Chances at med programs?

Pre-Med & Medical School Multiple Degree Programs
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I'm a junior currently and plan on applying to some med programs (Northwestern HPME would be my first choice) next year. I am listing some of my current stats for now, but I realize they are incomplete and I still have a lot to accomplish. I just want your opinions on what I can do to better my chances, as well as any suggestions or comments. Thanks for all your help.</p>

<p>ACT (only taken once):
33 Composite
35 English
33 Math
33 Critical Reading
32 Science</p>

<p>SAT (only taken once):
2220 Composite
800 CR
690 Math
730 English (11 Essay)</p>

<p>I plan on studying for the SAT II Chem and Math II this summer, but I am worried about my math score. It seems I can do pretty well in math as far as the ACT is concerned, but in the PSAT and also numerous SAT practice tests my math is never above 700. Any suggestions, or am i kinda stuck where I am in math? I reviewed a lot for math before this past May sat but my score is still below 700.</p>

<p>Class rank: 1, GPA 4.0</p>

<p>APs:
(not as many as i'd like, my school is a smaller school)
AP US Government
AP Comparative Government</p>

<p>(Have yet to receive scores)</p>

<p>Honors Courses:
American History
World Literature
American Literature
Advanced Chemisty (Inorganic and Organic)
Advanced Grammar
Spanish IV</p>

<p>ECs:
2 years of Wisconsin State Honors Band
7 1st Places at State solo and Ensemble (over past 3 years)
Volunteer at church since freshman year, every monday night for two hours
NYLC
2 years JV cross country (2 years Most improved JV runner)
2 years varsity swimming (Athlete of the month, most improved swimmer)
2 years varsity tennis (2nd place conference individual, conference champions as a team)
Red Cross Certified Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor (3 years)
National Honor Society
Community Concert Band (5 years)</p>

<p>I plan on volunteering at the hospital this summer also.</p>

<p>AP and Honors Courses Next Year:</p>

<p>Honors Anatomy and Physiology
AP Biology
College English
Honors Physics
AP Spanish</p>

<p>Thank you all for your help. Any suggestions would be helpful, along with how to compensate for my generally lower math scores. I'd really like to get accepted into this program, and i realize i have a lot to do. Any advice you guys can give would mean a lot.</p>

<p>(Sorry about reposting this here in addition to the Northwestern HPME thread, but the HPME thread is getting very long - 100+ pages, and i figured this was a more individualized question)</p>

2

<p>You're doing fine and are obviously on the right track. What you need to try to do is pull that Math SAT score up to above a 700 I think or 750 or so. Just do a lot of practice tests and you should be able to get it. What you should start to do this summer is make a list of places you want to apply and programs - you will find a lot from threads here - and then start your applications and essays. Try to get those done with or at least get some work done on them before school starts. You're rank and GPA are looking great for you so make sure you keep that up. </p>

<p>It seems like your top choice is Northwestern HPME and I can't even tell if you'd get in but you look like a strong contestant. Make sure you meet all their requirements to apply as I know certain schools have certain random requirements. For example for the Penn State program you need to have a minimum SAT of 1440 thats Math and Verbal to even apply and for Boston University's program you need to take the SAT2 Chem I believe to even apply.<br>
I can't really predict if you'd get into HPME or not but I will tell you to make sure you apply to a bunch of places. Oh yes, and DEFINITELY definitely at least get some volunteering in. You need at least a little bit of clinical experience. Good luck.</p>

3

<p>thanks for the quick reply ivybound1010.</p>

<p>What tests would you recommend taking/retaking? Right now my biggest problem is not having enough test dates for all the tests i want to take or retake. How do I know when a score is 'good enough' or if i can better it? I mean, anything can be improved but how far should I realistically go?<br>
You can't take an SAT and SAT 2 on the same day, and you can only take up to 3 per day for SAT2. for HPME, they need Math II and chemistry. </p>

<p>Most applications are due by december, and there are only 2 test dates for the SAT before december. (HPME is due dec. 1)</p>

<p>Do most programs allow you to write down test dates that you will be taking the exam on in the future, or do you have to have you scores when you apply?</p>

<p>Because of the lack of test dates, I am worried that I will not have enough chances to get a good score on the SAT 2s. Is it a one time shot from where i'm standing, or can i possibly retake either the SAT or SAT2 on the december 1 and january 26 test dates of 2007-2008?</p>

<p>Like i said earlier, my biggest problem right now is lack of test dates.</p>

<p>If you could give me you suggestions of what to take and when to take that would be great. I really appreciate your help.</p>

4

<p>I don't want to bump the topic, but could you guys give some more advice please? (not that yours wasn't good ivybound1010)</p>

5

<p>regarding whether or not you can take sats after you turn in your app... different schools have different policies about this. It's best if you look at the specific programs website/application or give a call to their admissions office. If my memory serves me right, I believe in most cases it was okay to write on the application that you were going to be taking the exam in december and then have the scores sent immediately after the exam to the schools.</p>

6

<p>thanks for the replies. What would you recommend as a test-taking schedule for when I should take the SAT and SAT IIs? Should I go SAT I first, or do the subject tests first, get the scores back, and see if I should retake?</p>

<p>For the SAT I, i have a 2220 to fall back on, but for the subject tests, i will not have taken anything yet. SHould I go for the SAT IIs get them over with, then see whether or not to retake?</p>

7

<p>yeah take the SAT 2s first. Although it's really tempting to take the SAT 1 again so you can push that score over the brink, in reality, with a score like yours you have just as good a chance as anyone. would a 2300 look better than a 2220? yes. but is the difference enough to make or break your application? no. You're better off nailing down your SAT 2s.</p>