Brief Profile:
-2nd place cash award National String Competition -Nurse Aide UCSF Neonatal Intensive Care (2 years) -Volunteer Psychiatric Technician (1 summer) -Mental Health Worker (UCSF) 8 mos -volunteer HIV test counselor/medical lab volunteer (1 year) -research ( 2 years); 1st author manuscript in preparation for submission to scientific peer-reviewed journal; -1st prize cash award International Research Conference; (poster competition) -gave a talk at International conference (by invitation) -1st prize award AAAS National Research Conference (poster); Excellence Award -Gordon Research Conference (poster) -various other research awards, grants, and travel fellowhips
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 2003
Undergraduate college: San Francisco State University
Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences
Institution: Post-bac
Area of Study: Biological/Life Sciences
Degree Obtained: BS
Institution: Conservatory of Music
Area of Study: Other
Degree Obtained: N/A
Total MCAT SCORE: 496
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 124,
C/P 126,
CARS 122
Overall GPA: 3.32
Science GPA: 3.46
Summary of Application Experience
Success in this process is MULTIFACTORIAL, MULTIFACTORIAL, MULTIFACTORIAL!!! There are no hard and fast rules.
I was quite surprised that the MCATs aren't the only factor that determines acceptance into med school. Each school is unique and looks for different things in successful applicants. Additionally, I put a lot of time to craft my personal statement. I also had very strong letters of rec (so I'm told). I think LOR's are paramount!!! Basically, it helps if they say that 'you can walk on water'.
I also applied late (late Nov) . It's best to apply early but it's not impossible to get interviews even if you're a little late in the game, so apply anyway (who knows, it might work in your favor).
Research is very important as well as significant clinical and volunteer experiences (LOR's from each) 6 total in my case.
don't be afraid to make the personal statement 'personal'. This is the only chance committees build an impression of you pre-interview.
Well-rounded candidates are also at an advantage. INTERVIEW: try to say or do something that will help them remember you amongst the many other appplicants that they may meet that day. It's a grueling process. Waiting for interviews and acceptances is a real bitch, but acceptances are well worth the delay of gratification. Good luck!!!!
