Hello Everyone,
This is my first post. I apologize in advance for the long post. This was my first application cycle, and it did not go too well. I applied to 47 schools and received secondaries from 34. I submitted all 34 secondaries but unfortunately I did not receive an interview invitation from any school. My biggest mistake was waiting too long to submit my secondaries. My turnaround for secondaries was 4 weeks or longer.
I am unsure of how to approach this application cycle. I am looking for advice, guidance, and feedback on how to improve my application.
Some background information of me: First generation graduate, Mexican immigrant, DACA applicant, and a Florida resident. Being a DACA applicant, I can only apply to DACA friendly schools. I have worked as a CNA since freshmen year (2014) to cover my education and living expenses.
Cell and Molecular Biology major
cGPA 3.16 (according to AMCAS)
sGPA 2.98, upward trend until junior year (experienced family issues).
My cGPA starting with freshmen year: 3.18, 3.33, 2.84, 3.34
First MCAT attempt: 486 (6/20/2020)
Second MCAT attempt: 492 (9/28/2020)
The pandemic made a huge mess of the MCAT for test takers in the first half of 2020.
I began studying for my MCAT towards the end of 2019. I did not do well on my first attempt. The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic caused exam cancellations, it impacted work (I work at a hospital, so we experienced many changes), and increased my stress levels. I took my exam on 6/20/2020 and scored a 486.
I studied a little bit more and retook my MCAT on 9/28/2020. This time I scored a 492. I fractured my foot in July, so I was juggling doctor’s appointments, studying, and work.
I feel pretty bummed out after not receiving an interview invitation, but I refuse to give up. I would like some advice on what improvements I can make this cycle and how I may be able to accomplish them.
I have condensed a little bit of my application.
Research ~150hours, no publications
Clinical volunteering ~150 hours
Non-clinical volunteering ~250 hours
Leadership
I apologize for the long post. I am also open to feedback on my personal statement if anyone would like to read it. I would like to retake my MCAT and score over 502+. Any study tips, resources, or advice would be greatly appreciated!
I only applied to MD schools, but I will apply to DO schools as well this cycle. If there are any DACA friendly schools (DO or MD) you or someone may know I would greatly appreciate it as well. Thank you for reading my post.
This is my first post. I apologize in advance for the long post. This was my first application cycle, and it did not go too well. I applied to 47 schools and received secondaries from 34. I submitted all 34 secondaries but unfortunately I did not receive an interview invitation from any school. My biggest mistake was waiting too long to submit my secondaries. My turnaround for secondaries was 4 weeks or longer.
I am unsure of how to approach this application cycle. I am looking for advice, guidance, and feedback on how to improve my application.
Some background information of me: First generation graduate, Mexican immigrant, DACA applicant, and a Florida resident. Being a DACA applicant, I can only apply to DACA friendly schools. I have worked as a CNA since freshmen year (2014) to cover my education and living expenses.
Cell and Molecular Biology major
cGPA 3.16 (according to AMCAS)
sGPA 2.98, upward trend until junior year (experienced family issues).
My cGPA starting with freshmen year: 3.18, 3.33, 2.84, 3.34
First MCAT attempt: 486 (6/20/2020)
Second MCAT attempt: 492 (9/28/2020)
The pandemic made a huge mess of the MCAT for test takers in the first half of 2020.
I began studying for my MCAT towards the end of 2019. I did not do well on my first attempt. The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic caused exam cancellations, it impacted work (I work at a hospital, so we experienced many changes), and increased my stress levels. I took my exam on 6/20/2020 and scored a 486.
I studied a little bit more and retook my MCAT on 9/28/2020. This time I scored a 492. I fractured my foot in July, so I was juggling doctor’s appointments, studying, and work.
I feel pretty bummed out after not receiving an interview invitation, but I refuse to give up. I would like some advice on what improvements I can make this cycle and how I may be able to accomplish them.
I have condensed a little bit of my application.
Research ~150hours, no publications
Clinical volunteering ~150 hours
Non-clinical volunteering ~250 hours
- Volunteer opportunities with my AMSA pre-health chapter
- Community volunteer opportunities
- Other volunteer opportunities with clubs and organizations
Leadership
- Peer led team learning supervisor at FIU (2017 fall semester)
- Brandon Headstart Pre-school Director, 1 year fall and spring semester
- AMSA member from 2015-2021
- 7 years as a CNA, ~10,000 hours
- Letter from Nurse Manager
- Letter from ARNP
- 2 Letters from my Science professors
- 1 Letter from my English professor
- 1 Letter from Nurse clinician at work
- 1 Letter from a Nurse technician (nurse in training)
I apologize for the long post. I am also open to feedback on my personal statement if anyone would like to read it. I would like to retake my MCAT and score over 502+. Any study tips, resources, or advice would be greatly appreciated!
I only applied to MD schools, but I will apply to DO schools as well this cycle. If there are any DACA friendly schools (DO or MD) you or someone may know I would greatly appreciate it as well. Thank you for reading my post.
Last edited: