Hi SDN,
I am a junior molecular biology/computer science major at Claremont McKenna(the mol bio) and Harvey Mudd (the CS) colleges. My cumulative and science gpa's will be slightly above 3.5 at time of graduation.
I understand my gpa is pretty low for an MD applicant... I had some pretty serious roommate issues (suicidal/drug addict) freshman year and my grades really tanked. I have had a strong upward trend each semester since then, though. I plan on taking at least one gap year after graduation, maybe two if necessary (?).
My question is - what can I do my gap year(s) to maximize my chances at acceptance to an MD school? I understand that my gpa already takes me out of the running for top-tier schools, I am hoping for possibly a mid tier school but have no problem with a low tier school (also a CA resident and URM Mexican). I would ideally be a military physician, would love to go to USUHS or do the HSPS, also very interested in rural med. I understand that regardless of the rest of my application I need to ace the mcat (very good test taker, contrary to what my gpa would argue), and I am making arrangements with a local hospital to volunteer/shadow.
My EC's:
- medical mission trip to Managua a couple summer's ago (spoke in Spanish, set up clinic, assisted doctor, etc).
- founded a charity for underserved elementary school's in the Inland Empire (we teach introductory programming ideas to students, get them interested in CS)
- Organic Chemistry Lab TA for two years at time of graduation
- Organic Chemistry tutor for two years at time of graduation
- year and half of research experience in chemistry lab at my school, presented a poster in Graduate Division at the national ACS convention last week
- varsity athlete for two years (career ending injury/surgery during sophomore year season)
- very competitive internship this summer in a top secret Department of Defense molecular biology lab in Washington DC (medical research)
The DoD internship includes an opportunity for employment after graduation for interns in this specific lab, which I intend to look into after this summer's experience. However, would this be a good use of my gap year (or two)? Assuming I work for the DoD for two years, would I be a competitive MD applicant? Or is there a better use of my time? Any other info would be greatly appreciated... currently reeling from the reality check that is MD admission statistics. Thank you
I am a junior molecular biology/computer science major at Claremont McKenna(the mol bio) and Harvey Mudd (the CS) colleges. My cumulative and science gpa's will be slightly above 3.5 at time of graduation.
I understand my gpa is pretty low for an MD applicant... I had some pretty serious roommate issues (suicidal/drug addict) freshman year and my grades really tanked. I have had a strong upward trend each semester since then, though. I plan on taking at least one gap year after graduation, maybe two if necessary (?).
My question is - what can I do my gap year(s) to maximize my chances at acceptance to an MD school? I understand that my gpa already takes me out of the running for top-tier schools, I am hoping for possibly a mid tier school but have no problem with a low tier school (also a CA resident and URM Mexican). I would ideally be a military physician, would love to go to USUHS or do the HSPS, also very interested in rural med. I understand that regardless of the rest of my application I need to ace the mcat (very good test taker, contrary to what my gpa would argue), and I am making arrangements with a local hospital to volunteer/shadow.
My EC's:
- medical mission trip to Managua a couple summer's ago (spoke in Spanish, set up clinic, assisted doctor, etc).
- founded a charity for underserved elementary school's in the Inland Empire (we teach introductory programming ideas to students, get them interested in CS)
- Organic Chemistry Lab TA for two years at time of graduation
- Organic Chemistry tutor for two years at time of graduation
- year and half of research experience in chemistry lab at my school, presented a poster in Graduate Division at the national ACS convention last week
- varsity athlete for two years (career ending injury/surgery during sophomore year season)
- very competitive internship this summer in a top secret Department of Defense molecular biology lab in Washington DC (medical research)
The DoD internship includes an opportunity for employment after graduation for interns in this specific lab, which I intend to look into after this summer's experience. However, would this be a good use of my gap year (or two)? Assuming I work for the DoD for two years, would I be a competitive MD applicant? Or is there a better use of my time? Any other info would be greatly appreciated... currently reeling from the reality check that is MD admission statistics. Thank you
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