Dr. Happy Hippo Posted February 15, 2008 Report Share Posted February 15, 2008 HI! So, waiting for the notification is driving me up the wall!!! I mean this is my last hope for this year (other than overseas), so say yay or nay already! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest begaster Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 You'd be an incredible candidate if it wasn't for your MCAT. Why is this your last possible year to do it? If you're finishing your program, just take a few months off, study for the MCAT, rewrite it, and reapply next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckim01 Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 I agree, UT bumped up their MCAT cutoff to all 9s unfortunately. Amazing research productivity tho, what was it in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneDay Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 You might still be ok with the MCAT. Toronto does allow you to be "slightly" below the MCAT cutoffs. I know a grad student who got accepted at toronto (but went to another school) last year with a 7,8,7 in MCAT's. And this was during the double-cohort year. And from the interview thread, there have been people invited for interviews with low MCATs. I have one low MCAT too, but I am hoping they will still review my file. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckim01 Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 I'm in the same boat, I applied with a slightly low MCAT than their cutoff. However, I did call their admin office twice and talked to two different women. They both said don't bother applying if you don't meet the MCAT cutoff, they said it's no longer a flag system and is very strict about it. I applied anyways and tried to make my personal statement really good if they ever get to that (if I pass their screeening process). OneDay, did this person who was interviewed have amazing sketch? PhD? publications off the charts? =p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
excited Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 I'm in the same boat, I applied with a slightly low MCAT than their cutoff. However, I did call their admin office twice and talked to two different women. They both said don't bother applying if you don't meet the MCAT cutoff, they said it's no longer a flag system and is very strict about it. I applied anyways and tried to make my personal statement really good if they ever get to that (if I pass their screeening process). OneDay, did this person who was interviewed have amazing sketch? PhD? publications off the charts? =p low mcat is probably ok. i got an interview offer with a 8 VR 10 PS 11 BS and N writing. i have almost no publications either. just several abstracts to conferences. now don't ask me why i got an interview... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gob Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 No offense but missing one cutoff by a bit might not be a huge deal but not making any of the cutoffs at all will probably hamper your chances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiscoDoc Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 low mcat is probably ok.i got an interview offer with a 8 VR 10 PS 11 BS and N writing. i have almost no publications either. just several abstracts to conferences. now don't ask me why i got an interview... Thanks excited, you've given me some hope! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneDay Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 I'm in the same boat, I applied with a slightly low MCAT than their cutoff. However, I did call their admin office twice and talked to two different women. They both said don't bother applying if you don't meet the MCAT cutoff, they said it's no longer a flag system and is very strict about it. I applied anyways and tried to make my personal statement really good if they ever get to that (if I pass their screeening process). OneDay, did this person who was interviewed have amazing sketch? PhD? publications off the charts? =p Hey Ckim, The person was a MSc student. I'm not sure about publications though. I'm just surprised that they offerred acceptance considering all three scores were below the cutoff. I know what you said about the admissions lady saying not to apply, but that was before the admission deadline, so they might not have any idea about the number of applicants. Considering last year was the double cohort, maybe they were just expecting the same situation this year. But for Toronto, the applicant number went down like 700 this year! Also this is directly from the UofT admissions FAQ website: " Should I not apply if I don’t meet the minimum MCAT marks? Applicants who fall slightly below the minimum MCAT requirements, but believe their file to be extremely competitive in all other aspects may apply and will have their files assessed. Candidates should be aware that the lower MCAT scores will be a factor in the admissions process. If a score in any section is less than 7, application is not recommended." