Preparing to reapply in June? Lets give each other some advice.

[goodguygreg]

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Hi guys,

I would appreciate anyone's and every one's advice and opinion on how to strategize for the next cycle.

Here is my story from this cycle and some of things I'm considering doing for the next cycle:

I applied on the first day this cycle and was complete at most schools by mid August. I applied with a 3.27sGPA and a 3.48cGPA and a 32MCAT. Decent ECs including some unique ones with plenty of clinical exposure. I did not, however, have non-clinical volunteering nor did I have any substantial research. LOR wise I had the regular 2 sci and 1 non sci prof, and one from my nurse supervisor.

Applied to about 40 but completed only about 27-30 secondaries ( didn't even officially withdraw from the ones I didn't complete. You think that will hurt me next cycle?). I received 3 interviews very early on (sept and oct) and have been alternate listed or haven't heard back (while others from my interview day have).

Since my application went in, I have finished classes at my uni and now have a 3.41sGPA and a 3.55cGPA with a 3.75 GPA over the past 56 unites all of which I have taken after sending in my amcas transcript.

Besides continuing my ECs, I have taken up a job as a tutor at a learning center, but I'm looking to be hired as a scribe and will switch jobs if I get hired. And, I have begun shadowing a kidney transplant surgeon (amazing).

What else should/could I do to strengthen my app? I am scheduled to take the MCAT again in April. Should I retake? Last time around I was averaging 36ish on amcas p-tests but ended up with a 32.

I will be very appreciative of any and all feedback. Also if you are considering reapplying, and don't mind sharing, please post what things you are doing to better your app. We should all motivate each other give each other feedback. Lets start getting pumped for next cycle so we don't sit here and stress about hearing back for the next 3-4 months of this cycle.

 

[everythingsurgical]

I'm in a pretty similar situation (I wrote about it on a different thread), but it sounds to me like you have it figured out - getting some non-clinical volunteer work in and retaking the MCAT if you think it's worth your time and money. I would recommend getting involved in research, but if you're on a tight timeline I think it might be hard to get involved in a project. The scribe position would be more great clinical experience to add to your legitimacy of interest in the field.

Good luck, man. I hope this was helpful.

 

[chiralC]

I have been thinking about this as I am a borderline md applicant. I will be applying this upcoming cycle and have been wondering what everyone will do if they are in the same situation, in terms of the mcat. Since I'll be applying with a 3.5 and a 30, I realistically may not get an acceptance and would rather prepare for the last administration of the current mcat than have to take on the new beast. This would mean studying throughout the summer for the last Sept test (during the app season) but still, I see it as the best alternative to the new test. Anyone else been thinking about this?

 

[everythingsurgical]

chiralC I've been thinking about preparing for the September administration as well and applying for the entering class of 2016. I wouldn't want to risk the late/incomplete application pitfall of applying for 2015 by following this route...

 

[chiralC]

chiralC I've been thinking about preparing for the September administration as well and applying for the entering class of 2016. I wouldn't want to risk the late/incomplete application pitfall of applying for 2015 by following this route...

I see what you're saying but I'll be applying to both md and do schools this upcoming cycle. So I may retake the mcat in September just to avoid taking the new test in case I end up being a reapplicant. Nevertheless, do you have any idea how administrators would view this? Since they would already have my current mcat would they consider my most recent score?

 

[chiralC]

*adcoms, not admins. I'm typing on my phone

 

[everythingsurgical]

I've thought about that as well, I'm not sure how they would feel. But could you take the September administration and it won't count against you in later cycles?

I guess the only way to know for sure is to ask someone from the adcoms in question.

 

[starkidbee]

Hi guys,

I would appreciate anyone's and every one's advice and opinion on how to strategize for the next cycle.

Here is my story from this cycle and some of things I'm considering doing for the next cycle:

I applied on the first day this cycle and was complete at most schools by mid August. I applied with a 3.27sGPA and a 3.48cGPA and a 32MCAT. Decent ECs including some unique ones with plenty of clinical exposure. I did not, however, have non-clinical volunteering nor did I have any substantial research. LOR wise I had the regular 2 sci and 1 non sci prof, and one from my nurse supervisor.

Applied to about 40 but completed only about 27-30 secondaries ( didn't even officially withdraw from the ones I didn't complete. You think that will hurt me next cycle?). I received 3 interviews very early on (sept and oct) and have been alternate listed or haven't heard back (while others from my interview day have).

