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

[tennisboy85]

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Hi everyone,
I am in a little bit of a different boat than most people as I am a Canadian hoping to apply to get into an American med school. I am really hoping you guys can provide me with some guidance:

Overall GPA: roughly 3.83
Sci GPA: 3.7 (but I have B- in one physics and one of my bio)
MCAT: 7V 10P 10B WR-R =27R

I have some clinical experience working and volunteering in a hospital. As well as a number of extracurricular activities.

At this point, I am really worried that my MCAT marks are too low to be competitive. I am planning to rewrite my MCAT on mid August - but I hope to send my application in earlier because I heard the earlier you send it in the higher chance you get at getting an interview.

At this point, I'm not even sure what schools I should consider to apply to. I am looking at last year's MSAR and applying to schools whose median MCAT is 30 or less =( Does anyone have suggestions as to what schools I would be eligible for? And have a realistic chance at getting in?

Thank you very much!

 

[vectorman]

I have a 4.0/(out of 4.0) from University of Illinois at Chicago and Im involved in independent research, volunteering, and other ECs (one of which im the vice president of). Im finishing a double major in a total of 3 yrs. But I expect my MCAT score to be anywhere between 27 to 31 (which i'll b taking in july).
So my question is r there any skools that give a greater consideration for GPA and ECs than MCAT scores?

 

[spospo]

I have a 4.0/(out of 4.0) from University of Illinois at Chicago and Im involved in independent research, volunteering, and other ECs (one of which im the vice president of). Im finishing a double major in a total of 3 yrs. But I expect my MCAT score to be anywhere between 27 to 31 (which i'll b taking in july).
So my question is r there any skools that give a greater consideration for GPA and ECs than MCAT scores?

no one can really say; exactly what schools look for is a bit of mystery. yes, all schools look at everything; i am sure you already know that. even if you asked the schools themselves, i doubt they would give you a hardfast answer. they will most likely say, "we consider all aspects of the application when determining yadda yadda yadda." you sound like you have strong ECs. How will your letters be? as long as those are strong as well and you score in that predicted range, i think you have a good chance. just get everything in as soon as you can. you won't get your scores til august, which is in the latter part of "applying early." look at my mdapps - good GPA, not so great MCAT, good ECs, great letters (not written on there). your gpa is better than mine, your ECs are just as good if not better. write a good PS and apply where you want. who knows, you may score much better than you think.

 

[spospo]

Hi everyone,
I am in a little bit of a different boat than most people as I am a Canadian hoping to apply to get into an American med school. I am really hoping you guys can provide me with some guidance:

Overall GPA: roughly 3.83
Sci GPA: 3.7 (but I have B- in one physics and one of my bio)
MCAT: 7V 10P 10B WR-R =27R

I have some clinical experience working and volunteering in a hospital. As well as a number of extracurricular activities.

At this point, I am really worried that my MCAT marks are too low to be competitive. I am planning to rewrite my MCAT on mid August - but I hope to send my application in earlier because I heard the earlier you send it in the higher chance you get at getting an interview.

At this point, I'm not even sure what schools I should consider to apply to. I am looking at last year's MSAR and applying to schools whose median MCAT is 30 or less =( Does anyone have suggestions as to what schools I would be eligible for? And have a realistic chance at getting in?

Thank you very much!

so you are retaking for sure? fill out your AMCAS and mark the box "taking _____ MCAT." then just put a handful of schools on your primary that you feel you will have a chance at with the score you have. once you retake, get your scores, and rock it, you can add more schools. this way, some of those higher-median-mcat schools won't reject you based on your first one, but your primary will already be verified so adding schools will be easy. yes, a lot of those first schools may not consider you complete unitl your second scores are in, but all of your other stuff will be in (hopefully.) if none of this sounds good to you, don't apply this year. study hard for the mcat, and apply early the next cycle. your GPA is good though, so that will help. good luck!

some possible schools with that score (i am by no means knocking these schools) - RFU, Drexel, i don't know, look at my list, i only had a 28.

 

[keeprunning13]

Hello everyone out there. I have been reading many of your posts lately and am looking for a critique. Here goes...

Biology major at a TX state school

cum gpa 3.74 Magic number - 65.4
science gpa 3.75

MCAT PS-11 😀 , VR-10🙂 , BS-8😱 WS-M cum 29M 👍 OR 👎 ?

Clinical:
-I have shadowed a number of doctors since graduating high school (2004-present) including a family practice doc, an OB/GYN, and a ortho surgoen
-I also have 3 summer of hospital volunteer work in diff departments
-Have observed mult. surgeries as this is what I am interested in...

EC's:
-Instramural sports (tennis, track)
-many diff clubs an organization I am interested in...(dont wanna bore yall with names)
-Ambassador at my university
-honors college

Honors/awards:
-4 diff. acedemic scholarships
-mult. honors socities Alpha Chi, Golden Key...
-Who's who
-deans list, pres list, honor roll every semester in college

Work:
-TA for bio and chem classes
-waiter (4yrs)...I know sucks but gotta make that $
-Lifeguard
-Tutor

Research:
-Soph yr I worked with local med students on disparity research
-work in molecular bio lab...hopefully will publish before graduation...

So what do yall think? I know my MCAT sucks esp the writing sample and bio to a lesser extent...but I know medicine is what I am meant to do I love it!

