What are my chances? Do I have a competitive edge to apply to US Schools?

[rgerber85]

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Hey all,

Thanks in advance. I've been browsing these forums for awhile - a lot of great information... but here goes. Would seriously appreciate any and all feedback, thanks.

EDUCATION:

(IN PROCESS) Enrolling to Post-Bacc Premedical Program
-to hopefully earn a solid 4.0 and take Orgo 1 & 2 + respective labs...

Masters of Science, February 2011 - Areas of Concentration; Exercise Physiology, Energy Metabolism, Endocrinology
Masters Thesis track.
GPA: 3.6

Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, May 2009 - Areas of Concentration; Exercise Physiology, Energy Metabolism, Endocrinology
GPA: 3.1

MCAT: (CURRENTLY STUDYING)

RESEARCH:
Graduate Research Assistant, May 2009-March 2011, Assisted with study protocol, subject recruitment (clinical population at high-risk to develop Type 2 Diabetes), data collection and analyses for exercise training study including oral glucose tolerance tests, maximal oxygen consumption tests, body composition measures, and activity monitors. Skills include interviewing study participants, collecting and managing data, and training undergraduate research assistants.

Undergraduate Research Assistant, June 2008 - April 2009, Similar to above
Developed and wrote undergraduate thesis, presented at 2009 ACSM conference

TRAINING:

CITI, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative Member
Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research, Basic Course Passed - 06/18/10
Group 1 Biomedical Research Investigators and Key Personnel, Basic Course Passed - 06/18/10

University of *********
Environmental Health and Safety
Received specialized training and education in; Radiation Safety, Autoclave Use and Procedures, Bloodborne Pathogens, Biological Safety for Lab Personnel, Hazardous Waste Management, Lab Safety, and Ergonomics.

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES:

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Kinesiology Department, University of ******
Kinesiology 110, Human Performance & Nutrition, Fall 2009-Fall 2010

Graduate TA/Online Lecturer, Kinesiology Department, University of ******
Kinesiology 110, Human Performance & Nutrition, Spring 2010-Fall 2010


SHADOWING:
-Orthopedic Medicine (Current) 100 hrs
-Neurology 80 hrs
-Cardiology 80 hrs
-Hematology 40 hrs
-Respiratory 80 hrs

Volunteer:
Cardiac Rehab (I am an exercise physiologist) Hoping to exceed 500 hrs 🙂
Nursing (Aide @ a Private hospital) 40 hrs

TRAVEL:
Spent 1 year in Israel studying abroad in a Private Institution (Religious Studies)
Open to Travel/New Cultures

...thank you.

 

[rgerber85]

Bueller? Bueller?

I know I'm BRAND spanking new to the forums, but would certainly appreciate a little feedback?

My apologies, i know I'm being impatient heh... especially on a weekend. And to top it off, a holiday weekend at that.

 

[Doctor246853]

Hey all,

Thanks in advance. I've been browsing these forums for awhile - a lot of great information... but here goes. Would seriously appreciate any and all feedback, thanks.

EDUCATION:

(IN PROCESS) Enrolling to Post-Bacc Premedical Program
-to hopefully earn a solid 4.0 and take Orgo 1 & 2 + respective labs...

Masters of Science, February 2011 - Areas of Concentration; Exercise Physiology, Energy Metabolism, Endocrinology
Masters Thesis track.
GPA: 3.6

Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, May 2009 - Areas of Concentration; Exercise Physiology, Energy Metabolism, Endocrinology
GPA: 3.1

MCAT: (CURRENTLY STUDYING)

RESEARCH:
Graduate Research Assistant, May 2009-March 2011, Assisted with study protocol, subject recruitment (clinical population at high-risk to develop Type 2 Diabetes), data collection and analyses for exercise training study including oral glucose tolerance tests, maximal oxygen consumption tests, body composition measures, and activity monitors. Skills include interviewing study participants, collecting and managing data, and training undergraduate research assistants.

Undergraduate Research Assistant, June 2008 - April 2009, Similar to above
Developed and wrote undergraduate thesis, presented at 2009 ACSM conference

TRAINING:

CITI, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative Member
Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research, Basic Course Passed - 06/18/10
Group 1 Biomedical Research Investigators and Key Personnel, Basic Course Passed - 06/18/10

University of *********
Environmental Health and Safety
Received specialized training and education in; Radiation Safety, Autoclave Use and Procedures, Bloodborne Pathogens, Biological Safety for Lab Personnel, Hazardous Waste Management, Lab Safety, and Ergonomics.

