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[juju24]

Hi- I’m in the same boat as a lot of people here.
I’m a junior in uchicago with a 3.7 cum gpa (haven’t really figured out my science GPA but i believe it’s pretty competitive)

but just the other day mcat scores were released and I did way worse than i had ever expected- i got a 10 in physical, 11 in verbal (both of which were normal) but then i got destroyed in verbal with an 8. I also got an R in the writing section. i’ve been debating on whether or not i should retake the exam because i really do not want to take a year off and i would prefer going to an MD school in the us

SOS!

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by juju24

Hi- I’m in the same boat as a lot of people here.
I’m a junior in uchicago with a 3.7 cum gpa (haven’t really figured out my science GPA but i believe it’s pretty competitive)

but just the other day mcat scores were released and I did way worse than i had ever expected- i got a 10 in physical, 11 in verbal (both of which were normal) but then i got destroyed in verbal with an 8. I also got an R in the writing section. i’ve been debating on whether or not i should retake the exam because i really do not want to take a year off and i would prefer going to an MD school in the us

SOS!

---

Dear Juju24,
Thanks for your question. Obviously there is no easy answer. At this point I think you should follow through with medical school application if you want to. Your MCAT score makes you less competitive but admission may not be out of the question. Is there an in state school where you are a residence? if so obviously that’s your first choice. Finally you might consider retaking the MCAT this spring or summer–but only after taking many practice exams and having good evidence that you are likely to improve your score. So hang in there and let us know if you would like to have a more in depth analysis of your situation.
Best,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[dalmer40]

I was wondering if I still have a chance to get into MD schools, or if I should apply to DO schools.
I have two over all gpa’s and I am not sure which one medical schools will be more interested in. I went to a CC after high school and took classes that didn’t transfer to a 4 year university, and I got all B’s and C’s in those classes. With those classes included my GPA is a 3.37, but without those 5 classes my overall GPA is a 3.53. I took all of the pre-med classes and got a 3.7 (I got sick during finals and failed two bio finals, So I got a B+ and a B- in those classes). I had a 3.27 GPA at my community college, a 3.67 at SDSU, and a 3.85 at cal poly and my GPA in my major is a 3.9, so there is a good upward trend. Also, I have both research and volunteer experience

I haven’t taken the MCAT yet, but I am very confident that I will score in the top 90th percentile. On a practice exam I got an 11 in physical and a 9 in bio, and my over all score was an 26 (you can do the math) and this was before I started studying for one second. I am sure I will be able to raise all my scores with some studying.

how competitive would I be for say UC Davis, USC, UC Irvine, or any other schools?

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by dalmer40

I was wondering if I still have a chance to get into MD schools, or if I should apply to DO schools.
I have two over all gpa’s and I am not sure which one medical schools will be more interested in. I went to a CC after high school and took classes that didn’t transfer to a 4 year university, and I got all B’s and C’s in those classes. With those classes included my GPA is a 3.37, but without those 5 classes my overall GPA is a 3.53. I took all of the pre-med classes and got a 3.7 (I got sick during finals and failed two bio finals, So I got a B+ and a B- in those classes). I had a 3.27 GPA at my community college, a 3.67 at SDSU, and a 3.85 at cal poly and my GPA in my major is a 3.9, so there is a good upward trend. Also, I have both research and volunteer experience

I haven’t taken the MCAT yet, but I am very confident that I will score in the top 90th percentile. On a practice exam I got an 11 in physical and a 9 in bio, and my over all score was an 26 (you can do the math) and this was before I started studying for one second. I am sure I will be able to raise all my scores with some studying.

how competitive would I be for say UC Davis, USC, UC Irvine, or any other schools?

