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Viewing 13 posts - 571 through 583 (of 583 total)
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  • in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32520
    wshelton
    Participant
    Quote:
    Originally posted by browndeo

    Hi Dr. Shelton,

    I am about to graduate from a Top 25 school with a degree in Microbiology. My cum. gpa will end up around 2.53. I have not taken the MCAT. However, I do have excellent ec’s (officer and volunteer for a community health group, worked as a physical therapy aide and in a clinical lab, microbiology research, ROTC, and numerous community volunteer projects). I know my GPA is my achilles heel, but I was wondering what I should do to make myself competitive for college admissions. Since I’ve already taken the pre-reqs are there any particular post-bac schools that would allow me admission? I also looked into SMPs, but my GPA won’t cut it for the schools I looked into. I am also looking into foreign medical schools in the Caribbean and Philippines. What are my chances in these schools and what should I do to make myself I good candidate in these schools.

    Hi and thanks for your question,
    You are right that your GPA would be a barrier to medical school admission. So if you want to go to a U.S. medical school, you will need to find a way to prove you have the ability to do medical school level work. You might check out some of the Master’s in Medical Science programs where students take medical school level courses. I have seen a number of students do well in those programs, and afterwards go on to medical school. Regarding foreign medical schools, honestly I am not so familiar with their admission requirements, but I would recommend that you check out the schools thoroughly if go that route.
    And another option is just to take a year off to work and explore your options. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.
    Yours,
    Dr. Shelton
    Senior Consultant
    Admissions Consultants

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32501
    wshelton
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by honze55

    Quote:
    Originally posted by wshelton

    Quote:
    Originally posted by honze55

    Hello Experts!

    I am looking for specific information or personal experiences on how important the prestige of the University that you receive your Undergraduate degree from is in the medical school admissions process. Here is my specific situation.

    I am currently at a Junior college, aspiring to become a doctor. I’ve taken all my lower division perquisites got Biology and am ready to go on and transfer to a University here in California. My grades are descent, but not great (3.4GPA). I want to know how important is it to go into the California UC system, or if the Cal State system will be sufficient for Medical school admissions.

    I do not have the grades to get into a top UC, probably only UC Riverside, but I can get into almost any Cal State school. I was wondering how much admissions weights the school you graduate from.

    I do not aspire to go to a TOP medical school, really anyone will do as long as I can become a certified MD.

    I think I will get a better education and will have a better time at a less demanding Cal State school (CSU Northridge), but my parents are pushing for me to go to a UC (again Riverside is the only one I would be able to get into because of my grades) because they think that it will greatly improve my chances of getting into a medical school.

    Is this true?

    PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE!!

    Daniel

    Dear Daniel,
    Thank you for your inquiry. Regardless of whether you choose UC-Riverside or Cal State Northridge, based on my experience you should be in a competitive position for admission to medical school if you can keep your GPA at 3.4 or above in your last two years. I have seen students from Cal State with good academic records, and other strong qualifications such as strong MCATS, gain admission to Albany Medical College. You have to decide for yourself which school best fits your needs and interests.
    Good luck,
    Dr Shelton

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885


    Thanks! one last question. Say I was able to get into a higher level UC, such as UC-Irvine, or Davis. Would a drgree from Irvine or Davis look THAT much more impressive then one from a Cal State such as CSUN?

    I am confused on how much the asmissions board weighs the undergrad school.

    Thanks.
    Daniel

    Daniel

    Dear Daniel,
    Assuming all other factors are equal, such as grades, MCATS, letters of support, experience, etc., school ranking might make a difference in some cases. So it is possible that a UC school may make you more competitive than a Cal State school, especially if you are applying to the elite medical schools. There are many factors involved in gaining acceptance into medical school, and not the least of which is submitting an application that is put together meticulously and that presents your qualifications in the best possible light. Let me know if I can help further.
    Best,
    Dr Shelton, PhD
    Senior Consultant
    Admissions Consultants, Inc.

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32491
    wshelton
    Participant
    Quote:
    Originally posted by bdfhawk

    Hey!

    I had a question about the math/science gpa requirements… I’m guessing they are pretty much the same for all schools? Do the math requirements count trigonometry, biostatistics, or even financial accounting? Or is it more advanced math classes only, such as calculus?

