*^~*~^* The Official What Are My Chances/Where to Apply Thread Part 2

[futuredrcrawfor]

So I've already started looking at next cycle...I flipped through my MSAR and made a list...i'm posting it here so some people could check it twice (haha holiday cheer). My mdapp is on the left and in the interim year i plan on volunteering my ass off at the local hospital and overhauling my personal statement. Total number of MD schools is 24...to me they all look good but if there is something I'm missing and I wouldn't have a snowballs chance in hell then let me know and ill take it into consideration. Thanks in advance folks.



IL
1.Rosalind Franklin University
2.Southern Illinois University
3.University of Illinois at Chicago
KY
4.University of Louisville
LA
5.Tulane University
MI
6.Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
7.Wayne State University
NJ
8.UMDNJ – NJMS
9.UMDNJ –RWJ
NY
10.University at Buffalo
11.Albany Medical College
12.NYMC
13.SUNY Downstate
PA
14.Drexel
15.Temple
16.Jefferson
SC
17.University of South Carolina
TX
18.Texas Tech
19.University of Texas at San Antonio
VA
20.Eastern Virginia MS
21.Virginia Commonwealth University
WV
22.Marshall University
DC
23.George Washington
VT
24.University of Vermont

Do you have a Texas connection? If not I wouldn't waste the money/time with the additional application- Texas can only have 1/10 of the class OOS and people with ties usually get spots over people without

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[ChubbyChaser]

arigatogozaimasu

????

 

[Phenol312]

well...my childhood friend lives in texas near Plano...does that count?

and arigatogozaimasu means thank you very much in japanese the u is silent. I got tired of thanking you in english so i decided to spice it up a bit.

 

[chessodoc]

Hi There

I am starting to get really worried because I really have not been invited to any interviews yet. I was complete at most schools around Sept. 21. I have gotten two rejections (Dartmouth, Pittsburgh)

I am in a "pool of applicants who may receive an interview (whatever that means)" at Vermont, Drexel and Penn-state, and I have not heard from the other schools I applied to (Temple, Jefferson, Yale, UPENN, Maryland, Tufts, Albany)...are my chances of getting into a medical school hopeless by now?

I am currently a senior in an Ivy:
GPA 3.33 (3.7 junior year)
MCAT - 33 (8 VR, 11BS, 14 PS)
Good LORs
Volunteering - but not hospital volunteering
Research since freshman year -secondary author in a nature paper

English is my second language, I really I am not if they take this into consideration.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

 

[Textuality]

Lack of clinical experience probably hurts your application, as does the 8 V for the auto-screening people. Are you a Md resident?

 

[DescentFan]

On the get-go, your undergrad GPA and Verbal score on the MCAT will hurt your chances of being reviewed by the ADCOM people. What is your science GPA, BTW?

And even if you did have a 10V and a 3.7+, your lack of clinical experiences and extracurriculars also plays a factor.

If you don't get in this cycle, maybe you can consider doing some volunteering abroad in Latin America or Africa or SE Asia. This may sound wrong in multiple ways, but going to high risk public health destinations really attract ADCOM officers' attention. It worked for my friend, and it might just work for you...

 

[chessodoc]

Thank you for the replies

I am a PA resident

My science GPA is even lower (overall 3.2, junior year it was 3.75...it was 2.7 sophomore year, lol)

I know this is a lousy excuse for a pre-med, but I could not find the time to volunteer in a hospital since I was volunteering elsewhere and was heavily involved in genetics research...i thought those might compensate. Anyway, do they screen only by the verbal score? because I thought my high PS score and average BS score would at least get me reviewed...

I was thinking about doing some volunteering abroad, but others told me to just do post-bac...

Do adcoms do not give any leeway if you have been in the US for 7 years when applying...also does fluency in multiple languages give one at least a little edge?

PS: I do have 5-6 extracurriculars but I didn't list them.

Thanks again for the feedback

 

[Textuality]

From what I've heard, some schools screen each section of the MCAT, so if you fall below their cut off in any of the 3, it ousts you. That's just hearsay mind you. I think it might be tough getting into U Md as an OOS, there's a decent amount of competition. But there's a chance.

Yeah, I'd still say getting at least a little clinical exposure is close to necessary, otherwise you may have a hard time with your "why medicine" interview question in terms of showing proof that you've tried to see what it's like to practice medicine.

I think being multilingual and multicultural does help to a certain degree, but it's more a nice garnish, the rest of the application still needs to be able to satiate the adcoms on its own.

 

[drizzt3117]

Thank you for the replies

I am a PA resident

My science GPA is even lower (overall 3.2, junior year it was 3.75...it was 2.7 sophomore year, lol)

I know this is a lousy excuse for a pre-med, but I could not find the time to volunteer in a hospital since I was volunteering elsewhere and was heavily involved in genetics research...i thought those might compensate. Anyway, do they screen only by the verbal score? because I thought my high PS score and average BS score would at least get me reviewed...

