Chances at MSTP

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Morphogenesis

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10+ Year Member
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I am seriously debating whether I should take a year off and apply the summer after I graduate, or to apply this summer to MSTP programs. My notable stats are:

Cumulative GPA: 3.9
Science GPA: 3.9
MCAT: *taking in may (35 on latest practice test)

(if it matters)..
White
First-generation
Low-income

Research: 2 yrs + 1 summer in same lab. No publications yet, but will be writing paper this summer (1st author) and will be on second paper by next spring (2nd author). I have two local talks, two local poster presentations, and one poster presentation at international conference.

Teaching: TA for 3 courses (I really enjoy teaching).

Health Related: some physician shadowing and hospital volunteering; health policy minor.

Other: president of tutoring club and journal club, service fellowship (150+ local service hours per year), journal clubs, advising, etc.

My question is am I seriously competitive at top 10 MSTP programs right now, or would it significantly help my application to take a year off (I’ll have two pubs by then) and apply (I would continue research during my year off)? I really feel prepared and want to apply this summer, but I want my best chance at getting into a great program.

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Top-10 MSTPs are incredibly competitive, and with a 35 MCAT I would think you would have a so-so chance at getting into a top-25 MSTP applying this year. Waiting a year and getting another publication out will definitely help your app, but it's no guarantee for a top-25 program let alone top-10.
 
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