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

[Funky]

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i have a really high gpa and a really high mcat from a really good school. Where will i go to medical school?

a few choices, either stewart university or hollywood upstairs are your best bets.

 

[mongrel]

Hey, I was seriously considering applying early decision to my state school. But the more I think about it, the more I'm thinking "what's the point". Here's my thought process on applying ED. Tell me if I'm off track anywhere:

Pro's- I would know by October and possibly save a thousand dollars or so on application expenses.

Con's-I would find out anyway a month or two (or 3/4) later. I would most likely get a lower financial aid package than if I were a regular applicant due to no need for a entice me to the school. If I were to be rejected I could re-enter my application, but it would be mid to late October. From what I've gathered, this is the biggest kibash you can put on your application regardless of how good it may be.

Thanks much for your input. 👍

 

[Funky]

Hey, I was seriously considering applying early decision to my state school. But the more I think about it, the more I'm thinking "what's the point". Here's my thought process on applying ED. Tell me if I'm off track anywhere:

Pro's- I would know by October and possibly save a thousand dollars or so on application expenses.

Con's-I would find out anyway a month or two (or 3/4) later. I would most likely get a lower financial aid package than if I were a regular applicant due to no need for a entice me to the school. If I were to be rejected I could re-enter my application, but it would be mid to late October. From what I've gathered, this is the biggest kibash you can put on your application regardless of how good it may be.

Thanks much for your input. 👍

I believe some ED programs accept you in September. You are right with your cons. One piece of advice i've read on this forum is call the school up and ask how good your chances are for applying early because then you would get a gauge on the whole situation.

Also obviously you better know that the school you are applying to early is the one you definitely want to go to.

 

[arnee005]

Many schools have cutoffs for the each section of the MCAT (8) regardless of what the MSAR says. MCW for ex. told me that any section under 8 is an automatic rejection, and I think the MSAR said their cutoff was like 5 or 6. So can someone please give me a list of some schools that do consider sub 8 MCAT scores? (I have a 30M....7V, 10B, 13P) Thank you

 

[OncDoc19]

Many schools have cutoffs for the each section of the MCAT (8) regardless of what the MSAR says. MCW for ex. told me that any section under 8 is an automatic rejection, and I think the MSAR said their cutoff was like 5 or 6. So can someone please give me a list of some schools that do consider sub 8 MCAT scores? (I have a 30M....7V, 10B, 13P) Thank you

A 7 in any section is likely to kill your aplication at most, if not all allopathic schools. I would think about DO schools or retake your MCAT. Are you a non-native english speaker. That could help you a bit. I would seriously consider retaking the test since both your verbal and writing sample scores are low.

 

[frickonastick]

Here's my mdapp's proflie....any comments or suggestions would be wonderful as far as deciding where to apply!

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7550

Thanks in advance for any input 🙂

 

[mongrel]

Here's my mdapp's proflie....any comments or suggestions would be wonderful as far as deciding where to apply!

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7550

Thanks in advance for any input 🙂

You have a very solid proflie! And your list of schools is pretty varied. From what I've gathered about the process (I'm also applying this summer), if you apply early then you should have a great shot at a number of them. Good luck! 👍

 

[frickonastick]

Mongrel, thanks for taking a look! It's nice to hear from someone else that so far my choices are pretty good...now I just need to narrow down my # of schools a little so I don't spend a super crazy amount on just applying... *here's to wishful thinking!*

 

[veprice1166]

Ok, so here's my stuff:
Year: Sophomore
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Neurobiology, Horticulture (random, I know...I've worked for the last five years at wholesale nurseries, and do custom wedding flowers).
GPA: 3.81
Science GPA: 3.78
I havn't taken my MCATs yet
Other:
-I work as an EMT
-Lots of volunteering, including Red Cross Disaster Unit, several years with an AIDS Service Organization as well as the last few months volunteering in a hospital
-Involvement in three major research projects (two in the process of being published, one will most likely be published before I graduate)
-Teaching experience (bass guitar lessons, and horseback riding lessons)
-13 years riding/training horses competitively

I want to go to Yale, what do you guys think my chances will be?
I'm doing research down there this summer, as well.

Otherwise...what schools in the Northeast might I have a good chance of getting into?

 

[caffeineaholic]

Would it be foolish to not apply to all my state med schools?
I'm from Ohio and with regards to Ohio schools, am considering only applying to Ohio State and Cincinnatti (and Case, but it's private). I'm also planning on applying to multiple out of state and private schools.

stats:
GPA: 3.67 in engineering from a top 5 public university (thus, not in Ohio)
MCAT: 37 - 13 PS 12 V 12 BS
research in a few labs, one publication
lots of community service/human rights activities
some hospital volunteering, trying to get some shadowing in

Would it be stupid of me to not apply to schools like Toledo/Wright State/NEUCOM? i don't think i'd really want to attend there and think my numbers are well within range of Ohio State and cincinnatti's averages, but I don't want to make an arrogant mistake and not apply to all the schools that I'd have an in-state advantage at.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Hey, I was seriously considering applying early decision to my state school. But the more I think about it, the more I'm thinking "what's the point". Here's my thought process on applying ED. Tell me if I'm off track anywhere:

Pro's- I would know by October and possibly save a thousand dollars or so on application expenses.

