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Getting into medical school has become quite competitive. Applicants often wonder whether their grades, MCAT scores, and activities are on par with those who have recently been accepted to medical school. In this entry, we share some success stories of pre-medical students who were accepted to medical school.

Student 1:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: UCLA, UCSD, UCSF, UCI, UC Davis, USC, Stanford, Univ. of Arizona – Phoenix, Univ. of Arizona – Tucson, Harvard, Boston Univ., Yale, Northwestern, Mount Sinai, Columbia, Georgetown, SUNY Downstate, Univ. of Pittsburgh, Case Western Reserve University
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: UCSD, USC, UCI, Boston Univ., Georgetown
Undergraduate GPA: 4.0 (math& science), 3.992 (total)
MCAT Score(s): PS: 14 VR: 8 BS: 12
Undergraduate Major: Psychobiology
Timing of Application: Early (June)
National Ranking of College Attended: Top 25
Did you take time off between college and medical school? No
Did you apply as a disadvantaged applicant: No
Type of Clinical Experience:
• Hospital Volunteer – Helping identify patients, assisting in enrolling patients into clinical trials
• International Experience – Traveled with a medical team to Mexico to help provide basic medical care to local villagers for 2 weeks
Duration of Clinical Experience: More than 2 years
Type of Research Experience: Basic Science Laboratory Research
Duration of Research: More than 2 years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 1
Extracurricular experiences and the position held:
• Coordinator of undergraduate research team
• VP of undergraduate chapter of community health organization
• Co-founder of organization that provides music therapy for children with autism
• Volunteer for organization that helps homeless individuals receive their GED
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Student 2:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, University of Arizona at Tuscon, Miller School of Medicine at Miami University, Albany Medical College, University of Vermont School of Medicine, Georgetown School of Medicine, George Washington School of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin College of Medicine, Albert Einstein School of Medicine
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, University of Vermont School of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin College of Medicine, Georgetown School of Medicine.
Undergraduate GPA: 3.82
MCAT Score(s):
1st attempt – PS: 9 VR: 9 BS: 9
2nd attempt – PS: 12 VR: 10 BS: 10
Undergraduate Major: Biological Sciences
Undergraduate Minor: Business Administration
Timing of Application: June
National Ranking of College Attended: Top 25
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? 1 year
What you did during your time off:Continued basic science research and was hired as a research assistant in the lab I had been volunteering for 3 years before. Volunteering in the labor and delivery ward of a community hospital serving low-income patients. Private tutoring. Travel
Did you apply as a disadvantaged applicant: No
Type of Clinical Experience:Hospital Volunteer, Clinic Volunteer, Physician Shadowing, International Experience
Duration of Clinical Experience: More than 2 years
Type of Research Experience: Clinical and Basic Science Laboratory Research
Duration of Research: More than 2 years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 3
Extracurricular experiences and the position held:
• President and Founder of Swipes for the Homeless at my university
• President and Founder of the Undergraduate Science Journal at my university
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Student 3:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: Hofstra, Common Wealth Medical College, Boston University, Tulane, Eastern Virginia Medical School, VCU, Western Michigan, USC, UCLA, UCI, UCR, Albany, NYMC
University of Vermont, Touro, AT Still University, Midwestern University Arizona, Midwestern University Chicago, Western
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: Hofstra, Tulane, USC, UCR, Western (Withdrew from many schools after receiving acceptances)
Undergraduate GPA: 3.61
MCAT Score(s): 1st attempt – PS: 12 VR:10 BS:12
Undergraduate Major: Biology
Timing of Application: Early (June)
National Ranking of College Attended: Top 25
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? 1 year
What you did during your time off:
• Free clinic volunteer
• Medical trip abroad
• Worked at private practice in radiology
Type of Clinical Experience:
• Hospital Volunteer
• Clinic Volunteer
• Physician Shadowing
• Scribe
Duration of Clinical Experience: More than 2 years
Type of Research Experience: Clinical
Duration of Research: More than 2 years
_______________________________________________________________
Student 4:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: New York Medical College, Tulane University, St. Louis University
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: St. Louis University
Undergraduate GPA: 3.86
MCAT Score(s): PS: 12 VR: 9 BS: 14
Undergraduate Major: Biological Sciences/Biochemistry
Timing of Application: Mid-Cycle (July – August)
College Attended: Chapman University
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? 1 year
What you did during your time off:
• Volunteering at clinic
• Employed full-time at a restaurant
• Travel
Type of Clinical Experience:
• Hospital Volunteer
• Clinic Volunteer
• Physician Shadowing
Duration of Clinical Experience: 6 months to 1 year
Type of Research Experience: Basic science laboratory research
Duration of Research: More than 2 years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 1
Extracurricular experiences and the position held:
• President/Founder of culture club, total of 3 years involvement
• Volunteer at free clinic, total 1 year
• Medical brigades, total involvement 3 years
