<p>I'm a white female beginning my 2nd semester of junior year in Murfreesboro, TN. I desperately want to be accepted into a 6-year combined bs/md program (doesn't everyone?) and I was wondering if: a) I have any chance at all and b) what I can do to improve my slim (if existent) chance. I feel as if I've left out quite a few things, but this should give you an idea of my chances. Thank you so much.
Stats:
Act: 31
Reading: 36
English: 32
Science: 30
Math: 26
This was my first time and I’m positive I can improve my score.
Non-weighted GPA: 3.83</p>
<p>9th:
AH English I-A/A
H Phys. Sci.-A/A
AH Geometry-A/B
Spanish I-A/A
Gym-A
Health-A
Women’s Chorale-A</p>
<p>10th:
AH English II-A/A
H Biology-A/A
AH Algebra II-B/B
H Spanish II-A/A
H Ancient History-A/A
Keyboarding-A
Drivers’ ED-A</p>
<p>11th
AP English III-A
H Chemistry-B
AH Pre-Calc-B
AH Spanish III-A
AP U.S. History-A
Journalism-A</p>
<p>12th
A English IV
AP Biology
AP Calc or Stats
AP Spanish IV
Journalism
????</p>
<p>Note: I have taken the most advanced classes availiable at my school</p>
<p>EC: (as of now)
2 yr V. Dance Team (Captain next year)
2 yr Thespian (have appeared in plays)
FBLA Reporter (2 yr member)
Spanish III Representative (3 yr member)
People Section Editor of Yearbook
Won State Science Olympiad Compute This! Event
Won MAAI Modeling Competition (Intl) in 2007
Lived in NYC for 1 summer and did fashion shows
Have appeared in local magazines and films
Volunteered as translator for Salvation Army
Worked as an Ophthalmic Technician/Scribe for 2 yrs (have assisted in numerous in and out of office procedures)</p>
<p>I know the modeling probably seems a bit odd. Basically, I was told to choose between school and modeling in NYC. I would've been forced to move and be tutored. I decided that becoming an ophthalmologist was much more important to me. Think of me like a (hopefully) less preppy and (definitely) less blonde Elle Woods. I do not plan on turning in any admissions videos featuring me in a bikini, just for your info. :P</p>
<p>ok well your ACT score is pretty low- u need to get that math and science score up especially</p>
<p>grades and work load are good and very commendable</p>
<p>as for the activities- they are diverse which can be good or bad- some colleges might say you’re a bit too “scatter-brained”, plus you have no medical oriented activities. You need to start volunteering at a hospital or get some research experience, hopefully both.</p>
<p>If you do those things, you should be well off.</p>
<p>My ACT score is embarrassing. I know there are no excuses, but I took that while I had some very serious family drama going on and I can promise a better math score next time. My activities are rather diverse, but I will have all leadership positions next year, so that should help. I also choreographed several school musicals if that helps. I was going to ask if I should start volunteering at a hospital or if my job would be enough. So, hospital it is. That will be easy for me to do since my dad is a doctor. Any other better ideas?
Thanks!</p>
<p>oh, and if you are truly serious about doing these programs, i would suggest buying a book. They list a lot of programs, from the very exclusive, to the easier programs. Plus, they give a lot of good information about test scores, gpa, and activities.</p>
<p>Get ACT higher. I would advise not to ever mention any drama as a reason. They want people who can handle overload under any circumstances. Just retake ACT.</p>
<p>Why do you want accelerated program? There are combined programs that are not accelerated that will alow normal college experience with any major and minors of your interest and still quarantee your spot at Med. school.</p>
<p>Well, I’ve found the UMKC BS/MD program and that looks promising. Basically, it’s about saving time for me. I want to just take all the required classes and try to earn my diplomas quickly. It’s not that I want a rush-job education, it’s just that I want to be a doctor two years earlier. My dad has a business waiting for me. He has a BS, MD, and PhD, and I have seen how much he wishes he could have started earlier. I’d rather take six years of my life at full-speed then eight years with a little breathing room.</p>
<p>So, I can start volunteering at my local hospital. Is anything better than that?</p>
<p>I am assuming his “business” is a medical practice? If so work in his office prepping patients, eventually by yourself. Shadow other docs he knows. Volunteer at a free clinic. And at the hospital. </p>
<p>Your grades and extra curricular activities look pretty darn strong. Just that ACT…</p>
<p>Go get the Official ACT book (the red one) and take some practice tests. Maybe even take a class. Take a look at the ACT forum here too.</p>
<p>Also, I suggest you take SAT subject tests too, since there are at least a few programs you can’t apply to without them (my cousin got got put in a bind because she hadn’t taken subject tests). They’re not too difficult. I’d take math ii and either chem or biology. Maybe US history if you felt like it, but it’s not necessary.</p>
<p>Yes, my father’s business is an ophthalmology practice. I “work up” patients alone, perform tests, transcribe their exam notes, prep them for surgery, etc. I just don’t want anyone to think I’m being pressured into this or anything by my father. I can start volunteering soon, though I’m trying to locate some research opportunities as well.</p>
<p>I had a time issue with the math section during the ACT, so I’m doing my best to correct that. I’m shooting for a 34, which I definitely believe is reachable.</p>
<p>Your opinions and suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you.</p>
<p>I would try to not call his medical practice a business. I know it is & all that. But calling it that makes some people uncomfortable & they would wonder if you are thinking about $ more than care. Especially docs in academics who would be interviewing you.</p>
<p>Yeah, I try not to mention it. My dad’s probably more concerned with the financial side than I am. I’ve grown up “knowing” I was going to be a doctor, but I wasn’t exactly sure that I wanted to be an ophthalmologist until about a year and a half ago (I considered becoming a reconstructive surgeon). I was working up a patient for a routine eye exam when I noticed acute esotropia and a dilated eye and called in my father. He diagnosed a ruptured brain aneurysm and the patient was life-flighted to Vanderbilt and received emergency life-saving surgery. That was my “I want to do that!” moment.
I will definitely keep that in mind though. :)</p>
<p>You need to highlight your medical ECs. In your opening post, I see no medically oriented ECs. Adcoms weigh these heavily for combined degree programs.</p>
<p>I suggest you mention your work in your Dad’s office in detail.</p>
<p>Wouldn’t it be better to separate from the father’s office, to see medicine from another perspective? I would suggest that you move on to or add other medical offices/experiences so you don’t seem so narrowed & obviously influenced.</p>
<p>Yeah, I know that the “daddy’s little doctor daughter” misconception will be difficult to discourage. I will definitely try to up my medical EC’s. Also, I hung out in the hospital frequently when I was younger and met many different doctors. I’ve seen bits of quite a few different specialties and I’m confident that ophthalmology is the place for me. I do want to focus more on oculoplastics, though, because I am interested in plastic surgery. You all have been very helpful.</p>