AbelianApple
Full Member
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2022
- Messages
- 22
- Reaction score
- 70
Hi everyone! I just got my MCAT score back and will be applying this cycle (2022-2023). I think I have a good foundation, but with my MCAT score/ECs, I'm not sure if I am able to apply for more competitive schools. I'm looking for help creating a schools list and recommendations on how I can further strengthen my application in the limited time left before summer. Any feedback/reality check on where I stand is greatly appreciated!
State/Country of Residence: Illinois
Undergraduate Major(s)/Minor(s): BS in BME (I am graduating in 3 years this May) at small state school
Graduate Degrees (if applicable): Have a 1 year MSc acceptance for my gap year but debating between MSc and a year of research* (elaborated below)
GPA: 4.0
MCAT: 517 (131/127/128/131)
URM: No, Asian female
Research Experience:
Shadowing: Only around 25 with MD/PhD Oncologist, trying to find more opportunities to get 75+
Non-Clinical Volunteering: 400 hours working as a tutor/mentor for underserved middle/high school students
Other Extracurricular Activities:
School List: I literally have nothing so far
Illinois
UT Southwestern
UT San Antonio
UT Houston/MD Anderson MSTP
Baylor
Ok, here's where I am stuck. My parents think my MCAT puts me at a disadvantage in MSTP applications when it would otherwise be good enough for the MD-only route, but I am passionate about research and it doesn't feel right for me to apply MD-only. However, with the way the admissions process goes, I am aware that applying MSTP will impact my chances at the same school's MD program. I currently hold a BA/MD spot at Illinois, which will not be impacted by applying out.
Another consideration is my gap year. The lab I worked with over a summer offered me a full-time position in my gap year. It is in Texas, meaning if I do it and get into a Texas school, I may be able to qualify as for IS tuition when I begin medical school (assuming I'm rejected from all MSTPs). I am a little skeptical on how much output I can get out especially since I'll be applying this June, probably before I even start. I also have a MSc acceptance from a university abroad which I will be required to do a research project/thesis in. I know that a research year looks much better on MSTP applications overall, but studying abroad was something I've always wanted to do but never got the chance. It's at a top tier university worldwide, and in a topic I am personally very interested in (Radiation Biology). How much does my activities in the upcoming year (in the middle of application cycle) matter? Will the year of research really help more?
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you guys so much!
@Faha @Goro @Mr.Smile12 @gyngyn @Fencer
State/Country of Residence: Illinois
Undergraduate Major(s)/Minor(s): BS in BME (I am graduating in 3 years this May) at small state school
Graduate Degrees (if applicable): Have a 1 year MSc acceptance for my gap year but debating between MSc and a year of research* (elaborated below)
GPA: 4.0
MCAT: 517 (131/127/128/131)
URM: No, Asian female
Research Experience:
- 3 years in the same lab studying stem cells/cell-free regenerative therapy (2500 hours and counting). Leading independent project and working towards first-author manuscript, hoping to submit by end of the year
- Summer program (400h) working under a MD/PhD PI
- Working on the manuscript mentioned above, second author on review paper, and middle author (~4/5th) on two other papers published in my lab
- Presented at 5 school-level poster conferences (won 1st place poster award at one), and 2 regional conferences (3rd place poster award at regional SFN conference)
Shadowing: Only around 25 with MD/PhD Oncologist, trying to find more opportunities to get 75+
Non-Clinical Volunteering: 400 hours working as a tutor/mentor for underserved middle/high school students
Other Extracurricular Activities:
- President of a pre-med/advocacy club on campus (board member for 3 years)
- Founding member of my school's biomedical imaging student group/SPIE chapter
- Playing piano for 10+ years (in school org that plays at hospitals/nursing homes)
- I also cook/bake a lot, and take larger-scale catering orders from family friends/acquaintances.
School List: I literally have nothing so far
Illinois
UT Southwestern
UT San Antonio
UT Houston/MD Anderson MSTP
Baylor
Ok, here's where I am stuck. My parents think my MCAT puts me at a disadvantage in MSTP applications when it would otherwise be good enough for the MD-only route, but I am passionate about research and it doesn't feel right for me to apply MD-only. However, with the way the admissions process goes, I am aware that applying MSTP will impact my chances at the same school's MD program. I currently hold a BA/MD spot at Illinois, which will not be impacted by applying out.
Another consideration is my gap year. The lab I worked with over a summer offered me a full-time position in my gap year. It is in Texas, meaning if I do it and get into a Texas school, I may be able to qualify as for IS tuition when I begin medical school (assuming I'm rejected from all MSTPs). I am a little skeptical on how much output I can get out especially since I'll be applying this June, probably before I even start. I also have a MSc acceptance from a university abroad which I will be required to do a research project/thesis in. I know that a research year looks much better on MSTP applications overall, but studying abroad was something I've always wanted to do but never got the chance. It's at a top tier university worldwide, and in a topic I am personally very interested in (Radiation Biology). How much does my activities in the upcoming year (in the middle of application cycle) matter? Will the year of research really help more?
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you guys so much!
@Faha @Goro @Mr.Smile12 @gyngyn @Fencer