I was thinking about doing some volunteering abroad, but others told me to just do post-bac...

Do adcoms do not give any leeway if you have been in the US for 7 years when applying...also does fluency in multiple languages give one at least a little edge?

PS: I do have 5-6 extracurriculars but I didn't list them.

Thanks again for the feedback

Besides applying late, I think your biggest problem was aiming too high. Did you look at the MSAR before you applied? Half of the schools you applied to are serious reaches and you're below the average for GPA at all of them.

 

[DescentFan]

Thank you for the replies
I was thinking about doing some volunteering abroad, but others told me to just do post-bac...

Why not do both?

This is not a criticism but is true for many people - - - - a lot of people don't give themselves a lot of time when they make the decision regarding their career choice. My friend didn't decide until the end of his sophomore year in college; he had to play catch-up w/ his extracurriculars (he wanted to do a PhD before, so extracurriculars and leadership weren't that important). My other friend w/ a GPA of 3.6 and MCAT of 31 didn't even get interview invitations (he did ultimately get one at BU but was waitlisted). Then he realized, "Oh crap, what the heck have I been doing for the past ___years."

Do adcoms do not give any leeway if you have been in the US for 7 years when applying...also does fluency in multiple languages give one at least a little edge?

MPH degrees might look at the fact that you know how to speak Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, Arabic (Yemeni dialect, if there's such a thing), Swahili on top of English. So do law schools. For an MD program, I'd personally favor someone who speaks Spanish if I were on the ADCOM. But I really don't know...

 

[chessodoc]

Besides applying late, I think your biggest problem was aiming too high. Did you look at the MSAR before you applied? Half of the schools you applied to are serious reaches and you're below the average for GPA at all of them. Today 01:50 PM

Well I kind of thought that I would get in one of the PA schools (as a PA resident - arrogant, I know ), and the others I applied because i liked them. Are temple and drexel considered serious reaches?

There is also another problem. I actually applied MD PhD on temple's sec. application, but I applied for an MD on the AMCAS application...which means they are lacking the PhD essay, could this be a reason why its taking them so long to make a decision? could it be they are waiting for the essay? I called them but they said nothing was missing, what should I do?

Why not do both?

wait how can i do this if I am in nicaragua for a year?

From what I've heard, some schools screen each section of the MCAT, so if you fall below their cut off in any of the 3, it ousts you. That's just hearsay mind you.

Thats bad news for me then

But what if my status said that "I am in a pool of applicants to whom an interview might be extended to", would that not mean they have reviewed it? - this notice was from Vermont

Thanks again for all the input

 

[sushichopstickz]

I would like some inputs on my chances for medical school admission. I will be applying this upcoming cycle in June 2008.

Numbers:
-CA resident
-MCAT: 30R 10PS 10VR 10BS
-Overall GPA: 3.63
-Science GPA: 3.58

I still have a semester left to beef-up my GPA.

Academic ECs:
-Researched for 4 summers. Earned a research fellowship.
-Co-authored a paper in Journal of Lung (2007)
-Presented my abstract on: Wnt Signaling on Fetal Lung Development @ 2007 Western Society Pediatrics Research Conference in Carmel, CA
-Nominated for best undergraduate research student award. Did not win.
-Shadowed ophthalmologist and neonatologist for past 2 summers
-Volunteered in pediatrics clinic (on-going)
-Currently in search for a volunteer position with a DO doctor
-Worked 2yrs as secretary/lab assistant for a Psychology fMRI imaging lab.

Unique ECs:
-Did an intensive marine biology semester abroad on Catalina Island. Had the opportunity to conduct my own research on the effects of Phosphate on Microbial Communities Down a Vertical Water Column. This experience was great, in that it was field work and not medicine related. I got the unique opportunity to explore nature--something I have always wanted to do.
-wrote script and was main actor for a Vietnamese cultural play at my school. I've never acted before and this was by far the most fun I had in college.
-Vice-president of a humanitarian club; coordinated medical supply shipments to Ghana. Want to extend project to Vietnam, my home country.
-held various executive positions in other clubs.


Reflection:
I think I am an average applicant for medical school, considering people on SDN have crazier stats than I do. Although I would like to retake the MCAT (avg. ~33 on practices), I would like to apply this upcoming cycle to see how I fair. What is your opinion on this plan? I could study for the MCAT while I apply. Many thanks for your inputs and advices.

 

[DescentFan]

I would like some inputs on my chances for medical school admission. I will be applying this upcoming cycle in June 2008.

Reflection:
I think I am an average applicant for medical school, considering people on SDN have crazier stats than I do. Although I would like to retake the MCAT (avg. ~33 on practices), I would like to apply this upcoming cycle to see how I fair. What is your opinion on this plan? I could study for the MCAT while I apply. Many thanks for your inputs and advices.