____________________________________________________________________
Student 5:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: University of Vermont, University of Arizona, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, Albany Medical College
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: Albany Medical College
Undergraduate GPA: 3.62
MCAT Score(s):
1st attempt – PS: 10 VR: 06 BS: 12
2nd attempt – PS: 11 VR: 08 BS: 12
Undergraduate Major: Physiological Science
Timing of Application: June
National Ranking of College Attended: Top 25
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? 1 year
What you did during your time off: Clinical research, clinical shadowing in an emergency room, founded an organization for health promotion of the homeless community in LA
Did you apply as a disadvantaged applicant: No
Type of Clinical Experience:
• Hospital Volunteer
• Clinic Volunteer
• Physician Shadowing
• Further Description: Shadowed in an orthopedic surgery practice in the OR and in clinic for 5 years, ~3500 hours. Shadowed in the ER of a local community hospital for 1 year. ~1100 hours
Type of Research Experience: Clinical and Basic Science
Duration of Research: More than 2 years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 0
Extracurricular experiences and the position held:
• Volunteer Tutor for disabled students at UCLA
• Founder of an organization for health promotion for local homeless community
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Student 6:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: UC Irvine, Drexel, SUNY Buffalo, University of Wisconsin
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: UC Irvine, Drexel,
Undergraduate GPA: 3.98
MCAT Score(s): PS: 12 VR: 7 BS: 10
Undergraduate Major: Cognitive Science with Specialization in Computing
Timing of Application: Early June
College Attended: Community college and UCLA
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? 1 Year
What you did during your time off: Research and non-healthcare related employment
Type of Clinical Experience: Hospital volunteer
Duration of Clinical Experience: 1- 2 years
Type of Research Experience: Clinical and basic science
Duration of Research: More than 2 years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 0
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Student 7:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: UMDNJ/Rutgers-Robert Wood, UMDNJ/Rutgers-NJMS, Drexel University, George Washington University, New York Medical College, SUNY-Stony Brook, Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, Cooper/Rowan
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: Drexel University, SUNY-Stony Brook, Pennsylvania State University, Temple University
Undergraduate GPA: 3.9
MCAT Score(s):
1st attempt – PS: 11 VR: 8 BS: 11
2nd attempt – PS: 11 VR: 9 BS: 10
Undergraduate Major: Biology
Timing of Application: Early June
National Ranking of College Attended: Below 50
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? 1 year
What you did during your time off: Clinical Research, local and abroad clinical experience, community outreach projects
Did you apply as a disadvantaged applicant: No
Type of Clinical Experience: Hospital Volunteer, Clinic Volunteer, Physician Shadowing, EMT, International clinical experience in Peru for 1 month
Duration of Clinical Experience: More than 2 years
Type of Research Experience: Clinical and basic science research
Duration of Research: More than 2 years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 0
Extracurricular experiences and the position held:
• Founder and Program Coordinator of Diabetes Intervention Program at local Homeless Shelter
• Clinical Volunteer in Peru for International Field Research Expedition (IFRE) Organization
• EMT for local rescue squad
• Research assistant at Cancer Research Center
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Student 8:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: GWU, Jefferson, Creighton, Rosalind Franklin, UCLA-Drew, UCI, Eastern Virginia
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: Creighton, Rosalind Franklin, Jefferson
Undergraduate GPA: 3.6
MCAT Score(s): PS: 11 VR: 8 BS: 11
Undergraduate Major: Biology
Timing of Application: June
National Ranking of College Attended: 26 – 50
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? 1 Year
What you did during your time off: Clinical Research, Volunteering
Type of Clinical Experience: Hospital Volunteer, Clinic Volunteer, Physician Shadowing, EMT, International Experience
Duration of Clinical Experience: 1- 2 years
Type of Research Experience: Basic science and clinical
Duration of Research: More than 2 years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed:2
Extracurricular experiences and the position held: Undergraduate Research Fellowship program, President of Student mentoring program, Underprivileged student tutoring within city
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Student 9:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Undergraduate GPA: 3.6
MCAT Score(s):
1st attempt – PS: 10 VR:4 BS:10
2nd attempt – PS:9 VR:6 BS: 9
Timing of Application: June
National Ranking of College Attended: Top 25
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? 3 years
Type of Clinical Experience:
• Clinic Volunteer
• Physician Shadowing
• International Experience
Duration of Clinical Experience: 6 months to 1 year
Type of Research Experience: Basic science laboratory research
Duration of Research: 1-2 years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 0
Extracurricular experiences and the position held:
• Volunteer for Non-Profit Healthcare Organization
• President of Premed Club
Did you complete a post-baccalaureate or graduate program before applying to medical school (select all that apply)? Yes
Type of program:: Special Masters in Biomedical Science
Graduate GPA: 3.5
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Student 10
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: UCLA, UCSD, UCI, Boston University, University of Pittsburgh, Florida International University.
