Advice to improve my app

[MJMGrand]

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Hey everyone,

So it looks like I am reapplying everywhere for the upcoming cycle since I was unsuccessful this past cycle. Some advice would really be appreciated. So this is my case...

I submitted my primary app on July 30, 2010. I applied to about 25 MD schools that were near my average GPA and MCAT. I had only 1 interview which resulted in a rejection. I have a 3.74 GPA and 30Q MCAT. I have been an ER scribe for almost 2 years, was president of an honors organization, peer mentor for the honors program, had some community service and tutoring, did a study abroad program in Sweden for a semester, and did 3 months of summer research. I also did a volunteer internship at a community hospital for about a year and was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

I'm actually shocked that I only got 1 interview. I think I'm a pretty decent applicant that deserved a little more love than that. I'm looking to do something meaningful this summer to really improve my app.

I've been thinking about AmeriCorps, research, or some other kind of internship or community service that will really stand out. What do you all think would really help me the most? I'm thinking that I should add more research experience.

Your advice would really be appreciated! Thanks.

 

[xgalaxy00]

wow. I have no idea. you seem like a strong applicant to me. can anyone else answer this? sorry MJM i don't really have any advice besides applying more broadly and earlier and having someone look over your essays.

 

[lftbndlbrnchblk]

Why not add some DO schools to the mix next cycle?

 

[aerodoc]

How were your essays?

 

[SLC]

Look hard for an opportunity to do something really unique. You've got some great EC's for sure, but there's not a lot there that really stands out from your typical "strong" Pre-med.

The best piece of advice I ever got was that I HAD to find a way to be unique. So I picked a fun, but atypical major. I volunteered at a homeless clinic, but I found a way to get in and work hand in hand with the docs; this allowed me to earn their confidence and I got some awesome opportunities for it. The type of stuff that 99.9% of applicants would never dream of being able to do. I wrapped up my pre-med career by volunteering for a summer with the US Navy on a medical humanitarian mission.

When I interviewed it was less "tell us why you would make a good doc." and more "we've looked at your app and we have no concerns about your abilities, now tell us some stories from your trip, or your work with the homeless!"

I'm not trying to brag, just showing a possible template. One that worked like a charm for me.

When an adcom meets to discuss applications you want people to have something which impresses and sets your app apart.

There's going to be a ton of 3.8, 34+ MCAT, research, ER volunteer, Honor society folks. It's hard to tell one app from the rest. But if you have that one really cool thing that nobody else has, you'll stand out. And standouts get a lot of interviews.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Probably your essay. It can make or break you. If you sound really drab and boring on paper they are not going to want to meet you. Remember they read thousands of essays and if yours is ho hum yawn, you will not be offered an invite.

 

[MJMGrand]

I will definitely be applying to DOs also next cycle. I didn't do so this time around because I thought I would get into at least 1 school but Ive learned it's never so certain. My essay may be something holding me back. I thought it was pretty decent but I dont think it's anything spectacular. If someone would like to read my personal statement and give me a few pointers that would be really helpful. I will have my app in June 1st this time.

 

[cabinbuilder]

I will definitely be applying to DOs also next cycle. I didn't do so this time around because I thought I would get into at least 1 school but Ive learned it's never so certain. My essay may be something holding me back. I thought it was pretty decent but I dont think it's anything spectacular. If someone would like to read my personal statement and give me a few pointers that would be really helpful. I will have my app in June 1st this time.

Send it to me.

 

[SLC]

I will definitely be applying to DOs also next cycle. I didn't do so this time around because I thought I would get into at least 1 school but Ive learned it's never so certain. My essay may be something holding me back. I thought it was pretty decent but I dont think it's anything spectacular. If someone would like to read my personal statement and give me a few pointers that would be really helpful. I will have my app in June 1st this time.

Send it to me too. I'll take a look if you like.

 

[Dharma]

Cabinbuilder and SLC... 👍 AWESOME! folks like you make SDN a good place.

 

[SLC]

Cabinbuilder and SLC... 👍 AWESOME! folks like you make SDN a good place.