You have superb extracurriculars (no kidding! ), and you'll make a great applicant. However, the caveat is that b/c of the bulk of applications received by schools, your current GPA and MCAT might get you shafted out of the competition (especially at the UCs). You can't do much for your GPA, but I strongly advise you to retake the MCAT and aim for a 35 (since you're getting 33s on practice ones anyway). W/ such a score, you'll definitely get reviewed and interviewed and accepted into medical school!

Through my own personal experiences and collective experiences from others (friends, SDNers, etc.), I have discovered two main reasons people don't pass the initial screening w/ the first being low or mediocre GPA and MCAT. They will simply shelve your application if that's the case w/o looking at anything else. The second reason being that the applicant passed muster w/ GPA and MCAT but missed out on the extracurriculars during and outside of college (sentence fragment). These people also get shelved.

It's a sad fact that everything's about the numbers these days, but it's a fact we cannot change. We must adapt to the system.

 

[sushichopstickz]

Would you say that my chances with a 30R (10,10,10) be very slim for getting into medical school? I would love to apply in this next cycle, but if I'm not going to get in anywhere then I would strongly consider studying for the MCAT again. Right now, I plan on using my time over winter break to write my personal statement. Thank you.

 

[DescentFan]

Would you say that my chances with a 30R (10,10,10) be very slim for getting into medical school? I would love to apply in this next cycle, but if I'm not going to get in anywhere then I would strongly consider studying for the MCAT again. Right now, I plan on using my time over winter break to write my personal statement. Thank you.

Writing your personal statement beforehand is a smart thing to do, IMHO. I wish I did that beforehand...

I'd strongly advise you to retake the MCAT. You have potential (based on your practice MCAT scores) to do better than a 30R. Having a higher MCAT will put you ahead of the competition instead of getting you shafted. I myself have a 32R (V10 P10 B12 R) and I'm getting shelved at everywhere but my two state schools (New Jersey) and Drexel University. I'm still pending in terms of acceptance, but if I don't get accepted this cycle, the MCAT will be the first thing I'll be targeting.

 

[sushichopstickz]

many thanks. MD programs why are so hard to fellow SNDers!!!?!?! haha, argh. I wish I had the trump card A) higher MCAT or B) URM to play with. Oh well.

 

[TengoGanas17]

Hey everyone,

New to SDN but wanted to share my story, and if I could get a few responses I'd be very grateful.

Went to a top 15 Undergrad, Spanish Major, Writing Minor.

MCAT 29 if you take the best and 27 if you take my most recent ( I know it's a low point ).
GPA: 3.55

Currently rejected from Case, Mich, Cornell (just figured I'd apply to these for the fun of it).

On Hold at GW since 9/28. Still waiting on: ohio schools, tulane, nymc, drexel, albany, mt. sinai (i know no chance), and a good bunch of others.

Ohio resident and would love love love any ohio love (applied to all ohio schools and was complete at them very early --like end july beg. august and about a month ago was complete at OU osteopathic).

Complete at most schools around 8/1 and around five were complete around mid september.
Still haven't gotten an interview or heard anything from the remaining 20...and currently feeling a little doubtful that it will work out for me this cycle.

Have some decent stuff otherwise:

Spending the year abroad in Madrid on a grant from the Spanish government to teach English
Student Council class rep 1 year, class VP 1 yr, exec VP 1 year
3 years of cooking for a homeless shelter which inc. leadership positions
Business Editor of Literary Magazine for 2 yrs
Medically interpreted Spanish at hospital for a yr
Consistently worked at least 10hrs/week at hillel for first 3 years, got another job and worked 15 hrs a week senior year
Shadowed an Endocrinologist for a semester
Tutored Orgo, Spanish, and study consulted throughout college
Summers spent workin 35 hrs a week in a restaurant, another as an RA, another workin 80 hrs/week in 2 restaurants
Hebrew first language
Been told my Personal statement is top notch by writing place and pre-med advisor
How I think recs came out from the impressions I got from my teachers: orgo (good), bio (okay-good), writing (excellent), dean of student life ( excellent).

Should I consider retaking mcat when I get back from abroad and try again? Feelin' a little discouraged....

 

[DescentFan]

If you don't get into a medical school this cycle, then I'd consider retaking the MCAT again. Many schools use GPA and MCAT as the only two factors during the initial screening, so if your GPA and MCAT don't meet their expectations, they probably wouldn't take another look at your application Looking through an application thoroughly is a time consuming task on their part, especially when they have tons and tons of other applications coming through the window.

 

[frankenpootie]

Cumulative GPA: 3.1 (i still have a 1.5 years of undergrad left)
science GPA: 2.7 (I still have physics and calculus)
Major: History
Minor: chemistry
Looking to get into an MD school. Any MD school.

 

[DescentFan]

Cumulative GPA: 3.1 (i still have a 1.5 years of undergrad left)
science GPA: 2.7 (I still have physics and calculus)
Major: History
Minor: chemistry
Looking to get into an MD school. Any MD school.

GPA is a bit on the low end of competitiveness. Have you taken the MCAT? If so, what are your scores?

