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

[whateva07]

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Help!

Need help with schools! Where to apply? suggestions anyone?

Check out profile:
http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8041

Thanks😉

 

[doinmybest5840]

What do people think my chances would be at Georgetown vs. University of Maryland vs. Penn State? My stats are in my mdapps link below. I'd like to only apply to two of those three, as I have enough already. Thanks!

 

[calbears86]

Please help!
I need to narrow down the list of schools to apply to and also pick some good backups. Well, here is my mdapp

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=08060

thanks a lot!!

 

[2cor4seven]

That's really where I want to go, the Uniformed Services University. I have the MDapp, it's http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8063

I attended the Texas Academy of Math and Science at age 16 which is how I graduated at 20, so now I have time off between now and 2008. I'm a kindergarten teacher for the 2007-2008 year. Do you think that will hinder my chances with med schools? I have the prereqs, I just also have a bilingual ed degree. The only reason my BCMP is kinda on the lower end (3.55) is that my first year, at age 16 I took the bio's and chem's and made Bs in almost all the classes I took first sem and some second sem except for labs...besides my average freshman year, I only made two Bs in the final years of my degree giving me a 3.85 overall. So that's a complete upward trend. I don't have many schools I'm applying to, since I'm pretty set on USUHS, but I have 2 state schools in Texas. Thanks for any input.

 

[envirodoc]

will post when I get my MCAT!
But... I graduate this year (double major: Bio + Earth & Geographic Science (GIS))... never took Organic Chem, but considering taking it this fall and spring at Harvard Extension... is there a score on the MCAT I could get that would make this unnecessary... or am I best off taking it?

 

[cervenka08]

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.

Random Question:

Are we supposed to send our letters of rec directly to the schools or to AMCAS?

 

[mongrel]

Random Question:

Are we supposed to send our letters of rec directly to the schools or to AMCAS?

The schools- this will happen after you get secondary apps back.

 

[OncDoc19]

will post when I get my MCAT!
But... I graduate this year (double major: Bio + Earth & Geographic Science (GIS))... never took Organic Chem, but considering taking it this fall and spring at Harvard Extension... is there a score on the MCAT I could get that would make this unnecessary... or am I best off taking it?

You must take organic chemsitry, ususally one or two semesters, depending on the school. Check the MSAR.

 

[swim2006]

I was wondering if anyone could look at my list of schools and give me any advise?

 

[pazan]

Help!

Need help with schools! Where to apply? suggestions anyone?

Check out profile:
http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8041

Thanks😉

You really should add some DO schools to the list. You'll have a good chance of acceptance at DOs, and you're under no obligation to attend them if you get in and decide the osteopathic route is not for you. If the only reason you're not applying is because of a stigma against osteopaths, I feel like you're making a huge mistake (especially because all of the MD schools on your list are reaches with a 26 MCAT). DOs really have the same rights and scope of practice as MDs... a pair of initials after your name won't change the fact you're a physician.

 

[OncDoc19]

That's really where I want to go, the Uniformed Services University. I have the MDapp, it's http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8063

I attended the Texas Academy of Math and Science at age 16 which is how I graduated at 20, so now I have time off between now and 2008. I'm a kindergarten teacher for the 2007-2008 year. Do you think that will hinder my chances with med schools? I have the prereqs, I just also have a bilingual ed degree. The only reason my BCMP is kinda on the lower end (3.55) is that my first year, at age 16 I took the bio's and chem's and made Bs in almost all the classes I took first sem and some second sem except for labs...besides my average freshman year, I only made two Bs in the final years of my degree giving me a 3.85 overall. So that's a complete upward trend. I don't have many schools I'm applying to, since I'm pretty set on USUHS, but I have 2 state schools in Texas. Thanks for any input.

I really think its a mistake to apply to only 5 schools. Even the best applicants should apply to at least 10. Even if you really favor one school, you should still apply to other places where you would be happy going if you didn't get into your first choice.