I also have really great LOR and am working on perfecting my PS...

Will have applications submitted my first week or two of June

Here's my list of schools:

Top Choices:😍 UT-H, UTHSCSA, UTMB, .....Baylor, UTSW 😕

Others:
-TX A&M
-TX Tech
-George Washington
-Georgetown
-Tulane 🙂
-Boston U.
-St. Louis U.
-NYMC
-Drexel
-Jefferson
-Virgina Common W.
-Temple
-U. of Miami
-Northwestern

Also a couple DO schools and a couple a carribean schools 😱 (JUST in case)

So give it to me guys...I hope I dont cry...lol

Thanks

 

[spospo]

Hello everyone out there. I have been reading many of your posts lately and am looking for a critique. Here goes...

...

So give it to me guys...I hope I dont cry...lol

Thanks

good work thus far. you have a solid GPA and an OK MCAT. 29 is a respectable score (no matter what other SDNers say). that being said, make sure you get everything in as soon as you can. it is much easier said than done. just don't let it build up. you have a lot of great ECs it looks like. make sure on your primary, you put the ones that are "the best" - clinical, research, leadership, long term work. if you have room after that, go ahead and put others in. don't put little things in; you don't want to look like you are just adding filler. you have several good LORs? from the right people? (profs in addition to others). take a look at my list (below), i had the magic number of 67. it is important to apply broadly and early. as for your list: hit up all your state schools, you are lucky to have a state with so many. you may want to take northwestern off (i am saying that strictly based on their numbers). i would also suggest taking georgetown off. they give everyone their secondary ($110 or something crazy like that) and then reject most of them. the only reason (i am pretty sure) that i got an interview there is because my older brother went there for undergrad and did GREAT things for the school. i think they were hoping for future donations if they gave me a shot. go ahead and add some DO. i am going to creighton next year; you may want to add them to your list. it really is a great school. if you need help with your PS just PM me. good luck.

 

[hj7korp]

Hi everyone, here are my stats..

Bio major
I have 3.90 GPA (3.90 BCPM)
31N MCAT (12P 8V 11B)
magic number: 69.0
State of residence: Indiana

some of the stuff I did are:

Volunteering abroad for a semester
Private Tutor
Bible study leader at a church
Hospice volunteer 2 yrs
ER volunteer 6 months
Research for 3 yrs
Shadowed a couple of doctors (~50hrs)
Phi beta kappa
Dean's list throughout
Clarinet player

Applying to...

Creighton University
Drexel University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Indiana University
Jefferson Medical College
Loyola University Chicago
Mayo Medical School
Medical College of Wisconsin
Pennsylvania State University
Saint Louis University
Tulane University
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati
University of Maryland
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Toledo
Wake Forest University

Any words or comments appreciated.. Thanks a lot guys!

 

[spospo]

Hi everyone
...
Applying to...

Creighton University
Drexel University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Indiana University
Jefferson Medical College
Loyola University Chicago
Mayo Medical School
Medical College of Wisconsin
Pennsylvania State University
Saint Louis University
Tulane University
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati
University of Maryland
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Toledo
Wake Forest University

Any words or comments appreciated.. Thanks a lot guys!

great job thus far with school and the MCAT. your ECs look great. how are your letters going to be? your PS? even though you have strong numbers, you will want to get everything in EARLY. it will just give you a step up. your 8 in verbal is the only thing that is obvious at this time that will hole you back. you have a really good list going there though. i heard iowa is kind of nice to OOS. watch out with Georgetown. as i said in an above post. they give everyone their secondary, which is super expensive, and then reject a lot of people even those with high stats. you could add RFU (as long as you'd want to go there) as another school. i interviewed there; it is a good school with great technology. good luck!

 

[Concubine]

Hi Guys,
I could really use some advise. What are my chances of getting in to a MD school with these stats, and where should I improve?

- 25L Mcat (10P, 6V, 9B)
- 3.65 GPA, 3.44 Science GPA
- 16 hours volunteer in ER (by the time I apply, 32)
- 5 months academic research experience
- BA in Biology
- 1.5 years full-time employment as a Microbiologist (.5 as a tech, 1 year as a "Study Director" in a non-academic environment)
- 2 years part-time employment as a Graphic Designer
- I'm pretty sure I will get Disadvantaged status
- 1.5 years volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters (10 hours a month)
- 3 months other volunteering (10 hours a week)

I have signed up to retake the MCAT (and hopefully get a better Verbal score) for next month. I'm not sure how I got a 6, all of my practices were 8-11. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[doinmybest5840]

I don't know if people are still looking at these, but if anyone can give me some guidance, I'd appreciate it.

My G.P.A. has been a big problem for me, overall it's 3.3, with a 3.0 science.
(I retook two classes)

My MCAT was a 32N (11P 10V 11B) at the end of my sophomore year, but I don't know if I should retake it or not.

I go to U of M, and so I was wondering from those that have applied, do schools look at where you did your undergrad and acknowledge that some schools are harder than others?

please give me any feedback you can.

Thanks

Hey, I go to Michigan, too, and have a very similar standing (3.34 overall, probably 3.0-3.1 science, and 31R MCAT). Just wanted to say hi. Oh, and as others said, Michigan does send a ton of people to med school, more than MSU or OSU for sure, maybe also somewhere in Wisconsin, but I can't remember. Also, the upward trend = important. Good luck applying!

