

[madscience]

I could really use some advice/opinions and hopefully someone checks this.

Major: Medical Sciences (Neurophysiology)

GPA 3.50, BCPM 3.47, AO 3.55
- a bad sophmore year due to picking up a hospital virus while volunteering otherwise a 4.0 GPA across the board.
MCAT 31 (13 BS, 10 PS, 8 V, Q)

EC:
-- 100 hours volunteering with cancer patients
-- 4 years of medical research, will have 3 papers come Decemeber and have been awarded for my research
-- designed an undergrad course (giving a talk on this at U of Minn), and an exercise program for COPD patients
-- On two committees for the Federal government concerning health policy and patient safety
-- lots of stuff at the university over the years including starting up an organization
-- also play hockey and write music and short stories

Case Western and the Cleveland Clinic
Tulane
Rosalind Franklin
Creighton
Wake Forest
GW
Georgetown
Jefferson
penn state
St. Louis
NYMC
SUNY upstate
Medical College of Wisconsin
Albany

I am limited because of my international status. I just want to get in and really dont care where as long as its not the Carribean since its the residency program that matters (at least in Canada). I am Canadian and feeling at a disadvantage because of it. So far a rejection from Wake Forest and a hold list from Penn State. I have been complete since mid to late July. Nervously waiting and could use some advice on what I might expect to see or not see.

 

[hadibazzi]

I have a 3.95 GPA overall
3.91 Sciences

MCAT SCORE August 07' were B-13 P-10 V-06 29-O
I have just graduated with degree in biology at wayne state university, MICHIGAN

I have:
100 hours of volunteering to an old lady with severe IBS
1 year of research+ recommendation + publication
3 years working in pharmacy
15 month shadowing doctor
1 year of volunteer at senior home ...

APPLYING TO :::::::

Medical School Application Type
University of Chicago - Pritzker
University of Illinois at Chicago-College of Medic
University of Michigan Medical School
The Ohio State Univ. Coll. of Med. & Pub. Hlth.
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Michigan State University
The University of Toledo College of Medicine
Rush Medical College

I have great Recommendation letters, and personal statement

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES

 

[GATORochoCINCO]

I am in the first semester of my junior year so I have ample time I just need for someone to tell me where I am at at this point.

Major: Chemistry
Minor: Biology/History

GPA: 3.675

MCAT: 11PS 11VR 11BS QWS

Clinical Exp:
Summer volunteering in OR
Shadowing a family practicioner
Shadowing and opthamologist

EC's:
Varsity Football (College)
Youth Athletic Association Volunteer (7 years)
Basketball and Basball official (4 years)
MCAT tutor
Church Camp volunteer
Volunteer stregnth training coach
Big Brothers/Big Sisters (Aide not brother)

Awards:
ACS/ Allegheny College Organic Chemistry achievement award
2 years on Dean's List (one year "distinguished")
Lawrence County Athletic Hall of Fame

Research:
Year of Organic Research

Colleges considering:

Pitt
Temple
OSU
WVU
Marshall
Wake
Cincinatti
SLU
Florida State

 

[BuffaloPreMed]

Just wondering what people think my chances of getting into an M.D. school is. BS/MS degree in medicinal chemistry, 3.45 GPA, 35L MCAT, 150 volunteer hours, will be published in at least one research paper. I'm a little worried about my undergraduate GPA. Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

GatorrochoCINCO- you seem in good shape, My suggestions would be to get more clinical exposure -either find a hospital or clinic to volunteer at or get certified as something (EMT, CNA, phlebotomist) and work or volunteer doing that. While your GPA is ok, it is below average for a good portion of schools, so work on keeping/bringing the GPA up and you are good to go.


(i bet the football will help you alot)

 

[lgy22]

MCAT - 32P (13ps, 10vr, 9bs)

GPA - 3.3 (3.0 BCMP GPA)

Biology major at Cornell.. 4 year varsity soccer player, Navy ROTC, plenty of volunteer clinical experience

Anyone's thoughts?

