What Are My Chances and Other General Questions

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How bout this:

GPA: 3.65 from a UC
Major: 3.85
but I have one C in a virology class and a couple of "no passes" in stuff like macroeconomics and a freshman year stats class that should actually be an incomplete.

ECs: 4 year player on a varsity sports program as a two time captain, a third team all american as a senior, two time academic all-american, and one time national championship mvp. No research experience. Worked with non-verbal autistic teenagers for a year. Coaching hs team as a volunteer this year. Volunteering at a county hospital ER 8 hours a week.

MCAT: taking it in 4 days, but have been scoring consistent 34s. (Assume MCAT 34 for purpose of thread)

How do things look for me?
 
ngstratton said:
How bout this:

GPA: 3.65 from a UC
Major: 3.85
but I have one C in a virology class and a couple of "no passes" in stuff like macroeconomics and a freshman year stats class that should actually be an incomplete.

ECs: 4 year player on a varsity sports program as a two time captain, a third team all american as a senior, two time academic all-american, and one time national championship mvp. No research experience. Worked with non-verbal autistic teenagers for a year. Coaching hs team as a volunteer this year. Volunteering at a county hospital ER 8 hours a week.

MCAT: taking it in 4 days, but have been scoring consistent 34s. (Assume MCAT 34 for purpose of thread)

How do things look for me?
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umm pretty good, but you do realize that incompletes are considered Fs by AMCAS, unless you its an incomplete continue.
 
amwatts0322 said:
umm pretty good, but you do realize that incompletes are considered Fs by AMCAS, unless you its an incomplete continue.
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I don't actually have an incomplete. I was just saying that the "No pass" grades that I have were classes that I didnt really attend.
 
Junior in college, joked around a lot 1st 2 years and I now have a 2.56 GPA. I never seriously considered med school, but thought keeps coming back to me regardless of grades. I know I have to make up my mind, I plan on doing volunteering and shadowing some doctors.

I was the type of person in college who could never stick to one major, so with the exception of the whole med school thought, I'm trying to go for occupational therapy.

I've taken Gen Chem 1 and didn't do so hot because I just didn't care and there were a lot of personal issues and now I am currently taking Anatomy and Physiology (combined, at my school its one class) lecture and the lab and they seem to be going well.

I've finally realized (much too late) what I need to do to get my grades up and things have been working out. I'm trying to get into state school because I absolutely HATE the school I'm at now.

I suppose after all of this, what I'm trying to find out/ask is, if I start doing a bunch of ECs, get great LORs, shadow, study like crazy for the MCAT and not to mention, take all the science courses and get my GPA up, would it be somewhat realistic of me to think I would have a chance? I know I've made bad choices and I'm not one of those people that knew from day 1 that I wanted to be a doctor, but it's just a thought and any input would be great 😕
 
sdub623 said:
Junior in college, joked around a lot 1st 2 years and I now have a 2.56 GPA. I never seriously considered med school, but thought keeps coming back to me regardless of grades. I know I have to make up my mind, I plan on doing volunteering and shadowing some doctors.

I was the type of person in college who could never stick to one major, so with the exception of the whole med school thought, I'm trying to go for occupational therapy.

I've taken Gen Chem 1 and didn't do so hot because I just didn't care and there were a lot of personal issues and now I am currently taking Anatomy and Physiology (combined, at my school its one class) lecture and the lab and they seem to be going well.

I've finally realized (much too late) what I need to do to get my grades up and things have been working out. I'm trying to get into state school because I absolutely HATE the school I'm at now.

I suppose after all of this, what I'm trying to find out/ask is, if I start doing a bunch of ECs, get great LORs, shadow, study like crazy for the MCAT and not to mention, take all the science courses and get my GPA up, would it be somewhat realistic of me to think I would have a chance? I know I've made bad choices and I'm not one of those people that knew from day 1 that I wanted to be a doctor, but it's just a thought and any input would be great 😕
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with two years of a 2.5 gpa, your chances of getting into a us allopathic school look very slim, but there are other options out there.
 
what other option might be available?

I have about 57 credits or so (not sure on the exact amount) and there's still a lot of classes I need to take, is it possible to raise my GPA that much, or just go for the OT and if I decide med school is still for me then start from scratch?
 
sdub623 said:
what other option might be available?

