What to focus on at this point?

[fogo]

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Hello, I'm a junior that is currently studying for the MCAT so I can apply by next summer. A quick rundown:
- CA resident, attend top-ranked public uni, ORM male
- Both my cGPA and sGPA will be low 3.9s by the time I apply; biology major
- I'm about to start studying for the MCAT, goal is 99-100th percentile, finish in January ideally
- Research (~500-750 hours)
- Intercollegiate club sports team captain; I coach/tutor kids related to sport
- Clinical volunteering: ~200 hours at hospital, ~3-400 hours medical interpreting
- Non-clinical volunteering: Coach sport/tutor kids academically (~400-500 hours)
- Shadowing -- I've done some abroad, but I'm planning to do some after MCAT
- Teaching: TA, tutoring a good amount, language teacher

My main question is, if I am aiming for the top schools, is MCAT the priority at this point? Are my extracurriculars comparable to applicants who would go to top 10, or do they need improvements as well (and thus taking some time away from MCAT)? I am taking a relaxed courseload this semester so I can concentrate on MCAT (already did pre-reqs), but seeing some of the godly SDN app profiles makes me feel somehow inadequate, especially in clinical/non-clinical volunteering as I don't have "variety."

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Hello, I'm a junior that is currently studying for the MCAT so I can apply by next summer. A quick rundown:
- CA resident, attend top-ranked public uni, ORM male
- Both my cGPA and sGPA will be low 3.9s by the time I apply; biology major
- I'm about to start studying for the MCAT, goal is 99-100th percentile, finish in January ideally
- Research (~500-750 hours)
- Intercollegiate club sports team captain; I coach/tutor kids related to sport
- Clinical volunteering: ~200 hours at hospital, ~3-400 hours medical interpreting
- Non-clinical volunteering: Coach sport/tutor kids academically (~400-500 hours)
- Shadowing -- I've done some abroad, but I'm planning to do some after MCAT
- Teaching: TA, tutoring a good amount, language teacher

My main question is, if I am aiming for the top schools, is MCAT the priority at this point? Are my extracurriculars comparable to applicants who would go to top 10, or do they need improvements as well (and thus taking some time away from MCAT)? I am taking a relaxed courseload this semester so I can concentrate on MCAT (already did pre-reqs), but seeing some of the godly SDN app profiles makes me feel somehow inadequate, especially in clinical/non-clinical volunteering as I don't have "variety."

Acceptance to "TOP" schools requires all the boxes to be checked, and they might interview you. An interview is not an acceptance. Study hard and hopefully get a good score. 99%tile is a lofty goal on this exam. There are many elite students in this country. Your other credentials would place you in the ball park for top tier universities. A 99%tile score should get you a look. Good luck and best wishes

 

[getdown]

Hello, I'm a junior that is currently studying for the MCAT so I can apply by next summer. A quick rundown:
- CA resident, attend top-ranked public uni, ORM male
- Both my cGPA and sGPA will be low 3.9s by the time I apply; biology major
- I'm about to start studying for the MCAT, goal is 99-100th percentile, finish in January ideally
- Research (~500-750 hours)
- Intercollegiate club sports team captain; I coach/tutor kids related to sport
- Clinical volunteering: ~200 hours at hospital, ~3-400 hours medical interpreting
- Non-clinical volunteering: Coach sport/tutor kids academically (~400-500 hours)
- Shadowing -- I've done some abroad, but I'm planning to do some after MCAT
- Teaching: TA, tutoring a good amount, language teacher

My main question is, if I am aiming for the top schools, is MCAT the priority at this point? Are my extracurriculars comparable to applicants who would go to top 10, or do they need improvements as well (and thus taking some time away from MCAT)? I am taking a relaxed courseload this semester so I can concentrate on MCAT (already did pre-reqs), but seeing some of the godly SDN app profiles makes me feel somehow inadequate, especially in clinical/non-clinical volunteering as I don't have "variety."

