May have to reapply-advice needed

[Icantplayspades]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Okay, so if my GPAs are low and my MCAT need works but I’ve graduated how would I go about improving?

I think my job pays for up to 6 credits so I could take science classes while studying to retake the MCAT next year. My GPA is lousy (3.3C, 3.1S) and my MCAT sucks (500) so how long should I work on my app?

In addition, I have many Ws due to now resolved medical issues so I know my app is subpar.

 

[EmilKraepelin55]

Sounds like you may want to consider a post-bacc program to repair the GPA, retake and improve upon the MCAT, and apply broadly to both MD and DO schools. Of course, it's not always that simple. What schools did you apply to this year? How was your PS? Secondaries? Did you interview? If so, how did you do on average? Did you practice for the interview?

 

[Icantplayspades]

Sounds like you may want to consider a post-bacc program to repair the GPA, retake and improve upon the MCAT, and apply broadly to both MD and DO schools. Of course, it's not always that simple. What schools did you apply to this year? How was your PS? Secondaries? Did you interview? If so, how did you do on average? Did you practice for the interview?

I applied to FL schools, schools in southeast and HBCUs. I revised my PS several times and had it read by others. I completed my secondaries in September/October but I’ve heard nothing as of yet.

How long should post-back be and should I just take science?

 

[EmilKraepelin55]

I applied to FL schools, schools in southeast and HBCUs. I revised my PS several times and had it read by others. I completed my secondaries in September/October but I’ve heard nothing as of yet.

Both MD and DO right? Newer schools? And one thing I notice is that you completed your secondaries fairly late if MD. You are fine for DO though with respect to their timeline. I had my primaries in by June 15th, and secondaries in August. But I only applied to DO schools. Perhaps this is an issue with timing as well. If you don't get any bites this year, I would definitely recommend having all of your application materials together as soon as possible for the next cycle. Just remember, if your goal is to become a doctor then apply to places that are more likely to favor applicants with your scores. This assumes everything else is air tight such as the content of your secondaries and PS. You really want a good, heartfelt narrative that showcases your self-reflection, inquisitiveness, and heart for people. DO schools are great places that are more likely to take those things into account.

 

[Icantplayspades]

Both MD and DO right? Newer schools? And one thing I notice is that you completed your secondaries fairly late if MD. You are fine for DO though with respect to their timeline. I had my primaries in by June 15th, and secondaries in August. But I only applied to DO schools. Perhaps this is an issue with timing as well. If you don't get any bites this year, I would definitely recommend having all of your application materials together as soon as possible for the next cycle. Just remember, if your goal is to become a doctor then apply to places that are more likely to favor applicants with your scores. This assumes everything else is air tight such as the content of your secondaries and PS. You really want a good, heartfelt narrative that showcases your self-reflection, inquisitiveness, and heart for people. DO schools are great places that are more likely to take those things into account.

If I were to take the MCAT next year and did really well (512+) would I have a decent shot with my current GPAs?

 

[EmilKraepelin55]

If I were to take the MCAT next year and did really well (512+) would I have a decent shot with my current GPAs?

I mean, it definitely would be a step in the right direction. Getting a score like that would offset your GPA's quite a bit, and increase the possibility of an interview. I wouldn't say that's the magic bullet though. I know what I did to get in, and it has worked well so far (2 acceptances). It's really hard to say anything definitively, but bettering one's numbers will make their application more enticing any way the adcom's slice it.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

If I were to take the MCAT next year and did really well (512+) would I have a decent shot with my current GPAs?

Applicant fallacy #1 - if I do really well on my MCAT after all evidence points to the contrary. You didn't say what your first MCAT was, but I'm assuming it wasn't above 505? The odds just aren't in your favor that you'd score that much better.

Also, we know nothing of your ECs or LORs. Remember, even applicants with higher scores don't get in because of sub-par extracurriculars or LORs. Personally, if you aren't accepted, I don't think it's wise to re-apply before 2020... maybe 2019. But you need a complete revamp of your GPA, MCAT and application in general. That's not meant to discourage you, but more to let you know of the road ahead of you.

 

[Icantplayspades]

Applicant fallacy #1 - if I do really well on my MCAT after all evidence points to the contrary. You didn't say what your first MCAT was, but I'm assuming it wasn't above 505? The odds just aren't in your favor that you'd score that much better.

Also, we know nothing of your ECs or LORs. Remember, even applicants with higher scores don't get in because of sub-par extracurriculars or LORs. Personally, if you aren't accepted, I don't think it's wise to re-apply before 2020... maybe 2019. But you need a complete revamp of your GPA, MCAT and application in general. That's not meant to discourage you, but more to let you know of the road ahead of you.

I really didn’t study for the MCAT so if I dedicated 3-4 months I’m positive I could much better.

I have strong LORs and good ECs( research- 3 years, summer research at other schools, volunteering with international organization,shadowing, leadership, etc). In other words, my application is good excluding GPA and MCAT.