 

[jaguarms]

MCAT - 32P (13ps, 10vr, 9bs)

GPA - 3.3 (3.0 BCMP GPA)

Biology major at Cornell.. 4 year varsity soccer player, Navy ROTC, plenty of volunteer clinical experience

Anyone's thoughts?

Do a masters at Cornell--bask in the glow of the inflated grad GPA, and apply next year. Otherwise, apply to DO schools if spending an extra year practicing as a physician in your lifetime really matters that much. They say we're all going to live to 120 with all the health advancements that are being made--so what's another year waiting to apply?

 

[lgy22]

Do a masters at Cornell--bask in the glow of the inflated grad GPA, and apply next year. Otherwise, apply to DO schools if spending an extra year practicing as a physician in your lifetime really matters that much. They say we're all going to live to 120 with all the health advancements that are being made--so what's another year waiting to apply?

I can't take any years off, I do Navy ROTC, so if I don't get into med school, then I'm going into the Navy for four years

 

[Phoenix.]

Stickying this thread for a couple of days for the people that just got their August 14 MCAT scores back. Feel free to post here, guys, and congrats!

 

[dhbighit]

Alright, I have a decent gpa (3.92) and I am currently a second semester Junior. My mcat that I just got back was dissapointing, 7p 7v 9b S 23S so obviously I am going to have to retake that. As far as clinical experience, I volunteer about once or twice a month at the ER, and I worked in the OR all summer.

What should I do this year. I was thinking about applying because you get points each year you apply. And even though I know I won't get in, atleast ill get my name out there. What do yall think?

 

[horhay1241]

any thoughts are greatly appreciated..

3.75 GPA, 3.68 BCPM at UCSD

MCAT: VR-10, PS-8, BS-9, WS-Q

Decent ECs, nothing extraordinary (research, hospital volunteer, lab asst etc)

I know my GPA is ok, but my MCAT is a bit low, any ideas about schools, esp ones that go for hispanic urms? thanks a bunch!

 

[Phoenix.]

any thoughts are greatly appreciated..

3.75 GPA, 3.68 BCPM at UCSD

MCAT: VR-10, PS-8, BS-9, WS-Q

Decent ECs, nothing extraordinary (research, hospital volunteer, lab asst etc)

I know my GPA is ok, but my MCAT is a bit low, any ideas about schools, esp ones that go for hispanic urms? thanks a bunch!

I think you'll probably be fine, provided that you get those secondaries submitted ASAP, that you write good essays, and that you make sure your letters are submitted asap. The diversity card should help balance out the fact that you submitted later than the average bear, and with a slightly lower MCAT. Although your score is a little on the low side, it's still pretty balanced, and no one section is unreasonably low. And applying to 32 schools, I think you've already got your bases covered. Just give it your best shot, and write good essays. Good luck!

 

[Phoenix.]

Alright, I have a decent gpa (3.92) and I am currently a second semester Junior. My mcat that I just got back was dissapointing, 7p 7v 9b S 23S so obviously I am going to have to retake that. As far as clinical experience, I volunteer about once or twice a month at the ER, and I worked in the OR all summer.

What should I do this year. I was thinking about applying because you get points each year you apply. And even though I know I won't get in, atleast ill get my name out there. What do yall think?

I'm sorry, what state is this? Where do you get "points" for unsuccessfully applying? In most places, you become a reapplicant the next year, and have to justify your improvement and write new essays. A tougher route if you ask me.

So, personally, I would say that you shouldn't apply with that MCAT (and kind of late to boot). Study hard and bring that MCAT up to at least a 27, continue to do well in your classes, continue to volunteer, get great LORs, write a killer personal statement, and apply early and broadly next year. I think with a 23 you're not really that competitive for MD schools. But if you're willing to go to a DO school, perhaps you've got a better shot. Check out the DO forum and ask there if you're interested. Good luck.

