WAMC (cGPA: 3.48, MCAT 524)

[Macro_Corneaphage]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am a dual citizen (US/CAN). Currently in British Columbia, Canada and have lived here since 2004. I’ve applied to several Canadian schools this cycle. I want to prepare to apply to the US as well for the next cycle, as my entrance this time around is far from guaranteed. Looking for input on schools I should consider and advice for applying to the US. Are there any MCAT-heavy schools that I would have a better chance at?

• GPA
  • cGPA: 3.48 BSc (Hons.) (upward trend)
• MCAT
  • 524 (129/131/132/132)
• Ethnicity/Race
  • White, male
• Clinical Experience
  • Currently have 60 hours volunteering at hospital ED. Will get more once volunteering resumes
• Research Experience
  • 1200 research hours (basic science)
  • Undergraduate honours thesis and directed studies
  • NSERC USRA research assistant*
• Employment
  • Rowing coach, Summer 2017 and 2020
  • Burnaby lake maintenance (mainly removing invasive weeds), Summer 2016
  • NSERC USRA research assistant*, Fall 2020
  • Flower bulb factory worker, Summer 2014
• Shadowing
  • None (is shadowing absolutely necessary? If so, any idea how I can go about this?)
• Non-clinical
  • Alter server in high school
  • Regatta volunteer and safety boat driver
• Extracurricular
  • Varsity rowing (4 years, 6000 hours); national championship silver and bronze.
  • Canada Summer Games 2017, silver
  • Tutored a new lab member (lab techniques) (1 semester)
  • Global Brigades medical trip
  • 2 school-wide poster presentations, 1 thesis defence
  • Hobbies
    • Self-taught piano
    • Hiking
• Awards
  • Award for top presenter in Biology honours at my university (out of 16 honours students)
  • JCURA award (research award given to students pursuing novel/innovative research)
  • NSERC USRA award (government award to perform funded research, fairly competitive)
  • Various rowing awards for 3 years (given for work ethic, commitment, high performance; these were large awards given for my top performance and attendance at national champs)
  • Sports honour roll
  • 5th nationally in U23 lightweight men’s single (rowing)
• Other
  • I lived in Washington state for the first 7 years of my life, don’t know if that makes a difference or not

@Faha @southerndoc @Goro @Mr.Smile12 @Catalystik I would really appreciate any insight/lists. Thanks!



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General biographical info: Was quite into rowing, aiming for world championships or even Olympics. I completely neglected academics. Due to bad experiences in university rowing, I decided to stop after my 4th year (took 5-year undergrad). Did a complete 180, got into research and then set my goal on med school (was always on the back of my mind). I know that I can get good grades if I take another degree. I’m torn between taking 2nd UG or a Masters. Just wondering what my chances are and how best to proceed if anyone has insight.

 

[LeaveNoTrace]

You don't need another degree. You need volunteering and shadowing. Your ECs are awesome and IF you manage to just check the box on the volunteering and shadowing you're a strong applicant. See if you can shadow American doctors. Maybe you could set something up through telehealth? Long shot but worth it.

 

[Macro_Corneaphage]

Thank you for the reply!! I really appreciate it. I’ve looked at some US schools, and was always a bit concerned with my GPA, in particular. I’ll take your advice into consideration. Thanks again!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

It's a bit tricky with your situation as described. What state residency would you claim? Have you reached out to schools in the US? Canadian schools love high metrics and your GPA makes it interesting but might not make the cut.

 

[Macro_Corneaphage]

Thanks for your feedback!! I don’t have an address in the US, so I believe that would just make me out-of-state everywhere. I haven’t contacted any schools yet, but that is a very good idea. I’ll contact schools that I am interested in. I know that my situation is unusual, which is why I’m trying to gauge to see what my chances are in the US. I want to plan ahead.

Also, I should add that I’m not necessarily looking to go to school in the US and then return to Canada (if I get in in the US and not in Canada). I would be fine practicing in the US.