Con's-I would find out anyway a month or two (or 3/4) later. I would most likely get a lower financial aid package than if I were a regular applicant due to no need for a entice me to the school. If I were to be rejected I could re-enter my application, but it would be mid to late October. From what I've gathered, this is the biggest kibash you can put on your application regardless of how good it may be.

Thanks much for your input. 👍

You are correct in your summary of EDP. It's a risk you take in exchange for (hopefully) saving a few thousand dollars.

That being said, your applications looks strong enough that I would put money on you getting accepted EDP to your state school. If you didn't do EDP, I would put money on your getting an offer out of the first regular pool (November?). In person you are very well spoken and likeable and I imagine you'll nail the interview. (It's strange having met someone face-to-face that visits this site.)

Most of the scholarships at your state school are need-based. I doubt at this particular school that you'll see a financial incentive from the regular pool that you wouldn't see if you went EDP. It would be worth contacting the financial aid guy and just seeing what scholarships you would be considered for.

Now if Mayo or WashU accepted you and gave you money so that it cost the same as going to your state school which would you choose? If you would choose the state school I think you should give EDP another hard consideration.

 

[Emergency!]

Would it be foolish to not apply to all my state med schools?
I'm from Ohio and with regards to Ohio schools, am considering only applying to Ohio State and Cincinnatti (and Case, but it's private). I'm also planning on applying to multiple out of state and private schools.

stats:
GPA: 3.67 in engineering from a top 5 public university (thus, not in Ohio)
MCAT: 37 - 13 PS 12 V 12 BS
research in a few labs, one publication
lots of community service/human rights activities
some hospital volunteering, trying to get some shadowing in

Would it be stupid of me to not apply to schools like Toledo/Wright State/NEUCOM? i don't think i'd really want to attend there and think my numbers are well within range of Ohio State and cincinnatti's averages, but I don't want to make an arrogant mistake and not apply to all the schools that I'd have an in-state advantage at.

Me personally, I'd go ahead and apply to at least Wright State and Toledo. I absolutely loved Toledo, but for family reasons ended up choosing Ohio State. I was pleasantly surprised by Wright State and wouldn't have hesitated to attend there if I hadn't been accepted by other schools that I considered "better". NEOUCOM - well - I applied and was accepted there. I just didn't like the vibe I got there.

Your numbers seem very good, so I guess it's down to whether or not you want to spend the money applying to your other state schools. Part of that might depend on how competitive your out of state schools are. If they are all pretty competitive, you might want to include Toledo and WSU, just as "safety" schools.

 

[mongrel]

Now if Mayo or WashU accepted you and gave you money so that it cost the same as going to your state school which would you choose? If you would choose the state school I think you should give EDP another hard consideration.

Great thought experiment! I think I'll have to meditate on this one a while. Thanks a bunch, Cap'n.

 

[BoxtaDoc]

I would appreciate any help such as what my chances are, what schools I should apply to and what schools I actually have a shot at. I'm a NY resident and plan on taking either the June or July mcat.

My gpa kinda sucks, because i messed up one semester when I transferred to a new school.

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7638

 

[OncDoc19]

I would appreciate any help such as what my chances are, what schools I should apply to and what schools I actually have a shot at. I'm a NY resident and plan on taking either the June or July mcat.

My gpa kinda sucks, because i messed up one semester when I transferred to a new school.

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7638

You could really use some more ECs, especially becasue you won't be able to apply early due to a mid-summer MCAT. Lack of ECs can really sink an application, even with excellent an GPA and MCAT. Also, as I'm sure others on this board will tell you, don't count on a certain MCAT score based on your practice exams. Of course practice exams are not the real test, but also you never know what will happen on test day. You need to get a copy of the MSAR and look for schools where you are competitive. I think LizzyM's advice was to look for schools where your GPA is within 0.2 and each MCAT section score is within 1 point of their average accepted applicant. Also make sure that the schools you are applying to don't have GPA cutoffs that you won't meet. You need to apply broadly and take the MCAT in June instead of July if you can.

 

[superwillis]

Hey guys -- pretty worried about the application process, and I still haven't made a list of where I want to apply. I'm not sure where I stand competitively, although with my GPA it can't be good. I'm hoping for a 3.3 by application time -- which seems to be alot lower than most school averages. I'm hoping to at least get into my state schools (KY). Could someone let me know what kind of schools I should be looking at?

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7745

Thanks.

 

[Aynsl156]

Hi all,

I'd appreciate it if you guys could look at my mdapplicant profile:

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7747

and tell me if I'm OUT OF MY MIND to apply to all of these schools. I'm kinda nervous about the lack of safety schools right now, and I'd love some input. I know I should apply to Mich State (I suppose I still count as MI resident, though I pay Mass. taxes), but they're all with the "we train primary care ppl.", and I'm definitely going into academic med/clinical research.

Thoughts?

