Hi,

I have a few questions about applying and what my chances are of getting in.

First, I go to UNC, I am 21, and I am an English major.

Second, I have about a 3.65 cum Science GPA and about a 3.8 overall cum GPA. I am taking my MCAT in 1 week and will probably get between a 28-32 (according to the AMCAS practice test I have been doing).

I have a strong resume and good LORs. However, I am a single parent and I had a son in high school. I am interested in OB/GYN because of this. I was wondering if this is something I should discuss in my personal statement or if it may affect my chances of getting in at all. Otherwise, is it something I should save to discuss in my interviews?

Also, I was wondering how applying this late in the cycle will affect my chances of getting in as well.

You have a great application and a great story. The problem with applying late is that you might miss out on a great school and have to settle for one that is less than ideal--which may be a problem for you since you have a little one to care for.

Best of luck!

There is a single mom of three in the class below me. She functions with a TON of parental support. And she's openly admitted she makes mediocre grades, because she simply can't study as much as she'd like to. However, she passed first year just fine. I think she's pretty amazing.

Although I have to add that fewer schools have rolling admissions anymore, so maybe that is in your favor. If you do talk about being a single mom, always frame it in a positive light--you don't want to give off the vibe that being a single mom is a liability.

I would mention being a single mom, but not have that as a focus- it highlights the barriers you have had to getting this far. Just make sure it is not all your statement says and that it emphasizes your preparations and commitment to the profession.

If you apply now and await your MCAT, I don't think it is too late in the cycle. (As long as your letter writers get everything in asap.) There will be some schools with rolling admission where that will put you at a disadvantage, so look into your schools of interest and decide based on that.

Good luck!

I thought I responded to this post earlier, did it get deleted?

Personally, I wouldn't mention being a single Mom, especially if you happen to be a minority. Too many negative sterotypes associated with it that could derail any interview you happen to land.

Also, if you happen to be at UNC-Chapel Hill and are a minority, look into the MED program since a significant number of URMS's are recruited through this program.

And I wouldn't apply at this point in the cycle unless you're the kid of a Doc, a URM, or have some other "special" circumstance in your life.

Congrats on making it this far I was also a teen mother (turned 21 not too long ago and have a four year old daughter), and am in my first year of medical school. Mentioning that you are a single mother is not a bad thing but I would not come out and label yourself as that unless you can prove a strong support system. If you cannot prove a strong support system, admissions committees will doubt your ability to succeed in medical school (despite your obvious success in undergrad). Good Luck on the MCAT and feel free to email me if you have any questions, ejw5075@yahoo.com.
-Emma