 

[frankenpootie]

no...I'm not sure when I should take it. I had everything planned out and then I transferred schools and everything got screwed up. I was thinking about taking the a practice MCAT over the break but I'm not sure my score would be accurate since I haven't taken physics or calculus. I know my GPA is very low but hopefully I'll be able to pull it up to about a 3.2 (science) and 3.4 (cumulative).

 

[Begaster]

I'm a Canadian student:

GPA - 3.75 cumulative, no idea what my BCPM is but probably fairly close. Definite upwards trend (3.65 --> 3.75 --> 3.85. Trying to hit a 3.9+ for this year).
MCAT - 36S (13/12/11 PS/VR/BS)

Two summers of internship at a large widget-manufacturing company.
Two and a half years of research at one lab (on-going), a year at another (on-going). Some scut-work observatory research.
Starting to work for the Princeton Review come April.

Currently volunteering at a hospice (since August).
Have volunteered:
Tutoring disadvantaged high school kids
Leading tours at an observatory
University newspaper

As a Canadian, where would it be worthwhile for me to apply next year? What would strengthen my application at this point? Already applied to Canadian schools this year, but I'm looking for some information to apply broadly next year if I don't get in and have to do a victory lap.

 

[ilcielo]

How do I stand guys? NC resident with a major in biology, second semester junior yet to take the MCAT. I have been studying it hard though and have been doing well like 34-5ish on practice exams. I plan on taking it in April, so I have a good four months of studying left.

overall GPA 3.5

science GPA 3.3

MCAT haven't taken yet will take in April

EC
150 hours adult ED volunteer at two different hospitals
150 hours ENT clinic volunteer with extensive ENT shadowing
150 hours pediatric ED volunteer
200 hours volunteering at a low income clinic in my home city with some primary care/ IM shadowing there
40 hours volunteering in the NICU at a hospital in my home city as well
30-40 hours of shadowing other sorts of doctors including time in the OR

I have a strong interest in primary care with a focus on low income patients. My LORs will be strong from clinical volunteering and shadowing I think.

I am going to apply broadly and early to schools like East Carolina and Wake Forest in NC as well as schools like Wayne State and Albany.

What are my chances at getting in at least somewhere? I always panic about my GPA.

I'm thinking about doing some research senior year also.

 

[Radio8]

Ahem:
Ok, what are my chances? Applying for Fall 2009

Major in Physiology
GPA: 3.57 overall, but a 3.8 or above for the last 3 years. Freshmen year killed me.
BCMP: 3.4-ish (one semester left)
Have not taken MCAT yet. Plan on doing great.

Have worked all my undergrad. career at a municipal water chemistry/microbiology lab. I am now a Water Chemistry Specialist. Work approx 30 hrs/wk.
Came from an impoverished family and first to go to college, let alone apply to med. school.
Have been a volunteer firefighter for 2 years and have my EMT cert. Approx. 25 hrs/wk.
Very strong letters of rec. (one from my Asst. Chief, one from the lead microbiologists at work, 2 from profs.) and have a strong committee letter.

Want to apply to Colorado and some California schools.

Any idea? Give it to me straight!
Thx

 

[DescentFan]

How do I stand guys? NC resident with a major in biology, second semester junior yet to take the MCAT. I have been studying it hard though and have been doing well like 34-5ish on practice exams. I plan on taking it in April, so I have a good four months of studying left.

overall GPA 3.5

science GPA 3.3

MCAT haven't taken yet will take in April

EC
150 hours adult ED volunteer at two different hospitals
150 hours ENT clinic volunteer with extensive ENT shadowing
150 hours pediatric ED volunteer
200 hours volunteering at a low income clinic in my home city with some primary care/ IM shadowing there
40 hours volunteering in the NICU at a hospital in my home city as well
30-40 hours of shadowing other sorts of doctors including time in the OR

I have a strong interest in primary care with a focus on low income patients. My LORs will be strong from clinical volunteering and shadowing I think.

I am going to apply broadly and early to schools like East Carolina and Wake Forest in NC as well as schools like Wayne State and Albany.

What are my chances at getting in at least somewhere? I always panic about my GPA.

I'm thinking about doing some research senior year also.

The good: Your ECs are extremely strong, and this will make you a competitive applicant.

The okay: Your overall GPA is borderline average. Your science GPA is a little on the lower end.

The unknown: Your MCAT. If you get around a 33 or higher, your chances of getting into med school are quite high, especially w/ your stellar ECs.

The consensus: Do well on your MCAT. ADCOM people use the GPA and MCAT to determine off the bat whether to continue reading your application. A strong MCAT will offset your average GPA; after you pass muster, your ECs will really make your application shine! Keep up the good work!!

Ahem:
Ok, what are my chances? Applying for Fall 2009

Major in Physiology
GPA: 3.57
BCMP: 3.4-ish (one semester left)
Have not taken MCAT yet. Plan on doing great.

