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

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My amcas hasn't been certified yet, but I think my school uses the same grading system, so numbers are approximate; but:

GPA:
Overall: 3.67
Science & Math: 3.61?
Past 2 semesters: overall 3.8 and science/math 3.76
School: Presbyterian College, SC, small, private liberal-arts school; ranked as 'selective' by US News & World Report
MCAT (here's the problem):
32S
PS 08
BS 10
VR 14
Applied:
Emory
UChicago Pritzker
Wake Forest
MUSC
URochester

No research experience.
ECs and awards: (listed on app)
Campus Newspaper Journalist
Campus Literary Magazine editor and editor-in-chief
Dean's List
CHAMPS volunteer tutor
intramural sports
hospital internship
TA biology
Students for Environmental Education
Writing Center Tutor
Beta Beta Beta - biological honor society
Recycling Committee
Private Physician Internship
College Democrats Publicist
Sigma Tau Delta - english honor society
phillip j. olmert scholarship for promise in medicine

Many questions!
- Do you think my verbal-biased score will sway my chances significantly? Emory has this thing on its website stating that 'most of our applicants have subscores above 10' and, um, my PS is very low. Is it worth retaking? Money is a problem.

- Are my ECs too irrelevant? I was trying to show diversity and I have leadership in a few of them but now I'm terrified taht they're all too english-based.

- Are 5 schools too few? I'm pretty sure I'm guaranteed MUSC so far - their admission is a numbers game and they like our school a lot - and I have a good chance at Wake Forest, But I really want UChicago or URochester, although Emory definitely couldn't hurt.

- If you're at UChicago, did you have research? People who didn't do research and were still accepted would be a gret help ehre, although I appreciate all comments.

I'm also younger - just turned 18, rising senior. Is there a way to tactfully integrate this into my application?

Thanks so, so much, and good luck to everyone.
 
bostonpmed said:
Honestly, I think your list looks good. With that MCAT score and GPA you are an extremely competitive canidate for almost all of those schools (we all know Harvard and Hopkins can be a crapshoot for anyone). What about adding Yale?
Click to expand...

haha thanks. I worry because i've heard so many stories of people not getting in and worry taht fate will extend to me as well. I wish I could have amazing ecs like some of the people on this board.
 
I haven't submitted my app yet, just my transcript. And I don't know what their calculated BCPM gpa is, but i calculated it on my own.

School GPA: 3.47
BCPM GPA: 3.27
MCAT: Haven't taken it yet, but from the looks of the practice tests high 20's. Hoping to break into the low 30's.

I'm double majoring in bio and psych and minoring in chem.

As for extracurriculars, I've worked at my dad's doctor office since high school, so that's like 4 years up to this point. I'm in the watson premedical honor's society since freshman year and will be serving as secretary next year. I'm also in the Tae kwan do/Karate club since sophomore and was serving as secretary last year. For the past academic year, I've been a research lab assistant and some of the summer. I've also tutored (as a job though) for the last semester. I was on the Dean's list for my freshman year and I'm a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor's society (though we don't do much).

I will be applying to all schools in new york:
Albany Medical College
Albert Einstein
Mount Sinai
New York Medical College (I'll be happy if i can get in here)
NYU School of medicine
SUNY Downstate (Also good)
SUNY Upstate
Stony Brook Med
University of Buffalo Med
University of Rochester Med

I think that's it for now... Ok so.. What do you think? Are any of those possible for me considering everything? Are my EC's weak? What would be a good MCAT score to make up for my average gpa? Any schools that I might consider a "target" or even a "safety?" I'm also gonna apply to some Caribbean schools as I'm not really willing to wait. But I am worred about residencies...

Thanks for your opinion, and good luck to everyone!
 
It will be difficult if you don't break a 30 on the mcat given your bcpm, but I think your choice of schools is appropriate. I would probably apply to more schools just to increase your chances of getting in somewhere. Also, if you dig the osteo philosophy you can try applying to a few of those as well. If you can get some good clinical exposure this summer, that might help somewhat. I don't think adcomms will really be convinced that working at your dad's practice constitutes extensive clinical exposure.
 
Hi guys! I'm an undergrad at UT-Austin and I'm currently applying to the Texas public schools (UTSW, Tech, UT-H, UT-SA, UTMB, TCOM, A&M). I'm wondering if I still have a chance because I made a D in Physics I (a pre-req for med school) the first time I took it. I re-took it in the summer at a community college and made an A. I made an A in the 2nd physics at UT if that matters at all. Since it's required to get at least a C in all the pre-req classes, do I still have a chance to get in?? Any input would be great! Thanks!
Overall GPA: 3.67
BCPM: 3.45
MCAT: 09 PS, 11 VR, 10 BS, M writing
 
Do I have a chance at Standford? Or Mt. Sinai? Or Cornell? My top three choices. I'm also applying to: Northwestern, UChicago, NYU, Columbia. I also need suggestions on schools which are not so difficult to get into.

Cum GPA: 3.72
Science GPA: 3.6
MCAT from 5/07: 36R (10VR, 13BS, 13PS)

Neuroscience major

Went to Columbia University, graduated 2005

Research: Worked a research internship in a neurobio lab for 1.5 years, first author on abstract and poster presented at Society for Neuroscience. Worked one year as clinical assistant at a Huntington's Disease clinic. And I have been working for 2.5 years at another medical research clinic and have independently coordinated a study. Unfortunately the paper will not come out in time for me to state my credit.