 

[TheBurgMan]

Hey all,
I would appreciate if someone could look at my qualifications below and let me know whether I should apply to medical schools this year, or wait and try to get a masters or at least more doctor shadowing and volunteer experience. Currently I am a Junior double majoring in Chemical Engineering and Biology.
GPA: 3.55
Bio/Chem/Phsy GPA: 3.4 (Engineering GPA = 3.6)
MCAT: 32 (12PS, 10 VR, 10 Bio)

Schools of interest:
Georgetown
Northwestern
Wake Forest
UNC
Temple
Jefferson
Rochester

I've got a couple of EC's including varsity sports, (president, leadership in engineering society and 1 summer of research.

Will these schools be a reach for me since I don't have much doctor shadowing experience? Should I take a year off, or apply this summer? Do you have any suggestions for schools- really I can use any advice at all! I really appreciate your input, thanks!

 

[mongrel]

Hi all,

I'd appreciate it if you guys could look at my mdapplicant profile:

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7747

and tell me if I'm OUT OF MY MIND to apply to all of these schools. I'm kinda nervous about the lack of safety schools right now, and I'd love some input. I know I should apply to Mich State (I suppose I still count as MI resident, though I pay Mass. taxes), but they're all with the "we train primary care ppl.", and I'm definitely going into academic med/clinical research.

Thoughts?

Hey, even though you have a pretty kickass profile, I'd still apply to more than one safety school. From what I've read in this forum, even the "surest predictions" are still uncomfortably uncertain when applying to medical schools. I'd definitely apply to at least one or two more safety schools.
Btw, would appreciate a gander and criticisms of my profile/school choices.

 

[OncDoc19]

Hi all,

I'd appreciate it if you guys could look at my mdapplicant profile:

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7747

and tell me if I'm OUT OF MY MIND to apply to all of these schools. I'm kinda nervous about the lack of safety schools right now, and I'd love some input. I know I should apply to Mich State (I suppose I still count as MI resident, though I pay Mass. taxes), but they're all with the "we train primary care ppl.", and I'm definitely going into academic med/clinical research.

Thoughts?

I don't think you are "out of your mind" to apply to 12 schools. This is a reasonable number, especially considering that all are top-tier schools. You are right that you don't have any safety schools and I would definately consider adding a couple. I find it interesting though that you say you want to do academic medicine and that you were on the research track in college and yet don't seem to have all that much research experiance aside from your current job. I would say you definately need to work on your ECs as you don't have any shadowing listed.

 

[Aynsl156]

I don't think you are "out of your mind" to apply to 12 schools. This is a reasonable number, especially considering that all are top-tier schools. You are right that you don't have any safety schools and I would definately consider adding a couple. I find it interesting though that you say you want to do academic medicine and that you were on the research track in college and yet don't seem to have all that much research experiance aside from your current job. I would say you definately need to work on your ECs as you don't have any shadowing listed.

Oh thanks, I didn't even know I could list that.

-Shadowed a 3rd year pediatrics resident for a week last May
-Shadowed an ER attending for a day (well, more like overnight, but you know what I mean.)

And concerning research: I did 10 straight weeks of neuron regeneration research. It led to an independent thesis and a poster at the regional neurology conference. Should I list my honors thesis? And how much does distinction in the major count?

Thanks in advance, for even answering the post.

 

[OncDoc19]

Oh thanks, I didn't even know I could list that.

-Shadowed a 3rd year pediatrics resident for a week last May
-Shadowed an ER attending for a day (well, more like overnight, but you know what I mean.)

And concerning research: I did 10 straight weeks of neuron regeneration research. It led to an independent thesis and a poster at the regional neurology conference. Should I list my honors thesis? And how much does distinction in the major count?

Thanks in advance, for even answering the post.

You should try to get some more shadowing experiance I think. I'm not sure if admissions committees look differently at resident shadowing as oppossed to physician shadowing. To me this is kind of like a letter of recommendation from a graduate TA versus a professor, but I don't know how this is looked upon by the people who matter (ADCOMs).

You should definately list your honors thesis on your app. As far as how much distinction in a major counts for, I think its one of those things that is nice to have but not a huge deal. The requirements for honors vary from school to school. For example, your honors thesis was a result of 10 weeks of research. I am finishing up my honors thesis this semester and have been working on the project 15-20hrs/week since January 2006. (I'm only pointing this out to illustrate my point, not to be haughty about it.) As far as how much research you need for MD only programs, you should be fine. I'm surprised you aren't thinking about MD/PhD since you say you want to do academic medicine.

You should read the EC FAQ sticky on this page to learn about what ECs are important to list on the AMCAS.

 

[Aynsl156]

Thanks OncDoc (btw, excellent application on mdapplicants, you were so made for Onc. clinical research), definitely hitting up some more physicians to shadow.

I would do MD/PhD, but I hate stats virulently. More power to you crazy crazy gunners.

You should try to get some more shadowing experiance I think. I'm not sure if admissions committees look differently at resident shadowing as oppossed to physician shadowing. To me this is kind of like a letter of recommendation from a graduate TA versus a professor, but I don't know how this is looked upon by the people who matter (ADCOMs).

