Usuhs

[Brocimus]

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All I know is if I get rejected by this school I will be very, very upset. I'll probably cry. . . like a little girl.

 

[Brocimus]

No pressure, but it would be really cool of people who have been accepted this cycle to maybe post some of their stats and maybe some EC's so those of us waiting have some idea of what they are looking at this year.

 

[mslall]

No pressure, but it would be really cool of people who have been accepted this cycle to maybe post some of their stats and maybe some EC's so those of us waiting have some idea of what they are looking at this year.

3.45 GPA (small liberal arts school...not sure if that matters), 31R, 4yr varsity swimming (captain senior year), 2 shadowing experiences (about 6 months each), started a program in an ER to help pre-med students get experience while simultaneously increasing patient turnover, 1 semester research. A bunch of other stuff, fraternity, traveling.......nothing huge though

I'm unconditionally in Army. My stats seemed to be the norm for USUHS, although with the way things have been going this year i'm not sure how i managed to slip in. I know i rocked at least one of the interviews. I interviewed the 25th of September, got conditional call on Oct 15th, unconditional letter sometime mid nov.

So it seems pretty safe to say their considering a lot of different stuff.....was it Dr. Medal that posted about taking a "holistic" view of the applicant? Cause my stats are by no means the best of the best. Good luck to everyone

 

[DrMetal]

3.45 GPA (small liberal arts school...not sure if that matters), 31R, 4yr varsity swimming (captain senior year), 2 shadowing experiences (about 6 months each), started a program in an ER to help pre-med students get experience while simultaneously increasing patient turnover, 1 semester research. A bunch of other stuff, fraternity, traveling.......nothing huge though

I'm unconditionally in Army. My stats seemed to be the norm for USUHS, although with the way things have been going this year i'm not sure how i managed to slip in. I know i rocked at least one of the interviews. I interviewed the 25th of September, got conditional call on Oct 15th, unconditional letter sometime mid nov.

So it seems pretty safe to say their considering a lot of different stuff.....was it Dr. Medal that posted about taking a "holistic" view of the applicant? Cause my stats are by no means the best of the best. Good luck to everyone

yeah, but you fit the bill, you've got good numbers, done a lot, you're a good "whole" applicant.

 

[dwb8p]

Have any priors (enlisted or officer--not ROTC) been alt'd yet after interviewing?

Like mslall, I interviewed 25-Sep and was accepted 15-Oct for Army. I'm ROTC and thought my interviews went really well, mainly because my EC's gave me a lot to talk about: Army internship @ Landstuhl last summer, volunteer work in West Africa the summer prior, over a year of research, yadda yadda... My GPA was average but my MCAT below average.

Another kid in ROTC with me also got accepted Army, and his MCAT was < avg. I would have to argue that having previous military exposure/experience along with good ECs and a good interview could definitely offset weak stats. But who knows..

 

[eschott]

Another kid in ROTC with me also got accepted Army, and his MCAT was < avg. I would have to argue that having previous military exposure/experience along with good ECs and a good interview could definitely offset weak stats. But who knows..

I'll agree with that...I'm thinking my AFROTC helped the 27 MCAT get by. That combined with the international service gave me plenty to talk about (that and letting the interviewer talk about how I'll have such a great time with a toddler there 'just like he did'!!)
If anyone's interested, I interviewed Sept 25 and got the conditional on 30 Oct...with the uncond a little after that. Best of luck.

 

[eschott]

Just wondering...have any of those still waiting from sept interviews had any luck on the phone? I think they're way beyond any imaginable excuse now...ridiculous!

 

[DrMetal]

Have any priors (enlisted or officer--not ROTC) been alt'd yet after interviewing?

Like mslall, I interviewed 25-Sep and was accepted 15-Oct for Army. I'm ROTC and thought my interviews went really well, mainly because my EC's gave me a lot to talk about: Army internship @ Landstuhl last summer, volunteer work in West Africa the summer prior, over a year of research, yadda yadda... My GPA was average but my MCAT below average.

Another kid in ROTC with me also got accepted Army, and his MCAT was < avg. I would have to argue that having previous military exposure/experience along with good ECs and a good interview could definitely offset weak stats. But who knows..

