WAMC - ORF 513/3.73 - Advice for MD school list (26-27 cycle)

[sillysulfur]

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Hi all,

I am a current senior planning in advance for the 2026-27 cycle. I have very average stats. I am currently dual-enrolled as a biology student (undergrad) and MPH student in an accelerated program. I will graduate with my bachelor’s in December and my MPH in May 2027. Interested in MD programs only right now, looking for some guidance since my undergrad office won’t speak to me until November. Looking for clinical focus, public-health oriented, and/or clinical research schools. In order of preference geographically: NY → Northeast → East Coast → Midwest/South (no West Coast)

1. cGPA: 3.73, sGPA: 3.65, MPH GPA: TBA
2. MCAT (1 attempt only): 513 (129/125/128/131)
3. NY
4. South Asian
5. SUNY
6. Clinical: 1500 hours as volunteer EMT, several hundred more projected (independent pt care provider in BLS unit) - work with diverse, underserved populations, 80 hours volunteering in pediatrics clinic
7. Research: Weill Cornell Summer Internship Program - 100 hours in cancer research, Emory Graduate School Summer Research Program - 50 hours remote in public health stream, Public health research at my undergrad - 450 hours in environmental health and climate change – 1 published review (3rd Author), 1 study manuscript pending
8. 100 hours of shadowing (most through a “premed experience” program through a nearby hospital): ortho surgery (outpatient and OR), interventional cardio (inpatient and cath lab), interventional radiology, pathology, anesthesiology, emergency, and primary care pediatrics
9. Non-clinical volunteering: Stop the Bleed coordinator/instructor + CPR instructor (100 hours), volunteering through MPH program (work with veterans, indigenous populations, substance use, nutrition, and health education initiatives - projected 200 hours minimum over 2 years), outreach/community building with a NYC-based health resource non-profit with emphasis on South Asian community needs (100 hours in college - did some in HS during COVID as well)
10. Other ECs: Tour Guide (teaching/training role) at University (200 hours, project ~100 more), mental wellness advocate for EMS (5 semesters, project 2 more), DEI committee member for EMS (4 semester, project 2 more), Rural Health program through a SUNY medical school (projected 2 years), leadership in women in STEM Organization (intern, event coordinator, president, now senior advisor – 300 hours)
11. No relevant awards other than Dean’s list x5 semesters
12. Other: LOR from 2 undergrad science professors (microbiology and cell biology), 1 letter from MPH program director/epidemiology professor, 1 letter from PH research PI/environmental health professor, 1 letter from chief of EMS agency, 1 letter from employer, 1 letter from DO pediatrics physician who I volunteered for

Also, my undergrad regularly has students attend: SUNY Upstate, Downstate, Buffalo, Stony Brook, Albany Med. Thank you in advance!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums.

Do you have have connections to your prehealth advising office at your undergrad? I agree with the in-state options that conform with the history of your undergrad alumni, especially given your exposure to the public health infrastructure in your state through your MPH. Have you signed up for the AAMC Virtual Fair in case you want to expand your list?

 

[Faha]

I suggest these schools with your stats:
All 4 SUNYs
Albany
New York Medical College
Hackensack
Vermont
Quinnipiac
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Penn State
George Washington
Georgetown
Eastern Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth
Wake Forest
Methodist
NOVA MD
Belmont
Alice Walton
Tulane
TCU
Roseman
TCU
Rosalind Franklin
Medical College Wisconsin
Western Michigan
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State