Where do I go from here? (MCAT Prep,ECs and etc.)

[gph997]

Hello Everyone!!!

I'm a long time reader of SDN, but this is the first time that I am actually posting in a thread! I am currently a sophomore at a top 50 university located in New York. I have actually created my own major through a special program, however I am on the accelerated track to complete my MPH in Global Health by my "senior" year (2019). My main goal is to work as an infectious disease specialist or medical officer at an international health organization.

Here are my current stats:

- DE Resident
- cGPA: 3.89
- sGPA: 3.80 (I still need to take Orgo II, Bio II and Biochem. I have completed all of General Chemistry and Calculus I).
- Major: International Health with a minor in Chemistry
- Ethnicity and Gender: African American Female

Non-Clinical Volunteering:
- Teach health related topics to high school aged students in underfunded schools through PHE (~100 hours)
- Plan fundraisers and informative events for a well known global health organization (~200 hours)
- Volunteer weekly at local soup kitchen and women's shelter (~200 hours)
- Member of public health organization - frequently plan and organize fundraisers (~50 hours)

Work Experience:
- Work as a fashion and beauty journalist, which entails interviewing models and designers, attending NYFW, and etc.

Research:
- Six months spent as a research intern for an infectious disease lab (Publication pending and 1 poster): Ongoing

Other extracurriculars:
- Work as a General Chemistry tutor at school's education center.
- In the process of opening up a chapter of Partners in Health Engage at my campus
- Active member of the local ACT UP chapter

This summer I am flying to Rwanda to intern at a reputable international health organization (for 12 weeks). During my junior year, I'm planning to shadow a local internist and start volunteering at a hospital. I also plan to have finished an additional two poster publications.

I hope to take my MCAT in August of 2018 and apply in June of the following year. I'm aiming to get at least a 508+ but praying for a 515+.

I guess my question is, what else do you all think I should do to increase my chances for acceptance to an MD program?

Thank you so much in advance!

@Goro @LizzyM @WedgeDawg @gyngyn

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[Dr.Sticks]

You are on track to get into Harvard....
Anyways you kill the MCAT keep that GPA and those ECs you probably will have multiple top 20 school acceptances.

 

[gph997]

Thank you so much @Dr.Sticks ! I really appreciate it

 

[gph997]

Also, I was planning to study abroad for the spring semester of my junior year. However, it would cut into my extracurricular activities. Do you think that this would negatively effect my chances? Due to my internship this summer, I'm not too concerned about studying abroad during the academic semester.

Thank you again in advance!

@Goro @gyngyn @WedgeDawg @Dr.Sticks @LizzyM

 

[candbgirl]

I suppose your application could get better I just don't know how. Congratulations on laying out a great path to med school. Slay the MCAT and you'll have schools lined up to admit you. Most likely with nice scholarships in hand.


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[gph997]

Thank you so much for the response @candbgirl ! Do you think it would be unwise to study abroad in my Junior spring if it means cutting into some of my extracurricular activities? The only reason I am planning to go is to study Arabic, as I want to be able to speak at least 3 official UN languages prior to graduation.

 

[candbgirl]

IMO I think it's fine . But I'm not an ADCOM so maybe one of them will come by and answer. You've done a good job.


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[Goro]

Everything looks good, but the major hole in the stellar CV is lack of domestic patient contact experience. Get that and you're golden, if not platinum.

 

[gph997]

Everything looks good, but the major hole in the stellar CV is lack of domestic patient contact experience. Get that and you're golden, if not platinum.

Thank you for the response @Goro ! I will definitely look into some local opportunities that allow me to work directly with patients in the city.

I was wondering if you think that studying abroad in my junior spring would be detrimental to my application? It would cut into some of my extracurriculars, however, it would make it easier for me to learn Arabic (I hope to work in either Sub-Saharan Africa or the Middle East when I graduate. I already know how to speak English, French and a few Akan languages - so Arabic is next on the list).

 

[Goro]

Do what you love and love what you do.

Thank you for the response @Goro ! I will definitely look into some local opportunities that allow me to work directly with patients in the city.

I was wondering if you think that studying abroad in my junior spring would be detrimental to my application? It would cut into some of my extracurriculars, however, it would make it easier for me to learn Arabic (I hope to work in either Sub-Saharan Africa or the Middle East when I graduate. I already know how to speak English, French and a few Akan languages - so Arabic is next on the list).

 

[efle]

It's all about the MCAT for you. Can't advise at all until that is known. A 508 vs 515 vs 520+ completely changes the range of schools you can expect lots of interest from