Brief Profile:
MCATS in August 2001 (VR11, BS9, PS9, WR). Graduated in May 2003. Since December 2003, have worked at a biotech in Gaithersburg, MD, as a toxicology associate helping to run preclinical toxicology studies.
One summer doing research, one summer as a nursing attendant at a rehabilitation hospital. Shadowing experiences, community service, varsity crew team (coxswain), taekwondo club (treasurer, president). Majored in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (one major, interdisciplinary) and minored in Anthropology.
Lower GPA second semester freshman year due to emergency appendectomy and recovery that kept me out of classes 2.5 weeks at the beginning of the semester. C- in physical chemistry my junior year.
Generally overcommitted with extracurriculars/jobs during first three years of college, which affected grades somewhat. However, there is a good upswing in my GPA over the 4 years:
The dip Junior year is due to the C- in Physical Chem. Without that, my GPA is around 3.5 for Junior year. Took A&P following graduation to increase qualifications at work and received a promotion; A in A&P.
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 2005
Undergraduate college: Hamilton College
Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences
Total MCAT SCORE: 513
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 127,
C/P 126,
CARS 132
Overall GPA: 3.39
Science GPA: 3.19
Summary of Application Experience
2004/2005 - Decided to apply to one of the only schools that would take my MCAT scores from August 2001. Applied to University of Maryland (my top choice then and now) late in the application cycle; waitlisted and did not get off the waitlist. They advised me to retake the MCAT and apply again.
08/19/05 - Retook MCATs to have current scores to apply this year. 09/19/05 - Submitted AMCAS. 09/28/05 - AMCAS application processing completed. 09/28/05 - Added USUHS 10/14/05 - MCATs are in!!! 3 point improvement in my score!! 11/04/05 - LORs FINALLY got mailed to all my schools from the committee! 11/29/05 - First interview invite; from USUHS. Mixed feelings, as this is a school I am applying to without knowing if I would go if I got in (unless it is the only school). Relieved to have at least one interview though. 12/19/05 - First rejection - SUNY Upstate. Poop on them. 01/17/06 - FINALLY got registered for Biochem and Advanced Cell Bio I at JHU for the Spring in their advanced academic programs department as a special student. Classes start Monday, so it's not like it was close or anything :/ ; their online registration system hasn't been working right. With one interview, it's looking like I'm looking at another cycle, so gotta do something to improve my package, and my GPA is my real weak spot. Besides, work will pay for the classes. 01/20/06 - Really really really hoping for an interview from Maryland now; received an email from the premed advisor at my alma mater who spoke to Dr. Foxwell regarding my app. It sounds like a really positive conversation, so hope is alive again. Which is dangerous of course. Sigh. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Maryland! 01/27/06 - Interview invite from Albany. Whew, at least I have more than 1 interview, even if it is for a waitlist spot! 02/17/05 - Interview at Albany was yesterday. Synopsis: I think I can get a good education there, etc. Not my top choice but I'd go if I don't get in anywhere else. I think that means USUHS is probably above Albany. Also, received an email yesterday with formal rejection from RWJ. Pretty much knew this was going to happen, not upset. Great school, wouldn't have minded going there, but knew my chances were slim. I considered the application fee a small price to pay to be able to at least make an effort at a NJ school for my mother-in-law (who would probably sell her soul to have us live closer). 02/21/06 - INTERVIEW INVITE FROM MARYLAND!!!!!!! Scheduled for 3/8! Now I just need to rock my two classes, which will hopefully give me a good waitlist spot. Two interviews in two years from this school. They must like SOMETHING. Mood: Ecstatic! 02/22/06 - E-MAIL FROM ALBANY I'M IN!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG I'm going to be a DOCTOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Definitely still waiting to hear from USUHS and then after the interview at Maryland to hear from Maryland, but I am going to medical school SOMEWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!! 03/01/06 - Waitlisted at USUHS. Not a surprise. Still going to hang onto this and see what happens. 03/24/06 - SNAIL MAIL ACCEPTANCE FROM MARYLAND!!! AHHHHHHH! THIS IS IT!!! I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING TO SPEND THE NEXT FOUR YEARS! PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF!!! 03/31/06 Officially withdrew from Albany (acceptance) and USUHS waitlist.
Application Complete, Rejected
UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson
Applying for combined PhD/MSTP? No
Submitted: Yes
Secondary Completed: Yes
Interview Invite: No
Interview Attended: No
Waitlisted: No
Accepted: No
Rejected: Yes
Summary of Experience:
No actual secondary, just a form and a fee (mailed 9/22/05); complete 11/11/05; rejected email 2/16