Hi all. I recently took the SAT and I’m wondering if I should retake it to get into a BS/MD program. My top choices are Penn State/ Jefferson, Albany Union, Temple, and U Pitt’s GAP.
A little bit about me: I’m a junior from Pennsylvania, and I’m an Asian female.
Stats:
SAT: 1530
GPA: 3.97 UW 4.25 W
APs: European History (5)
Calculus AB (5)
currently taking AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Language and Composition, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Microeconomics.
Most Prominent ECs:
Right now I’m doing research but it’s it clinical, and I have 150 hours volunteering at a local hospital in addition to shadowing an internal medicine physician. I’m the Assistant Editor of the school newspaper, and I made it to states in HOSA last year but the competition was cancelled because of COVID. I’m in the Symphonic Band at school, and I have been doing classical Indian dance for 10 years. I also want to go into pediatrics, so I’ve been working at a tutoring children for young children.
I know this is a lot, but please let me know if you have any questions because I will elaborate! Thanks for answering if you do!
It is towards the lower end for ORMs (which includes Indians from southeast asia ). Ideally a SAT score of 1550 or more is competitive. Apply to more BSMD programs to have a realistic chance.
@rainbowdash2020, your SAT score is on the lower end, specially for ORMs. Since you are a junior, you have quite some time to try again. You may also want to try ACT. Some students do better on ACT (and visa versa). So I would say give SAT and ACT both again.
Hi again. Thank you for all of your suggestions! I retook the SAT and got a 1560 (790 M, 770 R). I also began writing for a local newspaper and tutoring low-income students. Do I have a better shot a BS/MDs? Also what do I do if my school doesn’t offer rankings? I heard that the Penn State one calls your guidance counselor and gets your rank anyway.
Late to the message but good improvement. Honestly just keep focusing on your research and medical experiences where you can. Your SAT score raise is good, but be aware that other students are steadily improving their applications too. Does your school just not let students know rank? Or do they not keep track of ranks at all? If not, your best bet is to lead with your strong GPAs instead.
Thank you for your response! Our school keeps track of ranks because we still have a valedictorian, but we don’t know any of the rankings until June of senior year. For GPAs, I have a 3.96 UW right now. What’s the lowest i should go? 3.9?
That is strange. My school did the same thing for students except seniors applying to college could ask for ranks with the student counseling office. GPA difficulty is different with every school, but always try to get the highest to maximize your chances into a BSMD program. What grade are you in high school?
For a junior, you have some strong stats! What’re you planning to do to work on your application over the summer? And keep following up with your school to see how you can get a rank. With my school, we were finally given ranks late October, but they should understand that ranks are well considered in any application process.