ECs: Staff photographer and technician for school newspaper. Also trained and volunteered as a counselor and eventually was Director of a peer counseling hotline at my school - it was intense (completely student run, we got A LOT of calls, some very serious, was essentially a part time unpaid job). I spent a summer in China teaching. I currently tutor science high school students on the side as well as work on the medical research clinic. I don't have a million ECs like everyone else, but I spent A LOT of time and was extremely devoted to all of my ECs, which is why I don't have many - they took up all my time.

Recs:
The peer counseling hotline Advisor (she and I worked closely while I was Director)
Professor in psychology (I took his lecture and seminar, got an A+ in the seminar and I still work down the hall from him)
Current boss (professor in psychiatry at Columbia)
Research Mentor at neurobio lab (I worked for her for 1.5 years - longest an RA has ever stayed with her - she was difficult to work for)

My main fear is nothing about me stands out. I know I've got to work on that during my personal statement. I haven't gotten to secondary apps yet, but my personal statement on the main AMCAS is about how my experience at my first healthcare job (assisting at the Huntington's disease clinic) moved me so much that I want to go into clinical research to help people like the patients I met there. Although it is my honest answer to why I want to be a doctor, I'm afraid it's trite. And boring. If any of you would like to read the essay, please send me a message and I'll send you my current version.

What do you think my chances are? Good? Only good if my personal statement rocks? Just a maybe? Am I aiming too high with Stanford, Cornell and Mt. Sinai?

I have no friends who are premed or applying currently - for some reason I made friends with artists and humanities majors (just my luck). Please, any advice, even if harsh, is welcome. I just need to know I'm not completely out of the loop on the whole premed thing. Also, if I really have no chance of getting into these top tier schools, could someone suggest ones which I may have a better chance of getting into? Location is important - prefer coastal cities (Seattle, San Fran, NY, Philly, Boston) or Chicago. Again any help, please! I hate being alone in this, you guys are the only ones who seem to understand.
 
i'm pretty sure there are a few things in there that stand out extracurricular/job wise (China, etc.) and in terms of diversity of interests, especially outside medicine... just be ready to elaborate on the whole "why medicine?" and "does this represent a career shift for you?" questions...you seem like you have some semblance of a response with the clinical research and prior experiences, etc.

good luck with the personal statement, you'll do fine...PM for further discussion
 
Hi everyone, i would appreicate some advise on this.

I am entering my senior year, majoring in chemistry with honors and biology. I was a straight 4.0 all the way until last semester i got a B. My cumm is 3.96 and BCPM is 3.98, other 4.0. I take at least 19 credits a semester. Last semester I took 23 credits of sciences and had 2 research labs. I volunteered at ER department once a week in fall semester; I do not know how many hours though. I have extensive research experience. REEL (2 posters out of it presented in Kentucky ACS meeting), honors independent study, 2 research assistant positions for the summer. Will have 3 posters by the end of this summer to present in symposium, i do around 80+ hours of research a week. Numbers of honors and awards. Very active first 2 years. I Submitted my AMCAS to
OSU, Case, Cincinnati, Pritzker, almost 13 schools, have got secondaries from all except 3.
I have a very low MCAT (less than 20 more than 15) score which means I have to retake the MCATs again, but I have no time to study and am taking it in sept. I wil only have 3 weeks in august and thats about it. I highly doubt that I will improve my score by 10 points within 2 months. So should I send secondaries? What are my chances?
In addition, this is my third year in the states and the only reason I came here is to do medicine because I was not permited to be a candidate where I was raised, but I was born here. I learned all my life in a different language even sciences, advise please.

thanks
 
hopeforlife said:
Hi everyone, i would appreicate some advise on this.

I am entering my senior year, majoring in chemistry with honors and biology. I was a straight 4.0 all the way until last semester i got a B. My cumm is 3.96 and BCPM is 3.98, other 4.0. I take at least 19 credits a semester. Last semester I took 23 credits of sciences and had 2 research labs. I volunteered at ER department once a week in fall semester; I do not know how many hours though. I have extensive research experience. REEL (2 posters out of it presented in Kentucky ACS meeting), honors independent study, 2 research assistant positions for the summer. Will have 3 posters by the end of this summer to present in symposium, i do around 80+ hours of research a week. Numbers of honors and awards. Very active first 2 years. I Submitted my AMCAS to
OSU, Case, Cincinnati, Pritzker, almost 13 schools, have got secondaries from all except 3.
I have a very low MCAT (less than 20 more than 15) score which means I have to retake the MCATs again, but I have no time to study and am taking it in sept. I wil only have 3 weeks in august and thats about it. I highly doubt that I will improve my score by 10 points within 2 months. So should I send secondaries? What are my chances?
In addition, this is my third year in the states and the only reason I came here is to do medicine because I was not permited to be a candidate where I was raised, but I was born here. I learned all my life in a different language even sciences, advise please.

thanks
Click to expand...

you can take in september if you want, but if you don't think you can improve 10pts, you may just be wasting the fee. many schools may toss your secondary and cash the check. others will hold until they get your second set of scores and may toss it if you didn't get to a certain number. if you don't think the improvement will be significant, don't take. study and take it when you feel ready. so what if you have to put med school off another year. if you want to go, you will find a way to improve and get in next time around.
 
Meshuga3 said:
I know at this point that it's just wait and see. But I'm still wondering what sort of chance you all think I have. Any comments appreciated:

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=8472
Click to expand...

i think you look pretty good. i do suggest that you think about adding a few more mid tier schools. you have sinai, what about the other NY schools? are you canadian? i hear wayne state and RFU accept quite a few canadians. what about chicago schools? your gpa is average and your mcat is average for many of those schools you are applying to.
 
