Brief Profile:
*Note: Almost all apps were to MD/PhD programs.*
Pre-undergrad.: rural upbringing, first generation college student
Undergrad.: graduated cum laude w/ a dual degree (BA and BS) at a state school
Activities: 3.5 years research in basic biology 4 fellowships amounting to $15K, 9 national and local poster pres., 3 seminar talks, no pubs 200+ hrs volunteering at a hospital Numerous community service, fundraising projects Greek Life with leadership positions UTAing Physician Shadowing
Post-undergrad.: gap year as a research tech.
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 06/10/2012
Undergraduate college: State School
Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences
Total MCAT SCORE: 511
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 129,
C/P 128,
CARS 126
Overall GPA: 3.38
Science GPA: 3.15
Summary of Application Experience
Set on MD/PhD. Due to below average stats, applied early and broadly. UIC (top realistic choice) was my first MD/PhD interview, loved it, accepted one week later, withdrew everywhere else, had a fantastic Xmas break.
Advice: Make sure your application paints a clear, concise story of who you are and what you want to do. Don't resist being passionate about what you want. Be realistic about your goals. Sift through the SDN BS to find informational gems (i.e. interview feedback). Be overly prepared for interviews.
Summary of Experience:
Not a good fit for me. Tried to sell me on rural primary care even though my intentions were clearly in academia. Don't even think interviewers read my application. Discussed healthcare reform and politics with my faculty interviewer - should have been avoided. Only one faculty and one student interview? Disorganized tour of the one building they had. No emphasis on the research labs housed within. Student guides were not passionate about their school and not friendly with each other. Scranton was not impressive.
Summary of Experience:
So nice that everything's paid for with MSTPs. Faculty were super friendly and accommodating; assistant director is an absolutely doll (very motherly and talkative). Nice dinner provided by current students, who were crazy about UIC and Chicago, fun, and obviously close knit. Busy interview day (12 formal interviews with faculty and students, 1 or 2 on 1). Great conversations with everyone. Legendary penthouse anatomy lab and gorgeous new gym, but otherwise outdated buildings. Great clinical training and research. In the heart of Chicago's Medical District - so many hospitals and med. schools! I could go on and on. In love and done with this app. cycle.
