would like some life changing input

[theloniousdunk]

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my stats:

gpa: 3.55 science 3.6
mcat 30 (12b, 10ps, 8 v Q)

good undergrad institution

my ECs and letters are all very average speaking objectively, althoug i tend to be hard on myself

done research, volunteering, but all very run-of-the-mill nothing extraordinary no awards

thinking about applying to school in israel, tired of waiting to apply, rather be in school that worrying all the time - I just wont go if too many people tell me that foriegn med school is a dead end. are those schools crap or do people still land good residencies huh

tempted to go to grad school in basic science simply bc i would be a much more competitive applicant at good universities for a phd rather than an md

pardon my stream of conscience !

help is appreciated

 

[Stratego]

If you can picture yourself being happy doing anything other than medicine, then go for it.

If getting into an allopathic program in the US is important to you, your numbers wouldn't need that much more work to make you competitive. If going the DO route is something you'll consider, you are a competitive applicant now. It is the postion of most on SDN that DO>>>>>international medical grad in terms of likelihood of successfully getting a US residency.

If you want more input: What is your home state, and what year of school are you in? What is your year-by-year grade trend?

 

[theloniousdunk]

my year in school:2008

home state: california

i had peretty good trend: my first year was like a 2.9 and then after that it was on the rise

i did really well in upper div bio

i think i should retake my mcats

i have a solid research job now at very good med center, hopefully that should pay off with publications and a good rec

im just getting a little jumpy

DO is not an option, i would never do that

 

[Stratego]

The quickest fix to make you competitive would be to retake the MCAT and get a score of 32+. The steep upward grade trend helps you. A strong research experience is helpful ((publication is great), as is leadership of some kind, and/or teaching. About a year of weekly clinical experience in a clinical setting is needed. You also would need some physician shadowing. Additional community service is very desirable.