So.. First post here and I was originally a bit hesitant because I didn't want to be discouraged, but I could really use some advice.
I am currently waiting to hear back from 5 more MD schools and 5 more DO schools. No interviews yet and am not feeling very hopeful to get any. I applied late (submitted primary in September and secondaries by November). I know that applying late really hurt my chances, but I am wondering what more I need to add before re-applying for the next cycle.
Stats: 507 new MCAT/ 3.38 GPA and 3.3 science GPA from a "public ivy" school (graduated 2014)
ECs:
**I have been working full-time as a scribe for the last year and a half since graduating. After about 6 months I was promoted to "head scribe" and managed around 35 other scribes, then was promoted to a project leader and implemented a new scribe program. I have about 2500 hours of clinical "shadowing" experience doing this.
**2 month international mission trip to a medical clinic -- had some hands on experience in the lab and with patients
**Volunteered about 5 hours a week in a free clinic during college.
**Elected and served on my college's Honor Council.
**Many other volunteer experiences (working with girl scouts and leading spring break trips to volunteer at a camp for adults with disabilities, etc).
DILEMMA: I know that my GPA is weak, but I am wondering if attending a post-bacc in my case is absolutely necessary or if I just need to apply on time for this cycle? I am hesitant about a post-bacc because of the money and also the "slide" year afterwards. Taking 2 years off was plenty and I don't want to wait another 2 before entering medical school. Other thoughts I had were to get a research position (I don't have any experience there) or to get my EMT. I would appreciate any advice on what to do for the this next year!
Of note, I am a first generation college student and an URM (Hispanic to be specific)
I am currently waiting to hear back from 5 more MD schools and 5 more DO schools. No interviews yet and am not feeling very hopeful to get any. I applied late (submitted primary in September and secondaries by November). I know that applying late really hurt my chances, but I am wondering what more I need to add before re-applying for the next cycle.
Stats: 507 new MCAT/ 3.38 GPA and 3.3 science GPA from a "public ivy" school (graduated 2014)
ECs:
**I have been working full-time as a scribe for the last year and a half since graduating. After about 6 months I was promoted to "head scribe" and managed around 35 other scribes, then was promoted to a project leader and implemented a new scribe program. I have about 2500 hours of clinical "shadowing" experience doing this.
**2 month international mission trip to a medical clinic -- had some hands on experience in the lab and with patients
**Volunteered about 5 hours a week in a free clinic during college.
**Elected and served on my college's Honor Council.
**Many other volunteer experiences (working with girl scouts and leading spring break trips to volunteer at a camp for adults with disabilities, etc).
DILEMMA: I know that my GPA is weak, but I am wondering if attending a post-bacc in my case is absolutely necessary or if I just need to apply on time for this cycle? I am hesitant about a post-bacc because of the money and also the "slide" year afterwards. Taking 2 years off was plenty and I don't want to wait another 2 before entering medical school. Other thoughts I had were to get a research position (I don't have any experience there) or to get my EMT. I would appreciate any advice on what to do for the this next year!
Of note, I am a first generation college student and an URM (Hispanic to be specific)