Since my application went in, I have finished classes at my uni and now have a 3.41sGPA and a 3.55cGPA with a 3.75 GPA over the past 56 unites all of which I have taken after sending in my amcas transcript.

Besides continuing my ECs, I have taken up a job as a tutor at a learning center, but I'm looking to be hired as a scribe and will switch jobs if I get hired. And, I have begun shadowing a kidney transplant surgeon (amazing).

What else should/could I do to strengthen my app? I am scheduled to take the MCAT again in April. Should I retake? Last time around I was averaging 36ish on amcas p-tests but ended up with a 32.

I will be very appreciative of any and all feedback. Also if you are considering reapplying, and don't mind sharing, please post what things you are doing to better your app. We should all motivate each other give each other feedback. Lets start getting pumped for next cycle so we don't sit here and stress about hearing back for the next 3-4 months of this cycle.

Definitely send update letters to schools you haven't heard back from if you haven't already. It can be a little reminder to the school in case your file got lost among the sea of applications, and your GPA jumped up enough that it's important to let them know - can make the difference if they weren't sure about whether to extend an II.

Also, what was your MCAT score breakdown? A 32 is good and is generally a definite non-retake, but if you had <8 in one section then that could be what's hurting you since many schools seem to use that as a cutoff simply to cut down application numbers.

 

[Goro]

Very foolish to retake MCAT with a good score like yours; it's an act of hubris, really. Work on the weak spots of your app, not the strong ones.

By raising your GPAs, you have made yourself a much more competitive candidate. Invest in MSAR and apply to schools whose median scores are near yours. Apply smartly and strategically.

Hi guys,

I would appreciate anyone's and every one's advice and opinion on how to strategize for the next cycle.

Here is my story from this cycle and some of things I'm considering doing for the next cycle:

I applied on the first day this cycle and was complete at most schools by mid August. I applied with a 3.27sGPA and a 3.48cGPA and a 32MCAT. Decent ECs including some unique ones with plenty of clinical exposure. I did not, however, have non-clinical volunteering nor did I have any substantial research. LOR wise I had the regular 2 sci and 1 non sci prof, and one from my nurse supervisor.

Applied to about 40 but completed only about 27-30 secondaries ( didn't even officially withdraw from the ones I didn't complete. You think that will hurt me next cycle?). I received 3 interviews very early on (sept and oct) and have been alternate listed or haven't heard back (while others from my interview day have).

Since my application went in, I have finished classes at my uni and now have a 3.41sGPA and a 3.55cGPA with a 3.75 GPA over the past 56 unites all of which I have taken after sending in my amcas transcript.

Besides continuing my ECs, I have taken up a job as a tutor at a learning center, but I'm looking to be hired as a scribe and will switch jobs if I get hired. And, I have begun shadowing a kidney transplant surgeon (amazing).

What else should/could I do to strengthen my app? I am scheduled to take the MCAT again in April. Should I retake? Last time around I was averaging 36ish on amcas p-tests but ended up with a 32.

I will be very appreciative of any and all feedback. Also if you are considering reapplying, and don't mind sharing, please post what things you are doing to better your app. We should all motivate each other give each other feedback. Lets start getting pumped for next cycle so we don't sit here and stress about hearing back for the next 3-4 months of this cycle.

 

[goodguygreg]

I'm sorry I didn't reply back on this thread earlier. I went through a phase where I had to get myself away from sdn for a bit. Thanks for all the advice!

My MCAT breakdown was a 11-10-11. My reasoning behind wanting to retake it was that since my gpa is on the lower side, even with the improvement, I thought shooting for a higher MCAT would be a step in the right direction in terms of compensating for my GPA.

One thing I have learned from this cycle is that, non-clinical volunteering is also necessary to show your commitment to serving your community. I am working on that now.

I think the big thing for me to decide soon is to retake the MCAT or not, since I'm going to need at least 3 months to prepare.

I have also been offered a lab TA position at my uni by a former professor. Do you guys think it would be beneficial for me to take the job?

 

[starkidbee]

I'm sorry I didn't reply back on this thread earlier. I went through a phase where I had to get myself away from sdn for a bit. Thanks for all the advice!

My MCAT breakdown was a 11-10-11. My reasoning behind wanting to retake it was that since my gpa is on the lower side, even with the improvement, I thought shooting for a higher MCAT would be a step in the right direction in terms of compensating for my GPA.