 

[doinmybest5840]

I have a GPA of 3.34 overall, 3.15 BCPM (if I calculated it right) at the Univesrity of Michigan, and a 31R on the MCAT. I've shadowed three different doctors, worked in a doctor's office (although it was in high school and I really only did clerical/front desk work), was a member of Alpha Phi Omega (community service co-ed frat) for a year and volunteered 20 hours/semester, and have been volunteering at a hospital for nearly a year now, for ~2 hrs/week. I plan to graduate this December (a semester late) with a BS in psychology, and took two psych classes that involved extensive volunteering in the community (40hrs per class). I'm not applying to the top schools, mostly average to a little below average, but I will apply to all 3 in state (MI), and I plan to apply broadly and within the first day or two. Do I have a decent chance of getting in somewhere? Thanks!

 

[SupernovaNights]

I figured this was as good a place as any... 🙂

I'd first like to say that I am completely new to SDN. I've been aspiring to be a doctor for a long time now, but I'm sure that's needless to say on a board like this. I'll be honest and say that I am here mainly to engage in the collective mentoring of the online community, something many SDNers seem to espouse.

So I'm a biomedical engineering major in the engineering honors program... this was my first year of college, although I received credit for 24 hours of courses that are not applicable to my major (english, history, languages). I pulled off a 3.7, took a few of the required pre-med classes (got pretty far in chemistry), and got very involved. I'm secretary of one of the largest organizations on my campus, an engineering and science departmental organization (with over 3000 members), and am trying desperately to get a little bit of job shadowing with a physician over the summer. My math scores are the only thing holding me down (I've got nothing but B's in all 3 calculus classes that I have taken so far), but I've got straight As in chemistry, biology, and engineering.

I will be honest and say that this is the beginning for me... I have no idea what to expect for the pre-med process. I've done a lot of reading and I think I get the general idea... I know my scores are a little low (my BCMP probably suffers because of my low math marks), and I'm going to try extra hard next year to remedy them. Are there any roadblocks I should look out for, from some of you weathered veterans? Am I on the right track, or am I going down the road to destruction? Any input is well appreciated.

Thank you all for taking the time.

 

[sultana]

Hi. I'm a pre-med student at the University of Washington. I'm a current senior, I'll be done with my major (Biology/Political Science) in the coming fall and I plan to apply this summer. I took the MCAT last August and got a 33P (11B, 9PS, 13VR). My cum GPA is around a 3.51 and my science is around a 3.3--I have a strong upward trend for my last two years.

The problem is, I heard on AAMCAS you only post grades for your classes from the first three years, and I showed strong improvement my senior year as well (that's when I raised my cum up to a 3.5) I was wondering if my senior year is going to matter at all in the initial screening, and if my high verbal is going to improve my chances. Thanks!

 

[Tx1227]

I am a Texas resident and want to go to a Texas school. I got 11B 11V 7P for a 29 on april exam.... I have a 4.00 GPA and good ECs.

Should I be worried about getting in somewhere in Texas?? Is my 4.00 GPA weighted more than a less than ideal MCAT score?? Please Help

 

[spospo]

Hi. I'm a pre-med student at the University of Washington. I'm a current senior, I'll be done with my major (Biology/Political Science) in the coming fall and I plan to apply this summer. I took the MCAT last August and got a 33P (11B, 9PS, 13VR). My cum GPA is around a 3.51 and my science is around a 3.3--I have a strong upward trend for my last two years.

The problem is, I heard on AAMCAS you only post grades for your classes from the first three years, and I showed strong improvement my senior year as well (that's when I raised my cum up to a 3.5) I was wondering if my senior year is going to matter at all in the initial screening, and if my high verbal is going to improve my chances. Thanks!

you put in every single grade. even your senior year. yay for you!!

 

[spospo]

I am a Texas resident and want to go to a Texas school. I got 11B 11V 7P for a 29 on april exam.... I have a 4.00 GPA and good ECs.

Should I be worried about getting in somewhere in Texas?? Is my 4.00 GPA weighted more than a less than ideal MCAT score?? Please Help

i don't really know much about texas schools, but i feel as if you should get in somewhere in texas. maybe not the top 2 (i really have no clue how many their are), but i feel like you are still a solid applicant. good luck!!

 

[YankeeDoodle193]

Hi guys,

I'm a Canadian with these stats:

Just finished undergrad double major in Physiology

cGPA: 3.75
BCMP GPA: 3.80
MCAT: 33 O (9VR, 12, 12)


6 publications (preparing my first authorship right now)
Over 200 hours volunteering at hospitals etc and shadowing surgeons

What do you think my chances are at:

Emory
Pritzker
Northwestern
Tufts
Mount Sinai
NYU
Vanderbilt
Dartmouth
Albert Einstein
Wake Forest
Minnesota
Brown
Mayo

Or to put it another way, which one these do you think I should have no problem gaining entry?

I particularily want Pritzker, do you think I should retake the MCAT? If I do retake the MCAT in Sept, would that put a hold on my application? Also do most schools take the higher MCAT or the most recent one?

Thanks!

 

[spospo]

Hi Guys,
I could really use some advise. What are my chances of getting in to a MD school with these stats, and where should I improve?

