What are my chances?

[Black Mamba24]

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I have been perusing these forums for a while now, but I have yet to post until now. I must say that the information on these forums are useful. I plan on applying this upcoming cycle, and I was wondering what I can do to improve my application in this short period of time.

I'm currently a Junior at a middle-of-the-pack university
Major: Microbiology
cGPA: 4.00
MCAT: Have not yet taken
ECs:
-Intramural and other sports activities (Basketball, football, and soccer)
-Research (one summer, not really significant involvement)
-Employment (summer before freshman year and this past summer)
-Volunteering (hospital; started in October and will have ~70-80hrs. prior to applying)

I'm a little confused as to how I should categorize my job during this past summer. I worked for an ophthalmologist (paid employment), mostly entering patient information into the computer. But often he would allow me to observe patient visits and surgeries (shadowing).

I know my ECs are very thin, so I'm wondering what else I can do during this semester to bolster my application. I'm not taking too many hours this semester in order to study for the MCAT, which I'm taking in April. I know that it's hard to give an estimate of one's chances without an MCAT, so any advice is appreciated.

I'm hoping to get into my state school (OK resident), so I'm not exactly looking to get accepted to top tier schools. I'm also graduating in three years (I know it's not recommended here on SDN) due to having a decent amount of AP credits.

I'm also an URM, but I want to prepare as if that doesn't matter.

EDIT: So, I finally got a set of MCAT scores:
8PS, 12VR, 12BS = 32M

Not thrilled, but it's good enough to not have to retake, so I'm happy. The 8PS worries me though.

My GPA dropped a little bit because of this past semester (now 3.91sGPA and 3.94cGPA)

I've also begun volunteering at a free clinic beginning in Feb of this year (avg. ~2 hrs/wk). I'm also planning on shadowing a pediatrician (family friend) for a day or two prior to submitting my application.

I'm looking for help on my school list as I'm unsure of where to start.

 

[aSagacious]

Your MCAT prep should be your first priority (by far). From there it would be a good idea to improve upon your clinical experience. Look around for shadowing opportunities and clinical volunteering in a variety of settings (free clinic, retirement home, etc... doesn't have to be in a hospital). It would be difficult to squeeze in anything substantial between now and June, so I think those two goals should be your focus. During the application cycle, though, you would be wise to further improve your ECs in case reapplying is necessary (or you are waitlisted and need material for an update letter).

 

[Black Mamba24]

So, would my employment with the physician be listed as paid employment or shadowing. I plan on shadowing more during Spring Break. Also, what would be an ideal MCAT score for me (although I'm aiming as high as possible)?

Thank you. Any and all advice is welcome

 

[aSagacious]

So, would my employment with the physician be listed as paid employment or shadowing.

Definitely paid employment.

Also, what would be an ideal MCAT score for me (although I'm aiming as high as possible)?

Take a look at this series of charts and pick a probability that you're comfortable with.

 

[Black Mamba24]

So, I finally got a set of MCAT scores:
8PS, 12VR, 12BS = 32M

Not thrilled, but it's good enough to not have to retake, so I'm happy. The 8PS worries me though.

My GPA dropped a little bit because of this past semester (now 3.91sGPA and 3.94cGPA)

I've also begun volunteering at a free clinic beginning in Feb of this year (avg. ~2 hrs/wk). I'm also planning on shadowing a pediatrician (family friend) for a day or two prior to submitting my application.

I'm looking for help on my school list as I'm unsure of where to start.

Tentative school list:
Univ. of Oklahoma
Baylor
U of Miami
USC Keck
NYMC
NYU
Mount Sinai (will probably remove due to my low MCAT)
Jefferson Medical College

I would like to apply to around 10 schools. I'm wondering which schools I should add/remove. Thanks in advance.

 

[Black Mamba24]

Any help would be appreciated

 

[Black Mamba24]

Bump

 

[Black Mamba24]

Anyone?

 

[Black Mamba24]

I have created a revised (but still unofficial) school list:

Oklahoma
Baylor
NYMC
NYU
Jefferson
Penn State
Miami
USC Keck
UCSF (big reach)

I might add 1 or 2 more if i can find schools that I can see myself attending, particularly ones closer to home.

 

[Black Mamba24]

Bump. I would simply like to know if my PS score warrants a retake and how my school list looks like.

 

[Narmerguy]

Bump. I would simply like to know if my PS score warrants a retake and how my school list looks like.

You should update your original post with your new information so people don't have to read through everything to slowly gather all the information.

 

[Osteoth]

I have created a revised (but still unofficial) school list:

Oklahoma
Baylor
NYMC
NYU
Jefferson
Penn State
Miami
USC Keck
UCSF (big reach)

I might add 1 or 2 more if i can find schools that I can see myself attending, particularly ones closer to home.

Though you have an exemplary GPA, your relative lack of ECs, combined with your less than excellent MCAT would prompt me to say that your list is too top heavy. I personally would not retake with a 32, but would consider shadowing and increasing your clinical experiences.

 

[Black Mamba24]

I am planning on shadowing a primary care physician soon and I am continuing with my volunteering at the free clinic. Which other schools should I be looking at? I've been through the MSAR a few times, but no other schools really jump out at me.