What Are My Chances and Other General Questions

[watsupdoc]

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I am losing hope...

I planned on entering the class for 2008 but due to a family emergency I wasn't able to apply until now. Since June of last year I haven't been able to volunteer because I have been taking care of my disabled grandmother who suffered a stroke and a seizure. I took the time off from volunteering and working to take a CNA class (now I am certified) to better my knowledge in helping my grandmother. Not to mention that I am the oldest of six siblings so I am always busy since my parents are both working full-time.

Volunteer:
1. After-school tutor for my elementary school (3 years)
2. Volunteered in Pediatric department, information desk, and ER department at a local hospital (2 years)
3. Girl's Basketball Assistant basketball coach for my elementary school (1 year)
4. Volunteered at Fleetwing Department at a local hospital (~ 2 years)
5. Volunteered as a Research Lab Assistant at a local hospital (~3 months)
- had to stop early because my grandmother needed me more than anything
6. Teaching intern at my college (1 semester)

Academics:
Bachelor of Arts major in Biology and a minor in Sociology
GPA 3.55
Science GPA 3.4

Planning to take my MCAT in May hoping to score 30+ (cross fingers)

Are my stats good enought for an allopathic school? I hope so because after being with my grandmother I've learned the value of patience, attentiveness, and communication. She made me want to become a doctor. I love her for helping me make a life long career.

 

[TheRealMD]

No need to explain why you haven't been volunteering in a year (it's self-explanatory). Really depends on your MCAT. We'll see how that goes.

 

[Cegar]

Your general GPA doesn't even seem to be one standard deviation away from the mean of most allopathic applicants. Your BCPM is low but it probably wont sink you.

If you do indeed get a powerful-strong MCAT score then you'll be a typical applicant numbers wise.

Your volunteer work is also pretty typical. Maybe even above average.

The circumstances of your grandmother will probably be in your favor.

Shadowing a doctor or two will help.

No need to worry about anything.

 

[135892]

I am losing hope...

I planned on entering the class for 2008 but due to a family emergency I wasn't able to apply until now. Since June of last year I haven't been able to volunteer because I have been taking care of my disabled grandmother who suffered a stroke and a seizure. I took the time off from volunteering and working to take a CNA class (now I am certified) to better my knowledge in helping my grandmother. Not to mention that I am the oldest of six siblings so I am always busy since my parents are both working full-time.

Volunteer:
1. After-school tutor for my elementary school (3 years)
2. Volunteered in Pediatric department, information desk, and ER department at a local hospital (2 years)
3. Girl's Basketball Assistant basketball coach for my elementary school (1 year)
4. Volunteered at Fleetwing Department at a local hospital (~ 2 years)
5. Volunteered as a Research Lab Assistant at a local hospital (~3 months)
- had to stop early because my grandmother needed me more than anything
6. Teaching intern at my college (1 semester)

Academics:
Bachelor of Arts major in Biology and a minor in Sociology
GPA 3.54
Science GPA 3.3 (?)

Planning to take my MCAT in May hoping to score 30+ (cross fingers)

Are my stats good enought for an allopathic school? I hope so because after being with my grandmother I've learned the value of patience, attentiveness, and communication. She made me want to become a doctor. I love her for helping me make a life long career.

Your stats are good enough, and with a strong personal statement, you should have no problem. Just apply strategically

 

[Tin Man]

Oh, you have a lot to worry about. Doctors make a habit of rejecting applicants who have spent the last year taking care of sick people...

 

[bob1988]

Hey guys,

I am in a bit of a dilemma in regards to applying for the class of 2013 or the class of 2014. I have a good GPA from a school known for being competitive, a solid MCAT, but I am worried that my extracurriculars do not stand out and are maybe even below average.

I am a California resident so I plan to apply broadly and as early as possible.

Here's my info:
GPA: 3.86
Science GPA: 3.78
MCAT: 33

EC's:
2 years research (gonna be published)
Shadowing for a few months
Convalescent care center volunteering
Hospital volunteering for 1 summer
Premed Honor Society - we actually do volunteer work
Advising other premed students

I feel like I am a bit short on clinical volunteering and I could shore that up with another year. Or maybe I've been reading too many insane MDApplicants profiles.

I know I could get in somewhere, but at the same time by buffering my resume I would have a chance at a UC school.

Ideally, though I would like to apply this year, but I don't know if that is the most prudent thing to do.

Any input is much appreciated.

 

[watsupdoc]

Thanks for all your responses. Just out of curiosity how do I calculate for my science GPA?

 

[180910]

Hi, here is my situation, what are my chances at an Allopathic school with these numbers?

BA History from UCLA ( I graduated June 07')

GPA:3.7
BCPM: 3.5
AO:3.9

MCAT:25S (9PS/7BS/9VR/S)

Languages spoken: English/Spanish

Extracurriculars: 2 years volunteer @ Oncologists office, 1 year phlebotomist @ Oncologists office, Chemotherapy IV's Catheters, Blood draws), 1 year working as an MA for a Family Practitioner as well as assisting doctor with simple procedures (abscesses, stitch removal, cyst removal, ingrown toenails, breathing treatments, EKG's, Wound padding, Wound checks/Wound repackaging) Injections, PPD tests, Patient check-in, blood pressure. Patient referalls, Patient lab test results etc...)


I'm not reaching for the stars here or anything unrealistic, I honestly don't care what medical school I go to as long as its MD, and it is an American Medical school. Realistically with my current MCAT score, what are my chances of acceptance at any U.S. Medical schools?

I also have 3 family members who went to Wayne State for Medical school, does the family connection help at all in getting into Wayne State?

Please let me know what you all think, I plan to take the MCAT again, I know I can improve the VR and the BS (although I took the Jan 08' MCAT and the Genetics killed me!)

