What are my chances? 32 MCAT, GPA: 3.68 (take year off?)

[MedicineMan94]

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[Vain Brother]

good list! see if you can get some more altruistic volunteering on your resume. i'd be surprised if you got fewer than 5 interviews

 

[MedicineMan94]

good list! see if you can get some more altruistic volunteering on your resume. i'd be surprised if you got fewer than 5 interviews

Thank you for the reply, Vain Brother. I am working on adding more non-healthcare related volunteering but am worried it would come off as me trying to add "fluff" to the application. Would you say the current stats don't warrant having to take a year off?

 

[SpartanWolverine]

It looks like you have competitive stats for the schools on your list. I say you're good to go.

 

[Vain Brother]

Thank you for the reply, Vain Brother. I am working on adding more non-healthcare related volunteering but am worried it would come off as me trying to add "fluff" to the application. Would you say the current stats don't warrant having to take a year off?

you should get some interviews as you are now. if you think you can continue your upward trend, and pair that with some good volunteer experiences in your year off, you'd be in even better shape, and could maybe add some more reach schools.

OTOH, if it looks like most schools aren't going to accept the old MCAT after next cycle, maybe it'd be better to go for it now

 

[Catalystik]

1) I am working on adding more non-healthcare related volunteering but am worried it would come off as me trying to add "fluff" to the application. 2) Would you say the current stats don't warrant having to take a year off?

1) To minimize that perception, pick one hands-on, off-campus organization that helps those in need, ideally with which you've already worked in the short-term, and give it some of your time on a weekly basis. See if you can't take on a leadership role eventually.

2) I also think you're good to go, with the below considerations.
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-Be sure you're aware of Loma Linda's abstinence requirements. Their policy is available on-line.
-Your shadowing is fine as is, if it includes an office-based primary care doc.
-Hopefully your healthcare facility volunteer gigs included face-to-face time with patients, and that you interacted with them in a helpful way.

 

[DaMedDude]

Apply this cycle for sure!!!

 

[MedicineMan94]

Thank you for the replies. This definitely took a lot of the pressure out of whether to apply this year! What would you guys recommend as far as reach schools? I'm considering adding Wisconsin-Madison even tho it's public OOS I am absolutely in love with the school (and tuition OOS is cheaper than UIC instate)

 

[SpartanWolverine]

Thank you for the replies. This definitely took a lot of the pressure out of whether to apply this year! What would you guys recommend as far as reach schools? I'm considering adding Wisconsin-Madison even tho it's public OOS I am absolutely in love with the school (and tuition OOS is cheaper than UIC instate)

That's tough. They're at a 3.8/33 for mean numbers with only 22% OOS students. ~50% of IS applicants were interviewed last year while only ~5% of OOS applicants were. So it's definitely a stretch. I wouldn't say it's the most efficient use of your time and money... but if it's really a top choice for you, I would say "why not?".