Languages: Spanish and French, Moderate Proficiency
2.5 Years Experience as a Legal Assistant at a Personal Injury Law Firm - Worked closely with attorneys and support staff on a daily basis. Managed personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. Analyzed case documents such as medical bills, medical records, insurance information, and accident reports. Interacted with clients via telephone and e-mail to gather information and schedule appointments, and face-to-face in case status meetings. Summarized documents for attorney review, including case facts, deposition transcripts, and medical records. Exposure to HIPAA and health insurance issues.
1+ Years Research in Biochemistry (Ongoing) - Employed histological and immunohistochemical methods on a mouse model to study a gene induced by a vitamin A metabolite and its functions in embryonic development and neuronal differentiation. Learned biochemical and histological methods, basic embryology and anatomy, and principles of experimental design and analysis.
Two Semesters (Ongoing) Hospital Volunteering - Family practice inpatient unit and emergency department; 3-4 hours per week
Medical Ministry International - Dominican Republic, August 2007 (2 weeks) - Assisted volunteer doctors and students in various underserved areas to provide basic medical care to local citizens.
Alternative Break - Kentucky, Spring Break 2007 (1 week) - Worked with a group of students in a poor rural county to help rebuild a house that had burned down; also built a deck and ramp for a handicapped woman.
Alternative Break - Minneapolis (weekend trip) - Worked with a group of students at a women's and children's shelter.
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 2007
Undergraduate college: Oberlin College
Undergraduate Area of study: History/Humanities
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Area of Study: Premedical Studies
Degree Obtained: N/A
Total MCAT SCORE: 520
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 130,
C/P 128,
CARS 132
Overall GPA: 3.51
Science GPA: 3.77
Summary of Application Experience
3.24.08 Called OHSU, UCD, and UVm admissions. Bad news about OHSU: apparently they have a 3.65 minimum GPA (and 32 MCAT) for out of state applicants this year so I had no chance! It was my top choice on paper. Oh well. UC-Davis is interviewing through March 31 but might go later 'if needed.' Vermont is mostly done with interview invites but may have a few slots opening before their last interview date of April 8.
3.28.08 I've since heard of a person with a much lower than 3.65 and a 32 MCAT who was accepted to OHSU as an out-of-state resident. This person got their application in much earlier than I did, so perhaps OHSU increased their cutoff for the later portion of the cycle. Also, today I received my completion card from OHSU (dated 3.24, the day I called them), stating that it could be 5 weeks until I hear from them and that they interview through April. So maybe there's still hope but I'm not holding my breath.