I would think (would hope) that prior service carries good weight, enough to push you over in lieu of bad numbers. I spend on of my entire interviews just talking about my prior service, and the leadership and nurturing skills i learned as a division and executive officer. I think that impressed the interview. He remarked that I seemed "pretty confident" that I knew what I was getting myself into. Now, that comment could've been a compliment, or a sarcastic one, who knows?! I couldn't quite guage it from his tone, hopefully the former. . . .

in any case, if I were on the admissions committee, I would be impressed by prior service 😀, of course I'm bias, but I think it helps . . shows that you're more worldly, more mature, wiser . . . .we'll see how it goes

 

[UTBME86]

No pressure, but it would be really cool of people who have been accepted this cycle to maybe post some of their stats and maybe some EC's so those of us waiting have some idea of what they are looking at this year.

I have a 3.6 and 28 MCAT, so about average stats there. I have worked in and ER for 5 yrs, been an EMT-basic for 2 and volunteered with a VFD in my area. I am a non-prior, but did manage to do some research at BAMC my junior year. I am about to get my unconditional for the Army.

I have been reading this forum for a long time now and am amazed by who they are putting on the alt list. I agree it doesn't make sense. Good luck to those who are still waiting and to those who are interviewing this week.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

I would think (would hope) that prior service carries good weight, enough to push you over in lieu of bad numbers.

From the USU website:

"Additionally, having prior or current military involvement would indicate to the Committee that an applicant has made a commitment to a military career. However, this will not compensate for poor scholarship or inadequate academic performance. To be admitted to the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, one must be a competitive candidate for medical school."

 

[dwb8p]

I would think (would hope) that prior service carries good weight, enough to push you over in lieu of bad numbers. I spend on of my entire interviews just talking about my prior service, and the leadership and nurturing skills i learned as a division and executive officer. I think that impressed the interview. He remarked that I seemed "pretty confident" that I knew what I was getting myself into. Now, that comment could've been a compliment, or a sarcastic one, who knows?! I couldn't quite guage it from his tone, hopefully the former. . . .

in any case, if I were on the admissions committee, I would be impressed by prior service 😀, of course I'm bias, but I think it helps . . shows that you're more worldly, more mature, wiser . . . .we'll see how it goes

Just curious-- are you branched MSC currently or something else? an O-3?

 

[RedLemond]

No pressure, but it would be really cool of people who have been accepted this cycle to maybe post some of their stats and maybe some EC's so those of us waiting have some idea of what they are looking at this year.

I was struggling about whether to post my stats/ecs because I honestly don't feel like speculating helps anyone... but I don't want you guys to think that I'm any better of an applicant than you are either - because that just wouldn't be true! My stats are smack dab on average for USU, so I think they liked me because I have kind of a unique variety of life experiences - including music, athletics, research, international experience. That being said, I interviewed with a guy who parachuted out of airplanes in Iraq - and I was like, wha??? Probably many of you on here have done stuff like that too! I don't know what the key is... but maybe they pick people who they can really get a good sense of who they are and where they come from. If you can present a motivated, interesting, unique, genuine individual to the committee on paper and in person - they will probably overlook average or below average stats. That has been my experience so far. I think the numbers game doesn't count for as much as, for example, Kaplan makes us think!!
So, one again, good luck all and I hope you end up in the right place! You will all be outstanding docs sooner than you think!

 

[DrMetal]

Just curious-- are you branched MSC currently or something else? an O-3?

restricted line reserve officer 0-3 LT outta San Diego, 8 years in (4 active + 4 reserve). I put down navy as my first choice, gotta go with what I know.

 

[TheGoose]

I think your assessment of the situation is right on the money, especially the part about not buying the "just making sure you're normal" routine.

everyone seems to do fine during the interviews (only a few bomb it, only a few rock it). So if everybody does ok during the interviews (I'm basing this off of the almost universal positive comments about the interview process at usushs), then I don't think they're using the interviews as the make or break factor. They probably going back through the entire application, and looking at everything wholistically (mcat/gpa/essays, yadda yadda).

