Ask AdmissionsConsultants

[wshelton]

quote:

---

Originally posted by pb2288

Hello,

I am current a third year student at UC Berkeley, and I am doing a double major in Neurobiology and Psychology. My current cumulative GPA is 3.425, while my science GPA is closer to 3.1. I have been working in various research/clinical research labs for about 3 years now, and am likely to produce a publication this year from one of those labs. I have no clinical/volunteering experience. Let’s say that I get around a 30-33 on my MCATS, what are my chances of getting into med school and what tier of medschools am I looking at as my best shot?

Thanks!

---

Dear Pb2288,
Thanks for your inquiry. To start with, I suggest you give yourself some time–a year or so–to get some experience working directly with patients. This will give you the chance to make sure for yourself that medicine is what you want to do. Also, you may need to take more advanced science courses to get your GPA up in that area. And now, to get to your specific question, a good MCAT score is always helpful. But my sense is that you need more time to attend to two areas I mentioned before you are ready to apply.
Best,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!

[techie222]

What are my chances at a top school with a 34N on the MCAT (14P, 8V, 12B)? My GPA is 3.87

What can I do with the rest of my application to improve my chances?

[jess2011]

Quote:

Originally posted by pb2288

Hello,

I am current a third year student at UC Berkeley, and I am doing a double major in Neurobiology and Psychology. My current cumulative GPA is 3.425, while my science GPA is closer to 3.1. I have been working in various research/clinical research labs for about 3 years now, and am likely to produce a publication this year from one of those labs. I have no clinical/volunteering experience. Let’s say that I get around a 30-33 on my MCATS, what are my chances of getting into med school and what tier of medschools am I looking at as my best shot?

Thanks!
I am in my third year at Northwestern, Evanston, IL and my GPA leaves little to be desired 2.9 and science 3.2 and I took the MCAT and my score was great because I prepared well…39, but should I still try to get into Med school?

[jess2011]

I am in my third year at Northwestern, Evanston, IL and my GPA leaves little to be desired 2.9 and science 3.2 and I took the MCAT and my score was great because I prepared well…39, but should I still try to get into Med school? Oh yeah, my major is Industrial Engineering.

[jmac]

Hello I am new to admissions boards and I am very concerned about my situation. I am an undergraduate biology/pre-med at Loyola University Chicago in my second year. My first year of college I was at community college and transferred to Loyola last year. Since I transferred I am technically at sophmore status even though I am a junior planning to graduate next year, however to do this, I need to fill up my schedules with many science courses. I have already taken 3 pre-med classes and have done very poorly obtaining 2 Cs in orgo 1 and gen chem 1. I am very concerned because I have already done poorly in these two courses and I am undecided about when I should take the MCAT because I really want to do well on it. Also I am lacking extracurriculars because I only have one summer of volunteering at a hospital and have tried desperately to get internships in research with no success. I am seriously thinking about entering a one year masters program after I graduate and also give myself another year to beef up my extracurriculars. Should I do this or should I just earn my bachelors and forget about medicine?

[wshelton]

quote:

---

Originally posted by techie222

What are my chances at a top school with a 34N on the MCAT (14P, 8V, 12B)? My GPA is 3.87

What can I do with the rest of my application to improve my chances?

---

Dear Techie222,
Thanks for your question. Your total MCAT score is good. The 8V may raise a slight concern but the other two science scores are impressive. Your GPA is good too. So you would likely be viewed as someone who is not an academic risk for medical school. The next task is to show you have all of the other qualities necessary to be a good doctor, such as a demonstrated commitment to medicine through volunteer or paid service, other skills and proficiencies outside of science and medicine, interest and experience in research, and so forth. If you need a detailed analysis of your situation and some specific recommendations, please call our office for further assistance.
Good luck,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!

[wshelton]

quote:

---

Originally posted by jess2011

I am in my third year at Northwestern, Evanston, IL and my GPA leaves little to be desired 2.9 and science 3.2 and I took the MCAT and my score was great because I prepared well…39, but should I still try to get into Med school? Oh yeah, my major is Industrial Engineering.

