What Are My Chances and Other General Questions

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Thanks for the replies guys. On the bright side of things I do live in Florida so hopefully you're right and that one of them will be willing to give me a break. I'm going to do everything I can in order to kill the MCAT. I'd prefer an allopathic school and I'm willing to do what it takes, but I am still considering DO schools. I'll check out the free clinic near my house and see how it goes.
 
Dr Roboto said:
You seem like a qualified candidate. You should find out which schools will have the dean (or maybe it's someone else) go over your file and give recommendations or at least point out weaknesses, which are not apparent from your small description. It could've have been a bad personal statement, essays, LORs, or interview. Find out what's holding you back before jumping in to do something else.

I personally think your MCAT score is OK. Of course it could be higher, but it's still competitive. So perhaps you either did not apply early enough, broadly enough, or both.
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Sadly what a lot of people don't understand is that a great GPA and a great MCAT score are not enough to get into medical school. They are prerequisites. There are a ton of applications floating out there with great scores. You have to distinguish yourself and prove to the committee that you are a feeling-breathing human being and not just another test taking machine.

Good luck
 
Just wanted to really thank everyone that responded to my post. Thank you for your insight it was much appreciated.
 
First off, this Forum is awesome...

Alright I'm new here and for some time now I've been strongly interested in going to med school... (MD/DO, either one is fine)

As of the begging of this year, I had like 30 credits, my GPA was a 1.9. I decided that I wanted to do something with my life, switched to bio and got a 4.0 for the fall semester. My GPA is a 2.6 right now. I've never really gotten A's before, it's addicting.

- I'm gonna have to take an extra year of school to obtain my B.S.. Is that going to hurt me?? Is there anything I can do to make it look better?

This semester looks like another 4.0 and I'm retaking a random philosophy class that I had previously got an F; so hopefully my GPA will jump even higher. I should at least be able to get a 3.5 cum GPA. My BCPM should be even better...
- Is the BCPM the same as the science GPA?? If not, do schools look at both and or weight one higher than the other?

I also received a D in public speaking and psych...
- which one should I retake? Should I retake PS because it "reflects" my communication skills?

I switched from bio to biochemistry recently, I thought that the harder curriculum would help me stand out, however my pre-med adviser doesn't think it matters at all.
- should I go back to biology so I can ensure A's and make it easier to study for the MCAT??

- When should I expect to take the MCAT? Is it okay to take a glide year while working, ec's, and studying for the MCAT???

Thanks for the help guys...
 
I'm new to this forum and have read some really great advice, I'm in the same boat as a lot of others - lacking clinical experience, but great stats. Any advice would be really helpful.

Undergrad: Physics from a Big State University -pretty well respected school (May 2006), Total GPA: 4.00 – BCPM: 4.00
Valedictorian
Full Merit Scholarship
Dean's List
President's List
Phi Beta Kappa

 Grad: Currently a Physics Grad Student at another Big State University of similar caliber to my undergrad. My Grad GPA is 3.87. I am also currently taking the pre-req's I'm missing here - 4.0 in those.

MCAT: Taking it in May, have been testing in the 39-42 range, so my best guess for the real thing is
Physical Sci.: 14 Verbal: 13 Biological Sci.: 14. Fairly confident my worst case scenario would be a 39.

Research:
Undergrad:
I did an REU at UCSD my junior year, spent a few months studying protein folding. Year and a half researching solid state physics, presented results at a conference
Grad:
Spent about a year researching astrophysics.

Teaching: Have TA'd upper level undergrad as well as grad level physics courses for two years.

Volunteering:
Currently volunteering at Hospice 2-4 hours per week, have been doing it for about 6 months. Doing mostly clerical work right now, but will have had some contact with patients by the time I apply. Also going to be doing intensive month long volunteer program working closely with a particular department in a hospital - total volunteer hours for that would be around 60.

Clinical:
Shadowed Radiologist, Cardiologist, Podiatrist & Family Doctor for a week during Christmas break. 40 hours.

LOR's: 2 will be fairly good, nothing outstanding. 1 will be from a very distinguished professor who I've worked closely with for 2 years and he will vouch for my dependability, leadership, maturity etc..

Publications/Posters and Abstracts: Almost, but not quite... 🙁

.

I'm 23 years old and went from Undergrad directly into a PhD Physics program. I had considered going pre-med in high school, but took a physics class & loved it so decided to pursue it as my major. From there the next logical step was going to grad school so that's what I did. After a year I realized that physics wasn't for me b/c it didn't allow enough social interaction and because I didn't want to pursue it as a career. After talking with friends and family who are either in med school or are doctors I decided I wanted to go to medical school because it would allow me to work closely with patients and I would enjoy the doctor patient relationship. Also I think it would be a very challenging & fascinating career & after shadowing doctors I know it would be for me. After I made my decision to switch I told my Department and they've let me stay on as a TA while taking the prereq's I still need & have basically been working really hard to make myself as attractive of an applicant as possible, but I've only had a year.
  • I plan on applying this summer for Fall '09 and am wondering how much of a hindrance my lack of clinical experience would be?
  • Any advice on what I should do over the summer besides the volunteering program?
  • Any particular schools I should consider or definitely not?
  • My top choice is DC so any particular suggestions about Georgetown, George Washington, U of Maryland & Johns Hopkins?
  • Should I apply as early as possible or wait until I've got something concrete to say about my volunteering this summer.
Thanks so much for any help and advice you guys can provide.
 
With those scores, you'll be fine. It looks like your extracurriculars are roughly average, so as long as you write a decent personal statement and can interview well, you'll be golden.
 
