3.6GPA + 32R MCAT Applying next cycle

[braineac]

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Hello, I took my MCAT this year and I thought it would be a good time to get some feedback as to what I can do the rest of the year to strengthen my app for next summer.

My goal is to have a good chance at interviews at top 20 schools. But, as stated in the title, my numbers aren't spectacular and I'm afraid that I won't even be given a chance to show my personality before schools reject me.

I feel like I have decent ECs: I've been researching for a year so far spending over 20 hours/wk and I have over 250 clinical hours. I hope to get published, but I'm not sure if I will be able to in time for the app. The last three years, I've been pretty heavily involved in student government. This year, I plan on doing some shadowing, but I'm not sure what else I can do.

I'm pretty sure I can get very strong rec letters but do you guys think strong rec and maybe more EC activities will give me a shot at interviews at say UCSF? I'm a CA resident. Or, should I try taking MCAT over and aim for 35+? I'm dreading the thought of taking MCAT over again, but if it can raise my chances significantly at top20 schools, I'm willing.

Thanks for any advice in advance 🙂🙂🙂🙂

 

[jbz24]

Very unlikely to get into a top 20 school. You'd have to increase both your GPA and MCAT, or have a huge increase in your MCAT (38+) to compensate for your GPA. While your research is getting there, 1 year isn't enough for most top tier programs. The rest of your ECs also don't scream out "top tier" to me.

I think you have a great shot getting into a med school, but I'm not overly optimistic that you'd get into a top 20 or even a CA school, or in fact, even receive interviews at these places. I think it would require you to improve in all aspects of your application to do so. I think you should be more concerned with just getting into a med school.

 

[Catalystik]

Besides shadowing, consider adding some nonmedical, noncampus community service (possibly taking on a leadership role where you coordinate groups of people and create new initiatives), perhaps a teaching experience, and don't forget hobbies and artistic endeavors (unique gets you extra points).