<p>So I got my mcat back and it was kinda sucks but anyways
V:9
P:10
B:11
W:R</p>
<p>I have a GPA of 3.8 at the University of Maryland College Park
I work at a library, teach cell biology GSS (which is pretty much TAing a discussion), research internship at UMBI, and taking 16 credits all at the same time. I volunteered at the hospital for 3 years, did shadowing. I didn't really do much in terms of leadership, I'm the recruitment chair of the biology club and a member of the student counsel but thats about it. I was born in China, come from a poor family, first in college, english is my 2nd language but you can't tell because I speak it perfectly.
Anyways, what worries me is my average mcat score being male and asian. What kind of schools do you think are good to apply to? I am a maryland resident. Should I apply to some DO schools as a safety (yes I know theres no guarantees but still).
Thanks, and I apologize if theres a another "chance" thread. I could'nt find it.</p>
<p>That’s not average at all. Your GPA is good, apply broadly and you have a shot. I would agree that DO schools might be a nice to add to your list, but you’ll have to shadow and get a LOR from a DO if at all possible.</p>
<p>Like mmmcdowe said, you’re fine. Your scores are well within range for a lot of schools. If you’re thinking about applying this cycle, you’re pretty late in the game, but I would still give it a shot anyway.</p>
<p>When you say “average” you must mean as in an “average accepted US MD student.” Your MCAT is right on the 30-31 line that most MD-accepted candidates are at and your GPA is .15 higher than the average acceptee’s GPA of 3.65. I’d say you should do fine on the hard stats. The softer stats look pretty good as well. The only thing we don’t know is your soft skills, which will show when you go for interviews. I think you have a great chance, though. If you’re interested in DO, you can always go for those schools as well but your MD chances are quite good. Good luck and let us know how it turns out!</p>
<p>hmm…id personally retake, but i guess you have a shot. mcat averages are getting higher and higher and schools focus HEAVILY on that score (some argue that the mcat is more important than your gpa).</p>
<p>in any case, i would advise against applying this application cycle, because if you apply within the next few days, you’re amcas will be verified by mid- to late-november. then come secondaries which take some time to finish. you’ll be complete by probably december. that’s kinda late, especially with an average mcat.</p>
<p>you’re best bet would be to wait till the 2010-2011 cycle to apply</p>
<p>thanks for the input, i’ll probability apply next year. It would be nice to take a break from 16 continuous years of school. Maybe I’ll find some lab work to do or work in a hospital in the mean time.</p>
<p>My Dd had a 29, she is applying now, applied early and widely and has 7 interview invites so far, so it is possible to do well, but work diligently on every single aspect of your app. Make sure your LORs are excellent, your ECs are strong, your PS & secondary essays are well thought out, creative and well written.</p>
<p>29 is the average matriculated score. The problem with relying on that, if you are from a tough state with a high stat state school, is that it includes all the state schools which only take in state applicants and have fairly low averages and for which you cannot apply. If your state (I don’t know MD, but CA is high, WA is high) has a higher average then you have to catch their eye some how.</p>
<p>Did you do practice tests? Was a 30 in your range of expected scores? Did you prepare well? Do you have any reason to think you could improve it?</p>
<p>My DD applied to more than 30 schools, she has invites for the top 3 on her realistic list- she tossed a few uber-reaches on just for fun and has not heard anything there, but she has three that she would love to attend. You must apply early and be complete early and apply broadly, but realistically. Look at the SDN stats and make your best match list.</p>
<p>mmmcdowe- thanks for the correction, I must have been thinking applicant average, though for some reason I thought average applicant was 27+ and average matriculant was 29+</p>
<p>With 7 interviews, my DH was asking why we made such a big deal of this and why she applied to so many schools. Now I remember why!! Below average MCAT with a tough state school. Of course we know any number of interviews is not a guaranteed acceptance, but it is certainly hopeful.</p>
<p>My biggest fear is wasting potentially thousands of dollars for the application/interview process and not getting into any schools. I come from a relatively poor background and money is definitely an issue for me. Do you think they have fee waivers or anything like that?</p>
<p>You are not going to have to spend “thousands” of dollars. Your stats are right on the ball park for med school admission. Apply to your state school and to those schools which have lower admission averages than your stats, try to have a good interview and relax…Your disadvantaged background should help you as well.</p>
<p>Yes, there is a FAP fee waiver through AMCAS, I think you apply in the spring and it would be sort of like FAFSA including copies of tax returns etc. I know I read on SDN that you must be approved before you can submit the AMCAS app, so you would want to apply early.</p>
<p>But, if you get the fee waiver, it works for the 1st 13 AMCAS apps and most, but not all secondaries, plus interview costs can be frightening, so even with that, you would need to plan ahead!</p>
<p>Prism: don’t apply this year as it is already too late. Get everything in place for next summer and get your app. in early, in the summer months. If you are graduating in May-June, try to get a job in a hospital or nursing home with direct patient contact. This will give you something great to talk about in your interviews and show your level of commitment. My D worked in an Alzheimer’s care facility for her year between undergrad and med school and learned a ton. </p>
<p>And don’t retake the MCAT trying to improve your score by a point or two. Stick with your 30. My D retook with a 29 and went down.</p>
<p>yea my plan is to apply as early as possible for the 2010-2011 year. I’ll probability start working on my apps during the winter. Schools been really busy this semester with work and school and internships and everything. Btw thanks everyone for the advice.</p>