Have worked all my undergrad. career at a municipal water chemistry/microbiology lab. I am now a Water Chemistry Specialist. Work approx 30 hrs/wk.
Have been a volunteer firefighter for 2 years and have my EMT cert. Approx. 25 hrs/wk.
Very strong letters of rec. and have a strong committee letter.

Want to apply to Colorado and some California schools.

Any idea? Give it to me straight!
Thx

The good: You have strong ECs. The volunteer firefighter and EMT positions show your dedication to serve. Make sure you back it up w/ more clinical immersion experiences.

The okay: Your GPA is average and doesn't necessarily make you stand out when the ADCOM people look at your application for the first time.

The unknown: Your MCAT. Get a 33+ and you'll be fine.

The consensus: Do well on your MCAT. ADCOM people use the GPA and MCAT to determine off the bat whether to continue reading your application. A strong MCAT can offset your average GPA and persuade the ADCOM people to review your application further. If that's the case, your application will stand out very well. Keep it up!

 

[DKim0116]

Hi
I'm a junior majoring in biochemistry. my cum.gpa is 3.26 but I will bring that up to some where in ~ 3.5 range by staying 5th yr (taking interesting upper-level courses and doing well in them) then apply to med school upon graduation. I guess I'll be entering 2010~2011 cycle?
I've been landing 34~36 on practice MCATs, planning on taking them soon.
Now for ECs... I'm a certified EMT-B, I've been volunteering for about 5 months now. I will continue to volunteer until the white coat ceremony (hopefully ). By then I will have dedicated approximately 1500+ hrs of volunteering to my community. I also began research in the phamacology dept at my university hospital working with a novel protein involved in Wnt/B-catenin signaling pathway. Also volunteered at ER in university hospital (leave of absence for sometime now.. but will return promptly). Club-wise I have not yet joined the pre-med society in my school. My friends have told me that it's almost like an advisory prerequisite to join one's pre-med society but I just don't feel like it. I'm involved in a "cultural trditional band" (I don't know how else to call it). We play traditional korean instruments, perform in various places/occasions such as the annual korean parade in the city. I'm going to be running for president of the club during my 4th yr. I can get great LORs from professors and asst.dean of my school.
My ethnicity is east asian american (korean), will be 23YO by the time of application. NY state resident. My last name is Kim (yea common... I know haha) and I'll be turning 21 in a few weeks~ YEAHHHHH!!

So... what are my chances of getting into NY schools? b/c I really want to stay near family. I also checked the school websites for specs of matriculants... but they all seem reach for me...

THank you!!!

 

[DescentFan]

Hi
I'm a junior majoring in biochemistry. my cum.gpa is 3.26 but I will bring that up to some where in ~ 3.5 range by staying 5th yr (taking interesting upper-level courses and doing well in them) then apply to med school upon graduation. I guess I'll be entering 2010~2011 cycle?
I've been landing 34~36 on practice MCATs, planning on taking them soon.
Now for ECs... I'm a certified EMT-B, I've been volunteering for about 5 months now. I will continue to volunteer until the white coat ceremony (hopefully ). By then I will have dedicated approximately 1500+ hrs of volunteering to my community. I also began research in the phamacology dept at my university hospital working with a novel protein involved in Wnt/B-catenin signaling pathway. Also volunteered at ER in university hospital (leave of absence for sometime now.. but will return promptly). Club-wise I have not yet joined the pre-med society in my school. My friends have told me that it's almost like an advisory prerequisite to join one's pre-med society but I just don't feel like it. I'm involved in a "cultural trditional band" (I don't know how else to call it). We play traditional korean instruments, perform in various places/occasions such as the annual korean parade in the city. I'm going to be running for president of the club during my 4th yr. I can get great LORs from professors and asst.dean of my school.
My ethnicity is east asian american (korean), will be 23YO by the time of application. NY state resident. My last name is Kim (yea common... I know haha) and I'll be turning 21 in a few weeks~ YEAHHHHH!!

So... what are my chances of getting into NY schools? b/c I really want to stay near family. I also checked the school websites for specs of matriculants... but they all seem reach for me...

THank you!!!

안녕 김씨,

영어로 쓰기 - - - You have cool extracurriculars, a nice blend of research, volunteering, and stuff you do for fun. However, your GPA is a little on the lower end; staying that extra year is helpful if only it boosts your GPA (it might also help your research if you're looking to publish). Your MCAT practice test streak is amazing; keep it up b/c a high MCAT will offset your GPA nicely (in my opinion, the main purpose for GPA and MCAT is to get the ADCOM people to finish reading your application). Also make sure you return to volunteering soon, as this is crucial to any pre-med student's application.

BTW, do you play the 금 or the Korean violin?! If so, I'd admit you into my medical school if I were an ADCOM officer - - - - or worked for the admissions dept of a med school...