You should definately list your honors thesis on your app. As far as how much distinction in a major counts for, I think its one of those things that is nice to have but not a huge deal. The requirements for honors vary from school to school. For example, your honors thesis was a result of 10 weeks of research. I am finishing up my honors thesis this semester and have been working on the project 15-20hrs/week since January 2006. (I'm only pointing this out to illustrate my point, not to be haughty about it.) As far as how much research you need for MD only programs, you should be fine. I'm surprised you aren't thinking about MD/PhD since you say you want to do academic medicine.

You should read the EC FAQ sticky on this page to learn about what ECs are important to list on the AMCAS.

 

[secretninja009]

thanks I got help in the other thread

 

[OncDoc19]

Thanks OncDoc (btw, excellent application on mdapplicants, you were so made for Onc. clinical research), definitely hitting up some more physicians to shadow.

I would do MD/PhD, but I hate stats virulently. More power to you crazy crazy gunners.

Thanks for the compliment! You seem to have the "stats" that you claim to hate, at least in terms of numbers. If you are talking about the variety of ECs (clinical, work, research, leadership, volunteering, etc) that schools want, I would advise you to get over your hatred for a few months because its in your best interest. My boyfriend had a 3.7 GPA in engineering and 37 MCAT but only got into our state school because he didn't have the ECs and now he really regrets not "playing the game". He always made fun of me for being such a gunner, but now he wishes he had done the same. You will be competing against "crazy gunners" at the places you are applying to and its not just the MD/PhD students that are gunning for spots, so you have to play the game too. Good luck!

 

[Aynsl156]

Oh, by stats I meant statistics (the class, the equations, the entire branch of math), since clinical research is so statistics heavy.

Anecdote: "Why clinical trial people win my eternal nerdy-love"

In reference to this hoity-toity new test these guys were developing for something, I forget.

"The patient is now completely normal, and his parents are very happy that he's just 'one of the boys', and is now able to keep up with his age-matched peers."

 

[ltw902]

This site scares me. So many people have high GPAs and high MCAT scores and are worried about getting into med school. I envy everyone with a 3.6+. 🙁 haha. I was wondering if you could give me some advice to which schools I should apply to. My dream school is of course my soon-to-be alma mater UMich but any Cali school or NY school... I'd be willing to go to also.

Sophomore at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (in-state)
Neuroscience Major
Member of a Fraternity

ECs
10+ hours/week doing undergraduate research related to neuroscience
5+ hours/week doing research for a Korean diet site
10+ hours/week being a cashier at my parents grocery store
and a lot more volunteering in the community and membership in diverse clubs

Undergrad Science GPA: 3.32
Undegrade Overall GPA: 3.25 (probably 3.4 end of this semester)
(Upward trend though, I started with a 3.1 my freshman year. I will also be done with the hardest classes that I'll be needing to take after this semester)
practice MCAT: 32

Are my credentials going to be good enough for UMich, Wayne State, any Cal schools, or any NY schools?

 

[OncDoc19]

Oh, by stats I meant statistics (the class, the equations, the entire branch of math), since clinical research is so statistics heavy.

Anecdote: "Why clinical trial people win my eternal nerdy-love"

In reference to this hoity-toity new test these guys were developing for something, I forget.

"The patient is now completely normal, and his parents are very happy that he's just 'one of the boys', and is now able to keep up with his age-matched peers."

Disliking statistics shouldn't steer you away from MD/PhD for two reasons. 1. You can't do your PhD in clinical research and most MD/PhD run basic science labs and don't necessarily do clinical research, they do benchwork science.
2. Even if you do clinical research after your MD/PhD, you will have a biostatistician to do the statistics for you.

 

[OncDoc19]

This site scares me. So many people have high GPAs and high MCAT scores and are worried about getting into med school. I envy everyone with a 3.6+. 🙁 haha. I was wondering if you could give me some advice to which schools I should apply to. My dream school is of course my soon-to-be alma mater UMich but any Cali school or NY school... I'd be willing to go to also.

Sophomore at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (in-state)
Neuroscience Major
Member of a Fraternity

ECs
10+ hours/week doing undergraduate research related to neuroscience
5+ hours/week doing research for a Korean diet site
10+ hours/week being a cashier at my parents grocery store
and a lot more volunteering in the community and membership in diverse clubs

Undergrad Science GPA: 3.32
Undegrade Overall GPA: 3.25 (probably 3.4 end of this semester)
(Upward trend though, I started with a 3.1 my freshman year. I will also be done with the hardest classes that I'll be needing to take after this semester)
practice MCAT: 32

Are my credentials going to be good enough for UMich, Wayne State, any Cal schools, or any NY schools?

You MUST get that GPA up. That being said, I don't see how your hardest classes will be over this semster, you should continue taking challenging classes throughout college. If you take easy classes to boost your GPA schools will notice and will not look kindly upon this. Your GPA and course load tells them how prepared you are to handle med school classes and your current GPA does not indicate this. I'm not even going to comment on the practice MCAT score because its just that - practice.

You didn't mention any shadowing or clinical experiance - you really need that.

