How can I improve before reapplying?

[tcmiddle1394]

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[meditative_premed]

Aside from possibly not having enough clinical exposure hours, I am confused why you didn't recieve more II's...what was your school list? Did you choose too many top tier/reach schools?

 

[GrapesofRath]

Everything looks fine on paper. The presentation of yourself in your app is where things must have gone wrong, particularly in the PS and secondaries. It would also help to know where you applied, where you are a resident of, and if you perhaps applied late.

Edit: Retaking the MCAT isnt the solution here. This isnt a numbers problem. There are about a dozen schools on your list you had a realistic shot at getting a II for. So this isnt a list issue either

 

[tcmiddle1394]

I am a Florida resident with very close ties to Pennsylvania. My fiance goes to law school in Boston. So those were the three main places I applied.

I applied to:
-UF, FSU, UCF, FAU, FIU, FSU
-Temple, Jefferson, UPenn (high reach), Penn State, Drexel, Rutgers
-Brown, Tufts, Boston University, UConn, Quinnipiac, Dartmouth

The only school I got an II at was UCF, which it is probably important to note, is also my home school.

 

[tcmiddle1394]

And I had all of my secondaries in by mid august, so not early, but not terribly late either.

 

[meditative_premed]

I am a Florida resident with very close ties to Pennsylvania. My fiance goes to law school in Boston. So those were the three main places I applied.

I applied to:
-UF, FSU, UCF, FAU, FIU, FSU
-Temple, Jefferson, UPenn (high reach), Penn State, Drexel, Rutgers
-Brown, Tufts, Boston University, UConn, Quinnipiac, Dartmouth

The only school I got an II at was UCF, which it is probably important to note, is also my home school.

I'm honestly perplexed as to why more FL schools didn't bite...32 is around the average for UF, FAU, FIU, and its above the average for FSU (but they are also very underserved medicine oriented, so you may not have fit what they are looking for). It had to be something with your PS or secondary essays.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

Perplexed as well. Honestly, if you're going to take a year off, in addition to increasing your clinical exposure, I would also focus on trying to save $3500-4000 for applications so you can apply to 30+ schools.

Also, what were your LORs like?

 

[tcmiddle1394]

Perplexed as well. Honestly, if you're going to take a year off, in addition to increasing your clinical exposure, I would also focus on trying to save $3500-4000 for applications so you can apply to 30+ schools.

Also, what were your LORs like?

My LOR's are strong with the exception of maybe one. Two are from research mentors/professors that I worked with for 2 years. The other is a professor I only had for one semester, but I got A's in both of his classes and new him fairly okay. The character letters were from things I was involved with all four years. I don't think this is the issue.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

My LOR's are strong with the exception of maybe one. Two are from research mentors/professors that I worked with for 2 years. The other is a professor I only had for one semester, but I got A's in both of his classes and new him fairly okay. The character letters were from things I was involved with all four years. I don't think this is the issue.

Some of your schools, like Jeff and Temple, require 3 faculty letters, 2 science, 1 non-science,etc. In fact Jeff prefers 1 bio, 1 chem, 1 physics. Although not deal breakers, I would make sure you fulfill those requirements. I would re-evaluate your letter writers and make sure you have all bases covered. Additionally, open you net a bit with school options, NYMC, Einstein, Albany, GWU, Georgetown

 

[tcmiddle1394]

Some of your schools, like Jeff and Temple, require 3 faculty letters, 2 science, 1 non-science,etc. In fact Jeff prefers 1 bio, 1 chem, 1 physics. Although not deal breakers, I would make sure you fulfill those requirements. I would re-evaluate your letter writers and make sure you have all bases covered. Additionally, open you net a bit with school options, NYMC, Einstein, Albany, GWU, Georgetown

I intend to touch base with them but again, I had 2 science professors and one non science so I think in most cases I'm covered although I wasn't aware Jeff preferred one of each since my two science are from upper division biology classes. Thank you though

 

[Instatewaiter]

A little surprised you didn't get more interviews. Ever think about calling the schools and asking why you didn't get an interview?

I would think about adding VCU, EVMS in Virginia.