    Thanks!

    MB

    Hi MB,
    Glad to answer your questions. In my experience there is no hard and fast GPA required for math and science. As a rule of thumb I would say that if the science GPA is below 3.4 there has to be other compensating factors, such as high MCAT scores and strong letters of support. And as far as what courses count as math requirements, medical schools usually require one year of calculus as a minimum, but they would likely be impressed by good grades in challenging, advanced courses in any math related field. Hope this helps.
    Best wishes,
    Dr. Shelton
    Senior Consultant
    Admissions Consultants, Inc.

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32485
    wshelton
    Participant
    Quote:
    Originally posted by netsil

    Hi Admission Consultants,
    I am trying to get into a post-bac pre-med program next year. My biggest question now is whether or not to take the GRE before applying to the program.

    Back in the high school years, I scored between 450 and 510 on the verbal part of the SATs. According to Tufts’ website, I should take the GRE before applying to its post-bac program if I believe my test scores are not “indicative of [my] academic ability”. However a Columbia admissions representative advised me NOT to go through the trouble of taking the GRE. The rationale was that my relatively strong college work (I graduated with the highest honor) was more relevant to the post-bac application process.

    I don’t mind sitting for the test. I know I will do much better this time around. I just don’t know who to listen to, so I am asking for the third opinion from you. Should I take the GRE anyway because I don’t believe the SAT Verbals I took in high school six years ago provides a true assessment of my verbal reasoning skills now? Or should I just stop worrying about taking the test (I am working full-time after all) and count on my college work and hospital volunteer experience to get me into a good post-bac program?

    Thank you very much.

    S.

    Dear S.

    Thanks for sharing your question with us. It sounds like you have some good options regardless of what you decide to do. It’s hard to know just how much of a difference an improved verbal score will make, but given that you seem confident that you will improve your score, I would suggest to you that you strongly consider taking the GRE’s again. If you are right and you in fact get a better score, you may end up with more programs from which to choose.

    Good luck,

    Dr Shelton
    Senior Consultant
    Admissions Consultants, Inc.

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32480
    wshelton
    Participant
    Quote:
    Originally posted by disorder

    Hi Admissions Consultants,

    I am trying to figure out when to apply to medical school.

    I am currently a senior at UCDavis and am in my second to last quarter. I have yet to take my MCAT, but my diagnostics should put me around a 31-32 area. My cumulative GPA is currently 3.93, and I look to graduate with no B’s. I have garnered 3 scholarships since I have been in Davis, one being the Regent Scholarship.

    I have 3 summers worth of research experience, two at a local Biotech firm (emphasis in microbiology research) and one in oncology research at the UCDMC. I will have over 100 hours of volunteer service at the UCDMC in the pediatrics department by the time I graduate. Besides the volunteer work, I am actively involved in a couple clubs and was president of one.

    I have a passion for Pediatrics and/or Oncology.

    I realize my MCAT score isn’t the most desired, but I haven’t put my full efforts into the MCAT yet. I am having difficulty managing school/interning and studying for the MCAT simultaneously, and wish to wait and study when I am out of school.

    So, should I try and take my MCAT and April and study as much as possible with the risk of getting a low MCAT score, or should I hold off and take my MCATS in about a year in hopes of scoring much higher (I think I can at least raise my score to a 35 in a year)? Currently, UCSF is my top choice.

    Thanks for the advice,
    Darrin

    Dear Darrin,
    Thanks for your question. Overall, you seem to have some very sound qualifications for medical school. The question of when you should take the MCAT exams is a judgment call. Assuming you have enough time to prepare, it certainly wouldn’t be unreasonable, as far as I can see, for you to take them in April. You may be underestimating yourself. And if you don’t get the score you need to get into your top choice, you can retake them. So my bias is for you to give it your best shot in April.
    Good luck,
    Dr Shelton

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32479
    wshelton
    Participant
    Quote:
    Originally posted by superwillis

    I’m trying to decide whether or not to take a year off before applying to medical school. I’m currently a Junior at an ivy league, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. My GPA is a 3.2 (science = 3.2 also), and it will probably be a 3.3 by application time. I did very poorly in my freshman year, but every year my gpa has been increasing. Last semester I received a 3.7, and have received A’s in most of my high level science courses (organic chem, biochem, cell bio, anatomy, and many bioengineering courses).

