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

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pazan said:
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.
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I would go for it. Your best chance is probably at OHSU. :luck:
 
Here's my mdapps.

Any suggestions for safety schools/other schools to apply to in general or ideas to narrow down the list? For safety schools, so far I just have the two in my home state (KY).

Thanks!
 
iceprincess999 said:
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
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I think your outstanding MCAT score will make up for your GPA. I would apply liberally to some quality allopathic schools and maybe a few osteopathic schools just in case. I would say that you don't have to worry.
 
iceprincess999 said:
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
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I just want to say that never will an MCAT "make-up" for a lower GPA. A high MCAT will put you in a different position, but I think it's wrong to think that adcoms look at MCATs and GPA in the same way (and they really don't).

The MCAT tests your ability to work under stress in a short period of time, basically reasoning skills. It can be improved over a period of months.

Your GPA shows the result of your work ethic over an extended period of time. It takes a while to create and maintain a good GPA during undergrad.

Based on what I just said, adcoms will realize that a good GPA takes more effort than an MCAT. Both are still equally important, but your GPA moreso.

Anyway, a f*$ing 41 will impress people! Just be ready to explain your GPA in some of your interviews!

Good luck!
 
im very confused why people do not list undergrad college with their gpa. This makes a WORLD of difference. a 4.0 from nowherestateuniversity isn't equal to a 4.0 at a top 25 school period.
 
I am a Canadian student from the University of Western Ontario. I have just finished my 4 year honors degree. I applied to 5 schools in Ontario during the previous cycle but I was rejected pre-interview at 3 of the schools and waitlisted at 2 others. Therefore, I am considering applying to American schools during the upcoming admissions cycle. I was wondering how difficult it would be for a Canadian applicant to get into an American med school and which schools would be more likely to accept Canadian applicants. Here are my stats...

4.0 GPA, 4.0 BCPM
MCAT: 36P (10VR, 12PS, 14BS)
5 years as an overnight camp counsellor, 4th year honours research project in vascular biology, assisted with several clinical research studies, hospital volunteering, some shadowing, etc...
 
I'm back! After looking through the MSAR, I've come up with a revised list of schools. I'd appreciate y'all looking at this and giving me any suggestions on schools I may have passed over that could be great for me!

I'll graduate from a top 20 public school with a science degree and an MPH.
My MCAT score: VR 10, PS 12, BS 11, P.
My GPA: 3.73
My BCPM GPA: 3.63
My activities: leadership in Dance Marathon, leadership in Relay for Life, shadowing in Venezuela, (soon-to-be) shadowing in US, translating at free clinic, 2 jobs (one clerical, one lab related), flagline (college marching band), sorority leadership, sorority philanthropy leadership, sailing (I have my keelboat licence!), combined BS / MPH program, and sorority scholarship (v. prestigious), reaearch on C. jejuni, research on WN virus.

My schools:
Baylor College
Boston University
Case Western Reserve University
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Emory University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Mayo Medical School
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
New York University
Northwestern University
Rosalind Franklin University
Tufts University
Tulane University
University of Alabama
University of Chicago
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Vanderbilt University
Wake Forest University


Thanks y'all!
 
hey little pebble and typical premed.. u both have great stats and im sure you have a great shot at getting into any of those schools.. hopefully ill get my mcat up that high too. Good luck!!
 
OncDoc19 said:
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.
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Thanks, OncDoc19! Your advice is really helpful!

Another question: does volunteering at a hospice count as patient care? I don't think it really counts for clinical experience, but I'm not sure.
 
killinsound said:
please comment and give me suggestions (which colleges i should add/remove)
http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7893
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Hey, nice looking profile. I think we're in the same boat- engineering student deciding on medicine relatively late, hence without 100's or 1000's of hours of clinical experience. Our numbers are almost the same and I'll be applying to similar schools. Hope the cycle treats you well!
 
chreesteene said:
Thanks, OncDoc19! Your advice is really helpful!

