WAMC MD/PhD

[cheme92]

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I'm looking to apply to MSTP programs in the Fall of 2014.

Undergraduate: top 10 public research university.

Majors: Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

GPA: 3.4

MCAT: 39

Research:
4 years in the same lab under a transplant surgeon.
2 first author publications (Transplantation, PLoS One).
6 poster presentations.
2 national conference presentations (10 minute talks).
Had an undergraduate research fellowship award.

Other work experience:
2 internships with a chemical company doing process engineering. This was mostly so I could pay for tuition.

Volunteering/shadowing:
Assisted my PI with kidney and liver transplantations for ~160 hours including clinical rotations and OR time. This was a fantastic experience and really fired me up to go for MD/PhD as I saw the clinical relevance of my research come alive in the OR.

ECs:
Competed in Division 1 cross country and track for 4 years, earning multiple all conference and academic awards. 2-time All American. I was a walk-on to the team, and worked my way up.

I am mostly questioning my GPA, as it is a low point in my statistics. I am also wondering what impact varsity athletics will have on those reviewing my application.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Fencer]

Effect from varsity - very limited...
Your GPA will drag you a little bit, but you seem to have experiences that will help you be competitive for MSTP, particularly in the 10-30 MSTPs

 

[Maebea]

Agree that the GPA is a bit low, but Div I athletes usually sacrifice .3 or .4 off their GPA due to the level of commitment that they must make to their sport. I like that you were a walk-on & ended up an All-American; this speaks to dedication and persistance. I would not leave Top-10 programs off your list.; your application is unique enough that it will stand out from the crowd.