3 MD Interviews - No Acceptance? How do I improve?

[BePerfect]

---

Members do not see this ad.

.

 

[Oso]

I'll let someone who knows more than me give you advice on the MCAT.

If you're set on applying this upcoming cycle, I would definitely submit the day AMCAS opens. I would also consider applying to DO schools in addition to MD schools (may not be what you want to hear).

 

[Terror Billy]

I'm honestly shocked with 3.28 and unbalanced 504 you were able to land 3 IIs...I would say DO but I'm guessing you're gunning hard for MD.

Your stats are nowhere close to good for MD, but given your IIs maybe retake the MCAT??

 

[sunshine859]

How much studying did you do leading up to your previous MCAT?

 

[BePerfect]

I'm honestly shocked with 3.28 and unbalanced 504 you were able to land 3 IIs...I would say DO but I'm guessing you're gunning hard for MD.

Your stats are nowhere close to good for MD, but given your IIs maybe retake the MCAT??

Yes I know I have been told to not even give it a shot and I did but came up a bit short. I think proving my scientific knowledge base and ability to do the work will give med schools confidence to accept me so I will improve and do the MCAT again. My school may have some grade deflation and is a top college.

 

[BePerfect]

How much studying did you do leading up to your previous MCAT?

I did study about a year but my strategy was not on point and I could definitely have taken more full lengths and reviewed them better in preparation. I was focused too much on content review and learning a lot of the biological sciences that I was not familiar with from college.

 

[MareNostrummm]

Hi I interviewed at 3 MD schools (including a large "top 40" school) and was denied by them this cycle. I applied widely to ~45 schools. My GPA I know is low at a 3.28 from a top liberal arts college. My MCAT was a 504 (98% on Psych and ~50% on the rest). I have 3 journal publications and solid EC's. Would the best way to improve my app and get in this upcoming cycle be to retake MCAT and get a strong score? Would taking MCAT on 6/29 be too late for schools to see the updated score and invite me for interviews or would this leave enough time. I can also apply early on June 1 this year, which I was not able to do last year; I applied pretty late. What do you think I can do to secure a spot at an MD school and do well on MCAT? Thank you

The fact that you received 3 MD IIs despite a low 3.28 GPA and a 504 was impressive. If you reapply you would probably want both a higher GPA (post bacc) and a higher MCAT (512+ given the new MSAR). Were you waitlisted at all or just straight rejected post interview?

 

[Terror Billy]

Yes I know I have been told to not even give it a shot and I did but came up a bit short. I think proving my scientific knowledge base and ability to do the work will give med schools confidence to accept me so I will improve and do the MCAT again. My school may have some grade deflation and is a top college.

No one is saying not to give med school a shot, YOU are choosing to apply strictly MD and thereby limit your chances of becoming a physician. A 3.28 with no post-bacc is abysmal at best, grade deflation or not. I don't think your chances for MD are as good as you think with that GPA even with a slightly better MCAT ...

 

[BePerfect]

The fact that you received 3 MD IIs despite a low 3.28 GPA and a 504 was impressive. If you reapply you would probably want both a higher GPA (post bacc) and a higher MCAT (512+ given the new MSAR). Were you waitlisted at all or just straight rejected post interview?

Yes I am thinking of doing a program to raise my GPA too. What kind of postbacc would you recommend? Would schools be able to see this improvement / grade boost before they ready my app later this year? I was pretty much denied without waitlist after interview. One was a "deferral waitlist"

 

[sunshine859]

I think considering a post bacc and taking significantly more time to re-think your MCAT study strategy is advisable. The fact that you did so much content review definitely showed through in your Psych/Soc score (which is the most memorization-heavy portion of the exam), but there are likely other issues with your test-taking strategy. I would recommend looking through the MCAT threads here for study ideas and potentially looking into tutoring or doing a study group with others taking the test.

 

[sunshine859]

You'd want to push your application back to at least 2019 if you did a postbacc. Schools won't be able to see an improvement in your grades if you apply this year.

 

[MareNostrummm]

Yes I am thinking of doing a program to raise my GPA too. What kind of postbacc would you recommend? Would schools be able to see this improvement / grade boost before they ready my app later this year? I was pretty much denied without waitlist after interview. One was a "deferral waitlist"

Look at it this way, if you reapply schools want to see a massive improvement in your application. Most important thing is to get your MCAT up first. I would retake the MCAT and if you have a successful score I would start taking DIY post bacc classes and try to get at least 2 full quarters of a 4.0. I wouldn't do the post bacc before the MCAT because you could potentially not do well on the MCAT and then have wasted all your money, unless you think the classes will help you score higher. I don't think you need a SMP given you already received 3 IIs the first time around.