I was originally going to graduate in 3 years and apply to med school, but I heard it was a disadvantage to not complete 4 years of undergraduate. Is this true?
 
With the amount of schools you'll be applying to - probably 50+ - I have to believe you'll get a shot somewhere. Your GPA isn't backbreaking (like, say, mine), but it is on the low side. That's your only weakness, as far as I can tell. Your experience is fantastic, and your MCAT is above average for accepted applicants, though that M might stand out a bit. With a good personal statement and rec letters, you should at least get a couple interviews.

Your chances at the California schools are probably slim, but you should deifnitely apply to them anyway. Being in-state is a huge boost, and your experience at schools/hospitals in the area could go farther than you think. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

This might sound nuts, but if you didn't lay it all on the line for the MCAT, you should at least contemplate retaking it. I think an M is sort of on the edge of where the writing score might actually matter and bring your app down. Also, you're in the score range where even just another overall point on your MCAT could really help differentiate you from the pack and compensate for your GPA.
 
majahops said:
I would really appreciate it if anybody could check out my mdapplicants profile and let me know what they think my chances are of getting into one of the schools I indicated (perthe rule I mention in my profile).

Thank you so much!

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=09806
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I agree with MilkmanAl. Your biggest weakness is most likely your MCAT score, but that's only relative to the rest of your application so far. You already did a post-bacc so there's no sense in worrying about your GPA anymore. I don't think you should retake the MCAT because you do have a good score. The M on Writing isn't a big deal at all. I think your 10 on Verbal speaks for itself. If you wanna go all out AND you think you can improve your score, then go ahead. From what I see, I think you'll do well in the process. The game hasn't started yet. Definitely prepare to be timely with everything.
 
BravesFanMD said:
I’m new to this forum and have read some really great advice, I'm in the same boat as a lot of others - lacking clinical experience, but great stats. Any advice would be really helpful.

Undergrad: Physics from a Big State University -pretty well respected school (May 2006), Total GPA: 4.00 – BCPM: 4.00
Valedictorian
Full Merit Scholarship
Dean's List
President's List
Phi Beta Kappa

Grad: Currently a Physics Grad Student at another Big State University of similar caliber to my undergrad. My Grad GPA is 3.87. I am also currently taking the pre-req's I'm missing here - 4.0 in those.

MCAT: Taking it in May, have been testing in the 39-42 range, so my best guess for the real thing is
Physical Sci.: 14 Verbal: 13 Biological Sci.: 14. Fairly confident my worst case scenario would be a 39.

Research:
Undergrad:
I did an REU at UCSD my junior year, spent a few months studying protein folding. Year and a half researching solid state physics, presented results at a conference
Grad:
Spent about a year researching astrophysics.

Teaching: Have TA'd upper level undergrad as well as grad level physics courses for two years.

Volunteering:
Currently volunteering at Hospice 2-4 hours per week, have been doing it for about 6 months. Doing mostly clerical work right now, but will have had some contact with patients by the time I apply. Also going to be doing intensive month long volunteer program working closely with a particular department in a hospital - total volunteer hours for that would be around 60.

Clinical:
Shadowed Radiologist, Cardiologist, Podiatrist & Family Doctor for a week during Christmas break. 40 hours.

LOR's: 2 will be fairly good, nothing outstanding. 1 will be from a very distinguished professor who I've worked closely with for 2 years and he will vouch for my dependability, leadership, maturity etc..

Publications/Posters and Abstracts: Almost, but not quite... 🙁

.

I’m 23 years old and went from Undergrad directly into a PhD Physics program. I had considered going pre-med in high school, but took a physics class & loved it so decided to pursue it as my major. From there the next logical step was going to grad school so that's what I did. After a year I realized that physics wasn't for me b/c it didn't allow enough social interaction and because I didn't want to pursue it as a career. After talking with friends and family who are either in med school or are doctors I decided I wanted to go to medical school because it would allow me to work closely with patients and I would enjoy the doctor patient relationship. Also I think it would be a very challenging & fascinating career & after shadowing doctors I know it would be for me. After I made my decision to switch I told my Department and they've let me stay on as a TA while taking the prereq's I still need & have basically been working really hard to make myself as attractive of an applicant as possible, but I've only had a year.

  • I plan on applying this summer for Fall '09 and am wondering how much of a hindrance my lack of clinical experience would be?
  • Any advice on what I should do over the summer besides the volunteering program?
  • Any particular schools I should consider or definitely not?
  • My top choice is DC so any particular suggestions about Georgetown, George Washington, U of Maryland & Johns Hopkins?
  • Should I apply as early as possible or wait until I've got something concrete to say about my volunteering this summer.
Thanks so much for any help and advice you guys can provide.
Click to expand...
No Dead african babies????

--Automatic rejection for you.
 
Hi, I would like honest opinions on what to do.

I'm a junior with a GPA of 3.0 and a science GPA of 2.7(composed mainly of a few A's and B's and many C's and a single D). I received a 39 on the MCATS but I don't know if my low GPA will ultimately screw me over. By the time I graduate I hope to get my GPA up to a 3.3 and my science GPA to a 3.0 (but this my prove to be a long shot due to the fact that I struggle trying to balance work and school)

I've started to volunteer but had to stop due to my ongoing medical issues. So technically I have no volunteer experience under my belt. When my health improves I hope to begin some consistent volunteering. I'm hoping that all the time I've spent in the hospital due to my illness will somehow count as "shadowing". I'm very close to several of the doctors in the hospital that I'm being at and would no doubt be able to get really outstanding LOR's. I've accumulated about 5 strong LOR's from faculty.

