Applying two cycles back-to-back?

[HockeyGuy2772]

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Hey all,

I figured I'd reach out for some advice. It's looking like I wont be getting into any MD programs this cycle. I had two interviews at in-state schools with one post-interview rejection and one waitlist and the waitlist seems rather difficult to get off.

My biggest question is whether or not it is worth it to apply back to back cycles. I am a graduating senior but I also took time off before going to school to pursue athletics (I can go into more detail if need be). To give a little background on my stats and EC's...

-3.91 core and slightly higher science GPA from my current undergrad but it is pulled down by 15 credits of community college courses that I took before going into my undergrad. So my AMCAS overall is around a 3.7.
- MCAT 503 and 507 with below average CARS.
- About 1200 hours of research (two different summer research programs). No publications but more oral and poster presentations than I can count.
- Over 300 hours of non-clinical volunteering
- About 40 of clinical volunteering
- About 40 shadowing
- At least 3000 hours of athletics at school

I am planning on becoming a medical scribe for my year off so that will add to my clinical experiences because I think that is my of my shortcomings (besides my MCAT scores).

I will be definitely be applying to some DO schools next cycle.

Is it worth it to take the MCAT for a third time before applying? Do I bother for a third time? I have began to study to take it in June of this year so my scores could be used for this coming cycle if I plan on applying again right away. If I don't take it again, will being a medical scribe be sufficient enough to boost my application to apply right away again or should I really take this next cycle off and apply in two years?

Any advice is helpful!

 

[pug49]

Here's my $0.02 (I am not an expert though)

GPA is pretty good. Research hours are solid, and it is not necessary to have publications to get into medical school. Accumulating more clinical hours would help and with your plan to scribe, that should cover it. Additional non-clinical volunteering hours couldn't hurt as it shows a dedication to the undeserved / less fortunate through your gap yr although you have a decent amount already.

Average MCAT is a 505. If you really want to go MD, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get that score up. However a retake is risky, especially if you do not score well on your third try. I would only do it if you are confident that you would score higher.

If you want to apply DO, at least shadowing a DO (or multiple DO's) and possibly obtaining a LOR from the DO would definitely help, but your stats seem pretty decent for DO school as they are right now, along with the scribe position that you would do.

 

[HockeyGuy2772]

Here's my $0.02 (I am not an expert though)

If you want to apply DO, at least shadowing a DO (or multiple DO's) and possibly obtaining a LOR from the DO would definitely help, but your stats seem pretty decent for DO school as they are right now, along with the scribe position that you would do.

I actually already do have a LOR from a DO that I had on my app this cycle. Do you think it hurt that I didnt have a letter from an MD?

I would agree with the comments about the MCAT. I would only take it if all of my practice exams show that I would get a much higher score.
I appreciate your $0.02!

 

[curbsideconsult]

Yeah, you need some more clinical work, but you starting your scribing job in a few months is not going to help you for this upcoming cycle. It will help you for the 2019-2020 cycle.

Where did you do your volunteer hours?

The DO letter did not hurt your MD chances.

As mentioned above, only retake the MCAT for the third time if you're really positive you can do much better than 507. You should aim for a minimum of 510. Otherwise, don't do it.

Did you practice interviewing?

 

[pug49]

I actually already do have a LOR from a DO that I had on my app this cycle. Do you think it hurt that I didnt have a letter from an MD?

No, definitely not. When I applied (this past cycle) I just had a committee letter along with 3 letters from professors. I did shadow both MD's and a DO though and discussed my shadowing experiences (when applicable) in interviews. I also agree with the post above, perhaps mock interviews could help for whenever you apply again, because with your future plan and stats, I don't see any major issues with your app.

 

[HockeyGuy2772]

Yeah, you need some more clinical work, but you starting your scribing job in a few months is not going to help you for this upcoming cycle. It will help you for the 2019-2020 cycle.

Where did you do your volunteer hours?

The DO letter did not hurt your MD chances.

As mentioned above, only retake the MCAT for the third time if you're really positive you can do much better than 507. You should aim for a minimum of 510. Otherwise, don't do it.

Did you practice interviewing?

I did two summers worth, part-time, at a day care that served underprivileged children in my hometown and then also a significant amount of time volunteering in the community that my school in is. My clinical volunteering was at an in-patient hospice center.

I did practice going over all of the possible common interview questions but looking back I could have done some more formal interviewing. I didnt think my interviews went poorly but that could be me just me being naive.