Hello, I was hoping to possibly get some advice here. I am going to be a senior this fall and am an economics major. When I started classes my freshman year of undergrad I was on the pre-med track. I did well in my sciences, but later decided I did not want to go pre-med anymore. I am now regretting that decision. I have a few requirements left (mainly 2nd semester organic chemistry and physics). My science GPA is currently a 3.61 and my GPA is 3.25 (after a rough last semester). I really have not done much in the way of volunteering or shadowing or research to prepare for this mainly because I switched majors etc. I have always had to pay my way through college and therefore have worked 30 hours a week all through my undergrad career which leaves very little time for extracurriculars. I am just posting this to ask for some advice on whether or not I have a shot at getting in anywhere. I know I need more clincal/volunteer experience. I just have no idea how to fit it in when I need to maintain a certain number of hours of work per week. As far as I can tell it seems medical schools may look into work experience, but I haven't been working in a medical field. Any suggestions on what I should do to make my chances of getting in increase? I will be taking the mcat in april of 2008 so I do'nt yet have scores and applying for the 2009-2010 school year. Any help or advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
hopeforlife said:
Hi everyone, i would appreicate some advise on this.

I am entering my senior year, majoring in chemistry with honors and biology. I was a straight 4.0 all the way until last semester i got a B. My cumm is 3.96 and BCPM is 3.98, other 4.0. I take at least 19 credits a semester. Last semester I took 23 credits of sciences and had 2 research labs. I volunteered at ER department once a week in fall semester; I do not know how many hours though. I have extensive research experience. REEL (2 posters out of it presented in Kentucky ACS meeting), honors independent study, 2 research assistant positions for the summer. Will have 3 posters by the end of this summer to present in symposium, i do around 80+ hours of research a week. Numbers of honors and awards. Very active first 2 years. I Submitted my AMCAS to
OSU, Case, Cincinnati, Pritzker, almost 13 schools, have got secondaries from all except 3.
I have a very low MCAT (less than 20 more than 15) score which means I have to retake the MCATs again, but I have no time to study and am taking it in sept. I wil only have 3 weeks in august and thats about it. I highly doubt that I will improve my score by 10 points within 2 months. So should I send secondaries? What are my chances?
In addition, this is my third year in the states and the only reason I came here is to do medicine because I was not permited to be a candidate where I was raised, but I was born here. I learned all my life in a different language even sciences, advise please.

thanks
Click to expand...

Two months is enough time if you are doing nothing else. If you are still doing 80+ hrs a week for research you will have problems. From your GPA and undergrad institution, it's obvious your an intelligent person. What problems did you have with the test? Was it strictly the language barrier? Did you take practice tests or did you study only material? Did you get nervous? What were your practice scores?

Everything else you have is great. If you want to really apply this cycle, I think you should really consider just taking time off from everything and strictly studying for the next two months for the MCAT. Given your score, I don't think there is any other way to do it. A 10+ point improvement will be a lot of work. Otherwise if you can't do that, I think you should not waste your money and apply next cycle because you applied to some really difficult schools. Regardless of everything else, to them, a 15-20 on the MCAT tells them that you won't be able to handle the curriculum in medical school. For those schools, your just wasting your time and money unless you get the score up to 30 or above.
 
KyleM0216 said:
Hello, I was hoping to possibly get some advice here. I am going to be a senior this fall and am an economics major. When I started classes my freshman year of undergrad I was on the pre-med track. I did well in my sciences, but later decided I did not want to go pre-med anymore. I am now regretting that decision. I have a few requirements left (mainly 2nd semester organic chemistry and physics). My science GPA is currently a 3.61 and my GPA is 3.25 (after a rough last semester). I really have not done much in the way of volunteering or shadowing or research to prepare for this mainly because I switched majors etc. I have always had to pay my way through college and therefore have worked 30 hours a week all through my undergrad career which leaves very little time for extracurriculars. I am just posting this to ask for some advice on whether or not I have a shot at getting in anywhere. I know I need more clincal/volunteer experience. I just have no idea how to fit it in when I need to maintain a certain number of hours of work per week. As far as I can tell it seems medical schools may look into work experience, but I haven't been working in a medical field. Any suggestions on what I should do to make my chances of getting in increase? I will be taking the mcat in april of 2008 so I do'nt yet have scores and applying for the 2009-2010 school year. Any help or advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
Click to expand...

I know it's hard to find time because I worked while an undergrad also. But you do have to get some clinical/volunteer experience on your application if your jobs are not related at all. Most volunteer places are happy if you give them 4 hours a week. I know even that is tough on a work/school schedule but if you really want this, you have to put in that time. I really regret not finding that extra 4 hours a week to volunteer at a hospital or something to get a better idea of what it's like being a doctor. I have little volunteer/clinical experience and I find myself worrying if that will be enough. I think it is much better to just put in that time now instead of having to make nervous excuses later. Otherwise get right to getting clinical experience after you graduate but well before you apply.

For your stats, you need a high MCAT score (30 or more) to give you a competitive chance. Your BCPM GPA is above average so find out what schools weigh more on that average than just the GPA. And with your remaining semesters, try your best to raise both GPAs.

Even though you haven't taken your MCAT yet, you do have a good chance of getting in. Just try to get clinical experience, raise the GPA as much as you can, and most importantly, do well on the MCAT. That can really add to or take away from the application sometimes.
 
I took the August MCAT and applied late last cycle. So I will be reapplying this cycle and I'm trying to figure what schools i should apply to.

My stats are
MCAT Score: VR 8, PS 9, BS 9, K
BCPM GPA: 2.99
Overall GPA: 3.23

My BCPM and overall GPA should be a little higher once my new grades are added to the average.

