Really in need of some guidance. Should I apply?

[Perseverance13]

Hi everyone! So I'm getting read to apply for the cycle and wanted input from someone who knows the process if I am ready to apply.
State of residence: NY
cGPA/sGPA: 3.70/3.68
MCAT: 513
Extracurriculars:
Clinical- NYU clinical experience internship (140 hrs), volunteer around hospital (150 hrs), and EMT experience volunteering in ambulance corps.
Non-clinical - habitat for humanity (100 hours) + various fundraising and community service with fraternity
Leadership - Orgo 1 and 2 TA, TA for a leadership and service class, leadership position in fraternity, and other minor leadership roles in my school.
Hobbies - I love to make content review chemistry videos for students enrolled in gen chem. I get paid for these videos and access to watch these videos is given to all those who are in the course.
Research - Just some research in chemistry, no pubs - 150 hrs
Shadowing - various specialties - 50 hrs
Decent LORs from professors I've worked with.

Could someone please tell me if I am ready to apply? I am not sure if I should take a gap year.. I'm slightly worried about my gpa since my advisor told me it's a little low for NY schools. Also, anything I can do to improve my application?

Thanks!

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[WedgeDawg]

You're okay to apply this cycle. GPA is around median and MCAT is above median. It's not a sure thing, but the odds are in your favor.

Do you have a school list to start with?

Also, moving to WAMC

 

[Perseverance13]

SUNY Downstate
NY Medical College
Albert Einstein
SUNY Upstate
NYU
Albany Medical college
SUNY Stony
UBuffalo
Hofstra
URochester
Penn State
Rutgers

That's all I currently have right now. Not sure what else to add. Assuming I don't do poorly in the interview, should I be good for at least 1 acceptance?

 

[WedgeDawg]

Rutgers doesn't really take OOS folks that much, so it's probably not a good idea to apply there. NYU is definitely a reach for you. Einstein and Rochester are going to be reaches too, but I think they're still worth applying to.

Other schools to consider are Jefferson, Quinnipiac, EVMS, VCU, Wake Forest, etc. You should probably be applying to at least 25 schools.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Your a fine candidate for the programs in your state sans the Big 4 of Manhattan.

Over a half dozen schools in NY routinely accept people in the 3.7/33 range. GPA is a non issue

 

[Faha]

You should add some more schools to your application, Since you seem to want to remain in the Northeast you could add:
Quinnipiac
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
GW
Georgetown
CUNY
Seton Hall ( if it opens in 2017)