Another question: does volunteering at a hospice count as patient care? I don't think it really counts for clinical experience, but I'm not sure.
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Volunteering at hospice counts as patient contact and also as a clinical experiance I think. As LizzyM's signiture says 'If you are close enough to "smell patients", it is a clinical experience.'
 
pazan said:
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.
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Applying to only CA is a risk no one should take. Your GPA is too low to try something like that (need to be 3.7+, and even then no one should feel comfortable). Add more schools to your application.
 
pazan said:
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.
Click to expand...

Applying to only CA schools is incredibly risky for the vast majority of applicants. To be competitive at CA schools you really need to raise that GPA. Also, why OHSU, its a public school so your chances there are not good either. I would work really hard to bring up that GPA this year and then apply, but even if you apply next year for the first time, please do yourself a favor and apply broadly. Its better to avoid the stigma of being a reapplicant if you can.
Also a side note about your LORs - make sure you have two LORs from science professors who have had you in class, this is specifically stated at many medical schools and I believe at UCSF and UCLA as well.
 
little pebble said:
I'm back! After looking through the MSAR, I've come up with a revised list of schools. I'd appreciate y'all looking at this and giving me any suggestions on schools I may have passed over that could be great for me!

I'll graduate from a top 20 public school with a science degree and an MPH.
My MCAT score: VR 10, PS 12, BS 11, P.
My GPA: 3.73
My BCPM GPA: 3.63
My activities: leadership in Dance Marathon, leadership in Relay for Life, shadowing in Venezuela, (soon-to-be) shadowing in US, translating at free clinic, 2 jobs (one clerical, one lab related), flagline (college marching band), sorority leadership, sorority philanthropy leadership, sailing (I have my keelboat licence!), combined BS / MPH program, and sorority scholarship (v. prestigious), reaearch on C. jejuni, research on WN virus.

My schools:
Baylor College
Boston University
Case Western Reserve University
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Emory University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Mayo Medical School
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
New York University
Northwestern University
Rosalind Franklin University
Tufts University
Tulane University
University of Alabama
University of Chicago
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Vanderbilt University
Wake Forest University

Thanks y'all!
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I think its looks good except for RFU. I would apply to Rush or Loyola instead. RFU is a lower tier school I believe and I don't think you need to apply to lower tier schools, even as safety schools, unless of course you really like the school and then you should go ahead and apply.
 
I'm taking my MCATs this Thursday so I won't post an MCAT score (though, of the 8 AAMC practice tests, I average a 32.685)

GPA: 3.99
BCPM: 4.00

activities: 3 Summers of volunteer work, Research for 1.5 years, Howard Hughes Medical Intern for Summer 07, One summer doctor shadowing, Dean's list 6 semesters out of 6, Chess Club, Muslim Students Association

I don't really need to know where to apply, just, based on what I've shown you, what do you guys think I would need to get on my MCATs to have a good chance (emphasis on Good) at NY schools such as Columbia, NYU, Stony Brook, NY Med College, etc. I'd like to stay in the Northeast (Preferably in the metro NY area or Metro Boston area). Thanks.
 
GPA: 3.63 engineering major
MCAT last august V-10, B-8, P-8

WHere to apply!!!!????

MCAT score kicking my butt, but I plan to retake.
 
OncDoc19 said:
Applying to only CA schools is incredibly risky for the vast majority of applicants. To be competitive at CA schools you really need to raise that GPA. Also, why OHSU, its a public school so your chances there are not good either. I would work really hard to bring up that GPA this year and then apply, but even if you apply next year for the first time, please do yourself a favor and apply broadly. Its better to avoid the stigma of being a reapplicant if you can.
Also a side note about your LORs - make sure you have two LORs from science professors who have had you in class, this is specifically stated at many medical schools and I believe at UCSF and UCLA as well.
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Thanks for the advice. Believe me, I'm fully aware of the mediocrity of my stats... I'm not deluding myself into thinking I will get into these schools, but there's still a chance I'll be admitted. People get into CA schools for various reasons... most of them have stellar stats but there are plenty that have faults and make up for them in other areas or know the right people and can get strings pulled.

In any event, I probably won't be applying this year anyways. It doesn't make sense to potentially waste money and time when I can just apply next year to 20+ schools and get it over with. Though applying this year may save me money in the long run (if I can somehow get in), I'll probably have to re-apply and it'll end up hurting me.
 