Also i've done 3 years of undergrad research
and 3 years of clinical experience as a nurse aide/CNA

I'm an Ohio resident and my list right now is:
Ohio State
University of Cinncinati
University of Toledo
Wayne State U
Wake Forest
Utah
Meharry
Morehouse
Howard
UMDNJ-Newark

This list is pretty much the same from last year except for wake and Utah what are some additional schools that I can look into?
 
I'm just going to put this back up since I received no feedback previously.

here's the skinny:

30 Q composite (11, 9, Q, 10)...not too bad I think, and I don't plan on retaking...(though a great many people posting here are really making me sweat)

3.82 GPA
~3.5 BCMP

here's the long version:

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=08433

I really appreciate any support/advice...basically I just want to know if I have a chance (duh) in getting into an MSTP program (I know I could get into MD/DO alone somewhere with my score, etc).

Further, does anyone have any advice on the shorter MD/PhD essay? Or is there anyone who wouldn't mind reading one (when it's finished)?

Gracias,

Anima.
 
anima said:
I'm just going to put this back up since I received no feedback previously.

here's the skinny:

30 Q composite (11, 9, Q, 10)...not too bad I think, and I don't plan on retaking...(though a great many people posting here are really making me sweat)

3.82 GPA
~3.5 BCMP

here's the long version:

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=08433

I really appreciate any support/advice...basically I just want to know if I have a chance (duh) in getting into an MSTP program (I know I could get into MD/DO alone somewhere with my score, etc).

Further, does anyone have any advice on the shorter MD/PhD essay? Or is there anyone who wouldn't mind reading one (when it's finished)?

Gracias,

Anima.
Click to expand...


if i were you i wouldn't retake because that will put you way behind. that being said, i hope you have turned your primary in, even if it only has 1 school on it. i cannot say much for MD/PhD programs except for this: they are, for the most part, more difficult to get into. it that is what you want to do, then go ahead an apply. also, it is a little bit cocky to assume that you know you will get in if doing just MD or DO. yes, i think you could get in to a DO program with your numbers, but really you are right on average for MD programs. i am not trying to scare you, but do realize that nothing in this process is for sure. plenty of people with equal or slightly better numbers than you have not gotten in. your list looks good, at least for just regular MD programs. sorry i can't comment much on MSTP.
 
Just got my MCAT score. I'm happy I hit a 30, but *really* bummed I got an 8 in PS. I'm within my average though (high 32; avg 30; PS 8-10, VR 10-12, BS 9-11), so I guess I shouldn't retake. Should I release the scores to all of the schools I've applied to? I had already signed up for August 9th just in case, but I'm really dreading retaking.

I know some of the "top tier" schools like Northwestern and U of Chicago are a crap shoot anyway, but I feel like that 8 is a brand marking me unfit. I guess I just wanted to at least have a shot. My other top choices are of course Loyola and Rush. There are some out of state schools I really like as well, but who knows how I'll fare with a 30 and that sad 8.

I've already filled out a bunch of secondaries, and was hoping that I'd do well enough not to fill out EVMS, Drexel and SLU (not even going to bother with Cornell or NYU because I didn't do well enough on the MCAT). I would certainly be happy to go to any of those schools if they were the only places I got in to (they're great med schools from my point of view), but location-wise I'm not as keen on them as the other schools in my list. Does anyone think I can risk not filling them out? Or I should play it safe? Anyone think I actually should retake the MCAT?

So, any suggestions or comments on my chances at the schools in my list? You can check out my gpa (3.78) and ECs in my mdapps link below (or to the left). I went to U of M undergrad. Also have a law degree and practiced for a number of years. *sigh* Comments? Thanks.

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7920
 
I would really appreciate advice!
MCAT
30R

11-BS
8-PS
11-VR

B.A. Biology/ minor in Chem
Science GPA: 4.0
Non-science: 4.0

I just graduated 1 year early in May, but am applying AMCAS 2008. I'll be taking a year off and starting in September, I will be working full-time as a CNA.

Extracurriculars:

2 semesters paid research assistant in microbiology lab
-2 week medical mission trip to Nicaragua in May 2007
-various shadowing experience:
1 week with OBGYN
1 week with 3 resident family practice physicians (one of which is writing a LOR)
-3 semesters hospital volunteer- worked as surgical hostess (checked in patients, dealt with family members while waiting, etc)
-1 semester study abroad in Austria (everyone should go!)
-pre-med club member
-University Honors program- with leadership experience
-ochem tutoring
-80 hrs clinical CNA experience- certified as a CNA
-academic scholarship recepient- tuition scholarship for all 6 semesters

Schools I'm applying to
-Vanderbilt (dream school!)
-University of Iowa (in-state)
-Creighton
-U. of Minnesota,
and from there I'm not sure....

Do I have a shot at Vandy or schools like Emory and Wake Forest?

Any suggestions for schools (especially in the Southeast) that my fit my application stats?


Thanks!🙂
 
To SketchLazy thanks for advise. I did not have the best of luck on test day, things went wrong, I got nervous and frustrated. In addition, when VB started all I was hearing in my mind was blahblahblah, tried reading the passages more than once which put me behind and I had to guess on the last four. Also, I will have all august only to study for it, none of my bosses is letting me take a break because we have to present the work by the end of summer. I am praying to GOd that one month will be enough. Can't the addmisons see that having 23 credits of sciences 2 research lab, 2 posters and taking MCAT 2 weeks after finals is the reason, you think they will abandon me like that. Even if I take the sept MCAT and won't do well can't they see that I had emphsis on reserach experience 80+ hours aka no time to practice??
 
phoenix1 said:
Just got my MCAT score. I'm happy I hit a 30, but *really* bummed I got an 8 in PS. I'm within my average though (high 32; avg 30; PS 8-10, VR 10-12, BS 9-11), so I guess I shouldn't retake. Should I release the scores to all of the schools I've applied to? I had already signed up for August 9th just in case, but I'm really dreading retaking.

