What are my chances

[21341234]

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Hi all, I am planning to apply this cycle, all suggestions are welcomed and appreciated !

I went to a community college in southern California, graduated from UC Berkeley two years ago with a biology degree. I am also a CA resident.

cGPA: 3. 5
sGPA: 3.6
MCAT: 28 (11 PS /9 BS/8 VR)

Extracurriculars:
-Volunteered in ER for 2 years , 350 + hours accumulated
-Premed student intern at UC Davis medical center, observed 35+ surgeries and interacted with various surgical teams (big clinical experience)
-Taught health lessons at a juvenile correction facility for 1 year
- Volunteered at coroners office, assisted a forensic pathologist over 50 full-body autopsies (clinical ? shadowing?)
-hired science tutor on campus , also as a private tutor for science courses.

LOR plans:
-asking 2 from science professors (1 from UC Berkeley, 1 from community college)
-asking 1 from the forensic pathologist I worked with ( assuming he agrees to write it, then I think it will be good)
-I have 1 secured from a professor from a public health course ( assuming it is good and personal)

For what I know, my obvious weakness lies in my below average MCAT score and lack of research, but I don't think I have time to change those two factors at this point. My goal is to apply broadly to MD/DO schools.

Here are a few of my questions.
1. What DO schools I should apply to ? (My top choice is Touro CA since I want to stay in Northern California)

2. I will apply to most California MD schools, but what are some other MD schools around that the nation that I have a good shot for ?

3. Regarding LORs, will 3 be enough ? I can always contact my volunteering coordinator from hospital for 1 more LOR, he has written one for me before, but we haven't been in touch for 1 year. I am also currently trying to shadow a DO doctor, if goes well, the best scenario is that I can get one from this DO.

Any other advice/suggestions are welcomed !!! I appreciate your time greatly !!

 

[Goro]

With a 28, I suggest not doing this, except for Loma Linda (but read their list of don'ts). There are only a handful of MD schools for which you're in striking distance. You're fine for any DO school except AZCOM.

2. I will apply to most California MD schools, but what are some other MD schools around that the nation that I have a good shot for ?

Yes. There's an urban legend among pre-meds that more is better. The volunteer coordinator will be fine though.
3. Regarding LORs, will 3 be enough ? I can always contact my volunteering coordinator from hospital for 1 more LOR, he has written one for me before, but we haven't been in touch for 1 year. I am also currently trying to shadow a DO doctor, if goes well, the best scenario is that I can get one from this DO.

 

[gyngyn]

You need to look at the new MSAR to find OOS schools that take enough folks with your MCAT to make an application worthwhile. They tend to be private.

 

[21341234]

@Goro , @gyngyn

Thank you both for the answers ! I will limit CA schools to just one or two. For outer state schools, this is a short list that I came up with. Although Howard University and Meharry are listed as "traditionally African American school", I assume it is perfectly fine to apply to them even though I am not African American, provided that I am qualified. Please let me know if there is any other MD schools that I should pay attention to as realistic goals. Thanks for your time again !

University of Kansas
University of North Dakota
University of Utah
University of Arkansas
University of Missouri , Kansas City School of Medicine
Howard University
Meharry medical college

 

[gyngyn]

@Goro , @gyngyn

Thank you both for the answers ! I will limit CA schools to just one or two. For outer state schools, this is a short list that I came up with. Although Howard University and Meharry are listed as "traditionally African American school", I assume it is perfectly fine to apply to them even though I am not African American, provided that I am qualified. Please let me know if there is any other MD schools that I should pay attention to as realistic goals. Thanks for your time again !

University of Kansas
University of North Dakota
University of Utah
University of Arkansas
University of Missouri , Kansas City School of Medicine
Howard University
Meharry medical college

If you look at their mission statements and acceptance data you will notice that "qualified" means a strong commitment to a lifetime of service to their mission. It's mission not metrics that qualifies you for a mission based school.
University of Kansas: delete(strong regional preference)
University of North Dakota: delete (strong regional preference)
University of Utah: delete (even IS have a low rate of acceptance)
University of Arkansas: delete (strong regional preference)
University of Missouri , Kansas City School of Medicine: ok
Howard Universit: delete
Meharry medical college: delete

Look at the acceptance tab on the MSAR and come back.

 

[Goro]

OP, states schools favor the home team. Therefore, coming from OOS, you need to be > average. Your MCAT score is lethal for all state MD schools. You're in striking distance for schools like Albany, NYMC, Drexel, etc.

If you look at their mission statements and acceptance data you will notice that "qualified" means a strong commitment to a lifetime of service to their mission. It's mission not metrics that qualifies you for a mission based school.
University of Kansas: delete(strong regional preference)
University of North Dakota: delete (strong regional preference)
University of Utah: delete (even IS have a low rate of acceptance)
University of Arkansas: delete (strong regional preference)
University of Missouri , Kansas City School of Medicine
Howard Universit: delete
Meharry medical college: delete

Look at the acceptance tab on the MSAR and come back.

 

[21341234]

@Goro

Thank you both for the input again. I was just about to add those 3 schools to my list.(also Quinnipiac). I just got MSAR today and started using it. Besides avoiding major state schools, are there any other approaches I should take to narrow down the list ? ( not a very good question I know since my stats aren't attractive)

 

[Goro]

Pay careful attention to the Acceptance Information page. Note % of OOS vs IS for interviewees and acceptees. Avoid all schools where OOSers are < 20 % of the class.

Note the school's median MCAT score for acceptees. Do not apply to those whose scores are > 3-4 points above yours.

@Goro

Thank you both for the input again. I was just about to add those 3 schools to my list.(also Quinnipiac). I just got MSAR today and started using it. Besides avoiding major state schools, are there any other approaches I should take to narrow down the list ? ( not a very good question I know since my stats aren't attractive)