Josten Overall
Major: Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior
Overall GPA: 3.85
Graduation Year: 2016
Which school are you attending?
I am attending the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
What UC Davis extracurriculars did you participate in?
I was involved in the Pre-Med AMSA club, and served as a mentor for two quarters. During my Freshman year I completed an internship at the UCDMC General Pediatric clinic. The majority of my final two years at Davis was spent with the Resource Desk program at WellSpace Health clinic, in Oak Park.
How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
An average of 35-40 hours per week.
Did you use a test prep course?
I was not enrolled in an official test prep course, but I did use the Kaplan MCAT 7-book review series to study on my own. It was sometimes challenging to balance MCAT studying while in school, but I usually dedicated a few hours of MCAT review in the mornings before classes, as well as additional hours during the weekend. If I could change one thing about my studying, I would have taken and reviewed more full-length practice tests—they make a significant difference!
What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
I think one of the major strengths in my application was my excitement and passion surrounding the activities I participated in. Although I did not have an abundance of extracurriculars, I was able to detail how much the activities I did participate in, shaped me and reinforced my interest in medicine.
Did you apply nationally?
Yes. I applied to 21 schools in states ranging from California all the way to New Hampshire.
What advice do you have for others?
Try your best and do what makes you happy! This is especially important when deciding which extracurricular activities you engage in. Clinical experience and shadowing are very important; however, students should also feel encouraged to participate in other activities that can similarly highlight their unique qualities and strengths. Echoing the advice of my colleagues, students should work hard to maintain a strong GPA and achieve a great MCAT score. It's true that metrics are just one component of the application, but they are integral in helping the rest of your application stand out even more. Also, be sure to thoroughly research each school you're interested in so that you can strengthen and personalize your secondaries. Finally, for students who are preparing to apply or are in the middle of an application cycle, be patient and don't get discouraged! Although the application journey can be long and extensive, remember: you are great and you can do it!
Anas Tresh
Major: Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior
Overall GPA: at Davis 3.7, overall about 3.9
Graduation Year: 2016
Which school are you attending?
I will be attending the University of California San Francisco Fall of 2016.
What UC Davis extracurriculars did you participate in?
ASUCD Senator, Minority Association of Premedical Students Program Director, TPMP Co-founder and mentor, Muslim Student Association mentor, Arab Student Union Social Chair followed by Co-President and Shifa Community Clinic Volunteer
How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
On average at Davis, I probably studied fifteen hours a week.
Did you use a test prep course?
I did not use test prep courses. I knew I had the ability to sit down and study on a daily basis and felt my grasp on the content matter was strong. I purchased all the test subject books and created a schedule in which I broke down how I would spend each day of the week making sure I included my rest days. Every week I took a practice test and towards the end, I began taking two a week. All in all, I took 18 practice tests. Practice tests in my opinion are the key to success on this exam!
What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
My strengths in my application were definitely my GPA and my MCAT score. However those did not suffice without combining them with appropriate extracurriculars, strong letters of recommendation and a compelling personal statement. A term I've heard over and over again that couldn't be more accurate is "holistic". Your application can't just be one dimensional.
Did you apply nationally?
I did apply nationally. I applied to 29 schools.
What advice do you have for others?
If you're in a position where you're still in school, focus on your GPA and study hard for your MCAT! Getting into medical school is your hardest task, but you can do it if you work hard! Make sure that you work on your extracurriculars, but don't ever let them affect your grades. I think clinical experience is especially important! Apply when you're ready and feel most prepared. When getting ready to apply, understand the application thoroughly and know the timeline! Get your letters of recommendation and transcript well in advance! Apply early and tackle your secondaries consistently as there will be many. Best of luck!
Natasha Cowan
Major: Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
Overall GPA: 3.99
Graduation Year: 2014
Which school are you attending?
UC San Diego School of Medicine
What UC Davis extracurriculars did you participate in?
I was on the UC Davis Women’s Rowing Team my freshman year, I volunteered in the UCDMC Pediatric ED the summer between my freshman and sophomore year, I participated in a two week medical mission trip in Costa Rica with VIDA the summer between my sophomore and junior year, I worked as a research assistant in Dr. Cheng’s lab for a year, and I was a caregiver for the elderly for 2 years.
How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
I graduated in 2 years and 2 quarters, so I took anywhere from 17-27 units per quarter. I studied about 30 hours per week for my courses.
Did you use a test prep course?
Yes, I took Kaplan’s test prep course. I’m extremely happy that I chose to do this, and it was well worth the money.
What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
To be honest, my metrics (GPA and MCAT score) are one of my biggest strengths. Other than that, I’d say the diversity of my experiences (both clinical and research).
Did you apply nationally?
Yes, I applied to 23 schools across the continental United States.
What advice do you have for others?
Study, study, study! Do not take school lightly (same goes for the MCAT). Medical school is extremely academically challenging, and admissions committees want an indicator that you will be able to handle this challenge. As far as extracurriculars go, I advise others to choose a few activities they stick with for a long period of time, rather than a large amount of activities they only participate in for a short amount of time. This will add depth to your application rather than breadth, which will provide you with a better platform to speak about in your personal statement and interviews.
Michael Chiok
Major: Animal Biotechnology
Graduation Year: 2014
Which school are you attending?
Weill Cornell Medical College
What UC Davis extracurriculars did you participate in?
Swim Club, Fitness and Self-Development Club
How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
21 hours / week
Did you use a test prep course?
Princeton Review & Examkrackers
What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
Extracurricular activities, research, teaching/tutoring
Did you apply nationally?
Yes (New York, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts)
What advice do you have for others?
Don't just do the typical pre-med activities; get involved in things you are passionate about! Don't get stressed out, find ways to relax, and join Fitness and Self-Development Club on Facebook!