Gap Year suggestions

[hshah25]

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Hello,

I applied to medical school during the last application cycle, and have been wait listed at three schools. I know that at this point, there is a relativity low chance that I will get in so I was wondering if there were any suggestions on what I should do to improve my chances for the future. So far, I have applied to a few SMP programs, because I figure that my science GPA is what did me in. However, I am open to doing other things, and I am still not certain what would be best for me.

Stats:

Molecular and Cellular Biology Degree at the University of Illinois

GPA; 3.52
SGPA: 3.27
MCAT: 33 12V 11B 10PS

ECs:

I worked as a certified nursing assistant for three years

Diverse volunteering experience: hospitals, nursing homes, soup kitchens etc etc

Two and a half years of research experience (two different kinds)

Many random board positions/chair positions

Let me know if there is anything else you guys want to know, to help me.

Thanks!

 

[SNDO]

I had gap years from 2007 to 2010 (hahaha), and I worked on retaking a few classes, did lots of volunteering (hospitals, clinics, and also overseas), job shadowed 4 doctors (2 MD, 2 DO), and got better letters. Right now I'm accepted pending an open seat, so it's like I'm on a waitlist, but at least I know I'll either start school this year or the next.

I think your stats are good for DO schools, but are you only applying to MD schools?

 

[hshah25]

Last cycle I applied to one DO school, I am currently wait listed there

 

[gl0baltrader]

Well it sorta depends on what program are you leaning towards. For a D.O. school you are competitive enough, such that you can reapply right away but this time apply more broadly (i.e. more than one DO school).

but if you are leaning towards an MD school, you have to work on your science GPA. One way is to take science classes at your local university and boost your score that way. it's much cheaper than going to SMP program; which is sort of a last ditch effort for medical school. If you don't perform well at the SMP, your chance for medical school diminished significantly.

Either way, I wouldn't reapply right away. Focus on the SMP/Post-Bac and apply after your grades have come out.

Also, you should look into your personal statement. Maybe it can be a bit stronger. My GPA/MCAT is about similar to yours but I received 9 interviews and received multiple acceptances (2 of them are top tier schools).

Don't give up.....

D

 

[hshah25]

If I just complete post bacc classes..what sort should i take? I know for sure I would retake a couple of classes that I did not do so hot on at undgrad

 

[hshah25]

I just received admission to Tufts MBS program and was wondering..if this would be worthwhile for me? I have become a little hesitant because you stated that its a "last ditch" type of effort

 

[hshah25]

any suggestions?

 

[flatearth22]

Aside from your sGPA you have good stats for UIllinois and SIU so I am surprised you did not get in....there might be something you are overlooking in your app.

Contact all the schools you are waitlisted and rejected at and ask them how to improve your app. Not all will reply but some will. Most will mention your sGPA but some might also mention something you overlooked like your PS, secondary essays, LOR's, or anything else that you thought was fine but apparently wasn't.

 

[hshah25]

I have, every school has been very vague on why exactly this occurs..they all say something similar to "this years applicant pool was very impressive etc etc" They then mention my science gpa and say keep on volunteering...

 

[gl0baltrader]

I have, every school has been very vague on why exactly this occurs..they all say something similar to "this years applicant pool was very impressive etc etc" They then mention my science gpa and say keep on volunteering...

That sounds like a generic advice.

A couple of questions:
1) I am curious to why your science GPA is lower (by 0.3) to your cumulative GPA since you are a science major ?? Did you work in college ?? How is your GPA trend ?? is it upwards, downwards, or stagnant ??

2) Also are you considered to be URM ??

My 2 cents:
The low science GPA raises a lot of concern to medical schools regarding your ability to do well in the rigorous (science heavy) medical courses. I would take a year off to work on taking full loads of science courses (and ace them of course) before reapplying.
If you are going to take the SMP route, just be sure that you're ready to work hard and focus 100% to school. Some people have said that it's more stressful in SMP than in the actual med school because you are being graded as oppose to a P/F system.

 

[hshah25]

Yea it was all pretty generic...

I worked in a research lab junior year and senior year. But that was only around 10 hours a week..so it did not effect my grades or anything

My gpa trend goes up and down...very high first year and half...then it went way down for a semester but I aced the next couple of semesters and then did average the last couple.

I can admit that I did not put my full effort towards academics for a semester or two...but I am fully prepared to work my ass off this upcoming year...I realize that I must do this.

I also got into the drexel ims program..so i am currently figuring our if I should go there tufts mbs or simply take undergraduate classes near by house.. probably at uic

That sounds like a generic advice.

A couple of questions:
1) I am curious to why your science GPA is lower (by 0.3) to your cumulative GPA since you are a science major ?? Did you work in college ?? How is your GPA trend ?? is it upwards, downwards, or stagnant ??

2) Also are you considered to be URM ??

My 2 cents:
The low science GPA raises a lot of concern to medical schools regarding your ability to do well in the rigorous (science heavy) medical courses. I would take a year off to work on taking full loads of science courses (and ace them of course) before reapplying.
If you are going to take the SMP route, just be sure that you're ready to work hard and focus 100% to school. Some people have said that it's more stressful in SMP than in the actual med school because you are being graded as oppose to a P/F system.