 

[DKim0116]

hahahahah boy am I glad to come across another 한국사람 in this forum.
만나서 반갑습니다.

the 금 is expensive... so only the "elite" 선배's get to play them. I'm more active in the 풍물패 group if you're familiar with it. you know... the 꽹과리, 북, 장구, 징 etc. I play the 북 & 장구. I gotta admit... I'm really glad that I joined the group/club because after the days of hard core studying, every mondays & wednesdays I get to let ALL MY STRESS OUT playing the instruments. The more I play the more I become fascinated by it. Now I just can't wait to play another 가락. Every week I'm waiting anxiously for the two days. I'm proud to claim that I'm an addict. hahaha

The beats, the rhythms... it's absolutely amazing, captivating, exciting, and rejuvenating.
It's far better than any recreational drugs out there I tell ya

 

[neiborino]

Hi all,

Looking for some feedback on my chances of getting into a mid to top tier school:

Major: Chemical engineering, bioengineering option, minor in biochemistry

GPA: 3.4, planning on passing a 3.5 by the summer

MCAT: 36Q (14 PS, 11 BS, 11 VR)

I've done about three years of tissue engineering research, working on a senior thesis right now, and will hopefully have a second author paper submitted by the summer.

I am the vice president of an engineering honors society, I volunteer at safehouse, a shelter for battered women, and I have done lots of outreach and tutoring for middle and high school students as well as some volunteer work with girl scouts. I spent two months volunteering on an ambulance in Israel, and some time working with families of children that were injured in suicide attacks. I've also shadowed a few doctors, but don't have a lot of clinical experience.

Also, since I have some time until my application, are there any suggestions to improve myself as a candidate? I know I'm a little thin in clinical experience (which I can do something about) and GPA (which I can't do a whole lot about.)

Thanks!!! ^__^

 

[LaCasta]

Is it worth applying with a 3.5 cum, and a 3.4 science gpa for the next cycle?

In my pre-reqs so far, I have gotten:

Bio I: A
Chem I: C
Bio II: B+
Chem II: A
Physics I: A

This past semester I got a 3.8 over 17 credit hours

Bio II 5cr: B+
Chem II 5cr: A
Physics I 4cr: A
Public Speaking 3cr: A

If I get a 4.0 next semester over 18 credit hours with the following classes:

Intro to Evo 3cr
Microbio w/lab 5cr
Organic I 3cr
Physics II 4cr
Intro to Pysch 3cr

would that be enough evidence that I can handle a large workload? I realize that it is not easy to get a 4.0, but I did not put in the maximum effort for this semester, but I feel if I force myself to go to every lecture this semester whether I think I need to or not, and do the same amount of work outside of class I can do it.

I know the C in Chem I does not look good, but that was my first exposure to chemistry, did not take it in high school, I spent the entire summer doing work with a tutor and got the concepts down.

 

[derArzt]

Hey everyone, here it goes:
Applying to schools next year,

haven't taken the MCAT, so we'll leave that alone.
Economics major
NC Resident
GPA: 3.84
Science GPA: 3.85
Course loads usually 16-18 credit hours

ECs: Chair position in Red Cross, Club Tennis, Volunteering at my school's Hospital and will continue to do so, going to do research in genetics next semester, one semester of study abroad, fluent in German, and I have an art portfolio.

Applying to these (possibly, and its a huge range of schools, so let me know if I should chop off any on either end):

UNC-CH
Wake Forest
ECU
UCLA
UCSD
Stanford
Yale
Brown
Penn State
Tufts
Georgetown
Emory
MUSC


Other: Will have good LORs from 'high-profile' people at my university. Also, do you think since I will be doing research under a Stanford PhD will help for that school? I would LOVE to go there, but realistic?

What EC's should I add? I'm hoping that my application looks unique, and I can fully backup all of my decisions (ie. Econ major)

 

[derArzt]

pleease

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Hey everyone, here it goes:
Applying to schools next year,

haven't taken the MCAT, so we'll leave that alone.
Economics major
NC Resident
GPA: 3.84
Science GPA: 3.85
Course loads usually 16-18 credit hours

ECs: Chair position in Red Cross, Club Tennis, Volunteering at my school's Hospital and will continue to do so, going to do research in genetics next semester, one semester of study abroad, fluent in German, and I have an art portfolio.

Applying to these (possibly, and its a huge range of schools, so let me know if I should chop off any on either end):

UNC-CH
Wake Forest
ECU
UCLA
UCSD
Stanford
Yale
Brown
Penn State
Tufts
Georgetown
Emory
MUSC


Other: Will have good LORs from 'high-profile' people at my university. Also, do you think since I will be doing research under a Stanford PhD will help for that school? I would LOVE to go there, but realistic?

What EC's should I add? I'm hoping that my application looks unique, and I can fully backup all of my decisions (ie. Econ major)

If I were you I would drop MUSC and probably Brown too. Your ECS are good no need to worry about them, your GPA is also good, and I like your list of schools some reaches but not too many. YOu have it figured out. GOod luck

 

[lgy22]

I've been complete at all my schools since October... still no interviews, two rejections.

would really appreciate any comments on my MD app. thanks!

