hypatiahypospadias
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Hello, I am new here, and am hoping to apply for the 2026-2027 cycle, as I don't feel adequately prepared for the current one, for multiple reasons. I want to build a compelling application, but I feel like there are a couple of red flags on my application that I need to address, and am looking for general advice on what I should do, whether the 2026-2027 application cycle would be too soon, etc.
ORM low SES First Gen 3.34 cGPA from my state school, majoring in Biology. Grade Trends as follows, with a majority of my classes being upper division science courses past Spring 2020. Finished all of my pre-reqs (ochem, biochem, biology, physics, etc.) General chemistry, Calc I, Intro Biology, were C's and B-s, but higher level gradework were all B+'s or higher.
I'm not sure if this counts as a strong upward trend, so I am seeking advice on what additional coursework I should take. In general, my first year and a half was very rough as I was working through personal issues (familial domestic violence, stalking).
FA 2018 2.85
SP 2019 2.59
FA 2019 2.93
SP 2020 3.60
FA 2020 3.81
SP 2021 3.76
FA 2021 3.80
SP 2022 3.67
Year 2021 I conducted summer research which turned into a research assistantship until graduation, which yielded 1 poster presentation that was presented at 2 research conferences, 1 international (800 hrs). I was also involved with a pre-med organization since sophomore year and have about 200+ hrs of community service involving meal preparation, teaching healthy cooking classes, food rescues, and assisting with free health screening events. I held a leadership role for 2 years in that organization doing Risk Management (moderating conflict) and Academic Board (hosting group study sessions). Post graduate I also held a nationals role for about a year doing similar Risk Management activities.
I have about 500+ hours of volunteering also involving a non-profit that runs a school/residence for orphaned children in my home country, I also began a program that assists these children in receiving counseling for domestic and sexual abuse, starting during my undergraduate to current.
Afterwards, I did summer research at a lab that focused more on ecology/microbiology, and that turned into a job offer where I stayed for nearly 2 years. This included publications (one second author, one first) and 3 poster presentations at conferences. To make a long story short, I did not leave on good terms. My former supervisor wasn't confident in my ability to get into a medical school, and when I asked for a letter of recommendation, said something along the lines of "I think you'd be better being a laboratory tech, and staying here." The lab environment became super toxic over time. I was constantly pressured to give people rides to remote field sites, unpaid overtime, and was harassed by another graduate student, which was never investigated despite documentation. I felt pressured to stay for so long because I was the primary caretaker of my grandmother, who shortly passed before I made the decision to quit and pursue my dreams. After my 9-5, I also occasionally worked at my aunt's sushi restaurant from about 6-9PM a few hours a week as well, washing dishes.
Meanwhile, I took night classes and got my EMT certification. 6 months prior to when I quit my job, and passed my NREMT, I discovered I had a tumor on my neck, and ended up having a full thyroidectomy shortly after. Once I had savings and felt stable, I quit and moved to another city and started working as an EMT (1800+ hours). I also volunteer with an outdoors group that aims to make the outdoor space more accessible (300+ hours), and local harm reduction (100 hours) giving out narcan/overdose training, assisting with stop the bleed workshops, etc.
On my free time, I also do standup comedy semi-successfully.
In terms of shadowing I have 40+ hours of shadowing at a pediatric urologist, 100+ hours with an endocrinologist, 30+ hours with interventional radiology and 12 hours with a Surgical Oncologist.
I have not taken the MCAT yet, but am PTing my AAMC full lengths at 505+.
Will Adcoms bring up the 2-year gap in my resume given that I would not be receiving a LOR from this lab, even though my name is also on publications? I am worried about that, having basically wasted 2 years.
Do you recommend retaking classes I got Cs in (Calc, Gen Chem 1, Intro to Bio)?
What classes should I take doing a DIY postbac at community college?
Should I go for a masters?
I'm unsure of what I should do, and whether any combination of my current activities, GPA trend, and (potential) MCATs would make me ready for my timeline. I am also not sure if I should mention getting treated for cancer in my personal statement, as I do not want to seem like a liability, more than I already am (how do I explain the 2 year gap - if at all?).