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In_Valid Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Its all getting a bit complicated. I am 25 and desperately want to go on with medicine. I love my research but find that it is very clinical, and I have ideas of things that I want to research on but cannot because I don't have the necessary clinical experience. Moreover, to wait for one more year is too much and I don't want to enroll into a phd because I would not be able to apply until that one is completed. So, perhaps I need time to reconsider this but I am thinking of either getting into medical school now or leaving my research completely - sort of a now or never thing. There also are personal commitments that I have to take care of, which I have neglected for the last 6 years! While I realize that you may have other commitments if you are serious about getting into medicine you definitely should rewrite your MCAT. your 4 GPA in grad school should offset your undergrad GPA. The MCAT itself doesnt take that much time to study for if you study intensely. Take one of those Kaplan or Princeton courses (I took Kaplan) and study your ass off for a month. Take every practice exam you can get your hands on (I took 17 practice tests). Seems like a lot of work, but if you do this you will certainly do a lot better. And this will greatly improve your chances. I know a lot of grad students don't do well on the MCAT because they forgot everything. But the material isnt that hard, you just have to spend some time to jog your memory. Anyhoo, best of luck man. If you truly want it you'll get there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moltenflammingcore Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Its all getting a bit complicated. I am 25 and desperately want to go on with medicine. I love my research but find that it is very clinical, and I have ideas of things that I want to research on but cannot because I don't have the necessary clinical experience. Moreover, to wait for one more year is too much and I don't want to enroll into a phd because I would not be able to apply until that one is completed. So, perhaps I need time to reconsider this but I am thinking of either getting into medical school now or leaving my research completely - sort of a now or never thing. There also are personal commitments that I have to take care of, which I have neglected for the last 6 years! Hi Dr. Happy Hippo, Your situation really strikes a chord with me because it seems to me that we are in a similar situation. I am also 25 and just finished with MSc. I'm involved in clinical research and am also feeling that my abilities are limited by the fact that I don't have an MD. I also have personal commitments that I need to start thinking about now. For me although my biological clock is NOT yet ticking... my partner is thinking alot about having kids. We've already compromised that we will not have kids until I'm ready in terms of at least finishing the first four years of med.... so not getting into med school again and replying again will delay this by another year which is a big deal for him! So I know how fustrating to have your life on hold for Med School. In a way my life has been on hold for years because this is my third application for med. But even so... it just seems to me that at 25 we are still way too young to give up on what we really want out of a career. I feel impatient as well but I also don't think it would be right for me to sacrifice my dreams and ambitions. Another year is alot but we will have the rest of our lives to consider the consequences of the desicions we make now... I think that what In_Valid suggested might be an excellent thing for you to do if you do decide to perserve... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Endeavour Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Hey guys, Thought I'd post a response. It's amazing how we're all in a smilar situation. I' actually just turned 25 this month. I also have a lot of personal (family/significant other) commitment to handle as well, so I can certainly relate to how you you all feel. I'm in an MSc program and will be finishing next year. I didn't apply this cycle but will be submitting my OMSAS application next cycle. I think I agree with the last by moltenflammingcore, that we are 25 and its way TOO EARLY for us to give me, besides most of us will have alot of research experience which will be a huge benefit for the medical community and society in general when we do get into Medicine. Just hang in there, and please know that there are others out there who are in the same boat as you are....For me, i personally felt comfort and more relaxed about this whole process as I read your posts on here. Good luck everyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Happy Hippo Posted February 18, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 Dear Invalid, moltenflammingcore, and Endeavour! Really, thank-you so much for your support and posts. I am in an environment where everyone is a doctor, so it's hard to find people in the same situation to relate to. In fact, I didn't think that there were many of us out there, and so I was losing hope a bit. Also, discussing this issue with friends and family, I have already received feedback to find alternate career paths. But all of you are right. We have come so far, given-up so much in hopes of achieving this dream, that we must not lose our hope here. Molten is right, if we give-up now and went into other directions, we will question our choice for the rest of our lives. So, lets all hang in here and continue our support for each other! You all ROCK for helping me realize this! The very best of luck to all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VanMD Posted February 19, 2008 Report Share Posted February 19, 2008 25 is still a good young age. You shouldn't let your age (within reason) dictate what you would like to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ointment007 Posted February 20, 2008 Report Share Posted February 20, 2008 i am also in the same boat, and am thisclose to having a thrombo! i have a decent pubs/presentation record, poopy undergrad GPA (BAD first two yrs), and not really a "med school" oriented CV... and so its been a rough few months :| i hear you guys abt the age thing... i'm 26 and can't blv i'll still be in school and in my thirties! i had to drive myself to the middle of nowhere (Vestal, NY) to write the MCAT, got pretty sick from whatever I ate, and ended up bombing the Verbal section (which i was scoring decently on when practicing..grrr)! I am hoping UofT will still consider me, since i was 1 below on the 1 section anyhow i am finishing up a PhD, and