I could get a second bachelors in chemistry and that would take about 2 years- only problem is my job may pay for 6 credits and I’m left with the rest. I didn’t exhaust my financial aid so I guess it’s feasible.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

I have strong LORs and good ECs( research- 3 years, summer research at other schools, volunteering with international organization,shadowing, leadership, etc).

What about community service and clinical volunteering in the US?

 

[Icantplayspades]

What about community service and clinical volunteering in the US?

Yes, I’ve held leadership positions, volunteered in my specific community and have clinical volunteering.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

I'd love to give more concrete thoughts, but you haven't been very specific. If you look at other posts of this nature, they will layout grades, what ECs they've done, how many hours, etc. That helps us give you more specific advice since each applicants path forward is different.

 

[Icantplayspades]

I'd love to give more concrete thoughts, but you haven't been very specific. If you look at other posts of this nature, they will layout grades, what ECs they've done, how many hours, etc. That helps us give you more specific advice since each applicants path forward is different.

I did well in prerequisites and well for the first two years, screwed up junior year and have been doing better senior year. My ECs have been done for years so I’d have to look at AMCAS to get exact hours. I think I did poorly due to a combination of factors ( took too many heavy loads and had poor pre college education- I quit going to school in 8th grade).

I don’t know how specific you’d like me to be.

 

[Icantplayspades]

I think I’m just going to persue a PhD and reapply afterwards( or not). I just don’t see how completing a PhD in a clinically relevant field would have little weight.

Thanks everybody!

 

[GypsyHummus]

With those GPAs and MCAT combo, unless you are URM or former Military, you are looking at a post bacc, SMP, or podiatry school.

I don’t even think an mcat retake, baring a 518+ will get you interviews.

Take a look at podiatry school.

Okay, so if my GPAs are low and my MCAT need works but I’ve graduated how would I go about improving?

I think my job pays for up to 6 credits so I could take science classes while studying to retake the MCAT next year. My GPA is lousy (3.3C, 3.1S) and my MCAT sucks (500) so how long should I work on my app?

In addition, I have many Ws due to now resolved medical issues so I know my app is subpar.

 

[Icantplayspades]

With those GPAs and MCAT combo, unless you are URM or former Military, you are looking at a post bacc, SMP, or podiatry school.

I don’t even think an mcat retake, baring a 518+ will get you interviews.

Take a look at podiatry school.

I am a URM and have no interest in feet.

Thanks for the advice though!

 

[GypsyHummus]

K, good luck!

I am a URM and have no interest in feet.

Thanks for the advice though!

 

[Icantplayspades]

K, good luck!

I don’t know if it’s clear but I wasn’t being snarky. I’m going to retake the mcat and shoot for 516+, take a gap year to continue volunteer, shadowing and take some classes.

 

[GypsyHummus]

I didn’t take offense if that’s what you thought, Podiatry isn’t for everyone, but as you are finding out, low number applicants can’t be choosers.

Also, wouldn’t hurt to shadow diff professions to see what a day in the life of a healthcare professional other than MD/DO is like. Who knows, you might really dig pharmacy! I didn’t think I had any interest in dentistry and after I shadowed, I wish I would have taken the DAT. you might like podiatry, pharmacy, optometry, dentistry, physical therapy, etc.

I don’t know if it’s clear but I wasn’t being snarky. I’m going to retake the mcat and shoot for 516+, take a gap year to continue volunteer, shadowing and take some classes.

 

[Icantplayspades]

I know part of being a good reapplicant is carefully reviewing your application for weakness:

BCPM:
Freshman: 4.0
Sophomore: 3.1
Junior: 3.3
Senior: 3.1

Cumulative:
Freshman: 4.0
Sophomore: 3.1
Junior: 3.5
Senior: 3.3

MCAT: 500

Decent ECs and shadowing but could use more clinical exposure

What would you guys recommend? I intend to take a gap year next year and taking the MCAT sometime during this year.

Thanks!

 

[CyrilFiggis]

I know part of being a good reapplicant is carefully reviewing your application for weakness:

BCPM:
Freshman: 4.0
Sophomore: 3.1
Junior: 3.3
Senior: 3.1

Cumulative:
Freshman: 4.0
Sophomore: 3.1
Junior: 3.5
Senior: 3.3

MCAT: 500

Decent ECs and shadowing but could use more clinical exposure

What would you guys recommend? I intend to take a gap year next year and taking the MCAT sometime during this year.

Thanks!

It looks like you're on the right track. Don't rush any of the process. Take the MCAT when you feel ready and apply when you feel you can't improve your app. You need to realize that although you have an OK GPA, the downward trend is going to be a red flag to some. In the meantime, make sure you stay in contact with any potential letter writers. Good luck

 

[Icantplayspades]

It looks like you're on the right track. Don't rush any of the process. Take the MCAT when you feel ready and apply when you feel you can't improve your app. You need to realize that although you have an OK GPA, the downward trend is going to be a red flag to some. In the meantime, make sure you stay in contact with any potential letter writers. Good luck

See, that’s the thing. I know I need more coursework but I can’t really pay for it. Would MCAT and more clinical exposure and volunteering even be worth it without post-bacc courses?