    I took the MCAT last summer, received a 36 (V: 9, B: 13, P: 14). I volunteer at the local Children’s hospital, am President of a couple of clubs, and participate in a Dean’s Advisory Board. I have authored 3 research abstracts since senior year of high school, 2 of which I presented at national conferences. I am now working on my first full research paper.

    I really don’t want to take a year off, because I’m not sure what I’d do with the time. Also, at this point, another year wouldn’t bring my GPA up by very much (at most, up to a 3.4). However, if thats what it takes to stand a shot at medical schools then I’ll do it.

    Considering this background, do you think it is worth it for me to apply this year? Or should I wait a year so that my senior grades may bring my GPA up some?

    Thanks for your question. Based on the information you have provided, my sense is that you are in a very competitive position right now if you choose to apply to medical school. In my experience, the committee usually takes into consideration the applicant’s academic progress during each undergraduate year. And it helps that you will graduate from a top school, and that you have very good MCAT scores and a variety of medical related experiences. If you want to apply now, I strongly advise you to go for it!
    Good luck,
    Dr Shelton

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32478
    wshelton
    Participant
    Quote:
    Originally posted by honze55

    Hello Experts!

    I am looking for specific information or personal experiences on how important the prestige of the University that you receive your Undergraduate degree from is in the medical school admissions process. Here is my specific situation.

    I am currently at a Junior college, aspiring to become a doctor. I’ve taken all my lower division perquisites got Biology and am ready to go on and transfer to a University here in California. My grades are descent, but not great (3.4GPA). I want to know how important is it to go into the California UC system, or if the Cal State system will be sufficient for Medical school admissions.

    I do not have the grades to get into a top UC, probably only UC Riverside, but I can get into almost any Cal State school. I was wondering how much admissions weights the school you graduate from.

    I do not aspire to go to a TOP medical school, really anyone will do as long as I can become a certified MD.

    I think I will get a better education and will have a better time at a less demanding Cal State school (CSU Northridge), but my parents are pushing for me to go to a UC (again Riverside is the only one I would be able to get into because of my grades) because they think that it will greatly improve my chances of getting into a medical school.

    Is this true?

    PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE!!

    Daniel

    Dear Daniel,
    Thank you for your inquiry. Regardless of whether you choose UC-Riverside or Cal State Northridge, based on my experience you should be in a competitive position for admission to medical school if you can keep your GPA at 3.4 or above in your last two years. I have seen students from Cal State with good academic records, and other strong qualifications such as strong MCATS, gain admission to Albany Medical College. You have to decide for yourself which school best fits your needs and interests.
    Good luck,
    Dr Shelton

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32462
    wshelton
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by bmuddu234

    Hello, I am currently an undergraduate at Boston Univerity majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Business. My GPA in the past three years has been around a 2.8. I can never figure out exactly why my gpa is so low, becuase I am very focused do all required readings and work and study very hard. I am highly determined my low gpa is because of the intensity of my classes and also becasue of the nature of my major. Anwyays, my question is if I pull a 3.9 or 4.0 next semester, leading to an overall gpa of approximately a 3.3 or 3.4 and get a very high MCAT score, is it still possible for me to be accepted into a US MD program?


    Thanks for your inquiry. Anything is possible. But honestly, I wouldn’t count on a 4.0 next semester if your average for the past three years has been 2.8. You may need more time to figure out why your grades aren’t improving, and there could be any number of reasons for that. You might consider speaking to a guidance counselor at your school about this issue. It could be helpful. Meanwhile, try to get the best grades you can this semester, and why not take the MCAT and see how you do. But enjoy the journey.
    Good luck,
    Dr Shelton

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32461
    wshelton
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by qwerty

    Hi Dr. Shelton I was hoping you could share a little advice.
    I graduated in ’02 with a B.A. and with an absolutely dismal undergrad GPA; 2.2 (poor study habits, bad priorities, and, well, a little immature)

    However, even though I had a very weak science background, since college I’ve been employed by two pharmaceutical companies and I now work in the medical device industry. For the past few years now, the more time I spend in the hopsital, working with surgeons, etc., I’ve been filled with regret, wishing I could do school all over again in the pursuit of med-school. My question is this – I’ve recently learned of the post-bacc ‘route’, with my priorities now in line, if I perform very well in a post-bacc program, would I have a realistic shot at getting into med-school? How do Adcoms view someone w/ a background like mine (poor undergrad GPA, quality work experience, solid post-bacc performance)?