 

[BePerfect]

Look at it this way, if you reapply schools want to see a massive improvement in your application. Most important thing is to get your MCAT up first. I would retake the MCAT and if you have a successful score I would start taking DIY post bacc classes and try to get at least 2 full quarters of a 4.0. I wouldn't do the post bacc before the MCAT because you could potentially not do well on the MCAT and then have wasted all your money, unless you think the classes will help you score higher. I don't think you need a SMP given you already received 3 IIs the first time around.

Yes thanks, I am looking now at re taking on 6/29 and getting a strong score with aims to get into MD. I don't think a postbacc would be worth it, maybe for those 2 quarters like you said. In worst case scenario, I think I would at least get in DO.

 

[SpoiledMilk]

With 3 MD IIs, that's pretty impressive. I would also advise working on your interviewing skills...

 

[BePerfect]

With 3 MD IIs, that's pretty impressive. I would also advise working on your interviewing skills...

Yes I thought the 2 that were MMI went well. I was nervous for my first interview. That said I will make sure to practice and do mock interviews this time to really nail it.

 

[MareNostrummm]

Yes thanks, I am looking now at re taking on 6/29 and getting a strong score with aims to get into MD. I don't think a postbacc would be worth it, maybe for those 2 quarters like you said. In worst case scenario, I think I would at least get in DO.

Reapplicant with a 3.28 GPA and no improvement is looking pretty bad even if you get the MCAT up. You just need a period of sustained high GPA.

 

[Med Ed]

Hi I interviewed at 3 MD schools (including a large "top 40" school) and was denied by them this cycle. I applied widely to ~45 schools. My GPA I know is low at a 3.28 from a top liberal arts college. My MCAT was a 504 (98% on Psych and ~50% on the rest). I have 3 journal publications and solid EC's. Would the best way to improve my app and get in this upcoming cycle be to retake MCAT and get a strong score? Would taking MCAT on 6/29 be too late for schools to see the updated score and invite me for interviews or would this leave enough time. I can also apply early on June 1 this year, which I was not able to do last year; I applied pretty late. I have started studying and want to give myself enough time to really master the material and take enough full lengths to get a strong score and get into a good MD school. I am considering taking an in-person Kaplan class additionally. What else do you think I can do to secure a spot at an MD school and do well on MCAT? Thank you

1. Are you still in college? If not, when did you graduate?
2. What is/was your undergrad GPA breakdown by year?
3. What is/was your major?

 

[Kr#36]

Reapplying this cycle would be a huge mistake. You need to improve your MCAT substantially and you don’t have enough time to schedule it, prepare, and then still submit your app as soon as AMCAS opens(which someone with a slim to none chance has to do).

I know you don’t want to hear it, but unless you can really crush the MCAT, which is unlikely given your previous score and your gpa, you won’t get in without also improving your gpa via an smp or post bac.

 

[DubbiDoctor]

If you had applied DO, you'd most likely be matriculating in August - and on your way to becoming a doctor. Without significantly improving your stats, you're not likely to get an MD acceptance next cycle - and don't retake the MCAT until you're sure you can hit 510 or better. Why don't you want to apply DO this upcoming cycle?

 

[BePerfect]

If you had applied DO, you'd most likely be matriculating in August - and on your way to becoming a doctor. Without significantly improving your stats, you're not likely to get an MD acceptance next cycle - and don't retake the MCAT until you're sure you can hit 510 or better. Why don't you want to apply DO this upcoming cycle?

Yes I realize that, I will apply MD and DO this upcoming cycle. I would much rather go DO if I had to rather than do a postbacc. I am 2 years out from college now. I plan to take the MCAT and score much higher. I do prefer to go MD over DO, but like I said I would rather get in somewhere than not at all. My preference is based on the fact that I don't want to limit my options for specialties later.

 

[Jdoxis]

Everyone here is speculating. Call them and ask why they thought you were lacking and fix that.

 

[lpp06]

We’re you straight up rejected from all 3, or did you get put on any wait lists?

Either way, I think it’s wise to reach out to the schools for feedback and reapply when you have strong improvements.