I know some of the "top tier" schools like Northwestern and U of Chicago are a crap shoot anyway, but I feel like that 8 is a brand marking me unfit. I guess I just wanted to at least have a shot. My other top choices are of course Loyola and Rush. There are some out of state schools I really like as well, but who knows how I'll fare with a 30 and that sad 8.

I've already filled out a bunch of secondaries, and was hoping that I'd do well enough not to fill out EVMS, Drexel and SLU (not even going to bother with Cornell or NYU because I didn't do well enough on the MCAT). I would certainly be happy to go to any of those schools if they were the only places I got in to (they're great med schools from my point of view), but location-wise I'm not as keen on them as the other schools in my list. Does anyone think I can risk not filling them out? Or I should play it safe? Anyone think I actually should retake the MCAT?

So, any suggestions or comments on my chances at the schools in my list? You can check out my gpa (3.78) and ECs in my mdapps link below (or to the left). I went to U of M undergrad. Also have a law degree and practiced for a number of years. *sigh* Comments? Thanks.

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=7920
Click to expand...

FWIW, i was rejected pre secondary from wake, i think because of my 9's. why no RFU? if you are fine with the midwest, what about creighton? i would suggest not retaking. run with what you have. get stuff done quickly........and then wait.
 
hopeforlife said:
To SketchLazy thanks for advise. I did not have the best of luck on test day, things went wrong, I got nervous and frustrated. In addition, when VB started all I was hearing in my mind was blahblahblah, tried reading the passages more than once which put me behind and I had to guess on the last four. Also, I will have all august only to study for it, none of my bosses is letting me take a break because we have to present the work by the end of summer. I am praying to GOd that one month will be enough. Can't the addmisons see that having 23 credits of sciences 2 research lab, 2 posters and taking MCAT 2 weeks after finals is the reason, you think they will abandon me like that. Even if I take the sept MCAT and won't do well can't they see that I had emphsis on reserach experience 80+ hours aka no time to practice??
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, no...they won't see that. You have to get a higher score on your MCAT. Even though you are doing a lot of work, it might be considered a mix up of priorities here. What's most important and should be are things that have to do with medical school. Research is great as an EC, but it means nothing if they look at your MCAT and feel you can't handle your priorities and the coursework in medical school. And frankly, the score range you stated says that.

One month (if it is completely dedicated to MCAT - 40+ hrs/wk) might just be enough since you studied for all this already. My advice is to not worry about memorizing material and just get a hold of all the full-length practice tests and practice questions you can. Take your FL practice tests in places where you can get easily distracted so you learn to focus and not get nervous. Just pound out as many of these full-length tests as you can afford and have time for. Once you take the tests and go over the answers and the reasoning behind the right choices and the wrong ones, you'll improve. You really can do this given a good month of purely thinking about the MCAT. Good luck.
 
spospo said:
FWIW, i was rejected pre secondary from wake, i think because of my 9's. why no RFU? if you are fine with the midwest, what about creighton? i would suggest not retaking. run with what you have. get stuff done quickly........and then wait.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice.

As for Rosalind Franklin, I've already submitted their secondary. Definitely applying everywhere in Chicago (or thereabouts). But Creighton is pretty far from Chicago, and I really need a big city nearby. Thus, I'm not applying to Creighton. Do you think that I don't have a decent enough shot with the schools I've already sent primaries to? Do you think I should definitely fill out secondaries for Drexel, SLU and EVMS?
 
my advice to those that say they "need" big cities - evaluate whether or not you need a big city more than you need an admission. If you feel you need to be broader - ask yourself how much you are willing to sacrifice to go to medical school. Then make a new list of schools you are willing to apply to. How bad do you want it basically?
 
Please click the link at the bottom and let me know what you think.
 
Please, any advice is appreciated...

MCAT:
11PS
10BS
08VR (YUCK)

Overall GPA: 3.45
Science GPA: 3.39

Extracurriculars:
--Science Tutor for learning disabled girl: 2 years
--President of Alternative Spring Break: 1 year (3 years total invovelemt, including 2 service trips)

--Traveled worldwide, organizing healing/meditation concerts for 7 years (part of a group...went to Germany, Amsterdam, Trinidad, India, all over USA, Canada)

-Hospital volunteer: ~1 year
-Research: 2 years, had independent project, no pubs; starting clinical reseaerch now
-Resident Assistant: 2 years
-Got 3 scholarships
-Work experience: Real Estate for 6 years
-Artwork chosen for exhibition at my college

Any advice on what schools I should apply to? I'm resident of Illinois
Thank you...😳
 
30S MCAT (11PS 10VR 9BS WSS)
3.72 BCPM GPA
3.76 Overall

Florida resident here. Lots of clinical experience and volunteering. Active on campus. Very little research.

I'm applying to all FL schools and a few out of state. Think I have a chance at UF/USF/UMiami with my stats? What about at any "top" schools (I applied to Dartmouth and Emory...just because 😛)?
 
glamqueen said:
my advice to those that say they "need" big cities - evaluate whether or not you need a big city more than you need an admission. If you feel you need to be broader - ask yourself how much you are willing to sacrifice to go to medical school. Then make a new list of schools you are willing to apply to. How bad do you want it basically?
Click to expand...