One thing I have learned from this cycle is that, non-clinical volunteering is also necessary to show your commitment to serving your community. I am working on that now.

I think the big thing for me to decide soon is to retake the MCAT or not, since I'm going to need at least 3 months to prepare.

I have also been offered a lab TA position at my uni by a former professor. Do you guys think it would be beneficial for me to take the job?

Definitely don't retake the MCAT. Those are good sections scores for a 32. Take the TA position (it's leadership/teaching, a great EC so long as you commit to it - also shows your professors trust you to be in that position) if you can. Include the new TA job in your update letters. If you have to reapply, I think you'll have a decent shot of getting in with if you apply smart as Goro mentioned. GL!

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Have you sent update letters about your gpa and letters of intent? That could get you off the alternate list.

 

[goodguygreg]

I have only sent updates to the one school that im alternate listed on but did not mention grades, and I have sent one to the school with the decision still pending but did mention grades. The only other school I interviewed at specifically stated that they do not accept updates. I am going to send in another update to my alternate list highlighting my specific GPA improvement and recent activities and job opportunities.

Then, I am going to use chucks of that letter and send in updates to all the school I'm still waiting to hear back from for an II, hoping at least one bites lol. I know its late in the cycle.

Right now, I am leaning on not retaking my MCAT, but I'm still up in the air about that. Might study for a few weeks and take a crack at a practice test and see where I am and if 35+ is comfortably achievable.

What are you guys doing or planning on doing for reapplication?

 

[everythingsurgical]

Lots of volunteering. And if I can get in with the school near the hospital I work at, post-bacc coursework.

 

[goodguygreg]

Lots of volunteering. And if I can get in with the school near the hospital I work at, post-bacc coursework.

What were your stats when you applied if you don't mind sharing?

 

[everythingsurgical]

@goodguygreg not at all, I actually started a similar thread in the re-application forum a few weeks ago (if you want to see more than just my stats). MCAT 32 (10PS, 11 VR, 11 BS), cGPA 3.29, sGPA 3.45

 

[goodguygreg]

Wow we have very similar stats except our sGPA and cGPA are switched. I read through your other thread, you seem to have alot of great ECs. Are you completely ruling out retaking the MCAT? I keep trying to convince myself that a higher MCAT 35+ will somehow compensate for the low GPA, but I know thats probably not true.

 

[everythingsurgical]

Yeah, I noticed - I thought that was interesting, haha. I was also scoring 35s on the AMCAS practice tests and got a 32. I haven't completely ruled it out, but improving my MCAT score is lower on my list of things to fix, relative to volunteering more and raising my GPA. Other members have brought up good points as well, like tailoring the list of schools you applied to to more closely match your numbers. You had also mentioned that you received interviews early on and were wait listed; perhaps focusing on interviewing skills might be beneficial as well.

It definitely wouldn't hurt you if you did get 35+, I guess the question is whether or not you're totally confident that you can score that high if you retake it.

 

[HarryPlopper]

Wow we have very similar stats except our sGPA and cGPA are switched. I read through your other thread, you seem to have alot of great ECs. Are you completely ruling out retaking the MCAT? I keep trying to convince myself that a higher MCAT 35+ will somehow compensate for the low GPA, but I know thats probably not true.

Higher MCAT won't totally replace a lower GPA but it would sure help it, especially if you feel confident you can do better than the 32 you got before.

You may want to consider finding out how strong your LORs are. Not saying you should read them illegally or straight up ask your professors whether or not you can read them, but state the importance of how important the evaluation is and whether or not the finished letter will be personalized and strong. You may want to consider giving the writer some information about yourself like personality/previous experience/previous interactions with that professor as a reminder. This will greatly aid the professor in writing your letter. I would caution giving a CV though because you don't want the professor to copy-paste your CV into the letter. I'm mentioning this because my letters, which I found out later, were very weak and what kept me out of many med schools (author let me read it years later and actually wrote "cannot handle a heavy course load"). I was puzzled for the longest time as although I wouldn't consider myself a stellar applicant, I thought I was competitive enough for the schools I applied.

 

[JDMcNugent]

I am assuming that I will need to re-apply this upcoming cycle. I am confident that I have strong letters from this current cycle and would like to use them again for the upcoming cycle. I have been using interfolio and was wondering if I just need to ask my writers to upload again with an updated date?