So reading some of these threads has freaked me out so I have to post to my stats to see if I am competitive for an good MD program....

GPA 3.85, Science GPA 3.98
MCAT 35O (BS:14 PS:13 VR:08 (the killer)) I got really flustered on the verbal section and was not able to finish, I was doing pretty well on them in the practice test. English is NOT a second language!

Activities:
Summer spent volunteering in Ecuadorian Children's Hospital
Three summers spent working in a Family Practice Clinic as an MA
Lots of other volunteering hours
College Athlete (Rowing)
Two years of research
 
cervenka08 said:
So reading some of these threads has freaked me out so I have to post to my stats to see if I am competitive for an good MD program....

GPA 3.85, Science GPA 3.98
MCAT 35O (BS:14 PS:13 VR:08 (the killer)) I got really flustered on the verbal section and was not able to finish, I was doing pretty well on them in the practice test. English is NOT a second language!

Activities:
Summer spent volunteering in Ecuadorian Children's Hospital
Three summers spent working in a Family Practice Clinic as an MA
Lots of other volunteering hours
College Athlete (Rowing)
Two years of research
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how do your LORs look? I think you have a good shot even with the 8 in verbal. Some schools may screen you out because of that, but i am sure a lot of them will look beyond it. good luck!
 
Hello,

Forums have helped a lot for AMCAS!

Anyways, I graduated from a canadian school in 2006 with a specialization. Applied to Canadian schools and got rejected. Was very disappointed but I got a wicked job in the states doing amazing research after graduation. I have attended several conferences, do a lot of animal work and I have my name on some publications. I think I am more than good for ECs and Research, including clinical but it's my scores that keep me awake...3.3 GPA and 29O MCAT...have taken it twice already and i do not plan to take it again. Realized this year that i don't want to give up on med...so what do you think my chances are and what might be good schools to apply for?
 
After reading the thread this morning about unknown vs. prestigious undergrads, I was hoping one or two of you won't mind giving me some feedback on my application...

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7936

My Magic # essentially makes all med schools look like either safe or decent shots, but I know that can't be the case. I spent my first couple years in and out of college and work as I tried to figure out what I wanted to do. When I did decide to go back to college, I worked hard and got a higher GPA my junior and senior years. (That experience is covered in my personal statement.) But I did end up going to an unranked state school that essentially admits anyone who can fill out an application. (I got a good education, though, and I'm on great terms with a couple of my old professors who I think will write good LORs).

I'm hoping that my volunteer work after graduation will balance out that part of my application... What are your thoughts? Should I add to or revise my choice of schools?

Thanks! ~Hazel
 
hazel16 said:
After reading the thread this morning about unknown vs. prestigious undergrads, I was hoping one or two of you won't mind giving me some feedback on my application...

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7936

My Magic # essentially makes all med schools look like either safe or decent shots, but I know that can't be the case. I spent my first couple years in and out of college and work as I tried to figure out what I wanted to do. When I did decide to go back to college, I worked hard and got a higher GPA my junior and senior years. (That experience is covered in my personal statement.) But I did end up going to an unranked state school that essentially admits anyone who can fill out an application. (I got a good education, though, and I'm on great terms with a couple of my old professors who I think will write good LORs).

I'm hoping that my volunteer work after graduation will balance out that part of my application... What are your thoughts? Should I add to or revise my choice of schools?

Thanks! ~Hazel
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I really would not only apply to 11 schools, especially because the majority of them are CA schools. Yes, your MCAT is slightly above average for accepted applicants to the top schools, but your GPA is actually about 0.1 under the average. I don't think your college makes much of a difference. The MCAT is the great equalizer and you did very well. Plus your GPA isn't a 4.0 so I don't think grade inflation will be suspected. I would make sure you have enough clinical experience. I only saw ER volunteering (briefly) on your MDApps. This is really important! Try to do some doctor shadowing as well.
About your schools... First don't apply to UWash if you aren't applying MD/PhD. They take VERY few OOSers and I think mostly URMs. Second, I would apply to at least 15 schools, especially considering you are a CA resident. Apply to other OOS private schools in regions of the country where you could live. You don't want to have to reapply because you didn't apply wisely the first time.
 