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: Boston University
Undergraduate GPA: 3.8
MCAT Score(s): PS: 14 VR: 8 BS: 12
Undergraduate Major: Physiological Science
Timing of Application: Early (June)
National Ranking of College Attended: Top 25
Did you take time off between college and medical school? No
Did you apply as a disadvantaged applicant: No
Type of Clinical Experience:
Hospital Volunteer: Observing cases in the emergency department and collecting information about patient admission for 1 year.
Shadowing in a clinic: 6 weeks during summer.
International Experience: Traveled twice to Costa Rica with a medical team to shadow in a clinic and also to educate underserved communities on basic health topics. Each trip was during the summer and lasted 2 weeks.
Duration of Clinical Experience: 1 year
Type of Research Experience:
Clinical research: enrolled patients into a study and instructed them on how to complete the study. I was also responsible for data entry and literature search.
Duration of Research: 1 Year
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 0
Extracurricular experiences and the position held: AMSA International Outreach Project: Member and Director
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Student 11:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews:
Mayo School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, Weill Cornell School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine (UCLA)
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances:
Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Undergraduate GPA: 3.99
MCAT Score(s): PS: 11 VR: 11 BS: 12
Undergraduate Major: Psychobiology
Timing of Application: Early (June)
National Ranking of College Attended: UCLA
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? 1 Year
What you did during your time off: Worked at a hospital
Type of Clinical Experience: Hospital Volunteer, Clinic Volunteer
Duration of Clinical Experience: More than 2 years
Type of Research Experience:
Clinical, Basic Science Laboratory Research
Duration of Research: 1-2 Years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 2
Extracurricular experiences and the position held: Volunteer tutor for high school students, Director of Student Group, Paid tutor through college
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Student 12:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews: University of Southern California, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Arizona-Phoenix , Albert Einstein Medical School
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances: University of Illinois at Chicago
Undergraduate GPA: 3.82
MCAT Score(s): PS: 14 VR: 10 BS: 10
Timing of Application: Early (June)
National Ranking/Name of College Attended: UCLA
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? 1 Year
What you did during your time off: Worked as EMT
Type of Clinical Experience: Hospital Volunteer, Physician Shadowing, EMT
Duration of Clinical Experience: 1-2 Years
Type of Research Experience: Clinical
Duration of Research: 1-2 Years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 0
Extracurricular experiences and the position held: Founder and academics chair of premedical club
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Student 13:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews:
SUNY Downstate
Tufts University
Temple University
Saint Louis University
Stony Brook University
Hofstra University
SUNY Buffalo
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances:
One of the schools listed above
Undergraduate GPA:
3.8
MCAT Score(s):
1st attempt – PS: 11 VR: 10 BS: 11
Undergraduate Major:
Biology
Timing of Application: Early (June)
National Ranking or Name of College Attended: 26- 50
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes, I took a gap year
If so, how long? One year
What you did during your time off:
I worked as a lab technician and I participated in community service.
Did you apply as a disadvantaged applicant: No
Type of Clinical Experience: Hospital Volunteer
Duration of Clinical Experience: 6 months to one year
Type of Research Experience: Basic Science Laboratory Research
Duration of Research: 1-2 years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: None
Extracurricular experiences and the position held:
-Club Sport Team Member
-Volunteer at Hospital
-Intern at Healthcare Organization
-Volunteer Teacher
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Student 14:
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Interviews:
University of Pittsburgh
University of Vermont
Weill Cornell Medical College
David Geffen School of Medicine
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt University
Case Western Reserve University
Names of Medical Schools Where You Received Acceptances:
University of Pittsburgh
University of Vermont
Undergraduate GPA: 3.9
MCAT Score(s): PS: 14 VR: 10 BS: 12
Undergraduate Major: Bioengineering
Timing of Application: Early (June)
National Ranking or Name of College Attended: Top 25
Did you take time off between college and medical school? Yes
If so, how long? One year
What you did during your time off: Research, photography, tutoring
Did you apply as a disadvantaged applicant: No
Type of Clinical Experience:
Hospital Volunteer (hygiene auditor and patient transport)
Clinic Volunteer (Venice Family Clinic)
Physician Shadowing (primarily through a bioengineering course)
International Experience (in Shanghai)
Duration of Clinical Experience: 6 months to one year
Type of Research Experience: Basic Science Laboratory Research
Duration of Research: More than 2 years
Number of Research Publications Cited in Pubmed: 2
Extracurricular experiences and the position held:
Biomedical Engineering Society – historian (1 yr)
Tau Beta Pi – project chair (1 yr) and historian (1 yr)
Peer Evening tutor – 2013 Winter Quarter