I work full-time and am also a full-time student (this is one of the main reasons my GPA is on the low end).

I have no research experience (due to lack of time)

Please be brutally honest. Should I continue to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor? How will adcoms looks at my situation?
 
I'm basically in the same situation as you. My current GPA is a *tad* better, but I don't have the monstrous MCAT score that you do. I can tell you that you'll need to beef up your extracurriculars - particularly your clinical experience - in a hurry. Getting your science GPA up over 3.0 will help tremendously, but you're still going to have to put together one hell of an application to compensate for a GPA that low. It sounds like you have the LoR's squared away, so beast the personal statement, and you'll hopefully get an interview which you will also need to rock. If you live in a state with forgiving state schools (Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas, South Carolina, etc.), you're probably in good shape.

Make sure you include your full-time working in your personal statement, and bolster your experience as much as possible. You'll get screened out of many schools because of your GPA, but if you apply broadly, I like to think that you'll be successful.
 
MilkmanAl said:
I'm basically in the same situation as you. My current GPA is a *tad* better, but I don't have the monstrous MCAT score that you do. I can tell you that you'll need to beef up your extracurriculars - particularly your clinical experience - in a hurry. Getting your science GPA up over 3.0 will help tremendously, but you're still going to have to put together one hell of an application to compensate for a GPA that low. It sounds like you have the LoR's squared away, so beast the personal statement, and you'll hopefully get an interview which you will also need to rock. If you live in a state with forgiving state schools (Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas, South Carolina, etc.), you're probably in good shape.

Make sure you include your full-time working in your personal statement, and bolster your experience as much as possible. You'll get screened out of many schools because of your GPA, but if you apply broadly, I like to think that you'll be successful.
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Thanks. I plan on working on my EC's when my health is back to full force but until then I'm pretty much out of the running. It's gonna be tough...if you're having a difficult time it's gonna be hell for me. Thanks again for the feedback.
 
Well, if you can get your GPA up to where you think you can (3.3/3.0), you'll be in much better shape than me, I'd bet. All things being equal, if I were an adcom, I'd like 4 more MCAT points over .15 GPA any day, but I have no idea if that's how it actually works. Make no mistake, though, it's going to be tough no matter what.
 
Would it be possible to work part-time (or not at all) next semester so you can focus on your coursework? I don't know your personal situation, but if you're worried about the balance between the two and whether you can get your GPA up to 3.3 that might help. One semester living off of loans might not be so horrible in the grand scheme of things, especially if it helps you get into medical school. I just raise this as a possibility, but understand it might not work.

frankenpootie said:
Hi, I would like honest opinions on what to do.

I'm a junior with a GPA of 3.0 and a science GPA of 2.7(composed mainly of a few A's and B's and many C's and a single D). I received a 39 on the MCATS but I don't know if my low GPA will ultimately screw me over. By the time I graduate I hope to get my GPA up to a 3.3 and my science GPA to a 3.0 (but this my prove to be a long shot due to the fact that I struggle trying to balance work and school)

I've started to volunteer but had to stop due to my ongoing medical issues. So technically I have no volunteer experience under my belt. When my health improves I hope to begin some consistent volunteering. I'm hoping that all the time I've spent in the hospital due to my illness will somehow count as "shadowing". I'm very close to several of the doctors in the hospital that I'm being at and would no doubt be able to get really outstanding LOR's. I've accumulated about 5 strong LOR's from faculty.

I work full-time and am also a full-time student (this is one of the main reasons my GPA is on the low end).

I have no research experience (due to lack of time)

Please be brutally honest. Should I continue to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor? How will adcoms looks at my situation?
Click to expand...
 
GPA BCPM: 3.37
GPA Total: 3.4

MCAT: 34 R

Undergraduate institution: Brown University
Major: Economics

ECs:
- 3 years lab research in biochemistry (including a summer fellowship and 1 semester independent study for credit)
- 1.5 years volunteering in emergency room
- helped found a "charity marketplace" organization
- started my own business helping students find off-campus housing
- 1 year intercollegiate (club) soccer

I've been granted four interviews so far:
- Loyola
- Albany
- Wayne State
- Toledo

I've been put on waitlists at Albany, Loyola, and Wayne, and I still need to hear back from Toledo (my interview there was only a few days ago). My interviews appear to go really well.

One thing they might be getting hung up on is the fact that I am not doing something medically-related this year. I graduated last May, and I am working in NYC in order to help lessen the eventual blow of hefty tuition in med sch. (Something that I made clear...). Another thing is that I am an econ major. I also don't have a stellar GPA, but I'm hoping that coming from Brown, my GPA will be taken with a grain of salt.

I'm hoping I'll get some more interviews, but it's getting pretty late in the season for that. Do you think I will get in?
 
Edit: Obscenely long first post. You folks are all to busy to deal with every nuance of an individual's weird academic career. Reposting a concise version in the low gpa thread.
 
MCATMAN45 said:
GPA BCPM: 3.37
GPA Total: 3.4

MCAT: 34 R

Undergraduate institution: Brown University
Major: Economics

ECs:
- 3 years lab research in biochemistry (including a summer fellowship and 1 semester independent study for credit)
- 1.5 years volunteering in emergency room
- helped found a "charity marketplace" organization
- started my own business helping students find off-campus housing
- 1 year intercollegiate (club) soccer

I've been granted four interviews so far:
- Loyola
- Albany
- Wayne State
- Toledo

I've been put on waitlists at Albany, Loyola, and Wayne, and I still need to hear back from Toledo (my interview there was only a few days ago). My interviews appear to go really well.