- 25L Mcat (10P, 6V, 9B)
- 3.65 GPA, 3.44 Science GPA
- 16 hours volunteer in ER (by the time I apply, 32)
- 5 months academic research experience
- BA in Biology
- 1.5 years full-time employment as a Microbiologist (.5 as a tech, 1 year as a "Study Director" in a non-academic environment)
- 2 years part-time employment as a Graphic Designer
- I'm pretty sure I will get Disadvantaged status
- 1.5 years volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters (10 hours a month)
- 3 months other volunteering (10 hours a week)

I have signed up to retake the MCAT (and hopefully get a better Verbal score) for next month. I'm not sure how I got a 6, all of my practices were 8-11. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

good luck on the retake. your gpa is decent. you need to keep volunteering in the ER, but i am sure you knew that. even if you can get disadvantaged status, don't bank on that getting you into school. no matter who you are or what you do, you will need to bring that mcat up if you want any serious looks. again though, i know you know that. get your letters arranged and get your primary filled out so that as soon as you get those scores, you can hit submit. best of luck!!

 

[quintessence]

Hey! Thought I'd post here for some advice. I'm a Canadian applicant which complicates my situation a little bit, but right now these are my stats:

cGPA - 3.57 (not including my Junior year - our grades aren't out yet but I am expecting it to stay around the same)
science GPA - 3.5-3.53
MCAT (last summer) - 32Q (9PS, 12VR, 11BS) -am rewriting June 15th to bring up the PS score
EC's - decent (will go into detail when I get around to filling out mdapplicants)

I will fill out mdapplicants which will make it easier to figure out if I have a shot anywhere...but my question right now is that even though my gpa will be finalized next week, I won't get my mcat scores until July 13th. I know that my gpa/mcat are mediocre right now as they stand, and the general consensus for this seems to be to apply as early as possible. Would it really hurt my chances if I waited until my mcat scores came out to submit my primary?

 

[JPAF]

Hey everyone! I really need some advice:

-MCAT: 27Q (9PS, 10VR, 8BS[???im a bio major???])
-GPA: 3.8 Science GPA: 3.9
-I am an EMT with over 500 hours and I am now a training and education officer for the EMTs on my base.
-Have more leadership than I can list (I've been a commander for over 100 people, mentor, coach, etc.)
-I will have done two years of research
-I am doing clinical research at Wilford hall medical center
-I have shadowed severel surgeons at hospitals around the country (about 50 hours in all)
-I will probably be considered disadvantaged
-BS degree
-My school is probably one of the last schools in the country that does not inflate
-Applicants from my school are historically succesful with low MCAT scores because of or particular situation
-5 hours a week with community service

I see everyone on here who has 30+ MCAT scores and I just wanted to know if I should go ahead and submit as soon as I can without indicating retake. I really don't think i can do any better (except BS section)...I'd appreciate any input, thanks ya'll!

 

[DocCallaway]

Alright, here's my Stats:

Michigan Resident

GPA: 3.67
Sci: 3.62

MCAT:
PS 9, VR 11, BS 9, WS R

Im not sure if I should apply, or retake. I am majoring in Bio and psychology. Getting into any school would be a dream. I have a few EC's but not too many. Im on the school golf team (DII). I also have a pretty strong upward trend:

Freshman: 3.3 for the year
Sophomore: 3.7 for the year
Junior: 3.966 for the year

Do I have a chance at Loyola? I have a grandpa who is legacy at Iowa, would that help?

 

[illixir]

So if people are willing to tell me what they think of my stats and e/cs for the schools i'm applying to, it'd definately be appreciated.

Northwestern University Class of 2008
GPA: 3.906, MCAT: 11 VR, 12 BS, 14 PS, Q WS
Major: Biological Sciences
Transferred to Northwestern as a sophomore, Freshman year most classes for credit are from Columbus State University. 4.0 in everything there.

Extracurricular Involvement
2 years spent in a biochemical lab, the second year as independent study research for credit
Worked as a consultant with a partner at Oakton Elementary School in the local community designing and implementing a co-curricular Creative Enrichment program for 4th and 5th graders. This was performed as my final capstone research project completing my participation in the Service-Learning Certificate program which is a few courses and then doing 50 hours of service a year.
Worked as Gateway Science Workshop facilitator for a year, which is pretty much a tutoring session offered by the university for a specific concurrently running course(in my case, for Bio 210-1,2,3)
Worked as a TA for two years now in Laboratory Adventures in the Biological Sciences, a weekly program for kids in the spring, 2-hour sessions, runs for four weeks
Volunteered as a counselor at Camp Kesem one summer, a week-long program at the end of the year held for kids who have or had a family member afflicted with cancer
Was the warden last year and the scholarship/academic chair this year for my fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. The warden doubles as the ceremonial ritualist and the chair of the judicial board. Also in Order of Omega, an honor society for members who have displayed leadership and character in the Greek Community.
Studying abroad in Mexico City this summer as part of a Public Health program offered by my university. I will be performing research there on either oncology, pediatrics, or diabetes.
Scattered volunteer work for the service-learning certificate, one year spent volunteering a couple hours every week at La Rabida Children's hospital, and then three week-long service trips through Alternative Spring Breaks at different places across the country.
Spent a few weeks the summer after freshman year shadowing a couple doctors in India, and I did some shadowing in high school(100 hours in ER).