I just like to help where I can. I feel like I've been very fortunate in this whole process, and I'd like to pay it forward any way possible.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Cabinbuilder and SLC... 👍 AWESOME! folks like you make SDN a good place.

Thanks. I LOVE writing essays. It's kind of a game for me. Takes me about an hour to do a draft. Have to have enough starting material though to work with. Those here on SDN who I have assisted know what I am talking about.😍

 

[cabinbuilder]

So MGM sent me his essay. I totally believe that is what put the application in the no way pile. Just didn't say anything and was not memorable. I am helping him put together a new one. Hopefully will get in the next time around. Not to worry.

 

[knightstale4]

There's part of me that hopes you're trolling (even though I know you are not and are sincerely asking) because if a solid candidate like you had trouble getting interviews out of 25 medical schools, I can't imagine what the process will be like for others. Maybe the list was not broad enough or you go to a very competitive state? That's all I can think of.

 

[Dice456]

Don't give up work on your essay and take the mcat again if you can afford it and have confidence you can score a few points higher. Try talking to the deans or admin also.

 

[MJMGrand]

I want to thank everyone for their help and advice...especially cabinbuilder! This entire process is tough, but good people like you make this less stressful. I was thinking about taking the mcat again but to tell you the truth, getting a 30 was a challenge for me so I probably dont wanna take a chance retaking it. the highest i scored on practice was like a 28. i should probably add that my first mcat was a 22...i know, pretty bad lol. could that be affecting my chances?

im from california btw

 

[Dice456]

I want to thank everyone for their help and advice...especially cabinbuilder! This entire process is tough, but good people like you make this less stressful. I was thinking about taking the mcat again but to tell you the truth, getting a 30 was a challenge for me so I probably dont wanna take a chance retaking it. the highest i scored on practice was like a 28. i should probably add that my first mcat was a 22...i know, pretty bad lol. could that be affecting my chances?

im from california btw

I don't think your previous exam is a big problem, considering the improvement. Recently, I have heard of deans comparing your old SAT score to your MCAT score. Rumor has it if you have a great SAT score and decent (not great) MCAT score then that could be to your disadvantage.

 

[cabinbuilder]

I want to thank everyone for their help and advice...especially cabinbuilder! This entire process is tough, but good people like you make this less stressful. I was thinking about taking the mcat again but to tell you the truth, getting a 30 was a challenge for me so I probably dont wanna take a chance retaking it. the highest i scored on practice was like a 28. i should probably add that my first mcat was a 22...i know, pretty bad lol. could that be affecting my chances?

im from california btw

Don't take the MCAT again. We are working on the essay. DO not worry. I had a 24 on my MCAT but my essay was smokin'. I'm thinking as we speak.

 

[mnoon1]

how confident are you about your LORs? make sure the physicians and profs writing your letters are people who really know you and can write strong letters for you.

 

[MedReckoning]

Let my tell you my story and see if I can help. I am actually in a similar situation and could use some similar advice. I applied to VCU, UVA (state schools) and U Mich. I was counting on being a shoe-in for my in state schools and didn't even want to apply broadly - why would I? I have a 38R and a 3.6/3.4 at William and Mary which I finished in 2 years. I have research and upcoming papers. I'm working in an clinic. I tutor and tutored a lot in college. Everyone told not to worry. So, I totally discounted the advice of academic physicians in my family who told me exactly what to write on my personal statement - long story short - Rejected post-interview (on the very last possible notification date from VCU (after some unpleasant back and forth). Waitlisted at U Mich (lower tier - no chance) and UVA (don't know my rank yet, but they overbooked the class last year so chances are slim).

I'm fairly sure your problem, like mine apparently, was lame personal statement. I don't think, however, that there is much to improve in your experiences beyond continuing clinical work. Please consider other opinions, and please correct mine, but I think the key is make yourself sound like their ideal doctor through your clinical and patient interactions revealed in your personal statement. I think the adcoms are a rather peculiar bunch in the way they see themselves and the world and are looking for some specific characteristics. Having proven your intellectual abilities in college and the MCAT, they want to see workaholism, a desire to serve and follow the rules, and a stable, reliable psychological makeup (just look at the depression stats at medical school (~20% of women at U Mich)! I'm going to emphasize athletics...