 

[killinsound]

please help me get rid of 3-5 schools

either read below or http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7893

Application Year: 2008
Homestate: CA
Undergrad: TOP UC school
MCAT Score: VR 10, PS 13, BS 13, S
BCPM GPA: 3.70
Overall GPA: 3.47


Brief Profile:
My grades were pretty poor 1st-2nd year of college because of family issues/no motivation etc... for instance... my first 2 years of college GPA ~ 3.1 same with BCPM
3rd and 4th year ~ 3.9+ both cumulative and BCPM

My decision to pursue medicine did not start until 3rd year of college and really did not manifest until my first quarter of my last year of college. I've only gotten one B+ and the rest A to A+'s in all my subsequent classes since my 2nd year of college.

My late decision shows most heavily in my EC's, many of which are not medicine related.

EC's:

Research (no publications)
Volunteering at a Hospital (at the time of application probably only 70-80 or so hours)
Habitat for Humanity
Photography club
Piano Club
Snorkeling club
Assistant Coached a youth basketball team
Biology TA
Internships in different engineering fields

nothing too spectacular.

Overview of Applications:
Awaiting Secondary
Albany Medical College
Albert Einstein of Yeshiva University
Baylor College
Boston University
Brown University
Dartmouth College
Drexel University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Loyola University Chicago
Mayo Medical School
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
New York Medical College
New York University
Oregon Health & Science University
Saint Louis University
Stanford University
Temple University
Tufts University
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
University of California, San Francisco
University of Rochester
University of Southern California
Wake Forest University

 

[montessori2md]

Hey guys. im kinda stuck right now so let me know if you have any advice for me. Thanks in advance

I took the mcat twice. 23N (8 PS, 7 VR, 8BS) in august and 26Q (10PS, 9VR, 7BS)this april.
GPA: 3.76 with science: 3.6
Major: Biology
State: OH

Researched for 6 months in a microbio lab
Researched for 6 months in a clinical setting
Volunteered at a hospital 3 years
Officers in 2 clubs + active member in many others

What schools do I have a chance to get in this yr in ohio?
What schools do I have a chance to get in this yr in the us?

Should apply MD, DO, Caribbean or apply to all 3?
Should I take the MCAT one more time in Aug. even though 3 is frowned apon by med schools?

Once again thanks guys

DONT take again unless you're sure you'll blow it out of the water.

Apply to DO schools in OH and to in state schools you'd attend. How you do may depend on what school was your ugrad and your major (say you were engineering at ohio state, that's impressive, say you're a psych major at gee whiz U, not so impressive, that gpa). Check to see what schools take the highest score from each section, because that makes you look ok, except for BS section.

Get a lot of feedback from people who will be honest about your personal statement, and do some mock interviews, even if you just apply for 14 internships you have no intention of accepting, just so you can answer questions in a suit.

 

[MedDream]

Hi,

This is my first time posting so I'm a little nervous 😛 but I was having some trouble deciding something and while in the past I've been a silent observer of SDN I thought why not put it out here. Basically I'm going to take the MCATs for the first time on June 15th and right now my practices are staying around 28 with Verbal my highest score. I am a California resident and would like to be competitive for California medical schools so I know that a 28 is probably not going to cut it. I don't want to be late with my application being complete and that is why I signed up for the June MCAT's over the July ones. So the question is should I wait until July to take the MCATs or should I take them in June and try again in August? My counselor says that a July score will postpone getting secondaries/interview offers all the way to September/October. But if I take it in June and then retake in August will schools only consider my first score or if it goes up will they acknowledge that one too? Mostly I don't want Cali schools to look at a 28 and disregard me early on and then if I do better in August still not care. If a school doesn't send you a secondary does that mean you have been rejected or can you still submit new information to that school for reconsideration? I'm new to all this so sorry if these questions have been answered before, etc. Thanks!