That's pretty much the main things I've done in college. I'm broadly applying to schools in the top 50.
Right now my list is: Columbia, Cornell, Northwestern, Emory, NYU, USC, BU, Tufts, Mount Sinai, UMiami

My letters of recommendation aren't going to be the best, since most of my activities aren't really that long or don't involve extended interaction with adults, so I'll have my principal investigator in my research lab, and then the professor who runs the service-learning certificate program, and then the last one or two will probably just be professors in classes I made A's in but haven't really talked to at all. Right now my list is 10, but it'll prob end up being 15, what range of schools fits best?

 

[DocCallaway]

So if people are willing to tell me what they think of my stats and e/cs for the schools i'm applying to, it'd definately be appreciated.

Northwestern University Class of 2008
GPA: 3.906, MCAT: 11 VR, 12 BS, 14 PS, Q WS
Major: Biological Sciences
Transferred to Northwestern as a sophomore, Freshman year most classes for credit are from Columbus State University. 4.0 in everything there.

Extracurricular Involvement
2 years spent in a biochemical lab, the second year as independent study research for credit
Worked as a consultant with a partner at Oakton Elementary School in the local community designing and implementing a co-curricular Creative Enrichment program for 4th and 5th graders. This was performed as my final capstone research project completing my participation in the Service-Learning Certificate program which is a few courses and then doing 50 hours of service a year.
Worked as Gateway Science Workshop facilitator for a year, which is pretty much a tutoring session offered by the university for a specific concurrently running course(in my case, for Bio 210-1,2,3)
Worked as a TA for two years now in Laboratory Adventures in the Biological Sciences, a weekly program for kids in the spring, 2-hour sessions, runs for four weeks
Volunteered as a counselor at Camp Kesem one summer, a week-long program at the end of the year held for kids who have or had a family member afflicted with cancer
Was the warden last year and the scholarship/academic chair this year for my fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. The warden doubles as the ceremonial ritualist and the chair of the judicial board. Also in Order of Omega, an honor society for members who have displayed leadership and character in the Greek Community.
Studying abroad in Mexico City this summer as part of a Public Health program offered by my university. I will be performing research there on either oncology, pediatrics, or diabetes.
Scattered volunteer work for the service-learning certificate, one year spent volunteering a couple hours every week at La Rabida Children's hospital, and then three week-long service trips through Alternative Spring Breaks at different places across the country.
Spent a few weeks the summer after freshman year shadowing a couple doctors in India, and I did some shadowing in high school(100 hours in ER).

That's pretty much the main things I've done in college. I'm broadly applying to schools in the top 50.
Right now my list is: Columbia, Cornell, Northwestern, Emory, NYU, USC, BU, Tufts, Mount Sinai, UMiami

My letters of recommendation aren't going to be the best, since most of my activities aren't really that long or don't involve extended interaction with adults, so I'll have my principal investigator in my research lab, and then the professor who runs the service-learning certificate program, and then the last one or two will probably just be professors in classes I made A's in but haven't really talked to at all. Right now my list is 10, but it'll prob end up being 15, what range of schools fits best?

Don't apply anywhere. Seriously, this thread shouldn't be for people who are kick-in's.

 

[onokentauros]

Hey everyone! Here's my info - hopefully you guys can tell me where I stand a chance at getting accepted:

UCSB c/o 2007
Major: Physics (B.S.)
GPA: 3.2
MCAT: Composite - 35S (13V, 12PS, 10BS)

I've done (historically) badly academically, but the last three quarters have been a complete turnaround; I've taken 20 units each quarter and gotten above 3.7's, getting Dean's Honors for the first time in my college career. That said, here are my EC's:

Research:
JPL/NASA Summer Internship (Research Assistant) [4 months]- worked at JPL in Pasadena doing research on the feasiblity of finding amino acids in extraterrestrial environments. I did not run my own project but rather worked under the supervision of a lab mentor.
Lab Assistant Internship [6 months]- worked at UCSB in a biophysics lab - although I did minimal research (stress tested rat and cow bones) I really learned how a lab works; that is how budgets are set up, assets are allocated etc - the business end of research.
Current Internship [6 months and counting]- currently working on my own projects in a different physics research lab at UCSB.
Volunteering:
I've been volunteering in a Clinic for almost 1.5 years now and have rotated through outpatient, obstetrics, ER and OR departments. Soon I'll be in the ICU.

Summary: I think my ECs and letters of rec. will be strong; the only thing holding me back is my GPA (which is a huge factor). That said, where should I apply? Thanks guys!

P.S. I want to go to school in a big city/urban environment (Think NYC, LA, Chicago, Boston etc.)

 

[illixir]

.

 

[illixir]

.

 

[georgia_md]

Here are a couple of sites you may find helpful. Just plug in your info and get instant results:

http://www.studentdoc.com/application-evaluation.html

http://www.studentdoc.com/medfind.html

 

[katester25]

You should be a strong candidate at a lot of top 30 schools, and I don't think anyone can really specify what schools will like your application. My advice, for what it's worth: choose schools in cities where you'd be happy to live; apply mostly to top 30 schools (maybe 10-12) but add a few less competitive places to the mix; get your secondaries, LORs, transcripts, etc in early; apply to at least one place with rolling admissions, because that first acceptance feels amazing.