---

Dear Jess2011,
Thanks for your question. Your GPA is a little low generally speaking, but you come out of a demanding major and a very good school. That may be taken into account. And your terrific MCAT may compensate some for the GPA. It is possible you will have to take more basic science courses to demonstrate you can get A’s before you are admitted. Also, you will need to be able to demonstrate you have the other qualities necessary to be a good medical student and doctor. If you need more specific advice and analysis please call our office.
Good luck,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!

[wshelton]

quote:

---

Originally posted by jmac

Hello I am new to admissions boards and I am very concerned about my situation. I am an undergraduate biology/pre-med at Loyola University Chicago in my second year. My first year of college I was at community college and transferred to Loyola last year. Since I transferred I am technically at sophmore status even though I am a junior planning to graduate next year, however to do this, I need to fill up my schedules with many science courses. I have already taken 3 pre-med classes and have done very poorly obtaining 2 Cs in orgo 1 and gen chem 1. I am very concerned because I have already done poorly in these two courses and I am undecided about when I should take the MCAT because I really want to do well on it. Also I am lacking extracurriculars because I only have one summer of volunteering at a hospital and have tried desperately to get internships in research with no success. I am seriously thinking about entering a one year masters program after I graduate and also give myself another year to beef up my extracurriculars. Should I do this or should I just earn my bachelors and forget about medicine?

---

Dear Jmac,
Thanks for contacting us. It’s too early to give up your interest in medicine now. But I would suggest planning on a long process that may take you into medicine but also may lead you to another interesting career. I would continue and complete your UG program and try to figure out how to be a better student. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I wouldn’t worry about the EC’s etc until the grades start in improving. Hang in there.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!

[Miodoll]

Dear Dr. Shelton,

I’ve been having a growing concern. I’m in my sophmore year in college and I’ve had a really rough time. In my first semester of school I had a 4.0 GPA. I then decided I wanted to prepare for medical school, and then my sister and niece were murdered. Ever since then I have had such a hard time getting back into school. I’m supposed to be in my junior year, but I’m only finishing up my second year. The first semester I went back I didn’t do well. I went from straight A’s to not finishing my classes. My GPA went on a slow decline (It’s at a 2.4). I’m scared that my withdrawals and my bad semester after my sister and niece died is going to not look good on my medical school application. Do you think I still have a chance and under what conditions? How could I show them that I’m serious about medical school? Thank you in advance for your help!

[wshelton]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Miodoll

Dear Dr. Shelton,

I’ve been having a growing concern. I’m in my sophmore year in college and I’ve had a really rough time. In my first semester of school I had a 4.0 GPA. I then decided I wanted to prepare for medical school, and then my sister and niece were murdered. Ever since then I have had such a hard time getting back into school. I’m supposed to be in my junior year, but I’m only finishing up my second year. The first semester I went back I didn’t do well. I went from straight A’s to not finishing my classes. My GPA went on a slow decline (It’s at a 2.4). I’m scared that my withdrawals and my bad semester after my sister and niece died is going to not look good on my medical school application. Do you think I still have a chance and under what conditions? How could I show them that I’m serious about medical school? Thank you in advance for your help!

---

Dear Miodoll,
Thanks for contacting us. I’m so sorry to hear about the tragic events that occurred in your life. You obviously are a very good student if you got a 4.0 your first semester. So your problem is not a lack of academic ability. I would suggest you talk to your school counselors and or some other service. I think this could help you immensely in developing to better coping strategies to deal with your losses. I hope it helps.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!

[MedLaw]

Is it possible?

I am a Second year law student and wish to enter a post-bacc program upon graduation in the hope of entering Medical school upon completion of the program.

I was a philosophy major at a well respected school for philosophy (one of only three schools who have an actual “School of Philosophy”), and graduated with a 3.67 with extensive extra-curriculars (working with handicapped and disadvantaged people in the DC area, all of which arose by the fact that I was in Catholic Seminary for four years, as well as a summer of volunteering at a local hospital, nursing home, and psychiatric rehabilitation center).

After making the decision not to pursue the priesthood I had to make a decision as to my education and with a Philosophy degree and no science background I felt that the best decision was to attend law school with the intention of later completing pre-requisites and applying to medical school (plan was to be a practicing physician with major involvement in Health care policy and law) .