--Med Dream
Good luck to all btw

STATS:

CUM GPA: 3.66
BCMP GPA: 3.50

ACTIVITIES:

-research assistant at UCSF
-volunteer work in a third world country
-many shadowing experiences
-volunteer for the American Red Cross
-competition dance team member
-ESL teacher
-HIV/AIDS related volunteer work
-volunteer work in hospital consistently for 4 years with 600+ hours of service

 

[peachnkeen519]

How much does it affect your chances of getting accepted if you're in state and its a state school? I'm from Boulder, CO. Lived in CO since i was 8months old. My gpa is mediocre, 3.2 right now. Still need to take orgo 2 and my academic advisor recommended i take biochem to bring up my gpa and do well. I sucked my freshman sophmore year for a reason (dont know if its valid, but i did badly because of a stalker and death threats for 2 years). I got a 3.6 for the last 2 semesters and plan on taking the MCAT when i graduate. I've been volunteering for 7 months (and plan to continue until i apply to med school) at planned parenthood as a clinic assistant (pre-screen patients, do hiv and preg tests, clerical stuff too). I just got a position at a hospital for volunteering and plan to do that until i apply to med school as well. I've been doing research with a professor since jan 07 but no publication. I plan to graduate may 08, which only gives me 2 semesters to raise my gpa. Would it be a good idea to take an extra semester and graduate late and take more science classes like biochem and more biology? Also, is my instate residency going to influence my chances of getting in the CO med school, do i even have a chance if i can raise my gpa? What would i have to get on the MCAT to get into the Univ of CO med school? Thanks for all your help!!! (i know this was a very loaded post, but thanks for patience! and help!)

 

[spospo]

How much does it affect your chances of getting accepted if you're in state and its a state school? I'm from Boulder, CO. Lived in CO since i was 8months old. My gpa is mediocre, 3.2 right now. Still need to take orgo 2 and my academic advisor recommended i take biochem to bring up my gpa and do well. I sucked my freshman sophmore year for a reason (dont know if its valid, but i did badly because of a stalker and death threats for 2 years). I got a 3.6 for the last 2 semesters and plan on taking the MCAT when i graduate. I've been volunteering for 7 months (and plan to continue until i apply to med school) at planned parenthood as a clinic assistant (pre-screen patients, do hiv and preg tests, clerical stuff too). I just got a position at a hospital for volunteering and plan to do that until i apply to med school as well. I've been doing research with a professor since jan 07 but no publication. I plan to graduate may 08, which only gives me 2 semesters to raise my gpa. Would it be a good idea to take an extra semester and graduate late and take more science classes like biochem and more biology? Also, is my instate residency going to influence my chances of getting in the CO med school, do i even have a chance if i can raise my gpa? What would i have to get on the MCAT to get into the Univ of CO med school? Thanks for all your help!!! (i know this was a very loaded post, but thanks for patience! and help!)

i won't answer everything you said; i'll just write. just do the best that you can in your last few semesters. strengthen your relationships with some of your profs (both science and non science) so that they can write you strong LORs. Being a CO resident will be a major benefit to you when applying to UCHSC or whatever it is called. i went to school for 4 years in CO and applied there, but i am pretty sure my lack of CO residency stacked the odds hugely against me. i know that their average MCAT is in the low 30s (32-33 i think), so aim to get around that. of course, being above would always help but being below won't kill you either. don't worry too much about where you will apply (seeing as how you still have a year to decide that). focus on you schooling and then on the MCAT when that time gets closer. good luck!

 

[Decicco]

I've got a 4.0 and am taking the MCAT this summer. Could you break down my possible MCAT scores to different tiers of schools? This is what I think so far:
Top Tier: 35+
Middle: 30-34
Safety Schools: 28-29

 

[kevster2001]

I've got a 4.0 and am taking the MCAT this summer. Could you break down my possible MCAT scores to different tiers of schools? This is what I think so far:
Top Tier: 35+
Middle: 30-34
Safety Schools: 28-29

MSAR

 

[TheRealMD]

I really think its a mistake to apply to only 5 schools. Even the best applicants should apply to at least 10. Even if you really favor one school, you should still apply to other places where you would be happy going if you didn't get into your first choice.

Eh.. Texas is rather isolated but still, I'd try some OOS schools unless you know you'll get in somewhere in Texas.

It's a bit hard to tell since she hasn't gotten her MCAT back yet. I'd put in some safety schools because you can never know how you'll do on your MCAT.

What year did you graduate from TAMS?