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=9618

 

[happyandswell]

Hey everyone! New to SDN, need some help choosing schools, applying in june.

MCAT: 37M (PS12 B13 V12)
Science GPA: 3.6ish (I think)
Overall GPA: 3.7ish
CA resident

ECs:
-Multicultural dance group-performs, travels, and does community service weekly
-Peer mentor in Leadership conference
-hepatitis C research (hoping to publish before I apply)
-EMT-B volunteered about 50 hrs
-Bio tutor as job
-section leader in symphonic band and orchestra
-professional voice actress/musician-done commercials for lexus, napster, etc.
-In a band-won song of the year at battle of bands at my UC
-Have 100+ hrs at free medical clinic volunteering

Good LORs (research, science prof., dance group director...etc)

My top schools:
keck
stanford
all the UCs (except irvine-where I did undergrad...pretty sick of the city)
BU
Harvard
Johns Hopkins (does anyone know how strict they are on the humanities req.? I have 21 semester hrs.)
Einstein
Columbia
Cornell
Sinai
NYU
Oregon

The maybe's(I need some help deciding here):
Illinois schools
Pennsylvania schools
Wake Forest or Duke?
Virginia Schools?

Unfortunately, location is pretty important. My husband works in advertising, we need to be semi-close to NY or CA. Also, not sure which illinois, penn, and virginia schools I should apply to. I want some back-up schools...but not too many cuz of the money.
Thanks so much for all your help!!!

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Hey everyone! New to SDN, need some help choosing schools, applying in june.

MCAT: 37M (PS12 B13 V12)
Science GPA: 3.6ish (I think)
Overall GPA: 3.7ish
CA resident

ECs:
-Multicultural dance group-performs, travels, and does community service weekly
-Peer mentor in Leadership conference
-hepatitis C research (hoping to publish before I apply)
-EMT-B volunteered about 50 hrs
-Bio tutor as job
-section leader in symphonic band and orchestra
-professional voice actress/musician-done commercials for lexus, napster, etc.
-In a band-won song of the year at battle of bands at my UC
-Have 100+ hrs at free medical clinic volunteering

Good LORs (research, science prof., dance group director...etc)

My top schools:
keck
stanford
all the UCs (except irvine-where I did undergrad...pretty sick of the city)
BU
Harvard
Johns Hopkins (does anyone know how strict they are on the humanities req.? I have 21 semester hrs.)
Einstein
Columbia
Cornell
Sinai
NYU
Oregon

The maybe's(I need some help deciding here):
Illinois schools
Pennsylvania schools
Wake Forest or Duke?
Virginia Schools?

Unfortunately, location is pretty important. My husband works in advertising, we need to be semi-close to NY or CA. Also, not sure which illinois, penn, and virginia schools I should apply to. I want some back-up schools...but not too many cuz of the money.
Thanks so much for all your help!!!

Good MCAT, average GPA, and average ECS, I think you have an OK shot for one of your top schools, I would probably not apply to WFU or DUKE if you want to be close to NY, and apply to a couple of Virginia schools and probably throw in Georgetown and George Washington.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Hi all,

Looking for some feedback on my chances of getting into a mid to top tier school:

Major: Chemical engineering, bioengineering option, minor in biochemistry

GPA: 3.4, planning on passing a 3.5 by the summer

MCAT: 36Q (14 PS, 11 BS, 11 VR)

I've done about three years of tissue engineering research, working on a senior thesis right now, and will hopefully have a second author paper submitted by the summer.

I am the vice president of an engineering honors society, I volunteer at safehouse, a shelter for battered women, and I have done lots of outreach and tutoring for middle and high school students as well as some volunteer work with girl scouts. I spent two months volunteering on an ambulance in Israel, and some time working with families of children that were injured in suicide attacks. I've also shadowed a few doctors, but don't have a lot of clinical experience.

Also, since I have some time until my application, are there any suggestions to improve myself as a candidate? I know I'm a little thin in clinical experience (which I can do something about) and GPA (which I can't do a whole lot about.)

Thanks!!! ^__^

Definitely work on the clinical aspect of your application. THe rest is good to great, with the exception of your GPA. But a 3.5 wont hold you back too much. I would apply to probably to 15 schools. All of your state schools, 3 top schools, and the rest private schools or schools that accept a large number of OOSers. Just make sure you apply wisely and i think you are in good position.

 

[neiborino]

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[BigMDT]

Hey everyone! New to SDN, need some help choosing schools, applying in june.

MCAT: 37M (PS12 B13 V12)
Science GPA: 3.6ish (I think)
Overall GPA: 3.7ish
CA resident

ECs:
-Multicultural dance group-performs, travels, and does community service weekly
-Peer mentor in Leadership conference
-hepatitis C research (hoping to publish before I apply)
-EMT-B volunteered about 50 hrs
-Bio tutor as job
-section leader in symphonic band and orchestra
-professional voice actress/musician-done commercials for lexus, napster, etc.
-In a band-won song of the year at battle of bands at my UC
-Have 100+ hrs at free medical clinic volunteering

Good LORs (research, science prof., dance group director...etc)

My top schools:
keck
stanford
all the UCs (except irvine-where I did undergrad...pretty sick of the city)
BU
Harvard
Johns Hopkins (does anyone know how strict they are on the humanities req.? I have 21 semester hrs.)
Einstein
Columbia
Cornell
Sinai
NYU
Oregon

The maybe's(I need some help deciding here):
Illinois schools
Pennsylvania schools
Wake Forest or Duke?
Virginia Schools?