Thanks for the advice ;-)

NABIL

 

[brianmartin]

I don't know too much about UC but I think your app is pretty good. If you have a good statement and letters I'd say apply now.

 

[CubaLibre]

it seems like you're just getting cold feet. it happens. you're good to go, and deep down inside u know this already. if you're worried about extracurriculars, u still have a little bit of time to sure that up before u submit the app and also continue doing clinical stuff throughout the year and keep schools updated on your activities. send schools letters of interest, and have them double as update letters, detailing any cool procedures you may have seen or activities u are involved in. it may sound ridiculous, but several adcom and interviewers have advised me to do this. good luck

 

[mheart]

Does studying abroad look good on an application? I spent a semester in Spain & minored in Spanish (and am pretty fluent). I am hoping this will help me, but does anyone think it won't really make that big of a difference? Thanks!

 

[mikeyworm]

I got a 32R. I have a 3.4 GPA during my undergrad (Poli Sci and History major with ECON minor). Did a PostBacc and have a 3.62.

My score breakdown is PS: 12, VR: 11, BS: 9 Writing R.

My ECs:

3 years of clnical volunteering at a free clinic where I now help to train new vollunteers.
6 months of research at USC medical school pathology lab.
Just started a very serious shadowing program at a world renowned hospital in their surgical oncology department.
3 years of teaching experience.
2 years of youth group advising.
4 years of Mock Trial
1 year of teacher coordination.
And other stuff I did while an undergrad.

Homestate is CA (which sucks)

How do I look?

 

[Rzarecta]

Hi, here is my situation, what are my chances at an Allopathic school with these numbers?

BA History from UCLA ( I graduated June 07')

GPA:3.7
BCPM: 3.5
AO:3.9

MCAT:25S (9PS/7BS/9VR/S)

Languages spoken: English/Spanish

Extracurriculars: 2 years volunteer @ Oncologists office, 1 year phlebotomist @ Oncologists office, Chemotherapy IV's Catheters, Blood draws), 1 year working as an MA for a Family Practitioner as well as assisting doctor with simple procedures (abscesses, stitch removal, cyst removal, ingrown toenails, breathing treatments, EKG's, Wound padding, Wound checks/Wound repackaging) Injections, PPD tests, Patient check-in, blood pressure. Patient referalls, Patient lab test results etc...)


I'm not reaching for the stars here or anything unrealistic, I honestly don't care what medical school I go to as long as its MD, and it is an American Medical school. Realistically with my current MCAT score, what are my chances of acceptance at any U.S. Medical schools?

I also have 3 family members who went to Wayne State for Medical school, does the family connection help at all in getting into Wayne State?

Please let me know what you all think, I plan to take the MCAT again, I know I can improve the VR and the BS (although I took the Jan 08' MCAT and the Genetics killed me!)

Thanks for the advice ;-)

NABIL

Retake MCAT, which you are already going to do. I think that if you applied right now without retaking that 7 in bio would kill many/most interview chances. Work hard, aim for the "30" and you will be golden. Also, your other stats/ ECs are fine, so the MCAT is your only hurdle. Good luck.

 

[Bcblazer]

I just copied and pasted from Mdapps. Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated.

Residency: Virginia
Undergraduate Institution: Belhaven College
Area of Study:Biological/Life Sciences

Application Year: 2009
MCAT Score: VR 11, PS 10, BS 9, P
BCPM GPA: 3.81
Overall GPA: 3.90


Brief Profile:
Diverse background, grew up overseas (speak Turkish fluently)
Hospital Volunteer = 300+ Hours
Community Outreach Coordinator for School = 1 Year
Physician Shadowing = +/- 150 Hours (15+ Specialties)
Research = 2 Years Parasite Research, 1 Year Exercise Science Research
President of Sports Medicine Club = 2 Years
Varsity Soccer Team = 1 Year
Varsity Cross Country Team = 3 Years
Resident Assistant = 3 Years
Worked +/- 25 hours per week throughout college
Tutor for Sports Medicine classes = 1 Year
Honors College
Dean's List 5 Semesters, President's List 2 Semesters
Various Academic/Athletic Awards
Tons of Intramural Sports
Marathon Runner

Schools I was thinking of applying to.

Case Western Reserve University
Eastern Virginia Medical School
George Washington University
Loyola University Chicago
Medical College of Wisconsin
Rosalind Franklin University
Tulane University
University of Illinois
University of Mississippi
University of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Wake Forest University

 

[Rzarecta]

I got a 32R. I have a 3.4 GPA during my undergrad (Poli Sci and History major with ECON minor). Did a PostBacc and have a 3.62.

My score breakdown is PS: 12, VR: 11, BS: 9 Writing R.

My ECs:

3 years of clnical volunteering at a free clinic where I now help to train new vollunteers.
6 months of research at USC medical school pathology lab.
Just started a very serious shadowing program at a world renowned hospital in their surgical oncology department.
3 years of teaching experience.
2 years of youth group advising.
4 years of Mock Trial
1 year of teacher coordination.
And other stuff I did while an undergrad.

Homestate is CA (which sucks)

How do I look?

Apply broadly and you will get in somewhere. I can't tell you much about your state schools, hopefully a fellow Cali person can give you the 411.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

I just copied and pasted from Mdapps. Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated.

Residency: Virginia
Undergraduate Institution: Belhaven College
Area of Study:Biological/Life Sciences

Application Year: 2009
MCAT Score: VR 11, PS 10, BS 9, P
BCPM GPA: 3.81
Overall GPA: 3.90


Brief Profile:
Diverse background, grew up overseas (speak Turkish fluently)
Hospital Volunteer = 300+ Hours
Community Outreach Coordinator for School = 1 Year
Physician Shadowing = +/- 150 Hours (15+ Specialties)
Research = 2 Years Parasite Research, 1 Year Exercise Science Research
President of Sports Medicine Club = 2 Years
Varsity Soccer Team = 1 Year
Varsity Cross Country Team = 3 Years
Resident Assistant = 3 Years
Worked +/- 25 hours per week throughout college
Tutor for Sports Medicine classes = 1 Year
Honors College
Dean's List 5 Semesters, President's List 2 Semesters
Various Academic/Athletic Awards
Tons of Intramural Sports
Marathon Runner

Schools I was thinking of applying to.

