Brief Profile:
Navy Veteran- 4 years Sonar + 1 year security in Persian Gulf post-911
Northwest Arkansas Com. College President's list (x4)
Volunteered: Hospice 2 years, ESL & paired reader/tutor 2 years, Coached Softball for disabled children +1 year, Battered Woman's shelter 1 year
Research: 1 year electro-chemistry
Various Departmental chemistry & biochem awards/recognitions
Shadowed: 1 MD family practice clinic urban, 1 DO family practice clinic rural
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 2004
Undergraduate college: University Of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences
Total MCAT SCORE: 503
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 129,
C/P 124,
CARS 126
Overall GPA: 3.77
Science GPA: 3.65
Summary of Application Experience
Here is some advice I gleaned from the application process:
Take the MCAT in April, it helps both you and the schools get the ball rolling.
GET THE APPLICATION IN EARLY- these Texas schools only have so many interview days set aside- and if you want to get looked at they need to have that application. Get it in before September.
Work and rework that personal statement. I wrote 3 different ones, and then compiled the 3 to make a good multifaceted essay. It took more than 10 proofs to get it concise and down to size. And do not be afraid to put the personal in 'personal statement.' The admission committee needs to know what drives you to take this path.
You can learn a lot and save $ if you stay with a medical student the night before an interview.
ps. If you interview at UTMB, rent a car in Houston and drive yourself to Galveston- the shuttle system may save you 5 bucks- but I heard the driver is a maniac... plus, with a car you can cruise to the shore and get your feet wet.
