Did I improve enough?

[yemms1172]

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So when I first applied I had a 28 MCAT, 3.5 cGPA, 3.4 sGPA but was lacking in the research and hospital volunteering and I applied sorta late and applied to 19 schools most of which I was slightly below average. I had one interview that did not go well.

So this is how I have improved already:
Am in graduate school for an MPH in Epidemiology- so far have made a 4.0 in grad school.
Took some undergrad classes online and raised my cGPA to 3.6 and sGPA to 3.5
Retook the MCAT and got a 30 (12PS, 10BS, 8VR)

Plan for next semester:
This next semester going to try and get a research job and do some volunteering.
When I apply I am going to apply to like 30+ schools and turning the primary in super early in June.
Continue taking a couple undergrad classes and remain full-time grad
student.

Anyone have any insight on my chances this next application cycle (enter 2010)?

 

[gman33]

Your stats will still be a little below average, but certainly in the range of accepted applicants. Some schools may not like the online courses (if they can figure it out from your transcript).

I hate to even suggest it, but maybe think about taking the MCAT again. That 8 will hurt at some schools where they want to see a min 9 or 10 in each section.

Any plans to apply to some DO schools? You would have a very competitive app there. You would have had a great shot even with your previous stats.

 

[yemms1172]

I know the 8 on the VR will hurt me but think it may be offset since I got a 10 VR the first time I took the MCAT (first time 9PS, 9BS, 10VR). The new computer format made verbal really hard for me. Retaking the MCAT is somewhat out of the question for another year since grad school takes up enough time that I don't think I could put enough time towards it.

I do live in TX so I am now right around average acceptee for 1/2 the schools there.

I am planning on applying to DO schools this time around (probably only 7 at this point).

 

[PharMed2016]

I know the 8 on the VR will hurt me but think it may be offset since I got a 10 VR the first time I took the MCAT (first time 9PS, 9BS, 10VR). The new computer format made verbal really hard for me. Retaking the MCAT is somewhat out of the question for another year since grad school takes up enough time that I don't think I could put enough time towards it.

I do live in TX so I am now right around average acceptee for 1/2 the schools there.

I am planning on applying to DO schools this time around (probably only 7 at this point).

I think you got a pretty good shot once you get some volunteering and research in for allopathic schools. For DO schools, you are probably going to be within the top 25% of DO applicants. ***The degree is going to be a bonus.

 

[dragonfly99]

The lack of clinical/volunteer experiences is going to be the biggest red flag that I see on your application. I would work on that >> on getting a research job. Your MPH might be counted as something in the vein of "research"/advanced academics. However, I really think when push comes to shove (such as after the interview, and even at the point of deciding which of the qualified candidates to interview) when the adcom sees that you haven't spent much time around hospital/medical clinic setting, that is going to hurt you.

The 8 in verbal reasoning isn't going to help, but a 30 cumulative on the MCAT puts you in the range that schools accept.

You really need to work on the hospital or clinic volunteering, +/- some shadowing of doctors. It would be good if you could find one(s) who have something to do with either UT or Baylor systems, because perhaps then one might be able to pull strings for you.

 

[fahimaz7]

Good clinical experience is key to an application. I've been told that the MPH isn't going to really help your application. Make sure you know why you still want to go into medicine and make sure you write your personal statement as such.