 

[mongrel]

I've got a 4.0 and am taking the MCAT this summer. Could you break down my possible MCAT scores to different tiers of schools? This is what I think so far:
Top Tier: 35+
Middle: 30-34
Safety Schools: 28-29

Really though, it's not all numbers. Are your EC's stellar? If you have great LOR's that will help tremendously. If you do just well enough to get an interview, then your personal meeting with the adcom is almost all that will count. It's really NOT all riding on GPA and MCAT. Do your best on the test and be real during the interview and I'm sure you'll do fine.

 

[copingmethods]

Hey guys,
So my numbers are good, and I think my ECs and PS are decent, I'm just really set on UCSF - I'm confident w/ my application in general, just not as confident when it comes to UCSF 😳

My GPA/MCAT are definitely good enough -
GPA: 3.9
BCPM: 4.0
MCAT: 39S

However it also seems like if there's any school that looks beyond numbers, it's San Francisco.

My ECs are:
Microbiology research, Both non-clinical (needle exchange) and ICU volunteer, shadowed a general surgeon over winter break this year, medical volunteer trip to Costa Rica/Panama (2 wks), AMSA (involved in planning a local health fair)

I'll have letters from o-chem prof. (top grade in the class), genetics (near the top, but didn't know him that well), my PI, a Costa Rican doctor that supervised on the trip, my medical spanish teacher, and a supervisor where I volunteer.

Thanks everyone! I probably seem neurotic, but, well, it's UC San Francisco...

 

[PrettyLadyDoc]

Hey SDN, this is my first post 🙂

I'm a current junior and I was thinking of applying to Tulane early decision for Class of 2013. Has anyone out there done that or had experience (good/bad) that can tell me more?

Thanks! 😍

 

[minitwinkie]

I have wanted to be a doctor since before I can even remember. I was a 6-year-old first grader who knew how to spell and pronounce Robitussin DM and what it is used for. I loved to administer the medication to my younger brother when he was sick (of course Mom measured it out and gave me the cup so I could give it to him).

Anyway, I skipped 9th grade and went to the Illinois Math and Science Academy, which is for focused, gifted students. I got my diploma in 3 years, meaning I graduated at 16.

I started college a month after turning 17 and I burned out my second year. I was so tired of studying, since high school was a lot like college. I was sick of it and I slacked off. My GPA suffered tremendously. I have newly found motivation now. I brought my GPA up a little, but I just finished my junior year of college. I don't think I have time to apply to medical school now if I want to start Fall 2008.

I will be 20 next month and entering my senior year. I am currently doing an REU in microbiology at the University of Georgia. My extracurriculars are pretty much nonexistent since I've had to work most of my way through college. Here are my GPA statistics... I've made the Deans List 3 times out of my total 9 quarters at RIT.

Cumulative: 3.218
Major (Biomedical Sciences): 3.120

I've retaken the two courses I got Ds in which brought my GPA up a bit. The courses that I got Cs in are Statistics, Organic Chem 2, and Physics 2.

Some of the upper level electives I've taken so far are Neurology (B), Medical Pathophysiology (A), Anatomy & Physiology (B), Genetics (B)... I am taking a lot of electives next year along the lines of Medical Terminology, Histology, Human Gross Anatomy, Virology, Microbial Pathogenesis...

In all standardized tests I've taken (PSATs, SAT, ACT, those elementary school state tests), I've always scored in at least the top 10% of the nation. I understand that the parameters for the MCAT will be VERY different though...

Another thing that may work to my benefit.. I have a profound hearing loss and use a cochlear implant and speech reading to communicate. This might actually be a plus, but it could also be a detriment (it would depend on the school, of course).

All I know is that I don't want to get a Ph.D. anymore. I don't think I could stand putting in all those years of work and not have a guaranteed job market.

What do you think?

 

[aCoke4u]

Hello
What do you think my chances are this time around?

I'm a reapplicant
Overall GPA 3.5
BCMP GPA 3.1
MCAT 27O , 30P
Attending MPH program
Research (publications), Clinical/volunteer, EMT-B, other random activities

Should I retake the MCAT again? or should I see what happens?

Thanks!

 

[DocInProgress]

Hello
What do you think my chances are this time around?

I'm a reapplicant
Overall GPA 3.5
BCMP GPA 3.1
MCAT 27O , 30P
Attending MPH program
Research (publications), Clinical/volunteer, EMT-B, other random activities

Should I retake the MCAT again? or should I see what happens?

