Making application stronger for 2019

[bearded gent]

I need some help planning for the remainder of this year and next year until DO applications become available. As a preface, I'm a non-traditional reapplicant and currently work full time in insurance. I understand this is not helping strenghten my application and I most likely will be resigning within the next month to take a part time position elsewhere while I study for the MCAT. The MCAT is definitely my number one priority as I'll be retaking again for the second time at the end of March 2019. I also plan on taking a couple of basic science classes spring 2019 to raise my GPA. I'm definitely lacking clinical experience and only have ~30 hours. I have ~100 non-clinical volunteering hours. No shadowing/DO letter of recommendation, but contacting physicians everyday during my free time. I have around 150 hours of research experience and was an undergraduate TA. Should I look into both paid and volunteer clinical experience? I should have well over 100 hours of clinical volunteer experience through hospice by the time I apply but I'm not sure if that'll be enough considering my GPA is low, just above 3.0. What things would you add to my application to give me a better chance?

 

[armoman898]

Hello fellow non-trad. Here are some things I've noticed while doing AACOMAS and DO apps.

No shadowing/DO letter of recommendation

The "why DO" question comes up a lot. Also "DO letter preferred" comes up a lot too (although from SDN, I've seen some people equivocate on the value of a DO vs. MD letter). I have not worked for or shadowed a DO, so answering it gets a little tough. Thank god I've shadowed a primary care doctor, or I would really be in a pickle. So, definitely interact wit ha DO; it will only help you.

The MCAT is definitely my number one priority

Yes, nothing else to be said here.

I'm a non-traditional reapplicant and currently work full time in insurance.

...

I'm definitely lacking clinical experience and only have ~30 hours. I have ~100 non-clinical volunteering hours.

I see your dilema with regards to quitting your FT job to do clinical work. I bet all entry-level clinical work will be a pay downgrade. As for this, I don't have advice. But if you do decide to get your foot in the door...
Try Ophthalmic Assisting for an Ophthalmologist, or even an Optometrist. That's what I did, and haven't looked back. No experience necessary, and you can learn more skills as you go. All the certification can be done via independent study and exams at a testing center. There is always a shortage and a high turn-around (at least where I live). Many ads I see say "will train the right candidate;" as a pre-med, you are the right candidate.

I also plan on taking a couple of basic science classes spring 2019 to raise my GPA.

Not a bad idea, just costs a lot of money, especially if you are non-degree. Make sure to take BIOCHEMISTRY, or you will be in the awkward position I am in now, for a few desirable schools.

I'm not sure if that'll be enough considering my GPA is low, just above 3.0.

Pre-write everything. Apply as early as humanly possible.

 

[Goro]

I need some help planning for the remainder of this year and next year until DO applications become available. As a preface, I'm a non-traditional reapplicant and currently work full time in insurance. I understand this is not helping strenghten my application and I most likely will be resigning within the next month to take a part time position elsewhere while I study for the MCAT. The MCAT is definitely my number one priority as I'll be retaking again for the second time at the end of March 2019. I also plan on taking a couple of basic science classes spring 2019 to raise my GPA. I'm definitely lacking clinical experience and only have ~30 hours. I have ~100 non-clinical volunteering hours. No shadowing/DO letter of recommendation, but contacting physicians everyday during my free time. I have around 150 hours of research experience and was an undergraduate TA. Should I look into both paid and volunteer clinical experience? I should have well over 100 hours of clinical volunteer experience through hospice by the time I apply but I'm not sure if that'll be enough considering my GPA is low, just above 3.0. What things would you add to my application to give me a better chance?

Do schools don't care about research.
You can help yourself by shadowing a DO and getting LOR from same
Having > 100-150 hrs of patient contact experience (either paid or volunteer)
Having > 100-150 hrs of non-clinical volunteering
Doing well on the MCAT
Getting your cGPA > 3.3

 

[bearded gent]

@armoman898 @Goro thanks for the input! I decided today that I’ll be putting in my two weeks notice at my current job in October. Getting clinical experience is very important and I cant hold off on it any longer. I’ll either work a regular part time job and volunteer in a clinical setting or get paid in a clinical setting while also volunteering in clinical setting. Part time should allow enough time for MCAT studying and volunteer work.