Brief Profile:
I\'m a first generation college grad from a low income family in northern Arkansas. Did very well in high school and attended the UofA on a full ride despite scholarships to a few more illustrious private schools. Was in Electrical Engineering my first year (big mistake) and it drug down my GPA for the next three years. Due to living expenses and book costs rising but scholarships remaining flat, I worked at least a part-time job all four years of school. I was heavily involved with volunteering and coordinating large volunteer events through our school\'s volunteer action center, and was appointed to the president position in my senior year, which opened a lot of doors for me and I believe my experiences through it are what helped round out my application despite lower than average grades for premeds. I also did clinical shadowing and volunteered at a local emergency room and a free christian clinic, which is what helped me know \"for sure\" this is what I wanted to do. I\'ve spent the last year trying to make myself a more competitive applicant, and when asked what my plan B was in the interview, I told them it\'d be to \"retake the MCAT, consider master\'s level coursework, and try again. Med school was my goal and I\'d get there somehow\", and I am very excited I\'ve been given the chance to reach my goal.
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 09/27/2009
Undergraduate college: University of Arkansas
Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences
Total MCAT SCORE: 505
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 125,
C/P 125,
CARS 129
Overall GPA: 3.10
Science GPA: 2.80
Summary of Application Experience
This is my second attempt. I knew last year my grades were low and my MCAT was \"okay\", so I knew this year I needed to figure out a way to stand out regardless. My last year strengthened my application through As and Bs in high level sciences, over 500 hours of volunteerism, top leadership roles in student volunteer government bodies and the regional Susan G. Komen committee, and more work experience. I am a first generation college graduate that needed to work all four years of college (although I probably should have just taken on debt instead of spreading myself thin), and started as an E.E. major before switching to Biology/premed. I was waitlisted at UAMS last year and hold-rescreened at several until May. I am on hold re-screen at many right now, but UAMS said yes, so I am thrilled and will be attending there next Fall. Good luck to all- I made it despite the odds, so have hope!
Summary of Experience:
My second year applying here- I can claim strong ties to Iowa (birth state, lots of family there, etc.) but once again it went to committee and I was not invited for an interview.
Summary of Experience:
The interview here was so relaxed. They use a blind interview process which CAN be a blessing- they only know your name, so it\'s up to you to provide them with enough information to get to know (and like) you without having to go through all the grade defenses, etc. I always told mine about my low GPA anyway, I\'d rather they knew up front than finding out when they met with the admissions committee and it being a surprise. Anyway, got in my second attempt, very excited!