Thanks!

What is your MCAT breakdown? Also, what is your grad (MPH) GPA? I'm assuming you took the MPH program because your BCPM is too low.

 

[waterbuffalo]

For those experienced veterans, Please HELP!!!

VA resident
BYU graduate 2006 in Biology
GPA: 3.6
SGPA: 3.3
MCAT: 25 (8V, 9P, 8B); 28 (9V, 10P, 9B)

-2.5 years of good research exp. (but no publications)
-leadership exp. in several student clubs
-mentor
-2 year missionary work for church
-1 year internship as surgical technician for ophthalmologist

I have been excepted to 2 DO schools for the fall of '07 and waitlisted at 2 MD schools. Would it be a good idea to re-apply to try to get into a MD school for fall 08 (Any MD school is fine if I am highly competitive). If so, should I retake the MCAT? 🙄

 

[ryandote]

For those experienced veterans, Please HELP!!!

VA resident
BYU graduate 2006 in Biology
GPA: 3.6
SGPA: 3.3
MCAT: 25 (8V, 9P, 8B); 28 (9V, 10P, 9B)

-2.5 years of good research exp. (but no publications)
-leadership exp. in several student clubs
-mentor
-2 year missionary work for church
-1 year internship as surgical technician for ophthalmologist

I have been excepted to 2 DO schools for the fall of '07 and waitlisted at 2 MD schools. Would it be a good idea to re-apply to try to get into a MD school for fall 08 (Any MD school is fine if I am highly competitive). If so, should I retake the MCAT? 🙄

Accepted... go cougs!

Your GPA seems marginal, especially considering how grade-inflated BYU sometimes feels. No offense intended, because I had a similar GPA (about 3.6/3.5 ?) I also had a friend that worked for that optho guy down at the physician's plaza...apparently he writes good letters of rec.

So maybe the problem is the marginal GPA combined with the marginal MCAT. One can make up for the other... but only if one is good, you know? What do you mean by:

"(Any MD school is fine if I am highly competitive)." ?

If you aren't willing to go DO, you might shouldn't apply. Turning down a DO to try again for an MD isn't as bad as turning down an MD for another MD...but it isn't a fabulous idea. Especially if you don't know that MD is within your reach. Taking the MCAT again and scoring within the same range (25-29) will only cement the that as the best of your abilities. Don't do it again unless you KNOW you can top 30.

Good luck!

 

[aCoke4u]

What is your MCAT breakdown? Also, what is your grad (MPH) GPA? I'm assuming you took the MPH program because your BCPM is too low.

Hi Thanks for the reply. MCAT breakdown is V8, B11, P11 the 2nd time around and first time was one point below for each section. I haven't started the MPH program yet, so I would have to update them with my summer term grades (which starts in july.) Yes, the MPH was due to the low BCPM, and I chose mph over smp because i wanted an mph anyways (also it's more substantial since you get a degree). However, I guess i'm getting concerned since my scores itself have not changed from last time. This time around my GPA is .04 higher than last time, I have an MPH, and I've added some more volunteer/clinical experiences. Currently, i'm debating whether I should retake the MCAT again for the third time. Please let me know what you think! Greatly appreciate your reply 🙂

 

[foreverLaur]

What would an admissions committee make of me?
First two years at school #1 as a business major = 2.51 GPA
Last two years at school #2 as a microbiology major = 3.9 GPA
Science GPA = 3.75
MCAT = 33

I have done research through school, volunteered at a hospital, worked in a genetics lab, and shadowed doctors as well. I have also interned at Ernst & Young - while that isn't med/science based, it is still a very highly ranked/well respected company so I thought I'd throw it in there.

 

[bluecrush]

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8095

Please look at my profile. I am taking a year off to do health policy research. I don't have the best gpa, but I come from a really good institution that is difficult. Any suggestions would be valued. I have lots of research/community service...very involved to explain lower gpa.

MCAT 32Q
GPA: 3.65
bPCM: 3.54

How many schools do you recommend? Do I have a chance at top tier med schools? I wrote my PS about being a humanities major.

