u/LeastPresence3958

I think I have a competitive enough application where MD isn't out of the picture, but I'm at a point in secondaries right now where there is no way in hell I'm doing this again next year. I have a 514 MCAT, but not the best GPA, so I applied broadly and DO as well. The issue is that getting my 514 and having immigrant parents means everyone that lives within a 10 mile radius from us knows my score.

My parents also decided to do their own research (aka ask around) and basically are telling me that I shouldn't go to a DO school I should aim for MD. I know its all just a stupid stigma, but nobody seems to understand that. My family has even asked me if I would be open to going to a Caribbean school and possibly transferring because "they heard someone did that."

Obviously I take everything others say with a grain of salt because this is my future at the end of the day, but it would help if they'd atleast understand.

Just how strict is UCR on accepting people with IE ties? I’m from SoCal and have ties in LA and OC but not the IE. Will my 514 MCAT do anything or is it as hard as they say it is for non IE residents?

I'm a first-time applicant from California planning on applying this cycle. I'd love some feedback on my school list, especially since I feel that I don't have enough safety options.

Cum GPA: 3.6 (upward trend)

Science GPA: 3.30 (upward trend)

MCAT: 514

Extracurriculars: My application is service and leadership heavy, not so much on research since I've only been in a lab for a year. I'm currently a senior and will be working on getting a publication after I submit my apps.

In-state List: Planning on shooting my shot everywhere except for Northstate, Loma Linda, and UCR (no ties to IE).

Out-of-State School List:

• Temple University
• Thomas Jefferson University
• Drexel University
• Medical College of Wisconsin
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
• Rush Medical College
• University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
• Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
• Wayne State University School of Medicine
• Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
• Saint Louis University School of Medicine
• Emory University School of Medicine
• Wake Forest University School of Medicine
• Tufts University School of Medicine
• SUNY Downstate (shooting my shot at a NYC life lol)

(I'm applying to DO schools as well, but only where I could see myself living)

Ts is getting harder to find. I can’t believe they’re taking away my beautiful cherry for the nasty seven up dupe🥲