One thing they might be getting hung up on is the fact that I am not doing something medically-related this year. I graduated last May, and I am working in NYC in order to help lessen the eventual blow of hefty tuition in med sch. (Something that I made clear...). Another thing is that I am an econ major. I also don't have a stellar GPA, but I'm hoping that coming from Brown, my GPA will be taken with a grain of salt.

I'm hoping I'll get some more interviews, but it's getting pretty late in the season for that. Do you think I will get in?
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I don't know, but if you absolutely need to work and you don't get accepted this time around, maybe you should consider doing something medical or service related on the weekends or in your spare time if having a full time non-medical related job is necessary. Also, especially if your job is related to finance, do you think maybe that could be biasing your application?
 
scarletgirl777 said:
I don't know, but if you absolutely need to work and you don't get accepted this time around, maybe you should consider doing something medical or service related on the weekends or in your spare time if having a full time non-medical related job is necessary. Also, especially if your job is related to finance, do you think maybe that could be biasing your application?
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my guess is that there might be an issue with interviewing skills. there's no major problem, as evidenced by being granted interviews. few of us can accurately tell whether or not we interview well.

i don't know about getting in off the waitlist. i would try to write letters of interest to these schools. none of the schools you're waitlisted at is top-tier, so i'd imagine there would be fair degree of waitlist movement. you never know.

otherwise, if you have to reapply, i would suggest getting some more volunteering in and taking a look at certain parts of your app. you might have a bum LOR, need to rework your PS, or practice interviewing skills. IMO, it wouldn't be a bad idea to look at fixing all of these aspects.
 
Hi all, I'm new here.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what my chances are.

BCPM GPA 3.55.
Cum GPA 3.76
MCAT 39R [got a 14ps, 10 verbal, and 15]

I have 400 hours shadowing [Emergency Medicine], 200 hours teaching CPR, and 50 hours volunteering at a soup kitchen. I expect to have 700 hours shadowing before I apply.

My 3.55 GPA is due to failing a semester during my junior year. The classes I failed were all upper division Chemistry except a B in Physics II that same semester. My mother was sick and I decided I'd regret certain things if I just holed-up in the library studying like I usually do. I still don't regret it even if It affects my chances to go to a good med school.

All other semesters are 4.00 GPA. I also have a few W's when I withdrew from a previous school due to financial reasons.

Getting straight A's from this point out WILL NOT improve my GPA very much anymore. Also, I retook the classes I failed and Got A's in them after retaking.

My GPA is expected to drop a bit after I get a B in Pchem this semester [I can't get an A, just not gonna happen]
  1. Will Getting a Post-bac improve my chances of getting into UCSF, UCD?
  2. Am I assuming presumptiously that I won't get in with my GPA
Please don't tell me to go to another school, because I want to be near my family in northern california.

Also, Please don't turn this into a GPA vs MCAT thing. There are plenty of posts on that already. I was just wondering what people thought of my App.
 
Anywherewilldo said:
Hi all, I'm new here.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what my chances are.

BCPM GPA 3.55.
Cum GPA 3.76
MCAT 39R [got a 14ps, 10 verbal, and 15]

I have 400 hours shadowing [Emergency Medicine], 200 hours teaching CPR, and 50 hours volunteering at a soup kitchen. I expect to have 700 hours shadowing before I apply.

My 3.55 GPA is due to failing a semester during my junior year. The classes I failed were all upper division Chemistry except a B in Physics II that same semester. My mother was sick and I decided I'd regret certain things if I just holed-up in the library studying like I usually do. I still don't regret it even if It affects my chances to go to a good med school.

All other semesters are 4.00 GPA. I also have a few W's when I withdrew from a previous school due to financial reasons.

Getting straight A's from this point out WILL NOT improve my GPA very much anymore. Also, I retook the classes I failed and Got A's in them after retaking.

My GPA is expected to drop a bit after I get a B in Pchem this semester [I can't get an A, just not gonna happen]
  1. Will Getting a Post-bac improve my chances of getting into UCSF, UCD?
  2. Am I assuming presumptiously that I won't get in with my GPA
Please don't tell me to go to another school, because I want to be near my family in northern california.
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I think you're still very competitive despite the below average GPA. Remember the GPAs are averages (some above and some below) and so you are still fairly strong in that category. Plus, your MCAT is nearly perfect. I wouldn't shoot myself down without applying and trying it out first. I am confident you'll get into a Cali school. Just be sure to explain your W's (financial reasons) in your personal statement. Good luck!
 
Competitive for Cali? I dunno...
 
MCAT: 34T 12BS, 9VR, 13PS
GPA: 3.86
Science math gpa: 3.87

EC
Group Study Facilitator for 100,200,300 level courses -3 years 10hrs/week
Emergency room volunteer - 9 months 3 hours/week
Physiotherapist assistant - 4 months 10hours/week
Academic mentor in residence - 1 year 10hours/week
Lab experience - 1.5 year capstone project at UG institution
- summer project at University of Toronto
-no pubs
​
Temple leadership - 1 hr/week - 6 years
Might go to india this summer and volunteer in a hospital for a month or two

What are the best institutions in the states I am looking at?
 
I took my mcat in January and was getting in the 34 range just before I took the test with strong science scores 10-13 and good 9-10 verbal scores. when I took the actually test though I was so nervous that I blew the 1st section I got:

8P,10V,12B O (i am a bad writer not surprized on the O)

I had GPAs 3.68 science, 3.65 non science, 3.67 overall
at good state school, Biochemisty/Biology double major

I did research for 2 years, and will eventually get published

I graduated summa cum laude

short hospital volunteering, tutoring, I have shadowed, I worked at an assisted living facility, I am now substitute teaching, and I did 4 summers in commercial fishing industry as deckhand.

