I am a 4th year student who is a US citizen attending McGill University. I am interested in applying on the East Coast and wondering whether I should apply for the 26/27 cycle or wait an additional year. Also, should I retake the MCAT to increase cars score? AAMC practice exams were average 521 and all a CARS score were 129 and above.
-cGPA = 3.83
-MCAT= 515 129/126/129/131
-Massachusetts resident (US citizen)
-White
-McGill University
-Clinical Experience: 300+ hrs of clinical volunteering in Canada and the US hospitals. Worked in Neurological ICU, Radiology lab, several inpatient units, Orthopedics, ENT wards as a volunteer. Further 100+ hours of clinical volunteering expected this year in Neurological ICU. Volunteered in both English and French.
-Research: Led a research team for a year (600+ hrs) researching Lipid nanoparticles for mRNA gene therapies. Currently have been in a Neuroscience lab for 2 years on fragile X syndrome with no publications yet(~900 hrs). Internship at Biotech company with clinical research 450 hours.
-Shadowing: 50 hours of shadowing experience in Neurological ICU and outpatient orthopedic surgery clinic
-Non clinical volunteering: 215 hours total: 200 hrs at a food pantry for 2 years, 15 hours teaching piano to underprivileged students, and an additional 75-100 hours expected volunteering at a geriatric facility
-Other ECs: Tournament chess player (2200 rating), Recreational sports
- Awards: Deans list , Finalist in Dobson Pitch Competition
- Speaks English and French
I am interested in practicing at urban large hospital location, possibly doing clinical research, and working with adult patients. I have not started my personal statement but am working on my mission fit. Would my application be much stronger with a scribe or assistant job over my gap year? I feel ready and interested in starting medical school but looking to apply on east coast. Would it be valuable to have more clinical hours and an MD letter of recommendation before applying? Interested in your thoughts!
-cGPA = 3.83
-MCAT= 515 129/126/129/131
-Massachusetts resident (US citizen)
-White
-McGill University
-Clinical Experience: 300+ hrs of clinical volunteering in Canada and the US hospitals. Worked in Neurological ICU, Radiology lab, several inpatient units, Orthopedics, ENT wards as a volunteer. Further 100+ hours of clinical volunteering expected this year in Neurological ICU. Volunteered in both English and French.
-Research: Led a research team for a year (600+ hrs) researching Lipid nanoparticles for mRNA gene therapies. Currently have been in a Neuroscience lab for 2 years on fragile X syndrome with no publications yet(~900 hrs). Internship at Biotech company with clinical research 450 hours.
-Shadowing: 50 hours of shadowing experience in Neurological ICU and outpatient orthopedic surgery clinic
-Non clinical volunteering: 215 hours total: 200 hrs at a food pantry for 2 years, 15 hours teaching piano to underprivileged students, and an additional 75-100 hours expected volunteering at a geriatric facility
-Other ECs: Tournament chess player (2200 rating), Recreational sports
- Awards: Deans list , Finalist in Dobson Pitch Competition
- Speaks English and French
I am interested in practicing at urban large hospital location, possibly doing clinical research, and working with adult patients. I have not started my personal statement but am working on my mission fit. Would my application be much stronger with a scribe or assistant job over my gap year? I feel ready and interested in starting medical school but looking to apply on east coast. Would it be valuable to have more clinical hours and an MD letter of recommendation before applying? Interested in your thoughts!