GZA said:
im very confused why people do not list undergrad college with their gpa. This makes a WORLD of difference. a 4.0 from nowherestateuniversity isn't equal to a 4.0 at a top 25 school period.
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I wouldn't go as far as to say "period". "Where you went to UG" seems to be a big topic in pre-allo, but it usually ends up being elitist and inflammatory at best. I've found more anecdotal evidence for it than anything else, usually because pre-meds WANT it to be true, to make them feel better about their "tough" degree from a "tougher" school. In all honesty, I've known more 4.0 French majors from "nowherestateU" than anything else.
 
pazan said:
Thanks for the advice. Believe me, I'm fully aware of the mediocrity of my stats... I'm not deluding myself into thinking I will get into these schools, but there's still a chance I'll be admitted. People get into CA schools for various reasons... most of them have stellar stats but there are plenty that have faults and make up for them in other areas or know the right people and can get strings pulled.

In any event, I probably won't be applying this year anyways. It doesn't make sense to potentially waste money and time when I can just apply next year to 20+ schools and get it over with. Though applying this year may save me money in the long run (if I can somehow get in), I'll probably have to re-apply and it'll end up hurting me.
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Just out of curiosity, what is your home state? OHSU accepts more OOS than you think (former OR resident here), as they aren't much of a "state" school when it comes to funding. Personally, I applied to 21 schools (expensive!) but it yielded me plenty of interviews and an acceptance. Good luck!
 
Hey guys..I need some advice. These are my stats:
gpa: 3.47
science: 3.3
MCAT: well the first time was in January and I got the test with the faulty verbal passage (the questions didn't match up with the passage), they told us they could still give us valid scores so I decided not to void my test..BAD idea because I ended up with a 26.
Anyway I took it again in april and this time got a 35.
EC's (which are not that great)
summer of freshmen year- volunteered at the hospital 400 hours

Hand in Hand- I'm Vice President of Logistics next year, we basically tutor immigrant kids at a local underpriveleged school

summer of sophomore year- worked in a cardiovascular research lab, we were studying the affect of anp on myocardial infarction

other than that, I've done little stuff here and there, but nothing too impressive

So, that being said, I have a couple of questions:
1) Do I have a chance at regular decision? Because right now I'm trying to decide if I want to do early decision at MCG (in GA). I've heard early decision is easier to get into so I was thinking if I can't get in with regular, than early decision is my best bet, though I would like to have more options if I can get them.

2) I'm setting up some job shadowing that's probably going to start the week of june 11th, should I wait to send my application in after that or just send it before and talk about the job shadowing in my interviews?

3) Do you think they'll hold the first mcat score against me? AMCAS said they'll send a letter explaining what happened but I don't know if that's going to help.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
Hey guys..I need some advice. These are my stats:
gpa: 3.47
science: 3.3
MCAT: well the first time was in January and I got the test with the faulty verbal passage (the questions didn't match up with the passage), they told us they could still give us valid scores so I decided not to void my test..BAD idea because I ended up with a 26.
Anyway I took it again in april and this time got a 35.
EC's (which are not that great)
summer of freshmen year- volunteered at the hospital 400 hours

Hand in Hand- I'm Vice President of Logistics next year, we basically tutor immigrant kids at a local underpriveleged school

summer of sophomore year- worked in a cardiovascular research lab, we were studying the affect of anp on myocardial infarction

other than that, I've done little stuff here and there, but nothing too impressive

So, that being said, I have a couple of questions:
1) Do I have a chance at regular decision? Because right now I'm trying to decide if I want to do early decision at MCG (in GA). I've heard early decision is easier to get into so I was thinking if I can't get in with regular, than early decision is my best bet, though I would like to have more options if I can get them.

2) I'm setting up some job shadowing that's probably going to start the week of june 11th, should I wait to send my application in after that or just send it before and talk about the job shadowing in my interviews?

