What are my chances?

[BullsFan786]

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Hi everyone,

I am an Illinois Resident.
Stats:
Graduated with 3.64 cGPA and 3.52 sGPA. I attended a top 20 university.
MCAT: 31 (10 in physical science, 9 in verbal reasoning, 12 in biological science)

ECs related to medicine:
I conducted research all four years of undergrad with a poster presentation. Unfortunately no publications.
Was a TA for two biology courses.
Volunteer at a hospital (about 50 hours so far, and continuing to do so)
Went to Honduras three times for medical trips
Shadowed a cardiologist (20 hours), ENT (15 hours), allergist (50 hours) and family physician (50 hours)

ECs outside of medicine:

Camp Counselor
Residential Advisor
Executive Board Member for two clubs in college



Any insight and advice in terms of where to apply and what else I can do to improve my chances of matriculation are greatly appreciated =) thank you in advance!

 

[Goro]

Invest in MSAR Online and target schools whose median stats are closest to your own. Pay careful attention to the Acceptance Information page.

Start with Rush
Rosy Franklin
MCW
SLU
UIC
SIU only if you're from southern IL
CCOM, DMU, MUCOM and any other DO school.

 

[Lamel]

Keep volunteering in the hospital as much as possible. Look at schools where your MCAT is close to their average and your GPA is within their 10-90th%ile; private schools are likely your best bet.

Some suggestions: Rush, Rosalind Franklin, Loyola, UIllinois, SLU, NYMC, Hofstra, Albany, VCU, EVMS, Temple, Drexel, Jefferson, Penn State, TCMC.

 

[BullsFan786]

Thank you so much for your insight and list of schools. If I apply broadly (both MD and DO) programs, what do you feel my chances would be of acceptance? I would prefer to stay in Illinois, but would gladly take an offer out of state as long as it is not outside of the US. Thanks again!

 

[Lamel]

If you apply broadly and strategically you have a decent shot at MD. People with your stats have a ~60% acceptance rate, but a good list can increase that, and your activities seem great which will also help.

You have a great shot for DO.

 

[BullsFan786]

That makes me feel a lot better, thank you again for your input =) I have recently been looking into post-bac/1 year masters programs...would you feel it is necessary to do that with my stats to increase my chances at MD programs? Also, is there anything else you would suggest I do before the cycle begins in June other than continue to volunteer at the hospital? Once again, thank you so much for your help and your quick responses.

 

[Lamel]

That makes me feel a lot better, thank you again for your input =) I have recently been looking into post-bac/1 year masters programs...would you feel it is necessary to do that with my stats to increase my chances at MD programs? Also, is there anything else you would suggest I do before the cycle begins in June other than continue to volunteer at the hospital? Once again, thank you so much for your help and your quick responses.

It really depends. Right now you have the numbers to get accepted to MD; of course, the higher the numbers the better chance you have. But you have to decide if waiting a year or more is worth it for that boost. Remember you don't want your MCAT to expire either, or for schools to not take it because they prefer the new one a couple years down the line.


Right now I think the most important thing you can do to strengthen your app is to get as much hospital volunteering as possible.

 

[BullsFan786]

I will absolutely do that, thank you for the advice =) I took my MCAT in December and applied to osteopathic schools this previous summer based on my MCAT practice exam performances. Needless to say, I was in bit of shock that I cracked 30 on the actual day. If I were to get interviews, would you suggest to attend them or turn them down in order to apply next cycle to both DO and MD programs? I was thinking to attend the interview to gain a feel of what it is like to actually be sitting in front of an admissions committee and how an interview is conducted. I am so sorry to badger you all with questions...I am really thankful for your advice and insight =)

 

[Lamel]

I will absolutely do that, thank you for the advice =) I took my MCAT in December and applied to osteopathic schools this previous summer based on my MCAT practice exam performances. Needless to say, I was in bit of shock that I cracked 30 on the actual day. If I were to get interviews, would you suggest to attend them or turn them down in order to apply next cycle to both DO and MD programs? I was thinking to attend the interview to gain a feel of what it is like to actually be sitting in front of an admissions committee and how an interview is conducted. I am so sorry to badger you all with questions...I am really thankful for your advice and insight =)

Well this is an area I am not too much of an expert in. What if you get accepted to this interview? Will you attend the DO school? If you decide not to attend the school then it may damage your application for DO schools in the next cycle.

I'll refer you towards @Goro 's judgment.

 

[Goro]

Why would you turn down an interview???? We're allergic to people who make bad choices!

If you'd rather attend an MD school, then yeah, don't have anything to do with DO schools. I'd rather the seat go to someone who wants to go there.

I will absolutely do that, thank you for the advice =) I took my MCAT in December and applied to osteopathic schools this previous summer based on my MCAT practice exam performances. Needless to say, I was in bit of shock that I cracked 30 on the actual day. If I were to get interviews, would you suggest to attend them or turn them down in order to apply next cycle to both DO and MD programs? I was thinking to attend the interview to gain a feel of what it is like to actually be sitting in front of an admissions committee and how an interview is conducted. I am so sorry to badger you all with questions...I am really thankful for your advice and insight =)