---

Dear Dalmer40,
Thanks for your question. You seem to have some pretty decent grades so it’s very possible you could be competitive for medical school admission, assuming you have a decent MCAT score. Your trend toward higher grades at a more competitive school is a very favorable factor. As far as California MD programs, they are quite competitive so admission there is harder to predict. But if you are flexible and willing to relocate, and also willing to consider both MD and DO programs, your chances are better. Once you have taken your MCAT you might want to consider contacting our company and consider getting help with your application-a well-crafted application with a compelling personal statement will help your cause.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

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[mhmda723]

hi,

i am a junior at tufts university double majoring in international relations and arabic with a minor in economics (gpa 3.48). i became very interested in medicine during my summer internship with the UN in pakistan and decided i really want to go to med school. i took chem 1 and bio 1 to make sure i wanted to continue and got an A in bio but a C in chem. i had planned to finish all the prerequisites within a year and half after graduating, take the MCAT and apply two years after graduation.

I have pretty solid extra curriculars, several years of consistent volunteer work (habitat for humanity, working at a homeless shelter for 2 years, and coaching little league), and have started shadowing physicians.

Basically, I wanted some input about my plan (or lack thereof) and would love any advice – especially considering the bad grade in chem.

Thanks!

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by mhmda723

hi,

i am a junior at tufts university double majoring in international relations and arabic with a minor in economics (gpa 3.48). i became very interested in medicine during my summer internship with the UN in pakistan and decided i really want to go to med school. i took chem 1 and bio 1 to make sure i wanted to continue and got an A in bio but a C in chem. i had planned to finish all the prerequisites within a year and half after graduating, take the MCAT and apply two years after graduation.

I have pretty solid extra curriculars, several years of consistent volunteer work (habitat for humanity, working at a homeless shelter for 2 years, and coaching little league), and have started shadowing physicians.

Basically, I wanted some input about my plan (or lack thereof) and would love any advice – especially considering the bad grade in chem.

Thanks!

---

Dear Mhmda723,
Thanks for your inquiry. I think you are asking for a review of your overall situation. There’s only so much I can say in a forum like this one-mostly just some general pointers. Obviously, complete dedication is crucial–work hard and get the best grades you can and be thinking about MCAT preparation. Also, you will have to show lots strong evidence through your volunteer and work activities of having a genuine and deep interest in medicine. So take it a day at a time and work hard. For a more detailed assessment of your situation, please contact our office and ask for information about having a one hour consultation with one of our expert consultants.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[tempebooth]

Hi, i’m a law student. i’m finishing my foreign law degree with 2,72 GAP. i wanted to change my carreer for medicine in usa. so my question was a post bacc can increase my GPA? or it will be better if i just do a second major? please help i wanna know how can i increase my GAP in 2-3 years of study. i have not take science course yet: physic, math, biology and organic chemistry. doing great in science maybe be enough?
if i need i second major, premed/biology will be the best choise?
can i transfer law credit in premed?
thanks!

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by tempebooth

Hi, i’m a law student. i’m finishing my foreign law degree with 2,72 GAP. i wanted to change my carreer for medicine in usa. so my question was a post bacc can increase my GPA? or it will be better if i just do a second major? please help i wanna know how can i increase my GAP in 2-3 years of study. i have not take science course yet: physic, math, biology and organic chemistry. doing great in science maybe be enough?
if i need i second major, premed/biology will be the best choise?
can i transfer law credit in premed?
thanks!

---

Dear Tempebooth,
Thanks for your question. You will need to complete the medical school prerequisites, either is a post bac or a second major–either will work, and take the MCAT exam, plus have a extensive record of volunteer and work experience in areas related to health care. This will be a long, hard road which will require a considerable commitment.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[tempebooth]

hi again.
i saw that a post bacc in premed is 1 year. but many med school requir to earn a usa bachelor degree to be admited. if i’ve a foreign bacc and a usa post bacc and EMT certificate do i’ve any chance?
a second bacc (2 years) will be counted like a 4 year bacc?
i dont knw what should i do. a post bacc premed or second bacc biology. please help!
thanks!

[wshelton]

quote:

---

Originally posted by tempebooth

hi again.
i saw that a post bacc in premed is 1 year. but many med school requir to earn a usa bachelor degree to be admited. if i’ve a foreign bacc and a usa post bacc and EMT certificate do i’ve any chance?
a second bacc (2 years) will be counted like a 4 year bacc?
i dont knw what should i do. a post bacc premed or second bacc biology. please help!
thanks!