3) Do you think they'll hold the first mcat score against me? AMCAS said they'll send a letter explaining what happened but I don't know if that's going to help.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
hey everyone,

i need some advice...here are my stats:

junior at a top 10 public university
GPA: 3.85
MCAT: 35M....(9 in verbal!!) yeah, verbal/writing kicked my ass
EC's: vice pres of club, 1.5 years of hospital volunteering and will be continuing, 1 year of mentoring junior high school kids and will be running the math program next year, research for 3 years and ongoing with some abstract publications, research in poverty issues in latin america, volunteered in mexico , will be going to honduras to set up clinics this summer ( i don't know if I can list this because I haven't done it yet, but I'm going for sure), part time job for 1 year during sophomore year (don't know if I should list this)

Schools applying to:

all of the UC's
duke
mayo
john hopkins
ohio state university
stanford
harvard
u of chicago
mount sinai
case western?
georgetown
baylor
dartmouth

any advice for more backup schools? also, should I list EC's that I haven't done yet, but will be doing for sure in the summer? thanks for your help!!
 
Well I definately want to do MD.....with those mcats (26-O) does anyone have any suggestions for some MD schools I should apply to?
 
People also need to list what state they are from because that matters quite a bit. OOS applicants are looked at a lot harder than instate applicants.
 
hey I think my MD school list is finalized (finally).... I haven't gotten it looked over by anyone or any comments on my MDapps so just throwing an invitation out there for someone to check it out and maybe suggest some additions/deletions before i submit next week.

i'm a reapplicant with 33R and 3.75 overall and 3.94 bcpm and a PA resident. it sucks i have to reapply, but mainly i feel the reason was i was an august mcater and waited til i got more score back, so was mailing secondaries back in late october and november (and only applied to 7 schools or so), and also i think i had a mediocre PS and LOR , both of which have been taken care of. either way, not getting in has me scared for this cycle and im applying to a bunch more schools (26 or so) and will probably be applying DO as well for backup.

anyways, thats my little story and all feedback is always appreciated:

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7830
 
Hi everyone,

I'm a non-trad applicant for the 2008 cycle. I went to a top 4 liberal arts college for undergrad and went to a 4 year city college for post bacc in NY. I'm married and have to consider schools where my husband can find a job in his field. All schools I've already listed is ok since they're close to metro area EXCEPT SUNY buffalo and upstate. Only reason I'm adding the two are because I want to apply broadly but I'm not quite sure if I should even bother since I can't see myself in those locations. Do you have any suggestions as to what schools I should add? Also, is it even worth applying to Columbia, Mt. Sinai, Cornell and NYU? I added them since I'm a NY resident but do I even have a chance?

Thank you so much for your time in advance!

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8042
 
hi, i need some help please... i'm from RI, no public medical schools at all.
if someone would look at my mdapps and let me know if i'm on the right track at all since my school doesn't have a premed committee, it'd be greatly appreciated!
 
Thanks for taking the time to give me some feedback, OncDoc. I've gotten nothing but (over)optimistic feedback from others (including my pre-med advisor), and while they all mean well, it's reassuring to hear a more realistic point of view.

OncDoc19 said:
I would make sure you have enough clinical experience. I only saw ER volunteering (briefly) on your MDApps. This is really important! Try to do some doctor shadowing as well.
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I know, believe me... Unfortunately, I'm still in rural Africa for the next few months, and unless watching the village healer throw bones and beat drums counts as shadowing, my application is what it is. (I know, internet in rural Africa? The world is CRAZY. There are days I'd trade it in a heartbeat for a hot shower or flush toilet, though...)

OncDoc19 said:
About your schools... First don't apply to UWash if you aren't applying MD/PhD. They take VERY few OOSers and I think mostly URMs.
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Yeah, I'm expecting a quick rejection. My immediate family lives there so I figure it's worth the few extra dollars to give it a shot.

OncDoc19 said:
Second, I would apply to at least 15 schools, especially considering you are a CA resident. Apply to other OOS private schools in regions of the country where you could live. You don't want to have to reapply because you didn't apply wisely the first time.
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Definitely not... Do you think I can get away with applying more broadly to schools of the tier I've chosen so far (i.e. close to or a couple points lower than my stats) or do I need to look for lower numbers than that?
 
I had a more general question first: Looking at the MSAR, I'm getting intimidated by the percentages of accepted people with research experience. I hadn't realized that more people are accepted that research than volunteer. Can a lack of research experience severely damage an applicant's chances?

