sart11 Posted May 23, 2015 Report Share Posted May 23, 2015 So I'm looking at applying to US schools this cycle and I had a few questions. First, what are my chances with these stats? I have a 3.89 cGPA (5 years of undergrad) and 35 MCAT (12/12/11). EC's include ~550 hours of volunteering over 5 years and varsity sports (~1100 hours over 2 years). I figure my academics are good, but would the lack of research and shadowing hurt my chances a lot? Also, how many references do I need, and from whom? From what I understand they don't have to be submitted until we send in secondaries, is that correct? I've made a preliminary list of schools to apply to, if anyone could let me know how it looks that'd be great. I'm looking to apply to around 25 and don't really want to waste money on more than a couple top tier schools. Albert Einstein SUNY-upstate New York Medical College Oakland Wayne State Central Michigan Rosalind Franklin George Washington Georgetown Loma Linda Michigan State Utah Case Western Virginia Penn State Boston Uni Emory Dartmouth Wisconsin Saint Louis Sidney Kimmel Stony Brook Tulane Kentucky Hawaii Virginia Commonwealth Duke John Hopkins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freewheeler Posted May 23, 2015 Report Share Posted May 23, 2015 Also take into consideration geographical distance from your current residence. For instance, Hawaii and Loma Linda--which IIRC is a California school, can be quite costly when it comes to interviews, moving, etc. and being so far from home. Just a thought. MCAT and GPA are solid. ECs should be ok. Definitely get some shadowing, I am guessing here but maybe 20-25 hrs would be sufficient. From what I've read clinical experience/shadowing is important to US schools. Research is an asset as it seems more and more pre-meds have it, however I am not sure how much of a factor it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xClashx Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 Get rid of tulane. They don't accept Canadians unless they have strong ties. Waste of primary and secondary money. I should have listened when people told me likewise. In regards to requirements to some of these schools, make sure u double check. I know for some US schools, they required like 2.5 credits (5 courses) in social sciences or some nonsense like that. Some schools require that you have a LOR from a MD, and if you haven't shadowed, then you probably won't have one. Get a LOR from someone who you know a lot. I got one from 2 profs and 1 employer who have known me and whom I have worked with for 2+ years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnGrisham Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 I'd add mayo, Cornell and the likes. You never know if you'll stand out to them! Your stats are very strong and it will come down to how you present your non academics, and a lot of luck of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnGrisham Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 As for Tulane, I did meet someone who interviewed there with no ties. So it's just an extra couple $ for a shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sart11 Posted May 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 Thanks everyone, I'll be sure to check out the school sites before submitting. Can anyone confirm that references don't have to be in until we submit secondaries? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macrophage Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 yes, i believe that is true. Your lack of research would hurt you at research intensive schools. on your list, these schools are: Case western, Virginia, Boston U, Emory, Duke, Hopkins, einstein. Your lack of shadowing will hurt you at all of the schools on your app. Make sure you get it down before you submit! Your list is too bottom heavy imo. Add a few more mid-tier schools. Although tbh idk what schools are considered 'mid-teir' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MD2B2019 Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 So I'm looking at applying to US schools this cycle and I had a few questions. First, what are my chances with these stats? I have a 3.89 cGPA (5 years of undergrad) and 35 MCAT (12/12/11). EC's include ~550 hours of volunteering over 5 years and varsity sports (~1100 hours over 2 years). I figure my academics are good, but would the lack of research and shadowing hurt my chances a lot? Also, how many references do I need, and from whom? From what I understand they don't have to be submitted until we send in secondaries, is that correct? I've made a preliminary list of schools to apply to, if anyone could let me know how it looks that'd be great. I'm looking to apply to around 25 and don't really want to waste money on more than a couple top tier schools. Albert Einstein SUNY-upstate New York Medical College Oakland Wayne State Central Michigan Rosalind Franklin George Washington Georgetown Loma Linda Michigan State Utah Case Western Virginia Penn State Boston Uni Emory Dartmouth Wisconsin Saint Louis Sidney Kimmel Stony Brook Tulane Kentucky Hawaii Virginia Commonwealth Duke John Hopkins 1. I don't have any research or shadowing on my applications, I interviewed and waitlisted at Case Western 2014-2015 cycle. 2. I think you need 8 to 10 reference letters for your schools list above, bacause each school need different letters from. In total, Some schools only accept 3 letters, some 4, some 5, some 6, some no limit. For professors, Some schools need 3 professors, some 2, some just need 1, some schools accept family friend for reference, most don't, you better add 3 reference from hospital or volunteering and job. For professors, at least 2 science and one non-science, better from your faculty professors or associate professors, not assistant professor unless it's your advisor. For schools without limit, send 6 to 10 reference letters, don't over kill. YES, you can add your schools list and reference letters after submitting your AMCAS primary application. AMCAS will not forward your application to MD schools until 1. Your AMCAS primary application is completed and your transcripts were verified by AMCAS. Each MD school will not review your application until 2. Secondary application completed and all reference letters for this school were all arrived 3. You have balanced good list, I will remove SUNY-Stony Brook, which won't accept Canadian as I know. 4. Add Jefferson, your chance for interview is more than 50%, in my knowledge But I didn't apply to. 5. I WILL remove Hawaii and add a MD school in Florida, just to save air flight. Just my opinion. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotlandYard Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 will Canadian citizens have to pay international fees if admitted to US school? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MD2B2019 Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 Almost ALL private US MD schools don't have international tuition fees if they accept Canadian, around US45~55k per year, like Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Dartmouth, North Western, but not all private MD schools accept Canadian. Almost ALL state university MD schools charged MUCH higher international tuition fees if they accept Canadian, around US$55~75k per year, like SUNY-xx, xx state. SUNY-UPSTATE, SUNY-DOWNSTATE accept Canadian, but SUNY-STONY BROOK, SUNY-BUFFALO don't accept Canadian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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