Potential reapplicant: here's my story. Any input much appreciated!! :)

[timmyboy213]

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Hey all,

So I made a thread about retaking the MCAT at the end of the summer a few days ago, but I decided to make a thread because I would like some input on my current situation and see what people think. I am writing this thread because I would like to know if I have should reapply this year or wait until next year and I didn't know if I should retake the MCAT. So here goes nothing.....

I applied to medical school for the fall of 2009, but unfortunately (as many of us in this sub-forum know) I was not accepted. I sent in my primary application around the beginning of August and got in all of my secondaries by Thanksgiving. Here is a list of the schools I applied to at the time (I am from Missouri):

Boston University
Creighton University
Emory University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Loyola University
Medical College of Wisconsin
Saint Louis University
University of Colorado
University of Illinois-Chicago
University of Iowa
University of Missouri
Vanderbilt University
Wake Forest University
Washington University


My stats at the time of my first application were as follows:

-MCAT: 6-VR, 14-BS, 11-PS, M-writing (31M overall)
-B.S. in Biology with a GPA: 4.0 (Truman State University in Kirksville, MO)
-Volunteered at a children's crisis nursery (80-100 hours)
-Some research experience with an undergrad professor (30-40 hours)
-Shadowed a family practice MD (40-50 hours)
-Involved in several ECs/organizations as an undergrad (social fraternity, service fraternity, honor societies) with some leadership positions


I quickly realized that I applied to way too many reach schools the first time. When/if I reapply, I plan on applying to a larger number of schools that are more within my reach and I also plan on applying to both MD and DO programs. Next time around I would for sure knock off Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Wash U, University of Colorado, Emory, Boston U, and potentially Medical College of Wisconsin.

My first time around, I got two interviews (one at University of Missouri and one at University of Iowa) with no waitlists.

Instead of reapplying for the fall of 2010, I instead enrolled in a one year (non-thesis) Master's program in Microbiology and Immunology at Georgetown University, from which I recently graduated. While in the program, I tried to improve my application further.


Here is a list of all my activities that would (hopefully) be included in my application for the fall of 2011:

Activities from last application
-MCAT: 6-VR, 14-BS, 11-PS, M-writing (31M overall)
-GPA: 4.0 (Truman State University in Kirksville, MO)
-Volunteered at a children's crisis nursery (80-100 hours)
-Some research experience with an undergrad professor (30-40 hours)
-Shadowed a family practice MD (40-50 hours)
-Involved in several ECs/organizations as an undergrad (social fraternity, service fraternity, honor societies) with some leadership positions

Activities added since last application
-M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology with a GPA of 3.97 (Georgetown University)
-Volunteered in pediatric oncology department at Georgetown Hospital (~50 hours)
-Interned/volunteered in lab of graduate school professor (50-60 hours)

Activities that I plan on carrying out within the next few months
-Volunteering in a different department of Georgetown hospital to obtain more patient contact
-Shadowing a D.O.
-Trying to find a job. It's not set in stone, but hopefully doing an internship at the NIH working in an immunology lab. If the NIH internship doesn't work out, then I will hopefully hold a lab position somewhere at one of the many places to which I have applied


That is pretty much everything.

Thus, does my application seem strong enough for this application cycle and is it improved enough from the last cycle? Feedback I received last year from the two schools at which I interviewed were to obtain more clinical experience (U. of Missouri) and to retake MCAT to boost VR section (U. of Iowa). If I don't re-apply this year, then my MCAT could no longer be used as this will be the third year.

I didn't want to retake the MCAT, but it is something that I will do if necessary. I know my VR score is low (6, just happened to be an off day for me, as this was the lowest I had ever scored; I usually scored from 8-10 on practice tests) but I was hoping that my graduate school GPA might somewhat offset this. If I re-took the MCAT however, it wouldn't be until the end of this summer. This is where I ran in to a bit of a dilemma because I wanted my application to reach schools early without having to wait for my MCAT scores. Is it possible to not inform schools that I am retaking the MCAT (so they process my application right away), but have the scores sent to all the schools once the scores are in (in case my application is not good enough without improved scores)?

My goal this year is to have my primary application submitted by the end of June. Thus, by getting my application out earlier, applying to more schools and schools that are more within my reach, applying to both MD/DO programs, and improving my ECs/activities, I was hoping that I stand a better chance of getting accepted somewhere.

I apologize for the extremely lengthy post, but I just wanted to put everything out there so those reading it were up to speed. Therefore, if anyone could enlighten me on the strength of my application and whether or not I should retake the MCAT, I would much appreciate it.

Thanks in advance,

Tim 🙂

 

[runawayclock]

I think it's pretty normal to go down a few points on the actual MCAT as compared to your practices (for me, there was about a difference of ~5 points between the practice and the actual MCAT).

