Where to go from here?

[mcant]

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Hey guys, hope you're enjoying your summer

I guess I should start with my stats (this isn't a "what are my chances" post, I promise):

• Canadian Applicant
• 3.43 cGPA, 3.36 sGPA (graduated McGill Biochemistry in May)
• 34O MCAT (12 PS, 9 VR, 13 BS), July 2008
• Solid EC's, but lacking research

I'm currently enrolled in what is essentially a post-bacc at McGill (ie: a full-year of undergraduate level courses) in the hopes of bringing my GPA up to 3.55+. Even with a 3.55+, I'm still a relative longshot at North American MD schools and, given the almost complete lack of practicing DO's in Quebec, DO doesn't deem like a viable option (I can't find one to shadow). Ireland might work, but affording it won't (I can get a 150k loan, which will cover my first two years, lol).

SO... here's my plan. I'm aware it involves a lot of risk, but it will at least set me up (hopefully) for a career in research in the event I'm thoroughly rejected. It's also not as if I'm NOT interested in studying pharmacology, my plan B is drug R&D:

• Enter graduate study in pharmacology starting in summer/fall 2011
• Re-write my MCAT, score 35+ (or at least maintain my score with a 10 in verbal)
• Spend my free time improving EC's

My undergrad GPA was too low to enter graduate study immediately after graduation (when looking to apply for med school). I'm also aware that a great master's GPA/35+ MCAT aren't guaranteed (understatement much?), but I've maintained excellent grades for 3 straight semesters and am prepared to meet the challenge.

Am I on the right path? I mean, I'm taking another year of undergrad courses to boost my GPA, but even then I don't think it will be enough. I don't want to have a full year of nothing after my post-bacc waiting on apps, which is why graduate study seems like the right path.

I appreciate brutal honesty; please don't hold back. Thank you in advance, you guys rock.

 

[elyswim]

AAMC tells me you have something slightly lower than a 73.3% chance of acceptance at the point where you are currently at.

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/table24-mcatgpa-grid-3yrs-app-accpt.htm

I'm sure after another year of GPA boosting you'll be fine.

Edit:
I missed that you were Canadian.... I don't know how much the above helps..

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Hey guys, hope you're enjoying your summer

I guess I should start with my stats (this isn't a "what are my chances" post, I promise):

• Canadian Applicant
• 3.43 cGPA, 3.36 sGPA (graduated McGill Biochemistry in May)
• 34O MCAT (12 PS, 9 VR, 13 BS), July 2008
• Solid EC's, but lacking research

I'm currently enrolled in what is essentially a post-bacc at McGill (ie: a full-year of undergraduate level courses) in the hopes of bringing my GPA up to 3.55+. Even with a 3.55+, I'm still a relative longshot at North American MD schools and, given the almost complete lack of practicing DO's in Quebec, DO doesn't deem like a viable option (I can't find one to shadow). Ireland might work, but affording it won't (I can get a 150k loan, which will cover my first two years, lol).

SO... here's my plan. I'm aware it involves a lot of risk, but it will at least set me up (hopefully) for a career in research in the event I'm thoroughly rejected. It's also not as if I'm NOT interested in studying pharmacology, my plan B is drug R&D:

• Enter graduate study in pharmacology starting in summer/fall 2011
• Re-write my MCAT, score 35+ (or at least maintain my score with a 10 in verbal)
• Spend my free time improving EC's

My undergrad GPA was too low to enter graduate study immediately after graduation (when looking to apply for med school). I'm also aware that a great master's GPA/35+ MCAT aren't guaranteed (understatement much?), but I've maintained excellent grades for 3 straight semesters and am prepared to meet the challenge.

Am I on the right path? I mean, I'm taking another year of undergrad courses to boost my GPA, but even then I don't think it will be enough. I don't want to have a full year of nothing after my post-bacc waiting on apps, which is why graduate study seems like the right path.

I appreciate brutal honesty; please don't hold back. Thank you in advance, you guys rock.

Excuse my ignorance, but are Canadian schools EXTREMELY hard to get into? You have about 11-15 (i'm probably estimating way off) schools to choose from since you're Canadian..although some will probably count you as OOP and that reduces your chances. Your MCAT sounds high, but your GPA is a bit on the low side, but that can be improved with some hard work/diligence.

I think you can obtain research opportunities, my friend at McGill is currently doing two different research labs for the summer...and paid too!

 

[mcant]

We have 17 schools in Canada, and being out-of-province is a big deal. My in-province schools are McGill, Sherbrooke, Laval and UofM, the last three of which are french.

I will be insta-rejected at McGill (their minimum competitive applicant GPA = 3.5 and they just removed the MCAT for Canadian apps) and I'm not sure if my french is strong enough to allow success in a french program. I'll definitely be applying to french schools when the time comes, so at least I'll have time to improve my language skills.

Out of province is pretty rough, but there are a few spots... you really need solid grades though, and by solid I mean 3.75+ and 32+ MCAT.

 

[nisarg2010]

I think you will be fine applying to US schools. Apply to both MD and DO schools eventhough you have not shadowed DOs. I dont think the DO shadowing will be a problem. If it comes up in the interview you will have a good ans for them. Even though your gpa is just slightly low (talking about the 3.55+) your MCAT is above average. I dont know how being canadian will affect your chances but I would assume it woulnt be much worst then being out of state. I think with your stats you have a good chance of getting into a US MD school and you have a very high chance of getting into a US DO schools. Just bring that gpa up as much as you can and also focus on ECs, research would be good to boost your app.

Good luck