Undergrad cGPA 3.45 sGPA 3.42 Grad GPA 3.5 MCAT 31O

[Xadorus]

.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Holy Frans]

Have you also considered applying broadly?

 

[Xadorus]

a little too late for that i graduated my undergrad in 2008

 

[Xadorus]

Have you also considered applying broadly?

yep, im applying to 35 schools around the country that my stats fall into, but I was thinking since I am a NY resident living in NYC I would have my best chance at SUNY Downstate? Thanks!

 

[Catalystik]

I'd suggest that adding some DO schools should be part of your plan for "applying broadly."

And I do think you'll be disadvantaged to have your clinical experience acquired over the last 6 months. About 1.5 years is average, and a year is the least that most successful applicants have. It might help that the shadowing occurred awhile back as a demonstration that you were thinking of a potential medical career for a longer time. But the flurry of activity does suggest a last minute decision. If you are close to a school's expectations, then they might regard update letters giving additional hours of involvement.

 

[Xadorus]

I'd suggest that adding some DO schools should be part of your plan for "applying broadly."

And I do think you'll be disadvantaged to have your clinical experience acquired over the last 6 months. About 1.5 years is average, and a year is the least that most successful applicants have. It might help that the shadowing occurred awhile back as a demonstration that you were thinking of a potential medical career for a longer time. But the flurry of activity does suggest a last minute decision. If you are close to a school's expectations, then they might regard update letters giving additional hours of involvement.

Well, just to state my case - my master's was actually a program allowing me to take 1st year medical school courses so I can prepare for medical school. So, taking this master's for 2 years demonstrates my decision to pursue medicine. And I did do some volunteering last summer 2009 at the free-clinic - but stopped due to MCAT studying. (2mths)

I wouldn't think its a last minute decision just because I started my real volunteering experiences this year - I just felt more comfortable since I had free time due to a lower coursework load. I would say its a gradual change.

Thanks for the advice. Tell me what you think?

 

[Catalystik]

That you got some clinical time in last summer helps.

It sounds like you were in a Special Masters Program. If so, that completely changes your application dynamics, especially as you beat the 3.5+ expectation for what is considered to be doing well.

 

[Xadorus]

That you got some clinical time in last summer helps.

It sounds like you were in a Special Masters Program. If so, that completely changes your application dynamics, especially as you beat the 3.5+ expectation for what is considered to be doing well.

Hey, yea I was in a SMP. How so? I just hope it shows how much time I put in to preparing myself. Sounds like a good thing? thanks!

 

[Catalystik]

An SMP GPA can override a low undergrad GPA, which is not true of a traditional masters degree. And your 3.5+ GPA passes a meaninful threshold.

Did you start your summer's clinical experience gig before you applied so that it's on your application? If not, maybe send a separate letter after you've submitted your Secondary to each school telling them about it (if there is no Secondary essay where it can be mentioned). Do so again in mid fall and again at the end of the fall semester early December since you aren't waiting for grades to come out). Etc. I agree this activity should be continued throughout the application season. The letters can be used to mention any other factor significant to your application as well.

 

[Xadorus]

An SMP GPA can override a low undergrad GPA, which is not true of a traditional masters degree. And your 3.5+ GPA passes a meaninful threshold.

Did you start your summer's clinical experience gig before you applied so that it's on your application? If not, maybe send a separate letter after you've submitted your Secondary to each school telling them about it (if there is no Secondary essay where it can be mentioned). Do so again in mid fall and again at the end of the fall semester early December since you aren't waiting for grades to come out). Etc. I agree this activity should be continued throughout the application season. The letters can be used to mention any other factor significant to your application as well.

Yep all the stuff I listed above is on my application. I started that free clinic thing last summer 2009 and it lasted only 2 months - and I am restarting it this summer. I am continuing all my volunteering that i started this year and hope to continue it throughout the year and beyond.

I submitted my app. and it should be verified soon. I am aiming for SUNY Downstate since I live in NYC. And I seem to match what they want in a an applicant. What do you think?

 

[Catalystik]

I have no personal experience with NY schools and SMPers (a minority among applicants), so I don't know how it will be viewed. Your current school's advisors would have access to past application statisitics. What do they think?

Other New Yorkers more in the know may come by and give an opinion. You might also check on last year's school specific forum (see the top of PreMed Allo for link)and see if you can glean any information there. SDN's Postbaccalaureate Programs Forum is another potential resource.