Honest opinion: Should I take a second gap year?

[KCraig]

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I graduated in December 2016 with my degree in Biology.

Here are my current stats if I apply this summer:

3.9 cGPA; 3.8 sGPA

MCAT: Have not taken it, but based on diagnostic test, I'm sitting at a 501.. Not good. I'm currently doing a thorough content review using Kaplan. I plan to do one full length practice test a week before my testing date in June. That brings up another question... June is pretty late to take the MCAT AND apply this summer.

Volunteering: 320 hours total (75 clinical volunteer hours and 245 hours non clinical) by the end of May
- - - breaks down like this: 100 hours with Habitat for Humanity; 25 hours Lion's Club; 120 hours working for our hospital's charitable foundation, 75 hours with Remote Area Medical Clinical

Paid Clinical Experience: 450 hours working as a CNA in a long term care facility (no longer working)

Shadowing: 40 hours in a neurosurgery clinic.. still working on finding other physicians to shadow, but I'm having trouble finding one that will actually let me shadow them. Any advice here would be greatly appreciated.

Decent Personal Statement and LORS

Research: 90 hours during undergrad doing PCR & gel electrophoresis. Not super meaningful, but helped reinforced my science courses, so I would like to include it on my application.

The real question here: Will my application looked rushed? I feel like I look so average or even below average. I know my volunteer hours could be higher. Also, I know it's super difficult to say whether or not I've got a shot without the MCAT scores.

But considering all other components, do you think I should go ahead and apply this year or wait until next term? If I wait, I'll be out of school for 2.5 years before starting medical school. Does this weaken my application? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Faha]

You need to wait for your MCAT score before you decide on where to apply. If your score is 500 or higher you are fine for many DO schools. Your MD schools chances will greatly depend on your MCAT AND your state of residence. Where is your state of residence?

 

[KCraig]

You need to wait for your MCAT score before you decide on where to apply. If your score is 500 or higher you are fine for many DO schools. Your MD schools chances will greatly depend on your MCAT AND your state of residence. Where is your state of residence?

Tennessee - will definitely apply to ETSU and UT. I don't think I have a shot a Meharry or Vanderbilt. I may apply to LMU-DCOM as a backup plan.

 

[Faha]

Tennessee - will definitely apply to ETSU and UT. I don't think I have a shot a Meharry or Vanderbilt. I may apply to LMU-DCOM as a backup plan.

If you can obtain a MCAT of 505 then you have a chance for interviews at your state MD schools. 500 will be fine for LMU-DCOM.

 

[Chromium Surfer]

If you received a 501 on your diagnostic MCAT don't worry too much! A lot of people don't even break 500. People who do focused studying can get their score boosted up by anywhere from 10-20 points. I would check out the MCAT forum for studying advice and MCAT related tips.