Application Cycle One: 2005

• Undergraduate college: Bates College
• Undergraduate Area of study: Foreign Language/International Studies

• Institution: Bates College (Double-Major)
• Area of Study: Fine Arts/Architecture
• Degree Obtained: BA
• Institution: Loyola University Chicago
• Area of Study: Premedical Studies
• Degree Obtained: N/A

• Total MCAT SCORE: 517
• MCAT Section Scores: B/B 130, C/P 130, CARS 127   Detailed Breakdown
• Overall GPA: 3.72
• Science GPA: 4.00

Summary of Application Experience

Do your best. Seriously. Don't try to be someone you're not, but also be sure this is something you want to do. If it's not, it'll show. Also, just the application process will put you in debt and frustrate you to no end, so make sure you set aside some funds BEFORE you start applying. Apply to lots of schools. I know it's a pain in the ass and costs way too much, but because the whole process is TOTALLY arbitrary and really just sucks all around, you wanna make sure you're giving yourself the greatest number of chances possible. Don't get too discouraged by the short letters (tough advice to follow, I know!), but if it's getting close to the end of the application season, think about your other options: reapplying, other careers in medicine, other careers, more school, other activities to boost your resume. Study your ass off for the MCAT and for your classes: those numbers will open doors to interviews. But most importantly: don't forget to do the stuff you enjoy -- going out, having fun, painting, rocking out, whatever. If you forget about 'the world' and 'being human' then the ultimate goal of this process will be worthless. That's my $.02.