For the verbal, I found examkrackers REALLY useful (sorry to say, but at least for me, Kaplan was a total waste of time and money - on all sections, to be honest). If you can, get the examkrackers CDs too. I jumped 6 points on the MCAT between my 1st and 2nd try. It just took a few months of intense studying (I even fell asleep listening to the EK CDs every night... It sucked. I even had dreams about MCAT questions.).

I don't think it would be good to rush into ANOTHER cycle if you don't think you can bump up that VR score. But the extra time would be worth it especially considering the rest of your app seems solid.

Seriously, your GPA is perfect, so are your ECs. But that 6 is going to give you a lot of grief (then again, so is late submission - tough choice...)

As far as I understand, graduate school doesn't really count for much, and considering your undergrad GPA is excellent, i don't see what it would be offsetting. Have you only taken the MCAT once? If you've taken it more than once, you could try applying to schools that take the best score of each section (I think GWU?). I have no idea if you can submit, re-take the MCAT and then have the scores released AFTER.

 

[ronaldo23]

Hey all,

So I made a thread about retaking the MCAT at the end of the summer a few days ago, but I decided to make a thread because I would like some input on my current situation and see what people think. I am writing this thread because I would like to know if I have should reapply this year or wait until next year and I didn't know if I should retake the MCAT. So here goes nothing.....

I applied to medical school for the fall of 2009, but unfortunately (as many of us in this sub-forum know) I was not accepted. I sent in my primary application around the beginning of August and got in all of my secondaries by Thanksgiving. Here is a list of the schools I applied to at the time (I am from Missouri):

Boston University
Creighton University
Emory University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Loyola University
Medical College of Wisconsin
Saint Louis University
University of Colorado
University of Illinois-Chicago
University of Iowa
University of Missouri
Vanderbilt University
Wake Forest University
Washington University


My stats at the time of my first application were as follows:

-MCAT: 6-VR, 14-BS, 11-PS, M-writing (31M overall)
-B.S. in Biology with a GPA: 4.0 (Truman State University in Kirksville, MO)
-Volunteered at a children's crisis nursery (80-100 hours)
-Some research experience with an undergrad professor (30-40 hours)
-Shadowed a family practice MD (40-50 hours)
-Involved in several ECs/organizations as an undergrad (social fraternity, service fraternity, honor societies) with some leadership positions


I quickly realized that I applied to way too many reach schools the first time. When/if I reapply, I plan on applying to a larger number of schools that are more within my reach and I also plan on applying to both MD and DO programs. Next time around I would for sure knock off Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Wash U, University of Colorado, Emory, Boston U, and potentially Medical College of Wisconsin.

My first time around, I got two interviews (one at University of Missouri and one at University of Iowa) with no waitlists.

Instead of reapplying for the fall of 2010, I instead enrolled in a one year (non-thesis) Master's program in Microbiology and Immunology at Georgetown University, from which I recently graduated. While in the program, I tried to improve my application further.


Here is a list of all my activities that would (hopefully) be included in my application for the fall of 2011:

Activities from last application
-MCAT: 6-VR, 14-BS, 11-PS, M-writing (31M overall)
-GPA: 4.0 (Truman State University in Kirksville, MO)
-Volunteered at a children's crisis nursery (80-100 hours)
-Some research experience with an undergrad professor (30-40 hours)
-Shadowed a family practice MD (40-50 hours)
-Involved in several ECs/organizations as an undergrad (social fraternity, service fraternity, honor societies) with some leadership positions

Activities added since last application
-M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology with a GPA of 3.97 (Georgetown University)
-Volunteered in pediatric oncology department at Georgetown Hospital (~50 hours)
-Interned/volunteered in lab of graduate school professor (50-60 hours)

Activities that I plan on carrying out within the next few months
-Volunteering in a different department of Georgetown hospital to obtain more patient contact
-Shadowing a D.O.
-Trying to find a job. It's not set in stone, but hopefully doing an internship at the NIH working in an immunology lab. If the NIH internship doesn't work out, then I will hopefully hold a lab position somewhere at one of the many places to which I have applied


That is pretty much everything.

Thus, does my application seem strong enough for this application cycle and is it improved enough from the last cycle? Feedback I received last year from the two schools at which I interviewed were to obtain more clinical experience (U. of Missouri) and to retake MCAT to boost VR section (U. of Iowa). If I don't re-apply this year, then my MCAT could no longer be used as this will be the third year.

I didn't want to retake the MCAT, but it is something that I will do if necessary. I know my VR score is low (6, just happened to be an off day for me, as this was the lowest I had ever scored; I usually scored from 8-10 on practice tests) but I was hoping that my graduate school GPA might somewhat offset this. If I re-took the MCAT however, it wouldn't be until the end of this summer. This is where I ran in to a bit of a dilemma because I wanted my application to reach schools early without having to wait for my MCAT scores. Is it possible to not inform schools that I am retaking the MCAT (so they process my application right away), but have the scores sent to all the schools once the scores are in (in case my application is not good enough without improved scores)?

