Help for reapplicant! What now?

[joebruin15]

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So, I went to UCLA and applied to maybe 20 schools, got a bunch of secondaries but no interviews. Probably due to a somewhat lower GPA,

I had a 3.43 when i applied and probably a 3.5 (3.498) since my application (I know kinda low) My MCAT was 32 (10V 10P 12B and Q) but the physical section i was hitting 12 and 13s with at least 11s on practice. I'm worried that taking it again will drop my biological and my verbal as those were about my average scores.

Extra-curricular: I was involved in a clinical research program at the hospital ER for nearly four years including 2 quarters as coordinator (kind of like officer position) but I dropped the program recently.

Basically, I'm at a crossroads, should i take a one year program? Are there even one year programs still taking applicants? Or should i stay in my lab and try to get more publications. I currently have one publication as the third author that we just submitted a couple weeks ago and i'm working on a project as first author (which may or may not work out depending on the results). My PI says I can keep working on the project and in the lab, and I get paid too so its possible by staying in this lab I can get more publications and bolster my application in that way.

So, i'm asking what would be the best next choice? I did mostly better since the application in my classes. Should I take a year off and then apply? Should I stay in my lab or go to a one year program. Any thoughts would be helpful.

 

[Journey2become]

Did you apply to both MD and DO? Will you reapply to both MD and DO? Did you apply late? Is it possible that one of your LOR was not extremely positive? Do you have a LOR from a Doctor? Do you have shadowing or volunteering experience? What is your state of residence? Do you think your personal statement made you stand out? I kind of need to know these variables before I can give you the best advice that I can.
I would be VERY cautious in retaking the MCAT since you got a 32. I retook the MCAT and scored lower the second time (ok I was sick, and had other test to worry about - but that doesn't matter if you are looking at the raw numbers!).
Getting more publications can only help get into medical school - but I've heard that it is even more important to getting into very competitive residencies. I can't say for sure, since I'm only just starting medical school this July.