At this point, all you can do is try to score the best you can on the MCAT. A high GPA/MCAT will get you looks and II from top tier medical schools. However, those that end up getting accepted into those schools often have something else that substantially differentiates them from the rest of the pack with good numbers. They either have a very compelling life story or involved in activities that are very unique. Your ECs are pretty standard by comparison. Like I said, you'll likely get looks and invites and should be accepted to a medical school IF you apply broadly and wisely. The number 1 mistake people in your shoes make is that they feel they deserve a seat at a "top" medical school by virtue of their grades and only apply to said schools. So, be smart, apply broadly to a wide range of schools, aim high but be prepared for the worst. Worse case scenario is that you have to choose between several schools but at least you're accepted.

 

[fogo]

Thanks, I did obscure many things so I wouldn't reveal too much about myself, I hope the details of my application will be more compelling. For now, I'll just aim to get as close to 528 as possible.

 

[curbsideconsult]

Thanks, I did obscure many things so I wouldn't reveal too much about myself, I hope the details of my application will be more compelling. For now, I'll just aim to get as close to 528 as possible.

Isn't this every pre-med's aim?

 

[Med Ed]

Hello, I'm a junior that is currently studying for the MCAT so I can apply by next summer. A quick rundown:
- CA resident, attend top-ranked public uni, ORM male
- Both my cGPA and sGPA will be low 3.9s by the time I apply; biology major
- I'm about to start studying for the MCAT, goal is 99-100th percentile, finish in January ideally
- Research (~500-750 hours)
- Intercollegiate club sports team captain; I coach/tutor kids related to sport
- Clinical volunteering: ~200 hours at hospital, ~3-400 hours medical interpreting
- Non-clinical volunteering: Coach sport/tutor kids academically (~400-500 hours)
- Shadowing -- I've done some abroad, but I'm planning to do some after MCAT
- Teaching: TA, tutoring a good amount, language teacher

My main question is, if I am aiming for the top schools, is MCAT the priority at this point? Are my extracurriculars comparable to applicants who would go to top 10, or do they need improvements as well (and thus taking some time away from MCAT)? I am taking a relaxed courseload this semester so I can concentrate on MCAT (already did pre-reqs), but seeing some of the godly SDN app profiles makes me feel somehow inadequate, especially in clinical/non-clinical volunteering as I don't have "variety."

When we lose applicants with backgrounds like yours to private schools, they tend to be solid but not top 5. The ones we lose to top 5 tend to have those "couldn't make this up if I tried" backgrounds, which are usually a confluence of good luck and seized opportunity.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

If I don't get into a top school I'll go to dental school whatever \s

Wife was summa cum laude, an elite student, did not score 99%title. Was accepted to every medical school she applied to. She applied out east, not California, but not less competetive. You plan on scoring over 2 standard deviations beyond the mean. I believe in setting realistic goals. Shoot for the moon for sure, but be prepared to come down to earth. It's ok to go to a med school which is not top tier. You transform yourself into the best doctor possible, the school doesn't do this. If you maintain this notion of I dont get in to a top tier school , therefore I'm going to dental school, buy a case of soap to carve teeth for plan B.

 

[Med Ed]

If you maintain this notion of I dont get in to a top tier school , therefore I'm going to dental school, buy a case of soap to carve teeth for plan B.

You may find this of interest.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Wife was summa cum laude, an elite student, did not score 99%title. Was accepted to every medical school she applied to. She applied out east, not California, but not less competetive. You plan on scoring over 2 standard deviations beyond the mean. I believe in setting realistic goals. Shoot for the moon for sure, but be prepared to come down to earth. It's ok to go to a med school which is not top tier. You transform yourself into the best doctor possible, the school doesn't do this. If you maintain this notion of I dont get in to a top tier school , therefore I'm going to dental school, buy a case of soap to carve teeth for plan B.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Well, looks like I stepped in it there. My apologies for being a social media fossil and not recognizing the sarcasm signal at the end of your post. Please disregard my earlier comments. Again, my apologies. Best wishes and good luck!

 

[getdown]

damn interwebs claims another victim.