I have about 57 credits or so (not sure on the exact amount) and there's still a lot of classes I need to take, is it possible to raise my GPA that much, or just go for the OT and if I decide med school is still for me then start from scratch?
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Caribbean med schools, DO schools have been known to take ppl with lower gpas, but you would most likely need over a 3.0.
 
my overall gpa right now is 3.2
bcpm: 2.6 after taking bio I and II, precalc, physics I

I don't even know what to do or say right now
 
intuition said:
my overall gpa right now is 3.2
bcpm: 2.6 after taking bio I and II, precalc, physics I

I don't even know what to do or say right now
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depends if you are a freshman or a senior. If you are a JR or SR then you have a long tough road. If you are a freshman or soph you still have a long road, buts its more conceivable.
 
It's still probably possible to go to medical school assuming you didn't have your heart set on Hopkins. That being said, you need to figure out why you're getting the grades you're getting and what you need to do to pretty much ace the rest of your science classes (and everything else for that matter).
 
intuition said:
my overall gpa right now is 3.2
bcpm: 2.6 after taking bio I and II, precalc, physics I

I don't even know what to do or say right now
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Do you have an upward trend? Other things going for you (ECs)? A "friendly" instate school? Cause I know someone with around those stats (and a 32 MCAT) that got into UIC. But obviously, we're all more than just numbers. And I do believe that where there's a will, there's a way. It may mean having to do an SMP or take lots of upper level science classes and do very well in them. Or it may also mean considering DO school or the international route. The point is - just do the best that you can, and present as good of an application as you can. At least you'll know you tried.
 
I say, if med school is your dream and passion, keep at it. If you're a freshman or sophomore you still have shot, get some help, a tutor and make sure that you ace your classes. ACE THEM. Also, work hard at your MCAT, work on getting stellar LOR's and have some meaningful and interesting EC's. I know people with 3.2's and <30's who have great EC's, LOR etc and have GOTTEN into medical school. Granted they had incredible upward trends. good luck. :luck:
 
Phoenix. said:
Do you have an upward trend? Other things going for you (ECs)? A "friendly" instate school? Cause I know someone with around those stats (and a 32 MCAT) that got into UIC. But obviously, we're all more than just numbers. And I do believe that where there's a will, there's a way. It may mean having to do an SMP or take lots of upper level science classes and do very well in them. Or it may also mean considering DO school or the international route. The point is - just do the best that you can, and present as good of an application as you can. At least you'll know you tried.
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i know I don't want to go DO or international
 
intuition said:
i know I don't want to go DO or international
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While I can understand the international aspect, I bet you'll be singing a different tune about DO if rejections from MD start piling in. Give it a legitimate look before you shoot it down.
 
I had relatively crappy grades my first three years of school (~3.0).
I took the MCAT's in 2004 (30) and applied and didn't get in anywhere.
I knew that if I was going to get in, I would have to go back to school, while working full time, and get better grades. It sucked, but it let me think if I truly wanted to be a physician and allowed me to reevaluate how I view myself. I went back to school to get a Master's, retook the MCAT's, and got in this application cycle.

If you aren't willing to buckle down, spend the time studying and preparing, then you shouldn't be in this profession. But don't let anyone other than you make that decision. If you want it, make it happen. It is going to take a lot of work to climb out of that hole, but it will show you what type of person you are, and what you are capable of.

I sound like a self-help dork.
 
I wanted some advice on schools to apply to. I made a list of 29 (25 MD, 4 MSTP), but would really like to cut it down to about 20. I'm focusing on the West Coast (CA Resident) and major metropolitan areas and wanted to keep a few reaches and easier to get into schools on the list. Any advice on which schools to cut?

3.5 GPA, 35T MCAT, pub pending, 300+ community service hours w/leadership (non-clinical), worked in Dr's office 3 yrs., 3 separate research projects, some other stuff. Thanks!

MD


UCLA
UCSF
UCD
UCI
UCSD
USC
Stanford
GWU
RFU
Northwestern
U of C
Tufts
Harvard
U of Mich
St. Louis U
Albany
NYU
Mt. Sinai
Columbia
Cornell
OHSU
Jefferson
U Pitt
Drexel
Vanderbilt

MSTP


U of Wash
Albert Einstein (did summer research program there)
Georgetown
U of Iowa
 
GPA: 3.0 (still have ~55 hours left in which 51 are science and 4 are math)
BCPM: 3.4 so far
Age: 21
Race: white
Residency: Shreveport, Louisiana
Major: Biology (Plan to graduate spring '09 or summer '09 at worst)
MCAT: N/A When should I start getting ready?

-Last 2 semesters deans list with a 3.6 and Chancellors list with a 3.82. I am confident in my abilities but a few semesters are killing me due to immature and lazy.

