UGGPA: 3.2 GradGPA: 4.0 URM WAMC? w/ List

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Bigmedicineguy

Applying 2019-2020 Cycle
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1. GPAs: cUGGPA: 3.21; sUGGPA: 3.00; GradGPA: 4.00; (combined)cGPA: 3.40; (combined)sGPA: 3.33
1. Degrees: BS: Neuroscience, MS: Medical Physiology w/ concentration in Clinical Neuroscience (graduate in May)
2. UG GPA with significant upward trend, upper level chemistry and biology course grades better than lower level
3. I know with a graduate GPA they aren’t combined but just there for statistical purposes​
2. MCAT: 508 (126/127/127/128) (one-time test taker)
3. State: Virginia
4. Race: African American, URM
5. Undergraduate institution or category: Top 40 nationally, Top 10 Public nationally, Public Ivy, liberal arts in Virginia
6. Clinical Experience (volunteer):
1. Children’s Hospital volunteer (50 hours)
2. City Health Advocate (50 hours)
3. Hospital Neurology Grand Rounds Attendee (30 hours)
4. Medically Underserved Clinic Volunteer (pending until after graduation)​
7. Clinical Experience (non-volunteer):
1. EMT (250 hours) (paid)
2. Physiologist in Neurology Department (350 hours) (school credit) (non-paid)
1. General Neurology (90 hours)
2. Stroke Service (90 hours)
3. Epilepsy Unit (90 hours)
4. Neuromuscular Junction out-patient (90 hours)​
8. Research experience and productivity:
1. Clinical Research – Thrombosis Research Lab – Precision Medicine – Volunteer (250 hours)​
9. Shadowing experience and specialties represented
1. Cardiologist (12 hours)
2. Cardiologist (12 hours)
3. Will be adding significant hours soon​
10. Non-clinical volunteering
1. Child Development Resources Events Volunteer (50 hours)
2. Inner City Tennis Program – Co-Organizer, Lead Tutor and Wellness Advocate (100 hours)
3. Math Corps Volunteer – College Instructor, leading team of 10 middle school children and 5 high school mentors (40 hours)
4. Food Bank Volunteer (75 hours)​
11. Other extracurricular activities (including athletics, military service, gap year activities, leadership, teaching, etc)
1. Division I Athlete – Team Sport (Top 30 nationally) – Walk-on to loose title of captain (2500 hours)
2. Co-organizer of Charity Basketball Game and Carwash Fundraiser for friend with brain cancer (raised >$15,000 in total)
3. Graduate School Peer Advisor (1 year)
4. Study Abroad – Summer semester – Florence, Italy (non-medical)
5. Local Sports Camp Coach/Camp counselor (150 hours) (paid)
6. Gap year job?? (possibly medical assistant, scribe, or clinical or NIH research lab?)​
12. Relevant honors or awards
1. Two-time UG Dean’s list
2. Civic Engagement Scholar
3. Freshman year athletic conference champion and NCAA tournament appearance (Played every minute)​
13. Anything else not listed you think might be important
1. Hobbies: Extensive exercise (running, lifting), nutrition, cooking, piano (self-taught), travelling (12 countries w/ first hand in experience in many)
2. Member of Historically Black Fraternity
3. Transfer student after 1st year of UG (4-year institution to 4-year institution)​
14. Possible Application List
1. In-State
1. Eastern Virginia
2. UVA
3. VCU
4. Virginia Tech Carilion​
2. Far Reach
1. Case Western
2. Duke
3. Emory
4. University of Pittsburgh
5. Tufts University​
3. Reach
1. Dartmouth University
2. Georgetown University
3. Thomas Jefferson University
4. University of Miami
5. Saint Louis University​
4. Target
1. Charles Drew University/UCLA
2. Drexel University
3. George Washington University
4. Temple University
5. Loyola University
6. Penn State University
7. Rush Medical College
8. USUHS (Family military history)
9. University of Illinois
10. Wake Forest
11. Wayne State University​
5. Safety?
1. Central Michigan University
2. Howard University
3. Meharry Medical College
4. Morehouse School of Medicine
5. West Virginia University
​
[lengthy background retracted]