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I am assuming that I will need to re-apply this upcoming cycle. I am confident that I have strong letters from this current cycle and would like to use them again for the upcoming cycle. I have been using interfolio and was wondering if I just need to ask my writers to upload again with an updated date?

Never was an issue for more except for WesternU where they required a new letter.

 

[ForumUserX]

Since you're getting interviews, I don't think your numbers are the problem. My advice would be to round out your community service and clinical experience through shadowing/working/volunteering. It may not hurt to do some practice interviews too. Just so you can get in the mind set of answering questions on the spot and not be as nervous when you actually go into the real thing. Also, do some research about the school before the interview and be ready to tell them why you want to go their. It sounds like you're applying to a lot of different places with different missions and goals. You need to show them exactly why you want to go to THEIR school, not just medical school in general. One thing I learned in my interviews is that they're interviewing to see if you're a good fit for them and if they're a good fit for you.

Personally, this is my third year applying and I finally got accepted to my number one school this past week. I retook the MCAT thinking a better score would compensate for a lower gpa and found it to be a waste of time...aside from the amazon gift card they gave me for trialling the social sciences section. I just kept working my tech job in the hospital, volunteering at the science center, and shadowing. Like I said, your numbers probably aren't the problem if schools are inviting you to interview.

Perseverance is a huge part of it too. Show them you know this is what you want to do with your life and aren't going to let not getting accepted on the first (or second) try stop you.

That's just my two cents for what it's worth.

 

[goodguygreg]

Since you're getting interviews, I don't think your numbers are the problem. My advice would be to round out your community service and clinical experience through shadowing/working/volunteering. It may not hurt to do some practice interviews too. Just so you can get in the mind set of answering questions on the spot and not be as nervous when you actually go into the real thing. Also, do some research about the school before the interview and be ready to tell them why you want to go their. It sounds like you're applying to a lot of different places with different missions and goals. You need to show them exactly why you want to go to THEIR school, not just medical school in general. One thing I learned in my interviews is that they're interviewing to see if you're a good fit for them and if they're a good fit for you.

Personally, this is my third year applying and I finally got accepted to my number one school this past week. I retook the MCAT thinking a better score would compensate for a lower gpa and found it to be a waste of time...aside from the amazon gift card they gave me for trialling the social sciences section. I just kept working my tech job in the hospital, volunteering at the science center, and shadowing. Like I said, your numbers probably aren't the problem if schools are inviting you to interview.

Perseverance is a huge part of it too. Show them you know this is what you want to do with your life and aren't going to let not getting accepted on the first (or second) try stop you.

That's just my two cents for what it's worth.

Nice! And congrats must be an amazing feeling finally being accepted. Just wondering what was your original MCAT and retake score? Who knows, it might have helped get you that acceptance! Why was the retake a waste of time? I'm still on the fence about retaking, but honestly with all the ECs I got myself involved I'm now, studying for MCAT is gonna be tough.

 

[ForumUserX]

Nice! And congrats must be an amazing feeling finally being accepted. Just wondering what was your original MCAT and retake score? Who knows, it might have helped get you that acceptance! Why was the retake a waste of time? I'm still on the fence about retaking, but honestly with all the ECs I got myself involved I'm now, studying for MCAT is gonna be tough.

Thanks! My first attempt was a 26 and retake was a 28. So I say it was a waste of time because I put in a lot of effort and studying and didn't see the improvement I was hoping for. But you're right, those two points may have been all I needed. I don't know what schools you're applying to, but I feel that a 32 is a pretty solid score and unless you were told that your score was a concern for them accepting you, I wouldn't worry about it. You can always call the schools you interviewed at and get some feedback. All of the schools I interviewed at were more than happy to talk and give me some areas to improve my application for the following year. Stay motivated bud, you'll get in!

 

[CYbx2014]

Hey all, I'm intending to reapply this summer (2014-2015 cycle) and would really appreciate some advice on how to approach the reapplication process.

I applied for MD programs for the 2012-2013 cycle with a 3.82sGPA, 3.90cGPA, and 29S MCAT; I was waitlisted at Penn State and rejected everywhere else I applied (some 18 schools) without an interview. At the time I had about 100 hours of hospital volunteering and 5 pitiful hours of shadowing, as well as about a year of basic science research. I did apply late - my AMCAS was verified sometime in August 2012 and I finished my secondaries that September.