-Full time job but recently "quit" to get more volunteer/observation hours in.

-Volunteered Habitat for Humanities 2005

-I would like to stay and go to school here at LSUHSC-Shreveport

-I do have a meeting next week with a good friend of the family who is asst. dean of academic affairs at LSUHSC-Shreveport to give me advise and get me in touch with people who can give me guideance.

What are my chances and if you guys have any advise Im all ears....
 
LSUSchris said:
GPA: 3.0 (still have ~55 hours left in which 51 are science and 4 are math)
BCPM: 3.4 so far
Age: 21
Race: white
Residency: Shreveport, Louisiana
Major: Biology (Plan to graduate spring '09 or summer '09 at worst)
MCAT: N/A When should I start getting ready?

-Last 2 semesters deans list with a 3.6 and Chancellors list with a 3.82. I am confident in my abilities but a few semesters are killing me due to immature and lazy.

-Full time job but recently "quit" to get more volunteer/observation hours in.

-Volunteered Habitat for Humanities 2005

-I would like to stay and go to school here at LSUHSC-Shreveport

-I do have a meeting next week with a good friend of the family who is asst. dean of academic affairs at LSUHSC-Shreveport to give me advise and get me in touch with people who can give me guideance.

What are my chances and if you guys have any advise Im all ears....
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The meeting with the asst dean will be really invaluable... I work for the one at my school and he always gives me great advice about what makes an applicant stand out to him. It looks like you're demonstrating your first couple years of school don't represent who you really are. I would recommend working in a lab with a professor at Shreveport; just email a few and say you think their research looks really interesting and ask if there's any work or volunteering opportunities -- research should help you get a nice basic science LOR that could overshadow your earlier grades.
 
pazan said:
The meeting with the asst dean will be really invaluable... I work for the one at my school and he always gives me great advice about what makes an applicant stand out to him. It looks like you're demonstrating your first couple years of school don't represent who you really are. I would recommend working in a lab with a professor at Shreveport; just email a few and say you think their research looks really interesting and ask if there's any work or volunteering opportunities -- research should help you get a nice basic science LOR that could overshadow your earlier grades.
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I agree but it never hurts to hear what he has to say. I will look into emailing some professors to see what they have going on.
 
My chances so far?
Gpa is low even though I started college with a 2.40 from some Cs I got while I was in college in the Army.
first semester in my new college brought me from a 2.40 to a 3.06
2nd sem was 3.29
3rd sem was 3.34
Currently at 3.40
recieving my AA the end of this sem in Biology, hopefully with a 3.49 at the end.
I have 2 Ws and and about 5 Cs, will this destroy my chances?

My volunteering hours only include 42.
Signing up to my local veterans hospital to do some more.

1)How many hours should I do?
2)Should I start studying for my Mcat already? (about to start on my bachelors)
3) I have a good professor for a letter of recommendation, should I get him to do it now or will he have to address them all seperately to all of the schools?
4) I have a close friend whose wife has a pediatrics clinic. She will let me do some volunteering as well and give me a good letter of recommendation. Will this help me? or does it have to be from a hospital that you volunteer?
 
Hello Everyone, I am new to this site, any help I can reveive would be very much appreciated.

Currently I am a pharmacy student (expected graduation 2009) who is seriously considering applying to medical school once I am finished pharmacy school. Here is a list of my credentials, please let me know what your opinion is on my chances to get into med school (I am only applying to Canadian Schools)

a) Pharm GPA: 3.95 (I also have an honours bio degree, GPA:3.67)
b) MCAT: 31-T (11BS, 10PS, 10VR)
c) Tonnes of clinical experience (including rotations that I will be completeing next year)
d) Leadership skills include president of our pharmacy honours society, tutor, initiated a mentorship program
e) Research Experience in transplant patients
f) Community service activities that include helping the underserved population and the elderly
g) Solid reference letters from very willing professors

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can make my application more competitive? Thanks
 
I am a exercise science major and just recently I decided to shoot for medical school. I have a Cumulative GPA of 3.3, i'm not sure how to calculate my Science GPA but I took all of my Biology, Chemistry, Physics, & Math grades and calculated a 3.0. I'm still in my undergraduate and have only 2 more classes to finish my degree. I've taken the year of Chem with a C+ in each semester, Physics first semester with a C+ also. Those were the days where I never cared to even attend class let alone open the book, and there was no goal but to graduate with a degree. The past year i've learned that opening the book can help get you A's. So I did and I got a 107% in my first semester Biology and plan to take the second semester BIO coming up. The last two semesters I got a 3.7 and 3.9. I still have to take my Calculus, Year of O-Chem, and Second Semester Physics (Strictly for Med. School). It's a shame I finally decided to get things together so late.