tl;dr
1. UG transfer after first year to challenge myself, significant upward GPA trend sophomore to senior year and continued into M.S.
2. How will UG GPA and M.S. Graduate GPA be looked at? Would rather do post-bacc than apply DO.
3. MCAT retake or nah?
4. What schools are more likely to look highly upon EC’s and URM’s than just purely stats?
5. Thoughts on the list???
6. Gap year job?
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Last edited:
Bigmedicineguy said:
1. GPAs: cUGGPA: 3.21; sUGGPA: 3.00; GradGPA: 4.00; (combined)cGPA: 3.40; (combined)sGPA: 3.33
1. Degrees: BS: Neuroscience, MS: Medical Physiology w/ concentration in Clinical Neuroscience (graduate in May)
2. UG GPA with significant upward trend, upper level chemistry and biology course grades better than lower level
3. I know with a graduate GPA they aren’t combined but just there for statistical purposes​
2. MCAT: 508 (126/127/127/128) (one-time test taker)
3. State: Virginia
4. Race: Black, URM
5. Undergraduate institution or category: Top 40 nationally, Top 10 Public nationally, Public Ivy, liberal arts in Virginia
6. Clinical Experience (volunteer):
1. Children’s Hospital volunteer (50 hours)
2. City Health Advocate (50 hours)
3. Hospital Neurology Grand Rounds Attendee (30 hours)
4. Medically Underserved Clinic Volunteer (pending until after graduation)​
7. Clinical Experience (non-volunteer):
1. EMT (250 hours) (paid)
2. Physiologist in Neurology Department (350 hours) (school credit) (non-paid)
1. General Neurology (90 hours)
2. Stroke Service (90 hours)
3. Epilepsy Unit (90 hours)
4. Neuromuscular Junction out-patient (90 hours)​
8. Research experience and productivity:
1. Clinical Research – Thrombosis Research Lab – Precision Medicine – Volunteer (250 hours)​
9. Shadowing experience and specialties represented
1. Cardiologist (12 hours)
2. Cardiologist (12 hours)
3. Will be adding significant hours soon​
10. Non-clinical volunteering
1. Child Development Resources Events Volunteer (50 hours)
2. Inner City Tennis Program – Co-Organizer, Lead Tutor and Wellness Advocate (100 hours)
3. Math Corps Volunteer – College Instructor, leading team of 10 middle school children and 5 high school mentors (40 hours)
4. Food Bank Volunteer (75 hours)​
11. Other extracurricular activities (including athletics, military service, gap year activities, leadership, teaching, etc)
1. Division I Athlete – Team Sport (Top 30 nationally) – Walk-on to loose title of captain (2500 hours)
2. Co-organizer of Charity Basketball Game and Carwash Fundraiser for friend with brain cancer (raised >$15,000 in total)
3. Graduate School Peer Advisor (1 year)
4. Study Abroad – Summer semester – Florence, Italy (non-medical)
5. Local Sports Camp Coach/Camp counselor (150 hours) (paid)
6. Gap year job?? (possibly medical assistant, scribe, or clinical or NIH research lab?)​
12. Relevant honors or awards
1. Two-time UG Dean’s list
2. Civic Engagement Scholar
3. Freshman year athletic conference champion and NCAA tournament appearance (Played every minute)​
13. Anything else not listed you think might be important
1. Hobbies: Extensive exercise (running, lifting), nutrition, cooking, piano (self-taught), travelling (12 countries w/ first hand in experience in many)
2. Member of Historically Black Fraternity
3. Transfer student after 1st year of UG (4-year institution to 4-year institution)​
14. Possible Application List
1. In-State
1. Eastern Virginia
2. UVA
3. VCU
4. Virginia Tech Carilion​
2. Far Reach
1. Duke
2. Emory
3. Pittsburgh
4. Tufts University​
3. Reach
1. Case Western
2. Georgetown University
3. Ohio State University
4. University of Cincinnati
5. University of Colorado
6. University of Hawaii
7. University of Miami​
4. Target
1. Rosalind Franklin University
2. Charles Drew University/UCLA
3. Drexel University
4. George Washington University
5. Indiana University
6. Loyola University
7. Medical College of Wisconsin
8. Oakland University
9. Penn State University
10. Rush Medical College
11. University of Toledo
12. USUHS (Family military history)
13. University of Arizona – Tucson
14. University of Illinois
15. University of Louisville
16. University of South Carolina
17. Wake Forest
18. Wayne State University
19. Wright State University
20. Central Michigan University
21. Howard University
22. Marshall University
23. Meharry Medical College
24. Morehouse School of Medicine
25. West Virginia University​


