Between UG and applying - best thing to do

[backsideatk]

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[whiteshadodw]

Assuming GPA is fine (3.8+) and the MCAT is fine (34+) if one does not get accepted to an MD/PhD program this cycle is the general consensus that the best thing to do is get a 2 year lab tech job and then reapply during your second year?

Just trying to think ahead in case the worst happens.

why not reapply the year after? no point in waiting 2 years unless you don't have the money to reapply. also, if you don't get in, call the dean of admissions at various schools and see what you can do to improve your application.

 

[bhishma]

why not reapply the year after? no point in waiting 2 years unless you don't have the money to reapply. also, if you don't get in, call the dean of admissions at various schools and see what you can do to improve your application.

Not a lot changes in 1 year. I just applied this last cycle. If I was going to apply again, there would literally be like 2 new things that I could introduce into my application. Having 2 years is *huge* in adding to your application. The app cycle is draining. If I had applied the cycle right after graduating from UG I wouldn't have had anything close to a strong application. Having that extra year made the difference.

As for calling to ask to improve application, that sounds like a great piece of advice to factor into your decision. I, honestly, didn't have much luck in getting useful information from them.

OP: The best thing to do is follow what you think is the best thing to do. What matters is that you do something a) useful b) that you wanted to do. If that's a lab rotation, do it. If it's a master's program, do it. If it's industry, do it. If it's travel, do that. Do whatever will differentiate you and whatever you can talk about passionately.