I am currently in the top 10% of my law school class and am a member of multiple health law and policy groups. I have been working at a medical malpractice DEFENSE firm (emphasis necessary!) for the past year and will most likely continue to do so until graduation.

I am planning on taking the GRE this summer in preparation for applying to multiple Post-Bacc programs.

Am I even a viable candidate or are AdComs going to be suspicious of a J.D. applying for medical school?

Thank you so much for your time!

Is there a website where I can get more information about your consultation service?

[wshelton]

quote:

---

Originally posted by MedLaw

Is it possible?

I am a Second year law student and wish to enter a post-bacc program upon graduation in the hope of entering Medical school upon completion of the program.

I was a philosophy major at a well respected school for philosophy (one of only three schools who have an actual “School of Philosophy”), and graduated with a 3.67 with extensive extra-curriculars (working with handicapped and disadvantaged people in the DC area, all of which arose by the fact that I was in Catholic Seminary for four years, as well as a summer of volunteering at a local hospital, nursing home, and psychiatric rehabilitation center).

After making the decision not to pursue the priesthood I had to make a decision as to my education and with a Philosophy degree and no science background I felt that the best decision was to attend law school with the intention of later completing pre-requisites and applying to medical school (plan was to be a practicing physician with major involvement in Health care policy and law) .

I am currently in the top 10% of my law school class and am a member of multiple health law and policy groups. I have been working at a medical malpractice DEFENSE firm (emphasis necessary!) for the past year and will most likely continue to do so until graduation.

I am planning on taking the GRE this summer in preparation for applying to multiple Post-Bacc programs.

Am I even a viable candidate or are AdComs going to be suspicious of a J.D. applying for medical school?

Thank you so much for your time!

Is there a website where I can get more information about your consultation service?

---

Dear MedLaw,
Thanks for contacting us. If you want to go to medical school, there’s no reason you shouldn’t try. Given the multi-faceted issues pervading medicine these days, and the fact that it is more common for applicants to have multiple degrees, I doubt if there would be an issue with you having a JD. I do think you will have to make sense of your reasons for choosing medicine–that’s the key challenge you will have. To find out more about out consultation service go to our website at http://www.admissionsconsultants.com.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!

[JPF2740]

Dear Admissions Consultants:

I am currently attending Wayne State University in Michigan for my undergrad. I have a 3.97 GPA (4.0 science gpa). I do research in a lab at the Wayne State Medical School, and also clinical research in the E.R. at Detroit Receiving. B.S. in Biology.

I want to go to U of M medical school. Could you please let me know if you have recommendations or suggestions to give me a better chance of getting in?

Or just any advice in general for medical school? I will take my MCAT in a year from now.

[wshelton]

quote:

---

Originally posted by JPF2740

Dear Admissions Consultants:

I am currently attending Wayne State University in Michigan for my undergrad. I have a 3.97 GPA (4.0 science gpa). I do research in a lab at the Wayne State Medical School, and also clinical research in the E.R. at Detroit Receiving. B.S. in Biology.

I want to go to U of M medical school. Could you please let me know if you have recommendations or suggestions to give me a better chance of getting in?

Or just any advice in general for medical school? I will take my MCAT in a year from now.

---

Dear JPF2740,
Thanks for your inquiry. I would suggest you keep doing two things: 1) stay active in volunteer and work experience related to patient care and 2) study, study for the MCATs.
Good luck.

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!

[Ellemnop7685]

Dear Admissions Consultants,

I graduated from law school about 2 years ago and I have decided to attend medical school. I knew before I graduated law school that I didn’t want to practice. So for the past year I have been working at alternative legal jobs. I know going to law school and not practicing will be a red flag for my med school applications. Do you think I should try to practice law for a year so that I can say in my interviews/applications that I did it and I hated it. Or should I just do what I really want to do and that’s to start working full time in a medical clinic. I’m planning to apply in 2 years (the 2011-2012 cycle) and I want to try and bandage any holes in my application.

Thank you in advance!

[Author]

Posts