Background:
So a little background and explanation on my stats, didn’t take high school seriously, went to D3 school to play sport, performed very well athletically (most minutes played on team, leader on the field as a freshman) and academically (3.65 GPA as double major), transferred to highly ranked school to challenge myself further, walked onto DI team (became starter in second half of first season) (loose captain, as in there were no assigned captains but the seniors were looked to lead in different ways), and had a hard time adjusting to higher academic demands but slowly figured it out and learned how I needed to study and came out of undergrad with a cGPA of 3.2 and sGPA of 3.00 with a pretty rigorous course load (if that even matters lmao). Obviously not the ideal stats to apply to med school but didn’t destroy my chances. Applied to grad school (M.S.) and am currently finishing my last year with a degree in medical physiology with a 4.00 GPA (39 credits) and adding a concentration in clinical neuroscience where I get to work, for credit, as a physiologist in the university hospital where I rotate with third year medical students. Now here is where my application gets a little tricky…

First, I’m not really sure if my M.S. program is an SMP, we don’t take the regular first year medical school classes (histology, anatomy, biochem, etc.), but everything is very in-depth physiology, we take the national board medical exam (NBME) for physiology that medical students take, our classes are in the medical school, and some of my electives are with medical school students, along with my concentration rotations alongside medical school students. Also, I understand that admissions don’t combine MS and BS GPAs, so how do they look at my GPA exactly? Will it be more at my graduate GPA, undergrad, combination, or does it purely just depend on the school looking at my application? Just a little confused on that part and how to approach applications when my undergrad GPA is underneath the 10th percentile on pretty much all schools lol. Would rather take more time at doing a post-bacc to raise UG GPA than apply D.O. for personal reasons.

Second, would it be wise to retake the MCAT, or just not risk it? Obviously wouldn’t enjoy studying again, and 508 is definitely a solid score, but scored a 512 on AAMC FL3 (129/124/131/128) 5 days before my actual exam so I know I can do better and I will have the time to study before the next MCAT cycle begins.

Third, I think my extracurriculars and volunteer experiences are pretty solid, but I know that doesn’t make up for low statistics, so what types of schools truly look past the stats and for the more a well-rounded applicant? Specifically, I would really like to continue community outreach during medical school so what schools will help me continue that goal?

Fourth, how does the application list look? Any way too ridiculous to apply to? Who looks highly upon having an M.S. degree? Should I add any? Planning to apply broad as hell because I truly don’t know where I stand with GPA situation and being a URM.

And lastly, in terms of jobs for my gap year what would be the best? Would working in a lab at the NIH be smart to increase research experience, or should I just stick with looking for clinical jobs such as scribing or being a medical assistant to increase clinical experience, or should I do kind of a combination of the two and work as a clinical research coordinator? I’ll be living at home, so money isn’t of huge importance. Will definitely be bulking up the shadowing over the next couple months too.

Thank you, and I have 8 months until submitting apps so any thoughts or advice would be extremely helpful!!!

tl;dr
1. UG transfer after first year to challenge myself, significant upward GPA trend sophomore to senior year and continued into M.S.
2. How will UG GPA and M.S. Graduate GPA be looked at? Would rather do post-bacc than apply DO.
3. MCAT retake or nah?
4. What schools are more likely to look highly upon EC’s and URM’s than just purely stats?
5. Thoughts on the list???
6. Gap year job?
Click to expand...
I apologize, your post is very long lol. From what I skimmed, please don’t retake the MCAT. And since you’re above a 3.3, there’s no reason to explain your grades. An adcom can better tailor your list. Unless you have 5 grand lying around, this cycle will become quite expensive for you. Best of luck!
 
