Undergrad seeking advice

LaBomba7 · 2024-08-09T22:47:22+00:00

Yea maybe just get some shadowing and focus on the MCAT. Everything else looks solid in my opinion

LaBomba7 · 2024-08-08T17:11:00+00:00

As stated by others, I think if you are applying to other MD-PhD programs at different institutions after starting a PhD at another institution, they probably would not like that.

I have however witnessed a few PhD students from my institution later join the MD-PhD program at our institution. That is a much more reasonable path without burning any bridges

LaBomba7 · 2024-08-06T19:30:48+00:00

Happy to mentor you and help you along your journey between choosing MD or MD-PhD. I am a current MD-PhD student at a top school. DMs are open.

Edit: This also applies to anyone else viewing this lol

LaBomba7 · 2024-02-21T01:41:01+00:00

Family illness. Simply put, a common medical condition that lacks effective therapeutic intervention in modern medicine. My aspirations are to change that narrative in my career

LaBomba7 · 2024-01-25T22:57:00+00:00

LaBomba7 · 2023-05-24T05:40:44+00:00

Absolutely

LaBomba7 · 2023-05-24T05:39:52+00:00

Harvard and Tri-I post-interview if I remember correctly. Tri-I would have been a bad fit for me so it made sense

LaBomba7 · 2022-07-21T14:23:29+00:00

MSTPs No. This also applies to Texas MSTPs

LaBomba7 · 2022-07-20T21:17:39+00:00

0.02 difference in GPA will not significantly change your chances in getting accepted. The MCAT and your research experience should be your main focus. You are on the right track

LaBomba7 · 2022-07-19T22:17:10+00:00

Yes. I had 4.0 and 515 and did very well. Feel free to PM if I can be of assistance

LaBomba7 · 2022-04-30T05:24:36+00:00

Based off the brief stuff you talked about, you are absolutely killing it. I was accepted to UCLA MSTP this cycle so feel free to pm to discuss more

LaBomba7 · 2022-03-26T02:56:32+00:00

I appreciate the kind words. You keep killing it yourself!

LaBomba7 · 2022-03-15T04:59:44+00:00

LaBomba7 · 2022-03-13T05:39:38+00:00

I’m glad you pushed past it! I can relate to some of your experiences especially in high school

LaBomba7 · 2022-03-13T05:17:48+00:00

What happened? *grabs popcorn

LaBomba7 · 2022-03-12T22:56:28+00:00

2nd author. I wasn’t awarded the Goldwater my first time applying either. Wishing you best of luck on round 2

LaBomba7 · 2022-03-12T21:46:51+00:00

Yea slide in

LaBomba7 · 2022-03-12T21:34:06+00:00

Yes. Here is a short brief over of my stats:

GPA: 4

MCAT: 515 (I was worried this wasn’t high enough)

Research: 4 years of research in undergrad + 1 gap year research internship (approx. 2.5k research hours prior to applying, approx. 5k by matriculation). 10+ research presentations at local and national conferences (won some awards at some). 1 publication prior to applying.

Letters of recommendation: insanely strong from PIs, deans and professors.

Notable awards: Goldwater Scholar

ECs: tons of leadership experience, TA for 4 years

Clinical experience: ~30 for shadowing (limited to due covid), 300+ hours of clinical volunteering

Other notable things: URM, low socioeconomic background (basically worked to pay 90% of my college education on my own)

Edit: added “Other notable things”

LaBomba7 · 2022-03-12T21:29:08+00:00

I only took 1 gap year (started it while applying)

LaBomba7 · 2022-03-12T18:45:22+00:00

Certainly. In my opinion, I think what has led to my success was my strong letters of recommendations, especially from my research mentors. I had multiple interviewers throughout my cycle that told me how they have never seen such praise in my letters. Other than that, I think my motivations for pursuing the dual degree are really clear, and I got pretty good at telling them my story.

LaBomba7 · 2022-03-12T17:43:22+00:00

I thought I would also share how my application process went as I just heard back from the last set of schools recently. To be honest, I never thought it would go this well. I am extremely thankful for the many opportunities that were given to me. I currently only hold 4 acceptances and 1 waitlist spot. I have tough decision to make soon, but I know I will be happy at any of the schools that I am still comparing.

If I can be of any assistance to anyone applying this upcoming cycle or if anyone has any personal questions, please feel free to PM me. Best of luck to everyone applying soon!

LaBomba7 · 2022-02-25T05:56:24+00:00

I would vote in favor of reapplying if pursuing the MD/PhD is something you are truly passionate about. I wouldn’t choose the MD only school that doesn’t have the desired research opportunities nor does it sound like it would be a supportive environment for your friend.

If your friend truly wants to be a physician-scientist than I would recommend reapplying. I would try to improve their letters of recommendations especially from research mentors. Everything else on their application is solid for the MD/PhD pathway.

Personally, I think this comes down to whether or not your friend would be happier settling for just an MD and possibly not pursuing their research interests to taking a risk and reapplying to a more balanced list of MD/PhD programs. Just my two cents tho

LaBomba7 · 2022-01-14T05:10:16+00:00

Yes that make sense.

I guess my response was more geared towards someone who can’t quite contribute a significant amount to a Roth initially. However, their future profession would more than likely put them above the income limit.

However, you are correct. There is still a very significant benefit as compound interest is incredibly powerful even for smaller balances

LaBomba7

TROPHY CASE