How to improve my application?

[0123456]

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[Catalystik]

hi everyone! I've browsed this forum for the past few years and have learned a great deal from you guys, and was wondering if someone could shed some advice on my situation.

Stats:
sGPA: ~3.2
cGPA: ~3.5
I am taking many upper level science classes this year and I know my GPA will go up. I think at the *end* of this upcoming school year, I can have a 3.5 sGPA, although med schools will not see this upward trend.

All other parts of my application are average (some shadowing, volunteering, and research) and on par with others. I'm taking my MCAT in a month.

1) Should I bother applying this cycle at all? I know the schools won't see my grades from this upcoming year, and
2) I've had a severe downward trend last year. Do I have a chance? I had no intention of applying this cycle because I was fearful, but now I want to.
3) I know it is late--does anyone else have experience in low stats and acceptances?

Also: I'm a rising Junior and intend on graduating early. I only have 2 years worth of grades, my second year being terrible and bringing down my sGPA.

4) What can I do to improve my application?

1) Based on the information you've given, I suggest you wait a year for both MD and DO applications.
2) Applying with a downward grade trend is a bad idea. Adcomms tend you judge you by more recent grades.
3) Applying late in the cycle with sub par stats is a bad idea, too.
4) Get excellent science and AO grades for the next year or two if that's what it takes to get your stats into the average range, or alternatively, get an appropriately higher MCAT score with sterling ECs, along with a decent upward grade trend. Taking longer dedicated study time by delaying your MCAT, if you're not repeatedly scoring in an appropriate target zone on practice tests with help you get a higher score. If applying to any AACOMAS DO, consider retaking classes with low grades to take advantage of their grade replacement policy. Be sure you have some nonmedical community service, some primary care shadowing on your list, and consider adding leadership and teaching to strengthen your ECs. Don't rush the process. Wait until your application is the best it can be.

 

[0123456]

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[Irish Football]

Sure, I might not get in, but I have nothing to lose if I apply.

Except money.

jk, good luck!

 

[0123456]

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[lobo.solo]

General consensus around here is that being a re-applicant isn't in your best interest. You should try to put together the best application possible and apply once. Good luck!

 

[JoeM]

I agree with this advice. I had a gpa that was virtually identical to yours, a 29 MCAT, excellent ECs (Peace Corps, shaddowing, research, executive director of a national, medically related non-profit, founded a student organization in college, etc.) applied to 11 schools late in the cycle and got nothing.

With this gpa, you NEED to apply early and very broadly. Applying takes a lot of time, money (thousands of dollars if you apply to as many schools as you should), and emotional energy. Re-applying sucks. Secondaries take a great deal of time and if you apply now, they'll be rolling in just about the time you start your fall semester classes.

If you do decide to apply now, do your research. Some schools won't let you apply as many times as you like, and there is a bias against re-applicants at many schools.

I understand the desire to get things rolling, to get your life started. But IMO, if you apply now, next year you'll be doing it all again.

Bottom line: be patient and only apply if you are really ready.

 

[Praefectus]

Except money.

jk, good luck!

General consensus around here is that being a re-applicant isn't in your best interest. You should try to put together the best application possible and apply once. Good luck!

Do it once and do it right.