I am an upcoming Sophomore. My UW GPA is 3.8, which I will most likely bring up to a 3.9 UW by the end of my junior or senior year. My weighted right now is 4.1 and I again most likely will bring it up to a 4.3+. I understand there are other things involved but is my GPA and predicted GPA competitive? I have a decent PSAT score of 1200, plenty of EC’s and
an excellent amount of volunteering hours (100+ hospital work, shadowing, library)
These are some of the most competitive programs in the country. You will need almost perfect everything in terms of grades, rigor, and standardized test scores as well as research. IMO, don’t stress about trying to shoot for a bsmd program. You are just starting your sophomore year and there are lots of routes to get to med school if that’s still what you want to do down the road. Keep traditional 4 year undergraduate programs on the table and don’t limit yourself too much.
It’s too soon to know. The time this summer could be spent learning more about the programs and volunteering in ways where you get directly involved with local healthcare or other needs around you, as hands on as possible. That’s not shadowing or fundraising, the blood bank or research.
@lookingforward Over this summer I am volunteering in big a Senior Citizen Residency. Next summer, I’m going to do medical studies at UChicago (RIBS). The following summer I’m probably going to have an internship somewhere.
Take a look at the level of expectations for the limited slots in a bsmd program. Are you involved in health issues with seniors? Most kids would be more social support or entertainment. Are these poor and undrserved seniors or just a local residence?
@lookingforward Basically, if a senior does not have enough care at their home or have suffered an injury than they go to that Residency. I would watch and observe their rehab/physical therapy and also play Bingo and stuff. I have viewed the BSMD program results, and my GPA is a little low freshman year cause of my first semester of “depression”. However, the second semester I got all A’s after I met with my counselor.
Your role with the seniors is generous, but not the sort of involvement a highly competitive bsmd program will like to see.
You need to think how you can expand, go deeper, the sort of work where you roll up your sleeves and immerse. One important factor they look for is the actual involvement with healthcare delivery, issues, even advocacy work, have some responsibilities and impact. Not just being there.
Sometimes, when you’re on the spot already, they’ll let you take on more. See about that now. Otherwise, it will help to figure the right next moves. This isn’t just about summer but during the school years.
As for gpa, it matters what courses got less than an A grade, not just gpa.
I agree with others that you can take all this into consideration and prep to be admitted to a good college where you can do your premed, do well, and during college hone yourself as a solid med school candidate.
Think about it.
It is way to early to predict your grades. Many HS kids have good GPA’s freshman year and then decrease as the rigor of their courses increase. Come back in 2 years with actual scores and GPA, until then you only have a wish and a dream.
@lookingforward Thanks for the advice. I’m going to go back the BSMD forum section and start looking at some good EC’s that BSMD programs will like to see. I’m going to get many leadership opportunities in the future. Also, since I am only 15, I am not allowed to volunteer in a blood bank or shadow at Northwestern. Once I am 16, I am going to shadow doctors at Northwestern and as well as becoming a “leader” volunteer at a Blood Bank and other places.
Referring back to the GPA, some of my classes are EBR. Meaning they look at growth and gives 1,2,3,4 grades. So usually everyone walks out in that class with either an A-, B- or C-.
Also, for classes to take in the upcoming years - I was thinking of taking AP Biology and Physics 1 as a Junior. AP Chemistry and AP Physics 2 as a senior.
For math, I’m taking Geo Honors as a Sophomore, Pre Calc Honors as a Junior, and AP Calc BC as a senior. Is this a weak class load?
Also, I understand that BSMD colleges have a very low acceptance rate. But, I know if I keep getting good grades and good scores I will have a small chance. If I keep doing well what would be my chances for an undergrad school (a top 20ish college?)
Finally, I live in Illinois, I am going to do medical studies at UChicago and I am going to shadow doctors in Northwestern (already talked to them). Does this boost my chances at all for a chance to go to BSMD there or undergrad?
Sincerely sorry for asking so many questions!
Thanks!!
Again, it’s not leader “titles.”
Shadowing is important for an undergrad who wants to get into med school, not so much for a hs kid applying for a bsmd program (or regular UG with a stem/pre-med interest ) It’s just observing, not proactive. Nor is the blood bank an “it.” That’s a nice thing to offer time at, but removed from actual health care services and the people served, their needs and challenges.
FInd a way to work directly with those in need. (More than, say, bingo or helping out the nurses and admins.) Not only does that represent responsibilities, it will grow your awareness of what medicine is and does, the ups as well as the downs.
Find other idea and run them by us. Chicago has plenty of more serious opportunities for kids who can present as ready for them. For now, you could even add a meal site. But, you have to look for the right experiences.
And really, doggedness about a bsmd program isn’t necessarily the right thinking for a sophomore. Get in some deeper ECs and put bsmd in the back of your mind for a year. You’re jumping ahead.