Do you come from a low income family? If so look into the AAMC Fee Assistance Program - Covers 16 primaries and almost all secondary application cost.

Your application is solid and you should have a chance at most schools honestly. If you are looking for schools that have a focus on community outreach the best way to do this is to apply to schools located in big cities.

Jazz is right on narrowing down your list. If you don't have Fee Assistance Program your looking at a very expensive cycle not just in applications but in interviews. You also have quite a few schools with large IS bias for states you are not a resident off. You should look at the MSAR and cross check to see how many OOS applicants got interviews/matriculated vs how many IS applicants got interviews/matriculated.

For sure apply to (99% sure you'd have at least 1 acceptance from):
All state schools
Historically black colleges
Drexel
UCLA/Drew
GW
Georgetown

I'd also say Dartmouth based on stats and personal experience but I'm not sure if you'd like being in a rural area based on what you've said (which should also cut your list down a bit if you take those schools off).

I would not retake the MCAT - you have a solid score unless your aiming for Ivy League medical schools (and even then with your current score you have a chance.

What you do for your Gap year is not too important. I know students who just worked at Whole Foods and volunteered a lot on the side and they are in med school. Do what your interested in, if you like bench work do bench work. If you like clinical research do that, If you like community work find a job that focuses on that. Just have a good reason to be able to talk about why you are doing what your are doing.

If you don't know if your MS counts as a special masters program, my first thought would be to just go talk to your advisor or program director and ask they should know.
 
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MedicineN'Jazz said:
I apologize, your post is very long lol. From what I skimmed, please don’t retake the MCAT. And since you’re above a 3.3, there’s no reason to explain your grades. An adcom can better tailor your list. Unless you have 5 grand lying around, this cycle will become quite expensive for you. Best of luck!
Click to expand...

Lmao yeah I got a little carried away with writing everything out. I think I'll make a much much shorter post with my stats another time. But thank you for your advice I really appreciate it. I will definitely cut down the list to <30
 
Dr. Meliodas said:
Do you come from a low income family? If so look into the AAMC Fee Assistance Program - Covers 16 primaries and almost all secondary application cost.

Your application is solid and you should have a chance at most schools honestly. If you are looking for schools that have a focus on community outreach the best way to do this is to apply to schools located in big cities.

Jazz is right on narrowing down your list. If you don't have Fee Assistance Program your looking at a very expensive cycle not just in applications but in interviews. You also have quite a few schools with large IS bias for states you are not a resident off. You should look at the MSAR and cross check to see how many OOS applicants got interviews/matriculated vs how many IS applicants got interviews/matriculated.

For sure apply to (99% sure you'd have at least 1 acceptance from):
All state schools
Historically black colleges
Drexel
UCLA/Drew
GW
Georgetown

I'd also say Dartmouth based on stats and personal experience but I'm not sure if you'd like being in a rural area based on what you've said (which should also cut your list down a bit if you take those schools off).

I would not retake the MCAT - you have a solid score unless your aiming for Ivy League medical schools (and even then with your current score you have a chance.

What you do for your Gap year is not too important. I know students who just worked at Whole Foods and volunteered a lot on the side and they are in med school. Do what your interested in, if you like bench work do bench work. If you like clinical research do that, If you like community work find a job that focuses on that. Just have a good reason to be able to talk about why you are doing what your are doing.

If you don't know if your MS counts as a special masters program, my first thought would be to just go talk to your advisor or program director and ask they should know.
Click to expand...


Thank you for your reply! I'm not too sure if I qualify for FAP but I will definitely look into, otherwise you're right I will definitely cut down my list significantly.

I will definitely apply to all those schools and then several more. Would a good idea be to apply to all in-state, 5 far reach, 5 reach, 10 target, and 5 safety? Trying to get a gauge on what the spread should look like to apply as broad as possible. Also I will definitely look into Dartmouth, that is a good idea. What is your thoughts on Brown? I know they favor their undergrad heavily but could that be a decent far reach option?

And will definitely just do something enjoyable during my gap year, great to hear that doesn't need to be too stressful.

Thank you again for your answers!
 
