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- Nov 15, 2022
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Hey guys!
I'm planning to reapply to MD programs next cycle (2025-26) and would appreciate help with building my school list and advice on how to strengthen my app.
My first cycle, I applied to <10 MD/PhD programs, received two II > W > R. The feedback I received was largely positive, with suggestions to refine my research focus and increase research productivity. This cycle, I applied to MD/PhD programs again but unfortunately have not received any II. A major mistake was not reapplying to the schools I previously interviewed at (I know dumb). I also didn't have the best experience in my last lab, and I believe one of my LOR may not have been as strong as I hoped. Since then, I have switched labs and will be using different LORs.
After two cycles of focusing on MD/PhD, I am now considering applying MD-only. Although I truly enjoy research, I value becoming a physician more and am confident I can still pursue research as an MD. I plan to apply to a broader range of schools next cycle and rewrite my entire application. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Stats:
cGPA: 3.6, sGPA: 3.5 (strong upward trend)
MCAT: 506 > 508
Research:
- 4 Publications: 2 second author, 2 mid author
- 6 poster presentations
- Research assistant: structural biology/immunology (current)
- Research assistant: cancer immunotherapy (1,000+ hrs)
- Postbac research fellowship: biophysics/structural biology (2,000+ hrs)
- Summer internships: (~800 hrs)
- Undergrad research: cancer (~600 hrs), humanities research (~700 hrs)
Clinical Experience:
- Medical assistant at a free clinic (~120 hrs - volunteer)
- Behavior technician (1,500+ hrs - paid)
- Emergency response team/fire department volunteer (~150 hrs, continued from high school into undergrad)
Shadowing:
- 70 hrs in-person (different specialties)
- 40 hrs virtual (covid)
Leadership/Non-clinical Volunteering:
- Student org leader (250+ hrs, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, fundraising)
- Stroke prevention/advocacy director (~400 hrs - current)
- Teaching Assistant (~100 hrs)
Extracurriculars:
- poetry and photography
I'm planning to reapply to MD programs next cycle (2025-26) and would appreciate help with building my school list and advice on how to strengthen my app.
My first cycle, I applied to <10 MD/PhD programs, received two II > W > R. The feedback I received was largely positive, with suggestions to refine my research focus and increase research productivity. This cycle, I applied to MD/PhD programs again but unfortunately have not received any II. A major mistake was not reapplying to the schools I previously interviewed at (I know dumb). I also didn't have the best experience in my last lab, and I believe one of my LOR may not have been as strong as I hoped. Since then, I have switched labs and will be using different LORs.
After two cycles of focusing on MD/PhD, I am now considering applying MD-only. Although I truly enjoy research, I value becoming a physician more and am confident I can still pursue research as an MD. I plan to apply to a broader range of schools next cycle and rewrite my entire application. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Stats:
cGPA: 3.6, sGPA: 3.5 (strong upward trend)
MCAT: 506 > 508
Research:
- 4 Publications: 2 second author, 2 mid author
- 6 poster presentations
- Research assistant: structural biology/immunology (current)
- Research assistant: cancer immunotherapy (1,000+ hrs)
- Postbac research fellowship: biophysics/structural biology (2,000+ hrs)
- Summer internships: (~800 hrs)
- Undergrad research: cancer (~600 hrs), humanities research (~700 hrs)
Clinical Experience:
- Medical assistant at a free clinic (~120 hrs - volunteer)
- Behavior technician (1,500+ hrs - paid)
- Emergency response team/fire department volunteer (~150 hrs, continued from high school into undergrad)
Shadowing:
- 70 hrs in-person (different specialties)
- 40 hrs virtual (covid)
Leadership/Non-clinical Volunteering:
- Student org leader (250+ hrs, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, fundraising)
- Stroke prevention/advocacy director (~400 hrs - current)
- Teaching Assistant (~100 hrs)
Extracurriculars:
- poetry and photography
