Need Advice

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I am currently in my ninth semester double minoring in Math and Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I am not sure if should go ahead and apply this cycle, or wait until next cycle. Any advice is appreciated!

sGPA=cGPA=3.54

MCAT:

PS: 12
VR: 11
BS: 14

Total: 37O

I have very limited clinical experience. About 10 hours shadowing and about 40 hours volunteering in an Emergency Department.

Other extracurriculars are good though, I did band for 3 years, tutored math to university students, and I regularly volunteered to help high schoolers in my hometown.

LOR's are also problem for me. I haven't asked any professors to write me one yet, but I have 3-4 in mind to ask. I know I should have done it earlier, but my indecisiveness about applying this cycle caused me not to.

I have finished my AMCAS but, I haven't submitted it yet to be verified.

So what do you guys think? Should I go ahead and try to apply this cycle, or should I wait a year and build my resume more?

Thanks in advance for any constructive advice!

 

[Stratego]

Your excellent MCAT score balances the subpar cGPA, but sparse clinical experience is enough to kill your application, so do not apply this season. You have an Artistic Endeavor with the band, Teaching to list due to the tutoring, and additional community service, all of which is good. You have only ten hours of shadowing, and I'd suggest you try to tag along with 1-2 other types of physician including one in primary care. If you can, get in a research experience, even if it's only one semester long (two is better). And for the next nine month until you apply in June, continue with weekly clinical volunteering so you'll have at least 150 hours by the time you submit.

I'd go ahead and start collecting your LORs now, as some like to drag their feet so that it takes three months before they submit them. And keep trying to get that cGPA/BCPM GPA higher.

 

[Catalystik]

Should I go ahead and try to apply this cycle, or should I wait a year and build my resume more?

I completely agree that it would be premature to apply this season. A great MCAT score doesn't mean that the ECs on your application need not be the best you can make them.