Case Western Reserve University
Eastern Virginia Medical School
George Washington University
Loyola University Chicago
Medical College of Wisconsin
Rosalind Franklin University
Tulane University
University of Illinois
University of Mississippi
University of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Wake Forest University

That looks like a good list to me. Except Mississippi I dont think they take any OOS students

 

[Rzarecta]

I just copied and pasted from Mdapps. Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated.

Residency: Virginia
Undergraduate Institution: Belhaven College
Area of Study:Biological/Life Sciences

Application Year: 2009
MCAT Score: VR 11, PS 10, BS 9, P
BCPM GPA: 3.81
Overall GPA: 3.90


Brief Profile:
Diverse background, grew up overseas (speak Turkish fluently)
Hospital Volunteer = 300+ Hours
Community Outreach Coordinator for School = 1 Year
Physician Shadowing = +/- 150 Hours (15+ Specialties)
Research = 2 Years Parasite Research, 1 Year Exercise Science Research
President of Sports Medicine Club = 2 Years
Varsity Soccer Team = 1 Year
Varsity Cross Country Team = 3 Years
Resident Assistant = 3 Years
Worked +/- 25 hours per week throughout college
Tutor for Sports Medicine classes = 1 Year
Honors College
Dean's List 5 Semesters, President's List 2 Semesters
Various Academic/Athletic Awards
Tons of Intramural Sports
Marathon Runner

Schools I was thinking of applying to.

Case Western Reserve University
Eastern Virginia Medical School
George Washington University
Loyola University Chicago
Medical College of Wisconsin
Rosalind Franklin University
Tulane University
University of Illinois
University of Mississippi
University of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Wake Forest University

Consider adding a few more schools to maximize your chances (if they money isn't too big of a deal). You look good. Good luck.

 

[Sonnet43]

I have two questions:

1) Do you think I have any chances of getting into any UC’s with these stat’s? I am a CA resident and I would love to stay in state. I will be submitting my AMCAS June 10th as soon as my MCAT score is released.

Academics
- 3.64 cum
- 29 ’s on diagnostics, but aiming for 30 or so Taking it in May)
- Will be graduating 08 with Biology BS from UCSD

Extracurricular
- Community Service Fraternity (4 yrs): Treasurer, President, Conference Chair.
- ~300 volunteer hours from projects offered by the Community Service Fraternity over 4 years.
- Independent Undergraduate Research (2 years): Recipient of Undergrad Research Grant, Presented at Undergrad Conferences., Doris A Howell Research Scholar, and Howard Hughes Research Scholar.
- Volunteering at local hospital (6 months) accumulated ~70 hours. Should be 250 hours when I finish the program.
- Teaching Assistant (TA) for 3 terms, Head TA for one term.

- At least two strong letter’s of req’s, two average ones, and one mediocre.
- Strong personal statement.

2) Is it worth it to wait another year? By next year, I’ll have my MS in Biology. I’ll be enrolling in a joint program where the MS students are taking classes with med-students from the UCSD graduate school. I’ll also have more than 250 hospital hours by that point and an EMT certification under my belt.

Any comments will help. Thanks!

 

[ChubbyChaser]

I have two questions:

1) Do you think I have any chances of getting into any UC’s with these stat’s? I am a CA resident and I would love to stay in state. I will be submitting my AMCAS June 10th as soon as my MCAT score is released.

Academics
- 3.64 cum
- 29 ’s on diagnostics, but aiming for 30 or so Taking it in May)
- Will be graduating 08 with Biology BS from UCSD

Extracurricular
- Community Service Fraternity (4 yrs): Treasurer, President, Conference Chair.
- ~300 volunteer hours from projects offered by the Community Service Fraternity over 4 years.
- Independent Undergraduate Research (2 years): Recipient of Undergrad Research Grant, Presented at Undergrad Conferences., Doris A Howell Research Scholar, and Howard Hughes Research Scholar.
- Volunteering at local hospital (6 months) accumulated ~70 hours. Should be 250 hours when I finish the program.
- Teaching Assistant (TA) for 3 terms, Head TA for one term.

- At least two strong letter’s of req’s, two average ones, and one mediocre.
- Strong personal statement.

2) Is it worth it to wait another year? By next year, I’ll have my MS in Biology. I’ll be enrolling in a joint program where the MS students are taking classes with med-students from the UCSD graduate school. I’ll also have more than 250 hospital hours by that point and an EMT certification under my belt.

Any comments will help. Thanks!

Yes

Although you are rather weak on your clinical experience. To maximize your chances you probably need a 32 or so.

 

[bob1988]

it seems like you're just getting cold feet. it happens. you're good to go, and deep down inside u know this already. if you're worried about extracurriculars, u still have a little bit of time to sure that up before u submit the app and also continue doing clinical stuff throughout the year and keep schools updated on your activities. send schools letters of interest, and have them double as update letters, detailing any cool procedures you may have seen or activities u are involved in. it may sound ridiculous, but several adcom and interviewers have advised me to do this. good luck

Yeah, I kind of agree with you. I think applications are coming up so soon I don't feel like I have all my ducks in a row.

Does anyone have any insight as to how my application will look to UC schools (like Davis or Irvine)?