 

[chickenlittle84]

Bluecrush -

I think you have a really great shot at getting in this year, especially with an additional year of work experience. Your GPA isn't amazing, but I think it is just fine - no school will accept you because of it, but no one will reject you because of it. It seems to me you should have a shot at some top tier shools, esp. those with an interest in health policy.

 

[ryandote]

I have wanted to be a doctor since before I can even remember. I was a 6-year-old first grader who knew how to spell and pronounce Robitussin DM and what it is ...

What do you think?

Wow, after the first part - I thought it was a joke.

Realize that when you retake classes, your AMCAS GPA (both science AND overall) will average the grades for the two classes. Ex: If you got a C and then retook the class for an A - it would affect your GPA as if you had a B in the class. Your GPA is very mediocre.

As far as the hearing loss, I suppose you could call that an advantage(?) so that you could apply as "disadvantage."

"Making the dean's list" is not much of an extracurricular. You need to do some volunteer work (to prove your humanity) and some clinical work (to show your resilience and love for medicine). Your research sounds like a good activity.

I'm glad you understand that the MCAT will be different than most standardized tests. Realize that it is the top 10% of the nation taking the tests, and you better score at least in the top half of that to feel competitive. It's pretty hard to comment on your prospects with no MCAT score and a dismal GPA.

Slow down, prepare yourself, make sure you want to do it.

Good luck, slugger.

 

[ryandote]

What would an admissions committee make of me?
First two years at school #1 as a business major = 2.51 GPA
Last two years at school #2 as a microbiology major = 3.9 GPA
Science GPA = 3.75
MCAT = 33

I have done research through school, volunteered at a hospital, worked in a genetics lab, and shadowed doctors as well. I have also interned at Ernst & Young - while that isn't med/science based, it is still a very highly ranked/well respected company so I thought I'd throw it in there.

Did you leave out your overall GPA on purpose? During your first two years as a business major did you take real business classes or did you take general requirements and a few intro business classes? Anyway, I assume your AO-GPA is somewhere around a 3.2?

I think you've got a very decent shot with an above-average MCAT score that will make up for some of your below-average GPA. (I know, I know, your science GPA is above-average: that makes your below-average AO-GPA hurt a little less)

Be sure that your clinical experience (shadowing?) and research/volunteer give you a real passion to pursue medicine, and make sure you can communicate that to your evaluators.

 

[foreverLaur]

Did you leave out your overall GPA on purpose? During your first two years as a business major did you take real business classes or did you take general requirements and a few intro business classes? Anyway, I assume your AO-GPA is somewhere around a 3.2?

I think you've got a very decent shot with an above-average MCAT score that will make up for some of your below-average GPA. (I know, I know, your science GPA is above-average: that makes your below-average AO-GPA hurt a little less)

Be sure that your clinical experience (shadowing?) and research/volunteer give you a real passion to pursue medicine, and make sure you can communicate that to your evaluators.

I was in the business honors program so I took a fair amount of business courses... marketing, organizational behavior, three upper level accounting courses, and a money and banking course. Sorry I didn't mention the cumulative. I haven't calculated it out exactly but the hours between years 1/2 and 3/4 are about the same so it's about an average.

 

[ryandote]

Hello
What do you think my chances are this time around?

...
Should I retake the MCAT again? or should I see what happens?

Thanks!

What changed from last time?

Hopefully the MCAT. You are now just about the matriculant average. BCPM is obviously still quite weak, but hopefully your performance in your MPH program will help to show a positive trend.

If you have shown consistent progress in MCAT, GPA, as well as continuing in your volunteer/clinical - I think you stand an excellent chance of being accepted. Maybe not a top 20 program, but I think you can get in.

Did you interview last year?

 

[ryandote]

Hey guys,
...
Thanks everyone! I probably seem neurotic, but, well, it's UC San Francisco...

sick, dude, sick.

Like you said, you are giving yourself a great opportunity, but nobody is a shoe-in at a top school like UCSF. URM? I hear that would help.

 

[mmcnam]

What are my chances of getting into a California school out of state? I've been comparing myself against people on MD applicants and I'm pretty similar to top applicants in-state. I'll be living in CA and working there for a year before I plan on attending med school.

