- Joined
- May 22, 2013
- Messages
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Hey all,
I just wanted to write and get an opinion on whether or not I should re-take the MCAT this upcoming spring/early summer just prior to my RE-application to medical school. I applied my first time in the 2015-2016 application cycle and managed 3 interviews (2 DO, 1 MD) and unfortunately, was waitlisted at all 3 institutions. Anyway, I'll give a comparison of what I was applying with in 2015 vs current (for the upcoming 2017-2018 application cycle).
2015-2016:
cGPA was only 3.2 with a post-baccGPA of 3.7 (and science ~3.5; also post-bacc was not an official program, essentially returned to school to take the pre-requisites to medical school). My bachelor's degree is in Business Administration.
MCAT 504
Volunteer experience was lacking with only ~80 hours in total.
Research experience (genetics, with a conference presentation) was ~500 hours.
Clinical experience included me JUST BEGINNING as an ER scribe; at that time, ~40 hours clinical experience.
Shadowing was ~100 hours with specialties including cardiothoracic surgery, ENT, oral surgery, oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology.
Few clubs that I participated in during my post-bacc. studies, nothing too major.
The above covers most of what was on my application less past employment that I've had over my undergraduate/post-bacc. education (management, pharmacy tech, etc).
2017-2018:
Entered a graduate Masters of Biomedical Science program that is pretty rigorous. Full masters degree in 2 semesters total - GPA is currently 3.8, hoping to finish completely with ~3.9.
MCAT still 504.
Volunteer experience increased to ~200+ hours - additional hours consist of volunteering at a local organization w/ a few leadership responsibilities.
Research experience, as far as science, is basically the same, ~500 hours (genetics). However, I now have several hours (~150) of public health research which will end with another presentation this year.
Clinical experience ended at ~1500 hrs of ER scribing which concluded as I begun my masters program.
Shadowing and other categories remain the same.
Anyway, my basic question was should I retake the MCAT, and any other advice anyone has, feel free. I'm excited to apply this year and have high hopes (while also now understanding the realities of applying to medical school). Keep in mind I do wish to apply to both MD and DO schools, with no specific priority on which one I end up at; I just want a school that has a good reputation overall.
Sorry for the long read but for anyone who responds, thanks in advance! I appreciate the advice and help!
-J
I just wanted to write and get an opinion on whether or not I should re-take the MCAT this upcoming spring/early summer just prior to my RE-application to medical school. I applied my first time in the 2015-2016 application cycle and managed 3 interviews (2 DO, 1 MD) and unfortunately, was waitlisted at all 3 institutions. Anyway, I'll give a comparison of what I was applying with in 2015 vs current (for the upcoming 2017-2018 application cycle).
2015-2016:
cGPA was only 3.2 with a post-baccGPA of 3.7 (and science ~3.5; also post-bacc was not an official program, essentially returned to school to take the pre-requisites to medical school). My bachelor's degree is in Business Administration.
MCAT 504
Volunteer experience was lacking with only ~80 hours in total.
Research experience (genetics, with a conference presentation) was ~500 hours.
Clinical experience included me JUST BEGINNING as an ER scribe; at that time, ~40 hours clinical experience.
Shadowing was ~100 hours with specialties including cardiothoracic surgery, ENT, oral surgery, oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology.
Few clubs that I participated in during my post-bacc. studies, nothing too major.
The above covers most of what was on my application less past employment that I've had over my undergraduate/post-bacc. education (management, pharmacy tech, etc).
2017-2018:
Entered a graduate Masters of Biomedical Science program that is pretty rigorous. Full masters degree in 2 semesters total - GPA is currently 3.8, hoping to finish completely with ~3.9.
MCAT still 504.
Volunteer experience increased to ~200+ hours - additional hours consist of volunteering at a local organization w/ a few leadership responsibilities.
Research experience, as far as science, is basically the same, ~500 hours (genetics). However, I now have several hours (~150) of public health research which will end with another presentation this year.
Clinical experience ended at ~1500 hrs of ER scribing which concluded as I begun my masters program.
Shadowing and other categories remain the same.
Anyway, my basic question was should I retake the MCAT, and any other advice anyone has, feel free. I'm excited to apply this year and have high hopes (while also now understanding the realities of applying to medical school). Keep in mind I do wish to apply to both MD and DO schools, with no specific priority on which one I end up at; I just want a school that has a good reputation overall.
Sorry for the long read but for anyone who responds, thanks in advance! I appreciate the advice and help!
-J