Don't apply anywhere. Seriously, this thread shouldn't be for people who are kick-in's.

 

[gohwks]

i'm pretty far along in the process, i guess.
here are my stats and e/cs:
33R
4.0/4.0
biochem/chem double w/ poli sci minor
2.5 yrs in physiology lab (one publication)
3 yrs hospice volunteering (clinical publication)
2.5 yrs in clinical volunteering (emergency room and outpatient clinic)
director of the college volunteering program (app. 500 volunteers)
0.5 computational chemistry research
graduate mol. and cell bio courses
student government committees
goldwater scholar

the list so far:
baylor
iowa
dartmouth
nyu
oregon
yale (longshot)
pritzker
sinai
case
georgetown
wake forest (huge college basketball fan...)
harvard (longshot)
hopkins (longshot)

i know the numbers are below the mean and median at some of these places...
any suggestions for other schools i should look at or which of these i shouldn't be eyeing?

thanks and best of luck to everyone.
i'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel...

 

[georgia_md]

There are more people who perform well on the MCATs than people who don't. So the distribution is skewed, because the median is in the upper numbers. Majority of applicants get >10 in each section. Rejection fall upon people with seemingly decent numbers all the time.

So it really does help to apply early and broadly. Duh

 

[DianaUT06]

Ok, so I need some help deciding on OOS schools to apply for...check out my Mdapps from last cycle below. So far on the list:

- U. of Colorado
- George Washington
- Georgetown
- Rosalind Franklin
- Loyola
- Northwestern (dream)
- Tulane
- Michigan State
- Albany
- NYMC
- SUNY upstate
- UNC
- Wake Forest
- Drexel
- Jefferson Medical College
- Penn State
- Temple
- U. of Virginia
- VCU

I applied to all TX schools last year (except TCOM) and did NOT apply OOS (biggest mistake ever). I will be applying everywhere in TX again and think I have a good shot this time around being a re-applicant...but I need to apply OOS as well. Please let me know what you think of the list, any ones I should delete or add?? Thanks!

 

[DrMccodell]

Ok, so I need some help deciding on OOS schools to apply for...check out my Mdapps from last cycle below. So far on the list:

- U. of Colorado
- George Washington
- Georgetown
- Rosalind Franklin
- Loyola
- Northwestern (dream)
- Tulane
- Michigan State
- Albany
- NYMC
- SUNY upstate
- UNC
- Wake Forest
- Drexel
- Jefferson Medical College
- Penn State
- Temple
- U. of Virginia
- VCU

I applied to all TX schools last year (except TCOM) and did NOT apply OOS (biggest mistake ever). I will be applying everywhere in TX again and think I have a good shot this time around being a re-applicant...but I need to apply OOS as well. Please let me know what you think of the list, any ones I should delete or add?? Thanks!

Hi Diana I was just wondering...did you apply late during the last cycle?

 

[DianaUT06]

Hi Diana I was just wondering...did you apply late during the last cycle?

Not late, but definitely could have been earlier. I was submitted to schools at the end of August.

 

[spospo]

I applied to all TX schools last year (except TCOM) and did NOT apply OOS (biggest mistake ever). I will be applying everywhere in TX again and think I have a good shot this time around being a re-applicant...but I need to apply OOS as well. Please let me know what you think of the list, any ones I should delete or add?? Thanks!

i keep telling a lot of people this, and i feel like a bad person for it, but i would take georgetown off your list. it is a great school and everything, it's just that they give every person a secondary, which is something like $110, and then reject a lot of highly qualified people. don't waste the $30 to apply there in the first place. that is just me though. also, colorado favors in state pretty heavily. all the others look like great choices though. best of luck!

 

[blahwhatever]

Entering my Senior year this coming semester. Haven't taken the MCATs, but will take it around Mid August of this year and apply soon after (so I guess that's considered late, right?).

GPA: 3.47

MCAT: Taking in August

Extra stuff: Research Lab Tech, ER volunteer (1 year), Volunteer at assisted living home (1.5 years), dean's list, physics TA, tutoring, macy's employee for approx. 2 years (not sure if I'm suppose to list this, but I figured it shows that I've done other things with my time as well)

I'm a NY state resident (Long Island), and the best case scenario for me would be to go to a school in NY. However, I'm open to other schools as well.

Would someone be able to tell me a few names of MD schools I might be able to get into when I apply this year? (Preferably from NY and nearby states)

Thanks

 

[Umich08]

Hey, I go to Michigan, too, and have a very similar standing (3.34 overall, probably 3.0-3.1 science, and 31R MCAT). Just wanted to say hi. Oh, and as others said, Michigan does send a ton of people to med school, more than MSU or OSU for sure, maybe also somewhere in Wisconsin, but I can't remember. Also, the upward trend = important. Good luck applying!

Hey I just saw your post, I wanted to ask you and anyone else reading, if they had similar stats and got into any med schools? I work actually as a tutor for a major company for the MCAT for the past year, and also have been researching in a developmental lab at the med school for about 2 years. I have been on a competitive dance team for 2 years, and have been president of a extracirricular club on campus. I wanted to also know if applying at the end of July would be too late?

Any words of wisdom?