 

[mdgator]

I don't think your ECs are bad at all. They are definitely more solid than mine. I don't know how Cali schools are, but I have been able to secure interviews to a top 10 school and another around 30 or so, (not that I put a lot of stock in rankings), despite having submitted my secondary to both schools in December.
I say, if you're excited about starting, go for it. If you don't get into a Cali school, (and I think you might), then you can still get into a very good school.
On the other hand, (speaking from experience), a year off can be very refreshing. If you decide to apply next year, GET YOUR APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED EARLY!!!

 

[nycbeatz]

I would really appreciated it if someone like Lizzy could comment, so i have a 3.2-3.3 overall gpa and about the same for BCMP, I have a 35 (11R,10V,14B) interesting extracurriculars and had to work throughout college, im a little concerned about my gpa. Thanks guys😳..........btw i went to a top 10 engineering school (US News) umm ok i think im done

 

[martin41]

So, this isn't exactly a "what are my chances" post, but more "am I applying to the right schools?" Here are my stats:

Undergrad GPA = 3.7 (both bcpm and non-bcpm)
Graduate GPA = 4.0 (Master's in Public Health)
MCAT = 33O (12B, 10P, 11V)

Extracurriculars
-Shadowed Family Practitioner ~ 40 hours
-Shadowed Oncologist ~ 40 hours
-Volunteer experience in University ICU ~ 70 hours, hope to have double that by August
-Summer Research in a Cancer lab
-Biology Department Student Advisory Committee
-College radio station DJ

These are the schools I'm thinking about applying to:

Iowa (I'm a state resident)
Northwestern
Loyola
Illinois
Rush
NYU
New York Medical College
Boston University
Tufts
Ohio State
Georgetown
George Washington
Drexel
Creighton
Medical College of Wisconsin
Michigan State
Des Moines University
AT Still University

So my questions are, do I have a good shot at getting into at least a couple of these schools? And...should I be applying to tougher schools, or vice versa? I don't want to apply to more than 15 schools, so if you think there are an schools on there that don't really fit, please let me know.

Also, I'm not certain, but I think I want to go into some type of primary care and work in preventive care. If anyone has suggestions of schools that focus on that type of medicine, that would be quite helpful.

Thanks.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

So, this isn't exactly a "what are my chances" post, but more "am I applying to the right schools?" Here are my stats:

Undergrad GPA = 3.7 (both bcpm and non-bcpm)
Graduate GPA = 4.0 (Master's in Public Health)
MCAT = 33O (12B, 10P, 11V)

Extracurriculars
-Shadowed Family Practitioner ~ 40 hours
-Shadowed Oncologist ~ 40 hours
-Volunteer experience in University ICU ~ 70 hours, hope to have double that by August
-Summer Research in a Cancer lab
-Biology Department Student Advisory Committee
-College radio station DJ

These are the schools I'm thinking about applying to:

Iowa (I'm a state resident)
Northwestern
Loyola
Illinois
Rush
NYU
New York Medical College
Boston University
Tufts
Ohio State
Georgetown
George Washington
Drexel
Creighton
Medical College of Wisconsin
Michigan State
Des Moines University
AT Still University

So my questions are, do I have a good shot at getting into at least a couple of these schools? And...should I be applying to tougher schools, or vice versa? I don't want to apply to more than 15 schools, so if you think there are an schools on there that don't really fit, please let me know.

Also, I'm not certain, but I think I want to go into some type of primary care and work in preventive care. If anyone has suggestions of schools that focus on that type of medicine, that would be quite helpful.

Thanks.

I dont think you need the last two schools, but if you are from illinois consider adding SIU.

 

[AtheGre]

VALIDATE ME!!!!!!

AtG

 

[Isis24]

Sooo....I would really like to know what my chances are....and if i should remove or add any schools. I'm pretty much set on the northeast in general. I THINK i'm a VA resident, but i wouldn't bank on it.

Overall GPA: 3.51, BCPM 3.42
MCAT: 34Q (10V, 11P, 13B)

Veterinary Technician, 4 years (draw blood, intubate, calculate meds, put in IV catheters, assist in surgery)
Kung Fu, 3 years
Hospital Volunteer 1.5 years (>100 hours)
MCAT teacher for B, P, GC, and OC (starting now)
Principal oboe in my school's top Symphony for 3 years

5 "stellar" LORs

B.Sc. in Physiology and B.Mus in Performance (took a total of 7 years...)

Albany medical college
Boston U
Brown
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Drexel
Eastern Virginia Medical School
GWU
Georgetown
Jefferson Medical College
Loyola University Chicago
Mount Sinai
New York Medical College
NYU
Northwestern
Rush
SUNY (upstate and downstate), and Stony Brook
Temple
Tufts
U Chicago
U Rochester
U Vermont
U Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth

A hefty list, but that's why I wanted to know which to exclude (and plus, i'm really panicked that i won't get in anywhere). Thanks!!! And i promise i'll post for yours if i have something to say 🙂

Oh, and I don't go to school in Virginia now. I'm in a top school in Canada.

 

[Rzarecta]

Sooo....I would really like to know what my chances are....and if i should remove or add any schools. I'm pretty much set on the northeast in general. I THINK i'm a VA resident, but i wouldn't bank on it.

Overall GPA: 3.51, BCPM 3.42
MCAT: 34Q (10V, 11P, 13B)

Veterinary Technician, 4 years (draw blood, intubate, calculate meds, put in IV catheters, assist in surgery)
Kung Fu, 3 years
Hospital Volunteer 1.5 years (>100 hours)
MCAT teacher for B, P, GC, and OC (starting now)
Principal oboe in my school's top Symphony for 3 years

5 "stellar" LORs

B.Sc. in Physiology and B.Mus in Performance (took a total of 7 years...)

