What kind of medical schools can I apply with my qualifications? Should I worry?

[undeadmoose]

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Hey guys,


I am new to this forum, so I apologize for anything I do that is contrary to usual thread procedures. I am currently a junior and am planning to apply for this coming app cycle.

I am curious as to what you guys think about credentials:

GPA: 3.90 (science is 3.96)
Degree: Dual Economics BA & Zoology BS, taking an average of 14 credits/semester
Research: I've been involved heavily since 2nd yearEcology, hoping to be able do a thesis and possibly publish in a low tier magazine mid senior year

I've yet to take an MCAT, but some kaplan tests I've taken, and scores have been consistently: 28-31. I am still studying hard for my test in May.

Extracurricular: not in depth as I would like, because I found my inspiration for medicine "late in the game".
-I've done limited shadowing and
-I am working with the humanities in medicine program in the hospital this semester.
-I am in the process of creating an alternative spring break program at my university, this will give members a chance to explore patient-physician relationships, and how much it drives the progress of medicine. We will be aiding the cancer foundation in Orlando in March 😀.

I know the pre professional advisors hammer clinical experience down, and I feel that I am noticeably lacking in that department.

Should I worry about this hurting my chances to apply to medical school? What range of medical schools should I aim for?


Thanks for your advice guys! 😀

 

[Huskie99]

You should definitely start putting in some time volunteering in a hospital, even if it is once a week for a few hours...this will give you some clinical experiance (if you pick an area with high patient contact) while showing your dedication to medicine, and you concern for humanity...that is just my opinion

I have been on 4 interviews and have 2 more coming up....I am published in two high impacted journals, I have barley been asked about my research but I am ALWAYS asked about my volunteer work so this is why I give this advice. (if it makes my advice anymore valuable I have been accepted to an M.D. program)

 

[undeadmoose]

Hi!

Thanks for the advice. Yeah I am currently doing volunteering with the humanities in medicine program at the local hospital. There is plenty of patient contact, and in fact, this was my reason that I was swayed from economics to medicine. I am planning to become a caregiver in the local hospice over this summer. So I will also be able to put that on the application. Do you think that would make my application very strong?

 

[Huskie99]

very strong, no....STRONGER yes for sure.

Your GPA is great but with an MCAT between 28-31 I am not sure that will ever be considered "very strong" while you do have some very strong areas. If you get your MCAT into the 35+ area then that would be a very strong application. I am not one to talk however because I only got a 32, yet I still would never call my own app very strong.

 

[undeadmoose]

I agree with you with on that. I am confident that I can pull my score up to a 32+. I haven't learned all of the necessary material just yet (particularly chemistry), so I could hopefully expect to add 2 points by just knowing it. But of course, its that one day that counts.

Thanks again!

 

[Catalystik]

I am currently doing volunteering with the humanities in medicine program at the local hospital. There is plenty of patient contact, and in fact, this was my reason that I was swayed from economics to medicine. I am planning to become a caregiver in the local hospice over this summer. So I will also be able to put that on the application. Do you think that would make my application very strong?

The average applicant lists about 1.5 years of clinical experience. You will have a semester and part of a summer's worth from what I can see. In this area, at least, your application will be weaker than most, which is a problem for any latecomer to a decision to go into medicine.

You'll want to get close to or exceed if possible tha average for shadowing of about 50 hours. Many will split that total among 2-3 types of doc, ideally including one in primary care.

 

[undeadmoose]

Good point. I will try and diversify my shadowing portfolio. I know that I am a late comer, but do medical schools really hold that against the applicant? I've spoken to some advisors about the possibility of applying the next application cycle so I can augment my clinical experience. But they point out that it isn't worth to delay just for the sake of clinical experience beyond the understanding you get from the experience itself.
But I am not sure, and thats why I wanted a second opinion from you guys. I definitely do not want this to be a reason for admissions to reject me.

 

[Catalystik]

I know that I am a late comer, but do medical schools really hold that against the applicant? I've spoken to some advisors about the possibility of applying the next application cycle so I can augment my clinical experience.

You will find a multiplicity of opinion here on SDN on this issue. Schools vary in what they are looking for in candidates for their institution. Some applicants do get accepted despite an apparent lack of longevity in their clinical experience, but they tend to be those with high stats across the board, or really amazing ECs, exmilitary, Peace Corps or similar experience, years of research with pubs, very strong leadership, etc. Those with more typical stats and experiences are more likely to benefit greatly by having as much strength in the clinical experience arena as possible, with some balance in as many other important categories as they can manage.

It's your job as an applicant to develop the best application you can so as to appeal to a variety of schools you can be happy at, and get an acceptance in just one cycle. The vast majority of adcomms are going to want to see evidence from your experiences that you have thoughtfully tested medicine over a period of time and that the decision wasn't impulsive or ill-founded. I have seen all too many applicants like you told after rejection that they need greater familiarity with medical environments and patients, but that they are otherwise a good applicant, and go on to get multiple acceptances the next cycle. That is not to say it's impossible that you'd be accepted somewhere as you are, especially if you score highly on the MCAT, but chances are good that you'd have far more choices with a more balanced application.

I would add that becoming involved in some weekly, hands-on, nonmedical, noncampus community service for a cause you care about would also make your application stronger, even if only for 1-2 hours a week.

Considering your projected MCAT range and the weaker elements of your appplication, I agree with you that waiting to apply summer 2012 is a better idea. Do it once; do it right. JMO.