Thank you for your time in advance.
ORM low SES First Gen 3.34 cGPA from my state school, majoring in Biology. Grade Trends as follows, with a majority of my classes being upper division science courses past Spring 2020. Finished all of my pre-reqs (ochem, biochem, biology, physics, etc.) General chemistry, Calc I, Intro Biology, were C's and B-s, but higher level gradework were all B+'s or higher.
I'm not sure if this counts as a strong upward trend, so I am seeking advice on what additional coursework I should take. In general, my first year and a half was very rough as I was working through personal issues (familial domestic violence, stalking).
FA 2018 2.85
SP 2019 2.59
FA 2019 2.93
SP 2020 3.60
FA 2020 3.81
SP 2021 3.76
FA 2021 3.80
SP 2022 3.67
Year 2021 I conducted summer research which turned into a research assistantship until graduation, which yielded 1 poster presentation that was presented at 2 research conferences, 1 international (800 hrs). I was also involved with a pre-med organization since sophomore year and have about 200+ hrs of community service involving meal preparation, teaching healthy cooking classes, food rescues, and assisting with free health screening events. I held a leadership role for 2 years in that organization doing Risk Management (moderating conflict) and Academic Board (hosting group study sessions). Post graduate I also held a nationals role for about a year doing similar Risk Management activities.
I have about 500+ hours of volunteering also involving a non-profit that runs a school/residence for orphaned children in my home country, I also began a program that assists these children in receiving counseling for domestic and sexual abuse, starting during my undergraduate to current.
Afterwards, I did summer research at a lab that focused more on ecology/microbiology, and that turned into a job offer where I stayed for nearly 2 years. This included publications (one second author, one first) and 3 poster presentations at conferences. To make a long story short, I did not leave on good terms. My former supervisor wasn't confident in my ability to get into a medical school, and when I asked for a letter of recommendation, said something along the lines of "I think you'd be better being a laboratory tech, and staying here." The lab environment became super toxic over time. I was constantly pressured to give people rides to remote field sites, unpaid overtime, and was harassed by another graduate student, which was never investigated despite documentation. I felt pressured to stay for so long because I was the primary caretaker of my grandmother, who shortly passed before I made the decision to quit and pursue my dreams. After my 9-5, I also occasionally worked at my aunt's sushi restaurant from about 6-9PM a few hours a week as well, washing dishes.
Meanwhile, I took night classes and got my EMT certification. 6 months prior to when I quit my job, and passed my NREMT, I discovered I had a tumor on my neck, and ended up having a full thyroidectomy shortly after. Once I had savings and felt stable, I quit and moved to another city and started working as an EMT (1800+ hours). I also volunteer with an outdoors group that aims to make the outdoor space more accessible (300+ hours), and local harm reduction (100 hours) giving out narcan/overdose training, assisting with stop the bleed workshops, etc.
On my free time, I also do standup comedy semi-successfully.
In terms of shadowing I have 40+ hours of shadowing at a pediatric urologist, 100+ hours with an endocrinologist, 30+ hours with interventional radiology and 12 hours with a Surgical Oncologist.
I have not taken the MCAT yet, but am PTing my AAMC full lengths at 505+.
Will Adcoms bring up the 2-year gap in my resume given that I would not be receiving a LOR from this lab, even though my name is also on publications? I am worried about that, having basically wasted 2 years.
Do you recommend retaking classes I got Cs in (Calc, Gen Chem 1, Intro to Bio)?
What classes should I take doing a DIY postbac at community college?
Should I go for a masters?
I'm unsure of what I should do, and whether any combination of my current activities, GPA trend, and (potential) MCATs would make me ready for my timeline. I am also not sure if I should mention getting treated for cancer in my personal statement, as I do not want to seem like a liability, more than I already am (how do I explain the 2 year gap - if at all?).
Thank you for your time in advance.