Since I still have an undergraduate record open, should I double major and work on a Biology degree increasing my GPA (cum. and science) to say a ~3.6? Would the AAMC include the BIO Degree grades into my overall and science undergraduate GPA? I'm confident I can do well on the MCAT's because I am a good test taker. Or should I just finish my Med. School Pre-Reqs and apply to a Graduate program like an SMP or Masters Science Program to up my chances for medical school. Would it be a good idea to retake the C+'s. I'm confident I can Ace them. I appreciate the help and I will answer any questions.

BTW, the goal is to get there as soon as possible and not spend a million dollars 🙂. So... I'd love to just up my undergraduate GPA.
 
I attend Boston University, and I currently have a 3.3 science/math GPA and a 3.4 overall GPA. I'm a double major: Classics and Biology. I've done a year of prostate cancer research for Dana Farber/Harvard Medical School. I've had two jobs in the same hospital for two years. I have volunteered 250+ hours in two other hospitals (emergency room and transport), and I have shadowed the physician who supervises my research. I've been on the Dean's List once in the past. By the end of this semester, I should have a 3.45-3.50 for both my science and my overall GPA. I haven't taken the MCAT yet (I will in May).

Would it just be best to wait and make sure I have a 3.5 and a good MCAT score? Should I apply even if my score on the MCAT isn't extremely high? Thanks in advance!!
 
Hello. I'd appreciate a few words on where I stand, and what I can possibly do to improve.

Year: Junior
Age: 20
School: UVA
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Race: White
Residency: Northern Virginia
Cum. GPA: 3.654
Sci. GPA: 3.662
MCAT: Studying on my own for the May 31st test

-I didn't decide I wanted to go this route until last summer, so it explains why I don't have as much as I could.
-I've worked in a research lab for almost a year now (summer 07 included). I plan to continue for my senior thesis. I expect to be published as a co-author before I graduate.
-Volunteered this year in a dialysis center. I'll continue next year and hope to be the program director.
-Shadowed a nephrologist, vascular surgeon, and gastro surgeon for one day each over the summer. I plan on having more experiences over spring break and in the summer.
-Dean's list for all five semesters. Intermediate awards (top 20% of class) after four semesters).
-Area council member for two years (about once a week commitment).
-One year member of Hoos for Open Access which is a group committed to increasing socioeconomic diversity at UVA.
-Worked at my parents' deli for two summers.
-Went back to my high school this winter to speak with kids about going to college.
-Played baseball last summer for a men's league team, and I'm doing it again this summer.
-Have played on 6 IM teams being the captain for four of them.
-Been actively weightlifting/exercising since I was 14 (I think this helps to show that I care a lot about health).

Any comments would be appreciated.
 
Overall GPA : 3.299
Major GPA (neuroscience): 3.52
BCPM: not sure, probably between those two numbers
ECs: Volunteering at low-cost clinic as medical asst., volunteer at youth homeless shelter, ~4 years research xp with co-author pub in works and a conference abstract, volunteer radio dj, tiny bit of shadowing neurologist (probably not worth mentioning)


I went to a top 5 public school. I hear that these are known for being quite difficult as not a lot of grade inflation goes on there, but I'm not going to start a "how much does it matter what college I went to" thing. My GPA is going to be the major thing that holds me back. I must deal with that.

My question: Assuming I do quite well on the MCAT (ie, 32+), how much of a chance do I have? Is an SMP recommended in this case? I have 3 instate MD schools, one DO (not really considering DO at this time). Do you have any other suggestions for improvements?

Caveat: Still need to take Ochem labs and Phys labs
 
Does anyone have more thoughts on my current app and what I can work on during this final semester before I apply? My pre-med advisor said that I might have too much teaching experience and not enough clinical experience, does this seem like it will be a problem? Thanks in advance for your comments.

3.85 gpa, (3.89 science)
32Q MCAT (10 VR, 11 PS, 11 BS)

3 Years tutoring in low-income housing project in downtown chicago, 2 years as coordinator of the program (6 hours/week)

2 semesters as a teaching assistant in Intro to Geology lab (3 hours/week)

Spring Break Missions Trip

40 hours shadowing a family doctor

1 summer volunteering in a hospital (20 hours/week)

2 semesters organic chemistry research (3 hours/week)

1 semester Geology Research (6 hours/week)

2 semesters volunteering at my local church (2 hours/week)

Intramural sports every semester (3 hours/week)
 
I'm in my last year of undergrad (set to graduate in June '08), and am going to be applying for the 2009 application cycle:

Major: French

I finished or am in the process of taking all the prereqs for a Bio major/requirements for medical school, plus some extra upper-division Biochem and molecular bio classes.