 

[artaxerxes]

MCAT - 32P (13ps, 10vr, 9bs)

GPA - 3.3 (3.0 BCMP GPA)

Biology major at Cornell.. 4 year varsity soccer player, Navy ROTC, plenty of volunteer clinical experience

Anyone's thoughts?

since you'll be in the Navy anyways, don't they have special programs that you can apply to? I was under the impression that military med school requirements are a bit lower than average.

 

[Classic17]

since you'll be in the Navy anyways, don't they have special programs that you can apply to? I was under the impression that military med school requirements are a bit lower than average.

Artaxerxes, the military med school requirements are the same if you consider the fact that you have to get into a medical school on your own before you are eligible for the HPSP. However, the one medical school that is military only, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, does accept about 15% of applicants and has lower than average MCAT and GPA(28 and 3.52) according to U.S. News and World Report. In other words, military medicine is medicine and recruits from top and bottom tier schools alike.

In regards to Igy22's query about his/her chances, I think you should apply to D.O. school and some in-state schools MD schools such as NYMC and Albany where you might be able to make up for a lower GPA with your high MCAT. I am pretty sure you can do military medicine and therefore fulfill your Navy obligations through a degree at a D.O. school. If this is not satisfactory, talk to the Navy and see if they will allow you to do a graduate program and then do medicine at an M.D. school. They are really hurting for doctors and may let you. Good Luck!

 

[crixyphoid]

Evaluate me:

+GRADES
Undergrad: Carnegie Mellon
BCPM: 2.98
AO: 3.75
Overall: 3.41
~worked 20-40hrs/wk throughout, and family illness so much 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:
Aug 2006: 8PS, 9BS, 9VS, R WS (26R)
Aug 2007: 10PS, 11BS, 9VR (30R)

+ECs:
~Child and Family Therapist (present job)
~Presentations: 1 Oral 2 poster presentations at national conferences.
~Statistical Research Associate (summer paid employment)
~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
~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
~Shadowing at the Denver VA
~Glassblowing volunteer at Recycled Arts Center

+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

 

[Phoenix.]

Evaluate me:

+GRADES
Undergrad: Carnegie Mellon
BCPM: 2.98
AO: 3.75
Overall: 3.41
~worked 20-40hrs/wk throughout, and family illness so much 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:
Aug 2006: 8PS, 9BS, 9VS, R WS (26R)
Aug 2007: 10PS, 11BS, 9VR (30R)

+ECs:
~Child and Family Therapist (present job)
~Presentations: 1 Oral 2 poster presentations at national conferences.
~Statistical Research Associate (summer paid employment)
~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
~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
~Shadowing at the Denver VA
~Glassblowing volunteer at Recycled Arts Center

+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

I'm hoping that you've already submitted your AMCAS and secondaries.... Anyway, I think you've got a good shot. Make sure on GWU's app you stress your interest in international medicine. They have amazing opportunities there for that, and I think they'd be very interested in someone with your background. Also, I've certainly seen people with your stats invited to Tulane, so I don't think it's necessarily such a reach for you. Ditto with a few other schools. And what about NYMC?

The biggest problem you're going to have (other than the low science gpa), is not applying early. Also, I'm hoping that you have a strong science grades trend. Otherwise, that might be a real issue. Just apply broadly, get complete asap at as many schools as you can, and cross your fingers. Good luck!

 

[reappMD]

GPA: 3.1
BCPM: 3.0
MCAT 11PS, 9V, 8BS = 28M

Fine arts major
hospital volunteer
from a rural area
work closely with MDs, residents, med students
lab tech
some research
MN resident

Where should I apply? 😕

 

[braintrust]

Please gimme input oh glorious gods of SDN.

