Chance me + Advice

entomom
Wed, 13 Nov 2013 21:49:32 +0000

Let’s hope Jan. is okay for RD.



The link I gave states:



You may take standardized tests as late as November for Early Decision and January for Regular Decision.



Note: the bold and italics are Cs, not mine. I don’t think they could be any clearer.

OP,

I don’t do Chances, and I don’t think you need anyone to tell you your Chances. I have no problem with applying to an uber reach, as long as the rest of your list is composed of realistic admissions and financial safeties and matches. I know it often gives people comfort in knowing, ‘at least I tried’, and that’s fine as long as your list isn’t made up of similar longshots.

Beyond that, I think you should understand some sobering information about applying to med school.


While a small handful of highly selective UG colleges may give you a slight nudge if you do well there, med school admissions is by far driven by gpa & MCAT score. Here is the data for Hispanic applicants:


https://www.aamc.org/download/321512/data/2012factstable25-1.pdf

Notice, that one needs to get about a 3.5 gpa for even a 50:50 chance of admission. And believe me, if you go through the expense, time and energy involved, you want more than a 50% chance of being accepted. UG admissions is a walk in the park compared to the med school admissions process.


Very little, if any, gpa leeway is given for what are often considered more difficult majors, such as engineering.
Other things to consider about med school admissions: retaking the MCAT is frowned upon (it’s not like taking the SAT/ACT and there is no Score Choice); reapplying a second year is looked down upon and you are asked for reasons; every college class you ever take is used to calculate your gpa (this includes college classes taken in HS, retakes, etc., even if your college forgives a grade and it’s not on your transcript).