Next steps?

[schmanning]

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Hello SDN, this is my first post!
I really need some help from those more knowledgeable than me. I applied last cycle (2020EY) with only one interview.

Overall GPA: 3.94 (Psych major, Biochem minor)
BCPM GPA: 3.85
MCAT: 506 (122/130/126/128)
Texas resident.
Non-clinical research hours: 514 "officially" (this was a social psychology lab that I was a part of for two years in undergrad)
"Volunteer hours": I volunteered in the research lab after graduating, a total of 145 hours. Does this even count? Volunteering is an admittedly low point in my application.
I've worked as an ED scribe for the past year and a half.

My LORs were not the best in retrospect, as I used two Psych PIs from my time as a social psychology RA and only one MD. I now have better relationships with MDs/DOs that I work with and I think my LOR would be much better this go-round. I applied late in the cycle as my grandmothers both died within one week of each other in mid-late May. I submitted TMDSAS itself 7/17/19 and most of my secondaries were completed early August/Late September. I applied to all public Texas schools.
I received one II to the new Sam Houston DO school and was wait-listed. I panicked and did not accept a place on the wait-list (how hurtful is that for re-applying?).

This time I am prepared to apply early and with better LORs. I am more confident now that I've done this once before. I would really love to attend UNTHSC as I could live at home, I like the school, and would love to be a DO!

I'm afraid of not getting accepted again, and would love some advice on what I could do in the meantime. I was made aware of UNTHSC's SMP program earlier this year, however not in time to apply by 3/1/20 for the in-person cohort. However, I have since discovered that they have a new online program beginning Fall 2020! The app deadline is around 6/15/20. Is this something worth pursuing? What else could I be applying for in the meantime? What other SMP/post-bacc programs should I look into? Should I be looking into these at all?

Becoming a counselor/getting a masters/PhD in clinical psych is a "back up" plan, but I really want to proceed with medicine.

I just really need some help! Thank you for reading.

 

[docmcstuffins3]

Your GPAs are great, I would not spend money on a SMP if I had those grades. BUT if money is not an issue for you I think they are great preparation for medical school curriculum.

I think your MCAT is a weak point if you want a good shot at an MD school.

 

[Faha]

You should receive more interviews with an early application. Add some AMCAS schools such as TCU-UNT, Quinnipiac, Seton Hall, Oakland Beaumont, NOVA MD. Also DO schools such as AZCOM, KCU-COM, ATSU-KCOM, DMU-COM, MU-COM, CUSOM, VCOM (all schools).

 

[Kiyra]

I would consider retaking your MCAT mostly because that 122 can be concerning. I would try get some shadowing in and some clinical hours (make sure your contact with patients is actually clinical in nature rather than admin, etc.) Also, get more people to review your essays.