Undergrad Major: BS Psychology + BA Business (U Washington)
Undergrad GPA: BCPM - 3.44 AO - 3.45
Postbac: BCPM - 3.66 (U Hawaii)

Cum Undergrad BCPM - 3.57

Graduate Degree: MS Physiology (U Hawaii)
Graduate GPA: BCPM 3.96

MCAT 32O (13-Bio, 10-VR, 9-PS, O-WS)

EC's
1.5 Years Stem Cell Research
5 Abstracts
1 2nd Authorship (IF~9)
Won award at poster presentation for best submission
Awarded Research Scholarship

TA Upper Level Biochemistry (will TA again in spring)
TA Undergrad Physiology
TA Medical Anatomy (for Med Students)
Graduate Rep For Department to Grad Student Assembly
2 Years weekly ER Volunteer

Hobbies/Activities: Tennis, Rock Climbing, Foreign Cinema

LORs- 1=Principle Investigator, 1=Undergrad Non Science Prof, 1=Prof+Grad Dept Chair, 1=Prof+Research Center Head, 1=MD from Shadowing

Applied Broadly and abundantly to schools with x>40% out of state (except U Hawaii-resident and U Washington- alumni)

Albany, Boston U, Creighton, Drexel, Georgetown, Jefferson, USC, Loyola U, Med Coll Wisconsin, NY Med Coll, Penn State, Rosalind Franklin, Rush, Temple, U Vermont, U Hawaii, U Washington, Dartmouth, Mt Sinai, Wake Forest, Case Western, U Rochester, Ohio State, NYU

What Are my Chances?

 

[Phoenix.]

GPA: 3.1
BCPM: 3.0
MCAT 11PS, 9V, 8BS = 28M

Fine arts major
hospital volunteer
from a rural area
work closely with MDs, residents, med students
lab tech
some research
MN resident

Where should I apply? 😕

If you haven't already applied by this point, I would think you're going to have a really rough chance with that gpa (which isn't "offset" at all by your very average MCAT score). I would recommend taking this year to try to raise your gpa with additional undergrad classes (and perhaps retake the mcat if you think you can score higher), or maybe do an smp program (if it's not too late).

But if you're dead set on applying this year, I guess go with any state schools, a couple of schools that have stats closer to yours (although I think that your gpa is definitely going to be a difficult hurdle), and definitely apply to DO schools if you'd be interested (I think they're going to be your best shot this year this late in the game with your stats). Good luck.

 

[Phoenix.]

Please gimme input oh glorious gods of SDN.

Undergrad Major: BS Psychology + BA Business (U Washington)
Undergrad GPA: BCPM - 3.44 AO - 3.45
Postbac: BCPM - 3.66 (U Hawaii)

Cum Undergrad BCPM - 3.57

Graduate Degree: MS Physiology (U Hawaii)
Graduate GPA: BCPM 3.96

MCAT 32O (13-Bio, 10-VR, 9-PS, O-WS)

EC's
1.5 Years Stem Cell Research
5 Abstracts
1 2nd Authorship (IF~9)
Won award at poster presentation for best submission
Awarded Research Scholarship

TA Upper Level Biochemistry (will TA again in spring)
TA Undergrad Physiology
TA Medical Anatomy (for Med Students)
Graduate Rep For Department to Grad Student Assembly
2 Years weekly ER Volunteer

Hobbies/Activities: Tennis, Rock Climbing, Foreign Cinema

LORs- 1=Principle Investigator, 1=Undergrad Non Science Prof, 1=Prof+Grad Dept Chair, 1=Prof+Research Center Head, 1=MD from Shadowing

Applied Broadly and abundantly to schools with x>40% out of state (except U Hawaii-resident and U Washington- alumni)

Albany, Boston U, Creighton, Drexel, Georgetown, Jefferson, USC, Loyola U, Med Coll Wisconsin, NY Med Coll, Penn State, Rosalind Franklin, Rush, Temple, U Vermont, U Hawaii, U Washington, Dartmouth, Mt Sinai, Wake Forest, Case Western, U Rochester, Ohio State, NYU

What Are my Chances?