 

[doinmybest5840]

Hey I just saw your post, I wanted to ask you and anyone else reading, if they had similar stats and got into any med schools? I work actually as a tutor for a major company for the MCAT for the past year, and also have been researching in a developmental lab at the med school for about 2 years. I have been on a competitive dance team for 2 years, and have been president of a extracirricular club on campus. I wanted to also know if applying at the end of July would be too late?

Any words of wisdom?

I haven't applied yet, I'm doing it this summer. Other than the typical "apply as early as possible," there's not much else i can tell ya. Good luck!

 

[doctortobe2012]

edit

 

[doctorific]

If I could get some advice that would be great...

I hav a 3.56/4 GPA Overall and a 3.31/4 Science GPA From a top 25 Public school (also graduating in 3 1/2 if that makes a difference)
My MCAT was 9😛S 10:V 12: BS (31)
E.C. = volunteering at hospitals, alternative spring break dealing with teens and HIV, 2 summers working for a doctor, research 1 summer, Big brother at boy's and girls club, etc...
LOR- 2 great letters, and 2 good letters


I was wondering what schools I should apply to as Safety schools and if I have a good chance of getting in to any Illinois schools (maybe Southern, Rush, Rosalind-Franklin, UIC, or loyola) Thanks ahead of time for anyone who replies.

 

[chreesteene]

Hi! I don't know if you are still replying to these posts, but here goes (deep breath):

Attending a very competitive undergrad. university (WashU) -- I don't think this really matters, but just in case

Double-majoring in: French, Biology (Neuroscience specialization)

Cumulative GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.47
(Nothing below a B... just a lot of Bs and B+s :[ )

MCAT: 36 (13VR / 12 BS / 11 PS / R)

ECs:
Volunteered at an immunology lab for two summers (2.5 months each, 40hr/wk)

Worked at J.Crew, H&M, Anthropologie for one summer (needed money!)

Shadowing at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for one semester, for credit

Sorority leadership position VP Scholarship; performed in student-run carnival for charity

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Spirit Chair for Relay for Life

Residential College Council - VP

Eating Disorders Awareness/Body Image Peer Educating Group - VP New Member Training


I'm not looking to get into the Top 10/15 schools. I just need to know if I can even get into a Allopathic Med School in the U.S. (and Canada, as I am a Canadian citizen) with my grades/scores/ECs, or whether I should start looking at other options.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[TheRealMD]

Wondering what my chances are for med school:

Cum GPA: 3.76
BCPM GPA: 3.76
MCAT: 32P (10V, 12P, 10B)

ECs:
Hospital volunteering at info desk before, working at ER and ICU right now
Doctor shadowing a radiologist with plans to shadow another radiologist and orthopaedic surgeon (bro's wife and my bro respectively, both residents) and maybe a neurologist if I get the chance
Physics tutor for a semester
TAMS computer lab monitor
Resident Computer Consultant (go around fixing broken comps at college)

I'm an African-American URM and just turned 18 about 2 days ago. Haven't done any research though looking back I wish I had. I'm graduating next Spring after 4 years of college, so I'll be applying this cycle.

LORs:
Should be pretty good. Excited to get one from my Ochem prof since I nearly aced all his tests with 100s. 😀

Schools I'm interested in:
All TX schools (tuition is cheaper there!!!) hopefuly UTSW
Nothing else, as I'm still waiting for my MSAR to arrive in the mail. They are awfully slow sending that thing out.

Plan to have my app out by June 15th at the latest. So what are my chances?

 

[socko34]

Wondering about what oos i should apply to and if i have a shot at the ones i want to apply to.

3.75 overall gpa
3.82 bcpm
11v 11p 11b = 33m mcat

got volunteer and doctor shadowing and a full year of research. also in various societies etc...

I'm applying to all the texas schools and NYU, Stanford, Hopkins...

Should i bother applying to those schools? what other oos should i apply to?

 

[TheRealMD]

Wondering about what oos i should apply to and if i have a shot at the ones i want to apply to.

3.75 overall gpa
3.82 bcpm
11v 11p 11b = 33m mcat

got volunteer and doctor shadowing and a full year of research. also in various societies etc...

I'm applying to all the texas schools and NYU, Stanford, Hopkins...

Should i bother applying to those schools? what other oos should i apply to?

Get an MSAR since it really helps when looking at OOS school.

Forgive me for being so blunt but why did you apply so late? Not to be discouraging but the fact that you got interviews means that schools were interested in you, but in Texas ESPECIALLY UTMB, they like to fill their entire class with pre-match offers if possible.

This is my first application cycle but this is what I've heard from some UT Health Professions Advisors. You NEED your app in before June 15th at the latest.

Best of luck to you.

 

[pkr]

how much clinical experience is enough?

 

[burningsky]

Hey everyone:

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8001

Overall GPA: 3.67
BCPM GPA: 3.64
MCAT: 34Q

* GPA is lower because of a math class I had to retake from my first semester of college. Soph. and Junior GPAs are greater than a 3.8.

100+ hours of hospital volunteering, Clinical emergency room research, Summer research fellowship at Karmanos Cancer Institute, 40+ hours of physician shadowing, worked 20 hrs./wk. through school, deans list and a few scholarships.