So if you had say a 27 mcat and got an interview, you might end up on the alt. list per your low mcat score, no matter how well you interviewed. kinda sucks . . you wish they'd not even invite you for an interview, so you could save the $500 bucks on airfare and not get your hopes up.

such is the med school admissions procedure! argh!!!

yeah i was kind of disappointed that i bought into the idea that "getting to the interview stage put you on an even playing field as everyone else"...thats the reason i was surprised by the alt list because i really thought my interviews went great. couldnt have gone any better as i look back on them. At the same time, i guess it jumped back to the 29 mcat which buried me.

Thanks to the well wishers.

 

[Sarg's kid]

yeah i was kind of disappointed that i bought into the idea that "getting to the interview stage put you on an even playing field as everyone else"...thats the reason i was surprised by the alt list because i really thought my interviews went great. couldnt have gone any better as i look back on them. At the same time, i guess it jumped back to the 29 mcat which buried me.

Thanks to the well wishers.

Damn Goose, they got you too? Gotta say, that one stung more than most, because I think that you are in the same boat as me as far as wanting a career in milmed, not just medicine.
I think USUHS is screwing with us this year. Well, good luck to you. HPSP is still serving your country (plus you get to the multiyear retention bonuses three years earlier).
Best of luck to you. And to everybody else, keep chasing the dream and we'll all be together in the sandbox soon enough.

 

[airforcedukie]

yeah i was kind of disappointed that i bought into the idea that "getting to the interview stage put you on an even playing field as everyone else"...thats the reason i was surprised by the alt list because i really thought my interviews went great. couldnt have gone any better as i look back on them. At the same time, i guess it jumped back to the 29 mcat which buried me.

Thanks to the well wishers.

sry to hear that goose, i enjoyed meeting you on interview day.

how did you find out? just wondering when i should start freaking out. or if they're just really backed up. but my stats aren't too great, soooooooo i'm a bit worried.

 

[manucelt]

I would think (would hope) that prior service carries good weight, enough to push you over in lieu of bad numbers. I spend on of my entire interviews just talking about my prior service, and the leadership and nurturing skills i learned as a division and executive officer. I think that impressed the interview. He remarked that I seemed "pretty confident" that I knew what I was getting myself into. Now, that comment could've been a compliment, or a sarcastic one, who knows?! I couldn't quite guage it from his tone, hopefully the former. . . .

in any case, if I were on the admissions committee, I would be impressed by prior service 😀, of course I'm bias, but I think it helps . . shows that you're more worldly, more mature, wiser . . . .we'll see how it goes

Prior service played a large part in my acceptance. I have 5 years active Army, including a deployment. My interview went much the same as yours all they wanted to talk about was my deployment an Air Force O-6 took about 10 minutes of the interview asking me what all my awards were for. My academic stats are right around USUHS averages (3.6, 33Q) and I didn't have a whole lot else on my application outside of military service in terms of extra curriculars. Hope that helps some of you still waiting.

 

[DrMetal]

Prior service played a large part in my acceptance. I have 5 years active Army, including a deployment. My interview went much the same as yours all they wanted to talk about was my deployment an Air Force O-6 took about 10 minutes of the interview asking me what all my awards were for. My academic stats are right around USUHS averages (3.6, 33Q) and I didn't have a whole lot else on my application outside of military service in terms of extra curriculars. Hope that helps some of you still waiting.

yeah, you have good numbers though . . one could easily argue that you would've gotten in regardless of your prior service.

it would be interesting to compare the outcomes of applicants with the same numbers, prior vs. non-prior, to see what the trend is.

oh well . . .. we're gonna go crazy here if we keep trying to figure this all out . all we can do is keep ourselves occupied until we hear word, then go from there. At least we applied early, so we'll know early and can plan accordingly. for me this is a one shot deal, either USUHS or bust!

Goose and others .... i hope you guys go HPSP or FAP at least . . .there's more than one way to get into MilMed . . you guys sound like you really want to do it, i hope you go thru with it.

 

[rkonmd]

No pressure, but it would be really cool of people who have been accepted this cycle to maybe post some of their stats and maybe some EC's so those of us waiting have some idea of what they are looking at this year.

