low MCAT, late app, ORM = disadvantaged? PLS help!

[ndngrl]

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- Indian female, NY resident
- Junior in semi-competitive UG known for premed program
- 3.6 cGPA & sGPA
- 1 yr research, 1 yr non-clinical volunteering, 3 yrs clinical volunteering, working 24 hrs/week since 15, no leadership
- Applying ONLY MD. My parents don't want me leaving the country or applying DO (I cannot argue with my parents as they will be paying ALL my med school related expenses)
- Submitting primary in 1.5 weeks & I'm planning to take an early Sept MCAT (scored 25 and 27 on two practice tests).
-LORs & Committee Letter can be in by Sept.

My parents are extremely upset that I've even suggested applying after finishing my senior yr (so I can raise my GPA, travel, etc). They think getting into med school is HARD, but NOT THAT HARD...they think I'm a drama queen 😳 they've said that I should look into other jobs in healthcare if I don't apply this yr...

So....assuming I can get 28-30 MCAT, is it worth it to apply this cycle? or does my unpredictable MCAT score, late app, and ORM status leave me at a severe disadvantage?

 

[coolingglasses]

They should be prepared for you to apply next year, but there's no reason you shouldn't apply now. Even for MD, your GPA is alright and if you get 30+ you'll probably be good. Even with a 28 I still think you should apply.

 

[NonTraditional3]

You're in better shape than you think. 3.6 GPA is not so terrible; hell, a 3.3 doesn't preclude someone from being considered for admission. Applying late does put you at a disadvantage though. Destroy the MCAT and it might not matter that you're applying late. If you apply next year, get an interim job (EMT, lab-tech, PCA, etc) and remain involved in science/clinic type stuff, then when you apply to medical school a year later, you won't have to depend on your parents for application fees and stuff like that, so you can apply wherever you want; medical schools will appreciate your independence. Also, if this cycle doesn't work out for you, re-applicants are viewed as being even more committed to securing the careerpath of a physician.

 

[Alejandro]

Agree with all of the points above. I think both you and your family will benefit you spending time away from school and gaining some life experience. Just take the time to score well on the MCAT right. Don't be in a rush/hurry. You're only doing yourself a disservice.

 

[ndngrl]

Thank you everyone for your advice! I appreciate it...

I'm just worried because 3/5 of my ORM friends have not been accepted into med school last cycle (and they have higher GPA's and were complete in July).

I forgot to list I have abt 80 hrs of shadowing. As my parents have reasonably argued....I really don't have anything to do for a gap yr, besides leadership activities or relaxing (God-forbid I do this). I have worked for several yrs (healthcare job) and I've also been able to travel (international & within US) every summer with the exception of this summer.

So just in case I need to take a gap yr, what could I possibly do that could help strengthen my app? I honestly don't need more volunteering (I've been doing it for YRS and can articulate well what I learned/contributed)

THANKS again everyone!! Maybe I am a drama queen 🙄 lol

 

[potatolatke]

I totally feel your pain. I was in almost the exact same boat you are in right now, last year. We even have very similar grades and ECs. I turned in primary in August and wasn't verified till the end of September. Despite that, I got 3 interviews and a waitlist. Didn't get in anywhere, but the waitlist at my state school gave me hope. Instead of being crushed, I took the opportunity to stand up to my parents and basically told them to chill out. Anyway, that extra year has been a blessing (until this summer, anyway). I felt much more relaxed, my grades improved, and I found ways to get even more involved with ECs.

Also, I figured out that I could take loans by myelf, so my parents' powers over my future suddenly evaporated. If you REALLY want to go into medicine, you shouldn't let your parents pressure you into pursuing "other jobs in healthcare". I think us Indians are a little disadvantaged when it comes to the family support factor. Just gotta keep on trucking.