 

[ryandote]

What are my chances of getting into a California school out of state? I've been comparing myself against people on MD applicants and I'm pretty similar to top applicants in-state. I'll be living in CA and working there for a year before I plan on attending med school.

Kind of hard for us to comment without knowing your situation. It's also hard to understand your residency situation. If you are applying as an out-of-state applicant, and you are similar to top in-state applicants, you still may not have a great chance.

Are you talking about deferring, or are you talking about obtaining residency before applying?

 

[futuremd1517]

Hello! I'm applying to medical school this summer and I really need some advice. I'm just graduated a top 20 rated college with a 3.82 overall GPA and 3.74 science GPA. I'm very involved with research with publications pending this summer. Unfortunately, I did not do as well as I hoped on the MCAT. I had a 33R with a 9 in physical sciences, 12 in verbal, and 12 in bio. I was SO UPSET by the 9 and am agonizing over whether or not to retake the MCAT this summer. I have been adviced by my school advisor not to in case I go down, but my scores on all my practices were much higher (36-38) with usually 11s in physical sci in 14s in bio. Is the 9 going to look terrible? I know it's a couple points below the national accepted average. Is a 10 in each section a typical cutoff?? I'm really looking to get into the top medical schools (Harvard, Stanford, Columbia...). What should I DO???? Btw, I received an A in calc based physics and an A- in gen chem, so they should see that I did do well in those classes and just really messed up on the exam.

 

[polecats77]

History and Chemistry major
3.83 overall GPA
4.0 science GPA
38Q MCAT (13 verb, 13 BS, 12 PS)
MN Resident

Research (published), president of several organizations on campus, varsity athlete, average volunteer and medical record.

Main question: I submitted my AMCAS application today, but felt like my personal statement was average. Not bad, not great; just OK. With my scores, is this going to really matter that much?

Applied to:
U of MN Minneapolis and Duluth
Mayo
U of Iowa
U of Wisconsin-Madison
Creighton
U of Chicago
Northwestern
Stanford
Yale
Duke
Brown

What do you think, oddsmakers?

 

[ryandote]

History and Chemistry major
...
What do you think, oddsmakers?

You are money.

Personally I would have applied to a few more schools, and a few more of my schools would have been mid-tier (even with your scores) but I'm paranoid.

Don't count on Mayo, Chicago, Stanford, Yale, or Duke... but I would be surprised if you didn't get into 1 or 2.

As long as you are not a tool, you have a very good chance of getting in.

 

[mmcnam]

Kind of hard for us to comment without knowing your situation. It's also hard to understand your residency situation. If you are applying as an out-of-state applicant, and you are similar to top in-state applicants, you still may not have a great chance.

Are you talking about deferring, or are you talking about obtaining residency before applying?

Thanks for your reply. My situation is that I'm a 3.9 student overall and in the sciences. I was an English major (just graduated) and have clinical experience/research experience in international health. (Meaning I have something besides good grades.) I haven't taken the MCAT but I'm fairly confident that it'll be in the range of UCLA/USC/Stanford etc. I'm moving to LA in a few months and living there for the year before medical school. I'll be working as a clinical care tech in a hospital. My most compelling reason for wanting to attend school in CA (and specifically LA) is that my significant other is attending graduate school in LA. We'd like to avoid be separated by graduate school. Technically, I'll be an in-state resident when school starts in Fall 08. It's strange, because my residency is somewhat blurred in this process. I'll have made a significant committment to CA, but won't have lived there as long as most residents.

Does anyone know what to make of this situation?

 

[mmcnam]

And here's my profile - if it helps!

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8011

 

[Phoenix.]

Thanks for your reply. My situation is that I'm a 3.9 student overall and in the sciences. I was an English major (just graduated) and have clinical experience/research experience in international health. (Meaning I have something besides good grades.) I haven't taken the MCAT but I'm fairly confident that it'll be in the range of UCLA/USC/Stanford etc. I'm moving to LA in a few months and living there for the year before medical school. I'll be working as a clinical care tech in a hospital. My most compelling reason for wanting to attend school in CA (and specifically LA) is that my significant other is attending graduate school in LA. We'd like to avoid be separated by graduate school. Technically, I'll be an in-state resident when school starts in Fall 08. It's strange, because my residency is somewhat blurred in this process. I'll have made a significant committment to CA, but won't have lived there as long as most residents.

