Undergraduate college: University of British Columbia
Undergraduate Area of study: Physical Sciences
Institution: University of British Columbia
Area of Study: Biological/Life Sciences
Institution: Commerce Minor
Area of Study: Other
Total MCAT SCORE: 519
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 130,
C/P 132,
CARS 127
Overall GPA: 3.92
Science GPA: 3.93
Summary of Application Experience
UBC (MD program) I had a positive interview experience because my panel interviewers were slightly more flexible, responsive, and personal in their approach than the school dictated. Nevertheless, I don't think UBC's interview format is a fair assessment of our ability and potential to become good doctors.
Alberta (MD program) Reminds me of UTSW in some ways, ... e.g., the student population/attitude. Perhaps b/c it's the oil province of Canada :p Happy people, good research, and ... many ethical questions in my interview - a very interesting & challenging experience.
UT Southwestern (MD-PhD program) Really pampered us: hotel, restaurants, outings, research symposia, etc. The current students all made an effort to show us around and make us feel welcome - how sweet of them. The school really cares about its students too, what with Ross Perot & all four Nobel laureates attending the banquet to meet us ... an immense honour! Research strengths: biochemistry and cell signaling. It's a great place, but being a medical center, it lacks the capacity for truly interdisciplinary research, I find. For example, researchers doing biomath modeling or biophysical engineering are hard to find because there's no math, physics, or engineering departments available. And I'm afraid the presence of UT Dallas (across town) can't make up for it.
Harvard (MD program: both NP & HST pathways) SO nice to be back in Boston, even for only 3 days. *heart* Felt that I clicked well with the students, both NP and HST. Good rapport with the faculties as well. The resources and opportunities are unparalleled - it would be up to me to take the initiatives and make use of what's available to, um, make a difference in this world (?) Hehe, sounds idealistic & naive I know, but this feels like the school that would enable me to pursue all my interests and passions. Everyone is so incredibly nice and amazing. It was quite humbling & inspiring to realize how down-to-earth and accomplished each individual is. All my fellow interviewees are equally impressive - quite a privilege to be part of the group.
3/26: I dreamed too big, and set myself up for a huge disappointment.
Northwestern (MD-PhD program) Chicago is a lovely city. The MD-PhD administration is awesome. The students are really a fun bunch to be around. Research strengths: neuroscience, immunology, and bioengineering. The downtown/upscale location is wonderful, but I wonder if this might hinder our clinical training: most of the affiliated/teaching hospitals serve the privileged who have the insurance and/or money to afford the care.