Are you saying that you think that my list isn't broad enough? I have 26 schools already. Granted, some are definitely out of reach now that I just got my MCAT score and I only got a 30. But you really think that I need to add more schools? Is that why you're suggesting I consider more rural area schools?
 
Not necessarily, but reevaluate based on each school's stats vs. your stats. If you think Creighton is in range, for example, add it, and remove another one that you think may be too much of a reach. For myself, (not applying til next cycle), I'm throwing geographic preference out the door and going off the MSAR for where I'm competitive/reach etc. I would just suggest to do the same...If you haven't already! Just giving you the same advice that was given to me (and I'm doing). 26 is broad, but I'd look it over again to make sure you don't need to switch a few out. I think I have 30 on my list for next cycle....
 
texas resident applying to texas schools
3.5 overall
26M on second mcat 🙁

published research during undergrad, emt certified, currently do research at ut southwestern.

heavy ec's and great lor.

what are my chances?😕
 
1st MCAT: VR-7, PS-9, BS-9 WS-O
2nd MCAT: VR-5, PS-8, BS-10 WS-M
GPA:3.856

I have great EC's, shadowing and volunteering in a wide variety of medical fields (emergency medicine, family medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics and internal medicine). Didn't have too much luck applying the first time in getting in. If I wait to retake MCAT again, I'll be late in the application process like last year. Do I stand a chance at MD US schools for fall of 2008?
 
adding to my above question with my stats posted there. Any thoughts on applying to these schools:

Penn State
Albany
George Washington
Georgetown
Rush
Loyola
Rosalind Franklin
Michigan State
St Louis SOM
Wake Forest
University of Cincinnati
Ohio State
Chicago-Toledo
Temple
Jefferson
Drexel
Meharry
Virginia Commonwealth
University fo Vermont
New York Medical College
 
dreamingchicago said:
My amcas hasn't been certified yet, but I think my school uses the same grading system, so numbers are approximate; but:

GPA:
Overall: 3.67
Science & Math: 3.61?
Past 2 semesters: overall 3.8 and science/math 3.76
School: Presbyterian College, SC, small, private liberal-arts school; ranked as 'selective' by US News & World Report
MCAT (here's the problem):
32S
PS 08
BS 10
VR 14
Applied:
Emory
UChicago Pritzker
Wake Forest
MUSC
URochester

No research experience.
ECs and awards: (listed on app)
Campus Newspaper Journalist
Campus Literary Magazine editor and editor-in-chief
Dean's List
CHAMPS volunteer tutor
intramural sports
hospital internship
TA biology
Students for Environmental Education
Writing Center Tutor
Beta Beta Beta - biological honor society
Recycling Committee
Private Physician Internship
College Democrats Publicist
Sigma Tau Delta - english honor society
phillip j. olmert scholarship for promise in medicine

Many questions!
- Do you think my verbal-biased score will sway my chances significantly? Emory has this thing on its website stating that 'most of our applicants have subscores above 10' and, um, my PS is very low. Is it worth retaking? Money is a problem.

- Are my ECs too irrelevant? I was trying to show diversity and I have leadership in a few of them but now I'm terrified taht they're all too english-based.

- Are 5 schools too few? I'm pretty sure I'm guaranteed MUSC so far - their admission is a numbers game and they like our school a lot - and I have a good chance at Wake Forest, But I really want UChicago or URochester, although Emory definitely couldn't hurt.

- If you're at UChicago, did you have research? People who didn't do research and were still accepted would be a gret help ehre, although I appreciate all comments.

I'm also younger - just turned 18, rising senior. Is there a way to tactfully integrate this into my application?

Thanks so, so much, and good luck to everyone.
Click to expand...

Don't put your age into your application. Too many negative things can come from it. They might ask you to "prove" yourself and describe how you'll attack the challenges of age difference during med school. Unless you think being 18 and applying to med school is special, let them notice it for you.
 
Hi all,

I graduated Georgetown University in '05, Biology major, Russian language minor. Overall GPA 3.67, science GPA ~3.70. I worked at NIH for a year doing non-clinical work (Human Genome institute at NIH), then I worked for about 9 months as a paralegal. I just quit that job to study my butt off for the August 20 MCAT. I took the MCAT once in April 06, got a 27Q (11 PS, 10 BS, 6 verbal) and I know the verbal will hurt me, so I am retaking it. My EC in college was volunteering in the student run EMS program, and I did "research" in an immunology lab (no lab work, just article research). I have some other things that are hopefully unique to help me stand out, but I haven't cured cancer or saved orphans in Africa or anything...

So, I'm worried. I haven't done much of the application because I am spending all my time doing MCAT work, and I'm afraid that if I wait to do it all between August 20 and August 30 that I'll have no chance to get in for 08. I have been trying to get in touch with Gtown premed committee, but it's challenging during the summer. I haven't written a personal statement or anything yet. I also haven't researched schools yet, but I know medicine is what I want to do.

I feel like my rowboat may be sinking faster than I can bail out the water. Are my chances reduced drastically if I wait to get everything in around August, maybe mid-September? Am I hopeless? :scared:
 
Hey everyone,

I just realized that Texas A&M Medical School has a program where you have to move to a different city for the third and fourth years of medical school. Due to commitments, I need to stay put in one place so that my gf can finish her PhD wherever we end up going.

I already have a short list of medical schools i'm applying to, so could anyone take a quick look at my MDapplicants profile and let me know if I can afford losing another of my schools that I am applying to?

I already submitted the TMDSAS app, I just would not return the secondary.

