- Joined
- Jan 7, 2018
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 4
Hello all. Long time lurker, first time poster here. Here's where I am right now.
Stats 3.68 GPA/3.40 sGPA/514. Did my pre-med classes as an undergraduate. I'm now 5 years removed from that. Currently enrolled in biochemistry and genetics to satisfy prereqs at some of the schools I applied to - anticipate A in both. Over 1000 volunteer hours and the world's supply of clinical experience. Applied to 26 schools and stayed away from top tier completely. Focused on mid/low mid-tier, low tier, and in state. Primary complete late June, secondaries all done within a week to a week and a half of receipt.
While I know that I'm still in this thing this cycle (waitlisted at a program I'd be thrilled to attend and recognize how incredibly fortunate I am even to be in that position), I also know the odds. So I'm beginning to plan out a strategy for my next attempt since I need to start registering for things now to get that ball rolling.
Here are what I see as my weaknesses.
-Minimal research experience. The one reject that's given me feedback so far said this was the reason.
-LORs could be stronger.
-Barely competitive sGPA.
-Have a good story to tell but feel like I didn't articulate it well in my personal statement and interview.
-Did not apply DO.
-Did not apply day 1.
Here is how I plan to address these.
-There's a research assistant program at a major hospital nearby. Enroll in that for at least an academic year.
-Above program offers LORs from the investigators as a benefit of working there.
-Take 1-2 upper level science courses per semester, including summers if possible, through next attempt.
-Mock interview with and have personal statement edited by more critical/unknown quantities.
-Include DO programs.
-Apply day 1.
That's the most I think I can realistically do between now and when I'd like to make my next try, about two years down the road. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but doing the math it's going to be 60-65 hours per week of work, school, and the volunteering I'm doing now (which I really enjoy and don't want to give up) plus the usual app stuff on top of that when the time comes.
Does this strike everyone as a reasonable strategy, bearing in mind that I have no aspirations to go to a Hopkins or a Mayo? Or should I start investigating my local master's programs? I'm still young, so it's an option too.
Stats 3.68 GPA/3.40 sGPA/514. Did my pre-med classes as an undergraduate. I'm now 5 years removed from that. Currently enrolled in biochemistry and genetics to satisfy prereqs at some of the schools I applied to - anticipate A in both. Over 1000 volunteer hours and the world's supply of clinical experience. Applied to 26 schools and stayed away from top tier completely. Focused on mid/low mid-tier, low tier, and in state. Primary complete late June, secondaries all done within a week to a week and a half of receipt.
While I know that I'm still in this thing this cycle (waitlisted at a program I'd be thrilled to attend and recognize how incredibly fortunate I am even to be in that position), I also know the odds. So I'm beginning to plan out a strategy for my next attempt since I need to start registering for things now to get that ball rolling.
Here are what I see as my weaknesses.
-Minimal research experience. The one reject that's given me feedback so far said this was the reason.
-LORs could be stronger.
-Barely competitive sGPA.
-Have a good story to tell but feel like I didn't articulate it well in my personal statement and interview.
-Did not apply DO.
-Did not apply day 1.
Here is how I plan to address these.
-There's a research assistant program at a major hospital nearby. Enroll in that for at least an academic year.
-Above program offers LORs from the investigators as a benefit of working there.
-Take 1-2 upper level science courses per semester, including summers if possible, through next attempt.
-Mock interview with and have personal statement edited by more critical/unknown quantities.
-Include DO programs.
-Apply day 1.
That's the most I think I can realistically do between now and when I'd like to make my next try, about two years down the road. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but doing the math it's going to be 60-65 hours per week of work, school, and the volunteering I'm doing now (which I really enjoy and don't want to give up) plus the usual app stuff on top of that when the time comes.
Does this strike everyone as a reasonable strategy, bearing in mind that I have no aspirations to go to a Hopkins or a Mayo? Or should I start investigating my local master's programs? I'm still young, so it's an option too.