RE: MCAT timing - you’re 3 months out of that test date, which I think is adequate prep time if managed correctly. Based on the test score release date, your applications will be complete at schools at the start of August (considering your secondaries are complete as well), which most to believe sufficiently early.

 

[FlavivirusProtease]

You would likely need to retake and improve your MCAT score or take additional classes to improve your GPA. I don't know how much time you're able to dedicate, but 3 months of dedicated studying is way more than enough time to prepare.

If you're confident that you could score above 510 with 3 months of studying I think you should go MCAT, as it would be really difficult to get classes in and apply next cycle.

 

[Kingsmen2018]

You must be URM

 

[BePerfect]

We’re you straight up rejected from all 3, or did you get put on any wait lists?

Either way, I think it’s wise to reach out to the schools for feedback and reapply when you have strong improvements.

RE: MCAT timing - you’re 3 months out of that test date, which I think is adequate prep time if managed correctly. Based on the test score release date, your applications will be complete at schools at the start of August (considering your secondaries are complete as well), which most to believe sufficiently early.

Great what I needed to know. Thanks

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

You must be URM

Doubt it.

 

[wesleysnipes]

so many questions....3.28/504 with 3 MD II?! Definitely not a CA resident that's forsure.

 

[COMMANDER CLOWN]

Doubt it.

Question mark?

 

[COMMANDER CLOWN]

looked at profile and is URM...holy **** though I knew it was easy but not that easy...

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that @AnatomyGrey12 is a URM also. Wants to make it seem as though URMs have it just as hard as non-URM applicants.

 

[Goro]

For those of you so happy to engage in prejudging your fellow SDNers (as in 'prejudice"), OP shared details of his/her app, and is not URM.

It may shock some of you, and so I hope that you're sitting down when I tell you this, but some people get IIs for exceptional ECs and /or a compelling story. That's is the case for the OP, who got IIs at some service loving schools.

SO, @BePerfect you've received some good advice int his thread. Let's recap:
1) After the app cycle is over, contact the Admissions deans and see if you can get feedback on your rejections
2) work on interview skills
3) think about retaking the MCAT
4) include DO schools in your next go around
5) rewrite all essays and have multiple eyeballs go over them. Make sure you tailor secondaries as to why you're a good fit for the schools.
6) think strongly about a DIY post-bac or SMP.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Question mark?

looked at profile and is URM...holy **** though I knew it was easy but not that easy...

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that @AnatomyGrey12 is a URM also. Wants to make it seem as though URMs have it just as hard as non-URM applicants.

Yeah I’m definitely URM 🙄 and they do have it easier, and that is exactly how it should be.

I doubted their URM status because a URM with those stats will most likely get an acceptance. In turns out this person is URM but only for select schools. I have a handful of anecdotes of ORMs getting multiple acceptances with these types of stats and none of them even had anything special in their ECs. So I suggest growing up and realizing this process isn’t about catering to you.

 

[Lawpy]

So I suggest growing up and realizing this process isn’t about catering to you.

This is an important point. Unfortunately, from several recent threads and discussions on the matter, it's clear that many members strongly believe that medical school admissions should be focused on the applicants (and not the patients or the community). That's pretty depressing.

 

[COMMANDER CLOWN]

This is an important point. Unfortunately, from several recent threads and discussions on the matter, it's clear that many members strongly believe that medical school admissions should be focused on the applicants (and not the patients or the community). That's pretty depressing.

I agree 100%. We should focus on the patients and the community. That's why it makes sense for those very same patients to have doctors with a 25 MCAT and 3.3 GPA. That's definitely the best way to help those patients.

 

[mwsapphire]

I agree 100%. We should focus on the patients and the community. That's why it makes sense for those very same patients to have doctors with a 25 MCAT and 3.3 GPA. That's definitely the best way to help those patients.

Anyone with a 500 MCAT or higher, and a 3.25+ is capable of passing through med school, and that person can treat patients. It's the competition of the process that makes it harder than that for MD and DO.
Ntm, if someone with weak stats makes it to med school and fails out, they'll never make it to patients anyway, so I really don't know what the pissing contest here is about.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

however 3.28/504 shows you aren't qualified for MD.

I agree 100%. We should focus on the patients and the community. That's why it makes sense for those very same patients to have doctors with a 25 MCAT and 3.3 GPA. That's definitely the best way to help those patients.

