Backup plans: post-bac. programs? 5th year senior? what else?

[aminghere]

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Hey guys, I feel dumb to ask but what should one do (or does one usually do) if he doesn't get into any medical school first time applying?

I'm applying this year. I finished all my secondaries (14 schools w/ at least 5 "far reach" ones) in mid-August and heard nothing but 3 rejections so far.

To give some insights on my background, I have:
4.0, 30M (PS11,BS10,VB9)--I'm an international student. my first language isn't English and it is reflected on my low VB and writing scores😳
biochem+physio double-major, humanity minor
1yr math research (oral and poster presentations at regional and national conferences)
2.5yr biochem research (college scholarship, university poster award)
on-going bio research (more education orientated)
intro bio T.A.
crsis counselor
resident mentor
120hr community service
1.5yr hospital volunteer

I'd like to stay positive and keey a good attitude thru the applicaion cycle. but I also want to be prepared just in case things don't work out this year. Any suggestions on backup plans/how to strengthen my application for next round? I'm thinking about post-bac programs or 5th year senior. any tips on applying for post-bac program or adding another major? Is there any other options? I really appreciate your time and would LOVE to get some advice! Much thanks in advance.

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

Hey guys, I feel dumb to ask but what should one do (or does one usually do) if he doesn't get into any medical school first time applying?

I'm applying this year. I finished all my secondaries (14 schools w/ at least "far reach" schools) in mid-August and heard nothing but 3 rejections so far.

To give some insights on my background, I have:
4.0, 30M (PS11,BS10,VB9)--I'm an international students. my first language isn't English and it is reflected on my low VB and writing scores😳
biochem+physio double-major, humanity minor
1yr math research (oral and poster presentations at regional and national conferences)
2.5yr biochem research (college scholarship, university poster award)
on-going bio research (more education orientated)
intro bio T.A.
crsis counselor
resident mentor
120hr community service
1.5yr hospital volunteer

I'd like to stay positive and keey a good attitude thru the applicaion cycle. but I also want to be prepared just in case things don't work out this year. Any suggestions on backup plans/how to strengthen my application for next round? I'm thinking about post-bac programs or 5th year senior. any tips on applying for post-bac program or adding another major? Is there any other options? I really appreciate your time and would LOVE to get some advice! Much thanks in advance.

if you don't get in and still want to go, you reapply. if you want to reapply next year, then you should be strengthening yourself NOW. if you are still hoping for interviews (which you should be) then you should be continuing your activities through this year anyway...so, you just keep doing what you're doing.

a postbac, a 5th year, or third major isn't useful for someone with a 4.0.

did you go to undergrad outside the US? i don't know your legal status either (student visa/green card/applying for citizenship) but i'm guessing your international status could potentially be your biggest weakness. i don't think you should be so worried about that 9 in verbal.

 

[slowbutsteady]

Agree, the only thing more course work will do is bring down your GPA!!

I predict that you will get in this year, unless you chose your 14 schools unwisely.

You have checked all the boxes. Get more clinical or research, whichever you like more and feel you need more.

Just spend the year well.

I won't recommend taking the MCAT over with a 30, but that score should definitely guide your choice of schools. It is low for a lot of schools, even with a 4.0.

 

[hitsugaaya]

where did you apply to? I am international as well and got a 27Q and 3.86 gpa. I got 2 interviews last year and was rejected. This year i have 3 interviews and 1 acceptance 🙂
Its all about the schools you pick. You can PM me if you want. Your stats are pretty good, and I am not ashamed to say way better than mine so it boils down to where you applied to.

 

[Catalystik]

/how to strengthen my application for next round?

You didn't mention physician shadowing. You might start working on that now so as to include it in update letters if you don't have it.

I think your VS is fine, but the overall score would preferably be higher for an international applicant. Maybe consider retaking next spring if it looks like you'll need to reapply, perhaps after a formal classroom prep course.

 

[Helen Wheels]

Yes, more school isn't going to help you, would be a waste of time/money. People take post bacs, more classes, etc., trying to bring up their GPA and show an upward trend on academic performance. With a 4.0 you don't need that. 🙂

Maybe a healthcare related job such as EMT or phlebotomist?

 

[Quaero]

Yes, more school isn't going to help you, would be a waste of time/money. People take post bacs, more classes, etc., trying to bring up their GPA and show an upward trend on academic performance. With a 4.0 you don't need that. 🙂

Maybe a healthcare related job such as EMT or phlebotomist?

Would international applicants be able to be employed in those jobs?
How would one go about obtaining a working visa for those kind of thing? 🙁

 

[runawayclock]

Would international applicants be able to be employed in those jobs?
How would one go about obtaining a working visa for those kind of thing? 🙁

Easiest if you are an international student would be to get a job through your school. Maybe you can check at some clinical labs at your university/affiliated hospital. EMT requires a lot of training, no? At least in Canada it's anywhere between 6 months to 3 YEARS. I think in the US it's about 100 hours for the most basic level of certification. Even if you don't get a job right away, it might be nice to have the certificate. I've never worked as an international, but i imagine you'd apply for the job as one normally would, and specify to your employer that you need a work visa...

 

[aminghere]

Thanks you all for your advices. I think I'm going to look for more clinical experience and start to study MCAT again while waiting for interviews...
Thanks again for all of your help!