I'm surprised that they are placing a lot of qualified ppl on the alternate list. From my other interviews, I know the number of applicants have increased a lot this year (most likely due to the sagging economy, etc.).

I interviewed on 9/25, accepted 10/30 (Army), received my unconditional a few weeks ago. If anyone cares, here are my stats:

Ugrad GPA: 3.3 (Top 30 University, Triple Major)
SMP GPA: 3.73
August 2006 MCAT: 30 P (10/10/10)

Shadowed military docs, Spent a year working for the Navy, Master's Research thesis, volunteer tutor, etc. etc....

 

[HS2]

Hi all,

My friend just turned me on to this forum. It looks like there's a lot of good info on here.
I was just accepted "unconditionally" with the Navy the week before Thanksgiving (I interviewed 16OCT for those keeping track). I'm prior service (enlisted Coast Guard) and I'm really looking forward to school next year. I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to ODS though, but those are the hoops you have to jump through.

Best of luck to everyone! See you next summer.

 

[utahjazz]

No pressure, but it would be really cool of people who have been accepted this cycle to maybe post some of their stats and maybe some EC's so those of us waiting have some idea of what they are looking at this year.

My stats are by no means spectacular: 3.4/30Q, top 10-15% of my grad program. Both of my interviewers mentioned that they sought people with the grad degree I have, so I think that's the main reason I got in. The rest of my ECs are pretty generic... I kind of lucked out that one of my interviewers and I both had a strong connection to the same charity and it definitely made him much more favorably disposed to me.

Good luck to you.

 

[utahjazz]

Hi all,

My friend just turned me on to this forum. It looks like there's a lot of good info on here.
I was just accepted "unconditionally" with the Navy the week before Thanksgiving (I interviewed 16OCT for those keeping track). I'm prior service (enlisted Coast Guard) and I'm really looking forward to school next year. I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to ODS though, but those are the hoops you have to jump through.

Best of luck to everyone! See you next summer.

Congrats and welcome. Yeah, there's a ton of information here that you can't really find anywhere else. Very valuable stuff.

 

[000777]

My stats are by no means spectacular: 3.4/30Q, top 10-15% of my grad program. Both of my interviewers mentioned that they sought people with the grad degree I have, so I think that's the main reason I got in. The rest of my ECs are pretty generic... I kind of lucked out that one of my interviewers and I both had a strong connection to the same charity and it definitely made him much more favorably disposed to me.

Good luck to you.

What was that grad degree? if you don't mind answering.

 

[giuseppe]

Just got the call today (along with 5 or 6 other Academy kids)! Unconditional Air Force. Only took 75 days of waiting. See you guys next fall!

 

[utahjazz]

Just got the call today (along with 5 or 6 other Academy kids)! Unconditional Air Force. Only took 75 days of waiting. See you guys next fall!

Awesome! I'm sure the call was well worth the (ridiculously long) wait. Congratulations!

 

[EMTpremed181]

I have a quick question for anyone that might know.
I have been accepted to four schools so far, including one D.O. I don’t need any further consideration to know I want to go to USUHS, but I am just worried I’m gunna get hurt or something before or during OBS. I know it may be paranoia, but I couldn’t imagine what I would do if I broke a leg skydiving or if I got in an accident while driving the ambulance, and couldn’t attend USUHS. I know you can only hold onto other acceptances until May, 15th, but from what I understand that is only for M.D. Schools. Would it be stupid to send my non-refundable deposit (which is 1500$!!) to the D.O. School just in case something happened from now until then? Is there any way that ACOMAS could contact AMCAS to let them know you were sitting on two acceptances? From what I understand they are two completely different entities that do not correspond or collaborate. I know it is an unmerited fear, but I want to cover all my bases. Also what happens if you do get hurt? Are deferrals easy to come by for the following year? Any advice would be awesome.

 

[EMTpremed181]

Oh yea, and congrats Giuseppe. I'd be happy I got in, but pissed it took them 75 days! that's unbelievable.