GPA:
BCPM: 3.51 (chemistry is my nemesis)
AO: 3.98
Cum. GPA: 3.77

Took the MCAT last summer for the first time:

PS 10
VR 10
BS 11
WS R

Total: 31R

I have mixed feelings about this score. I've been told that if I break 30 with at least 10 on each section, I should be OK. However, some people are telling me that that's a bare minimum, and supposedly I need >35 or teens in everything to be competitive. Is that true?

Oh, how I wish I could trade my essay percentile for my PS/VR/BS percentiles!

I retook it on this Saturday (January 26th), but don't want to say anything for fear of jinxing it. *crosses fingers* =)

ECs:
Research: Worked in three very different research labs (clinical-sports medicine and COPD, psychiatric-pediatic epilepsy/schizophrenia, and basic research-cancer) over the past five years, and have gotten two papers published so far, and two more on the way.

Clinical experience: Shadowed doctors from several different departments (radiology, pulmonology, oncology, ER, ~100 hours total) both at the hospital near home and at the clinic near school for the past two years. I assisted in charting, watched procedures and examinations, and acted as a Spanish/Vietnamese translator for the attending.

Other: I used to do a little bit of club stuff with the ethnic/cultural orgs on campus, and I currently take part in an organization through my church feeding the poor on Skidrow.

Good letters of rec from professors I know well (science, non-science, work).

During my gap year, while I'm applying, I'm planning on expanding my role at my current lab basic research position, possibly continuing with my community service work as well. Maybe squeeze in a summer program of some sort?

I wanted to ask:

What are my chances anywhere? I'm aiming for allopathic schools in the 'States; preferably, I'd want to stay in California, but would be open to any MD school in the US.

The kicker: I'm an Asian male in California. Apparently there's a bajillion of us, and as Californians, the term "safety school" has no meaning for people like me.
 
Hey guys I just wanted to see if you can gauge where I am at right now in terms of getting into an american medical school.

Right now I have a 3.6 overall GPA and 3.18 science GPA (If I calculated it right). The reason the science GPA is so low is because I got C+ in both Bio I and II, and Organic I. I A's in both Gen Chems, and and A's all the way through Calc III, with a B+ in Physics I. I've also taken a few extra science classes like Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology and recieved A's in them as well (But I didn't include those in my science GPA).

My question to you guys, if suppose I pull off a B+ or A in Organic II, and atleast a B in the higher level science classes like analystical chem, p chem, microbio, biochem, and the labs, will I have decent shot of getting into an american medical school.

Outside of my classes I'm inovlved in a fraternity that does a lot of service projects and community service. I've been doing research with stem cells for about a year now, but informally. I plan on taking the research as a credit in the summer so the medical schools can officially recognize it. And lastly I've also been volunteering at my campus hospial for a year now, with some volunteer hours in another country.

Based off of this what are my chance looking at for entry into an american medical school? I know my extracurricular and overall GPA are good, but science GPA looks kind of iffy to me. Suppose I don't get in, where would you guys suggest I apply. I've hear the Carribean is a backup for many, what would my chances be there?

****Also on a side not, can you guys recommend any good reads for the premed student. I'd like to start prepping up now since I've completed 80/120 credit hours need to graduate.
 
Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

I'm a Canadian applicant. BSc Biological Sciences/ BA Economics
cum GPA: 3.51 (upward trend in each of the yrs, last 2 yrs were 4.0)
science GPA: 3.25
MCAT: 11PS 10VR 10BS Q = 31Q
Research experience:
16 months of research in microbiology
Volunteer experience: average (typical hospital volunteering, some leadership stuff)

I was wondering if I would have a shot at any US MD schools? I know that my science GPA is a bit on the low side.

Thanks in advance!
 
LigneDouze said:
I have mixed feelings about this score. I've been told that if I break 30 with at least 10 on each section, I should be OK. However, some people are telling me that that's a bare minimum, and supposedly I need >35 or teens in everything to be competitive. Is that true?
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First, your essay is marginally important .. I was complimented by my interviewer at PSU medical school interview for getting a T on my writing sample.