As far as the schools you are interested in, at the moment you may not make the GPA cutoff at Michigan or the Cali schools. These schools are excellent top-tier medical schools and, not to be harsh, but your stats are not competitive. I don't know a lot about the NY schools. Columbia and Cornell are top-tier. I think Wayne state is probably more possible for you. You shoudl do yourself a favor and get a copy of the MSAR and find schools where you have competitive stats (within 0.2 of the avg GPA and 1 pt on each MCAT subsection as compared to the avg accepted applicant). This will give you a better idea of where you are competitive as well as what the pre-reqs for each school (some require english, social science, and humanities).

 

[laawalla]

Hey, everyone, I could use some input as to my application and how to build up what I have. I was planning on applying to grad school for Anthropology, until last year (my junior year) abroad when I finally looked at medicine seriously and realized how much I wanted to do it. Now, in the second semester of my senior year, I am finishing a difficult year of ALL the pre-reqs. My ECs are not that good I guess, especially because I didn't do anything medically relevant until this year, and I've been ridiculously busy with just classes.
I have a year off for the app cycle, and I plan on working as a tech in a local hospital, and doing some serious shadowing. Hopefully I can also get some more volunteering in, but I guess most of this won't show up on my AMCAS. I am taking the May MCAT (keeping fingers crossed for a 30!) and will apply as early as possible. I know I have weird stats due to my late start and I'm a bit worried as to how my app will be viewed. I am hoping that my year abroad at least will be viewed in a positive light, as I was in a full immersion Italian program and got straight A's.


Graduate with Honors May 2007, B.A. in Anthropology, Minors in French and Italian
Volunteer at local ER, 3hr/wk Spring 2007-present
Study Abroad in Italy, Fall 2005-Spring 2006
Deans List all semesters
Volunteer at local domestic violence shelter Fall-Spring 2004-5
IU Student Rights Department Case Manager, Fall-Spring 2004-2005
Editor of Newsletter, Asian American Association, Fall-Spring 2004-2005
Wells Scholar (full tuition)
Science LORs probably wont' be so great b/c I've only taken the pre-reqs which are huge classes.
Non-science LORs are strong.
IU EMS volunteer (I don't have EMT training, just CPR/first aid)

List of schools:
Cincinnati
Ohio State
Wright State
NEOUCOM
Toledo
Case
IU SOM
certainly more, but these are my top options, any more ideas would be appreciated!

 

[Heston]

Most of you have pretty good scores. Let me tell you MY story.

It all began when I was a little boy....ok, I'm kidding.

Really, I graduated from Wheaton College with 3.58 (mathematics major) and something like a 3.6 science GPA. My MCAT is lacking: PS10, VR7, BS10, R for a composite score of 27R. I have done research at Judson College, shadowed doctors out the wazoo, been working at a clinic since I graduated in May, tutored, and volunteered at a hospital.

I think my background also gives my application a boost. I grew up part of my life in Haiti and the other part in the Congo. I speak French and English. My father's a doctor, so I know I've been amply exposed.

I'm in an interesting situation. I sent out 18 different schools, sent out 9 secondaries of the 18, and got one interview at Rosalind Franklin. The last I heard was that they were putting my application up for review again....for a second time. So basically, I'm unofficailly on the waitlist for them. I still have yet to hear back from Meharry, Morehouse, Howard, Temple, and UIC as well.

I'm beginning to studying for the MCAT again. I know it's going to make it difficult since I will be applying in the fall again, but it's my only option at this point.

If I don't get in, which might as well be the case, what should I do for my year? I thought about getting a MPH, but that seems like a lot of money for a degree I probably won't use. I also thought about working with AmeriCorps to strengthen my application.

Soooooo.....what should I do? There's been more than once where I've wanted to cry, but...I think I'm stronger than that. I know being a caucasion male (yes, males do have the urge to cry occasionally), applying in the fall, having a GPA of less than 3.6, and an MCAT score of less than 29 is hurting me a lot, but isn't there ANYTHING I can do???

Thanks guys,

Drew

 

[chessodoc]

Hi, I am kind of new at this forum, but here it goes.

My science GPA is ~3.25, non-science ~3.7 and total ~3.33
My MCAT scores ~8 VR, 11 BS and 14 PS (English being my 3rd language 🙁)
Some extracurricular activities
~ 3 years of Research Experience, probably will get 1-2 papers published soon

PS: Does is matter what the undergrad school is? (since I am from an Ivy, does this increase my chances? 🙂)

 

[OncDoc19]

Hey, everyone, I could use some input as to my application and how to build up what I have. I was planning on applying to grad school for Anthropology, until last year (my junior year) abroad when I finally looked at medicine seriously and realized how much I wanted to do it. Now, in the second semester of my senior year, I am finishing a difficult year of ALL the pre-reqs. My ECs are not that good I guess, especially because I didn't do anything medically relevant until this year, and I've been ridiculously busy with just classes.
I have a year off for the app cycle, and I plan on working as a tech in a local hospital, and doing some serious shadowing. Hopefully I can also get some more volunteering in, but I guess most of this won't show up on my AMCAS. I am taking the May MCAT (keeping fingers crossed for a 30!) and will apply as early as possible. I know I have weird stats due to my late start and I'm a bit worried as to how my app will be viewed. I am hoping that my year abroad at least will be viewed in a positive light, as I was in a full immersion Italian program and got straight A's.