 

[NavyFP]

I have a quick question for anyone that might know.
I have been accepted to four schools so far, including one D.O. I don’t need any further consideration to know I want to go to USUHS, but I am just worried I’m gunna get hurt or something before or during OBS. I know it may be paranoia, but I couldn’t imagine what I would do if I broke a leg skydiving or if I got in an accident while driving the ambulance, and couldn’t attend USUHS. I know you can only hold onto other acceptances until May, 15th, but from what I understand that is only for M.D. Schools. Would it be stupid to send my non-refundable deposit (which is 1500$!!) to the D.O. School just in case something happened from now until then? Is there any way that ACOMAS could contact AMCAS to let them know you were sitting on two acceptances? From what I understand they are two completely different entities that do not correspond or collaborate. I know it is an unmerited fear, but I want to cover all my bases. Also what happens if you do get hurt? Are deferrals easy to come by for the following year? Any advice would be awesome.

If you have been accepted to 4 schools, is the DO school higher on your wish list? You can accept to an MD and still be offered positions at other allopathic schools. I have seen many student "trade up." The $1500 is what the DO schools do to dissuade you from trading up.

 

[EMTpremed181]

The only reason I want to keep sitting on the D.O. acceptance is because i can keep that all the way up until I finish OBS and withdraw shortly before fall. I can only sit on allopathic schools up until may 15th.

 

[whtlight2121]

I have a quick question for anyone that might know.
I have been accepted to four schools so far, including one D.O. I don’t need any further consideration to know I want to go to USUHS, but I am just worried I’m gunna get hurt or something before or during OBS. I know it may be paranoia, but I couldn’t imagine what I would do if I broke a leg skydiving or if I got in an accident while driving the ambulance, and couldn’t attend USUHS. I know you can only hold onto other acceptances until May, 15th, but from what I understand that is only for M.D. Schools. Would it be stupid to send my non-refundable deposit (which is 1500$!!) to the D.O. School just in case something happened from now until then? Is there any way that ACOMAS could contact AMCAS to let them know you were sitting on two acceptances? From what I understand they are two completely different entities that do not correspond or collaborate. I know it is an unmerited fear, but I want to cover all my bases. Also what happens if you do get hurt? Are deferrals easy to come by for the following year? Any advice would be awesome.

First off, I don't think your paranoid at all. I had this same question on interview day. I asked the "former" Rebecca (don't remember her name) what would happen if I were to get injured and couldn't attend ODC and she said they would withdraw your acceptance if you were not prior service b/c you would no longer be physically qualified. However, once you act on your orders, that is, get on the plane to go to camp, you are set. This does kind of bother me becasue that leaves over a month b/t may 15th and the time of ODC. So I guess if you get injured during that month you would be S.O.L. For the meantime, I have completely stopped participating in any contact sport and running on anything other than pavement, which both make for some boring times.

 

[mslall]

I'm asked myself that what if i get hurt between now and then question too. I also went to get an HIV test just to make sure i hadn't accidentally stuck myself with a needle at hospital or something like that. Once you commission you're set correct? We'll all have to commission before we get cut orders right? Wont we be in in after commissioning? My girlfriend keeps wondering why i'm not relaxed now that I've gotten in to my first choice and its exactly for this reason. You're not in until you're on your way to San Antonio (in my case) in June. Or is it once we become commissioned officers?

 

[mslall]

I have completely stopped participating in any contact sport and running on anything other than pavement, which both make for some boring times.

Advice and observations like this are exactly why this forum is so valuable. Sounds like the pool, track, and weight room are the best bets to get in shape. Great, great insight whtlight. I'd thought about the what if i'm in a bad accident....what if slip and fall....i never thought about the what if i tear my acl playing pick up basketball? Or snap a tib-fib in men's league soccer.

 

[EMTpremed181]

So much for a semester or two of having a good time and doing what you want. I’m just glad I’m not the only one with these concerns. Does anyone have any insight on my technical questions? Would Acoma’s have any idea I was sitting on an M.D. acceptance and vice versa? Could I get in trouble for doing that? The paperwork at the DO school doesn’t appear to be bining. If it puts my acceptance to USUHS at risk it’s not worth it, but if not, 1500$ to secure a spot no matter what is a small price to pay for 6months of good night’s sleep!