Some schools I'm thinking about: University of Michigan, Wayne State, MSU, Univ. of Alabama, Northwestern, Indiana Univ., Univ. of Iowa, Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Kentucky, Mayo ("dream school") , Wake forest, Med. Univ. of Ohio, OSU, Univ. of Cincinnati, Med. U of South Carolina, Eastern Virginia, U of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth, WVU, Med. College of Wisconsin, U of Wisconsin.

Any advice would be helpful as I try to narrow down on schools.

 

[OncDoc19]

Hey everyone:

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8001

Overall GPA: 3.67
BCPM GPA: 3.64
MCAT: 34Q

* GPA is lower because of a math class I had to retake from my first semester of college. Soph. and Junior GPAs are greater than a 3.8.

100+ hours of hospital volunteering, Clinical emergency room research, Summer research fellowship at Karmanos Cancer Institute, 40+ hours of physician shadowing, worked 20 hrs./wk. through school, deans list and a few scholarships.

Some schools I'm thinking about: University of Michigan, Wayne State, MSU, Univ. of Alabama, Northwestern, Indiana Univ., Univ. of Iowa, Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Kentucky, Mayo ("dream school") , Wake forest, Med. Univ. of Ohio, OSU, Univ. of Cincinnati, Med. U of South Carolina, Eastern Virginia, U of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth, WVU, Med. College of Wisconsin, U of Wisconsin.

Any advice would be helpful as I try to narrow down on schools.

Your MCAT/GPA should be competive at most of the places you are thinking about. I wonder why you have so many state schools listed though. You would be better off applying to your state schools and then mostly provate OOS schools. You have U Illinois on your list, but prehaps Loyola, Rush or Rosalind Franklin would be better, for example. You should really check the MSAR and see the OOS acceptance rates at your schools before applying.

 

[OncDoc19]

how much clinical experience is enough?

I don't think there is one right answer to this question. You should have enough clinical experiance to be able to answer the question 'why do you want to be a doctor?'. Other than that, the more the better and a variety is always nice. At least spend several days with different doctors shadowing and do some volunteering with patient contact for at least a semester. The other factor in all of this is where you are applying and to what program. MSTP is usually less concerned with research than regular med school.

 

[OncDoc19]

Hi! I don't know if you are still replying to these posts, but here goes (deep breath):

Attending a very competitive undergrad. university (WashU) -- I don't think this really matters, but just in case

Double-majoring in: French, Biology (Neuroscience specialization)

Cumulative GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.47
(Nothing below a B... just a lot of Bs and B+s :[ )

MCAT: 36 (13VR / 12 BS / 11 PS / R)

ECs:
Volunteered at an immunology lab for two summers (2.5 months each, 40hr/wk)

Worked at J.Crew, H&M, Anthropologie for one summer (needed money!)

Shadowing at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for one semester, for credit

Sorority leadership position VP Scholarship; performed in student-run carnival for charity

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Spirit Chair for Relay for Life

Residential College Council - VP

Eating Disorders Awareness/Body Image Peer Educating Group - VP New Member Training


I'm not looking to get into the Top 10/15 schools. I just need to know if I can even get into a Allopathic Med School in the U.S. (and Canada, as I am a Canadian citizen) with my grades/scores/ECs, or whether I should start looking at other options.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

I think getting into a canadian school will be toughter than an american school. They are generally stricter on grades. I know MCGill for example has a GPA cutoff of 3.5, not sure if this is both science and non-science. I think that if you do some research and apply wisely you will get into an MD school. Check the MSAR for the canadian schools and make sure you meet their GPA cutoffs. Also check to see which american schools are friendly to international applicants. I'm assuming here that you aren't a permanent resident of the US. If you are that of course makes things easier. Your ECs look a little lite on the clinical experience/patient contact. Make sure you get your app in early and complete secondaries in a timely manner.

 

[pazan]

I'm a Junior considering applying this time around to only CA schools and OHSU. I realize they're reaches for me, but I will re-apply to more schools next year if I don't get in, hopefully with a better GPA and more research (I have a chance at a pub). Do I have anything to lose (other than money)?:

3.4 GPA (overall and science) at a top UC
35T MCAT (13 PS, 11 B, 11 V)
2 research LORs (1 was also a professor); 1 non-science; 1 from a dean (not of admissions) at the medical school who I've worked for and done clinical research with
Doing AECOM summer research program with an MD/PhD this summer
normal ECs/community service

Should I wait it out and improve my GPA or have a go at it and see what happens the first time around?... I figure I could get into a better school if I applied next year, but I'd rather not sit out a year.

 

[iceprincess999]

Hey guys
I was wondering what my chances of any medical schools would be if I have a GPA of 3.3 but an MCAT score of 41. My GPA is really low and that worries me a lot. I am doing a double major in Molecular Bio& Biochem and Psychology at Rutgers. I really want to get in Robert Wood Johnson or UMDNJ which are both state schools for me. As for Extracurriculars I do volunteering and am going to do Physician Shadowing and have participated in a few leadership activities at college. I was also part of two researches in my sophmoore year both in Communications and Psych. By having a good MCAT score will that atleast help me get in somewhere here in US? I am considering Carribean medical schools also if I do not get in here. ANd I will also try for Ostheopathic Medicine. Its just that I am really passionate about medicine and I am willing to work hard to get there.
Thanks