Don't know exactly when to reapply??

[medhoney]

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I was just wondering if anyone have any opinion as to when I should re-apply. I applied last year for the first time and, of course, was rejected everywhere. Here are my stats:

1st MCAT in 2004/2005: 16P
2nd MCAT 2008: 19Q
UG 2007: 2.7 with sGPA~2.0
MPH degree 2009: 3.6

I understand that I have to do some major repair on my undergrad GPA so I would need to retake classes. I was a recent immigrant at that time and the first in my family to attend college here in the US so I was honestly lost in college and took whatever classes just 'cause my friends took them. I definitely need to retake the MCAT as well. I'm not sure how much time I would need to repair them. Schools would no longer consider my first MCAT even though it would still be reported, right? If they would no longer count my first MCAT, does that allow me 2 more options to retake the MCAT to total it to the 3 limit? Also, how much weight would they put on my grad GPA, if any? I do have volunteer experience, research experience, work experience, leadership and community activities.

So given all this repair work, should I consider applying for the 2010 cycle? or should I just wait til 2011? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[LaTortuga]

I'm thinking 2011 would be a better bet for you. The problem is, unless you are ready to take the MCAT now, or at the absolute latest by August, you're going to be far behind the power curve when it comes to completing your primary application and getting your secondaries in.

19Q will definitely make it very hard for you to be competitive. The harsh reality is that even if the other parts of your application sparkle, you will probably be cut first from the pool just based on the preliminary MCAT score screen. 30+ is what I've heard is best to shoot for to have a good shot at MD or DO.

Any scores three years or older are no longer valid, but can still be seen on your score report. Schools won't consider them per se, but they can still be viewed. I'm not sure if there is a limit to the number of times you can take the MCAT without petitioning ... but needless to say, many schools will frown on multiple attempts. So wait to take it until you are ready.

Your grad school GPA is nice, but the emphasis will be on the core undergraduate pre-req stuff ... thus, don't count on your grad school GPA to be your saving grace. It almost seems like you need to go back and retake some of those undergraduate courses.

Other suggestions: call the schools where you were rejected. Ask what needs to be done to improve your application.

Anway, that's just my food for thought. Good luck with the re-application

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

There is no limit to the number of retakes anymore.

If you were to apply to DO schools, your GPA would be easier to repair, since grades of retakes are replaced, not averaged.

Something to consider!

 

[medhoney]

Thank you so much for the input! I have been thinking alot about this and have considered to wait until 2011. I think I'll repair my UG GPA starting this summer and contemplate thinking the MCAT possibly January or April at the latest since by that time, I would have taken several core classes by that time so I could better study for the MCAT. This would also give me enough time to add volunteer experience, shadowing, and possibly even work part time. I would probably start my applications around June of next year, early enough for the 2011 cycle. Does anyone concur that or is there a better option?

 

[Krisss17]

I was just wondering if anyone have any opinion as to when I should re-apply. I applied last year for the first time and, of course, was rejected everywhere. Here are my stats:

1st MCAT in 2004/2005: 16P
2nd MCAT 2008: 19Q
UG 2007: 2.7 with sGPA~2.0
MPH degree 2009: 3.6

I understand that I have to do some major repair on my undergrad GPA so I would need to retake classes. I was a recent immigrant at that time and the first in my family to attend college here in the US so I was honestly lost in college and took whatever classes just 'cause my friends took them. I definitely need to retake the MCAT as well. I'm not sure how much time I would need to repair them. Schools would no longer consider my first MCAT even though it would still be reported, right? If they would no longer count my first MCAT, does that allow me 2 more options to retake the MCAT to total it to the 3 limit? Also, how much weight would they put on my grad GPA, if any? I do have volunteer experience, research experience, work experience, leadership and community activities.

So given all this repair work, should I consider applying for the 2010 cycle? or should I just wait til 2011? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

Ouch! First, I would definitely NOT consider this upcoming cycle and would even hesitate for next cycle. You really need some major repair work, and even then your only option I think for the MD would be the Caribbean, and you would still need to raise your GPA,especially that science GPA by a lot.

I think that you will definitely need to retake all of your science classes and get an A. Then you would want to make sure that you don't have a MCAT of less than 27 and have it as balanced as possible. Then possibly you may have a chance with an osteopathic school.

All I can say is DO NOT RUSH and try to apply ASAP. You'll only be sinking yourself deeper and deeper into a whole. While your ECs sound impressive, they will never be known if you don't have high enough numbers to get through the screening.

Best of luck

 

[medhoney]

Thank you for all the replies. I really appreciate it even though it's been awhile since I logged in. However, as I was reading other replies, I thought that I should've made myself clearer. Honestly, I am hoping for DO. For many reasons, not simply because it's an easier route for me considering the amount of repair work I would have to go through. Knowing that, is there a change in advice or should I try moving to a relatively different direction? Thanks again in advance!