I don't know if my application is going to be strong enough for the next cycle, need advice?

[PakiMan10]

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Hey guys I am currently a junior physics major, and I am scheduled to take the MCAT this upcoming spring. I am a little worried about this upcoming application cycle next year as I don't think my application is that strong (particular my volunteer hours due to COVID). If anyone can comment on my stats or share their experiences, that would be helpful!

4.0 GPA, 500 hours research (no pubs but have done a SURE program and presented at my medical school of interest), 100 hours shadowing (two specialities), 50 hours private tutoring, 50 hours non clinical (volunteer coordinator/ site leader), and 25 hours clinical (hospice).

I do plan to get my clinical and non clinical to 100 by the next cycle, but am I overreacting about this or should I be worried?

 

[Zeldaspikes]

Hey guys I am currently a junior physics major, and I am scheduled to take the MCAT this upcoming spring. I am a little worried about this upcoming application cycle next year as I don't think my application is that strong (particular my volunteer hours due to COVID). If anyone can comment on my stats or share their experiences, that would be helpful!

4.0 GPA, 500 hours research (no pubs but have done a SURE program and presented at my medical school of interest), 100 hours shadowing (two specialities), 50 hours private tutoring, 50 hours non clinical (volunteer coordinator/ site leader), and 25 hours clinical (hospice).

I do plan to get my clinical and non clinical to 100 by the next cycle, but am I overreacting about this or should I be worried?

No one is in a position to say anything with certainty. Keep adding to all of the above. Your mcat will make or break you.

 

[KnightDoc]

Hey guys I am currently a junior physics major, and I am scheduled to take the MCAT this upcoming spring. I am a little worried about this upcoming application cycle next year as I don't think my application is that strong (particular my volunteer hours due to COVID). If anyone can comment on my stats or share their experiences, that would be helpful!

4.0 GPA, 500 hours research (no pubs but have done a SURE program and presented at my medical school of interest), 100 hours shadowing (two specialities), 50 hours private tutoring, 50 hours non clinical (volunteer coordinator/ site leader), and 25 hours clinical (hospice).

I do plan to get my clinical and non clinical to 100 by the next cycle, but am I overreacting about this or should I be worried?

You're not overreacting and you also don't need to worry. 2/3 of all matriculants take at least one gap year. Your hours are definitely light. Your GPA is obviously great, but reviews are holistic nowadays. Great stats make you competitive at a higher tier of school, but do not mitigate weaknesses in other parts of your application.

Depending on your MCAT score you might be successful, but 100 clinical and non-clinical is light, and COVID isn't going to be a viable excuse by next year, because your real issue is going to be the lack of a gap year, not COVID. If you really want to, you can take a shot. But don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out. Continue to work on your ECs during your senior year so you don't have to take two gap years if you need to reapply.

And don't worry or overreact. Just gather information and make an informed decision, one way or the other. Good luck!!

 

[Blueprint Med School]

You're a junior with a 4.0. I understand being worried, but you're in great shape to have a very successful cycle, as long as you get something like a 510+ MCAT.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[MyOdyssey]

Hey guys I am currently a junior physics major, and I am scheduled to take the MCAT this upcoming spring. I am a little worried about this upcoming application cycle next year as I don't think my application is that strong (particular my volunteer hours due to COVID). If anyone can comment on my stats or share their experiences, that would be helpful!

4.0 GPA, 500 hours research (no pubs but have done a SURE program and presented at my medical school of interest), 100 hours shadowing (two specialities), 50 hours private tutoring, 50 hours non clinical (volunteer coordinator/ site leader), and 25 hours clinical (hospice).

I do plan to get my clinical and non clinical to 100 by the next cycle, but am I overreacting about this or should I be worried?

It depends on your MCAT and the tier of school you’re targeting. Your clinical and nonclinical hours will be light - certainly below average.

A good MCAT score + a good school list will be crucial.

What is your state of residence?

 

[PakiMan10]

It depends on your MCAT and the tier of school you’re targeting. Your clinical and nonclinical hours will be light - certainly below average.

A good MCAT score + a good school list will be crucial.

What is your state of residence?

AL

 

[PakiMan10]

You're a junior with a 4.0. I understand being worried, but you're in great shape to have a very successful cycle, as long as you get something like a 510+ MCAT.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

Yeah I was just worried about my ECs. I don't plan on applying to super top schools but my highest are UAB, Emory, and Vanderbilt.

 

[PakiMan10]

You're not overreacting and you also don't need to worry. 2/3 of all matriculants take at least one gap year. Your hours are definitely light. Your GPA is obviously great, but reviews are holistic nowadays. Great stats make you competitive at a higher tier of school, but do not mitigate weaknesses in other parts of your application.

Depending on your MCAT score you might be successful, but 100 clinical and non-clinical is light, and COVID isn't going to be a viable excuse by next year, because your real issue is going to be the lack of a gap year, not COVID. If you really want to, you can take a shot. But don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out. Continue to work on your ECs during your senior year so you don't have to take two gap years if you need to reapply.

And don't worry or overreact. Just gather information and make an informed decision, one way or the other. Good luck!!

Yeah definitely I'm gonna try next cycle. I plan to apply to a lot of schools but the highest tier would be Emory, Vanderbilt, and UAB.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

Yeah I was just worried about my ECs. I don't plan on applying to super top schools but my highest are UAB, Emory, and Vanderbilt.

You will assuredly do well. If you want to round things out and at the least calm your nerves, go volunteer at a hospital or food bank for a couple of hours per week. You will be doing good AND tightening up a very strong resume.

David D, MD - USMLE and MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[LindaAccepted]

Hey guys I am currently a junior physics major, and I am scheduled to take the MCAT this upcoming spring. I am a little worried about this upcoming application cycle next year as I don't think my application is that strong (particular my volunteer hours due to COVID). If anyone can comment on my stats or share their experiences, that would be helpful!

4.0 GPA, 500 hours research (no pubs but have done a SURE program and presented at my medical school of interest), 100 hours shadowing (two specialities), 50 hours private tutoring, 50 hours non clinical (volunteer coordinator/ site leader), and 25 hours clinical (hospice).

I do plan to get my clinical and non clinical to 100 by the next cycle, but am I overreacting about this or should I be worried?

You certainly have a shot this upcoming cycle, especially if you do well on the MCAT. Your application will be stronger if you apply at the start of a gap year in which you have significant clinical exposure and after a senior year where you also will have more clinical exposure. On the other hand, you do have a chance now.

You need to decide if it is more important for you to apply once or is it more important for you to have a shot at going to medical school immediately after finishing college. If the former, do the gap year and apply in the 2023-24 cycle. If the latter, apply this upcoming cycle (2022-23)

Best,
Linda