Albany medical college
Boston U
Brown
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Drexel
Eastern Virginia Medical School
GWU
Georgetown
Jefferson Medical College
Loyola University Chicago
Mount Sinai
New York Medical College
NYU
Northwestern
Rush
SUNY (upstate and downstate), and Stony Brook
Temple
Tufts
U Chicago
U Rochester
U Vermont
U Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth

A hefty list, but that's why I wanted to know which to exclude (and plus, i'm really panicked that i won't get in anywhere). Thanks!!! And i promise i'll post for yours if i have something to say 🙂

Oh, and I don't go to school in Virginia now. I'm in a top school in Canada.

If you can afford it, that list looks fine. You have a healthy mix of safety, competitive, and reach schools. If you want to exclude, think of locations you want least, however if you are playing it safe keep them all.

 

[ganesha123]

Hey Guys,

I am a reapplicant this cycle (don't send me to the reapplicant thread please)

The first time I had a verbal score of 6 which screwed me completely..even though I ended up getting an interview at UCSD and UCLA in spite of that...

Here is my info

UC Berkeley graduate
3.96 GPA
33 MCAT (11 across the board)
President of a Pre-Medical organization
Helped run a youth mentoring program
for the past year have worked as a high school teacher
lot of hospital, shadowing volunteering experience
3 summer research things...no papers



I need some help deciding what schools to apply to..my GPA puts me in a top range, but MCAT in average range

Here are my schools for this upcoming cycle (tentative) can you guys please give me input...either way..on these schools (i.e. waste of money...possible change.....etc...add any schools you think I have a chance at..)

TOP SCHOOLS (25)

UCSF*
UCLA*
UCSD*
UC Irvine*
UC Davis*
USC
Emory University
Cornell
Mount Sinai
Einstein College of Medicine (New York, NY)
Northwestern
University of Chicago
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Yale
University of Michigan
Boston University
Tufts
JHU
Case Western
George Washington
Georgetown
Vanderbilt*
Duke

Mid-Tier Schools...( I mean mid-tier with respect-15)


Loyola *
Rosalind Franklin
NYMC
Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
Drexel University – (Philadelphia, PA)
Jefferson School of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)
Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC) 3.6, 30*
Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Virginia) 3.6, 30*
Saint Louis University
University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) 3.7, 33
University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) 3.5, 30
Albany Medical College (Albany, NY) 3.5, 30
Creighton University (Lincoln, NE)
Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) 3.5, 31


Are there any I should add, remove...etc....

Thanks guys!

 

[ganesha123]

Hey Guys,

I am a reapplicant this cycle (don't send me to the reapplicant thread please)

The first time I had a verbal score of 6 which screwed me completely..even though I ended up getting an interview at UCSD and UCLA in spite of that...last year

Here is my info

UC Berkeley graduate
3.96 GPA
33 MCAT (11 across the board)
President of a Pre-Medical organization
Helped run a youth mentoring program
for the past year have worked as a high school teacher
lot of hospital, shadowing volunteering experience
3 summer research things...no papers



I need some help deciding what schools to apply to..my GPA puts me in a top range, but MCAT in average range

Here are my schools for this upcoming cycle (tentative) can you guys please give me input...either way..on these schools (i.e. waste of money...possible chance.....etc...add any schools you think I have a chance at..)

TOP SCHOOLS (25)

UCSF*
UCLA*
UCSD*
UC Irvine*
UC Davis*
USC
Emory University
Cornell
Mount Sinai
Einstein College of Medicine (New York, NY)
Northwestern
University of Chicago
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Yale
University of Michigan
Boston University
Tufts
JHU
Case Western
George Washington
Georgetown
Vanderbilt*
North Carolina
Duke

Mid-Tier Schools...( I mean mid-tier with respect-15)


Loyola *
Rosalind Franklin
NYMC
Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
Drexel University – (Philadelphia, PA)
Jefferson School of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)
Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC) 3.6, 30*
Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Virginia) 3.6, 30*
Saint Louis University
University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) 3.7, 33
University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) 3.5, 30
Albany Medical College (Albany, NY) 3.5, 30
Creighton University (Lincoln, NE)
Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) 3.5, 31
Mayo (??? - too hard..although got phone interview last time I applied with my 6 in verbal i feel it is a waste of money..agree?)

Are there any I should add, remove...etc....

Thanks guys!
ganesha123 is online now Report Post Edit/Delete Message

 

[Cegar]

Looks like a good list. Your MCAT is right around the mean or above for a lot of your top schools.

EDIT: Also, I have a picture of Ganesha and Vishnu on my desk. Nice.

 

[kachan0]

Hi everyone,

I'm an undergrad who's graduating a year early. I took a year of classes at a community college during my senior year of high school due through a program at my school. I took three quarters of math and life science/biology classes and did an average of a B...(they had no + or - system).

At my university, I took the rest of the premed requisites with the following stats so far:

Overall GPA: 3.43 (really hoping to pull off a 3.5 and therefore graduate with college honors)
Science GPA: 3.45
MCAT: 26R (will be retaking it in May)

I'm taking a year off while applying to med school. I am actively involved in several clubs and hold leadership positions, interned at a dermatology clinic for one year, helped organize large free health fairs in the community, am doing research and have been for 2+ years, and am planning to go to Taiwan over the summer to do a medical service trip.

Are my chances really low? I will do my best to reach my goals no matter what but I'd really appreciate feedback.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Hi everyone,

I'm an undergrad who's graduating a year early. I took a year of classes at a community college during my senior year of high school due through a program at my school. I took three quarters of math and life science/biology classes and did an average of a B...(they had no + or - system).

At my university, I took the rest of the premed requisites with the following stats so far:

Overall GPA: 3.43 (really hoping to pull off a 3.5 and therefore graduate with college honors)
Science GPA: 3.45
MCAT: 26R (will be retaking it in May)

I'm taking a year off while applying to med school. I am actively involved in several clubs and hold leadership positions, interned at a dermatology clinic for one year, helped organize large free health fairs in the community, am doing research and have been for 2+ years, and am planning to go to Taiwan over the summer to do a medical service trip.

