dreambig0x

Hi guys,
So I know everyone who applies to these types of programs seem to have shadowing experience, research, volunteer hours, etc. to showcase on their resumes. i was wondering if i can get away with not having research on my resume and still manage to get into one of these programs...my grades are decent, i (will) have high ACT scores, SAT II scores above 700 (but below 750) and a LOT of extracurricular activities. i have shadowed a good number of physicians this summer and have a good number of volunteer hours as well. the only thing that's lacking is the research...

so any idea? i'm not aiming for the top programs, like brown and BU and whatnot. more like drexel, siena college, UM, nyit (for the bs/do), nova southeastern (BS/DO), stuff like that.

dblazer

Yeah, you're fine without having research.

neoevolution

I got into BU without research, I think only the very top programs require it and those with a research focus like Rochester. Everywhere else, you'll be fine applying. Apply to the top progs anyway, you might get in without research there too.

fallpsat

neoevolution, are you in BU or Penn State?

neoevolution

I'm at BU. I interviewed for Penn State, didn't get in.

coolcamel

Neoevolution--how intense is the BU program? (in terms of academics)

neoevolution

You need a 30 MCAT and 3.2 sci and overall GPA each semester. BU is said to have grade deflation, so a 3.2 is supposedly tougher that it seems. Academically, you need to take a certain level of physics, it's a calc based one that's level 4 out of 5 for incoming students, the chem we take is level 2. After that, we take 3 semesters of bio and 2 of ocher in sophomore year.

I haven't actually started at the program yet, so I don't know anything more specific.
From what I hear, average GPA is 3.6-3.7 and 33 MCAT, most students do more that fine as far as the minimum goes.

coolcamel

what do you mean by level 4 out of 5 for physics, level 2 for chemistry, etc?

neoevolution

BU offers several levels of each class for incoming students. The lowest level of physics for example doesn't have any calculus. The top level of physics is for engineering students. I say level 4 out of 5 because the physics I will be taking will be the 2nd most advanced offered to incoming students. Similarly, the chem course is an accelerated one meant for students with AP or similar experience in high school, and is harder than the regular chem 101 course.