<p>Happy Thanks Giving. First of all, I would like to thank those who are taking time to read this post and posting replies on the wall. I appreciate your time.</p>
<p>I have several questions that I want solutions for, which are listed below. My background: State University, Honors scholar, 3.9 GPA / 62.5 Credits, pursuing to major in Biomedical Engineering, Sophomore. Some research background. No volunteering hours yet.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>In order to be accepted to Elite Graduate school - Johns Hopkins, Stanford, Duke.. - for PhD / MD program, what kind of resume, GPA must I have?</p></li>
<li><p>Which College Preparation Exams do I have to take? (GRE, MCAT, TOEFL..) And what is the goal score?</p></li>
<li><p>What would be the best minor that I should pursue to reinforce my resume? I am interested in stem cells, integration of microchips in brains and artificial muscle / organs / tissue. ( Calculus I and II are the only courses I did not earn an A)</p></li>
<li><p>What courses / extracurriculars should I take / do aside from the regular courses required for the major?</p></li>
<li><p>Lastly, in what ways can I make myself 'stand out' from other applicants?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you for your honest posts. I am a student who strives to be successful and I understand that I cannot accomplish everything with my own power. I appreciate your help. </p>
<p>First of all, you need to have some hands on volunteer work…whether it is at a clinic, a children’s shelter, nursing home, whatever. You have to show that you have had hands on experience. You need to take the MCAT Before you apply, and generally a MD PHD applicant will have a high score…maybe 36 or above. I don’t have any data for that…just what I have heard. You don’t need a minor for med school, spend your time on research or volunteering. If you are a sophmore, you need to get going on your ECs. Do you have a pre med advisor at your school? Have you kraken or on the road to taking all your pure med requirements?;</p>
<p>GA2012MOM, thanks for your reply. I hope you are enjoying your break. </p>
<p>Yes, I do agree with the volunteering dilemma - I am currently in a position to apply to some local hospitals to gain experience/knowledge of what work at an hospital will be like. From your reply it seems that I should focus more on the medical side in academics… Is this more accounted for when I apply? </p>
<p>You have to have extensive research if you want to go MD/PhD… my daughter went strait MD and had about 300 hours research. You def need to ramp up your ECs and probably not apply till after graduation. As I stated, do you have a pre med advisor?</p>
<p>I apologize for not answering your question all at once. As of now, I have my personal advisor for academia, but I do not have any pre-med advisor. </p>