Good GPA and decent MCAT...SMP?

[Scherbatsky]

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Hey everyone,
I know there are many threads with people asking similar questions, but I'm driving myself crazy with this and would appreciate some individualized advice.

I have a 3.81 GPA and 31Q balanced MCAT. I applied to about 15 MD programs this year and only got one interview (I'm now wait listed at that school). My ECs are good I think, but potentially lacking in leadership. Oh, and I'm an international (Canadian) student.

I've been accepted to an MPH program but am now really considering applying to SMPs. Would I benefit from one?

Also, I wrote my MCAT back in 2010 so I believe this upcoming application cycle would be the last one my score would be valid for at many (but not all) schools. Should I bother applying this year or just reapply after a SMP or traditional Master's? Thanks in advance!

 

[scarshapedstar]

You should have had more than one interview, unless all 15 schools were top 20. SMP is not necessary, and your MCAT is good enough, sounds a little like a possible EC/LOR/PS issue. Or it could be nothing more than the 'nuck thing... unfortunately I have no idea how much that factors in to your app, but somebody else will.

I guess EC is easiest to start with, what are your highlights?

 

[deleted248403]

The issue is that you are Canadian.

A lot of schools take one or two internationals, and a lot flat out take none.

Buy a copy of the MSAR and comb the pages for the schools most friendly to international students; and apply there

 

[johnnyscans]

It's probably a mix of two factors:

1) You're Canadian. It's tough going as an international applicant

2) You have nothing to separate you from the rest of the pack. What are your ECs? Anything outside of the "normal" pre-med activities?