Tough decision - What would you do?

[Bangersandmash]

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I am currently an undergraduate pre-medical student at the University of South Florida entering my junior year. I am enrolled in their 7 year medical. I have hit my MCAT and GPA benchmarks and will be interviewing for their early decision program this September. I am almost guaranteed entry into USF medical school unless I severely ruin my interview.

My only dilemma now is whether or not I want to pursue opportunities elsewhere or remain with the program. My decision rests on how good I think my chances are of getting into the school I want (University of Florida/University of Miami) and it worries me. Looking at my resume, would you take your chances applying out? I understand the variability of admissions and that an interview could make or break me. I would be happy at USF. That's why I decided to do their 7 year program in the first place.

MCAT: 32Q
cGPA: 4.0
Shadowing hours: 300 hours (oncology, neurology, ENT)
Volunteer hours: Hundreds (Cancer center, public school district)
Research experience: One and a half years at 10 hrs/week with 3 poster presentations (one at a national conference) and a manuscript in the process of being submitted for publication (would hopefully be accepted during this year). Currently the head research coordinator for my lab
EC's: Founder and president of my school's debate team, regular member of my pre-med organization, drummer for a surf-rock band that has opened for national acts

Everything for my early decision into USF is pretty much settled. If I applied out next year, I would hopefully maintain a 4.0, I would be a dual major in classics and biomedical sciences and I would pursue employment experience in addition to everything else. I feel like my LORs and PS are strong. I would also most likely have additional research presentations and possibly a second manuscript.

I love USF and appreciate the opportunity I have been given, but I also am not one to have my options limited. I also love UF and the Gainesville area and love the program they have and the things I hear.

So would you take a risk?

 

[dsoz]

Dude, if you have a 4.0 and a 32 you should be golden. The only thing stopping you is if you have the social conventions of a *****ic ape. If you can get along with people, and don't get all flustered at the interview stage you should be fine to get into almost any MD program, and EVERY DO program to which you apply. Stop worrying. If you met the benchmarks, then they are likely to take you.

Now, I would talk to your professors and see what their honest opinions are of your social skills. If you get sweaty palms just talking to someone else, then it may be difficult to do a H&P. If you can't look someone in the eye when you talk to them, it would not be good in the exam room. If you are so much of a germaphobe that you are unwilling to touch someone else, then don't think about going into surgery. 🙂 I am not saying that you are these things, but they would hinder your ability to enter medicine.

dsoz

Edit: Is this a mocking thread? Low post count. Silly question. And I just saw the older post that is similar. Ha Ha you got me.

 

[Bangersandmash]

Dude, if you have a 4.0 and a 32 you should be golden. The only thing stopping you is if you have the social conventions of a *****ic ape. If you can get along with people, and don't get all flustered at the interview stage you should be fine to get into almost any MD program, and EVERY DO program to which you apply. Stop worrying. If you met the benchmarks, then they are likely to take you.

Now, I would talk to your professors and see what their honest opinions are of your social skills. If you get sweaty palms just talking to someone else, then it may be difficult to do a H&P. If you can't look someone in the eye when you talk to them, it would not be good in the exam room. If you are so much of a germaphobe that you are unwilling to touch someone else, then don't think about going into surgery. 🙂 I am not saying that you are these things, but they would hinder your ability to enter medicine.

dsoz

Thank you for the boost in confidence. I don't feel as if the interview should be a problem. I've been debating since high school and speaking is one of my stronger suits I guess.

However, even if I may be "golden," I still worry about such things considering the low acceptance rates of medical schools. You could say I was "golden" for the Ivy leagues (meeting "benchmarks" and having good ECs) in undergrad but I didn't get into a single one.

I know I meet the standards on paper and I am confident in my interviewing abilities. I just don't want to leave something up to the chance of admission rates.

Edit: Would you suggest I go on a tour of UF's medical school and speak with admissions? It is easy enough for me to take a trip up there before I make a decision to commit to the program at USF.

 

[davidbm95]

Dude, if you have a 4.0 and a 32 you should be golden. The only thing stopping you is if you have the social conventions of a *****ic ape. If you can get along with people, and don't get all flustered at the interview stage you should be fine to get into almost any MD program, and EVERY DO program to which you apply. Stop worrying. If you met the benchmarks, then they are likely to take you.

Now, I would talk to your professors and see what their honest opinions are of your social skills. If you get sweaty palms just talking to someone else, then it may be difficult to do a H&P. If you can't look someone in the eye when you talk to them, it would not be good in the exam room. If you are so much of a germaphobe that you are unwilling to touch someone else, then don't think about going into surgery. 🙂 I am not saying that you are these things, but they would hinder your ability to enter medicine.

dsoz

Edit: Is this a mocking thread? Low post count. Silly question. And I just saw the older post that is similar. Ha Ha you got me.

Nice stats, you have a good chance at schools that are much better than your current. Best of luck.

 

[Bangersandmash]

Confused by your edit dsoz.

People say good chance but what does that really mean?

 

[kpcrew]

It means that people with your stats have had about an 82% success rate getting into medical school in the last three years.

 

[Bangersandmash]

It means that people with your stats have had about an 82% chance of getting into a medical school in the last three years.

I've pretty much already been accepted into a medical school. Would you trade that for an overall 82% chance of getting in ANYWHERE and a less than 10% chance of getting into a school you want?

 

[ShenanigansMD]

I would start filling in boxes on AMCAS... and pick a bunch of schools.

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

I've pretty much already been accepted into a medical school. Would you trade that for an overall 82% chance of getting in ANYWHERE and a less than 10% chance of getting into a school you want?

Guaranteed acceptance + in-state tuition = no brainer.

 

[kpcrew]

I've pretty much already been accepted into a medical school. Would you trade that for an overall 82% chance of getting in ANYWHERE and a less than 10% chance of getting into a school you want?

I mistyped, I meant 82% success rate, not chance and no I would not risk it.

 

[Josh7]

I think you should stick with USF if you're enjoying your time there. I'm sure you'll get in with those stats considering your interview will probably go well with your background in debate/speech.

People in this thread are being a bit too nice though in my opinion. A 32 on the MCAT is a great score but at top tier medical schools a 32 is actually towards the bottom of the spectrum. You do have a chance at getting into those schools because it looks like you have a strong profile but is it really worth the money and risk when you pretty much have a guaranteed shot at a school you presumably enjoy?

 

[Bangersandmash]

And that is why I question it. If I had a 34+ I think I would apply out, but I got stuck in what I consider a gray area.

 

[Josh7]

And that is why I question it. If I had a 34+ I think I would apply out, but I got stuck in what I consider a gray area.

Well stick with USF for now unless you REALLY want to go somewhere else. I think you have a decent chance with middle-top tiers but don't get your hopes up for the top of the top. Although your EC's do look pretty strong.

 

[havoc]

.

 

[MaenadsDance]

No harm in applying out PROVIDED THAT not going early decision won't hinder your chances of getting into USF.

But really, if you like the school and the area and you'll be getting in-state tuition breaks, why go elsewhere?