I think your chances are very good (and are better and better the earlier you managed to get your apps in). I think your selection is perfectly fine as is (nice and broad), but if you're looking for another school to add, perhaps Tulane if you'd be interested in going there. Good luck!

 

[DoctorAK]

This is the third time i'm posting
Someone please say something...
I am a female URM
Overall GPA 3.49
BCPM 3.4
All others 3.85
MCAT P:09 B:09 V:05 (23) M i know the 05 hurts me
I have 1 years research experience ;also published a paper and also have volunteer experience in the Emergency Dept and Heart Transplant Unit
+ other good ECA's
but what are my chances for mid/lower tier schools....I think im gonna apply to :i'm a NY state resident

Howard
Morehouse
East Virginia Uni
Marshall University in West Va
Virginia Commonwealth
Meharry
Temple
Suny Downstate
Stonybrook
GWU
Drexel
Jefferson
Albert Einstein
-and a few others
Help me please🙁 I really need the advice

 

[PeaceLover]

This is the third time i'm posting
Someone please say something...
I am a female URM
Overall GPA 3.49
BCPM 3.4
All others 3.85
MCAT P:09 B:09 V:05 (23) M i know the 05 hurts me
I have 1 years research experience ;also published a paper and also have volunteer experience in the Emergency Dept and Heart Transplant Unit
+ other good ECA's
but what are my chances for mid/lower tier schools....I think im gonna apply to :i'm a NY state resident

Howard
Morehouse
East Virginia Uni
Marshall University in West Va
Virginia Commonwealth
Meharry
Temple
Suny Downstate
Stonybrook
GWU
Drexel
Jefferson
Albert Einstein
-and a few others
Help me please🙁 I really need the advice

Both GPA and MCAT are below average. I'd recmmend retaking the MCAT and try to pull the score up to at least 28. But since you are a female URM, you may still have a chance...I don't know for sure.
It is kind of late in the cycle too...
Good luck!

 

[Textuality]

I'm pretty convinced that the application process is almost a crap shoot once you clear a relatively decent GPA and MCAT score. I know people with stats and EC's MUCH better than mine on paper, but didn't get the invites I got...which really makes no sense (I'm not a minority, not disadvantaged in anyway, not related to famous people...) ...so I'm just flubbergasted. I officially resign from trying to work out my chances (not that I was trying really hard to begin with) because it all seems too convoluted and opaque to me, and there's no point stressing now that I'm done applying. 🙂

Congrats to everyone done/almost done with the process! Hope we all end up happy somewhere.

 

[KPetrix]

I am a post bacc student- 26yo
prior experience in Medical/ Pharma Sales

BA: Communication
Minor: Business
Overall GPA: 3.67, Post-Bacc Sciences: 4.00, BCPM: 3.89
CA Residency

Letters of Rec: Definitely Strong
Personal Statement: Strong
Clinical Experience: Strong- have work in surgery for +2 yrs- plus multiple internships/ volunteer experiences

But I BOMBED my MCAT
VR: 6, P: 8, B: 9
23P (Oy Vey!)

What do I do? (Spare myself the embarassment and) Withdraw my apps? D.O. route? Caribbean? Apply anyway?

Primarys were submitted opening week to ~30 schools- +20 secondary requests since- but I just recieved my MCAT scores this past weekend.
A complete contradiction to my GPA, right?

Problem: I lose my familial support by pushing applications off a year and retaking the MCAT-

I'm Stuck!

Thanks in advance if any has feedback.

 

[doctordog11]

Hello my fellow friends. Please help in gauging my chances at University of South Florida College of Medicine:

BCPM GPA: 3.68
Overall GPA: 3.58

MCAT: 31 O

-Biomedical science degree from USF
-USF honors College
-USF Varsity Tennis Player (Senior year)
-USF deans list multiple times
-5 months clinical Voluteer experience in ER and pre/post surgery
-40 hours shadowing physician
-Big Brother program
-Employed as computer lab Tech during undergrad

I have been granted an interview for next month. So what do you all think my chances are at USF. I am a little worried.

