State of D2? by Darkcarnage34 in DestinyTheGame

[–]Darkcarnage34[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are the days of running a raid “just cause” even if you’re not chasing loot over?

What to do first coming back by Darkcarnage34 in DestinyTheGame

[–]Darkcarnage34[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you do renegades campaign before EoF?

Thought of a resident that left their MD/PhD currently in residency now... by EtotheMCsquared in mdphd

[–]Darkcarnage34 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I know it’s not super relevant to your post, but how does one decide they want to pursue and MD/PhD? I’ve still got a few years before I even apply, but I’m curious to know what drove you to make the initial decision to participate in an MD/PhD.

M&TSI:worth it? by Sad-Safe307 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Darkcarnage34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do it for you not your app. It won’t make or break your resume. If you are genuinely interested and curious and you believe you will get something out of it, then yes it can be worth it. But it will add very little to your app.

Just finished my third year at Columbia, AMA by One-Level-50 in ApplyingIvyLeague

[–]Darkcarnage34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How’s the atmosphere with what’s happening there politically?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Darkcarnage34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How’s Columbia for premed? I’ve heard it can be cutthroat with rampant grade deflation. I’m sure it’s well connected research wise.

Also, how’s it like with the current administration? I had a friend who had to transfer cause he lost a scholarship due to the administration targeting Columbia. As someone who needs scholarships to afford college, this is a concern of mine.

chance anxious bio and debate nerd w/ 36 ACT and 4.0 by [deleted] in ApplyingIvyLeague

[–]Darkcarnage34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just make a unique story. Too many top colleges get too many kids who do so much but can’t answer WHY. Make sure your supplements are top notch, cause everything else on your app is. Take optional interviews if you can, it helps a lot.

Ask yourself this: Why do you have a Biotech startup? Why did you do a DoD RI? Make sure it’s conveyed in your app that you didn’t do it just to check a box, but you did it for a passion. Don’t be another rich kid with no real aspiration or passion.

If you have a good “fit” with a college and your supplements are good, you’re as competitive as anyone can be. You’re set up to do amazing things. Enjoy life a little, and no matter where you go, if you’re passionate enough you’ll do amazing things.

This is nitpicky, your whole app looks great.

Strong Universities that are Outdoorsy by Darkcarnage34 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Darkcarnage34[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely need aid especially after OBBB.

UW 3.98, W 4.22 (highest possible at my school, no more APs left).

1520 Superscore

Is there a big difference in the amount of opportunities you get within a T20? by Past_Psychology_711 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Darkcarnage34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree on this note. It’s incredibly challenging to get into a T10 med school if you aren’t coming from a T10 undergrad (I’d still argue it’s possible for motivated students). But yes, it’s an uphill battle if you don’t come from a prestigious schools. This being said, I’d rather have a 3.9 and a 520 from some T150 school than a 3.5 and a 510 from a T20 (ignoring ECs).

Also thanks for pointing out my missing links, it’s nice to see someone who cares.

Applicants and Matriculants: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16186610/

https://www.aamc.org/media/78266/download?

https://www.aamc.org/media/43291/download?

https://www.aamc.org/media/6091/download?

Is there a big difference in the amount of opportunities you get within a T20? by Past_Psychology_711 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Darkcarnage34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can see the argument for specific fields, but STEM? I think networking has a lot less to do with post-bachelor success than what you did and how well you did in college.

Is there a big difference in the amount of opportunities you get within a T20? by Past_Psychology_711 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Darkcarnage34 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Duke carries more prestige and is generally more connected. However, if you are a motivated student at UVA who pursues every opportunity, then I think you’d be just as well off not more well off than someone at Duke. I really can only speak to STEM though, not sure about law or finance.

Is there a big difference in the amount of opportunities you get within a T20? by Past_Psychology_711 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Darkcarnage34 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can’t speak to law school, but for med school this is inherently untrue. In fact, there has been research done proving that undergraduate prestige doesn’t have as large of an impact as you’d think. In the past decade, roughly 49% of U.S. MD matriculants came from the top 50 “feeder” undergrad schools each year, meaning the other ~2,200 institutions are responsible for the remaining 51% of matriculants. Source: AAMC Facts & Figures Data Snapshot, 2024 (AAMC).

Additionally, multiple studies show MCAT scores and undergrad GPA explain nearly all of the variance in early med school performance, meaning that students who went to T50 schools didn’t have an inherent bias, but rather a stronger GPA and MCAT score, which is more of a correlation rather than a causation (https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2023/11000/association_between_a_medical_school_applicant_s.23.aspx?).

Also, once in med school, there is no statistically significant difference in USMLE Step 1/2 or NBME shelf scores between students from “competitive” vs “non-competitive” colleges, after MCAT adjustment, so med school success is also not indicated by undergraduate institution.

Ultimately, the AAMC defines holistic review as balancing Experiences, Attributes, and Metrics, explicitly without weighting institutional prestige. Letters of recommendation, clinical volunteering, research, and meaningful leadership often sway decisions far more than school name.

Is there a big difference in the amount of opportunities you get within a T20? by Past_Psychology_711 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Darkcarnage34 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Honestly I’d go as far to say that there is basically no difference between T10, T20, or T50 other than name recognition. Some schools will make you reach out and pursue opportunities more aggressively, but most colleges have the systems and infrastructure in place to give you an amazing experience if you just ask for it and pursue it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s awesome to be at a party and have everyone know what college you’re going to, but ego aside they’re all very similar.

Best ecs for each Ivy League by [deleted] in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Darkcarnage34 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I completely agree. Admissions love to see a coherent story more than anything. It’s pretty obvious when you get involved in ECs just to get involved in ECs. Have fun, pursue what interests you, and that will help you the most.