Looking at others' MDApps has been extremely hopeful, and I hope to pay it forward. Will update with more details soon.
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 06/20/2015
Undergraduate college: Top 5
Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences
Total MCAT SCORE: 472
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 118,
C/P 118,
CARS 118
Overall GPA: 1.00
Science GPA: 1.00
Summary of Application Experience
Applied to a large list of schools (35 to be exact), because I knew that getting into medical school is a tough process. Each of the schools I applied to was one that I could see myself going to/a school I would've been excited about going to. Looking back, might have decrease1d this number a bit just because secondary season was quite taxing, but have learned a lot from the experience so far.
The cycle so far has been an emotional one - from the stress of completing secondaries, to the excitement of interview invitations, to the disappointment from rejections, to the awe of visiting schools, to the joy from my first acceptance - grateful that I will be matriculating in medical school in 2016 and looking forward to the rest of the cycle.
Summary of Experience:
Fourth interview, first MMI experience. Stayed with a student host (who was very kind to host TWO of us). Was super nervous for the MMI, but it went by pretty quickly, and wasn't bad at all. Probably the longest "interview" I had, time wise, though, and we didn't get a tour. I enjoyed chatting with fellow interviews, though, and it felt great to be amongst so many interested in underserved populations.
Summary of Experience:
Ninth interview. Stayed the night before my interview at Olin Hall, which was very convenient, albeit a bit dated. I didn't have the greatest impression of St. Louis as a city, but the facilities and opportunities at WashU are amazing - I definitely fell more in love than I anticipated. Each applicant had a slightly different interview schedule - mine wasn't the best, with my two interviews straddling lunch, but both interviewers were extremely kind.
Summary of Experience:
Sixth interview. Stayed with a couple of student hosts. Was probably the hardest interview to get to, but the location/rural setting is so different from what I am used to, and I kind of like it! Campus was absolutely beautiful. Not the shiniest/most glamorous of facilities, but has its historical charm. Students were very, very nice and friendly - probably the single thing that stood out to me the most.
Summary of Experience:
Eighth interview. Absolutely amazing people, mission, and campus. Thoroughly enjoyed my time in Chicago, as well as at Pritzker. Stayed with a student host and was able to chat and ask a good deal of questions. Hoping that Pritzker loves me back.
Summary of Experience:
Seventh interview. Stayed with a student host (awesome experience). Arrived a day earlier, too, so had some time to explore and meet more current students. Rochester IS more isolated than I am used to, but people were very friendly, and I'm sure there are things to do if you looked for them/were active about it. Interview day was relaxed (except the outside portions of the tour were QUITE chilly), interviewers were nice, interviewees were friendly. The clinical opportunities and the medicine at Mayo is pretty amazing.
Summary of Experience:
Third interview. Stayed with a student host. Was already in love with NYC, and Mount Sinai is in such an awesome location, with such a diverse patient population. Even strolling around in NYC the day before, I saw Mount Sinai signs everywhere - really speaks to the many opportunities offered. Additional perks included super friendly students, AMAZING views, longitudinal patient care opportunities, and an active free clinic. Interviewers were amazing (probably the nicest I have had so far), and despite being super tired, the day zipped by quickly and pleasantly.
Summary of Experience:
BU was my first medical school interview, so I was very excited, by also very nervous. Stayed with a student host, so got to experience the MSR and meet some students. Travelling from the West Coast, I was also battling jet lag, so that definitely didn't help. Thankful that we finished with the interviewing portion before lunch, so the rest of the day was relatively relaxed. The dean was a great guy, and BU is so steeped in history and its mission, all of which appealed to me greatly.
Second acceptance, and Dean's scholarship; overjoyed and grateful.
Summary of Experience:
Fifth interview, second MMI. Overall, an amazing experience. Stayed with a student host whom hosted two of us and was hands down amazing. Wasn't too sure about Sacramento, but I actually enjoyed the city a good deal. MMI went by quickly - was different from my first MMI experience (not necessarily in a good or bad way, just different). Probably the shortest interview day that I had, but I got a good feel of the school and its students from the scheduled activities.
FIRST ACCEPTANCE. I definitely loved UC Davis and it was one of my top post-interview choices, so am ecstatic.
Summary of Experience:
Second interview. Stayed with a student host. Was hesitant about NYC at first, but definitely fell in love. Cornell is in a pretty good location (i.e. somewhere I would want to live/study in NYC), and its facilities are pretty amazing. We spent some time in/touring some gorgeous buildings and facilities, and I really enjoyed my day. One of the deans popped by right before lunch to chat with us, and I am SO glad she did - she was hilarious and set a great, positive tone for the rest of the day. Really enjoyed my interview day here.
