Brief Profile:
clinical research (only 8 months at time of application, no papers at that time) 2 years student-run clinic Peer educator for freshman in dorms (2 quarters) research assistant (6 months) hospital volunteer (2 quarters) honor society member (2 years) sorority, VP & pres (4 years) conference coordinator (job for 2 years) mental health intern (1 summer) Lots of volunteering in community Medical mission to africa (after submitting my app...)
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 2005
Undergraduate college: University of California, Davis
Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences
Institution: Southwest Minnesota State University
Area of Study: Computing and Information Science
Total MCAT SCORE: 509
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 129,
C/P 126,
CARS 127
Overall GPA: 3.81
Science GPA: 3.77
Summary of Application Experience
Well, it is an emotional process! I can not believe I have received a full-tuition scholarship to my top school! I am the luckiest girl on earth! (Although I've definitely been floating in the clouds these last few days...)
A little bit about me: I'm originially from MN, my husband's family and my family all still live in MN. Although I LOVE california, my husband and I want to buy and house and start a family, so that was definitely a big consideration in my quest to find a medical school. I applied early - by July 1st my application was verified by AMCAS for 33 total schools and all was set. I got a little behind on secondaries because I went to Africa the beginning of Aug, but I had a dozen or so done before I left. I think I did apply to too many schools, but I REALLY wanted to make sure that I got in and it was really difficult to cut schools off my list (I wanted to be able to see the schools before I said I wouldn't want to go there...)
I ended up getting a lot of interviews...and thankfully getting accepted to Loyola, one of my top choices, fairly early. A couple weeks later I was accepted to both U of MN campuses (Duluth was def not for me though.) I was able to cancel a lot of my interviews out East and save some money. Then, early Decemeber, out of the blue, I get a call from Mayo Medical School offering me an appointment!!! It's a miricle! I was award the Dean's Scholarship, meaning all tuition is paid. Hmmm...don't have to think about that one!
Advice: Don't underestimate the importance of 1.) your personal statement 2.) an early application and 3.) strong LORs. You might think the last one is out of your control, but going above and beyond does make a difference if your app is borderline. I'm sure I wouldn't have had near the success if I failed to do these things. Finally....BE PASSIONATE about what you are doing or don't do it!
To reply to some comments below: yes! i am definitely going to Mayo!!! Yes, there is much more to the application process even at top schools than numbers, so keep your head up! And yes, I am incredibly blessed to have been accepted where I was! Good luck to everyone!