And how is someone with those stats not qualified to be a doctor? Data shows you’re wrong so I’m wondering what nonsense you’re about to spout

 

[COMMANDER CLOWN]

Anyone with a 500 MCAT or higher, and a 3.25+ is capable of passing through med school, and that person can treat patients. It's the competition of the process that makes it harder than that for MD and DO.
Ntm, if someone with weak stats makes it to med school and fails out, they'll never make it to patients anyway, so I really don't know what the pissing contest here is about.

We're trying to make the best possible physicians for these patients, not ones who are just "good enough".

I thought you guys cared about patients? Wtf?

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

We're trying to make the best possible physicians for these patients, not ones who are just "good enough".

Someone's ability to get an A in Ochem or 85th percentile on the MCAT does not make them “the best possible physician.”

 

[wesleysnipes]

Someone's ability to get an A in Ochem or 85th percentile on the MCAT does not make them “the best possible physician.”

You're absolutely right. A 3.28 looks like a lack of effort to me, however. Unless there was a scenario where they did poorly one semester that is dragging their grades down or something of the sort then I would have some sympathy. There are URMs that I know personally with stats better than OPs that don't even apply because they believe their stats aren't competitive enough.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

There are URMs that I know personally with stats better than OPs that don't even apply because they believe their stats aren't competitive enough.

Tell them to apply. I personally have a friend with stats like that, they are true URM, and they got interviews at places people on SDN dream of. Think UCLA caliber.

I honestly think GPA is a pretty worthless benchmark for anything. There are a whole list of reasons that someone could have a low GPA. MCAT is far more telling.

 

[COMMANDER CLOWN]

Tell them to apply. I personally have a friend with stats like that, they are true URM, and they got interviews at places people on SDN dream of. Think UCLA caliber.

I honestly think GPA is a pretty worthless benchmark for anything. There are a whole list of reasons that someone could have a low GPA. MCAT is far more telling.

Yes sir, 100% agree. That explains why OP's 504 got him 3 MD IIs.

 

[wesleysnipes]

Tell them to apply. I personally have a friend with stats like that, they are true URM, and they got interviews at places people on SDN dream of. Think UCLA caliber.

I honestly think GPA is a pretty worthless benchmark for anything. There are a whole list of reasons that someone could have a low GPA. MCAT is far more telling.

I definitely agree with that. My GPA is one of the things that is killing my medical school prospects. I wish there was less an emphasis on it.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I definitely agree with that. My GPA is killing my medical school prospects. I wish there was less an emphasis on it.

Just dominate the MCAT. Trust me, it helps.

Yes sir, 100% agree. That explains why OP's 504 got him 3 MD IIs.

Maybe because someone with a 504 will pass the board exam at the same rate as someone with a 528? I’m confused why you are upset at this.

 

[Dr. Meliodas]

I definitely agree with that. My GPA is killing my medical school prospects. I wish there was less an emphasis on it.

You lack of effort to come up with a proper school list and look up which schools actually accepted a large percentage of OOS applicants and apply on time is what killed your app but tell yourself whatever you want.

 

[COMMANDER CLOWN]

Just dominate the MCAT. Trust me, it helps.


Maybe because someone with a 504 will pass the board exam at the same rate as someone with a 528? I’m confused why you are upset at this.

I'm not upset at all, not sure why you would think that. Maybe projection. All I'm saying is, it makes sense for "certain" applicants with a 504 to get 3 IIs and other "types" of applicants with a 511 to get none. I wonder what accounts for that difference. I guess we'll never know. Too bad the AAMC doesn't publish yearly data regarding acceptance rates correlated with certain applicant "characteristics".

 

[FlavivirusProtease]

@COMMANDER CLOWN @wesleysnipes you literally know nothing about his life, his age, his application, etc. and you’re judging him based on him being underrepresented.

I have news for you, people who are underrepresented can come from difficult circumstances, and getting a 3.28 in those circumstances can be harder than getting a 4.0 for someone else.

Work on yourself instead of coming on SDN and ranting about URMs having it easy. Clearly 3 medical schools believed he would make a good physician.

Maybe you’re telegraphing this toxic attitude in your essays/interviews which is why you aren’t getting the results you want.

 

[COMMANDER CLOWN]

@COMMANDER CLOWN @wesleysnipes you literally know nothing about his life, his age, his application, etc. and you’re judging him based on him being underrepresented.