My question is: should I retake the MCAT (i do think I could improve to 31-34)

I am considering DO school and I have actually had good experiences with DO's, but I would rather get an MD I guess. Either way I will start in 09 regardless where i get accepted.

Also I am from Alaska

should I retake the MCAT? would that significantly improve my chances at MD schools? Thanks
 
Going from a 30 to a 34 will significantly improve your chances, but going from a 30 to a 31 wont help you at all, and infact may hurt you. Judging from your practice scores I would keep it.

Also no your not alone out there, I also scored 4 pts lower on the real mcat, and i have read of some ppl dropping even more.
 
I'm pretty worried about my chances, mainly due to my GPA and an 'F' I got my next to last semester. My overall GPA is a 3.42 and science is 3.21. My MCAT is a 32. The semester I got an 'F', one of my best friends from childhood and his mom passed away the night before two of my final exams. I ended up missing both of those. I ended up with three A's, a B, and an F. I retook the failed class the next semester and got an A, and I took the MCAT after I graduated. I have lots of clinical experience working at a hospital and a few leadership roles (RA, teaching @ local elementary school, training ppl at work). I've spent a year working at a research lab but didn't get anything published. How do you guys think I stand in Texas? I'm considering a postbacc in case I don't get in this year.
 
Greetings all,
I'm in a difficult situation, probably even moreso than many other posters in this thread. I have about a 2.9 cum. GPA at my current school (UW-Madison) and around a 3.2 for my advanced sciences counting towards my degree, but transferred here from another school where I was a 3.94 student. I received a 31O on my MCAT (10 BS, 11 VR, and 10 PS). I will be graduating this spring with a bachelor's in neuroscience and Spanish as well. My EC's are nothing out of this world (9 months spent ER volunteering weekly, shadowed a cardiologist weekly for a month, I tutor ESL for the local literacy network, member of assorted pre-medical clubs) but I've also spent the latter portion of my college career working full-time while attending class full-time, which is what caused the striking decline in my GPA. I'm curious to hear from anyone who can offer suggestions about decent schools that offer appreciable OOS acceptances that I could stand a chance at. I just started looking into the SMP option (though it may be a little late in the cycle now to apply successfully) and even schools in the Caribbean like AUC, as this isn't my first application cycle. My apologies for a lengthy post, and many thanks in advance to responses.
 
mariojenkins said:
Greetings all,
I'm in a difficult situation, probably even moreso than many other posters in this thread. I have about a 2.9 cum. GPA at my current school (UW-Madison) and around a 3.2 for my advanced sciences counting towards my degree, but transferred here from another school where I was a 3.94 student. I received a 31O on my MCAT (10 BS, 11 VR, and 10 PS). I will be graduating this spring with a bachelor's in neuroscience and Spanish as well. My EC's are nothing out of this world (9 months spent ER volunteering weekly, shadowed a cardiologist weekly for a month, I tutor ESL for the local literacy network, member of assorted pre-medical clubs) but I've also spent the latter portion of my college career working full-time while attending class full-time, which is what caused the striking decline in my GPA. I'm curious to hear from anyone who can offer suggestions about decent schools that offer appreciable OOS acceptances that I could stand a chance at. I just started looking into the SMP option (though it may be a little late in the cycle now to apply successfully) and even schools in the Caribbean like AUC, as this isn't my first application cycle. My apologies for a lengthy post, and many thanks in advance to responses.
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First question is, whats your cumulative GPA??? Both schools combined? Your MCAT shows you atleast had a good grasp of the fundamentals of the sciences, so I wouldnt retake there. I would urge you to consider DO rather than Caribbean.

As far as MD schools, maybe if you are an URM you would have a shot, but either way it is gonna be tough if your Cumulative GPA is only 3.2 and MCAT isnt out of this world, look for other options.
 
I am a first time applicant from Florida. I was serious about research until some time ago, and now am 100% for MD.

MCAT: May 10th
Overall GPA: 3.4
BCPM GPA: 3.81

LoR: The two top teachers at my school (from what I hear). One I T.A. Anatomy for, the other I got an A in his class and he knows me on a first name basis. The third is considered the #1 Neurosurgeon in Orlando. The fourth is the volunteer coordinator at the Florida Hospital. The last is a museum curator who's two Humanities Classes I aced.

EC:
Parkinson's Disease Research(~2 years) (20+ hours/wk)
Lichen Research (6 months)
Hospital volunteer (~90 hours and going)
Shadowed an E.R. Physician and a Neurosurgeon for a total of roughly 20 hours for the first and 30 the second with a few surgeries.
Pre-med AMSA member for 2 years. (Edit: Held a Leadership Position both years)
Went on a Medical Mission to Honduras
Founded an Undergraduate Research Society (+1 year in existence now)
Anatomy Teaching Assistant (1 Yr and going)
Founder of an Undergrad Science Journal Club


Honors:
2006 Parkinson's Disease Foundation Fellowship
2008 Research Grant
Dean's List Fall 2007
Honors in the Major

Other:
Like I mentioned I was really into research for my first two years of college, thus my undergrad GPA sorta suffered. Got out just in time to get a desent amount of ECs and to have a huge upward trend on my GPA. (Orgo 1: C Orgo 2: B Biochem: A) (It should be noted that Orgo 1 is my only C in college). I'm also South American and first generation college.

Schools:

Mostly Florida Schools with other choices. Waiting on the MCAT score to really decide.


user_offline.gif
 
As long as you get a decent MCAT score, I see no reason why you won't get in. Your grades are average to above-average, your LoR's are probably going to be stellar, and your EC's are great, too. Applying as an under-represented minority (URM) will also take you a long way.
 
should be graduating with...
3.5 overall
3.7 BCPM

I was a computer science major for two years and hated it...