 

[mslall]

So much for a semester or two of having a good time and doing what you want. I’m just glad I’m not the only one with these concerns. Does anyone have any insight on my technical questions? Would Acoma’s have any idea I was sitting on an M.D. acceptance and vice versa? Could I get in trouble for doing that? The paperwork at the DO school doesn’t appear to be bining. If it puts my acceptance to USUHS at risk it’s not worth it, but if not, 1500$ to secure a spot no matter what is a small price to pay for 6months of good night’s sleep!

no reason for you not to sleep well until May 15th at least. Is $1500 worth May 15th until June whenever of good sleep?

 

[DrMetal]

Advice and observations like this are exactly why this forum is so valuable. Sounds like the pool, track, and weight room are the best bets to get in shape. Great, great insight whtlight. I'd thought about the what if i'm in a bad accident....what if slip and fall....i never thought about the what if i tear my acl playing pick up basketball? Or snap a tib-fib in men's league soccer.

guys, i don't think you have anything to worry about. just go about your normal lives, play sports, etc. If you get hurt and are unable to participate in your officer schools this summer, I think they'd allow you to matriculate, then you'd go to officer school the following summer (as is the case with some late acceptees, and of course the hpsp folk). the commissioning comes before the officer basic course anyway , so you'll be commissioned. When you actually go to the course really doesn't matter. They'll work with you. I really doubt they'll pull your acceptance.

Now if you get gravely hurt, something debilitating, then that's another story . . .if it's a lifelong injury that'll preclude your military service . . .that you wanna avoid.

so i think normal working out, exercising, hiking, biking, even some contact sports ok . . . extreme sports are better to avoid.

 

[mslall]

so you're saying taking up base-jumping at this point would probably be a bad idea?.....couldn't resist

 

[eschott]

Just got the call today (along with 5 or 6 other Academy kids)! Unconditional Air Force. Only took 75 days of waiting. See you guys next fall!

Congratulations!!! Did they mention what the hangup was?

 

[DrMetal]

so you're saying taking up base-jumping at this point would probably be a bad idea?.....couldn't resist

You could go bungee-skydiving . . . this is where you take a hot-air balloon up about 30,000 FT (you'll have to wear an O2 mask), bungee from the balloon . . .when the cord reaches full extension, cut the cord with a machete that you'll be carrying, then continue your free-fall to the ground, opening up your shoot somewhere at about 5,000 ft!!!

I know a guy who did this before grad school. he was so stressed/burned out from undergrad that he wanted to do something thrilling. That did it! He was fine, except for some flesh he ripped off of his finger. . . .good times.

 

[freubr]

No pressure, but it would be really cool of people who have been accepted this cycle to maybe post some of their stats and maybe some EC's so those of us waiting have some idea of what they are looking at this year.

3.44 BCPM, 3.52 overall, 30 MCAT...Volunteered at a hospital for 400 hrs, doing research right now at a good medical school, no prior mil experience. Interviewed Sept 25th, accepted conditionally nov 7th. I think my interviews went extremely well and this helped me

 

[giuseppe]

Congratulations!!! Did they mention what the hangup was?

yep, it was paperwork on the academy's end, not usuhs. no worries...

oh, and all this talk about injuring yourself before commissioning is unfortunately valid. i've witnessed too many friends find some weird heart murmur or have a random seizure only to lose their rotc or academy scholarship the next week. but, what's meant to be is meant to be. i'm sure if it's just a broken bone the worst that could happen is a medical turnback for one year. my recommendation: avoid getting that mole checked until after you commission.

 

[eschott]

You could always go out, get married, and have a kid real fast. I think that's stopped most of my 'high-risk' activities!! (not to say I don't love every minute of it 🙂)

 

[MedSchoolappX3]

All right, the stress for medical school is building. A quick background: This is the third time I have applied, once right out of undergrad, then twice right out of grad school. I have been interviewed at USUHS THREE times. The first yielded a rejection, the second alternate list, and the third was on Oct 23 and still waiting. I feel that I am a qualified candidate my creds are: undergrad GPA: 3.3 graduate school GPA: 3.94 MCAT: 28S.

I have alot of ECA: certified paramedic, multiple publications, 750 volunteer hours at hospitals, have shadoed physicians since age 12, (25 now), current position as laboratory/research director, and I lecture a pathology course at the graduate school of nursing at Univ. Pittsburgh. My undergrad majors were bio and chem, grad school majors: epidemiology and infectious diseases and microbiology.