Are my chances really low? I will do my best to reach my goals no matter what but I'd really appreciate feedback.

with a 26 and 3.4 it will be near impossible to get in. You probably need a 31+ on the retake.

 

[Vihsadas]

Sooo....I would really like to know what my chances are....and if i should remove or add any schools. I'm pretty much set on the northeast in general. I THINK i'm a VA resident, but i wouldn't bank on it.

Overall GPA: 3.51, BCPM 3.42
MCAT: 34Q (10V, 11P, 13B)

Veterinary Technician, 4 years (draw blood, intubate, calculate meds, put in IV catheters, assist in surgery)
Kung Fu, 3 years
Hospital Volunteer 1.5 years (>100 hours)
MCAT teacher for B, P, GC, and OC (starting now)
Principal oboe in my school's top Symphony for 3 years

5 "stellar" LORs

B.Sc. in Physiology and B.Mus in Performance (took a total of 7 years...)

Albany medical college
Boston U
Brown
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Drexel
Eastern Virginia Medical School
GWU
Georgetown
Jefferson Medical College
Loyola University Chicago
Mount Sinai
New York Medical College
NYU
Northwestern
Rush
SUNY (upstate and downstate), and Stony Brook
Temple
Tufts
U Chicago
U Rochester
U Vermont
U Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth

A hefty list, but that's why I wanted to know which to exclude (and plus, i'm really panicked that i won't get in anywhere). Thanks!!! And i promise i'll post for yours if i have something to say 🙂

Oh, and I don't go to school in Virginia now. I'm in a top school in Canada.

Are you my long-lost twin? (I didn't finish my B.Mus. Though...)

 

[Isis24]

Haha 🙂 excpet that you've done research and i haven't even been down that road.... So are you re-applying now for 2008 or for 2009?

 

[Isis24]

As for my "profile", which is a few posts up, no advice from anyone yet about my chances 🙁 I would love to have an opinion other than my own!! This would be highly HIGHLY appreciated 🙂

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Sooo....I would really like to know what my chances are....and if i should remove or add any schools. I'm pretty much set on the northeast in general. I THINK i'm a VA resident, but i wouldn't bank on it.

Overall GPA: 3.51, BCPM 3.42
MCAT: 34Q (10V, 11P, 13B)

Veterinary Technician, 4 years (draw blood, intubate, calculate meds, put in IV catheters, assist in surgery)
Kung Fu, 3 years
Hospital Volunteer 1.5 years (>100 hours)
MCAT teacher for B, P, GC, and OC (starting now)
Principal oboe in my school's top Symphony for 3 years

5 "stellar" LORs

B.Sc. in Physiology and B.Mus in Performance (took a total of 7 years...)

Albany medical college
Boston U
Brown
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Drexel
Eastern Virginia Medical School
GWU
Georgetown
Jefferson Medical College
Loyola University Chicago
Mount Sinai
New York Medical College
NYU
Northwestern
Rush
SUNY (upstate and downstate), and Stony Brook
Temple
Tufts
U Chicago
U Rochester
U Vermont
U Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth

A hefty list, but that's why I wanted to know which to exclude (and plus, i'm really panicked that i won't get in anywhere). Thanks!!! And i promise i'll post for yours if i have something to say 🙂

Oh, and I don't go to school in Virginia now. I'm in a top school in Canada.

I think your list looks good as it is, you should get some love.!

 

[Dr Roboto]

Hi everyone,

I'm an undergrad who's graduating a year early. I took a year of classes at a community college during my senior year of high school due through a program at my school. I took three quarters of math and life science/biology classes and did an average of a B...(they had no + or - system).

At my university, I took the rest of the premed requisites with the following stats so far:

Overall GPA: 3.43 (really hoping to pull off a 3.5 and therefore graduate with college honors)
Science GPA: 3.45
MCAT: 26R (will be retaking it in May)

I'm taking a year off while applying to med school. I am actively involved in several clubs and hold leadership positions, interned at a dermatology clinic for one year, helped organize large free health fairs in the community, am doing research and have been for 2+ years, and am planning to go to Taiwan over the summer to do a medical service trip.

Are my chances really low? I will do my best to reach my goals no matter what but I'd really appreciate feedback.

I don't think it's impossible for you to get in with your current stats. The whole application process is as close to random without actually being random. But still it's in your best interest to improve your application as much as possible and a higher MCAT score is a good start. A great MCAT won't make up for your GPA but it will look nice nonetheless. Every little bit helps. Keep up with your EC's. Your experiences should make for interesting interview fodder.

 

[Teja07]

Hey guys,

My GPA is a 3.68 and I've taken the MCAT once before and got a 25Q. I'm planning to retake it in April - what kind of score do you think I will need to get into Texas schools - (ie: UT Houston, UT San Antonio, Tech, UTMB, A&M)? I have lots of volunteering and clinical experience, so I think my ECs are fine. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

 

[hitherefriend]

Hello,
Right now I am kind of confused as to where I stand exactly. After performing under-par my freshman year and two quarters of my soph year (3 C+'s and a good number of B-'s, at this point my GPA fell to a 3.07) I have a steady upward trend and with two quarters of grades left in my college career, I have brought my overall GPA to a 3.3. I had all A's this past fall quarter and with this quarter almost done with I currently have all A's, which I'm almost positive I will be able to maintain. Basically, if I maintain this trend into my final quarter, I will have over a 3.4 cumulative when I graduate, and about a 3.3 science GPA.

So, I know this is low still. But, I have been doing significantly better since my first 1.67 years.