Second, whether your MCAT needs to be >35 depends, although I feel a great deal of people will say, no. The reason is that the MCAT is great at sifting abilities from scores ranging up to 36 (12,12,12), but beyond that, much of the exam is luck and cannot truly say whether repeated administrations of the MCAT will yield similar results. Also, whether you're competitive is a lot more than just whether you have high MCATs. I'm considered competitive with a 29T! Why? Becuase I have a lot of great extra-curriculars and GPA stats to back them up. Being an in-state resident of all the schools to which I'm applying is also a benefit. For example, Temple takes 50% in-state / 50% out-of-state. And, yes, the T actually helps here .. one of the very rare cases where the writing sample can boost your chances. Like I said, I was complimented on it, so it can work to your advantage. If you are lacking in GPA, extra-curriculars, clinical and research experience, or in LORs, then you need to make up for things with a stellar MCAT.
 
Although you have a low Science GPA, you do have a shot if you apply broadly......when I say broadly , I mean apply to a lot of schools....also have a lot of lower-tier schools and "back-up" schools...
 
As a Canadian applicant with a similar MCAT (31P) but slightly higher GPA, I got 3 interviews in the States. I wish I had applied earlier though. Also, PM me if you're interested in knowing which schools and also if you're interested in applying to Cdn schools. I can tell you where I got interviews here too.

Disclaimer: I don't hold a N. American acceptance yet...but I have a few useful things to say.
 
pazan said:
I wanted some advice on schools to apply to. I made a list of 29 (25 MD, 4 MSTP), but would really like to cut it down to about 20. I'm focusing on the West Coast (CA Resident) and major metropolitan areas and wanted to keep a few reaches and easier to get into schools on the list. Any advice on which schools to cut?

3.5 GPA, 35T MCAT, pub pending, 300+ community service hours w/leadership (non-clinical), worked in Dr's office 3 yrs., 3 separate research projects, some other stuff. Thanks!

MD


UCLA
UCSF
UCD
UCI
UCSD
USC
Stanford
GWU
RFU
Northwestern
U of C
Tufts
Harvard
U of Mich
St. Louis U
Albany
NYU
Mt. Sinai
Columbia
Cornell
OHSU
Jefferson
U Pitt
Drexel
Vanderbilt

MSTP


U of Wash
Albert Einstein (did summer research program there)
Georgetown
U of Iowa
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You just freaked me out.

I was looking at this post thinking, "I didn't write this post...who's gotten into my account and started posting?"

Curious, why "pazan"? Same meaning as mine?
 
pazan said:
I wanted some advice on schools to apply to. I made a list of 29 (25 MD, 4 MSTP), but would really like to cut it down to about 20. I'm focusing on the West Coast (CA Resident) and major metropolitan areas and wanted to keep a few reaches and easier to get into schools on the list. Any advice on which schools to cut?

3.5 GPA, 35T MCAT, pub pending, 300+ community service hours w/leadership (non-clinical), worked in Dr's office 3 yrs., 3 separate research projects, some other stuff. Thanks!

MD


UCLA
UCSF
UCD
UCI
UCSD
USC
Stanford
GWU
RFU
Northwestern
U of C
Tufts
Harvard
U of Mich
St. Louis U
Albany
NYU
Mt. Sinai
Columbia
Cornell
OHSU
Jefferson
U Pitt
Drexel
Vanderbilt

MSTP


U of Wash
Albert Einstein (did summer research program there)
Georgetown
U of Iowa
Click to expand...

I would cut a few of the UC schools. UCI and UCD are not going to take you if you are out of state. I would also think about cutting UCSF - I had similar stats and got no secondary. Same for Harvard, but you never know what little quirk in your application is going to stand out. URMs, non-trads, etc. have better shots at these places. To me, they were a waste of money.

Decide if you really want to do MSTP. If you do, add more. If not, cut them all. They'd rather see that you're committed to something (and they may ask where else you applied.)
 
Hi, I was recently accepted to MSU CHM Class of 2012 and I have paid my deposit and given them my written letter of acceptance of the offer and have withdrew all my other applications. I am currently finishing a Master's program, but last quarter, due to some unforeseen circumstances, I received an F in one of my classes. I called MSU about their policy on transcript updates after acceptance and they told me that they need the transcript to verify my reception of the Master's degree. My questions are: 1) How much will this F affect me, even though I have already been accepted? and 2) What options do I have to try and fix this problem, so I don't get my acceptance taken away from me (because then I would be left sitting on the curb with literally nothing)?
 
I have just been waitlisted at Wayne St. after being recommended by a former (and still respected) dean of admissions. Have I overjudged my application? Or am I just terrible at interviewing?