 

[Phoenix.]

I am a post bacc student- 26yo
prior experience in Medical/ Pharma Sales

BA: Communication
Minor: Business
Overall GPA: 3.67, Post-Bacc Sciences: 4.00, BCPM: 3.89
CA Residency

Letters of Rec: Definitely Strong
Personal Statement: Strong
Clinical Experience: Strong- have work in surgery for +2 yrs- plus multiple internships/ volunteer experiences

But I BOMBED my MCAT
VR: 6, P: 8, B: 9
23P (Oy Vey!)

What do I do? (Spare myself the embarassment and) Withdraw my apps? D.O. route? Caribbean? Apply anyway?

Primarys were submitted opening week to ~30 schools- +20 secondary requests since- but I just recieved my MCAT scores this past weekend.
A complete contradiction to my GPA, right?

Problem: I lose my familial support by pushing applications off a year and retaking the MCAT-

I'm Stuck!

Thanks in advance if any has feedback.

Well, I hate to say this, but I think that your chances are pretty slim given your MCAT score coupled with your CA residency. If I were you, I'd see if you get any bites from the secondaries you've already completed, and then put it off a year and retake the MCAT if you don't get in. But if you feel that you really can't do that (due to the family/economic situation), then I highly recommend that you apply elsewhere as well. You may as well let your apps ride since you'll be a reapplicant to any schools you've already sent your primary to, but you might consider not sending in secondary fees to schools that more MD schools. If you're at all interested in DO schools, I think that that's your best bet. You could also apply outside the country (but I recommend that you read up more on that before you go that route, which I've heard can be done, but is a much tougher road to take). So, I guess my advice is to reapply next year after retaking the MCAT, or add DO or foreign schools. Good luck - the MCAT is an evil, evil beast.

 

[CDNtoUSA]

Hi!

I know I'm late in the game, but I just graduated from a Canadian school with a 3.78 BCPM and 3.78 overall GPA.

I wrote the MCAT 3 times.
1st: 11-7-10-Q --> 28Q
2nd: 10-6-11-P --> 27P
3rd: Awaiting results from September 15th session

I have great extra-curriculars, tons of research and volunteering. Any suggestions where I should apply this late in the game? Should I hold off until I get my score on October 15th?

Thank you very much!

Any chance at mid-tier schools? I'd love to go to Boston U.

 

[fivesevennine]

Okay here goes:
MCAT: 32O (VR 10, PS 11, BS 11)
GPA: 3.78 (same for science)
Graduated from a top 10 liberal arts school.
Major: math
Sex: female
Race: white

Extracurriculars:
Captain of two sports teams
All-conference, all regional, went to nationals

Community Service:
Organized a road race for charity
Volunteered at a women's shelter
Taught an art class at a medium security prison
Tutored

Medical experience:
Shadowed a doctor full time 1 week
Followed around an oncologist a number of times
Currently doing medical research (full time)

Research Experience:
Independent research in college in both math and biology
Year-long research fellowship

Committee letter of Rec.

Okay Personal Statement (I think...)




I know it's a late to apply, but I'm going to anyway. What are my chances? Here are a few schools I'm considering:

Michigan
MSU
Wayne State
Iowa
Vermont
Indiana
Case Western




Thoughts?
Suggestions?

 

[drizzt3117]

Okay here goes:
MCAT: 32O (VR 10, PS 11, BS 11)
GPA: 3.78 (same for science)
Graduated from a top 10 liberal arts school.
Major: math
Sex: female
Race: white

Extracurriculars:
Captain of two sports teams
All-conference, all regional, went to nationals

Community Service:
Organized a road race for charity
Volunteered at a women's shelter
Taught an art class at a medium security prison
Tutored

Medical experience:
Shadowed a doctor full time 1 week
Followed around an oncologist a number of times
Currently doing medical research (full time)

Research Experience:
Independent research in college in both math and biology
Year-long research fellowship

Committee letter of Rec.

