I need advise pleaseeeee

[rs3]

Hey fellow SNDers,
Well, here's the situation. Basically I applied this year and interviewed at 3 schools (my application was late..complete in november) . I just got a rejection from one of the schools (umass) , so now I'm seriously considering re-applying for next year's entering class, since my situation with the other two schools doesn't look promising (no waitlists yet). My science gpa is ok, somewhere around a 3.67-3.70. My total gpa is about 3.54..which I know is just average. My MCATs aren't great (B-10, V-10, P-8 Writing-Q). Now I'm wondering what I can do to improve my application. I don't think a postbacc program will help me because I've done well in my science classes. So, I was thinking of taking some graduate summer courses (health policy, case analysis, quality in healthcare etc.) that are normally taken by Health administration grad students, in order to enhance my application. Another option I was considering is taking an EMT course. I'm not sure what will help me, but I know I don't want to apply without doing something else..whatever that is. BTW, I have alot of extracurriculars (volunteering in a homeless shelter and volunteering in the ER of an inner city hosp.) as well as research and work experience in the OR and cyto labs. Well, that's all I guess..thanks in advance for your help guys! :wink:

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[PMPMD]

How many schools did you apply to?

 

[vyc]

you might want to bring that 8 up on the MCAT...

 

[Ryo-Ohki]

Yeah, ouch...that 8 is hurting you <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

 

[ask698]

The best thing you can do to figure out what in your application needs work is to call the schools that rejected you, politely ask why you were rejected and request suggestions about improving your candidacy. Honestly, I think your numbers look O.K., even the 8 in Physical Sciences, so it could be something else like your personal statment or letters of recommendation. In terms of activities, stay away from the EMT thing unless it's something you are passionate about and could incorporate meaningfully into your application becasue it's sort of been done to death. Take classes or do activites that are important to how you want to practice medicine becasue those will be the things that will set you apart as an applicant and improve the overall quality of your application.

Tony

 

[gmendese]

Hey there...

I'm SO sorry about UMass, because I know how badly you wanted to go there. I know how you're feeling (you know my situation, so I won't reiterate it). But don't get too discouraged. First and foremost, you haven't heard from the other two schools yet. Maybe a letter indicating how interested you are in the school might help. Who knows?!

But if it comes down to you not getting in this year, don't let it get you down. Yeah, it sucks, but retake that damn MCAT and try to improve your score. An 8 certainly isn't terrible, but if you can get it up or maybe even bring up the other scores even higher (which are great, by the way), you might improve your chances.

But as far as during your year off goes, definitely take a class! Preferably a science course. Medical schools like it when you remain academically active. You don't need a whole post-bacc program, because your GPA is just fine. Just take a class and do well in it.

And try to volunteer in a hospital. You don't need to become an EMT...just show your interest in medicine, and get a job that pays more (save some money during your "time off.")

I'm only giving you these suggestions, because that's what I did, and it worked for me. But keep your head up and try not to get too discouraged. I wish you the best of luck on your other two schools, but, if you have to reapply, I hope to see you at UMass next year.

And by the way, taking time off isn't so bad. During my two "years off", I've saved cash and met the woman of my dreams. I don't know if either of these things would have happened had I been accepted the first time around. Things happen for a reason.

Keep in touch and feel free to PM me. Best of luck!

Gary

 

[rs3]

Thanks everyone for your help! I think I'm going to take atleast two of those classes that I mentioned and maybe...maybe take the "damn" MCATs again...I'm just afraid I might get a lower score if I take them now...but I won't know unless I try :wink: Thanks again guys!

P.S: in the end the number of schools I applied to (returned secondaries) is 17.

 

[Elysium]

I'm no expert on the application process (being that I'm applying now), but I really think the thing that hurt you was applying late in the cycle. If your stuff had been complete in the earlier part of the cycle, I think you would have been accepted. Just a guess. I think your grades and MCATs are totally fine. I think you should take some classes, but also get involved in something "unusual" that will make you stand out. Make a movie, or write for the newspaper, or paint or something. I think part of the general problem with apps is that the adcoms see the same things done over and over. Figure out the other stuff that interests you (besides medicine) and do it well. I think it'll give you an edge.

Again, I'm no expert. Just a thought.