I've got a question that can hopefully be answered by you guys
I'm a freshman in her second semester, and a declared Biochemistry major, with an emphasis on neurology for my upper-level classes. I lovee that topic, and it interests me so much!
However, I made a mistake in taking an advanced introductory chemistry class, and ended up with a B. My first semester GPA ended up being 3.67. For this semester, I doubt I will be getting anything lower than an A-. Is that B going to really hurt me when I'm applying for medical school? I'm just worried...
Not only that, but I'm involved with about 4 organizations on campus, have an internship lined up for the summer, and am currently riding for my town's EMT during the school year. Does it help that I'm in so many things on campus? It keeps me running around all the time, and it does affect my grades a tiny bit...for example, an A- instead of an A. Are those activities worth that change in the grade? My ultimate goal is medical school, but I do those activities because I like volunteering, etc. However, if having a 4.0 is more important than a 3.7 with activities, then I'm willing to sacrifice my other interests. What do you guys think?
Thank you guys! This thread is immensely helpful!!
^^ yep, i also have similar question. is having a higher gpa more important than lower but with more activities? or high gpa but with less or little (like just volunteering at one place, perhaps shadow doctor, summer reserach, but no head of clubs or anything else)?
because i'm pretty sure i'm not going to be able to get a high gpa for my science classes if i'm too involved/busy with activities. So right now i'm thinking of just volunteering at hospital, shadow doctor, and research over summer. But what else do other people do?
you want to be as well rounded as possible. With that said, good grades and good test scores show medical schools that you are capable of handling the tough course load and passing your boards. However, if you have a 4.0, with hardly extra curricular activities, no leadership positions, no experience in the health-related field etc. then more than likely you won't be accepted. On the other hand, if you have too low of a gpa, less than 3.0, then it shows that you might not be able to handle medical school, and being a physician.
It's all about BALANCE. Do what you feel like would be best for you. But make sure your activities are consistent, meaning don't just have a "grocery list" of activities. Quality over quantity is preferred. AND make sure you keep your grades up and do well on your MCAT.
how much in-debt are people usually after med school? do you get much financial aid?
also, what kind of classes do you take in med school? are the schedules really packed?
It depends on what medical school you go to. Also depends on being in-state or out-of-state. I would say that most debts on average would be between $50,000-$200,000. Somewhere in those ranges. Medical school is pricey!
Medical schools do offer scholarships, merit and need based. But since not everyone can receive them, they're highly competitive. The amount varies depending on the medical school & also how much they want to give you.
You can go to the medical school's website to see their courses. Most schools have classes in anatomy/physiology, biochemistry, ethics, pharmacology, microbiology, pathophysiology, clinical skills, cell biology, etc. (varies on school). Majority are SCIENCES!
Classes are usually from 8-5. (not back to back) You spend most of your days in classes and labs. So you have to STUDY A LOT! because of the intense workload.
Again, you can go to specific the medical school's website to see what the schools classes and days are like.
if i go to college instate, is it difficult to get into a med school out of state afterwards? i wanna go to UW but they only have 2 med schools in washington. if i dont get into either...than am i just screwed?
Being accepted to a public out-of-state medical school is much more difficult than being accepted into a public in-state school. Most in-state schools (public) give preference to the in-state students. This means that if you're applying for to an out-of-state school, you HAVE to be a top-notch and strong applicant because you are competing for a smaller number of availability spots. For example, an in-state student applying to an in-state school might have a 20% of being accepted, while an out-of-state student would have a 5% chance of being accepted to that same school.
As for private schools, I would say, most of them are fair game. The chances of being accepted are more equal among students compared to the chances of being accepted to an out-of-state medical school.
Are you a Washington resident? Then your chances will be higher. If you're out of state, according to UWSOM,
QUOTE
Based on past experience more than 90% of acceptances are applicants from Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana or Idaho (WWAMI). Applicants from outside this region who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or who have demonstrated a commitment to serving under-served populations will be considered.
. Don't just apply to 2 medical schools, you want to broaden your chances, unless you are 100% sure that those 2 medical schools in Washington are the ONLY schools you want to go to. Also keep in mind, that most applicants that apply their first year are not accepted. So strengthen your application and yourself, and reapply the following year.
Good luck to all! =)
Posted 18 April 2008 - 07:03 PM
