Advice needed

[BAH94]

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Hello,

I applied this past cycle fairly early(secondaries completed by mid-August) but unfortunately received no interview invites. I have a 3.87 GPA in biochemistry degree and an mcat2015 score of 505(1st and only attempt). I applied to only MD schools and realized too late that I should also apply to DO. I am currently a senior graduating this spring.
Other stats:

• ~100 shadowing various physicians
• Varsity athlete
• Vice president of an honor society on campus
• Member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity
• Clinical research internship last summer

So I'm not sure what to do next for my application, I don't want to reapply and waste more money.

If anyone has any advice on next steps for me, that would be greatly appreciated.
Another thing to consider is I don't have an abundance of money so a job would help a lot to pay for reapplying. Should I?

• Retake MCAT over sumer?
• Apply for jobs in biochemistry/pharma(use my degree) while shadowing/volunteering?
• Apply to be a scribe(less money, not using degree, but lost of clinical experience)?
• Try a masters program?

Thanks in advance

 

[gyngyn]

You are already fine for most DO programs. Enjoy your gap year.

 

[WedgeDawg]

I agree with gyngyn - just reapply DO and you'll get an acceptance. You don't have to do anything special with your gap year.

 

[mimelim]

Start here:

https://www.aamc.org/download/321518/data/factstablea24-4.pdf

Your stats put you in a group where 59% of applicants were accepted. Your stats are also in line for many DO programs. That having been said, in terms of improving your application.

#1 Your MCAT improving will help, a lot (see how the % accepted rises quickly as you move right on that chart). However, you should only be retaking your MCAT if there is a good chance of improvement of your score, NOT because you simply want a better score. A fraction do improve, but there are many more who stay the same or even drop. You should retake if there are areas that you think you can improve on and have the time/energy to do so.
#2 Your ECs are lack luster. Getting more involved will certainly help, things that you can invest yourself in are better than clubs.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Nothing wrong with applying only MD on your first try. If you still are adamant about MD, try retaking the MCAT but make sure, as mimelim has mentioned, that you are able to improve. However, make sure you apply early both MD and DO on the next cycle. Just don't be that guy that tries MD only three times and doesn't get into a medical school at all. Good luck.