What are my chances?

[mgmph20]

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I would like to know how strong (or weak) my application for allopathic or osteopathic schools is. I have a GPA of 3.78 (graduated in a private school in MT, did 1 year of computer science in a University abroad prior), MCAT of 28 Q ( 12 B, 11 P, 5 V planning on a retake soon). Completed my basic pre-medical work + biochem class (at Hopkins). Not (or none at all) much research experience. Also, I'm thinking of shadowing some physicians this summer (I work with MD's does that count?). I have worked as a nurse's aide for 3 years in a nursing home, worked as a registered nurse for 3 years in medical-surgical setting. Currently live in Maryland. I am a ESL student, born in the Philippines however became US citizen 2009. This coming cycle (2012;first applied 2010) is my second attempt. I am desperate on my pursuit of being a physician someday.
I am also considering applying to Caribbean schools, Ross and such. DO is also in my consideration.
Please be brutal in your critique. Please give me some advice on how to make it stronger. Also, any schools you think would be a good fit (hoping to raise my verbal to at least 8). I will adjust my whole being if I deem your valuable suggestion reasonable.
Thank you for your kind consideration.😀

 

[aSagacious]

Woah, slow down. No need to resort to Caribbeans quite yet 🙂. Your GPA and clinical experience are excellent (in fact, they are above average for most MD schools, let alone DO schools).

That verbal score on your MCAT is going to hold you up at most schools, so I agree that a retake is in order. Since you are ESL some AdComs might show some leeway on your verbal (but an 8+ would still be ideal).

If you were to retake the MCAT and work on your ECs over the course of the next year (any or all of: non-medical volunteering, shadowing, research) there's no reason why an MD acceptance would be out of reach.

 

[mgmph20]

Thanks for the encouraging words. Thinking of taking the MCAT mid-June (I won't be ready til then). Results will be back mid-July. Is that too late to apply? I remember the biggest mistake I did last cycle was I got my primary in late August. Submitted my secondaries late September.

 

[aSagacious]

Thanks for the encouraging words. Thinking of taking the MCAT mid-June (I won't be ready til then). Results will be back mid-July. Is that too late to apply? I remember the biggest mistake I did last cycle was I got my primary in late August. Submitted my secondaries late September.

No, a mid-July MCAT score would not be terribly late. What you could do is submit your primary in early June and mark on your application that you will be sitting for a retake at a later date. This way your application will already be verified and get to the schools much quicker after you receive your score.

 

[Catalystik]

You might do a Search in the MCAT Discussions Forum for posts that discuss strategies to raise the VS.

 

[mgmph20]

You might do a Search in the MCAT Discussions Forum for posts that discuss strategies to raise the VS.

I will do that too. Thanks.

 

[TriagePreMed]

I think at about a 8 or 9 VR score you will be able to get some MD acceptances. Your stats would be way above average for DO schools. Don't even begin to think about the Caribbean.