 

[skyline220]

to the OP, just wanted to say if you look at the stats both white and asian have almost exactly the same matriculation rate (within 1-2%). around 42% are accepted, in that sense race cannot hurt you, it can only help you (if you are a URM). If you want to feel sorry for yourself and make excuses then you can call yourself an ORM, or you could realize that only 2/5 (40%) of your ORM friends getting in is in fact congruent to the averages for white and asian (which are the almost identical at 42%). just do well on the mcat and hope for the best, good luck

 

[ndngrl]

potatolatke, Thank you for understanding...
I told my parents that I will only apply this cycle if they understand and accept the fact that if I don't end up with any acceptances, they'll let me try again and not force me to do something else with my life. They are mortified to even hear that I may not be accepted...I wish people knew just how difficult and stressful all of this is. It's somewhat comforting to know that there are others who are in/were in my situation 🙂 Good luck with everything!

skyline220, thank you for your advice

 

[UrshumMurshum]

While I understand the desire to live up to your parents expectations you do have to realize that you are now an adult with your own decisions to make. Compounding an already stressful MCAT exam with perceived (or real) high parental expectations is only going to cause you further misery.

Regardless of what your parents say (or do) what do you think about going DO? If it's something you would personally consider then you should go for it, however if it's against your career goals then you should put everything into MD. But don't let your parents demands stress you or influence your decision making, they helped you significantly while you were young and I have no doubt you will return the favor for them in older age, but now you are an adult with your own life to live.

Not going to lie being complete that late it is going to be difficult but not impossible to get an MD acceptance. Right now focus on one thing at a time and that is destroying your MCAT. Let the rest fall as they may.

 

[MedPR]

I lol'd at "ORM = disadvantaged?" 3.6/28-29 = unsuccessful cycle especially for an asian.

 

[ndngrl]

While I understand the desire to live up to your parents expectations you do have to realize that you are now an adult with your own decisions to make. Compounding an already stressful MCAT exam with perceived (or real) high parental expectations is only going to cause you further misery.

Regardless of what your parents say (or do) what do you think about going DO? If it's something you would personally consider then you should go for it, however if it's against your career goals then you should put everything into MD. But don't let your parents demands stress you or influence your decision making, they helped you significantly while you were young and I have no doubt you will return the favor for them in older age, but now you are an adult with your own life to live.

Not going to lie being complete that late it is going to be difficult but not impossible to get an MD acceptance. Right now focus on one thing at a time and that is destroying your MCAT. Let the rest fall as they may.

hello,

I honestly wouldn't mind applying DO but it is not an option really. I have a unique situation where ALL my siblings and extended family is completing/have completed their medical training in BS/MD programs (most 7 yrs). Now, I obviously applied, was interviewed, and ultimately rejected from all the programs. I NEVER HEARD THE END OF IT FROM MY FAMILY....STILL TO THIS DAY 🙁 (not intentionally, but snide remarks here and there).

If I ended up matriculating at a DO school, I literally would not hear the end of it...again. For my sanity mainly, I have agreed to apply to only MD.
Btw, thank you for your advice. I will continue to study hard.

 

[ndngrl]

I lol'd at "ORM = disadvantaged?" 3.6/28-29 = unsuccessful cycle especially for an asian.

...I hope my parents are reading this... see? I am not crazy mom & dad!!! 🙂

 

[TipToad]

It's probably going to be tough.

I would seriously have a talk with your parents. I used to have Tiger parents, too.

 

[flodhi1]

I lol'd at "ORM = disadvantaged?" 3.6/28-29 = unsuccessful cycle especially for an asian.

Uhh? No. OP, If you have a 3.6/28-29 and apply broadly enough you have a chance it's not an automatic "unsuccessful cycle for an asian". I would say it's worth applying but you need to apply ASAP the later you apply the lower your chances.

 

[2tim17]

we basically have the same stats..and i'm in the same exact position as you w/ the whole family thing, so i also understand how you're feeling. i think being a NY resident will be advantageous as far as SUNYs go. maybe applying to 25+ schools will offset the late application. also, i'm sure your job will be considered too when looking at your GPA. good luck on the mcat!