DruBlu

[DruBlu]

Dear Dr. Shelton,

I am trying to develop a list of medical schools to which I want to apply, but I am not sure (a)what to look for in a medical school, and (b)where I would be competitive. I am very impressed by the thoughtfulness of your responses in this thread, and look forward to hearing whatever you may have to say about my situation.

While my MCAT score is 39S (12P/13B/14V), my GPA is ~3.5, both in science and overall. My coursework has been very challenging (Molecular Biology, with minors in Neuroscience and Russian Studies), but my semester marks have been declining over time, from ~3.75 freshman year to ~3.35 now. I go to a top Ivy league institution, but I am not sure how much that will be taken into account when looking at my GPA. I have not volunteered extensively, but rather have been more involved in leading other student organizations (martial arts, singing). I do volunteer in a hospital once a week, but I only started this year. My only other major medically related experience was volunteering full time in a clinic for three weeks over last summer. I am a senior now, and will be spending next year teaching English in Russia.

So, in sum, my major areas of weakness are a lack of consistency in volunteering, and a declining GPA. I have a relatively high MCAT score, a prestigious degree, diverse coursework, colorful extracurriculars, and interesting plans for next year. Do you have any recommendations as to where I should apply, or where I have a good chance of getting in? All I know right now is I want to apply to my in-state school, and perhaps somewhere in Boston (I like the city). Medical school prices also worry me — hence the in-state school.

Any advice on my prospects or pointers on affordable medical schools would be much appreciated! This is a great thread, and it’s easy to see why there are so many responses.

Thanks in advance!

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