Advice for reapplication and strategy [513, gpa 3.6]

[nooshi]

Hello sdn,

As this cycle comes to a close, I'm realizing I will most likely need to reapply. I'm currently on one waitlist, with no other upcoming interviews and plenty of rejections. I'm looking for any input on my application as it is.

What are the weaknesses of my application? What can I do to address these issues?
Should I wait a year to reapply (and strengthen my app in the mean time)?
What are some of the biggest mistakes re-applicants make?
I also think my timing may have hurt my application. Is this enough to keep me out of schools?

Here are my application details (this was my first cycle):

• Basic info:
  • Mcat #1: 506
  • Mcat #2: 513
  • Joint degree:
    • BS (gpa 3.6, BCPM gpa 3.6)
    • MS (gpa 3.7)
  • CA resident, not URM

• EC:
  • 200hr NICU volunteer
  • 80hr neurology shadowing
  • 300hr volunteer with nonprofit for children with chronic illnesses
  • 80hr paid tutor (math and science for high school to college levels)
  • 300hr ER volunteer (escorting patients, helping nurses and staff, had some contact with patients)
  • 1yr debate club (with minor leadership position)
  • 3 seasons as volunteer volleyball coach at rec center
  • 1yr advisor to a HS debate team
  • 3500hr research (yielded one poster presentation, one senior thesis and one masters thesis)
  • departmental scholar honor
• Rec letters:
  • 2 science professors, 1 from PI, 1 non-science professor, 1 from doctor shadowed

• Timeline:
  • primary verified end of july
  • 1st round of secondaries complete between beginning of Aug to end of Sept
  • 2nd round of secondaries complete between beginning of Dec to end of Jan

• School list:
  • 1st round: UCLA U. michigan Dartmouth Mayo emory vanderbilt UCSF Keck UCSD Boston Unitverity Thomas Jefferson Brown University of miami University of Rochester UCI UC davis virginia commonwealth univeristy of virginia Tufts Einstein Drexel Penn State Loyola NYMC Rosalind Franklin
  • 2nd round: Georgetown Rush U Colorado Albany Tulane Temple Quinnipiac GW
  • pre-interview hold at three schools, interviewed and rejected form one Ca school, waitlisted at an out-of state private school.

• [If re-applying] Updates to application:
  • Shadowing family medicine specialist
  • Working with non-profit helping refugees in US
  • Hopefully publication in a couple months (not sure if this will happen in time for next cycle primary).
  • Considering job as scribe.

Any thoughts, comments, and/or advice are greatly appreciated. Especially on new activities to bolster my app.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Faha]

Most of the schools you applied to were unrealistic with your stats. You were also late and very late with your secondaries. By the time you submitted your secondaries in December and January most of the interview slots had already been filled at those schools. When you reapply I suggest these schools:
Vermont
Quinnipiac
New York Medical College
Albany
Seton Hall
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Penn State
George Washington
Eastern Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth
West Virginia
NOVA MD
Oakland Beaumont
Western Michigan
Medical College Wisconsin
Rosalind Franklin
St. Louis
Creighton
Tulane
California University (new school)
Loma Linda
UCI
UC Davis
Kaiser and Roseman if they open for 2019
Also apply to at least 6 DO schools and you are competitive for all DO schools.
An early application is important so apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July.

 

[nooshi]

Thank you for your input Faha, much appreciated. I will definitely try and apply early and to fewer reach schools this time around.

Other than timing and school list changes, are there any other changes that may improve my app? Would it be worth waiting a year to apply and work as an EMT or scribe?

 

[Magus5454]

I wouldn't take a gap year, applying earlier and to the correct schools will help. Being from California is not amazing for trying to get into school. The new schools opening may help

 

[Faha]

Thank you for your input Faha, much appreciated. I will definitely try and apply early and to fewer reach schools this time around.

Other than timing and school list changes, are there any other changes that may improve my app? Would it be worth waiting a year to apply and work as an EMT or scribe?

There is nothing wrong with your credentials. It was the late application and choice of schools that was the problem. You should apply to DO schools also.

 

[nooshi]

Thank you both for your advice