- I'm gonna have to take an extra year of school to obtain my B.S.. Is that going to hurt me?? Is there anything I can do to make it look better?

- Is the BCPM the same as the science GPA?? If not, do schools look at both and or weight one higher than the other?

I received a D in public speaking and psych...
- which one should I retake? Should I retake PS because it "reflects" my communication skills?

I switched from bio to biochemistry recently, I thought that the harder curriculum would help me stand out, however my pre-med adviser doesn't think it matters at all.

- should I go back to biology so I can ensure A's and make it easier to study for the MCAT??

- When should I expect to take the MCAT? Is it okay to take a glide year while working, ec's, and studying for the MCAT???

As for ec's is this okay??? any suggestions?

- I'm volunteering at my hospital... (ER and Patient Relations). I'm there about 8 hours a week.

- This summer I'm starting to do research with one of my school's professors on Cytochrome P450...

- I'm also starting to shadow a cardiologist this Saturday (home calls)... does this count as "clinical exp"?? I'm hoping to shadow two more doctors for hopefully like 20 hours each...
 
I have a Curiosity if anyone knows the real statistics of people that go to a university/college have a better chance of getting into medical school if they applied to the school of medicine from that university. And yes assuming they have all requirements of GPA MCAT and have quite of bit EC...

Are the chances much higher? What are the statistics like if you figure the overall amount of students who applied and those just from the university totals whom applied and were accepted? Who knows this?
 
Another question I don't think I need to make a new thread about... My father is Turkish moved to the USA when he was 18 and married my mother, who is white, a few years later. Considering that I'm half English and half Turkish do I apply as an URM or no?

edit- I guess I should add that I "look" white.
 
jeffro1080 said:
First off, this Forum is awesome...

Alright I'm new here and for some time now I've been strongly interested in going to med school... (MD/DO, either one is fine)

As of the begging of this year, I had like 30 credits, my GPA was a 1.9. I decided that I wanted to do something with my life, switched to bio and got a 4.0 for the fall semester. My GPA is a 2.6 right now. I've never really gotten A's before, it's addicting.

- I'm gonna have to take an extra year of school to obtain my B.S.. Is that going to hurt me?? Is there anything I can do to make it look better?

This semester looks like another 4.0 and I'm retaking a random philosophy class that I had previously got an F; so hopefully my GPA will jump even higher. I should at least be able to get a 3.5 cum GPA. My BCPM should be even better...
- Is the BCPM the same as the science GPA?? If not, do schools look at both and or weight one higher than the other?

I also received a D in public speaking and psych...
- which one should I retake? Should I retake PS because it "reflects" my communication skills?

I switched from bio to biochemistry recently, I thought that the harder curriculum would help me stand out, however my pre-med adviser doesn't think it matters at all.
- should I go back to biology so I can ensure A's and make it easier to study for the MCAT??

- When should I expect to take the MCAT? Is it okay to take a glide year while working, ec's, and studying for the MCAT???

Thanks for the help guys...
Click to expand...

It seems like if you can keep on doing what you're doing (assuming you do average or better on the MCAT) you should be fine. You didn't really mention ECs or LORs but obviously those are important, so don't undervalue them.

As for your major, I'd opt for bio. Adcoms will also look at you prereq GPA to compare you more directly to others, but it seems that for the rest of your time, high GPA is a high GPA. Focus on maintaining a high GPA and take whatever stream makes it easier for you.
 
Deanis said:
It seems like if you can keep on doing what you're doing (assuming you do average or better on the MCAT) you should be fine. You didn't really mention ECs or LORs but obviously those are important, so don't undervalue them.

As for your major, I'd opt for bio. Adcoms will also look at you prereq GPA to compare you more directly to others, but it seems that for the rest of your time, high GPA is a high GPA. Focus on maintaining a high GPA and take whatever stream makes it easier for you.
Click to expand...

I actually posted again with my ECs...

I donno about biology. What if I don't make it to med school? To me, a biology degree is worthless.

Thanks for the input.
 
Hi everyone,

I recently graduated from UTenn, Knoxville.
I am trying to get into a DO school for the year starting 2009.

I don't have a very good overall GPA.
I spent my first two years at Mcmaster in Canada and then I tranferred to UTenn, Knoxville.

My GPA from UTenn,Knoxville is 3.67 (last two years) and from McMaster 2.34 (first two years).
My science GPA from Utenn is 3.78

I was working part-time while attending Mcmaster.
Also, I had some physical problems the first two years.
I had a serious lower back problem. Had even the bone scan done.
I had torn my ACL and meniscus in my second year. Didn't have the diagnosis/surgery done until the end of the academic year.

My list of Extra-curricular activities looks like this,

1. I did two years of Immunology research at UTenn and the expecting the study to be
published (as one of the authors) in IOVS journal soon.
2. Also, was a member of Research Journal Club.
3. Have a rec from a DO.
4. Volunteer experience at a hospital as an ER assistant
5. Member of a Health Pre-Professinal Society
6. Organized Blood Donation Camps.
7. Spent about 4-5 months in India as a part of a Medical Camp in rural
areas held by Orthopedicians.
8. Volunteered as a recruiter for a Political Party
9. Teacher's Assistant at a Community Service place.


