- Joined
- Mar 1, 2011
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I really would like to get into an MD/PhD program since I believe such programs are better suited for my goals of conducting medical research. However, I'm not sure whether I should take a year off (Currently I'm a senior in college) or apply during the 2011-2012 cycle. I applied this past cycle with a 26P (10 BS/9 VR/7 PS) and I got into some DO schools. However, I'm not sure I want to do osteopathic medicine now since research doesn't seem to be a priority for them.
Anyways, I plan to apply in the upcoming cycle. Here are my stats:
GPA: 3.484 (Sci GPA: 3.22, Non Sci GPA: 4.00) (139 Credits with Biology/History Double Major)
MCAT: I am going to retake them on June 16th. I'm hoping for a 35/36 since I've started studying already and am placing much more emphasis on the physical sciences since that's what seems to be getting me.
Five Letters of Recommendation (2 Science, 1 Non-Science, 1 from Research Mentor, and 1 from DO Shadowing)
Volunteered at my local hospital for 6 months (4 hours per week.)
Shadowed an Osteopathic Primary Physician for 5 weeks (8 hours per week.)
Currently am shadowing a Vascular Surgeon at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (Hours Vary Weekly)
Have been conducting research on the evolution of dinoflagellate toxicity at a laboratory I'm currently employed (20 hours per week since June 2010. Have done a poster already and am currently writing a paper with first authorship.)
The main dilemma I'm facing right now is whether I should take a year off to do a post-baccelurate program, since I know my GPA isn't exactly stellar for MD/PhD programs. I am wondering if my current stats are good for an MD/PhD program at UMDNJ or in the New York/New Jersey area if I get a 35 or 36 on my MCAT, and especially if I do an Early Decision process. I would go for just an MD or DO but the research opportunities aren't as open with just those degrees. I'm not really too appealed by clinical research, since in my opinion there isn't much de novo basic science in that field. Plus, I would like to spend 70 % of my time doing research and 30% with patients, which is what most MD/PhDs do. Any input would be highly appreciated.
Anyways, I plan to apply in the upcoming cycle. Here are my stats:
GPA: 3.484 (Sci GPA: 3.22, Non Sci GPA: 4.00) (139 Credits with Biology/History Double Major)
MCAT: I am going to retake them on June 16th. I'm hoping for a 35/36 since I've started studying already and am placing much more emphasis on the physical sciences since that's what seems to be getting me.
Five Letters of Recommendation (2 Science, 1 Non-Science, 1 from Research Mentor, and 1 from DO Shadowing)
Volunteered at my local hospital for 6 months (4 hours per week.)
Shadowed an Osteopathic Primary Physician for 5 weeks (8 hours per week.)
Currently am shadowing a Vascular Surgeon at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (Hours Vary Weekly)
Have been conducting research on the evolution of dinoflagellate toxicity at a laboratory I'm currently employed (20 hours per week since June 2010. Have done a poster already and am currently writing a paper with first authorship.)
The main dilemma I'm facing right now is whether I should take a year off to do a post-baccelurate program, since I know my GPA isn't exactly stellar for MD/PhD programs. I am wondering if my current stats are good for an MD/PhD program at UMDNJ or in the New York/New Jersey area if I get a 35 or 36 on my MCAT, and especially if I do an Early Decision process. I would go for just an MD or DO but the research opportunities aren't as open with just those degrees. I'm not really too appealed by clinical research, since in my opinion there isn't much de novo basic science in that field. Plus, I would like to spend 70 % of my time doing research and 30% with patients, which is what most MD/PhDs do. Any input would be highly appreciated.
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