My MCAT scores:
Aug 2007: 25N (8/8/9)
Jan 2008: 34P (11/10/13)
I was really happy with my improvement but still bummed by my verbal; prior to both exams I was averaging 12 on AAMC's, so I don't know why it keeps dropping on test day.

I have solid EC's, including a year of research (will eventually be published but not for years) and 3 years clinical experience, leadership positions, etc etc

Basically my questions are: Realistically, how many schools do I need to apply to? Do I have a good chance at most medical schools as it is, or is my GPA low enough that I need to do an SMP program, such as Georgetown? I'm not really sure where I stand at this point and if I need to do a post-bacc of some kind. (p.s. I'm a CA resident)

Sorry this is long, but I wanted to explain my situation. Thank you all for any input you can give me!

 

[HumidBeing]

Congratulations on having such a greatly improved score. I'm sure that, along the way, you'll be asked how you did it. That verbal isn't bad, either.

There is a special thread for this type question, though. You can find it here:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=483601

 

[hitherefriend]

Hello,
Right now I am kind of confused as to where I stand exactly. After performing under-par my freshman year and two quarters of my soph year (3 C+'s and a good number of B-'s, at this point my GPA fell to a 3.07) I have a steady upward trend and with two quarters of grades left in my college career, I have brought my overall GPA to a 3.3. I had all A's this past fall quarter and with this quarter almost done with I currently have all A's, which I'm almost positive I will be able to maintain. Basically, if I maintain this trend into my final quarter, I will have over a 3.4 cumulative when I graduate, and about a 3.3 science GPA.

So, I know this is low still. But, I have been doing significantly better since my first 1.67 years.

My MCAT scores:
Aug 2007: 25N (8/8/9)
Jan 2008: 34P (11/10/13)
I was really happy with my improvement but still bummed by my verbal; prior to both exams I was averaging 12 on AAMC's, so I don't know why it keeps dropping on test day.

I have solid EC's, including:
-Clinical research writing the manual for the research program (the manual will be published eventually, but not for years)
-One summer of volunteering in the ER, one summer at the surgery center; got a lot of patient interaction and watched surgeries, etc.
-Two summers of being a writing tutor
-Two years of experience at a free clinic, one year as director of their volunteer program
-Chair member for 3 years of a philanthropic event on campus
-Culture show commitee member for 2 years
-etc etc

Basically my questions are: Realistically, how many schools do I need to apply to? Do I have a good chance at most medical schools as it is, or is my GPA low enough that I need to do an SMP program, such as Georgetown? I'm not really sure where I stand at this point and if I need to do a post-bacc of some kind. (p.s. I'm a CA resident)

Sorry this is long, but I wanted to explain my situation. Thank you all for any input you can give me!

 

[littlealex]

I got a 32R. I have a 3.4 GPA during my undergrad (Poli Sci and History major with ECON minor). Did a PostBacc and have a 3.62.

My score breakdown is PS: 12, VR: 11, BS: 9 Writing R.

My ECs:

3 years of clnical volunteering at a free clinic where I now help to train new vollunteers.
6 months of research at USC medical school pathology lab.
Just started a very serious shadowing program at a world renowned hospital in their surgical oncology department.
3 years of teaching experience.
2 years of youth group advising.
4 years of Mock Trial
1 year of teacher coordination.
And other stuff I did while an undergrad.

Homestate is CA (which sucks)

How do I look?

Specifically speaking of California, I think you definitely have a shot, but possibly not a great shot. Your GPA is too low to be competitive in California, and your MCAT is also just average. You do have some very interesting experiences. The long term involvement with the free clinic is definitely a plus. The lack of research experience may seem to be a negative, but it probably doesn't matter much (many people get in w/o any research).

I'd say apply broadly and you have a good shot. UC Irvine/UC Davis may be pretty interested in you. Apply EARLY and just hope the dice falls the right way.

 

[1956Goldtop]

Just to put things into perspective, 34 is at or above the means for almost every school in the US except for WashU.

 

[dtwalrus]

So this will be my second time through the cycle (no redirects, please) as I went a wondrous 0-13 without a single interview this year. My shortcomings are obvious and honestly the result wasn't surprising. So what do I do now?

Stats:
- 34R MCAT (12p,12v,10b)
- 3.11 Science GPA. I was a history major, made the premed switch right before my senior year. Part of me hoped doing bio, chem, phys, orgo and labs for all within one year might display a capacity to handle a med school course load. I guess I was wrong.
- 3.02 Overall GPA. Yep, another black eye. Failed out of college early on, mostly just immaturity and a lack of direction, never wanted to go to class. Aside from the 1.1 and 0.6 GPAs from that year I'm a solid 3.45 overall GPA. I guess schools weren't willing to overlook that year as an aberration, even though I thought I had a great personal statement explaining how formative an experience it was.
- Solid ECs (shadowing, ER volunteer, microbiology labwork) and hopefully solid Rec's.

So what do I do??? One consideration, I'm already 25 and really do not want to wait another two or three years to start med school. '09 at the latest.

The two options as I see them now are:
1) The Caribbean. I'm hoping my MCAT will get me into a top school for this fall and so I will one day practice in the US. But it's two years spent way far away from everything and pretty much effectively eliminates many of the more competitive residencies from my future.
OR
2) SMP. I'd start this fall and apply to med schools again this summer before the program starts. Here's the big question: Will any school really consider me with pretty much the same application except for the addition of "Currently enrolled in XXXX University School of Medicine's Special Masters Program"? By the time I send them my fall grades will I already be just thoroughly buried on the bottom of the pile? And is it worth delaying a year for what may be a slim chance. I would also be applying to a few top DO schools, so I know it's a slightly slimmer chance there.


I appreciate any imput you have SO very much.

