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Hi, I was hoping to get some advice.
Basic stats: 3.69 cGPA probably around 3.4 sGPA, MCAT 503 (124/127/126/126), URM (Latina) IL resident, state school
I just graduated with my bachelor’s at 26. I didn’t have much guidance when it came to higher education, so I focused on making money and avoiding loans instead of perfect grades or following a linear path through undergrad. I didn’t realize how that might look professionally until I finally had the confidence and stability to think about pursuing a real career.
My CC GPA was 3.51. After transferring, I went part-time and took time off to work following a rough first semester and a term withdrawal my second semester. I told myself I had to either come up with an actual plan or drop out entirely. I was interested in medicine from a young age after seeing my mom's work as a nurse tech, but I realized I wouldn't be able to make a fraction of the impact she's made without believing in myself.
During this gap, I worked as a medical assistant to see how I’d actually do in a clinical setting and if I could succeed. I realized not only could I learn quickly and be competent, but I could also make a real difference as someone from a Spanish-speaking, working-class background. I saw how these qualities were boons instead of burdens, even if they made me different from others pursing medicine.
That experience gave me the perspective I needed, and I went back to school full-time and earned a 4.0 in my last four semesters. I graduated magna cum laude with a 3.86 (my CC GPA wasn’t counted toward Latin honors).
Clinical hours: ~700 as a medical assistant, not sure if my 1400 hours as a retail pharm tech count as clinical, volunteered as a blinded assessor for clinical study 50 hours
Research: 600 hours, currently working on a qualitative research paper that will probably be submitted a few months from now
Volunteering: 100 hours at my CC's food pantry
Leadership: 2 years at my CC's honors society, led a project that got international recognition for our whole chapter. Then the following year I individually won a regional and international award as chapter president.
Shadowing: 60 across a few specialties, shadowed one DO
Planned activities: Currently a paid research assistant at my lab for an ongoing clinical study, probably at least 1,500 hours.
Hobbies: Self-taught artist since middle school, got pretty good, and take commissions for human and pet portraits on occasion (10,000 hours?), I don't have a social media account for it though
LOR: 1 MD rec letter, 1 science prof letter, 1 PI letter, 1 clinical supervisor letter, 1 advisor letter from my CC honors society.
Specialties: I am interested in IM, primary care, OEM, pathology
Schools I plan on applying to (all DO at the moment): CCOM, LECOM, NYITCOM, MSUCOM, PCOM, OSUCOM, CUSOM
How are my activities? Should I retake the MCAT? Thank you!
Basic stats: 3.69 cGPA probably around 3.4 sGPA, MCAT 503 (124/127/126/126), URM (Latina) IL resident, state school
I just graduated with my bachelor’s at 26. I didn’t have much guidance when it came to higher education, so I focused on making money and avoiding loans instead of perfect grades or following a linear path through undergrad. I didn’t realize how that might look professionally until I finally had the confidence and stability to think about pursuing a real career.
My CC GPA was 3.51. After transferring, I went part-time and took time off to work following a rough first semester and a term withdrawal my second semester. I told myself I had to either come up with an actual plan or drop out entirely. I was interested in medicine from a young age after seeing my mom's work as a nurse tech, but I realized I wouldn't be able to make a fraction of the impact she's made without believing in myself.
During this gap, I worked as a medical assistant to see how I’d actually do in a clinical setting and if I could succeed. I realized not only could I learn quickly and be competent, but I could also make a real difference as someone from a Spanish-speaking, working-class background. I saw how these qualities were boons instead of burdens, even if they made me different from others pursing medicine.
That experience gave me the perspective I needed, and I went back to school full-time and earned a 4.0 in my last four semesters. I graduated magna cum laude with a 3.86 (my CC GPA wasn’t counted toward Latin honors).
Clinical hours: ~700 as a medical assistant, not sure if my 1400 hours as a retail pharm tech count as clinical, volunteered as a blinded assessor for clinical study 50 hours
Research: 600 hours, currently working on a qualitative research paper that will probably be submitted a few months from now
Volunteering: 100 hours at my CC's food pantry
Leadership: 2 years at my CC's honors society, led a project that got international recognition for our whole chapter. Then the following year I individually won a regional and international award as chapter president.
Shadowing: 60 across a few specialties, shadowed one DO
Planned activities: Currently a paid research assistant at my lab for an ongoing clinical study, probably at least 1,500 hours.
Hobbies: Self-taught artist since middle school, got pretty good, and take commissions for human and pet portraits on occasion (10,000 hours?), I don't have a social media account for it though
LOR: 1 MD rec letter, 1 science prof letter, 1 PI letter, 1 clinical supervisor letter, 1 advisor letter from my CC honors society.
Specialties: I am interested in IM, primary care, OEM, pathology
Schools I plan on applying to (all DO at the moment): CCOM, LECOM, NYITCOM, MSUCOM, PCOM, OSUCOM, CUSOM
How are my activities? Should I retake the MCAT? Thank you!
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