Does anyone have interview advice, other than be yourself (it's obviously not working)? Or any comments on the lack of interview offers?
 
Bacon Salami said:
I have just been waitlisted at Wayne St. after being recommended by a former (and still respected) dean of admissions. Have I overjudged my application? Or am I just terrible at interviewing?

Does anyone have interview advice, other than be yourself (it's obviously not working)? Or any comments on the lack of interview offers?
Click to expand...

You applied to 15 schools and have 4 interviews? I don't think that's a lack of interview offers...although with your 40MCAT, good GPA and solid ECs, maybe you need some help writing your secondaries better?
 
joh10oh said:
Hi i am a junior in college right now and my grades are pretty bad(2.57). i tried improving but i still get crappy grades i am thinking of transfering to another "easier" school and still do pre med or should i stay my school? what else can i do besides give up? i am getting discouraged...any adivce would help
Click to expand...
This is somewhat late, but I just saw your post. I would advise you to consider medical school outside of the United States (e.g. Mexico or Europe). If I had a GPA of 3.5-3.6 I would call it quits for undergrad and move on to Europe... just my opinion. btw the GPA scale I'm using is A=4, B+=3.5, B=3.0, and no minus grades.
 
atomi said:
I will be 24 at time of application, so slightly non-trad.

I am mostly interested in attending a state school, ranking doesn't matter that much too me; I am just interested in getting into most any allopathic school.

I graduated a few years ago with an engineering science degree (4.0 gpa) with honors designation. I had numerous scholarships and awards in school. I studied abroad multiple times. I have a minor in a liberal arts subject. I did/supported research as an undergraduate, but did not publish anything. I have fairly extensive (given my age) work experience with numerous major international engineering firms.

Pretty much nothing I have done to date has been medical-related (nothing in school anyways). I didn't decide I wanted to apply until last year. I volunteered at a free clinic one semester during school. I am currently volunteering in the ER assisting patients, which I should have ~100 hours of by the time of application. I am finishing all my remaining pre-reqs (bio and chem) at night at a community college (my only option since I work full-time), which I am making A's in.

So, in summary:
-4.0 GPA overall including 4.0 GPA BPCM (bio and chem taken nights at CC, ochem and physics at 4-year). Extremely rigorous math and engineering coursework.
-Relatively little volunteer experience (~150 hours), some shadowing (~30 hours).
-Limited community service (~30 hours)
-No relevant research
-Extensive professional experience
-Numerous ECs (non-medical related)
-Currently working full-time, taking 8 credits, volunteering, and studying for MCAT (I hoping my schedule will excuse the CC stigma).
-Ok letters of recommendations (normal, nothing extraordinary, no committee letter).

What should be my target score (the score to which I should study)? Because of my schedule, I won't be able to go all out on studying and need to be as efficient as possible (i.e, not spending an extra 3 hours each day trying to get from 36 to 37). I am thinking 30 as a minimum and 34 for a high target. By minimum, I mean at least getting into one school. I only plan on applying to my state schools (4) and at most 1 or 2 out of state.
Click to expand...
I don't believe you have anything to be concerned about as far as taking pre-reqs at a CC. A 4.0 GPA in any engineering is incredible. Congratulations. Other than that (which is pointing out the obvious, somewhat) I can't suggest much. I would invest as much time as possible to achieve an MCAT score that matches your GPA - 33+. Thats my view. Best of luck to you.
 
I am in the same situation as the 3.2 GPA guy!
I am taking 3 classes this quarter and studying for MCAT. I need to apply in June.
It scares the bejeezes out of me, when I hear people talking in front of the MCAT class door, how they dropped two of their classes to study for MCAT.
What should do...???
 
Vihsadas said:
You'd give up if you had a 3.5-3.6 on your AMCAS...
Click to expand...
yeah. long story short - In my case I would due to the lack of wonderful ECs and other activities. i'm basically counting on numbers, but as Summer from The OC says, whatevs.
 