Bigmedicineguy said:
Would a good idea be to apply to all in-state, 5 far reach, 5 reach, 10 target, and 5 safety? Trying to get a gauge on what the spread should look like to apply as broad as possible. Also I will definitely look into Dartmouth, that is a good idea. What is your thoughts on Brown? I know they favor their undergrad heavily but could that be a decent far reach option?
Click to expand...

I like the 5-5-10-5 plan.

Delete Hawaii and Colorado and South Carolina unless you grew up in one of them.

I'd advise against Brown unless you have connections to faculty or something like that.
 
With your GPA you really have no safety schools. MD schools don’t combine uGPA and gGPA. (DO schools do.)Don’t retake your MCAT. Your score is fine and what if you score lower on a retake. You need to develop a well thought out list of schools that is realistic. Be careful of OOS public schools because they favor their own residents. Your ECs are very inclusive so that will help and you’ll have lots to talk about at interviews. Good luck.
 
candbgirl said:
With your GPA you really have no safety schools. MD schools don’t combine uGPA and gGPA. (DO schools do.)Don’t retake your MCAT. Your score is fine and what if you score lower on a retake. You need to develop a well thought out list of schools that is realistic. Be careful of OOS public schools because they favor their own residents. Your ECs are very inclusive so that will help and you’ll have lots to talk about at interviews. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Yeah that’s what I figured, do you know of any specific programs that may look at grad school gpa highly too or do you think they will look at undergrad gpa everytime? But definitely noted on the mcat, I won’t do retake. And thank you I hope so!


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precisiongraphic said:
I like the 5-5-10-5 plan.

Delete Hawaii and Colorado and South Carolina unless you grew up in one of them.

I'd advise against Brown unless you have connections to faculty or something like that.
Click to expand...

Perfect, will do for all of those, thank you for your input!

Does a list like this look a little better?

1. In-State
1. Eastern Virginia
2. UVA
3. VCU
4. Virginia Tech Carilion
2. Far Reach
1. Case Western
2. Duke
3. Emory
4. University of Pittsburgh
5. Tufts University
3. Reach
1. Dartmouth University
2. Georgetown University
3. Thomas Jefferson University
4. University of Miami
5. Saint Louis University
4. Target
1. Charles Drew University/UCLA
2. Drexel University
3. George Washington University
4. Temple University
5. Loyola University
6. Penn State University
7. Rush Medical College
8. USUHS (Family military history)
9. University of Illinois
10. Wake Forest
11. Wayne State University
5. Safety?
1. Central Michigan University
2. Howard University
3. Meharry Medical College
4. Morehouse School of Medicine
5. West Virginia University


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Bigmedicineguy said:
Perfect, will do for all of those, thank you for your input!

Does a list like this look a little better?

1. In-State
1. Eastern Virginia
2. UVA
3. VCU
4. Virginia Tech Carilion
2. Far Reach
1. Case Western
2. Duke
3. Emory
4. University of Pittsburgh
5. Tufts University
3. Reach
1. Dartmouth University
2. Georgetown University
3. Thomas Jefferson University
4. University of Miami
5. Saint Louis University
4. Target
1. Charles Drew University/UCLA
2. Drexel University
3. George Washington University
4. Temple University
5. Loyola University
6. Penn State University
7. Rush Medical College
8. USUHS (Family military history)
9. University of Illinois
10. Wake Forest
11. Wayne State University
5. Safety?
1. Central Michigan University
2. Howard University
3. Meharry Medical College
4. Morehouse School of Medicine
5. West Virginia University


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Click to expand...
Unless you’re African American, Hispanic, Native American, or have extensive background serving the African american community...I would refrain applying to Meharry and Howard. Morehouse would be ok (given their backwards mission to increase “diversity” among their classes), but they really do prefer Georgia residents
 
MedicineN'Jazz said:
Unless you’re African American, Hispanic, Native American, or have extensive background serving the African american community...I would refrain applying to Meharry and Howard. Morehouse would be ok (given their backwards mission to increase “diversity” among their classes), but they really do prefer Georgia residents
Click to expand...

Yes I’m African American


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If you are looking to save money, take off all of the OOS state schools except for ones which you have a connection to.
 
