Application Cycle One: 2000

• Undergraduate college: University of California Los Angeles
• Undergraduate Area of study: Physical Sciences

• Institution: BioChemistry
• Area of Study: Other
• Degree Obtained: B.S.

• Total MCAT SCORE: 516
• MCAT Section Scores: B/B 130, C/P 129, CARS 127   Detailed Breakdown
• Overall GPA: 3.90
• Science GPA: 3.90

Summary of Application Experience

DI = decline interview

1/28: I am waiting to hear back from UCLA and Mayo. I don't think my chances of getting into Mayo are high.

2/7: UCLA is taking its sweet time. I'm very humbled and blessed to have choices. When I started this cycle, I just wanted one acceptance.

To any applicants who have to take the MCAT twice, I am proof that if you don't first succeed, try again. I was so distraught when I got my first MCAT score, but I sucked it up and tried again. In hindsight, I applied to way too many schools, but because I took the MCAT twice, I wasn't sure how schools would perceive my scores. I had some friends who've applied twice, and I didn't want to do that. I only wanted to apply once, so I figured I would go all out in this one shot.

I doubted myself so much during the process. Did I have enough clinical experience? Was my personal statement good enough? Should I get more LORS? Now at the end of the admissions process, I've learned that I should just do what makes me happy. After going on the interview trail, I've learned that most interviewers just want to see that an applicant is human -- albeit a kind, compassionate, etc. one. If you can show that you're ambitious yet not overly idealistic, confident yet not arrogant, and kind yet not a doormat, you'll be okay.

Good luck to those applying next cycle!