Unfortunately, location is pretty important. My husband works in advertising, we need to be semi-close to NY or CA. Also, not sure which illinois, penn, and virginia schools I should apply to. I want some back-up schools...but not too many cuz of the money.
Thanks so much for all your help!!!

your app is very much like mine. im doing fairly well. raise your gpa a bit.

 

[happyandswell]

Good MCAT, average GPA, and average ECS, I think you have an OK shot for one of your top schools, I would probably not apply to WFU or DUKE if you want to be close to NY, and apply to a couple of Virginia schools and probably throw in Georgetown and George Washington.

Awesome, thanks for the advice!

 

[happyandswell]

your app is very much like mine. im doing fairly well. raise your gpa a bit.

Are you applying right now? doing interviews? Where to?

 

[jerew]

Degree: Applied and Engineering Physics
School: Cornell University
GPA: 3.8 overall
MCAT: 35P (13 PS, 11 VR, 11 B)


EC:
- 200 hrs Clinical/Hospital Volunteering. Some job shadowing as well
- 4 year Cornell Tradition Fellow (award that requires 75 hrs/year volunteering + 250 paid work)
- Many odd jobs in early years (grocery, factory, office) <-- (from small town...)
- TA for Nanoscience class

Research:
-6 semesters nano research (2 publications nano fiber in beginning and blood work later on)
- One year research job
- Summer at Columbia doing physics research in Radiation Oncology off-site lab.

Letters of Recommendation: Strong

Schools that I want to go to (MN Resident):

Columbia (1 letter writer)
Cornell
JHU
Minnesota
Washington
Mayo
Iowa
others...

Notes:
I decided a little late in the game that I wanted to do medicine, but I dove in pretty heavily (junior year). Taking a year off to do research, probably in interface between nanotechnology and medicine.

I really appreciate a look over my case. I'm new to posting on SDN, although I've read many posts. Thanks!

 

[xlr8]

Applying early this summer:

MCAT: 12 P, 8 V, 12 B, (32P)
Science GPA: 4.0
Overall GPA: 4.0

ECs
~120 hrs volunteering childrens hospital
~80 hrs shadowing ped. neurologist
~1.5 years research, presentation, starting a paper
~Club positions, peer counselor, etc.

Pretty sure my LORs will be good


So far the out of state schools I am considering are:

Penn State
NYCOM
Rosalind Franklin
Temple
Wake Forest
St Louis University
Georgetown
Tulane
Emory? (I think I'd get screened out b/c of verbal)
St Louis University
Albany Medical College
GWU
Drexel
Jefferson Medical
UVirginia
Medical College of Wisconsin

Reach:
Boston University
Tufts
Dartmouth
Mayo
NYU
Ohio State
Vanderbilt
Mt. Sinai

My 8 in verbal seems to be limiting my app. Any advice on my out of state/reach schools (such as which to maybe add/remove) would be much appreciated. This is my first draft of schools so I'll probably be removing some/many later. Any any input is welcome.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Looks good to me, luckily you have alot of state schools. I think you'll be fine.

 

[Evenstreet]

I've been reading about how apps get immediately shelved when a certain area is below their standards. I'm concerned about this because my GPA is low, but I have two strong recommendations from professors at UCB. What can I expect?
Cumulative GPA: 2.9
MCAT: 38

 

[justme456]

I've been reading about how apps get immediately shelved when a certain area is below their standards. I'm concerned about this because my GPA is low, but I have two strong recommendations from professors at UCB. What can I expect?
Cumulative GPA: 2.9
MCAT: 38

I think you'll get something... your MCAT is pretty good, so that makes up for your gpa

 

[MorieRo]

could you guys please take a moment to comment on my mdapps profile

it has been quite a while since I applied (2-4 months depending on the school) and it seems to me that it is getting late for the interview invitations to go out.

do you think i'll hear from anyone soon given my stats and experience?

thanks a lot for your time.

 

[RoadRunner17]

...

 

[ChubbyChaser]

I would drop Maryland and add RFU and tulane.

 

[hardwork732]

How bad do withdrawals hurt you when applying to medical schools? Does it depend on the class? or is it basically a big "No No" that you should have never made?

I have several withdrawals on my undergraduate transcript. I am getting the feeling that this might be a huge red flag for my application.

Is there anything that I can do to rectify the amount of withdrawals on my transcript?

Will a solid MCAT score over rule these withdrawals when schools look at my application?

Any information would be great!