I have applied to 54 medical schools in these three years and 6 DO schools. The only allopathic interviews I have ever had were at USUHS.

I have received two acceptances to DO schools, CCOM and LECOM, but I want to go to USUHS.

I just have one question, what are the allopathic schools looking for? I think I am competitive but yet I see medical students everyday at work who get in with less. wtf?

Thanks for letting me rant and vent. This forum is great.
Thanks
Donnie

 

[DrMetal]

you've done a lot of great things!

Well, as we're learning here, if your numbers are a little low, USUHS may still take the time to interview you . . .but the outcome may not be a favorable one.

your undergrad GPA (I presume this is where you did most of your premed reqs) is a little low, as is your MCAT. But your grad gpa is rocking, which totally helps.

It seems (and this is just my observation) that more and more schools are placing more importance on the MCAT, it being the only truly standardized score. I've seen a lot of applicants (even with great ECs, high GPAs) get rejected per low MCAT scores (<30). I think that's sad, that they'd place so much more importance on a test . . . but such is life . . . and we should be accustomed to standardized tests if we're going into medicine!

So have you thought about re-taking it? If you could rock it, say somewhere between 33-35, you'd be set.

you could also go DO HPSP. No shame in that. Yeah its not USUHS, but still a way to get into milmed. In the end, if you work hard and try to be a good clinician, I don't think people care all that much about where you went to school.

 

[notdeadyet]

your undergrad GPA (I presume this is where you did most of your premed reqs) is a little low, as is your MCAT. But your grad gpa is rocking, which totally helps.

Med schools screen primarily based on undergrad GPA and MCAT. Think of graduate GPA as essentially a great extra-curricular. Most grad GPAs are so high as to the point of the GPA not accounting for too much in the admissions process.

Consider osteopathic schools. Osteopathic medical schools tend to place more weight on life experience, which you seem to have in spades.

Also, before turning your nose up at osteopathic medicine (which lots of premeds seem to do), keep in mind that you will find as many or more DOs in milmed as you will MDs.

If you really have your heart set on allopathic, consider either taking a year of post-bac undergrad classes to raise your undergrad GPA (problematic, as it doesn't have that much of an impact after four years already in the books) or devote a fair bit of time to really improving your MCAT.

 

[DrMetal]

Med schools screen primarily based on undergrad GPA and MCAT. Think of graduate GPA as essentially a great extra-curricular. Most grad GPAs are so high as to the point of the GPA not accounting for too much in the admissions process.

tis true. In grad school, several of my profs passed out As just for showing up, esentially treating the class as a seminar. So a lot of grad GPAs are ridiculously inflated. Now if you can get some research done and get published, that might look impressive, definitely more so than the grad gpa.

Consider osteopathic schools. Osteopathic medical schools tend to place more weight on life experience, which you seem to have in spades.

Also, before turning your nose up at osteopathic medicine (which lots of premeds seem to do), keep in mind that you will find as many or more DOs in milmed as you will MDs.

tis true again. I've been the recipient of some great healthcare from milmed DOs. If you have acceptances from DO programs, seriously consider them. You don't want to give up that opportunity.

If you really have your heart set on allopathic, consider either taking a year of post-bac undergrad classes .

if i'm not mistaken, I think USUHS has a one-year post-bad program. you might want to look into that.

 

[speedyk]

Donnie, you know that the average scores for students matriculating into MD programs in 2007 are 3.65 GPA and 31 MCAT, right? A 3.3/28 combo is significantly below these numbers and I'm surprised you got an interview at an MD program other than at a state school where you are a resident. Frankly your stats are not competitive though you have some very good ECs. You either need to raise your GPA and/or MCAT significantly or stick with the DO acceptances you have in hand & see if USUHS comes through. I'd recommend the latter. Good luck.

