Need Advice for Possible Reapplication

[Dollo]

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Hey everyone,

I know it's not super late yet, but my cycle thus far has been pretty unsuccessful (6R, 2H) and I applied to 24 schools total. I believe the weakest aspect of my application was non-clinical volunteering, but thought the rest of my application was solid enough to apply.

I'm wondering what my plan for 1-2 gap years should be/biggest way to improve application, assuming reapplication.

Here is some basic info about me and my school list:

Boston University
Case Western
Cincinnati
Duke
Einstein
Emory
Dartmouth
Hofstra
Mayo
Michigan State
Oakland
Perelman
Thomas Jefferson
Ohio State
UMich
UPitt
Rochester
Toledo
Tufts
Tulane
Wake Forest
Wayne State
Western Michigan
Yale

All complete mid-July to early-August.

MCAT: 517 balanced
cGPA: ~3.73
sGPA: ~3.62

Clinical Experience:
~450 hours as an in-home caretaker for a disabled boy. Very hands on and significant experience.
~200 hours volunteering in a hospital

Non-clinical:
~100 hours total spread between a couple things. Believe this to be my biggest weakness

Research:
~1000 hours at a single lab. No pubs yet, but presented at university symposium two times

Teaching:
~70 hours as a study group leader/tutor

Shadowing:
~30 hours. Maybe a little short, too

And some other random EC's

I'm thinking if I were to reapply, I should do a lot more community service. There are a few Americorps programs that look really interesting to me and was thinking I could spend the first of two gap years in a program like that. Then maybe for a second year work as an EMT and volunteer on the side. The reason I was thinking about two gap years was so I could better talk about these experiences. Any thoughts or advice would be great!

 

[NeuroSoph75]

It seems to me that your exposure to the role of a physician is limited. You have patient contact experience which is very important, however, most health professionals work with patients (nurses, PAs, social workers, etc.) It is important to show medical schools that you also understand the role of the physician in the healthcare team. Maybe do some more shadowing? Was any of your shadowing in primary care?

 

[Faha]

Where is your state of residence? Have you received any interviews?

 

[Dollo]

Thanks for the replies @Faha @NeuroSoph75 . To answer your questions, my shadowing numbers are probably on the lighter side, although I think the hours I do have were meaningful. The interaction between healthcare professionals is definitely something I observed and mentioned in my essays. My state of residence is MI. I've received a phone II from Western Michigan, but have no campus II's. I am on hold at Mayo and Case Western.

 

[Dollo]

Any thoughts @Goro @gyngyn ?

 

[Faha]

You should receive more interviews with Michigan State, Wayne State and Oakland the most likely schools.

 

[Dollo]

You should receive more interviews with Michigan State, Wayne State and Oakland the most likely schools.

Unfortunately, two of the rejections I've received thus far were from MSU and Oakland

 

[Goro]

Boston University
Case Western
Cincinnati
Duke
Einstein
Emory
Dartmouth
Hofstra
Mayo
Michigan State
Oakland
Thomas Jefferson
Ohio State
UMich
UPitt
Rochester
Toledo
Tufts
Tulane
Wake Forest
Wayne State
Western Michigan

The above schools are those from you list where I would have advised applying too. I agree with Faha that your best chances are with your state school. I'm surprised that you not having any luck, and suspect that a poorly written app might be a problem, in addition to the non-clinical ECs. A bad lOR might also be a problem.
MCAT: 517 balanced
cGPA: ~3.73
sGPA: ~3.62




I'm thinking if I were to reapply, I should do a lot more community service. There are a few Americorps programs that look really interesting to me and was thinking I could spend the first of two gap years in a program like that. Then maybe for a second year work as an EMT and volunteer on the side. The reason I was thinking about two gap years was so I could better talk about these experiences.

Adding service to others less fortunate than yourself will always be good.

 

[Dollo]

@Goro Thanks for the reply! I am a little surprised, as well. I met with all my letter writers and they seemed very enthusiastic to write letters. So unless I misinterpreted their enthusiasm, I am inclined to say it was mostly non-clinical EC's + possibly some poorly written essays. There was definitely some secondary fatigue during the application process.

In the event of reapplication, would you recommend 1 or 2 gap years? I was thinking two primarily because, if my essays were poorly written, I would be able to write about my experiences from the first year off in greater detail.

 

[DokterMom]

Unfortunately, two of the rejections I've received thus far were from MSU and Oakland

Ouch! That surprises me, and points to something in your application. Maybe your personal statement had something off-putting?

I'd definitely suggest more shadowing (do it now in case you do get more interview invitations). Was the disabled boy a relative by any chance? Your work could certainly be 'discounted' if it were --

 

[Ms.Pediatrician]

@Goro Thanks for the reply! I am a little surprised, as well. I met with all my letter writers and they seemed very enthusiastic to write letters. So unless I misinterpreted their enthusiasm, I am inclined to say it was mostly non-clinical EC's + possibly some poorly written essays. There was definitely some secondary fatigue during the application process.

In the event of reapplication, would you recommend 1 or 2 gap years? I was thinking two primarily because, if my essays were poorly written, I would be able to write about my experiences from the first year off in greater detail.

I'm sorry you are in this situation, OP! I recommend having your essays edited by numerous people as well as having your personal statement professionally edited. I was in the same situation as you last year (similar stats); worked on my essays for about 6 months and had my PS edited by a professional. I have received 7 II's this cycle so far and have several accepts. People underestimate the power of good essays! Message me if have any questions - I can recommend good editing services or can help you with your essays!

 

[Dollo]

Ouch! That surprises me, and points to something in your application. Maybe your personal statement had something off-putting?

I'd definitely suggest more shadowing (do it now in case you do get more interview invitations). Was the disabled boy a relative by any chance? Your work could certainly be 'discounted' if it were --

No he was not a relative. It was a paid clinical employment job

 

[Goro]

@Goro Thanks for the reply! I am a little surprised, as well. I met with all my letter writers and they seemed very enthusiastic to write letters. So unless I misinterpreted their enthusiasm, I am inclined to say it was mostly non-clinical EC's + possibly some poorly written essays. There was definitely some secondary fatigue during the application process.

In the event of reapplication, would you recommend 1 or 2 gap years? I was thinking two primarily because, if my essays were poorly written, I would be able to write about my experiences from the first year off in greater detail.

I don't see a need to do two gaps years. But start volunteering ASAP.

Here are some suggestions:

Service need not be "unique". If you can alleviate suffering in your community through service to the poor, homeless, illiterate, fatherless, etc, you are meeting an otherwise unmet need and learning more about the lives of the people (or types of people) who will someday be your patients. Check out your local houses of worship for volunteer opportunities. The key thing is service to others less fortunate than you. And get off campus and out of your comfort zone!

Examples include: Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Humane Society, crisis hotlines, soup kitchen, food pantry, homeless or women’s shelter, after-school tutoring for students or coaching a sport in a poor school district, teaching ESL to adults at a community center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, or Meals on Wheels.