Any Suggestions on Improvements this cycle and next?

[Dhooy7]

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I have applied later and submitted my secondaries ranging from the end of October to right before Thanksgiving due to retaking the MCAT. I am planning on reapplying and retaking my MCAT if it does not workout this cycle. I'd really like to attend a Texas school once I get my MCAT up. I've never felt good taking it.

Stats: 3.98- 3 years, 3.957- 1.5 years, 500 MCAT

Strong Extracurriculars and numerous scholarships and several leadership awards
3000 hours as a CNA
200 helping police officer with stroke and anyeurism
100 helping an individual suffering from polio
100 hours volunteering
50 hours shadowing DO with LOR

I just found a free clinic that works with underserved populations that I was unaware of in my area. I will continue to volunteer but it is unfortunate I cannot update my hours on AACOMAS. I'm not sure how much of a difference this will make volunteering for this cycle yet, but I'm excited to find an opportunity to help the less fortunate.

The only school I have heard from is DMU and with a 500 MCAT I was not surprised I did not receive an II. I was placed on a hold. I'd appreciate any feedback and let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Drflamingo74]

Did you apply to uiwsom


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[Dhooy7]

Did you apply to uiwsom


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No I don't know anything about UIWSOM. The tuition really interests me for Texas schools, but UIWSOM is quite a bit more expensive if I remember correctly.

 

[Dr. Anonymouss]

I think the biggest thing that hurt you this cycle was a late application. With that being said, the cycle is far from over but your chances get drastically lower the later in the cycle that you apply. Your non-academic stats are great, I don't see any need to put much time and effort into that. In terms of academics, your GPA is stellar and MCAT is a little subpar, but definitely in range. I am assuming you only applied to DO, if you applied to MD it was a donation, but in terms of DO you still have a good chance of hearing from schools. If this cycle does not work out, I think the best thing you could do is retake the MCAT to strive for 505+ while submitting June 1. Early admission in a rolling cycle makes such a drastic difference, it's unbelievable. Lastly, be sure to apply broadly not just to top tier DO schools like DMU, KCU, CCOM, PCOM etc. Best of luck.

 

[Dhooy7]

I only applied DO and am prepared to reapply

 

[Dhooy7]

I had to apply late retaking the mcat later. They wouldnt looo st my app with my low mcat.

I planned to apply early but it didnt workout. I'm hoping I will have a shot at MD schools especially for texas next year.

 

[DrStephenStrange]

Some schools interview all the way through March and April, so you might still hear bck from some of them, but you also got a good chance of being waitlisted instead of accepted right off the bat because it's late in the cycle and some schools have already accepted the amount of seats they have available. How many schools did you apply to? Why not UIWSOM? If you wanna stay in TX that's a good option even if it's on the expensive end of TX schools. All other DO schools are also expensive, so I don't see why not applying there as well. Anyway, if you really wanna get into a Texas school, MD or TCOM, you're gonna have to up that MCAT to at least a 510 to be competitive enough for them. Good luck.

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[workaholic181]

I had to apply late retaking the mcat later. They wouldnt looo st my app with my low mcat.

I planned to apply early but it didnt workout. I'm hoping I will have a shot at MD schools especially for texas next year.

Your sole focus should be MCAT prep. If you can get even a decent MCAT I'd say your odds for MD acceptances in Tx next cycle are good. That's it. If you can improve your MCAt significantly you have a shot at MD next cycle. If you can't an earlier app would likely get you into DO schools. I'd take the MCAT in April of next year (2019) and see where the chips fall.

Frankly I think considering your GPAs you should give yourself a chance to improve this MCAT and go for an MD acceptance. Everything else about your app warrants that. Good luck with what you choose to do.

 

[Dhooy7]

I'm just not sure about prepping for the MCAT and working. I would really like to find another job, and found one I really like. It is 36 hours a week in the hospital. I also referee soccer/baskebtall and work at the YMCA about 8 hours a month.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I planned to apply early but it didnt workout. I'm hoping I will have a shot at MD schools especially for texas next year.

If you are not a Texas Resident you will need an MCAT above 512 generally. My UG sends a number of people to Texas MD schools every year but those people generally all have a minimum MCAT of 512. TCOM is more lenient but you will still need at least a 505 from what I've seen.

If you aren't from Texas and you are targeting Texas schools you are most likely going to end up pretty disappointed.