Please Help No Idea What To Do

[Giddyup5]

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So Im on the waiting list at UCONN and West Virginia. Im instate for UCONN and meeting with the dean on May 22nd to get a better understanding of my position on the waiting list. I really dont know what to do regarding...waiting...reapplying...retaking the mcats...and extra curriculers if i have to take the year off...

I graduated with a 3.62 GPA and got a 30R on my MCATs. 11P 9V 10B
I have two summer research experiences...2nd coauthor on a paper...and certified as an EMT B

My main points of concern are...

I applied towards the end of the cycle...around September. Is my dissapointment so far due to timing? Should i just reapply early this year to a broader range of schools?

Along similar lines...should i wait to see if i get in first? Especially after i talk to the Dean i should have a better understanding.

Should i retake the MCAT? my concern is that i took the last paper exam...and am worried about adjusting to the computer based exam.

What should i do with the year off if thats the case? Should i try to do research again? Perhaps work as an EMT?



I know thats a lot of questions...it would be greatly appreciated for some help on even a few of them. Thanks again!

 

[tacrum43]

So Im on the waiting list at UCONN and West Virginia. Im instate for UCONN and meeting with the dean on May 22nd to get a better understanding of my position on the waiting list. I really dont know what to do regarding...waiting...reapplying...retaking the mcats...and extra curriculers if i have to take the year off...

I graduated with a 3.62 GPA and got a 30R on my MCATs. 11P 9V 10B
I have two summer research experiences...2nd coauthor on a paper...and certified as an EMT B

My main points of concern are...

I applied towards the end of the cycle...around September. Is my dissapointment so far due to timing? Should i just reapply early this year to a broader range of schools?

Along similar lines...should i wait to see if i get in first? Especially after i talk to the Dean i should have a better understanding.

Should i retake the MCAT? my concern is that i took the last paper exam...and am worried about adjusting to the computer based exam.

What should i do with the year off if thats the case? Should i try to do research again? Perhaps work as an EMT?



I know thats a lot of questions...it would be greatly appreciated for some help on even a few of them. Thanks again!

Applying early can REALLY make a big difference. It's sounds like you app is pretty solid. If you have to reapply, do it early and return secondaries quickly. You might also consider applying to more schools (unless you already applied to like 30 last time).

Hopefully you won't have to reapply at all!

 

[Giddyup5]

thanks for the advice...reapplying early is what im thinking too...i feel like i could improve my mcats...but is it really worth it? the best i think i can do would be like 33-34....thanks for your help...and any other advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[koennen]

I agree with the above. Your app is pretty solid. I would not retake the MCAT unless there is some reason you did not perform up to your ability the first time. Most people do not improve significantly the second time around. Typically, those who do improve underperformed the first time for some reason (inadequate preparation, illness, etc.). Moreover, you run the risk that your score could drop a point or two - which would mean a sub-30 MCAT. Personally, I wouldn't take that chance.

Wait and see how your meeting with the Dean goes. Emphasize to him/her that you REALLY want to go to this school and that you will be re-applying next year if not offered admission. And, apply early, apply early, apply early ... It makes an incredible difference.

Good luck!

 

[relentless11]

thanks for the advice...reapplying early is what im thinking too...i feel like i could improve my mcats...but is it really worth it? the best i think i can do would be like 33-34....thanks for your help...and any other advice is greatly appreciated!

I wouldn't put too much stake in a "feeling" that you can improve your MCAT. As with all things, it has to be evidence-based. I mean if you start getting 35-36 on practice exams then sure go for it. I say 35-36 since there is variability among the practice exam scores too! On another note, there are now 6-7 passages on VR, rather than 9. So you have a smaller margin of error. I think most people can boost their score on the sci sections, however the VR is a pain to go up by 1 point..let alone 2-3! Your call, but a 30 is still respectable, especially since you don't live in California🙂. Woe to those who live in California........like me🙄.

I'd personally do what floats your boat. Everything you can think of has probably been done before. Research, volunteering, shadowing, etc. If you love to do these things then by all means do it. However, what really matters is being unique and happy with what you do. Believe me, you can do all the research in the world, and it may not help THAT much. Play sports, do music, work on art....I don't know but something that makes you a unique individual, and something that would add (in a positive way) to the diversity of the med school that you apply to.

Good luck!