What are my chances, and how can I improve them?

[Cynicalbrit]

---

Members don't see this ad.

As far as numbers are concerned,
GPA ~ 3.8+
MCAT ~ high 30s

GPA has a significant uptrend, with a relatively weak first semester (3.5). My mum passed away 10 days into that first semester after a long fight with brain cancer.

Volunteering:
Volunteering at a summer camp for kids/teens who have lost loved ones (comfort zone camp)
Will have 130+ hours at the local hospital with the "personal touch program," significant patient interaction

Shadowing:
50+ hours total, including 30+ with the neurosurgeon who treated my mum, who has become a close friend and will be writing an LOR

Research:
Will have one year in the undergrad biology department, no publications

Leadership:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club president, 3 years (a fairly large club that has grown under my leadership). This includes a lot of teaching of newer members.

Teaching:
Supplemental Instruction leader for undergrad classes (basically a TA)

Hobbies/avocations:
Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (a fairly high rank)
I have competed in and won tournaments across the country

I would greatly appreciate it if someone could give me an honest opinion as to where I stand; what are my chances of getting in, where should I apply, etc. Further, what sort of extracurriculars should I add, and are there any that I shouldn't bother mentioning? Finally, my first choice by far is Dartmouth, what are my odds of getting in at a school that competitive?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[sliceofbread136]

I think you look good. Maybe try to shadow a primary care doctor. Apply broadly with safety, mid teir and reach schools. It's kind of hard to tell your chances at any one school, but I think you have a fighting chance anywhere.

 

[RenQun]

I think you look good. Maybe try to shadow a primary care doctor. Apply broadly with safety, mid teir and reach schools. It's kind of hard to tell your chances at any one school, but I think you have a fighting chance anywhere.

+1

Your numbers and experiences look good. I noticed you have not mentioned your other LOR sources.

You will definitely benefit from an academic advocate, so secure a strong LOR from a biological sciences professor. (This LOR is obviously necessary; don't settle for a weak one.)

 

[Jamie561]

Dartmouth is rural NE so get some rural or primary care exp

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk

 

[Cynicalbrit]

Thanks for the help guys.

As far as LOR, would a letter from a physics professor be as good as one from a biology professor?
At this point, I'm probably going to get one from my current PHYS202 professor and one from the professor I'm doing research with. If both of those letters are glowing recommendations, do you think that will be good, or should I try and get one from someone else?

And, in a somewhat more complicated question; given the circumstances of my first semester, how much can I expect to be forgiven for my poor performance? As an addendum, that semester was dragged down mostly by a C+ in calculus I, but I've gotten A's in all subsequent math courses. What do you guys think?

 

[theseeker4]

Thanks for the help guys.

As far as LOR, would a letter from a physics professor be as good as one from a biology professor?
At this point, I'm probably going to get one from my current PHYS202 professor and one from the professor I'm doing research with. If both of those letters are glowing recommendations, do you think that will be good, or should I try and get one from someone else?

And, in a somewhat more complicated question; given the circumstances of my first semester, how much can I expect to be forgiven for my poor performance? As an addendum, that semester was dragged down mostly by a C+ in calculus I, but I've gotten A's in all subsequent math courses. What do you guys think?

For LOR's, most schools want 2 science professors LOR's and one LOR from a professor outside science. They don't specify that biology is better than another hard science. Anything additional is good, but note that some schools put a cap on the max number of LOR's they want.

You have over a 3.8 gpa. Schools are not likely to ask about a semester in which your worst grade was a C+. Don't worry about it, but if you can't help but worry, be ready to say why you did more poorly that semester if asked in an interview. Certainly do NOT call attention to it on your own, wait for them to ask you.

 

[Cynicalbrit]

For LOR's, most schools want 2 science professors LOR's and one LOR from a professor outside science. They don't specify that biology is better than another hard science. Anything additional is good, but note that some schools put a cap on the max number of LOR's they want.

You have over a 3.8 gpa. Schools are not likely to ask about a semester in which your worst grade was a C+. Don't worry about it, but if you can't help but worry, be ready to say why you did more poorly that semester if asked in an interview. Certainly do NOT call attention to it on your own, wait for them to ask you.

Very good advice, I will try to keep that in mind. Does anyone know anyone who was interviewed or accepted at Dartmouth? I would very much like to know where I stand as far as admission to that particular programme.

 

[Catalystik]

can I expect to be forgiven for my poor performance?

With your cGPA so high, no one will care about lower grades in one semester.

As far as LOR

Two science faculty and one nonscience, all of whom have taught you, plus a PI letter should be fine, unless your school provides a committee letter. Sometimes they require some extras.

Does anyone know anyone who was interviewed or accepted at Dartmouth? I would very much like to know where I stand as far as admission to that particular programme.

See this year's School Specific thread at the top of the PreMedAllo Forum and search for the Dartmouth thread. Look toward the end where folks announce acceptances and check their MDapps (under the avatar) where they are visible.

****************
Are you an international applicant?

 

[Cynicalbrit]

With your cGPA so high, no one will care about lower grades in one semester.Two science faculty and one nonscience, all of whom have taught you, plus a PI letter should be fine, unless your school provides a committee letter. Sometimes they require some extras.[Does anyone know anyone who was interviewed or accepted at Dartmouth? I would very much like to know where I stand as far as admission to that particular programme.

See this year's School Specific thread at the top of the PreMedAllo Forum and search for the Dartmouth thread. Look toward the end where folks announce acceptances and check their MDapps (under the avatar) where they are visible.

****************
Are you an international applicant?[/QUOTE]

To the first - that is a very good suggestion, thank you.
To the second - no, I am not. If you are referring to my spelling choice, that's because my mum was English and refused to "spell things differently just because I moved." In her memory, I carry on that 'tradition,' for lack of a better phrase.

 

[Catalystik]

Are you an international applicant? no, I am not. If you are referring to my spelling choice, that's because my mum was English and refused to "spell things differently just because I moved." In her memory, I carry on that 'tradition,' for lack of a better phrase.

Good, as international status could decrease your odds appreciably.

 

[Cynicalbrit]

Good, as international status could decrease your odds appreciably.

So I'm told. I realise that this is probably a nit-picky question, but (on similar lines), would having an English accent be likely to increase or decrease my chances? I've never had a problem with anyone having trouble understanding me (it's not a heavy accent), but I can switch over to an American accent if I have to.

 

[Catalystik]

Facetious answer: If you sound exactly like the British movie star of the interviewer's choice, it can only help, so long as they don't get confused and mistake you for an international applicant.