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As far as retaking the MCAT: it is likely to help you IF you can get a significantly higher score. Many schools average scores. I'm not terribly sure if a 512 would help you. A 515+ would. If you get 515+ on two AAMC practice tests taken under conditions as close as possible to Test Day, you might look at retaking. Good luck!
 
Walter Raleigh said:
As far as retaking the MCAT: it is likely to help you IF you can get a significantly higher score. Many schools average scores. I'm not terribly sure if a 512 would help you. A 515+ would. If you get 515+ on two AAMC practice tests taken under conditions as close as possible to Test Day, you might look at retaking. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Please don’t listen to this advice. 508 + African American makes the odds HIGHLY in OP’s favor. Retaking the MCAT would be a grave mistake
 
Walter Raleigh said:
As far as retaking the MCAT: it is likely to help you IF you can get a significantly higher score. Many schools average scores. I'm not terribly sure if a 512 would help you. A 515+ would. If you get 515+ on two AAMC practice tests taken under conditions as close as possible to Test Day, you might look at retaking. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Noted, thank you. I'm more leaning toward not retaking but if I feel 100% confident that can be pulled off (or if I have the energy to begin studying again) then I will consider this
 
MedicineN'Jazz said:
Please don’t listen to this advice. 508 + African American makes the odds HIGHLY in OP’s favor. Retaking the MCAT would be a grave mistake
Click to expand...

The odds are in his favor. How much does he want to climb? Does he want a shot at higher-ranked schools? A strong retake can't hurt anything, and retaking a 508 isn't necessarily a bad idea. He needs significant improvement for a retake to help him though. 508 --> 515 > 508.
 
Walter Raleigh said:
The odds are in his favor. How much does he want to climb? Does he want a shot at higher-ranked schools? A strong retake can't hurt anything, and retaking a 508 isn't necessarily a bad idea. He needs significant improvement for a retake to help him though. 508 --> 515 > 508.
Click to expand...
He doesn’t need to retake period. The costs aren’t worth it. My school would gladly offer him a full ride, and I know atleast 7 others that would do the same.
 
Walter Raleigh said:
The odds are in his favor. How much does he want to climb? Does he want a shot at higher-ranked schools? A strong retake can't hurt anything, and retaking a 508 isn't necessarily a bad idea. He needs significant improvement for a retake to help him though. 508 --> 515 > 508.
Click to expand...
A 7 point MCAT improvement is much easier said than done. If OP wasn’t scoring that high on aamc practice tests, then it’s unlikely. My $0.02
 
MedicineN'Jazz said:
He doesn’t need to retake period. The costs aren’t worth it. My school would gladly offer him a full ride, and I know atleast 7 others that would do the same.
Click to expand...

Yes, my initial reply was based upon AA. 508 is plenty especially from a good state and with good volunteering and other ECs. Don't retake @Bigmedicineguy ! The HBCU schools are effectively his safeties.
 
MedicineN'Jazz said:
He doesn’t need to retake period. The costs aren’t worth it. My school would gladly offer him a full ride, and I know atleast 7 others that would do the same.
Click to expand...

Possible list where you think this could be an even slight possibility? Haha. Does my list have those types of schools?
 
Bigmedicineguy said:
Possible list where you think this could be an even slight possibility? Haha. Does my list have those types of schools?
Click to expand...
Yup, you have my school and several of the ones I was thinking of on there. Add Medical College of Wisconsin, Wright State University, Ohio State University (OSU), Seton Hall University, and Nova MD

Also, your military service will make you an attractive candidate for Washington U (although it is a bit of a reach, still go for it) and Tulane. I’m sure there are other m-friendly schools, but these are the ones that I know of. GL!
 
Ah no military service from my end specifically, just within my family. But wow you’re amazing, thank you for the rest, very much appreciated


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Bigmedicineguy said:
Ah no military service from my end specifically, just within my family. But wow you’re amazing, thank you for the rest, very much appreciated


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Click to expand...
Ah, I don’t believe that counts then. Still, go for the aforementioned schools, minus UWash. Tulane would probably take you, and the Midwest schools will definitely be interested
 
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