I consider myself a good applicant (3.9 GPA at a top public school, 36 MCAT, volunteering regularly at a hospital since I was in about 9th grade through college, big EC is I have been writing weekly for the school paper for about 2 years, shadowed for a week, summer pre-med program at NJMS, etc), but I am having trouble figuring out where to apply. When I see a school that has 90%+ (UCSF, Penn, Duke, Vanderbilt, etc) accepted with research, do I even bother applying?
 
RJain said:
I had a more general question first: Looking at the MSAR, I'm getting intimidated by the percentages of accepted people with research experience. I hadn't realized that more people are accepted that research than volunteer. Can a lack of research experience severely damage an applicant's chances?

I consider myself a good applicant (3.9 GPA at a top public school, 36 MCAT, volunteering regularly at a hospital since I was in about 9th grade through college, big EC is I have been writing weekly for the school paper for about 2 years, shadowed for a week, summer pre-med program at NJMS, etc), but I am having trouble figuring out where to apply. When I see a school that has 90%+ (UCSF, Penn, Duke, Vanderbilt, etc) accepted with research, do I even bother applying?
Click to expand...

yes, still apply!!! you have great stats and good ECs. remember that a lot of people who did 'research' in undergrad were not neccessarily writing extensive papers and getting published. They could have very likely just been assisting a professor, washing equipment, etc. Heck, you could be the lab b!tch and still be put on as the last author of a paper. apply!!!! you will never know until you try!!!!! (rhyming is fun)

EDIT: some schools are in fact research heavy: Johns Hopkins, Harvard maybe, i don't know the exact ones, others may know them better. without research, i wouldn't apply to those ones. you may just have to ask, MSAR doesn't hold all the answers.
 
Hi Everyone,

I thought I'd put my stats up and see if I can get some feedback. Last year, I submitted an application to approximately twenty schools. However, I only received one interview invite and one pre-interview hold. I am currently waitlisted at SLU. I was just wondering why I received so little interview invites. Also, I will be resubmitting my application this summer, and I was wondering if I should rewrite the MCAT.

This month, I will graduate from a University in Canada with a 3.65 cumulative GPA and a 3.76 BCMP GPA. I scored a 31R (11 verbal, 10 biology, 10 physics) on the MCAT two years ago. I have good letters of recommendation from professors and employer. My extracurriculars include: volunteering for the crisis helpline and an alzheimer outreach program during the year, and volunteering at a cancer clinic as an administrative assistant during the summer. Last summer, I spent six weeks volunteering as a HIV/AIDS counselor in Kenya. Except for spending one summer in an immunology lab as a research assistant, I don't have much research experience. My work experiences include tutoring in math, chemistry, English and French. My interests include travelling, reading, and playing the piano.

Please let me know what you think. Thanks.

Cheers,
Joyssoul
 
Joyssoul said:
Hi Everyone,

I thought I'd put my stats up and see if I can get some feedback. Last year, I submitted an application to approximately twenty schools. However, I only received one interview invite and one pre-interview hold. I am currently waitlisted at SLU. I was just wondering why I received so little interview invites. Also, I will be resubmitting my application this summer, and I was wondering if I should rewrite the MCAT.

Please let me know what you think. Thanks.

Cheers,
Joyssoul
Click to expand...

When did you submit last year? Early, middle, or late? Did you contact any of the schools to see how you could improve your app? What schools did you apply to? These things would be helpful so that we could better answer your questions.
 
Hi spospo,

Thanks for taking an interest. I submitted my AMCAS application November 1st and I think it was finalized by mid December. I believe this would be considered late? I applied to NYMC, AMC, Tulane, Wayne State, SLU, Penn State, Rosalind Franklin. I looked through MSAR and applied to the schools with comparable stats.

What do you think? Is it because I applied too late? Do you think I should risk delaying my application this year by retakign my MCAT?

Thanks.
Joyssoul
 
Joyssoul said:
Hi spospo,

Thanks for taking an interest. I submitted my AMCAS application November 1st and I think it was finalized by mid December. I believe this would be considered late? I applied to NYMC, AMC, Tulane, Wayne State, SLU, Penn State, Rosalind Franklin. I looked through MSAR and applied to the schools with comparable stats.