The year abroad is good, however you still need to fix your lack of clinical experiance. It's fine to do more this coming year, but you may be at a disadvantage for getting interviews if you don't have anything significant on your AMCAS. I think your app would really benefit from clinical experiances that show a long-term committment to medicine.

Graduate with Honors May 2007, B.A. in Anthropology, Minors in French and Italian
Volunteer at local ER, 3hr/wk Spring 2007-present
Study Abroad in Italy, Fall 2005-Spring 2006
Deans List all semesters
Volunteer at local domestic violence shelter Fall-Spring 2004-5
IU Student Rights Department Case Manager, Fall-Spring 2004-2005
Editor of Newsletter, Asian American Association, Fall-Spring 2004-2005
Wells Scholar (full tuition)
Science LORs probably wont' be so great b/c I've only taken the pre-reqs which are huge classes.
Non-science LORs are strong.
IU EMS volunteer (I don't have EMT training, just CPR/first aid)

List of schools:
Cincinnati
Ohio State
Wright State
NEOUCOM
Toledo
Case
IU SOM
certainly more, but these are my top options, any more ideas would be appreciated!

I would either take a year off before applying or apply early and broadly. Your school list looks reasonable though.

 

[cbr]

Wow, your stats are almost identical to mine. Same year, I also go to Umich, same major, fraternity member here also. EC's very different but damn man we are almost identical. I am also hoping for a little love from Umich.

I might hold off on applying at the end of next year (junior year), and wait until senior year to get my GPA up

Good luck to you!


I also

This site scares me. So many people have high GPAs and high MCAT scores and are worried about getting into med school. I envy everyone with a 3.6+. 🙁 haha. I was wondering if you could give me some advice to which schools I should apply to. My dream school is of course my soon-to-be alma mater UMich but any Cali school or NY school... I'd be willing to go to also.

Sophomore at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (in-state)
Neuroscience Major
Member of a Fraternity

ECs
10+ hours/week doing undergraduate research related to neuroscience
5+ hours/week doing research for a Korean diet site
10+ hours/week being a cashier at my parents grocery store
and a lot more volunteering in the community and membership in diverse clubs

Undergrad Science GPA: 3.32
Undegrade Overall GPA: 3.25 (probably 3.4 end of this semester)
(Upward trend though, I started with a 3.1 my freshman year. I will also be done with the hardest classes that I'll be needing to take after this semester)
practice MCAT: 32

Are my credentials going to be good enough for UMich, Wayne State, any Cal schools, or any NY schools?

 

[OncDoc19]

I think my background also gives my application a boost. I grew up part of my life in Haiti and the other part in the Congo. I speak French and English. My father's a doctor, so I know I've been amply exposed.

I would careful about relying on this too much. Often children of doctors have to work even harder to prove that medicine is what they want to do and not something their parent is forcing them into. I also hope you have had more shadowing experiance than just with your dad.

I'm in an interesting situation. I sent out 18 different schools, sent out 9 secondaries of the 18, and got one interview at Rosalind Franklin. The last I heard was that they were putting my application up for review again....for a second time. So basically, I'm unoffically on the waitlist for them. I still have yet to hear back from Meharry, Morehouse, Howard, Temple, and UIC as well.

I'm beginning to studying for the MCAT again. I know it's going to make it difficult since I will be applying in the fall again, but it's my only option at this point.

Why is this your only option? You are better off taking a year off to improve your MCAT and ECs than aplying late.

If I don't get in, which might as well be the case, what should I do for my year? I thought about getting a MPH, but that seems like a lot of money for a degree I probably won't use. I also thought about working with AmeriCorps to strengthen my application.

Soooooo.....what should I do? There's been more than once where I've wanted to cry, but...I think I'm stronger than that. I know being a caucasion male (yes, males do have the urge to cry occasionally), applying in the fall, having a GPA of less than 3.6, and an MCAT score of less than 29 is hurting me a lot, but isn't there ANYTHING I can do???

Again, take a year off. Your GPA isn't low enough that it can be helped a lot by an MPH. You need to bring up the MCAT more than the GPA. Americorps sounds good to me. But wait until after you have done this for a year to apply again.

 

[OncDoc19]

Hi, I am kind of new at this forum, but here it goes.

My science GPA is ~3.25, non-science ~3.7 and total ~3.33
My MCAT scores ~8 VR, 11 BS and 14 PS (English being my 3rd language 🙁)
Some extracurricular activities
~ 3 years of Research Experience, probably will get 1-2 papers published soon

Your GPA is pretty low and the large discrepency between the science and non-science is a bit of a red flag to me. This says to me, you're a good student, but science just isn't your strong area. The verbal score will be an issue, but considering that english is not your primary language they will go easier on you.

PS: Does is matter what the undergrad school is? (since I am from an Ivy, does this increase my chances? 🙂)

I don't think it will help your GPA will be helped by your school, since the general perception is that there is rampant grade inflation at the Ivies. Also, I would watch yourself from sounding like you have a sense of entitlement because of your undergrad institution.

