What are my chances?

[Tenecon78]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello everyone, I am here to ask what are my chances for this upcoming application cycle.

I am an URM (African American male) Chemistry major. Graduated
I speak Portuguese, if that helps at all

cGPA: 3.81 sGPA: 3.78
MCAT: 524

I should note that I had to retake two classes (physics I and organic chemistry 1 lab) due to the fact that I received a D in both classes. I originally started with a 4.0 (freshman year) but then there was a downward trend. However, after the 2nd semester of my sophomore year, there was an upward trend. I got a 4.0 during the remaining semesters (starting from the summer term) with course overload (23 credits). Yeah, those two grades will be a major sticking point on my application. Those grades were in the same semester. It was a learning experience to say the least.

EC: 1,000+ hours of clinical experience and direct patient contact (Worked as an EMT and a scribe)
300 hours of community service
180 hours of shadowing (cardiology, ID, nephrology, rheumatology, oncology, endocrinology, and primary care)
Worked in an organometallic lab that focused on ionic liquids as catalysts and solvents for 3 years. Got published twice. Presented 2 posters as well.
Worked in a gut bacteria lab during my freshman year as well.

Other EC's include Brazilian Jiu jitsu and rowing.


Here are the schools I am hoping of applying to
In state: UF, USF, UCF, and FSU
Out of state:
Mayo Clinic
UVA
Morehouse
Medical College of Georgia
Wake Forest
Dartmouth
University of Washington
Emory
UT Southwestern
University of Pittsburgh
Georgetown
Case Western
Should I even bother applying to Brown, Baylor, Cornell, Mt. Sinai, Vanderbilt or Columbia?
Thank you for your help

 

[gth2m]

My cousin got into UCF with far less extra curricula's and lower gpa. However, he has a phD and his dad is a physician, so he didn't lack shadowing hours. Good luck!! I plan to go to school in FL too, I hope. Not sure if you have looked into Meharry Medical College in TN, they have an alliance with Vanderbilt.

 

[Tenecon78]

I am just worried about the two classes I had to retake. I know that I will have to explain myself. Also how much will being an URM help me for the top tier schools? I wish I hadn't screwed up in those classes.

 

[gth2m]

Honestly, as much as we all want to go to a top school, apply for a wide variety. I would rather have options than nothing. When my turn comes to apply, regardless of how great my GPA, MCAT, experience/research/shadow hours, etc., looks on paper.... I will still be applying to plenty of middle and lower tier schools. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. You will be a physician one day- saving and impacting lives, regardless of where you go to school.

Everyone is a URM nowadays in some sort it seems, just being honest here.. I don't think that really will help you out too much but I definitely don't think that will hurt you at all. So I would throw that aside.

Just my two cents. Don't let those classes you retook define you, keep your head up. Things always work out one way or another. You end up where you are meant to be.

 

[MaxPlancker]

Apply anywhere you want. You have a great shot at pretty much anywhere you want to go.