I have news for you, people who are underrepresented can come from difficult circumstances, and getting a 3.28 in those circumstances can be harder than getting a 4.0 for someone else.

Work on yourself instead of coming on SDN and ranting about URMs having it easy. Clearly 3 medical schools believed he would make a good physician.

Maybe you’re telegraphing this toxic attitude in your essays/interviews which is why you aren’t getting the results you want.

Wow, not sure why you're being so toxic. Anyways, do you not see the irony in your post?

"you literally know nothing about his life, his age, his application, etc. and you’re judging him based on him being underrepresented."

Hmm, kinda sounds like what you're doing right now. What do I know though.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I'm not upset at all, not sure why you would think that. Maybe projection. All I'm saying is, it makes sense for "certain" applicants with a 504 to get 3 IIs and other "types" of applicants with a 511 to get none.

It makes perfect sense, the person with the 504 has the same chance as the 511 to be a good medical student and a good doctor, it just so happens that the 504 comes from a demographic that will greatly help certain underrepresented groups of people in this country that are in desperate need of physicians. Therefore the person with the 504 gets the interview.

It’s annoying I have to keep saying this in multiple threads, medical schools do NOT exist to provide pre-meds with medical school seats. They don’t owe you crap for getting a great GPA and MCAT. They exist to provide this country with physicians, and yes our country is diverse so it needs a diverse physician task force.

 

[FlavivirusProtease]

Wow, not sure why you're being so toxic. Anyways, do you not see the irony in your post?

"you literally know nothing about his life, his age, his application, etc. and you’re judging him based on him being underrepresented."

Hmm, kinda sounds like what you're doing right now. What do I know though.

I made no assumptions about you. I didn’t call you any names or judge you on any characteristics. I simply said that you were being rude to someone else and that the time you are currently using ranting at someone on SDN could be better used improving your application to apply next cycle.

I simply noted a toxic attitude you’re displaying right now, and wondering if it comes through in your application, which is why you did not receive any interview invites.

My advice to you is constructive, not just “Medical schools give you a lower bar because you’re Hispanic.”

 

[Lawpy]

This discussion is getting ridiculous.

For those of you so happy to engage in prejudging your fellow SDNers (as in 'prejudice"), OP shared details of his/her app, and is not URM. It may shock some of you, and so i'hope that you're sitting down when I tell you this, but some people get IIs for exceptional ECs and /or a compelling story. That's is the case for the OP, who got IIs at some service loving schools.

SO, @BePerfect you've received some good advice int his thread. Let's recap:
1) After the app cycle is over, contact the Admissions deans and see if you can get feedback on your rejections
2) work on interview skills
3) think about retaking the MCAT
4) include DO schools in your next go around
5) rewrite all essays and have multiple eyeballs go over them. Make sure you tailor secondaries as to why you're a good fit for the schools.
6) think strongly about a DIY post-bac or SMP.

This is a solid post that OP should follow.

Anyone with a 500 MCAT or higher, and a 3.25+ is capable of passing through med school, and that person can treat patients. It's the competition of the process that makes it harder than that for MD and DO.
Ntm, if someone with weak stats makes it to med school and fails out, they'll never make it to patients anyway, so I really don't know what the pissing contest here is about.

This is completely accurate and everyone should read this with an open mind.

It’s annoying I have to keep saying this in multiple threads, medical schools do NOT exist to provide pre-meds with medical school seats. They don’t owe you crap for getting a great GPA and MCAT. They exist to provide this country with physicians, and yes our country is diverse so it needs a diverse physician task force.

And I’m definitely recycling this post in the many more tiring discussions that will inevitably come.

 

[BePerfect]

I made no assumptions about you. I didn’t call you any names or judge you on any characteristics. I simply said that you were being rude to someone else and that the time you are currently using ranting at someone on SDN could be better used improving your application to apply next cycle.

I’m not judging you based on any characteristic. I’m noting a toxic attitude you’re displaying right now, and wondering if it comes through in your application, which is why you did not receive any interview invites.

My advice to you is constructive, not just “Medical schools give you a lower bar because you’re Hispanic.”

@COMMANDER CLOWN Hey man how many interviews did you get? I thought this anonymous forum was for giving advice and helping other people. I am here for feedback and to improve my weaknesses so I can get in and do my best. I am not even considered URM apparently. Easy to talk on the keyboard