Where should I apply this cycle?

[Gust]

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Unfortunately, I don't know what my mcat score yet because I'll be taking it June 16. But I'll be applying June 1st to 14 schools since I received the waiver for applying to a max of 14 schools. I know that it is hard to choose what schools to apply without having a mcat score. I need help with a strategic plan to get the most out of this cycle even though I'll be in the darkness for a few months until I get my scores back.

Here are my stats...keep in mind that I'm a CA resident

-cgpa 3.94 sgpa ~3.88
-1.5 yrs of research; 2-poster presentations
-working as a adjunct facilitator for ochem 2 for 1 semester and continuing
-currently in the works of establishing a peer mentoring/advising/tutoring program for the chemistry department. This will be the first of its kind.
-served as a tutor
-40 hours of shadowing
-no volunteering and/or clinical work

advise needed

 

[PressPforPi]

Unfortunately, I don't know what my mcat score yet because I'll be taking it June 16. But I'll be applying June 1st to 14 schools since I received the waiver for applying to a max of 14 schools. I know that it is hard to choose what schools to apply without having a mcat score. I need help with a strategic plan to get the most out of this cycle even though I'll be in the darkness for a few months until I get my scores back.

Here are my stats...keep in mind that I'm a CA resident

-cgpa 3.94 sgpa ~3.88
-1.5 yrs of research; 2-poster presentations
-working as a adjunct facilitator for ochem 2 for 1 semester and continuing
-currently in the works of establishing a peer mentoring/advising/tutoring program for the chemistry department. This will be the first of its kind.
-served as a tutor
-40 hours of shadowing
-no volunteering and/or clinical work

advise needed

This raises a big red flag. However, the rest of your stats are very nice. Pending a good MCAT score and if you obtain volunteering and clinical experience, I believe you would have a nice application for CA schools. They're probably THE toughest state schools to get into so you definitely need volunteering and clinical experience.

 

[Gust]

Yes, I realize that I'm putting myself at a disadvantage since I dont have that clinical work or volunteer experience. I realized going into this cycle that my chances are bleak, but since I received the waiver to apply to 14 schools, I thought might as well apply and get a feel for how the application process works.

just an fyi...I took a practice mcat with out any studying and I got a 20. I dont know if that helps in any way. I'm hoping to hit the 30 mark but we'll see.

The schools I'll be applying to for sure are:

UCD, UCSD, UCLA, UCSF, UCI, Stanford, USC...I need 7 other schools.

 

[Robinson Crusoe]

Yes, I realize that I'm putting myself at a disadvantage since I dont have that clinical work or volunteer experience. I realized going into this cycle that my chances are bleak, but since I received the waiver to apply to 14 schools, I thought might as well apply and get a feel for how the application process works.

just an fyi...I took a practice mcat with out any studying and I got a 20. I dont know if that helps in any way. I'm hoping to hit the 30 mark but we'll see.

The schools I'll be applying to for sure are:

UCD, UCSD, UCLA, UCSF, UCI, Stanford, USC...I need 7 other schools.

You do realize that using this application cycle as a test run will put you at a disadvantage because being a reapplicant can mean you will be held to a higher standard? Is getting a feel for this process worth that? You may want to not apply this cycle, take the MCAT, have time to retake it if needed, spend the next year getting a lot of clinical experience and maybe doing something that will give a unique flavor to your application, and then apply next year without the stigma of being a reapplicant. You can also earn some money over that year so that you could afford to apply to more than 7 schools outside of California, which would be good because getting into a California school is unlikely for everybody.

 

[Catalystik]

Your application would be terrific for someone applying for a PhD spot. If you were an MD/PhD applicant, you wouldn't be held to the same intense EC standard as MD-only, but you'd still be expected to have some real world experience interacting with sick people and demonstrating altruism.

 

[Gust]

Your application would be terrific for someone applying for a PhD spot. If you were an MD/PhD applicant, you wouldn't be held to the same intense EC standard as MD-only, but you'd still be expected to have some real world experience interacting with sick people and demonstrating altruism.

Catalystik, what could be the possible downfall of me applying this cycle (besides not be accepted). One person mentioned that applying just to get a feel for the application cycle is not a real smart move, because if you dont get accepted this cycle, as a reapplicant you'll be held to higher standards.

 

[Catalystik]

Some schools outright state a bias against reapplicants. Most expect that you'll have made significant improvements to your application if you do reapply.

Other than that, besides the significant expense of Secondaries and travel, the application year is the most stressful stretch of time you can imagine. And one generally misses class due to interviews (a day or two each), which makes maintaining a high GPA more of a challenge (which would result in being less competitive the following year).

 

[Gust]

after hearing all your guys advice, I decided to go ahead and take a shot at this cycle. I'm applying to 14 schools. 7 out of the 14 spots is saved for California schools. Predicting that I'll score somewhere around a 30 (hopefully), what other schools out of state should I apply to. Keep in mind my EC's.

 

[Gust]

anyone?

 

[AutumnChild]

Your lack of any clinical and volunteering work is really going to hinder you in my opinion. Especially if you're not trying for MD/PhD like Catalystik mentioned. Also, you need to shoot for more than a 30 on the MCAT if you're interested in CA schools. Think about how many qualified applicants these schools receive, especially places like UCSF and Stanford etc... Many of them will have similar stats to you AND have tons of volunteering and clinically related work as well. If nothing makes you standout, guess who they're going to choose over you? The 100+ other people who have volunteering/clinical experience. You shouldn't apply just for kicks. That's my 2 cents.

 

[Gust]

Your lack of any clinical and volunteering work is really going to hinder you in my opinion. Especially if you're not trying for MD/PhD like Catalystik mentioned. Also, you need to shoot for more than a 30 on the MCAT if you're interested in CA schools. Think about how many qualified applicants these schools receive, especially places like UCSF and Stanford etc... Many of them will have similar stats to you AND have tons of volunteering and clinically related work as well. If nothing makes you standout, guess who they're going to choose over you? The 100+ other people who have volunteering/clinical experience. You shouldn't apply just for kicks. That's my 2 cents.

I think you make a very valid point. At the same time, you never know. We all know how unpredictable medical schools are at selecting candidates for their school, but I feel that even with my lack of clinical and volunteering experience, I may have a shot. My LORS are A+ quality and I have some other experiences that are certainly helpful. I'm not expecting much, but hopefully it works out. Anyways, I'm still hoping some of you guys could chime in and provide me with 7-10 schools OOS. Thanks again everyone. I'll keep everyone posted with my progress this cycle.

 

[intothedark]

Might as well start preparing to reapply if you're going to ignore the advice of numerous people above. You won't be getting anywhere unless you are URM or have some extraordinary story.

But you don't realize the stress of going through a cycle, so might as well experience it first hand since you're to determined to apply this year.

 

[Gust]

So I have come up with a list of medical schools. Can I get some input and suggestions. I'm applying to 14 (keep in mind that I'll be applying to all CA schools regardless).

1-7 = california schools

8) Vanderbilt
9) St. Louis
10) Georgetown
11) George Washington
12) Boston
13) Mt. Sinai
14) Loyola
15) Albert Einstein
16) Jefferson
17) Temple

I need to cut 3 out of the (8-17) schools I have listed here. Any suggestions? Some schools I should have included? Thank you!

 

[Gust]

Thanks Trianglepremed...Any other advice? Anyone else? Catalystik?

 

[Gust]

BUMP! Need some advice on school list. Any serious advice?