 

[chessodoc]

Thank you for your reply. Thats pretty much what my advisor said. The schools I am applying to for sure are

Univ. of Temple
Jefferson Univ.
Drexel Univ.
Pennstate Univ.
Univ. of Pittsburgh
UPenn


probably my best shots are Temple, Drexel or Pennstate?

as for inflation, I am from UPenn, and sadly to say there is none here 🙁. Most of our Pre-Med classes are curved to a B- as the average, with the exception of Orgo...where the average seems to be a C (thus my low science GPA)

Should I try post-bac before applying or take a shot anyway?

 

[OncDoc19]

Thank you for your reply. Thats pretty much what my advisor said. The schools I am applying to for sure are

Univ. of Temple
Jefferson Univ.
Drexel Univ.
Pennstate Univ.
Univ. of Pittsburgh
UPenn


probably my best shots are Temple, Drexel or Pennstate?

as for inflation, I am from UPenn, and sadly to say there is none here 🙁. Most of our Pre-Med classes are curved to a B- as the average, with the exception of Orgo...where the average seems to be a C (thus my low science GPA)

Should I try post-bac before applying or take a shot anyway?

As I'm sure your advisor has told you , you should probably apply to more than 6 schools. Apply to a range, and if you are a penn resident pennstate is probably your best bet since UPenn is such a highly ranked school.

If you're looking for sympathy about the curve in your classes, sorry, I'm probably not the best person to give it to you. I go to a Big Ten state school and we have the same curves. The pre-med req classes have an average of a C or C+ and higher level undergrad science classes have a B- average. The point is, you shouldn't be getting the average grade. If the classes are really hard, then they are really hard for everyone but the grade in the end is still curved so you should be getting those As. The classes may be tough but you just have to do the least badly compared to your peers. Maybe you should re-examine your study skills and figure out what you need to do differently.

I would look at the MSAR and see what the average GPA is for each of the schools you want to apply to. A post-bacc might be good for you, but wait until after you have completed a year to apply otherwise you won't have new grade to show. Do you have an upward trend in your GPA, that could help too.

 

[chessodoc]

Wow thanks for the fast reply!

I will apply to more schools, but I have not decided which.

I started off well, with a 3.5 science GPA my freshman year. Then I decided to double in Microbiology and Biochemistry, as a result I filled my schedule with hard science classes (including orgo) and finished the year of abysmally with a 2.7 science...last semester the sciene was ~3.4, and it will probably be higher this semester.

Last time I checked Temple and Drexel had average GPA of 3.5 and average MCAT of 30. Are my stats a somewhat competative for these schools?

On a side note. Do MD/PhD programs consider applicants separately or as a single application.

Also, somewhere I have read this formula: MCAT + Science GPA * 10, is this really used?

Thanks

 

[laawalla]

thank you so much ondoc! it's really good to get an objective perspective on everything, I'll definitely use your advice...I'm working on more extracurriculars 🙂

 

[OncDoc19]

Wow thanks for the fast reply!

I will apply to more schools, but I have not decided which.

I started off well, with a 3.5 science GPA my freshman year. Then I decided to double in Microbiology and Biochemistry, as a result I filled my schedule with hard science classes (including orgo) and finished the year of abysmally with a 2.7 science...last semester the sciene was ~3.4, and it will probably be higher this semester.

Last time I checked Temple and Drexel had average GPA of 3.5 and average MCAT of 30. Are my stats a somewhat competative for these schools?

You will obviously be a bit low on the GPA. You should make sure you meet the schools' minimum Total and BCPM GPAs before you apply to any school. It will be important for you to try to make up for your GPA wil ECs.

On a side note. Do MD/PhD programs consider applicants separately or as a single application.

It seems like you have good research experiance necessary for MD/PhD, however your GPA and MCAT stats may be a little on the low side, of course depending on what schools you apply to. Sucessful MD/PhD applicants tend to have higher numerical stats than their MD-only peers. If you were not accepted for MD/PhD at a specific school most will go ahead and consider you for MD-only and not PhD-only. Penn is one exceptions that I know of - they won't consider you further if they won't take you for MD/PhD. It would be very bad to apply MD/PhD and PhD at the same school in the same year because the same professors that would interview you for MD/PhD would also likely interview you for PhD and they would wonder if you really had your mind made up.

Also, somewhere I have read this formula: MCAT + Science GPA * 10, is this really used?

Thanks

Don't know anything about that. I know some schools use a formula to decide if you get a secondary. I think Pitt is one of them.

 

[chessodoc]

You should make sure you meet the schools' minimum Total and BCPM GPAs before you apply to any school. It will be important for you to try to make up for your GPA wil ECs.

How can I find the minimum? All of the school stats I have seen have the average.

 

[OncDoc19]

How can I find the minimum? All of the school stats I have seen have the average.

You can try to find it on the school's website otherwise just call the main admissions office and ask.

 

[ltw902]

haha, sweet

Wow, your stats are almost identical to mine. Same year, I also go to Umich, same major, fraternity member here also. EC's very different but damn man we are almost identical. I am also hoping for a little love from Umich.

I might hold off on applying at the end of next year (junior year), and wait until senior year to get my GPA up

Good luck to you!