Does anyone know what to make of this situation?

I'd read up on CA residency requirements from the source. But from my experience in 1998, I was in grad school in CA and got residency (and in-state tuition) after getting a CA drivers license and living there for one year. They actually counted my first year of grad school there as my year living in CA for residency purposes. Not sure if they still do that though....

 

[calbears86]

Hi,

So, I think I have my final list of school that I will be applying to....any advice for more safeties or schools to remove? also, realistically, what are my chances for the top-tier schools that i listed (with my VR/WS score)??? 🙁

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=08060

Thanks!

 

[wisguy]

I've revised my list of schools. Does anyone want to comment on it? I should probably add some more lower tier schools. Any suggestions are welcome!

 

[futuremd1517]

Hi all! I'm in desperate need of advice. I have a 3.82 cum and 3.74 science and have a lot of research experience with publications pending this summer. Unfortunately, I had a 33R MCAT score, with a 9 in physical science, and 12s in verbal and bio. I'm agonizing over whether I should retake or not. Will the 9 really hurt me if I was planning on applying to top 20 schools?????? I don't know what to do. On practices I was scoring 11s in physical sci and 14s in bio, so I figure I could go up a few points but I guess there's always a possibility that I don't go up or go down in some and up in others. Ahh! Will the 9 exclude me from top schools?????

 

[wisguy]

Hi all! I'm in desperate need of advice. I have a 3.82 cum and 3.74 science and have a lot of research experience with publications pending this summer. Unfortunately, I had a 33R MCAT score, with a 9 in physical science, and 12s in verbal and bio. I'm agonizing over whether I should retake or not. Will the 9 really hurt me if I was planning on applying to top 20 schools?????? I don't know what to do. On practices I was scoring 11s in physical sci and 14s in bio, so I figure I could go up a few points but I guess there's always a possibility that I don't go up or go down in some and up in others. Ahh! Will the 9 exclude me from top schools?????

I retook with a 33 (ps8 vr13 bs12) in a similar position. I averaged straight 12's on my (too few) practice tests and ended up with a ps of 8. Also my gpa is a bit lower, so a good mcat is more necessary for me to have a decent shot at top research schools. I studied only physics for the retake and my score went up 6 pts in that section. My verbal score did go down 2 points on my retake, but that is somewhat attributable to the verbal glitch in Jan, so I hope adcoms take that into account. Overall I think it was worth it.

You might be ok with the 9, provided that your chem/physics grades are alright and everything else is in line. But if you do have the time and money to prep for ps, retaking could boost your score significantly.

 

[futuremd1517]

I did get an A in calc based physics both semesters and an A- in both semesters of general chemistry. I was planning on applying this application cycle. I guess I could retake in July and just focus on physics with a little bio review. Could I submit my apps, not check off that I was going to retake them, and then send them in later only if they are better scores??? Ugh, but the thought of having to study all over again for them makes me want to cry....I don't know....That's awesome you got your ps score up 6pts! did you study for months or a few weeks for the retake?

 

[spospo]

Hi all! I'm in desperate need of advice. I have a 3.82 cum and 3.74 science and have a lot of research experience with publications pending this summer. Unfortunately, I had a 33R MCAT score, with a 9 in physical science, and 12s in verbal and bio. I'm agonizing over whether I should retake or not. Will the 9 really hurt me if I was planning on applying to top 20 schools?????? I don't know what to do. On practices I was scoring 11s in physical sci and 14s in bio, so I figure I could go up a few points but I guess there's always a possibility that I don't go up or go down in some and up in others. Ahh! Will the 9 exclude me from top schools?????

I don't think you should retake. I don't know if a 9 will keep you out of the 'top' schools, but why would you limit yourself to just those school? no matter how good an applicant is, they need to apply to a wide range of schools. With what you have, I think you will get in somewhere that is still highly respected (most US MD schools are). Just curious, why do you have to go top 20? Is there a good reason? Not trying to be rude, just want to know.