Brief Profile:
Deans Honors every quarter Ochem tutor for two years. Shadowed three different doctors for various lengths of time. Some volunteer work.
I am aware that my ECs are definitely the weak part of my app. I guess I was just hoping that my numbers would carry me further. (But I'm not complaining, very relieved to just be in somewhere.)
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 2008
Undergraduate college: UC Santa Barbara
Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences
Total MCAT SCORE: 523
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 132,
C/P 130,
CARS 129
Overall GPA: 4.00
Science GPA: 4.00
Summary of Application Experience
It's still so early. But I have one acceptance. So now I just wait on word from other schools.
It's not so early anymore. Expected a few more interviews, maybe some will trickle in later on. Possibly some waitlist movement still to be seen. Very glad to be in and wouldn't be at all upset to get all the rest rejections.
Some quick notes about my interview experiences (compiled 1/30/09, 2-3 months after my interviews, except UCLA)
Vanderbilt interview. First interview. Really liked the facilities (especially their brand spanking new penthouse anatomy lab). Well put together interview day. Lots of chances to talk to students and staff. Felt like the school would be a good fit for almost anybody. Nashville seemed pretty fun too.
Wash U. Second interview. Had a pizza party and free board in Olin Hall. Pretty nice interview day. Liked this school too.
Northwestern. Third interview. Almost overslept but got there just in time. Everything about the school seemed pretty awesome. Great location. Felt like a very open, supportive atmosphere. The students and faculty had a really solid rapport. And hey they accepted me, so of course I love them. C'mon.
UCSD. Fourth interview. Totally different location than other med schools. (But I went to UCSB undergrad so the near the beach campus doesn't impress me... I guess I've already done that and am ready for something new.) Had one interview with a researcher and the second interviewer only mentioned research when I asked about the school's strengths. I don't think research is my game, so this school didn't feel like a good 'fit'.
UCLA. Fifth interview. Coming up... too excited. Need to calm down. I already have my impressions of the school via a family connection. Just want to show them my strengths and hope for the best. UCLA is UCLA enough said. haha.
Ucla interview went ok, but not as well as I had been hoping. the interviewer definitely wanted to know why I hadn't solved my weaknesses (why the lack of clinical exp. and research exp.?)
Got the other interview results back. NW here I come.