Fretting about re-applying

[AzuraDragon]

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Hello all!
I am applying to medschool for the first time this year. As waiting lists are piling up, I am really worrying about the chance of rejection and another year of resume building.

Here are my stats:
28 MCAT
3.1 Undergrad GPA
Multiple volunteer and leadership roles
1 publication
1 year working in a genetics lab as a tech

I don't really have a councilor to chat with, so I was hoping to hear your opinions on what to do if all else fails.

My GPA is low a) because I didn't decide to be a doc till late, and b) my undergrad is very stingy with As. My MCAT is less than stellar because I am TERRIBLE at standardized tests.

I'm feeling that taking the MCAT again would only lower my score since it's been a year or more since I took the classes with the subject matter. However, I might have to just bite the bullet. Unless... you guys think my time would be better spent raising my GPA.

What is the most worthwhile path to raise my GPA?
Should I retake the MCAT?

Any other pearls of wisdom?
I really appreciate the support!

 

[Tired Pigeon]

I think your GPA is more of a problem than your MCAT. Especially if you don't have any reason to believe you have a good chance of increasing the MCAT score, retaking the test is unlikely to help you. Look into post-bacc courses to raise your GPA.

Also, I'm assuming you already know to apply early and broadly to maximize your chances.

Good luck to you!

 

[AzuraDragon]

So why is post-bacc better than Masters?

 

[kuangwchang]

Post-bacc courses will avg in with your undergrad GPA. Masters will not. Thing is though you probably have 130ish hours of a 3.1 GPA, so a couple post bac's won't really raise it too much, I think a Masters might be a better route for you, especially those tailored for medical applicants.

Have you considered taking an MCAT prep course? Those are great for refreshing and teaching you techniques, The Princeton review and Kaplan are 2 programs I know that are out there.

 

[AzuraDragon]

I actually took Kaplan. I just suck at standardized tests 🙁.

 

[Vee]

I actually took Kaplan. I just suck at standardized tests 🙁.

that's going to make taking the boards awfully rough for you.

 

[froggiepremed]

Have you tried D.O. schools. What are your ECs like? There are more factors than just MCAT & GPA. and the MCAT is better than a lot of people who get into med school.

 

[AzuraDragon]

So, take a 1 year Master's in biology or medical sciences and apply early next time?

I'm sort of biased against DO schools, so I'd like to re-apply allo. again next time. Believe it or not, I applied at 37 allo. schools this year and only got 4 interviews. 🙁

Perhaps more publications and a stellar master's GPA will make them pay me notice.

By the way, how do you get a discount on applying to schools? Also, how much do Master's programs cost?