 

[Dr Roboto]

Hey guys,

My GPA is a 3.68 and I've taken the MCAT once before and got a 25Q. I'm planning to retake it in April - what kind of score do you think I will need to get into Texas schools - (ie: UT Houston, UT San Antonio, Tech, UTMB, A&M)? I have lots of volunteering and clinical experience, so I think my ECs are fine. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

I would say that you need to at least break 30, but really there are no guarantees.

 

[enigma85]

I think you should be in good shape as long as you apply early and broadly.

Aside from the CA public schools, you could probably get away with applying to 13-15 OOS schools if they were all good fits for your numbers. If you want to apply to some reach schools, however, I would bring the total # to 20-25.

Look at schools like Drexel, VCU, Tulane, USC, RFU, SLU, NYMC, Loyola, Jefferson, Albany, Temple.

 

[nellia]

Hello,
Right now I am kind of confused as to where I stand exactly. After performing under-par my freshman year and two quarters of my soph year (3 C+'s and a good number of B-'s, at this point my GPA fell to a 3.07) I have a steady upward trend and with two quarters of grades left in my college career, I have brought my overall GPA to a 3.3. I had all A's this past fall quarter and with this quarter almost done with I currently have all A's, which I'm almost positive I will be able to maintain. Basically, if I maintain this trend into my final quarter, I will have over a 3.4 cumulative when I graduate, and about a 3.3 science GPA.

So, I know this is low still. But, I have been doing significantly better since my first 1.67 years.

My MCAT scores:
Aug 2007: 25N (8/8/9)
Jan 2008: 34P (11/10/13)
I was really happy with my improvement but still bummed by my verbal; prior to both exams I was averaging 12 on AAMC's, so I don't know why it keeps dropping on test day.

I have solid EC's, including a year of research (will eventually be published but not for years) and 3 years clinical experience, leadership positions, etc etc

Basically my questions are: Realistically, how many schools do I need to apply to? Do I have a good chance at most medical schools as it is, or is my GPA low enough that I need to do an SMP program, such as Georgetown? I'm not really sure where I stand at this point and if I need to do a post-bacc of some kind. (p.s. I'm a CA resident)

Sorry this is long, but I wanted to explain my situation. Thank you all for any input you can give me!

how did you study?? i'm retaking my mcat (unless a miracle comes through this application cycle) and I'm not really sure how to go about it. I took the mcat once after doing kaplan and got a 27.. any tips?? you did amazing on yours.. CONGRATS !!

 

[Dr Roboto]

So this will be my second time through the cycle (no redirects, please) as I went a wondrous 0-13 without a single interview this year. My shortcomings are obvious and honestly the result wasn't surprising. So what do I do now?

Stats:
- 34R MCAT (12p,12v,10b)
- 3.11 Science GPA. I was a history major, made the premed switch right before my senior year. Part of me hoped doing bio, chem, phys, orgo and labs for all within one year might display a capacity to handle a med school course load. I guess I was wrong.
- 3.02 Overall GPA. Yep, another black eye. Failed out of college early on, mostly just immaturity and a lack of direction, never wanted to go to class. Aside from the 1.1 and 0.6 GPAs from that year I'm a solid 3.45 overall GPA. I guess schools weren't willing to overlook that year as an aberration, even though I thought I had a great personal statement explaining how formative an experience it was.
- Solid ECs (shadowing, ER volunteer, microbiology labwork) and hopefully solid Rec's.

So what do I do??? One consideration, I'm already 25 and really do not want to wait another two or three years to start med school. '09 at the latest.

The two options as I see them now are:
1) The Caribbean. I'm hoping my MCAT will get me into a top school for this fall and so I will one day practice in the US. But it's two years spent way far away from everything and pretty much effectively eliminates many of the more competitive residencies from my future.
OR
2) SMP. I'd start this fall and apply to med schools again this summer before the program starts. Here's the big question: Will any school really consider me with pretty much the same application except for the addition of "Currently enrolled in XXXX University School of Medicine's Special Masters Program"? By the time I send them my fall grades will I already be just thoroughly buried on the bottom of the pile? And is it worth delaying a year for what may be a slim chance. I would also be applying to a few top DO schools, so I know it's a slightly slimmer chance there.


I appreciate any imput you have SO very much.

A "lower-tiered" DO school would still be better than the best Caribbean school.

If medicine is really for you, then you'll do what you need to do, whether that be an SMP or a post-bacc. But really I think you just didn't apply to enough schools. I believe 13 is around the average, but the average applicant GPA is higher. Applying early is extremely important too.

Hypothetically speaking, out of your options, I would go with the SMP and try to continue with a clinically relevant EC. On the other hand a post-bacc will allow more freedom to continue with most of them, but it is 2 years. I have no experience choosing between a post-bacc and an SMP so hopefully someone else will give you a better answer.

 

[dtwalrus]

A "lower-tiered" DO school would still be better than the best Caribbean school.

If medicine is really for you, then you'll do what you need to do, whether that be an SMP or a post-bacc. But really I think you just didn't apply to enough schools. I believe 13 is around the average, but the average applicant GPA is higher. Applying early is extremely important too.

Hypothetically speaking, out of your options, I would go with the SMP and try to continue with a clinically relevant EC. On the other hand a post-bacc will allow more freedom to continue with most of them, but it is 2 years. I have no experience choosing between a post-bacc and an SMP so hopefully someone else will give you a better answer.

I'd definitely apply to more schools and some DO schools, but that's not really my issue.

"34R, 3.02cGPA, 3.11sGPA, currently enrolled in a SMP at a US med school taking classes with M1 students...grades will be sent soon."

This will be my bottom line if I apply again this year. What chance do I have?

 

[mdmarty]

Hey guys; I have been lurking around these forums since my MCAT in Jan, and I have to admit this is a fantastic resource. I would appreciate anyone commenting on my list of schools to apply to (see MDapps). Thanks in advance.