Best use of a gap year for reapplicant

[dogeisdoge]

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I am currently waitlisted at an MD/PhD program, and, assuming I don't get off the waitlist (most likely), I will be reapplying MD/PhD next cycle.

I got into research VERY late, and at the time of my application last fall, I had barely 6 months of research experience. All of the schools that interviewed me expressed concerns with my lack of research experience, and I can only imagine that its the major (hopefully only?) reason I didn't receive any acceptances this year.

GPA is 3.9+
MCAT 36+
1.5 years research experience, no publications
Biochemistry major, graduated this spring

I wanted to know what people on this site think best type of research experience during my gap year would be to optimize my competitiveness for programs this upcoming cycle. I am considering applying as a lab tech, but I am worried about how that would be received by adcoms. Would it be better to try to volunteer in an academic lab, or does it not really matter?

 

[youououa]

As you'll find once you start, lab technicians (and lab tech jobs) come in many varieties. You should find an opportunity where you'll be able to contribute to a research project outside of simply being asked to run experiments. If you can explain your research, from its assumptions through to its potential clinical implications, no one will question whether you're paid by the lab or not.

The best way to find lab tech jobs where you'll have a chance to be more than a pair of hands is to go through your network of professors and tell them what you're looking for and why you need it - this will probably get you very far.

 

[philosonista]

I'm so sorry you didn't get in. That really sucks with those high stats. Did no one reject you and send you to the MD-only admissions? You could just apply internally as an MS1 or MS2 after getting additional research.

I agree with youououa, getting into a lab that will let you make genuine contributions is the best move. Start cold-emailing PI's near you, and offer to volunteer.

 

[dogeisdoge]

Thanks for the feedback.

I didn't request MD only consideration for any of the MD/PhDs I applied to, and out of my interviews, only 2 schools automatically consider you for MD only. I'm on MD only waitlist at one of those schools, but I get the vibe that a lot of schools are hesitant to accept MD/PhD applicants into MD only spots.

I mean... it is what it is at this point.

 

[Ariodant]

Barring some interview red flags, lack of research is probably the major factor that made your application unsuccessful this cycle. If you need a job to finance your reapplication, get a tech job that allows you to contribute meaningfully to projects. You may also want to squeeze in some clinical exposures (shadowing, hospital volunteer, etc.) to beef up your MD part of your package.

 

[Neuronix]

I mean... it is what it is at this point.

Don't be disheartened. I often encourage marginal candidates to apply. The worst that happens--you reapply next year. You would have held off a year and applied next year anyway. The reapplication next year with more research will make it look like you have resolve. You will need plenty of resolve in the future.

The best research is basic, biomedically related research in an academic lab where you can be as independent as possible.

 

[dogeisdoge]

Doesn't matter anymore 🙂