Thoughts and opinions?

[actoutfit]

I just got verified by AMCAS a few days ago so here are all my calculated GPAs. Any advice/thoughts about my chances would be greatly appreciated.

Maryland Resident

cGPA - 3.54 (with very steep upward trent the last 3 years: sophmore year 3.7, junior year 3.85, senior year 3.84)

sGPA - 3.41 (pretty similar in upward trent as cGPA)

MCAT- 31S P - 9, V - 10, B - 12

I've volunteered at the emergency room and shock trauma center at UMD the past two summers and I just started a job doing stem cell research at Hopkins. Also, worked in computers for Maryland Department of Public Safety for over 5 years including doing grant writing the past 6 months. I've been a musician (percussionist) since the age of 10 and still play gigs often.

Here is my list of schools:

Temple
Tulane
Drexel
VCU
Jeffereson
Georgetown
GWU
NYMC
UMD
Penn State
SUNY-Upstate
SUNY-Downstate
UVA
EVMS

 

[Stratego]

Good list. The upward trend after freshman year helps. The music thing makes you interesting. That the lowest subsection score is PS is good. Did you start the research experience before submitting, so it's on the application? Did you do any physician shadowing? Any experience you'd call teaching or leadership? Other than the two summers of clinical experience, did you have any other activity that is related to patients? Other community service?

I think it will be important for you to send in periodic update letters regarding accumulated experience in areas where you are lacking. This should include the research, shadowing if not done, and most important some form of weekly 3-4 hour clinical experience (which counts as community service and clinical experience). You have a chance, but you are not a shoo-in, and must live this year with the idea that you may be reapplying next year, so your application needs to continue beefing up.

 

[actoutfit]

Stratego - thanks for the quick response

I didn't start my current research experience until after I submitted my app. I did do research in undergrad for a semester in a biomechanics lab. While at the emergency room I befriended the chief of the ER and shadowed him several times. I also have shadowed an opthomologist and a cardioloist. I currently am volunteering at Shock Trauma once a week (10pm-2am) shift. In terms of teaching I tutored on and off in college and taught drum lessons. Leadership - I was the manager and head lifeguard of a large swimming facility and oversaw operations (I had about 10-12 lifeguards below me).

 

[Stratego]

The shadowing is perfect. It's nice that you had completed a research experience you could list. The teaching and leadership are great. And hopefully all that is on the application. I am reassured. As I said, I think it's important to continue with weekly clinical experience, though 3-4 hours would be enough, unless it is too fascinating to let go.

 

[camaras2480]

Stratego - thanks for the quick response

I didn't start my current research experience until after I submitted my app. I did do research in undergrad for a semester in a biomechanics lab. While at the emergency room I befriended the chief of the ER and shadowed him several times. I also have shadowed an opthomologist and a cardioloist. I currently am volunteering at Shock Trauma once a week (10pm-2am) shift. In terms of teaching I tutored on and off in college and taught drum lessons. Leadership - I was the manager and head lifeguard of a large swimming facility and oversaw operations (I had about 10-12 lifeguards below me).

*Ophthalmologist, just in case you write about it anywhere, lol.

 

[actoutfit]

Haha thanks. I saw it was spelled wrong right after I posted. Yea I'm sure adcoms would have loved that typo.

 

[camaras2480]

Haha thanks. I saw it was spelled wrong right after I posted. Yea I'm sure adcoms would have loved that typo.

lol