Posting for my D:
GPA: 4.0 (UW) and 4.83 (W)
Class Rank: N/A at D’s school
ACT: 35
SAT: 1560
Subject Tests: 770 Bio M, 780 Chemistry, 780 Math II
National Merit Scholar
AP Exams at time of application:
5s on Government, Comp. Sci. Principles, US History, Statistics, BC Calculus, Psychology, English Literature
4 on Spanish
IB Exams at time of application:
6 on Psychology SL, 7 on Spanish SL
Teacher/Counselor Recs: very strong, D’s teachers liked her a lot
Gender: F
Race: ORM
Awards: various awards for both science projects and essay submissions
Major ECs: classical singing and dance, debate (captain in senior year), HOSA (leadership role in senior year)
Volunteering: local hospital and senior center work
Medically related activities: shadowing at a cardiovascular hospital in India, immunology research on an Armed Forces base, local physician/surgery shadowing
Mentoring/Teaching: started a peer mentorship program, tutored for SAT/ACT locally
Applied to the following BS/MD Programs:
BU → Interviewed → ACCEPTED
FAU → Interviewed → ACCEPTED
RPI/AMC → Interviewed → ACCEPTED
VCU → Interviewed → ACCEPTED
TCNJ-NJMS → Interviewed → ACCEPTED
NJIT-NJMS → Interviewed → ACCEPTED
Rutgers-NJMS → Interviewed → ACCEPTED
Drexel → Interviewed → ACCEPTED
UCF → ACCEPTED
Sophie Davis → Interviewed → Waitlisted
Hofstra → Interviewed → Rejected BSMD
Temple-Temple → Interviewed → Rejected BSMD
Case Western → Rejected BSMD
GW-GW → Rejected BSMD
Penn State → Rejected BSMD
SBU-GW → Rejected BSMD
UPitt → Rejected BSMD
University of Oklahoma → Rejected BSMD
Upstate (through Purchase) → Rejected BSMD
REMS → Rejected BSMD
UAB → Rejected BSMD
Stony Brook → Rejected BSMD
Brown → Rejected PLME
DECISION: TCNJ-NJMS
Reflection from D:
This was definitely a really long, drawn-out process. Having worked hard for many years to set myself up to apply to these programs, the first rejections definitely stung. However, it ended up being exciting to get acceptances from schools! A few pieces of advice to anyone planning on applying to BS/MD programs:
- Set yourself up for success EARLY by working hard in classes and creating a good relationship with teachers/mentors. It goes a long way for recs and also just for personal engagement.
- When applying, choose a really broad range of schools, and don’t be afraid to apply to plenty of schools. I was really apprehensive going into this process, having applied to >20 schools total. Although it was quite difficult, more applications = more chances of success. Also, many essays could be easily repurposed.
- Start writing some key essays (eg. common app, why med, why this program) in the summer. It really helps, especially because many BS/MD deadlines are earlier.
- Stay organized. I created an expansive spreadsheet with requirements for each program, pending essays to write, and recommendations to request. Honestly, the hardest part of the process for me wasn’t writing so many essays - it was ensuring that each school received things that weren’t in my control (eg. transcripts, recommendations, SAT/ACT scores, etc.) This sounds like stupid advice, but it’s something I wish I had done earlier on.
- Don’t be afraid to show universities/programs that you have varied interests. For example, I talked about literature and the humanities in many of my interviews, because it’s something I am truly interested in. Also, make sure that you’re up to date with current healthcare topics (eg. insurance or barriers to obtaining care). Only talk about things you’re passionate about.
- Finally, don’t become obsessed with this forum. Although it definitely helped me out and there is definitely valuable advice and information to be shared while applying, steer clear of toxicity. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not enough, or that you’re not fit to be a doctor if you want a life beyond academics. Stick to the universities that best fit YOU and block out all the noise!