I'm not asking WAMC, but I'm not sure what other forum to ask this

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It seems that mentor thread is closed, and the Pre-Allopathic Forum threads aren't really focused on application questions, so I thought I'd ask here.


23 (8-8-7) mcat, took in March, realized my studying mistakes, I think I can do much better if I continue studying and re-take in September (so scores back in October)

-3.39 overall, 3.12 science, (but 3.7 / 3.5 my last 2 years of undergrad)
-over 600 hours of clinical experience by now, and continuing
-over 50 hours of shadowing
-no research


Should I:

(1) Submit my primary AMCAS application this cycle ASAP, since i've read that submitting your primary early is beneficial, especially for people with low numbers, and just mark down that I plan to re-take in September

(2) Hold off submitting my primary AMCAS application until I get my September MCAT scores back, since I've also read that admission committees won't even look at my application until they get the MCAT re-take scores

(3) Not even apply this cycle, because apparently all schools, even ones you haven't applied to before, can see that you are a re-applicant


just looking for anyone's advice, thanks


Edit to just clarify about my gpa: never got below a C on any course, and my reasoning (excuse) for my low gpa my first 2 years is that i went to a senior military academy for my first half of undergrad (early morning PT and formation and all of that), which i briefly mention in my Personal Statement

also I didn't state this clearly but I already graduated last year, so I can't really raise my GPA anymore, and I can't afford a SMP or graduate program at this time, which also would involve quitting my job where i'm getting good clinical experience

 

[DDX2k]

Even with your reasoning, applying with a 3.39/3.12 is going to make it a hard road for MD. Consider throwing DO schools in, where your cGPA will be somewhat competitive. Sept MCAT is too late for this cycle IMO, especially for MD. I'd apply next cycle if I were you.

That being said, your upward trend is promising. Try getting some research in, as well. Most competitive applicants have research experience.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

agree. you basically have no chance with MD schools and you have a poor chance with DO and a retake is needed either way.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Even with your reasoning, applying with a 3.39/3.12 is going to make it a hard road for MD. Consider throwing DO schools in, where your cGPA will be somewhat competitive. Sept MCAT is too late for this cycle IMO, especially for MD. I'd apply next cycle if I were you.

That being said, your upward trend is promising. Try getting some research in, as well. Most competitive applicants have research experience.

He'd be a below average applicant at almost any DO campus. If he had a higher than average MCAT, he might find success. As is, it would be good to do retakes and apply D.O. Otherwise, the Caribbean is the best option.

 

[Catalystik]

It seems that mentor thread is closed, and the Pre-Allopathic Forum threads aren't really focused on application questions, so I thought I'd ask here.


23 (8-8-7) mcat, took in March, realized my studying mistakes, I think I can do much better if I continue studying and re-take in September (so scores back in October)

-3.39 overall, 3.12 science, (but 3.7 / 3.5 my last 2 years of undergrad)
-over 600 hours of clinical experience by now, and continuing
-over 50 hours of shadowing
-no research


Should I:

(1) Submit my primary AMCAS application this cycle ASAP, since i've read that submitting your primary early is beneficial, especially for people with low numbers, and just mark down that I plan to re-take in September

(2) Hold off submitting my primary AMCAS application until I get my September MCAT scores back, since I've also read that admission committees won't even look at my application until they get the MCAT re-take scores

(3) Not even apply this cycle, because apparently all schools, even ones you haven't applied to before, can see that you are a re-applicant


just looking for anyone's advice, thanks


Edit to just clarify about my gpa: never got below a C on any course, and my reasoning (excuse) for my low gpa my first 2 years is that i went to a senior military academy for my first half of undergrad (early morning PT and formation and all of that), which i briefly mention in my Personal Statement

Retake the MCAT in August or September only if you're ready, plan to apply next year, spending the next 12 months raising your BCPM/sGPA (and re-establishibng an upward grade trend) with retakes and new upper-level Bio classes. Meanwhile, shadow a DO, get in some leadership, teaching, and/or nonmedical community service, giving consideration to doing some research as well. Then apply MD and DO next June 2012.