From my MDapps (and I posted this before under another username but didn't get any bites):

BCPM GPA: 3.46
Overall GPA: 3.48

Brief Profile:
Clinical Volunteer experience:
...150 Hours at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
......Post-surgical nursing unit
......Emergency Department
......LOR from Volunteer Services (Based on staff feedback)

Shadowing
...My own PCP, PCOM Grad
...LOR

Nonclinical Volunteer Experience (Alternative Spring Breaks)
...Habitat for Humanity (Hanover, VA) - 50 hours
...Habitat for Humanity (Beaumont, TX) - 50 hours
......Student leader = a lot of work/responsibility
...Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort - 100 hours
......During spring break, before much had been done for region
......Followup trip that summer
.........Organized followup trip

Orientation Leader - 3 summers
...'Head OL' this summer
......Organize and prepare for summer orientation and fall orientation
......Full time summer job
...LOR from my director

School Activities
...Student government and campus activities board
......Organize and plan events for the campus community
...Admissions caller
......Call and promote undergrad institution in order to recruit
......students
...First Year Experience committee
......Improve/enhance the first year for matriculated students
...Premed club
......Probably won't include

Job experience (varied)
...Paintball referee
...Ski resort rental technician
...Telephone interviewer
...Flooring/Hardware/Patio sales
...IT - work study

Overview of Applications:
Awaiting Secondary
* Albany Medical College
* Albert Einstein of Yeshiva University
* Drexel University
* George Washington University
* Jefferson Medical College
* Lake Erie College - Erie
* New York College of New York Tech.
* New York Medical College
* Pennsylvania State University
* Philadelphia College - Philadelphia
* Rosalind Franklin University
* Temple University
* Tulane University
* Virginia Commonwealth University
* West Virgina (D.O.)
* West Virginia University

Summary of Application Process:
I would like suggestions of schools to apply to. I am in the process of studying for the April 19th MCAT. I also intend on applying to the new, proposed school for the Scranton area. Additionally, location is a factor for me and I would prefer to not fly/move around the country but am open to ideas.

GPA - I have an upward trend from 3.23 to 3.44 freshman year. Sophomore year I received a 3.67 and 3.71. This past semester I received my first C in physical chemistry. It dropped my semester GPA from a 3.68 to a 3.28. Hopefully this won't cause much grief.

Just took a practice MCAT: 10/10/9
 
ahaydt said:
From my MDapps (and I posted this before under another username but didn't get any bites):

BCPM GPA: 3.46
Overall GPA: 3.48

Brief Profile:
Clinical Volunteer experience:
...150 Hours at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
......Post-surgical nursing unit
......Emergency Department
......LOR from Volunteer Services (Based on staff feedback)

Shadowing
...My own PCP, PCOM Grad
...LOR

Nonclinical Volunteer Experience (Alternative Spring Breaks)
...Habitat for Humanity (Hanover, VA) - 50 hours
...Habitat for Humanity (Beaumont, TX) - 50 hours
......Student leader = a lot of work/responsibility
...Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort - 100 hours
......During spring break, before much had been done for region
......Followup trip that summer
.........Organized followup trip

Orientation Leader - 3 summers
...'Head OL' this summer
......Organize and prepare for summer orientation and fall orientation
......Full time summer job
...LOR from my director

School Activities
...Student government and campus activities board
......Organize and plan events for the campus community
...Admissions caller
......Call and promote undergrad institution in order to recruit
......students
...First Year Experience committee
......Improve/enhance the first year for matriculated students
...Premed club
......Probably won't include

Job experience (varied)
...Paintball referee
...Ski resort rental technician
...Telephone interviewer
...Flooring/Hardware/Patio sales
...IT - work study

Overview of Applications:
Awaiting Secondary
* Albany Medical College
* Albert Einstein of Yeshiva University
* Drexel University
* George Washington University
* Jefferson Medical College
* Lake Erie College - Erie
* New York College of New York Tech.
* New York Medical College
* Pennsylvania State University
* Philadelphia College - Philadelphia
* Rosalind Franklin University
* Temple University
* Tulane University
* Virginia Commonwealth University
* West Virgina (D.O.)
* West Virginia University

Summary of Application Process:
I would like suggestions of schools to apply to. I am in the process of studying for the April 19th MCAT. I also intend on applying to the new, proposed school for the Scranton area. Additionally, location is a factor for me and I would prefer to not fly/move around the country but am open to ideas.

GPA - I have an upward trend from 3.23 to 3.44 freshman year. Sophomore year I received a 3.67 and 3.71. This past semester I received my first C in physical chemistry. It dropped my semester GPA from a 3.68 to a 3.28. Hopefully this won't cause much grief.

Just took a practice MCAT: 10/10/9
Click to expand...
Work on improving that MCAT with a 3.48 GPA you are gonna probaby need higher than a 29 in order to get into an MD school. I think a 31 or higher would get you an acceptance as long as you get good LORs and interview well and write a solid PS and Secondary. Maybe you could add a couple of the SUNYs and EVMS and VCU.
 
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