I recently took the MCAT and got a 20O.
I will be reappearing for the test. Being that said, I am wondering If I even stand a chance at getting an interview with my GPA.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,
 
I'm a student attending a CC. I know it doesn't look too good for someone who would pursue medicine and some people look down on me 🙁. lol. My fault anyway. Slacked my butt off during my senior year, got a 3.2 GPA and an embarrassing 16 on the ACT and didn't even attempt to take my SAT's = no Bright Futures scholarship. What university would like that? 😕 (well what the hell, I was obviously a puerile 15 year old that time). So I have no choice but going to a CC since it's cheaper.

I wanted to be a pharmacist ever since and changed my mind just recently. I was going for it for the wrong reasons. The CC I'm going to right now is where lots of UF Pharmacy students come from.

I have taken my bio 1 + 2 and chem 1 and plan to take chem 2 there though I do not want to take physics at the same college. Obviously Ochem is required but shall I take Ochem in the CC or just take Ochem in a university? Will the admission officers frown upon me taking some of my pre reqs at a CC?
 
majahops said:
I would really appreciate it if anybody could check out my mdapplicants profile and comment as to what they think my chances are of getting into any MD medical school in the US. Thanks so so much!

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?id=09806
Click to expand...

Interesting, you posted your resume on MDapps, I like your style!

Your GPA is a bit below average for med school (slightly, not too far) and you have a good test score. Unfortunately, CA state schools are difficult to get into, so your best bet is to apply, in addition to the UC's, to privies out of state. It doesn't appear you have an exact list of schools to apply to, and keep in mind it costs a lot of money per institution to apply. So applying to a lot, as you infer, could get very expensive (in the thousands). And that is a lot of essays to write! I recommend you get an MSAR and start reviewing different schools. A great resource to use is the LizzyM score (you can search for it on SDN), compare your score to that of the school(s) to get a rough idea of where to apply. Make sure you apply to a broad list of places, I would say include DO schools but it seems you are set against that.

And finally, make sure you apply early, as soon as possible. It seems like you have everything else (EC's etc.) in order. GL!
 
katarzyna said:
I'm a student attending a CC. I know it doesn't look too good for someone who would pursue medicine and some people look down on me 🙁. lol. My fault anyway. Slacked my butt off during my senior year, got a 3.2 GPA and an embarrassing 16 on the ACT and didn't even attempt to take my SAT's = no Bright Futures scholarship. What university would like that? 😕 (well what the hell, I was obviously a puerile 15 year old that time). So I have no choice but going to a CC since it's cheaper.

I wanted to be a pharmacist ever since and changed my mind just recently. I was going for it for the wrong reasons. The CC I'm going to right now is where lots of UF Pharmacy students come from.

I have taken my bio 1 + 2 and chem 1 and plan to take chem 2 there though I do not want to take physics at the same college. Obviously Ochem is required but shall I take Ochem in the CC or just take Ochem in a university? Will the admission officers frown upon me taking some of my pre reqs at a CC?
Click to expand...

From what I've heard, some schools definitely look down on CC classes, while I believe it's ok for other schools (no idea which though). If you can take the rest of your pre-reqs at a university, I'd do so. You haven't shared your gpa here, you haven't taken the MCAT yet, and you haven't shared any ECs, so it's really hard to judge your chances. Your state schools will be your best bet (FL?), so perhaps give each instate admissions office a call and ask if you can speak with an admissions adviser/counselor and ask them yourself about the CC situation. Also, consider whether you'd be interested in applying to any DO schools, since they seem to be more lenient with gpas and the like if you have a good upward trend.
 
ahgahg said:
Hi everyone,

I recently graduated from UTenn, Knoxville.
I am trying to get into a DO school for the year starting 2009.

I don't have a very good overall GPA.
I spent my first two years at Mcmaster in Canada and then I tranferred to UTenn, Knoxville.

My GPA from UTenn,Knoxville is 3.67 (last two years) and from McMaster 2.34 (first two years).
My science GPA from Utenn is 3.78

I was working part-time while attending Mcmaster.
Also, I had some physical problems the first two years.
I had a serious lower back problem. Had even the bone scan done.
I had torn my ACL and meniscus in my second year. Didn't have the diagnosis/surgery done until the end of the academic year.

My list of Extra-curricular activities looks like this,

1. I did two years of Immunology research at UTenn and the expecting the study to be
published (as one of the authors) in IOVS journal soon.
2. Also, was a member of Research Journal Club.
3. Have a rec from a DO.
4. Volunteer experience at a hospital as an ER assistant
5. Member of a Health Pre-Professinal Society
6. Organized Blood Donation Camps.
7. Spent about 4-5 months in India as a part of a Medical Camp in rural
areas held by Orthopedicians.
8. Volunteered as a recruiter for a Political Party
9. Teacher's Assistant at a Community Service place.


I recently took the MCAT and got a 20O.
I will be reappearing for the test. Being that said, I am wondering If I even stand a chance at getting an interview with my GPA.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Click to expand...

You should post this in the Pre-Osteopathic Forum since you say you're going to be pursuing a DO. You'll get advice from people there who are more familiar with DO requirements and chances. The Pre-Allopathic Forum focuses on people pursuing an MD.
 
just need some advice about my schedule and whether or not its manageable or useful for pre-med

Gen Chem I
BioCalc I
BioCalc Lab I
Natural Science Lab I
Medical Sociology
Writing Colloquium


(first semester freshman year)^
 
My college record is what i would consider 'shady' because i am so unbearably capricious and whimsical.

But I have recently shadowed several doctors and have decided that there are so many fields and aspects of medicine that interest me, I really feel it is right for me.

