Need advice for when to reapply

[Inopinata vita]

---

Members don't see this ad.

.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Schools will accept a 2014 MCAT for next cycle. Dont retake an unexpired 36; that's going to cause problems for you.

This isnt a numbers issue for you. ECs sound pretty bland and it sounds like you are lacking in the volunteering and clinical experience areas which matter alot.

My best advice is to wait until next cycle to boost the ECs then reapply. Your MCAT score is still going to be valid at alot of scores even then. IF you are hellbent on giving it a shot this year, it's important to know where you applied last cycle. My advice would change if you are only a reapplicant at say 6 schools you had a realistic shot at vs 20+.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Sorry, I'm a bit confused by that last part. I didn't apply to very many schools, 8 in total. Unfortunately, I did apply to all my state schools, but are you saying it'd be realistic to apply this next cycle since I didn't apply to too many places?

You should focus on schools where you wont be a reapplicant. With an MCAT score this high, your odds will by far and away be best there(although Id still reapply to your state programs).

What matters here are your ECs. What did you have in terms of research, service and clinical experience both before this cycle and currently? It wasnt clear based off what you posted to me so make it clearer especially in terms of hours/duration(the stuff from 2010 doesnt really count). If your ECs are solid in these areas go ahead and reapply. If they arent, dont.

 

[GrapesofRath]

For the mortality research, I was part of a research group led by a trauma surgeon. Over the two semesters (Fall 14-Spring 15) I spent around 80 hours analyzing data to find relationships between trauma center levels, densities, and other factors with mortality rates. The abstract for the research went on to win a regional conference prize for Trauma research.
For the migration research, I spent around 80 hours in two weeks in Costa Rica tracking dolphin migrations to prevent the construction of potentially destructive tourist center in a bay. The data we collected was used directly in court to argue against the construction.
For the stable volunteer work, I basically supervise disadvantaged children after school and teach them proper horsemanship and mentor them. I'll likely just put in around 30 hours this semester.
For the Habitat for Humanity work, I supervise a supply center and help distribute free goods to impoverished families. It'll likely be 25-30 hours this semester.
And for the Biochemistry TA position, I'll be grading papers and holding office hours. Probably about 30-40 hours this semester.
Sorry to rattle on, but I'm not really sure what constitutes solid EC hours, especially for a reapplicant. As soon as I graduate this May, I'll be putting in significantly more hours no matter what with EMT and hospital work/shadowing.

Is this just what youve done in the past year or is this the totality of your ECs?

 

[Dracula5000]

Tarrek what happened w/ your app?

Your ECs are fine, also if you apply next cycle (2017-2018) your Mcat will be void, not saying you should apply now, but just so you know.

I don't get this RIDICULOUS med school process.

I'm also VA resident, got accepted with much less stellar app than yours.....go figure, also graduting in May.

Hang in there U WILL GET ACCEPTED, you credentials are excellent!!!!

 

[Faha]

You need more clinical volunteering hours and shadowing hours. If you can accomplish that by June then reapply in June and submit all your secondaries by July. Apply to all your VA schools and add:
Quinnipiac
Vermont
Hofstra
New York Medical College
Albany
Penn State
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
GW
Georgetown
Wake Forest
Oakland Beaumont
Western Michigan
Rosalind Franklin
Loyola
St. Louis
Creighton
Tulane
any new private schools that open in 2017 (Henricopolis, Roseman, Seton Hall)
You are competitive for any DO school so consider applying to at least 5

 

[GrapesofRath]

Totality, unfortunately.

I would develop the ECs and wait a year. You really dont want to be a 3rd time applicant and a number of schools will still accept a 2014 MCAT even for the 2017-18 cycle. Do it once(or twice I guess) and do it right; you cant make worthwhile improvements to your ECs in 3 months.