will probably start a PDF if i dont get any love from UofT...but i'm realllllly realllly hoping! like a lot of you, TO is my first choice.. i love the city, i love the students, and i LOVE the research! best wishes to all of you... it feels nice to know that i'm not alone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GradStudent_710 Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels frustrated with this system. It's really too bad because of all the time, money, and effort that went into med applications, school, a graduate degree, MCAT, research, publications, volunteer, etc. I'm 25 as well and at the point in my life where starting a family is becoming a priority. I'll be getting married soon and would have loved to be in med school this fall. So far, I haven't received a rejection from U of T, so there's hope yet. It looks like my career will be in clinical research and will most likely go back to school at some point to get a PhD. Lots of luck to those like me who are still waiting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minderbinder Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 I wish I'd started this med school thing when I was 25. I'm 31 now and can confirm it doesn't get any easier when your spouse is also going back to school, your three kids need love and attention, and you have a job, a mortgage, a dog and a minivan. (Altough I wouldn't change a thing) You guys are doing great and you'll all succeed I'm sure of it. That's my motivational speech for this morning... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JessMD Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 hi, i am a grad student and received one at the end of last week. hope this helps. i am IP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GradStudent_710 Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 I just received my interview notice by email today. I interview at U of T on March 29th!!!! I'm so excited right now because I had pretty much accepted that I wasn't getting an interview!!! WOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I'm just happy that my efforts have been worthwhile. Good luck to the rest of you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Endeavour Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 I want to congrats the above Grad applicants (and ofcourse every applicant) on their success. I was wondering if you guys can just post some of bio/stats about yourself so some of us Grad students can get a sneak peak in what it takes to get an interview by UT. Ugrad GPA: ? Grad GPA: Thesis or course base:? Publications/Conference etc???????? Thanks for your time, congrats again you guys. You deserve every bit of this!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddong Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 I want to congrats the above Grad applicants (and ofcourse every applicant) on their success. I was wondering if you guys can just post some of bio/stats about yourself so some of us Grad students can get a sneak peak in what it takes to get an interview by UT. Ugrad GPA: ? Grad GPA: Thesis or course base:? Publications/Conference etc???????? Thanks for your time, congrats again you guys. You deserve every bit of this!!! Hi guys, below are my stats for a MSc student from U of T: UGPA: 3.7(OMSAS) GGPA: 3.7 Thesis base Publications: 1 first author published, 1 first author submitted, 2 first author in prep at the time of grad package. Conference: 1 international at the time of grad package Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Endeavour Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 Hi guys, below are my stats for a MSc student from U of T: UGPA: 3.7(OMSAS) GGPA: 3.7 Thesis base Publications: 1 first author published, 1 first author submitted, 2 first author in prep at the time of grad package. Conference: 1 international at the time of grad package Thanks for your replies. That is very impressives productivity in publications. Congrats ya deserve it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GradStudent_710 Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 Ugrad GPA: 3.71 (U of T), I'm not sure of my OMSAS but it's significantly lower Grad GPA: 3.89 Thesis or course base:Course-based Award: 1 external graduate award Publications/Conference - At the time of the grad package: 2 journal publications (3rd author and 2nd author), 2 published abstracts (3rd author) - 6 conferences - After grad package, I got one more publication (1st author) I actually don't remember the exact MCAT score but I remember it being high on BS (~11) and written (S) and just scraped by on verbal and PS (9 each) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Endeavour Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 Ugrad GPA: 3.71 (U of T), I'm not sure of my OMSAS but it's significantly lowerGrad GPA: 3.89 Thesis or course base:Course-based Award: 1 external graduate award Publications/Conference - At the time of the grad package: 2 journal publications (3rd author and 2nd author), 2 published abstracts (3rd author) - 6 conferences - After grad package, I got one more publication (1st author) I actually don't remember the exact MCAT score but I remember it being high on BS (~11) and written (S) and just scraped by on verbal and PS (9 each) Thanks Gradstudent_710 for your post, and Congrats again, a well deserved interview spot. I forgot to mention, yes the MCAT scores are quite useful info as most of us may be stuck on the VR section...personally myself I scored an 8 on VR, so slightly below cut off...so future possters please mention your MCAT scores. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helix Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 Have any OOP grad student applicants out there received interview invites yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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