I don't want to hijack OP's thread here, but seeing as I'm in the same situation as them, I think we can both benefit from advice from you. Just like OP, I too have a 25 on my MCAT (9V, 8B, 8P) with a slightly higher GPA (3.99) as well with a pending retake coming up in September. Much like the OP, I too have not submitted my primary yet and am still finalizing a final school list (so we're not going to be early by any means). My question is, what do you think made you stand out despite the 25 MCAT enough so that you got interviews and an ultimate acceptance? (Congratulations, btw!) Just like many others, I'm new to this whole process as well and I have this imminent sense of doom due to my low MCAT score though I think the rest of my app is pretty solid. Any suggestions for the OP and me? Any schools you would particularly recommend applying to? Ha, sorry again for seemingly hijacking this thread, but advice from someone who was in our shoes is invaluable, and others can chime in as well. Thank you! Honest advice is always greatly appreciated! 🙂
What made me stand out? It is hard to say because every school looks at different things. However I was a reapplicant so I can tell you what changed from a non-successful application cycle to a successful one.
1. I went out and added more experiences to my resume (worked in research for two years and took grad class which were free because I worked for a university). I think this was an improvement because I didn't have many extracurriculars in college. So I think having a diverse number of experiences/extracurriculars can help you stand out more.
2. I applied earlier. My first cycle I applied really late (October for MD and February for DO). DO NOT DO THIS. Apply as early as you can without rushing your application.
3.I raised my MCAT score to a 25.
4. I took more time and care on my personal statement. My first personal statement worked against me (didn't show all my strengths and didn't put me at my best) and did not clarify or give reason toward my end goals (becoming a primary care physician in a rural setting). When I rewrote it I spoke more from the heart, tried to demonstrate my strengths and my determination to become a physician, and took better care to explain and clarify my goals. Have some one read your personal statement before you submit it.
5. I had a additional letter of recommendation from my boss who is a well-respected medical researcher (MD). I worked really hard at my job so I suspect that my letter was a good one. So I think have good LOR can also make you stand out.
Overall, make sure your whole application is working for you and highlights your strengths, determination, and goals. If you are going to apply to an osteopathic school, make sure you demonstrate that you have done your homework and know what osteopathic medicine is (be careful not to bash MDs in the process. Medicine is working as a team, not as rivals). A letter from a DO couldn't hurt. Also, make sure you prep for interviews (research schools, practice questions, ect) and be yourself.
As to what schools to pick, that is hard to say because it depends on your preferences and the schools. My previous advice applies here and I will say that you should also include several schools that goals match yours. I did notice later that the schools I interviewed at goals really matched my own (primary care in a rural setting).
Bleh...sorry I wrote an essay......
🙂