Okay Personal Statement (I think...)




I know it's a late to apply, but I'm going to anyway. What are my chances? Here are a few schools I'm considering:

Michigan
MSU
Wayne State
Iowa
Vermont
Indiana
Case Western




Thoughts?
Suggestions?

ECs are a bit weak and its too late to apply. Do some more volunteering and apply early next year and you should have a good chance to get into mid tier schools and maybe a few top tiers.

 

[drizzt3117]

Well, I hate to say this, but I think that your chances are pretty slim given your MCAT score coupled with your CA residency. If I were you, I'd see if you get any bites from the secondaries you've already completed, and then put it off a year and retake the MCAT if you don't get in. But if you feel that you really can't do that (due to the family/economic situation), then I highly recommend that you apply elsewhere as well. You may as well let your apps ride since you'll be a reapplicant to any schools you've already sent your primary to, but you might consider not sending in secondary fees to schools that more MD schools. If you're at all interested in DO schools, I think that that's your best bet. You could also apply outside the country (but I recommend that you read up more on that before you go that route, which I've heard can be done, but is a much tougher road to take). So, I guess my advice is to reapply next year after retaking the MCAT, or add DO or foreign schools. Good luck - the MCAT is an evil, evil beast.

Phoenix put it very nicely but sometimes it's better to give people a dose of reality. With a 23 MCAT you have 0% chance to get into an US allo school unless you are URM, and a relatively low chance even at DOs. Retake it and apply next year, regardless of support if you want to go to med school.

 

[disco wizard]

MCAT: 27P, 24Q, 29S
GPA: 3.9 from a community college
Transcripts: a little different, because I went to Evergreen State College, a school that does narrative evaluations in lieu of grades. My transcript is 31 pages of letters of recommendations.
Research: did undergraduate research in cognitive neuroscience for six months.
Extra-curriculars: Managing editor of student newspaper, student newspaper member, member of the chemistry club, put on science events in the community with the chem club, member of the kung fu club.
Volunteer: ran the indigent medications program at a local health clinic for a summer and worked with nurses and doctors to process insurance referrals. Also shadowed doctors.
Job: have been working as an in home counselor with foster children, autistic children, disabled children. Work with families to learn new, positive behaviors so that they may stay together as a family.

 

[utahjazz]

edit

 

[Jess8000]

hey everyone, (sorry if I'm really posting in the wrong place!)

I re-took the MCAT august 14th, here's my old + new score...


August 2006

PS-13
VR-7 🙁
BS-11
WS- R


August 2007
PS:12
VR:8
BS: 11
WS: S
Total: 31S

I'm not really happy bcause of that whack VR score, again.

AMCAS sent my scores out to all the schools I've applied to. I've applied to about 40 schools, all East side, very few/ none (its kinda ambiguous) of them top tier (but all good schools).

I've also sent out my secondaries and everything, with letters about a couple of days ago. Do you think my chances are ok? Any advice please?

cGPA- 3.84 ,science GPA- 3.82 completed Biochem degree
Some details about me...

I'm a NY resident. Heres some of the activities I submitted to AMCAS:

-Retinoblastoma Assistant Researcher (2 summers)

-Research Paper, Published in JOGC
-Biochemistry Honors Project
-Teach for Kaplan
-Biochemistry Seminar & Conference Presentations
-Recreational Basketball and Soccer -Calculus Tutor
-Patient Care Services (in clinics, hospitals, etc—lots)
-University Admission Scholarships
-Dean's List; Golden Key Intn'l Honor Society
-Computer Consultant

Any tips please!? Thanks! ;D

 

[jamilla_w]

3.78/30

Hospital volunteering & shadowing

My secondaries are all delayed because of LOR problems. Won't be ready till October 1st most likely. How costly is this?

And why does it take LOR writers over a month and a half to write a one page letter? Way to singlehandedly ruin my application.