What do you think? Is it because I applied too late? Do you think I should risk delaying my application this year by retakign my MCAT?

Thanks.
Joyssoul
Click to expand...

Here's a rough timeline

June - mid-July = early
mid-July - mid-August = big rush, normal
After mid-August = late

Do keep in mind, I am refering to when the schools receive your application, NOT when you hit the submit button, because it does take time to get LORs and transcripts submitted an verified.
 
Booo... I guess it was my fault in not submitting it early enough. I didn't realize this when I applied last year. In Canada, we don't have rolling admissions, so everyone only has to worry about getting the application in by the dealine (usually early Sept to early Oct). I do plan on having my AMCAS application submitted by mid June this time.

Do you think my MCAT score is too low? I see people with mid to high 30s on SDN not getting in, maybe I should rewrite? If I check that box that says that I plan on rewriting the test in September, how would this affect my application? Would it delay the process?

Thanks, guys. I really appreciate this.
 
Also, how appropriate would it be to call or e-mail the schools and ask for feedback? Would this annoy them seeing as how they're probably pretty busy with other admissions tasks? How did you guys do it?
 
spospo said:
how do your LORs look? I think you have a good shot even with the 8 in verbal. Some schools may screen you out because of that, but i am sure a lot of them will look beyond it. good luck!
Click to expand...

I haven't seen them but I am sure the Letters of Rec are really good. Are they that important?

PS: Thanks alot for the feedback.
 
spospo said:
yes, still apply!!! you have great stats and good ECs. remember that a lot of people who did 'research' in undergrad were not neccessarily writing extensive papers and getting published. They could have very likely just been assisting a professor, washing equipment, etc. Heck, you could be the lab b!tch and still be put on as the last author of a paper. apply!!!! you will never know until you try!!!!! (rhyming is fun)

EDIT: some schools are in fact research heavy: Johns Hopkins, Harvard maybe, i don't know the exact ones, others may know them better. without research, i wouldn't apply to those ones. you may just have to ask, MSAR doesn't hold all the answers.
Click to expand...

thanks for the encouragement and advice. I guess I'll just throw out this question for anyone to answer: what schools would you suggest/recommend someone not apply to if they have no research experience?
 
Hi Madame,

I'm including my original post as reference but I have another question for... my original
Originally Posted by killinsound
Hi,

I'm an undergrad at UCSD.

My cumulative GPA is a 3.43 currently, and by the end of this quarter if I get straight A's (it looks that way right now), I could possibly bump up to a 3.50 or at least really close to it. I would have to wait for mid June for my grades to get released. Is it worth my time to wait, or should I apply right on June 5th?

My 1st two years of college suffered from unmotivation, family issues, etc. However, since then, I have only received one B+ and the rest A's or A+'s in all my classes. Hence, I have a very strong upward trend. This is all explained, without mentioning my grades directly, just the problems, and how it pointed me towards medicine. For this reason, my cumulative GPA is relatively low, but my BCPM/Major gpa is around a 3.8

My MCAT is a PS 13 BS 13 VR 10 WS:R... 36R. The decision to pursue medicine did not dawn on me until the end of 2nd quarter, so therefore my more "clinical" EC's aren't as developed as other med students.

ie: i only have 2 quarters of volunteering in a hospital (and still continuing) and I have been doing research (no publications) for almost a year now. However, I have been working at least 12, but mostly 15 hours a week for all of my college career. I also have alot of nonmedicine related ec activites (snorkel club, photography club, etc.).

My question is what schools do I have a shot at?

I'm a bit wary about my low cumulative GPA and how it will effect my chances even with my very strong upward trend (it's more of a step).
Click to expand...

I miscalculated my GPA and if I get straight A's (that's the way it's looking), my GPA will still be 3.473 with a science BCPM gpa of 3.693. My Cumulative and BCPM gpa for my 3rd AND 4th year have both been 3.9+. I'm worried that my 3.473 GPA will get me screened out by computers (Mainly UC schools) because I don't meet the average 3.50 GPA that most matriculants have.

Should I even bother applying this cycle?

Thanks
KS
 
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