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES:

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Kinesiology Department, University of ******
Kinesiology 110, Human Performance & Nutrition, Fall 2009-Fall 2010

Graduate TA/Online Lecturer, Kinesiology Department, University of ******
Kinesiology 110, Human Performance & Nutrition, Spring 2010-Fall 2010


SHADOWING:
-Orthopedic Medicine (Current) 100 hrs
-Neurology 80 hrs
-Cardiology 80 hrs
-Hematology 40 hrs
-Respiratory 80 hrs

Volunteer:
Cardiac Rehab (I am an exercise physiologist) Hoping to exceed 500 hrs 🙂
Nursing (Aide @ a Private hospital) 40 hrs

TRAVEL:
Spent 1 year in Israel studying abroad in a Private Institution (Religious Studies)
Open to Travel/New Cultures

...thank you.

Why? You look extremely well to me. You are great for DO schools and good for mid MD schools. Why would you do a postbacc? I respect the nursing aide thats tough work but Im very impressed by your app. Score a 33+ ( I know thats high) and you will be solid. I dont know anything about your state schools because I live in Tx.

 

[sector9]

Bueller? Bueller?

I know I'm BRAND spanking new to the forums, but would certainly appreciate a little feedback?

My apologies, i know I'm being impatient heh... especially on a weekend. And to top it off, a holiday weekend at that.

How many classes are you planning to take post-bacc? And for how long?

When is your MCAT date? If it's soon, any idea on a score range from practice exams?

Is Massachusetts your state of residence?

When are you planning on applying?

You have PLENTY of shadowing but still no primary care doctor. I would add a PCP and then stop shadowing.

 

[Whatyousay]

Your ECs look fine, so it's really dependent on how you do on the MCAT. I don't think the training is necessarily that important to metnion, since you probably need that training to do the research that you're working on right now anyways.

What is your overall GPA for undergrad + postbacc (not including graduate GPA)?

 

[rgerber85]

Why? You look extremely well to me. You are great for DO schools and good for mid MD schools. Why would you do a postbacc? I respect the nursing aide thats tough work but Im very impressed by your app. Score a 33+ ( I know thats high) and you will be solid. I dont know anything about your state schools because I live in Tx.

Wow, that's more positive than I was anticipating. UMass Amherst is well known for its research, especially in the sciences.

How many classes are you planning to take post-bacc? And for how long?

When is your MCAT date? If it's soon, any idea on a score range from practice exams?

Is Massachusetts your state of residence?

When are you planning on applying?

You have PLENTY of shadowing but still no primary care doctor. I would add a PCP and then stop shadowing.

I have no set date yet... I need to take Orgo 1 and 2 + their respective labs first. For Post-Bacc, I'm intending to at least take those classes and perhaps a few extras. The majority are satisfied b/c of my strong science background.

Your ECs look fine, so it's really dependent on how you do on the MCAT. I don't think the training is necessarily that important to metnion, since you probably need that training to do the research that you're working on right now anyways.

What is your overall GPA for undergrad + postbacc (not including graduate GPA)?

Ugrad is 3.1 (I dicked around frosh and soph years) but my consistency as a junior/senior helped me get my ugrad thesis that I had the privilege to present
at a 2009 national conference for the American College of Sports Medicine... and this work got me into my masters program.

I'm hoping, given my discipline, and maturity factor relative to my earlier years.. I can achieve a 3.5-4.0 in the post-bacc program.



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thanks for the replies so far!!! I'm so nervous!

 

[Doctor246853]

Wow, that's more positive than I was anticipating. UMass Amherst is well known for its research, especially in the sciences.

Yeah you look below average if you compare yourself to some of these ppl on sdn but in the real world you look like a very good canidate. Your research looks fantastic and you have good clinical experience. You DO have to kill the rest of the classes and MCAT but after that storm I would say youre good to go. Again, Im impressed sir/madam.

 

[rgerber85]

Wow, that's more positive than I was anticipating. UMass Amherst is well known for its research, especially in the sciences.

Yeah you look below average if you compare yourself to some of these ppl on sdn but in the real world you look like a very good canidate. Your research looks fantastic and you have good clinical experience. You DO have to kill the rest of the classes and MCAT but after that storm I would say youre good to go. Again, Im impressed sir/madam.

Interesting. Thanks.

What kind of schools would I be looking at for medical programs in the United States?

Suny Downstate?
UMass Worcester?

