How can I improve myself for next year

[dharmaCB]

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Hello,

This is my first post on sdn, and it is most likely due to the fact that I was not accepted into medical school this year, and I am seeking advice for next year. I will admit that I applied late, around October and sent my secondary applications in November. I originally applied to 10 schools but I was only able to afford 5 secondary applications because of financial constraints. I was interviewed by two schools: one put me on the alternative list, the other rejected me.

A brief overview of my grades and medical experience are below.

GPA: 3.80 Sci: 3.86
MCAT: 27Q
EMT-basic certified
Shadowing experience: Shadowed a primary doctor for one summer, shadowed a RN during my EMT-basic training, shadowed my uncle, who is a PA, for 6 months, and I am currently shadowing a medical oncologist.
Research: 3 years of experience in two different labs


One question that constantly plagues me is whether I should retake the MCAT? I am also debating whether to enroll in a one year masters program instead of reapplying this year?
The last question I have is whether I should take a writing course, and what type of writing course, because my essays seem to my biggest problem (another flaw might be my interviewing skills).

 

[thehoneybadger]

I assume that you are applying MD. If so, then a retake on the MCAT should be considered, especially since you want to get a 32+ to be competitive for MD. Your GPA is fine, and unless there are any red flags then don't enroll in a Masters/SMP if you don't have to. It seems like two things hurt your chances: 1) applying late (this year apply June 1 and save some extra money if possible to apply to at least 20 schools if at all possible for your financial situation, if not 20 then as much as you can i.e. the more schools within your reason the more your chances of acceptance increase, and 2) your essay writing skills as you alluded to earlier may be weak, get help from your career center or pre-med advisor to proofread your personal statement and secondary essays.

P.S.-If you were applying DO you have solid numbers to get into DO programs without an MCAT retake. I would suggest applying DO this cycle as well as MD if you didn't already as a nice backup plan, and make sure you shadow a DO physician to get a DO letter.

Best wishes to a successful upcoming cycle!🙂