How to spend my 2nd gap year

[redwingsfanatic]

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Hi,

I could really use some advice regarding my application and how to strengthen it. I applied to 25 MD schools this year and was rejected pre-interview at all U.S. Programs. I did have one interview at Sackler school at Tel Aviv University, but I'm still waiting for a decision. At this point, it looks like I need to reapply for next years cycle. I graduated last year (spring 2014) from university of Michigan with a 3.6 cum gpa, 3.35 sci gpa, 28 mcat (10 PS 9 VR 9 BS). Upward trend in gpa. I submitted most secondaries in August because I didn't receive my Mcat score until then. Majored in neuroscience and Spanish. Had plenty of extracurriculars all 4 years of college--leadership roles in clubs and fraternity, volunteering with underprivileged children, hospital volunteer, multiple research projects with 2 publications, shadowing of MDs...I've spent this gap year as a scribe at a neurovisual optometry office and I've done some tutoring on the side.

I plan to call admissions offices of schools that rejected me and see if theyll offer suggestions of what aspects of my application need improvements. Aside from that, what seems like the biggest flaw in my app? I was disappointed to see rejections pre interview from all 6 in state med schools. I'm worried about retaking the mcat bc its a new format and I haven't studied since graduation. Is it worth it to do a postbac to improve my science gpa and get me back in the mindset of school? If so, should i be looking for programs with linkage programs? if you have any recommendations of post baccs for academic enhancers, please send me the info. I also plan to apply to both MD and DO programs next cycle, but I haven't done any DO shadowing yet. I've considered applying to CityYear or Americorps for next year because a program like that could interest me more than a postbbac. Please offer any suggestions of programs you would recommend or what you would do if you were in my position. Thanks!

 

[newmember1234!]

I would do the following:
-retake the MCAT if you think you can do better (the new one is long, but if you really think you didn't do your best the first time around, it's worth a shot)
-you can try a post bac program if you want since your science gpa is a little low
-shadow a DO and apply to DO programs as well next cycle since your stats are well within the range
-apply broadly next cycle and make sure you include at least 5-6 schools where your stats are WELL within the average range

 

[lalalaaaaaa]

Apply DO or else you need to bring up MCAT and sGPA. You will probably do well at DO schools if you apply seriously and broadly. Probably will struggle at MD schools regardless. What's your school list?
I did 2 years of AmeriCorps in my gap years and loved it. Look into the Health Corps. You get clinical experiences and it's pretty awesome. Not for everyone though. If you're into service, great, if not, do something else because being super poor sucks.