MDapplicants.com - View Profile

Thanks
 
Hi everyone, this is my first post and I hope to get some valuable opinions as I am very concerned and confused.

My overall GPA is 3.47 and science GPA is 3.4. My 1st mcat was 11P, 6V, and 10B. My 2nd mcat was 8P, 8V, and 9B. I have medical related extracurriculars, leadership roles, community service, and research. What are my chances? Should I wait until next cycle to apply so that I can take a 3rd mcat and see if I can score higher? Should I apply to the Carribean? Help! Thanks!
 
Im about to send in my application, but I would like a little input from my fellow SDNer's about my school designations. As of right now, these are my school designations.

Eastern Virginia Medical School
George Washington University Sch of Med & Hlth Sci
Marshall Univ Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina
Meharry Medical College
Michigan State University
Morehouse School of Medicine
New York Medical College
The University of Toledo College of Medicine
University of Illinois at Chicago-College of Medic
University of Louisville School of Medicine
University of Nevada School of Medicine
Wayne State University School of Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

I am a Michigan resident with a 3.6 GPA, clinical experience both shadowing and volunteering. My MCAT score was a low 21, but I plan on retaking it and expect to score in the high 20's. Most of the schools I have above take the most recent score, so my first score will not affect me adversely. Any recommendations or comments are welcome. If you have any schools that you think I may have left off or any of the schools on my list are out the question please feel free to respond. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
 
jones123 said:
Im about to send in my application, but I would like a little input from my fellow SDNer's about my school designations. As of right now, these are my school designations.

Eastern Virginia Medical School
George Washington University Sch of Med & Hlth Sci
Marshall Univ Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina
Meharry Medical College
Michigan State University
Morehouse School of Medicine
New York Medical College
The University of Toledo College of Medicine
University of Illinois at Chicago-College of Medic
University of Louisville School of Medicine
University of Nevada School of Medicine
Wayne State University School of Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

I am a Michigan resident with a 3.6 GPA, clinical experience both shadowing and volunteering. My MCAT score was a low 21, but I plan on retaking it and expect to score in the high 20's. Most of the schools I have above take the most recent score, so my first score will not affect me adversely. Any recommendations or comments are welcome. If you have any schools that you think I may have left off or any of the schools on my list are out the question please feel free to respond. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Until you actually get that second MCAT score back, it will be hard to speculate as to your chances (EDIT: that 21 will pretty much eliminate you from contention at US Allo schools and lots of, if not all, Osteo schools if you don't raise it). I do hope you're planning to re-take soon if you're about to submit in the near future.

Do realize that schools will receive both scores and some may consider both when reviewing your file, so that first 21 may still affect you adversely, even if you get a better score the second time around.
 
so i just got my mcat score back and is a dismal 28R. the breakdown was VR10, BS10, R, PS8.

i'm sure i can do better on the PS section. i freaked out a little too much during the first ~20 mins and i couldn't use my head. my best section is actually PS, averaging 10-11 on it.

anyways, my overall gpa is 3.52, BCPM gpa is 3.55.
ECs: year of research, currently doing hospital internship, been teaching classes since 12th grade, bunch of other club activies with officer positions, doing an honors thesis, and a humble list of the usual awards and accolades.

should i even apply this year? thank you soo much!
 
First comments on your school list:

Eastern Virginia Medical School - fairly heavy on in-staters. May want to reconsider.
+George Washington University Sch of Med & Hlth Sci
Marshall Univ Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine - heavy on in-staters - should drop.
Medical University of South Carolina - heavy on in-staters - should drop.
Meharry Medical College - drop if you're not very into underserved communities - specifically black underserved communities
+Michigan State University
Morehouse School of Medicine - private but huge preference for Georgia residents. Should probably drop.
+New York Medical College
+The University of Toledo College of Medicine
+University of Illinois at Chicago-College of Medic
University of Louisville School of Medicine - if you don't have strong family ties to Kentucky drop this one - they have HIGH in-state preference
University of Nevada School of Medicine - if you don't have strong family ties to Nevada drop this one - they have HIGH in-state preference
+Wayne State University School of Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine - Strong preference for in-state applicants - should drop.
+Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

I think you need to relook at your list. It looks like you went through an MSAR and picked the schools with the lowest numbers without lookign at the In-state vs. Out of state ratios or mission statements of the schools. (If I'm mistaken I don't mean to insult - but its such a mishmosh of schools) But seriously - pretty much everything without a + next to it needs to go (unless you can prove STRONG family ties in those states and even then - its rough). That cuts your list from 16 to 6 - so you need to relook at your MSAR and rechoose schools.

You can take a crack at it and hope for the best this year if you have the money to spend and time to use. Your GPA is ok, ECs are average, and the MCAT isn't awful. The old one may hurt you a bit - but I think its doable. But waiting a year will always improve ones application - its sort of like buying a computer - if you don't NEED one now then wait and get a better one later, if you NEED one now and can afford it then buy it and risk it being outdated in 1 year. Applying is the same - if you can wait another year then wait and have a better application next year. But if you really "need" to get in school now and can afford to apply then go for it.

Good luck - I think the main thing you need to do is fix that school list. Do more research into schools and pick some better schools - maybe throw some DOs in if you are at all interested in their philosophy. You'd be pretty competitive at DO schools.
 
Hey guys,

I just wanted to get your opinions on what are my chances:

My overall GPA is around 3.6/3.7 with a science of 3.4/3.5.

I took the MCAT the first time last year with a 22N (7VR 8BS 8PS) and just took the June Mcat and got a 30N (8VR 11BS 11PS).