My goal this year is to have my primary application submitted by the end of June. Thus, by getting my application out earlier, applying to more schools and schools that are more within my reach, applying to both MD/DO programs, and improving my ECs/activities, I was hoping that I stand a better chance of getting accepted somewhere.

I apologize for the extremely lengthy post, but I just wanted to put everything out there so those reading it were up to speed. Therefore, if anyone could enlighten me on the strength of my application and whether or not I should retake the MCAT, I would much appreciate it.

Thanks in advance,

Tim 🙂

You can submit now if you want. Just ndicate that you are retaking in August. They will put your app on hold and not consider it until updated scores come in. But definitely retake because the 6, as your interviewers mentioned, just makes it nearly impossible to get into an MD program. Even if you don't get your application in till August, if you can get an 8 verbal you will get interviews, since everything else is perfect. Heck, even if you went down in MCAT score to a 28-30 (with an 8 in verbal), you would still likely get interviews. Especially retake since you mentioned you had a rough day on verbal and were doing better on practice tests. Graduate school can only hurt since you already have a 4.0. Good luck!

 

[MiniMoo]

I would definitely retake the MCAT, especially if you think you could do better. That 6 is a killer and glaringly sticks out compared to the rest of your application.

 

[timmyboy213]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone!! I have decided to re-take the MCAT and have already started studying.

I plan on using Examkrackers books for the sciences and for verbal reasoning, including audio osmosis.

If anyone has any great hints or tips for studying for Verbal Reasoning, I would appreciate the advice. I plan on sticking to EK's advice for this section (for the most part) and taking many practice VR tests.

Thanks in advance,

Tim 🙂

 

[gman33]

VR can be a tough section for some people.
Get the EK 1001 book (or whatever it is called) and do the whole thing.
Really read through the explanations and figure out what you are doing wrong. Don't worry about timing initially. Just focus on the thinking process.

 

[mom2doc]

for specific school suggestions, but just thought I'd mention that Albany has sometimes taken someone with one low MCAT section (you can see the range on their web site) if the rest of the application is strong. They do get about 10,000 apps for 600 interviews though, so you would need a really, really strong personal statement to get noticed.

 

[timmyboy213]

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely look into the schools that accept a broader range of scores.

I forgot to state in my last post when I was planning on re-taking the MCAT.

If I submit my application early and do not re-take my MCAT until late August/early-September (this is the only time I can retake it if I want to get in an addequate amount of studying) do you think I will be okay, or is that too late?

I talked to a couple of schools and it seems that some of the schools will use my first score and then wait for my second if the first isn't good enough, while the others said they would wait for the second score. The schools that said they would wait seemed to think I would be okay if I didn't re-take the MCAT until late August/early September.

What is your opinion?

Thanks in advance,

Tim 🙂

 

[dragonfly99]

You need to retake the MCAT, and really improve on the verbal section, as well as trying to pull up the score on the essay part as well. Having low scores on both of those puts your reading comprehension into question, and it's a really important skill to have for med school.

I also think that you don't necessarily fit the profile of someone that U of Missouri would accept, since they don't really like people who work in labs and they like people who they think will do primary care. However, the fact that you got interviewed there before is a good sign, and they also like people who went to Missouri state schools, so you can see.

You definitely applied to too many "reach" schools the first time around. Try applying to Creighton, St. Louis U., Chicago Medical School, some DO schools if you are interested. I think if you pull up the verbal score on your MCAT and get some more clinical volunteer hours, you can get in somewhere.

 

[tarhealer2010]

In reference to the original poster of this thread.. I'd say you have a great chance of getting into a school this year.. I wish my credentials sounded as good as yours!

So on a related note.. I need some advice about reapplying as well...

I was accepted into GW's med school and waitlisted at Brody as well as EVMS.. I really really want to go to Brody though. I know they have a somewhat higher acceptance rate of re-applicants than other med schools and so I'm thinking of denying my acceptance offer to George Washington and just reapplying to med schools again this summer/fall. I'm angry at myself because I turned in my secondary to Brody late this past winter due to getting bogged down with a research project and other unforseeable circumstances, so I'm wondering if maybe I would have gotten in had I not interviewed so late in the spring. I mean, they've already offered 113 spots so far this year so I doubt I'm getting in off the waitlist at this point, but I'm still hoping.
I've tried to talk to a lot of people about this, and I've had some people say that well if you want to be a doctor and you're given an opportunity to go to medical school, no matter what you take it! And I do DEFINITELY want to be a doctor, its just that my family and myself have had a very difficult financial situation and I'm very disinclined to take on at least 300,000 in loans. Plus the more I look into Brody's program, the more I want to be a part of it..

So what should I do?! 🙁

 

[youme]

retake the MCAT, you will make it.