Help me improve my application!

[bri.emily]

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Hey guys,

I graduated from a large public university this past May and I am currently taking a gap year. It looks like it will turn into a second gap year because I applied too late in the application cycle this year (I submitted my app in September which I now realize was a very dumb move). I would like some advice about how I can improve my chance for the next cycle. BTW: I used to be pre-vet so a lot of experiences are animal related.

GPA: 3.95 cGPA, 3.93 sGPA

MCAT: 507 (129/125/127/126) (I'm thinking about retaking this.)

Clinical volunteering:
1 semester surgery med, 1 semester Children's Medical Services ~70 hours
Foot care volunteer at a health fair for the homeless
Starting to volunteer with a foot care clinic every week

Pre-vet clinical (not sure if it counts):
Operation Catnip surgery tech ~40 hours
Shelter med volunteer ~300 hours
Vet tech for a mission trip in Peru ~250 hours

Shadowing
Admittedly not much in this area (will focus more on this during this year)

Non-clinical volunteering:
Intern with non profit organization in Peru - 5 weeks
Homelessness and nutrition spring break trip
Volunteer with homeless outreach ministry through my church ~30 hours but will be a lot more after this year
Starting to volunteer at a transitional home for families with children (tutoring and activities)

Research:
Currently working full-time in an HIV/AIDS lab as a Research Specialist

Honors/Awards:
Dean's list/honor roll usual stuff.
Recipient of a top scholar award through my college

Paid employment:
Veterinary Assistant ~830 hours
Supplemental Instruction leader (held biology review sessions 3x a week) ~200 hours
Research Specialist in HIV/AIDS lab

Teaching:
Tutor for underserved middle school students - 1 semester ~48 hours
Supplemental Instruction leader

Thank you for any tips you can give me!

 

[md-2020]

More hospital/healthcare volunteering/activities as pre-vet stuff won't be useful.

Maybe MCAT retake but only if you're sure you can improve to 510+. 507 is a fine score already.

 

[Member1115]

I would retake MCAT. I think a 507 is around 29/30, which is ok. But if you can bump that score to a 510, I really do think you'll be better off. Your GPA is solid, but the low-average MCAT might be an indicator that your undergrad was easy.

Other than that, get some shadowing in w/ multiple specialties. Could also try to add some clinical volunteering.

 

[TooMuchPressure]

I would retake MCAT. I think a 507 is around 29/30, which is ok. But if you can bump that score to a 510, I really do think you'll be better off. Your GPA is solid, but the low-average MCAT might be an indicator that your undergrad was easy.

Other than that, get some shadowing in w/ multiple specialties. Could also try to add some clinical volunteering.

Really? Another 4-8 weeks of studying and anxiety and stress for 3 points higher? Your stats are good OP. Retake isn't necessary unless you 100% sure u will score higher the second time. Like the previous posters i would suggest more clinical volunteering and shadowing and you will be good.

 

[NotWayneBrady]

Really? Another 4-8 weeks of studying and anxiety and stress for 3 points higher? Your stats are good OP. Retake isn't necessary unless you 100% sure u will score higher the second time. Like the previous posters i would suggest more clinical volunteering and shadowing and you will be good.

+1. Get more clinical experience and apply to a broad range of places.

 

[Doctoblast]

More clinical experience for sure. If you decide to not retake the MCAT or retake it and get about the same score then you should also look into applying to a few DO schools in addition to the MD schools. (Learn about the DO philosophy, shadow a DO, try to get a DO LOR)