    Any insight would be greatly appreciated as I have the will and determination, but if it would be all for not I may consider exploring some other options. Have you had any experience with someone with my background?

    Thanks. – M


    Dear M,
    Your situation is not unique. People do sometimes come back strong and prove themselves after a mediocre academic record. But whether you are one of them is something you will have to find out in due time. If you are determined to give it a shot, I would suggest that you enroll in an upper level basic science course at a reputable institution, just to see how you perform and, most important, to see how you like it. If you flourish, you might want to consider one of the MS programs in medical science that offers medical school level courses. But I would start with the first step, work hard and see how it goes. Good luck.
    Dr Shelton

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32460
    wshelton
    Participant
    Quote:
    Originally posted by penguin31

    Hello – due to my lack of dedication early on in my academic career, I’m currently sitting with a 2.4 GPA, (3.0 Science GPA) with 48 hours earned/64 hours attempted from Western Kentucky University in KY. The poor grades are due almost entirely to nonattendance of classes. I haven’t yet taken the MCAT.

    At this point, what do I need to do to have a realistic shot at getting into a med school in the US, in terms of GPA efforts, MCAT scores, any volunteer experience that might be helpful, etc.

    Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

    At this point I would suggest something simple: Dedicate yourself to attending class and doing the best work you can do for a year, and see how much your grades improve. If you have decided that your goal is to be a physician, then hopefully you will have the drive to stay focused and succeed. At any rate, at that point you will have a better sense of your chances of going medical school, and whether that is the path you wish to take. I wish you the best.
    Sincerely,
    Dr Shelton

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: Ask AdmissionsConsultants #32459
    wshelton
    Participant
    Quote:
    Originally posted by alabsi88

    Hello Dr. Shelton

    Im currently a Biochem student at Iowa state university with a 3.89 GPA trough nearly 90 credits. Even though have finished all the prereq every school asks for with the exception of biochemistry, i still feel that i have not gotten enough knowledge to make the experience at medical school worth while. this feeling has caused me to pick up interesting graduate level course that i do not have the preq for such as immunology, neuroscience, etc. As a result i expect my grades to suffer, how much of a deal do you think this is? I guess a better question is do you believe if i audit these science classes im better of than getting lets say Bs?
    Thanks for your help,
    Haitham

    Dear Haitham,
    Thanks for your question. One of your sentences is striking: “..i still feel that i have not gotten enough knowledge to make the experience at medical school worth while.” I suggest you listen to you your inner voice. It’s telling you something important. Your interest in taking a more challenging course sounds perfecly reasonable to me. Getting a “B” in an advanced course is not going to significantly affect your chances of medical school one way or another, given your 3.89 GPA, in my opinion.
    Sounds like you’re making some sound decisions.
    Good luck.
    Dr Shelton

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: re: older applicant #32448
    wshelton
    Participant

    Dear Ed,
    If you are determined to go to medical school, I would suggest that you retake the MCAT exam, but only if you really have the the time to fully prepare. Your prior grades and work experiences are positive but my guess is that your previous score of 21 is a barrier. With a score of 30 or more I think it’s possible for your application to be given some consideration.
    Good luck.

    Wayne Shelton, PhD
    Senior Consultant
    Admissions Consultants, Inc.
    wshelton@admissionsconsultants.com

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

    in reply to: master’s degree #32447
    wshelton
    Participant

    Assuming the school from which you received your Master’s in Biotechnology is a reputable institution, my sense is that there are many mid level medical schools that would give you a serious look. You seemed to have made good progress and now have some reasonably solid credentials. If you want to be a physician, my advice is to go for it!
    Good luck.
    Wayne Shelton, PhD
    Senior Consultant
    Admissions Consultants, Inc.
    wshelton@admissionsconsultants.com

    AdmissionsConsultants
    http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/blog.aspx
    703.242.5885

Viewing 13 posts - 571 through 583 (of 583 total)