---

Dear Tempebooth,
Thanks for your follow up question. You should contact some Admission’s Offices of medical schools to which you might apply, and ask for clarification. In general I would think you would be better off having a U.S. bachelor’s degree, but either could work. Hope this helps.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[geoffrey]

Hi admission consultants!

I am currently a 5th year student who is finishing up with a 1 year internship requirement for my univ’s public service minor.In the past years, i have taken minimum of 12 units/ qtr full time at a uc and 14units/semester at a CC. My CC gpa is at 3.9 and my uc gpa is at 3.8.

My worry is this 5th year of mine, i am taking 12 units, still full time but 4 units comes from my internship 10 hours per week (at a non profit org, non-science related) for 4 units Pass or No pass, P/NP plus 2 classes for letter totaling 12 units.

Will this weaken my chances of getting in a medical school? If i were to continuously TA for this 5th year plus work in a lab, besides the internship, can this balance this light courseload?

I am really getting depressed with my situation because i cannot change this anymore and i enjoy my minor a lot.

Thank you for any feedback.

geoff

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by geoffrey

Hi admission consultants!

I am currently a 5th year student who is finishing up with a 1 year internship requirement for my univ’s public service minor.In the past years, i have taken minimum of 12 units/ qtr full time at a uc and 14units/semester at a CC. My CC gpa is at 3.9 and my uc gpa is at 3.8.

My worry is this 5th year of mine, i am taking 12 units, still full time but 4 units comes from my internship 10 hours per week (at a non profit org, non-science related) for 4 units Pass or No pass, P/NP plus 2 classes for letter totaling 12 units.

Will this weaken my chances of getting in a medical school? If i were to continuously TA for this 5th year plus work in a lab, besides the internship, can this balance this light courseload?

I am really getting depressed with my situation because i cannot change this anymore and i enjoy my minor a lot.

Thank you for any feedback.

geoff

---

Dear Geoff,
Thanks for your inquiry. I guess I am not clear as to why this extra year will necessarily weaken your chances of medical school admission. There are so many factors that are taken into consideration that I would not worry so much about this one. Do what you want to do, and do it well-that is key. Your science GPA and MCATs will be crucial, along with all of your work and volunteer activities. So work hard and enjoy your year.
Best,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[geoffrey]

Thank you Dr. Shelton for the swift reply.

And sorry for not being clear. I guess my main concern is the course load this 5th year of mine. 2 classes and 1 P/NP internship. all through-out this year.

In general, will a light course load be okay if there is significant extracurriculars at hand as well? or would it be better to just remove one of my extracurriculars, ex lab job, for another class for a letter?

Thank you again!

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by geoffrey

Thank you Dr. Shelton for the swift reply.

And sorry for not being clear. I guess my main concern is the course load this 5th year of mine. 2 classes and 1 P/NP internship. all through-out this year.

In general, will a light course load be okay if there is significant extracurriculars at hand as well? or would it be better to just remove one of my extracurriculars, ex lab job, for another class for a letter?

Thank you again!

---

Dear Geoffrey,
Thanks for your follow up. I think I got your main concern before. My answer is the same. Stay busy with important activities and do the things you feel make you a better medical school applicant.
Best,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[arsh4]

OK so I’m trying to decide what my chances are in getting into Med School. I have two options – the US or the UK really, as I currently live in the UK while my wife works on her PhD.

I graduated in 2010 with a BS in biology and an overall 3.37 GPA (haven’t worked out my science GPA yet) from a US liberal arts university. I’ve got a multiple AS degree in pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, and pre-veterinary. I’ve also worked as an EMT-I for 4 years and have a 4.0GPA from my technical school where I did my certifications and continuing education courses. Essentially, I worked full-time as an EMT-I (often 50+ hours a week) and went to school full-time. I also did 1 year study abroad in a biomedical science program in the UK when my home university didn’t offer enough human biology courses of interest. I now run my own commodities trading/sales company but want to get back into my first interest – medicine and human anatomy.

What are my chances if I get good MCAT results and apply to US schools and resume residency the States?

[Author]

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