 

[EMTpremed181]

Medschoolapps,
I agree and disagree with speedy. My stats are a little higher than yours, but I still had a sub-30 MCAT. This was the second time I applied, and even though I didn’t change my MCAT or GPA the second time around, I had two completely different application cycles. The first time, I had two interviews; One at FSU and one at Georgetown. Rejected to both post interview. When I got some feedback after the cycle was over, I was told that I may have been perceived as a little arrogant due to some of my experiences. Now, I really don’t consider myself to arrogant, but as I re-read my apps, I did realize it could have been interpreted that way. I rewrote everything, and added a huge degree of humility. This year, I had 9 interview offers and four acceptances so far. I can only guess that maybe your work on an ALS ambulance, or your many research experiences, might have been transcribed in a condescending fashion when you wrote your amcas P.S. I don’t know. Its’ great that you have had patient contact experience in an EMS setting, and that you know dosages, and MOA’s of more than 70 ALS drugs, but I really think that when the adcoms screen these applications, they look to weed out people that might act like a Know-it-all when they cover lesson plans. Like I said, I don’t know what the exact problem is, but with a graduate GPS and high 20 MCAT, I see no reason why you haven’t gotten more interviews. Good luck, and I hope you’re with us next year.

 

[speedyk]

Medschoolapps,
I agree and disagree with speedy. My stats are a little higher than yours, but I still had a sub-30 MCAT.... Like I said, I don’t know what the exact problem is, but with a graduate GPS and high 20 MCAT, I see no reason why you haven’t gotten more interviews. Good luck, and I hope you’re with us next year.

With respect, the fact that he has a 3.3/28 with solid ECs, yet is 0-54 and this is his 3rd cycle applying shows that his stats are likely not competitive for MD programs (especially when using the LizzyM formula). Again, the average scores for students matriculating into MD programs in 2007 are 3.65 GPA and 31 MCAT. His stats are probably at the 10th percentile of matriculating MD students... and the admitted students at that level usually have other, unquantifiable reasons for their acceptances. As other have explained, the graduate GPA doesn't really help much (hence the reason why students with low GPAs do post-bacs instead of getting grad degrees). If you have a sub-30 MCAT and a ~3.3 GPA with 9 interviews/1+ acceptance, then that makes you the rare exception to the rule. Congratulations.

 

[rkonmd]

. If you have a sub-30 MCAT and a ~3.3 GPA with 9 interviews/1+ acceptance, then that makes you the rare exception to the rule. Congratulations.

I agree with Speedyk, that is rare, but speaks to the importance of being a well-rounded candidate.

EMTpremed, are the interviews/acceptances all allopathic? Or a mix of MD/DO? To have 9 interviews/4 acceptances is a great place to be, let alone at the beginning of December.

 

[whtlight2121]

All right, the stress for medical school is building. A quick background: This is the third time I have applied, once right out of undergrad, then twice right out of grad school. I have been interviewed at USUHS THREE times. The first yielded a rejection, the second alternate list, and the third was on Oct 23 and still waiting. I feel that I am a qualified candidate my creds are: undergrad GPA: 3.3 graduate school GPA: 3.94 MCAT: 28S.

I have alot of ECA: certified paramedic, multiple publications, 750 volunteer hours at hospitals, have shadoed physicians since age 12, (25 now), current position as laboratory/research director, and I lecture a pathology course at the graduate school of nursing at Univ. Pittsburgh. My undergrad majors were bio and chem, grad school majors: epidemiology and infectious diseases and microbiology.

I have applied to 54 medical schools in these three years and 6 DO schools. The only allopathic interviews I have ever had were at USUHS.

I have received two acceptances to DO schools, CCOM and LECOM, but I want to go to USUHS.

I just have one question, what are the allopathic schools looking for? I think I am competitive but yet I see medical students everyday at work who get in with less. wtf?

Thanks for letting me rant and vent. This forum is great.
Thanks
Donnie

I think you will get in this cycle. Just a feeling. They have interviewed you not once, but three times. That alone shows some persistence and dedication your part. If you get waitlisted again and want to do their SMP, make sure you call the office. I read in another forum that the SMP isn't something that you can apply for directly but you may qualify if you are waitlisted. However, even though I am talking completely out of my ass, I can't imagine a school interviewing and rejecting the same person three times.

I don't see anyway that a high graduate GPA wouldn't help significantly. Your mCAT is not that bad.