Best way to improve my application?

[username455]

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Hello everyone,

I'm most likely going to be re-applying to med school this summer and wanted some advice, if its not too late.

I graduated from a state school, which I heard hurts my chances, with an AAMC gpa of 3.62. (3.47 bcpm/3.83 ao)

I received a 30 on the mcat, 9PS 10VR 11BS

Last summer I began volunteering in a neurology clinic helping with research trials. In october I was hired part time, and in a month or so I will be hired full time.

I have also worked as a pharmacy technician, but very little. It was a per diem type thing. (I had planned to be a pharmacist but changed my mind rather quickly)

I have worked in a sleep clinic for about the same amount of time as the pharmacy.

I have done a meager amount of community service in kitchens and such, but almost not worth mentioning.

I have taught martial arts for almost 10 years. Kind of random, but unique perhaps?

I did not apply to DO schools, but I plan to the next time around. So far I see working full time as helping quite a bit. Plus I will be able to get letters from the chief of medicine and the chief of neurology. I was also thinking of retaking the mcat.

Is there anything else I can/should work on? thanks for advice!

 

[cabinbuilder]

Apply opening day, apply DO, Have a great story

 

[olivedjazzer]

Me = 3.62 30N I got in. Many interviews, lotta wait-lists - but it only takes one.

I graduated from a state school, which I heard hurts my chances, with an AAMC gpa of 3.62. (3.47 bcpm/3.83 ao)

I'm not so sure you received good information on this one. I went to a state school...clarification: MOST people in med-school are from state-schools.

I have done a meager amount of community service in kitchens and such, but almost not worth mentioning.

IMO volunteering should be done because you want to, not to boost a resume.

I have taught martial arts for almost 10 years. Kind of random, but unique perhaps?

This is a great thing to work into your application. It obviously means a lot to you considering the time you've invested and I'm sure you can work this into a conversation about how it will make you a better doc. blah blah blah.

I did not apply to DO schools, but I plan to the next time around.

Not a good thing to do willy-nilly. I assume you will be doing some DO shadowing and getting down on their whole philosophy etc. I highly encourage you to check this option out, but just make sure you don't half-***** it.

Plus I will be able to get letters from the chief of medicine and the chief of neurology.

I had a letter from a chief and no one seemed to turn a head about it. I had scrubbed in and assisted in over 500 surgeries with him, too. I would encourage you to make sure the letter counts (ie the "chief" ain't really gonna do much if the letter isn't genuine).

Most important of all: the only way you won't get into medical school is if you give up. It is really as simple as that. If you want it, you'll get it.

Best of luck amigo(a).

 

[scarshapedstar]

I graduated from a state school, which I heard hurts my chances

I dunno who told you this but it is wildly untrue. I kick myself every day for having gone out of state to a top engineering school. Not to trash state schools, just saying that they weigh it about 95% GPA / 5% strength of school.

 

[dragonfly99]

Apply early,and to a lot of schools. Apply to all your state schools, and to schools that have accepted students from your undergrad school.

Consider doing a mock interview(s), particularly if you got multiple interviews last year and then didn't get in anywhere.

Get some hospital volunteer hours.
Yes, get LOR's from some MD's.
Agree, retake the MCAT (but make sure you pull up the score a little).
After you are done with the MCAT, at least consider taking 1 science course/semester (I know, it sucks, and you'll be working, but the admissions go to the people who are willing to do more/work harder).

I think you should only do DO if you want to be a DO. You're pretty early in this process and you have a decent shot at MD and the DO schools may see through it if you are halfway about your application...or you may find yourself unhappy with the whole process later.