Need some help for the upcoming cycle!

[randomappl1cant]

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Hi,

I just wanted to know if I am on the right track for this upcoming cycle.

MCAT: 29O (PS11, VR8, BS10)

Cum. GPA: 3.70
Science GPA: 3.67
*Never got below a B in any class. I just had a semester where I was taking a lot of heavy upper science classes and studying for the MCAT, which lead to a poor performance on the MCAT and those classes (4 B's , and 1 A.)

However, since then I had a very tough semester of all upper science classes (including Biochem) and pulled a 4.0. This semester also is likely going to be a 4.0. By the time I apply, I should have a 3.76 GPA (estimate.)

I have about 250 hrs hospital volunteering in various fields, about 200 hrs in clinical research, and have been volunteering for my church for several years on and off.

I have shadowed a PCP, Several surgeons, and hospitalists for a total of 100 hrs.

Strong LOR's, ready to go from an MD I shadowed, my research PI, and 2 Science Profs (very strong) and 1 non science prof (strongest one.)

What I wanted to know is... should I apply this year (MD only) or should I strengthen my application over this year and apply the following year. If I was to solidify my application, what suggestions do you all have for me to pursue? Thanks in advance!

 

[plumhill]

Your MCAT is below average for many MD programs (breaking 30 would've been ideal), and the rest of your activities are fairly average (though you do have a good amount of shadowing and clinical experience).

Depending on your LORs, your PS, and the rest of your application, your MCAT may or may not hold you back. Do you just want to get into ANY MD program, or do you want to aim for mid/top tier schools? If your goal is the latter group, an MCAT re-take, with more preparation and focus, might be worth considering.

 

[randomappl1cant]

Oh, forgot to clarify. I do have strong LOR's ready to go.

Ideally, I would like to get into mid tier medical schools. My mcat breakdown was PS11,VR8, and BS10. Hopefully the double digits in sciences may have some bearing on my application.

Aside from a retake, what else might be relevant for this cycle (or even the next cycle?) Maybe a master's program?

 

[Catalystik]

Hi,

I just wanted to know if I am on the right track for this upcoming cycle.

MCAT: 29O

Cum. GPA: 3.70
Science GPA: 3.67
*Never got below a B in any class. I just had a semester where I was taking a lot of heavy upper science classes and studying for the MCAT, which lead to a poor performance on the MCAT and those classes (4 B's , and 1 A.)

However, since then I had a very tough semester of all upper science classes (including Biochem) and pulled a 4.0. This semester also is likely going to be a 4.0. By the time I apply, I should have a 3.76 GPA (estimate.)

I have about 250 hrs hospital volunteering in various fields, about 200 hrs in clinical research, and have been volunteering for my church for several years on and off.

I have shadowed a PCP, Several surgeons, and hospitalists for a total of 100 hrs.

What I wanted to know is... should I apply this year (MD only) or should I strengthen my application over this year and apply the following year. If I was to solidify my application, what suggestions do you all have for me to pursue? Thanks in advance!

What are your MCAT subscores?
What is your state of residence?
Any leadership or teaching?
Would any of your church-related activities be considered general community service?

The clinical experience, shadowing, GPAs, and upward grade trend all look good.

 

[StoicJosher]

Oh, forgot to clarify. I do have strong LOR's ready to go.

Ideally, I would like to get into mid tier medical schools. My mcat breakdown was PS11,VR8, and BS10. Hopefully the double digits in sciences may have some bearing on my application.

Aside from a retake, what else might be relevant for this cycle (or even the next cycle?) Maybe a master's program?

A masters program is generally not recommended because they are known for grade inflation. Your best bet is to retake the MCAT but if you don't want to, continue the clinical volunteering and any other volunteering/ECs you may have and apply broadly and wisely.

 

[randomappl1cant]

What are your MCAT subscores?
What is your state of residence?
Any leadership or teaching?
Would any of your church-related activities be considered general community service?

The clinical experience, shadowing, GPAs, and upward grade trend all look good.

Subscores: 11PS, 8VR, 10BS

State of residence is Fl.

Leadership is probably what I lack most, but teaching.. I was a TA for two semesters for Anatomy.

I believe the church activities would be considering general community service. Also, I am doing work with the underprivileged downtown in a few weeks (will continue throughout the rest of the year.)

 

[Catalystik]

I think you're ready to apply. If you find a leadership role, let schools know about it in update letters, along with other pertinent ECs during the application cycle.

 

[randomappl1cant]

I think you're ready to apply. If you find a leadership role, let schools know about it in update letters, along with other pertinent ECs during the application cycle.

Thanks for all the help!