Clinical Experience: I have 6 months of shadowing with one family physician. A one day experience in a long term health facility with the same doc and a clinical experience (also one day) in a busy pediatric hospital in Baghdad Iraq.

Non Clinical: I have tons of community involvement and only a couple of clubs at school...one of which I was VP.

Research: Absolutely None

I'm not aiming for Ivey league schools or anything. But my choices are:

-University of Buffalo (SUNY)
-Wayne State
-NYMC
-RFU
-UIC
-Mich. State

-NSUCOM
-CCOM

I know my overall is decent enough but I'm kind of worried about my 8 on verbal and N (no improvement since first take) on my WS.

But do you guys think I stand at least a good chance at getting an interview at these schools? Also which other schools would you guys recommend based on my stats?

I appreciate any help anyone can provide and thank them in advance.

Cheers :luck:
 
iMed said:
so i just got my mcat score back and is a dismal 28R. the breakdown was VR10, BS10, R, PS8.

i'm sure i can do better on the PS section. i freaked out a little too much during the first ~20 mins and i couldn't use my head. my best section is actually PS, averaging 10-11 on it.

anyways, my overall gpa is 3.52, BCPM gpa is 3.55.
ECs: year of research, currently doing hospital internship, been teaching classes since 12th grade, bunch of other club activies with officer positions, doing an honors thesis, and a humble list of the usual awards and accolades.

should i even apply this year? thank you soo much!
Click to expand...

Might help if you indicate your state of residency....
 
jones123 said:
Im about to send in my application, but I would like a little input from my fellow SDNer's about my school designations. As of right now, these are my school designations.

Eastern Virginia Medical School
George Washington University Sch of Med & Hlth Sci
Marshall Univ Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina
Meharry Medical College
Michigan State University
Morehouse School of Medicine
New York Medical College
The University of Toledo College of Medicine
University of Illinois at Chicago-College of Medic
University of Louisville School of Medicine
University of Nevada School of Medicine
Wayne State University School of Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

I am a Michigan resident with a 3.6 GPA, clinical experience both shadowing and volunteering. My MCAT score was a low 21, but I plan on retaking it and expect to score in the high 20's. Most of the schools I have above take the most recent score, so my first score will not affect me adversely. Any recommendations or comments are welcome. If you have any schools that you think I may have left off or any of the schools on my list are out the question please feel free to respond. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...


You evidently did not look carefully into selecting your medical schools. Or maybe you did. I hope you have extensive experience with the African American underserved populations, else you'll have a difficult time explaining your motivations to the few predominantly African American schools you're applying to.

Also do you even own a copy of MSAR? It is worth a read. You're applying randomly to a few state's medical schools when they likely will not consider OOS applicants unless you are significantly higher than their average.
 
I just need a little peace of mind. I've been filling out all these secondaries and not stopping to think - do I actually have a shot here?

I'm a VT resident, so I'm hoping to get into UVM because of the low number of in-state apps.

I had a 3.35 undergrad GPA and got a 30R (11,10,9) on my MCAT. Will my GPA doom me?
 
jones123 said:
Im about to send in my application, but I would like a little input from my fellow SDNer's about my school designations. As of right now, these are my school designations.

Eastern Virginia Medical School
George Washington University Sch of Med & Hlth Sci
Marshall Univ Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina
Meharry Medical College
Michigan State University
Morehouse School of Medicine
New York Medical College
The University of Toledo College of Medicine
University of Illinois at Chicago-College of Medic
University of Louisville School of Medicine
University of Nevada School of Medicine
Wayne State University School of Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

I am a Michigan resident with a 3.6 GPA, clinical experience both shadowing and volunteering. My MCAT score was a low 21, but I plan on retaking it and expect to score in the high 20's. Most of the schools I have above take the most recent score, so my first score will not affect me adversely. Any recommendations or comments are welcome. If you have any schools that you think I may have left off or any of the schools on my list are out the question please feel free to respond. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Don't apply with a 21.

My good friend got a 19 on his first try... buckled down, nose-to-the-grindstone style. And turned it into a 28. His gpa was MUCH lower than yours and he was a URM.

He's about to start in August.

You'd be wasting your money and you'd label yourself as a reapplicant.
 
phoenix1 said:
Might help if you indicate your state of residency....
Click to expand...

oh, my state of residence is georgia.
i have a very tentative list of schools and i will be completing that list by today. i guess i'll post them when i'm finished. thanks!
 
phoenix1 said:
Thanks for the advice.

As for Rosalind Franklin, I've already submitted their secondary. Definitely applying everywhere in Chicago (or thereabouts). But Creighton is pretty far from Chicago, and I really need a big city nearby. Thus, I'm not applying to Creighton. Do you think that I don't have a decent enough shot with the schools I've already sent primaries to? Do you think I should definitely fill out secondaries for Drexel, SLU and EVMS?
Click to expand...

i would send in as many secondaries as you have the time/money for. as for the big city thing, omaha (where creighton is) isn't that small. yes, it is in the middle of nowhere, but the metro area has over a million i am pretty sure.
 
Womialas said:
I just need a little peace of mind. I've been filling out all these secondaries and not stopping to think - do I actually have a shot here?

I'm a VT resident, so I'm hoping to get into UVM because of the low number of in-state apps.

I had a 3.35 undergrad GPA and got a 30R (11,10,9) on my MCAT. Will my GPA doom me?
Click to expand...

i wouldn't say it will 'doom' you, but it will def hurt you. is there a reason for some low grades (family problems, health)? your state school will at least give you a little love, but keep pushing forward. that gpa is nothing you can't overcome.
 
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