 

[Doctor246853]

Interesting. Thanks.

What kind of schools would I be looking at for medical programs in the United States?

Suny Downstate?
UMass Worcester?

You would have to ask the Cat on that one. She's extremely knowledgeable.

 

[rgerber85]

You would have to ask the Cat on that one. She's extremely knowledgeable.

In your opinion, I'd have a chance at admission to a decent American medical program... even with my modest GPA?

As long as I get a 30+ on the MCAT and finish Orgo 1 & 2 with a solid GPA in the post-bacc program? Hmmm.. Hopefully I can ace the interview/s too.

I give it a year before I can officially apply to Medical programs, but I believe I may begin contacting admissions officers. Or is it too early?

Thank you so much for your input. I appreciate it.

 

[TriagePreMed]

I feel that after the strong post-bacc performance you will definitely be a competitive candidate. Of course, this is assuming a 32+ on the MCAT.

Great EC.

 

[rgerber85]

I feel that after the strong post-bacc performance you will definitely be a competitive candidate. Of course, this is assuming a 32+ on the MCAT.

Great EC.

Thanks.

I'm 26 y/o now... I'm not too old am I?

I realized entering into my PhD program I didn't want a PhD... I wanted to practice medicine.

Also... what kind of schools could I be looking at?

 

[TriagePreMed]

Thanks.

I'm 26 y/o now... I'm not too old am I?

I realized entering into my PhD program I didn't want a PhD... I wanted to practice medicine.

Also... what kind of schools could I be looking at?

The preferred age of candidates is 25 to 30.

You should buy the MSAR. Look at schools that schools that accept a high % of out of state students and where your numbers fall within or close to the 10-90 percentile. Some schools off the top of my mind include Tulane, Creighton, and Rosalind Franklin. If your state accepts a high % in-state applicants, it could be wise to apply there too.

 

[rgerber85]

The preferred age of candidates is 25 to 30.

You should buy the MSAR. Look at schools that schools that accept a high % of out of state students and where your numbers fall within or close to the 10-90 percentile. Some schools off the top of my mind include Tulane, Creighton, and Rosalind Franklin. If your state accepts a high % in-state applicants, it could be wise to apply there too.

So schools such as UMass Worcester, Suny Downstate, and Albert Einstein Medical (YU) are out of the question? Or could I use them as reaches?

 

[TriagePreMed]

So schools such as UMass Worcester, Suny Downstate, and Albert Einstein Medical (YU) are out of the question? Or could I use them as reaches?

They are reasonable reaches in my opinion. I think others may disagree.

 

[rgerber85]

They are reasonable reaches in my opinion. I think others may disagree.

You aren't in the Medical Admissions profession, are you? 😳

 

[TriagePreMed]

You aren't in the Medical Admissions profession, are you? 😳

I am not. I'm just someone with too much time on his hands that keeps reading every admissions statistic that comes across him.

 

[rgerber85]

I am not. I'm just someone with too much time on his hands that keeps reading every admissions statistic that comes across him.

I approve.



I'm just nervous I won't get accepted.

I've wanted to practice medicine (ie go to med school) for soooo long.

but I was aware my 3.1 GPA wouldn't grant me entry... so I chose the Academic route of a PhD...

took my MS and en route to a PhD said F it... and now I'm applying to a post-bacc

 

[rgerber85]

I hope I'm not making a reach to apply... or that I'm not crazy. I'm currently shadowing orthopedic surgery and I'm loving it.

Actually bought a Stethoscope... I AM an exercise physiologist, so I'd need one anyhow, but I'm hoping I get to use it as a medical student and then some... 😀

 

[rgerber85]

This is it...

Applied to HEP HCP...

100.00 App fee.
Application + Essay (supplemental attachment < 1 pg)
enclosed my CV (LOL moment)
Official Transcripts requested to HEP

....I hope I get in 🙁

 

[rgerber85]

So not that anyone is following my story, but I've decided to pursue the D.O. route.

I feel the philosophies in Kinesiology coincide with my own given my ugrad and grad career; concur with the values of Osteopathic Medicine.

A better fit for me, as much as I want medicine. I understand It is very competitive... and I understand residency is competitive with MD's...

I have a 5 month plan to study for the MCAT and if I'm disciplined enough, I'm aiming for a 32P or higher.

Let's find out.

Right now I have a semester of Orgo I, Physics I (retaking), English - Writing in Fiction, Bio (still deciding on the course).

Let's make it happen Cap'n 😎