I also

 

[midn]

Hello,

I was wondering if I'd have a chance at top-tier schools with my credentials. I haven't taken the MCAT yet, but with my practice tests I estimate low 30s (30-32) just because I kind of blow at standardized testing. I have a cumulative GPA of 4.0 at a top 15 public university.

What's the minimum MCAT score will I need to be competitive for some place like the Mayo clinic?

 

[OncDoc19]

Hello,

I was wondering if I'd have a chance at top-tier schools with my credentials. I haven't taken the MCAT yet, but with my practice tests I estimate low 30s (30-32) just because I kind of blow at standardized testing. I have a cumulative GPA of 4.0 at a top 15 public university.

What's the minimum MCAT score will I need to be competitive for some place like the Mayo clinic?

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that practice exams are just that, practice, and therefore you cannot predict your score based off of these tests. Lets just assume you do just 31. This is not enough to make you competitive at a top-tier school. Your GPA is good, but a low MCAT will bring into the question the validity of that 4.0. The MCAT is the great equalizer in MD admissions. I also wouldn't use the "I don't do well with standardized tests excuse". The boards are standardized tests and by saying this, you are also saying you won't do so well on the boards, which will not make schools want you. I'm not exactly sure why people say they are bad test-takers. The MCAT is mostly a knowledge based test, so if you know the stuff you should do well.
I would say the minimum score you need is 33. This score is about average for accepted applicants at top-tier schools. You need higher than this to be "competitive". Check the MSAR for specific schools. As I'm sure you know though, there is more to an application tahn MCAt and GPA. Good luck!

 

[BlackSails]

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that practice exams are just that, practice, and therefore you cannot predict your score based off of these tests. Lets just assume you do just 31. This is not enough to make you competitive at a top-tier school.

What MCAT score is competitive at a top tier school?

 

[OncDoc19]

What MCAT score is competitive at a top tier school?

Like I said in my previous post, 33 to be about average (not the average aplicant, btu the average applicant that gets in) and 34/35 or higher to be competitive.

 

[pa397]

Hi all,
I just realized last week that I'm going to graduate a year early and would like to know if its a good idea to apply to medical school this summer.

My main concern is that I'm going to have take the MCAT for the 1st time in July because I'm starting a Princeton Review course in two weeks and July is the end month of the course so I'd be the most prepared at that time.

I have a 3.78 cumulative GPA and 3.66 BCMP GPA and would like to apply for MD/PhD programs but MD would be awesome (hell, anything would be great)

I have taken most of my med-pre-recs and am going to finish it with Phys II the 1st half of this summer.

If I send in my application ASAP and then submit my MCAT score when the score comes out in August would that be too late?

Am I rushing into this? Is 3 months too soon to take the MCAT? Should I just wait to apply until next year?

Thanks for your help, I'm really worried/confused.

 

[OncDoc19]

Hi all,
I just realized last week that I'm going to graduate a year early and would like to know if its a good idea to apply to medical school this summer.

My main concern is that I'm going to have take the MCAT for the 1st time in July because I'm starting a Princeton Review course in two weeks and July is the end month of the course so I'd be the most prepared at that time.

Why are you graduating early? Not knowing this, I will assume it is one of two possibilities - either you have lots of AP credit or you took course overloads each semester. I will address some potential problems with both. If you have lots of AP credit, you need to look at the MSAR or call the schools you are interested in and ask if they will accept AP credit to fulfill their admission requirements. I know that some of the top-tier schools do not, so you need to be careful of this.
If you overloaded courses, I would be concerned that you don't have enough work/research/volunteering/leadership experiance because you spent your time taking extra classes each semester. These activites are very important, especially the research if you are thinking MD/PhD.

I have a 3.78 cumulative GPA and 3.66 BCMP GPA and would like to apply for MD/PhD programs but MD would be awesome (hell, anything would be great)

You really need to figure out for sure before you apply whether you want MD/PhD. This is a really big decision that will affect your life for the next decade. You need to be able to articulate why you want MD/PhD over MD and you can't convince anyone else of this if you yourself are not convinced.

I have taken most of my med-pre-recs and am going to finish it with Phys II the 1st half of this summer.

If I send in my application ASAP and then submit my MCAT score when the score comes out in August would that be too late?

Am I rushing into this? Is 3 months too soon to take the MCAT? Should I just wait to apply until next year?

Thanks for your help, I'm really worried/confused.

It seems like you are rushing things a bit trying to take this MCAT. 3 months is not too short if you are able to devote yourself to MCAT studying. I would assume you have school until mid May or early June. The end of the semester is always busy so lets say you don't start intensive studying till after the semester ends. At best that gives you 1.5 months of intensive studying, if you don't have other things going on this summer.
If you take the July MCAT, you can submit your app before that and schools will look at your app in August after they get the MCAT. However, when you submit your primary you will have to decide what schools to apply to based on an MCAT score that is yet to be determined.
I don't want to sound too negative here, but if you are graduating a year early I don't see any reason to rush your application process and the MCAT. You can of course retake the test, but that score will always be with you. Hope I have given you a little food for thought.