Thanks again

 

[Icantplayspades]

I just need a definitive answer- if I got my PhD and reapplied afterwards (assuming a better MCAT) would I have a better shot?

 

[seren1051]

Consensus is that PhD won't really help a med school application.

 

[Icantplayspades]

Consensus is that PhD won't really help a med school application.

Yeah, that's super helpful. Thanks for agreeing with what everyone else is saying without anything to back it up.

How could graduate level work in a basic science, which is far more difficult than undergrad, have no weight? This consensus is quite stupid.

 

[GypsyHummus]

You ask, you received. What do you want him to say? That yes you should go for your phd even though people say not to? Would you like a detailed account of how many people with phds are accepted each year? Consensus is called such for a reason.

Look, people on the forum said you have 2 options if you want to get into a DO school. Either 1) you hike up your MCAT to 510+ or 2) you do an SMP.

Yeah, that's super helpful. Thanks for agreeing with what everyone else is saying without anything to back it up.

 

[Icantplayspades]

You ask, you received. What do you want him to say? That yes you should go for your phd even though people say not to? Would you like a detailed account of how many people with phds are accepted each year? Consensus is called such for a reason.

Look, people on the forum said you have 2 options if you want to get into a DO school. Either 1) you hike up your MCAT to 510+ or 2) you do an SMP.

You guys are so ridiculous and I cannot even believe it. Why doesn't anyone on this forums have an original, non- "group -think" idea/opinion?

 

[Dr. Meliodas]

https://www.aamc.org/download/462316/data/mcatguide.pdf#page=10

Most recent table from the AAMC that gauges what are the most important factors to admissions committee. Look at pg 5, degree from graduate or professional program is rated as one of the least important factor.

Read your previous post and I'm sure you can find a higher paying job to help you reapply. Out of undergrad as a research assistant in a lab I was getting at least $15/per hour.

 

[seren1051]

Maybe its because those groupthinks are true in this case. PhD not supporting the application was stated by Adcoms on SDN. But you're always welcome to give it a shot, since there are cases of people succeeding with PhD/masters. Good luck.

 

[Icantplayspades]

https://www.aamc.org/download/462316/data/mcatguide.pdf#page=10

Most recent table from the AAMC that gauges what are the most important factors to admissions committee. Look at pg 5, degree from graduate or professional program is rated as one of the least important factor.

Read your previous post and I'm sure you can find a higher paying job to help you reapply. Out of undergrad as a research assistant in a lab I was getting at least $15/per hour.

That's all well and good but I live in the middle of nowhere and there are no "research assistant" jobs.
I really don't see how a PhD, the hardest degree you can earn in America, would not be viewed in some positive way.

I'm to the point that I really do not care what anyone says on this forum. I live in the real world.

 

[Dr. Meliodas]

That's all well and good but I live in the middle of nowhere and there are no "research assistant" jobs.
I really don't see how a PhD, the hardest degree you can earn in America, would not be viewed in some positive way.

I'm to the point that I really do not care what anyone says on this forum. I live in the real world.

It's not that getting a PhD is not viewed in a positive way, it definitely is but it will not help you as much as some of the other options. But if that is truly the only option available to you, you should take it. Worst case scenario you have a good backup job/career option that could open other doors for you. Wish you the best of luck

 

[GypsyHummus]

My first Job out of college was at minimum wage. I lived in the "Real World", and it sucks. Welcome to the club.

PhD is not the hardest degree you can earn in America. A DPM, DDS, MD, DO is a harder degree to earn than PhD.

You would be better to get a pharmacy tech job to prep you for medical school. Learn the common drug types. There are CVSs in the "Middle of no where"

Your attitude kind of stinks. Maybe it is best to not go into medicine at all if you are going to be fussy with people who volunteer their time to help you. Sad!

That's all well and good but I live in the middle of nowhere and there are no "research assistant" jobs.
I really don't see how a PhD, the hardest degree you can earn in America, would not be viewed in some positive way.

I'm to the point that I really do not care what anyone says on this forum. I live in the real world.

 

[drogbamed]

I just need a definitive answer- if I got my PhD and reapplied afterwards (assuming a better MCAT) would I have a better shot?

No.

 

[Goro]

My first Job out of college was at minimum wage. I lived in the "Real World", and it sucks. Welcome to the club.

PhD is not the hardest degree you can earn in America. A DPM, DDS, MD, DO is a harder degree to earn than PhD.

You would be better to get a pharmacy tech job to prep you for medical school. Learn the common drug types. There are CVSs in the "Middle of no where"

Your attitude kind of stinks. Maybe it is best to not go into medicine at all if you are going to be fussy with people who volunteer their time to help you. Sad!

I just need a definitive answer- if I got my PhD and reapplied afterwards (assuming a better MCAT) would I have a better shot?

Nope...PhD level coursework isn't exactly designed to convince Adcoms that you can handle med school, which the courses include "Seminars in [your field of research] "Recombinant DNA Techniques" and "Journal Club".

As of right now, how do you know that you can survive medical school?