So my background:

pretty much type-A to the extreme high school student; accepted to two ivies, but chose to attend wake forest u purely for financial reasons.

at wake for one semester; 4.0 GPA --> at this point I aspired to attend a MD/PhD program to be an oncologist/hematologist.--> why? i did 2 years of biomedical research in high school at a nearby university.

hated wake.

transferred to a top 100 midwest LAC. maintained a 3.86 GPA. i have not been pre-med since my first year of college. i will graduate this spring with a B.A. in biology, but i changed my major about 5 times from everything ranging from chemistry to art history with aspirations to go into pretty much every field possible including architecture, journalism, dentistry, epidemiology, and library science, etc...

ran cc and track at the LAC, volunteered BP/LP throughout, 2 semesters cell & molec. bio. TA, 1 sem. lab research, 1 sem. study abroad field research project looking at the state of human health after communism in poland and ukraine. etc... extensive shadowing experience in all kinds of occupations.

but now i am at a state school finishing up my last class to graduate from the expensive LAC and taking other humanities classes pass/fail (no science courses and note i am at a 3rd university). i chose to do this to save money and do some shadowing to see what i really wanted to do since i have changed my mind so many times.

i have all pre-req's except physics. probably pretty close to a 3.9 science GPA.

i probably will not be able to take the MCAT until aug. and apply late for fall 2009. MN residency. ties to North Dakota.

should i try to get into med. school?, or in all reality, will it be a waste of time due to my lack of commitment to the field throughout college?
 
piotr said:
My college record is what i would consider 'shady' because i am so unbearably capricious and whimsical.

But I have recently shadowed several doctors and have decided that there are so many fields and aspects of medicine that interest me, I really feel it is right for me.

So my background:

pretty much type-A to the extreme high school student; accepted to two ivies, but chose to attend wake forest u purely for financial reasons.

at wake for one semester; 4.0 GPA --> at this point I aspired to attend a MD/PhD program to be an oncologist/hematologist.--> why? i did 2 years of biomedical research in high school at a nearby university.

hated wake.

transferred to a top 100 midwest LAC. maintained a 3.86 GPA. i have not been pre-med since my first year of college. i will graduate this spring with a B.A. in biology, but i changed my major about 5 times from everything ranging from chemistry to art history with aspirations to go into pretty much every field possible including architecture, journalism, dentistry, epidemiology, and library science, etc...

ran cc and track at the LAC, volunteered BP/LP throughout, 2 semesters cell & molec. bio. TA, 1 sem. lab research, 1 sem. study abroad field research project looking at the state of human health after communism in poland and ukraine. etc... extensive shadowing experience in all kinds of occupations.

but now i am at a state school finishing up my last class to graduate from the expensive LAC and taking other humanities classes pass/fail (no science courses and note i am at a 3rd university). i chose to do this to save money and do some shadowing to see what i really wanted to do since i have changed my mind so many times.

i have all pre-req's except physics. probably pretty close to a 3.9 science GPA.

i probably will not be able to take the MCAT until aug. and apply late for fall 2009. MN residency. ties to North Dakota.

should i try to get into med. school?, or in all reality, will it be a waste of time due to my lack of commitment to the field throughout college?
Click to expand...

Anyone and Everyone has a chance to get into med school, anyone who tells you else wise is lying or just negative. Regardless of your GPA or MCAT there are ways, there is DO schools, Postbac programs, SMP, and even the Carib that will get you through to becoming a doctor. No one really knows or cares how many times you changed your major or really to some part what you graduated in. Now the real question and important thing is did you get all that confusion out of your head and ARE YOU SURE you want to be a physician and not all those other fields you listed. I recommend taking it easy for a year, making sure being a doc is what you want to do, and everything else is easy with determination.
 
Anyone have any insight into my chances at Top schools?

College: Yale University
Major: Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, BS
GPA: 3.83
BCPM: 3.84
MCAT: taking in 3 weeks, but on AAMC practice tests I am consistently scoring: 14 Bio, 12 Phys, 11 Verb -> 37 composite. Assume 35-37 for these purposes.

I am an URM.

EC'S:
Internship UPitt Med - included volunteer, shadowing, disease study, with emphasis on afflictions affecting minority communities.

Volunteer - freshman year: Hospital, working in childrens oncology and ICU
- Second semester sophomore year: AIDs Hospice
- Second semester junior year: State Hospice
-Will continue volunteering into application summer

Note: I do not have nearly as much volunteer experience as I might have wished. Around 150 hrs.

Physician shadowing: ~4hrs/week sophomore year, +see stanford
internship below

Stanford Med internship: pending for this coming (application) summer
-Intensive shadowing (15-25hrs/week) in
cardiovascular surgery
-while there, will also continue volunteering

Research: -20hrs/week research during Junior+ year(s) at Yale Med
school (Cardiology)
-Self-proposed and carried out project
-No publication as the project was mine and only worked on by
me, so progress is slow, but the experience gives me much to
talk about in an interview

Abroad: -Spent last summer in Bilbao, Spain taking spanish language and
culture classes

Other: - Awarded "Premedical Scholar at Yale" award my freshman year
-light involvement in the Breakdancing Club here, Club Wrestling,
and the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club.
-2004 California Boys' State Attorney General in High School
(dunno if major high school achievements mean anything anymore)
-I met the dean of admissions of Stanford med and now we're homeboys 🙂


I qualified for the AAMC Free Assistance Program and will therefore be applying to the 13 free schools they give me.
As I am from California, these will include all the UC's (minus Davis, I can't live there):

(In order-ish)
Stanford
UCLA
UCSD
UCSF
Harvard
UPenn
Yale
UWash
UMich
UCI + Other UC Med schools

Any insight on how I stand as of now at the top private schools and/or UC's?

Much appreciated!
 
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