As for the changes since then, I graduated in May 2013 magna cum laude from my college and am currently serving with AmeriCorps for about 55 hours/week. I finished up another year of research and got my name on a publication, and I finished 150 hours of hospital volunteering before starting AmeriCorps. I also retook the MCAT in Aug 2013 and scored a 39, and I shadowed two other primary care physicians for 45 hours.

I thought that the 10-point jump on the MCAT would be sufficient in terms of getting me a few more interviews this time around; however, I spoke to a current med student and he told me that what I really need to do is to beef up the clinical research (I have none) and shadowing experience. It's been about 8 months since I've done anything healthcare-related and I'm afraid this will look bad, like I'm not invested in the medical field or something. However, with my full-time AmeriCorps position, I find it hard to squeeze in time for additional shadowing and volunteering and research. I also might take an additional course as a post-grad, since I didn't take biochem in college and four or five of the med schools I'm interested in applying to are requiring biochem for 2014-2015... For those of you who are postbac or working full-time, how do you manage to fit it all into your schedule? The whole thought of trying to fit everything in is stressing me out

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[BurntFlower]

I'm also going to be a reapplicant and I have one question that's been stressing me out, so I hope someone can answer it. I graduated in 2012, and I'm thinking of reapplying this year. Can I still use my extracurricular activities from undergrad in medical school applications or do extracurricular activities have an "expiration date"?

 

[goodguygreg]

Hey all, I'm intending to reapply this summer (2014-2015 cycle) and would really appreciate some advice on how to approach the reapplication process.

I applied for MD programs for the 2012-2013 cycle with a 3.82sGPA, 3.90cGPA, and 29S MCAT; I was waitlisted at Penn State and rejected everywhere else I applied (some 18 schools) without an interview. At the time I had about 100 hours of hospital volunteering and 5 pitiful hours of shadowing, as well as about a year of basic science research. I did apply late - my AMCAS was verified sometime in August 2012 and I finished my secondaries that September.

As for the changes since then, I graduated in May 2013 magna cum laude from my college and am currently serving with AmeriCorps for about 55 hours/week. I finished up another year of research and got my name on a publication, and I finished 150 hours of hospital volunteering before starting AmeriCorps. I also retook the MCAT in Aug 2013 and scored a 39, and I shadowed two other primary care physicians for 45 hours.

I thought that the 10-point jump on the MCAT would be sufficient in terms of getting me a few more interviews this time around; however, I spoke to a current med student and he told me that what I really need to do is to beef up the clinical research (I have none) and shadowing experience. It's been about 8 months since I've done anything healthcare-related and I'm afraid this will look bad, like I'm not invested in the medical field or something. However, with my full-time AmeriCorps position, I find it hard to squeeze in time for additional shadowing and volunteering and research. I also might take an additional course as a post-grad, since I didn't take biochem in college and four or five of the med schools I'm interested in applying to are requiring biochem for 2014-2015... For those of you who are postbac or working full-time, how do you manage to fit it all into your schedule? The whole thought of trying to fit everything in is stressing me out

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

First off, amazing MCAT score! That should get you some serious looks at your app. Your GPA looks good also. You got "giving back to the community" and research checked off also. You have 4 months to get in 50-100 of shadowing, and maybe some more clinical exposure. Besides that if you apply very early, I see you having a very very successful cycle. In terms balancing your schedule, I would say weekends would be a good time to volunteer in an ER. If you wanna shadow in the evenings during the week, look for surgeons. Many major surgeries happen at night that you can observe, that is if surgery interests you.

 

[goodguygreg]

Thanks! My first attempt was a 26 and retake was a 28. So I say it was a waste of time because I put in a lot of effort and studying and didn't see the improvement I was hoping for. But you're right, those two points may have been all I needed. I don't know what schools you're applying to, but I feel that a 32 is a pretty solid score and unless you were told that your score was a concern for them accepting you, I wouldn't worry about it. You can always call the schools you interviewed at and get some feedback. All of the schools I interviewed at were more than happy to talk and give me some areas to improve my application for the following year. Stay motivated bud, you'll get in!

I see your point. I wish I could call and get a straight answer on what I need to improve on. None of the schools have rejected me yet, they have either wait listed or differed decision. You think if I call them they will still be willing to look over my file and give me feedback? Or will they tell me to wait till a final decision is made?

 

[CYbx2014]

First off, amazing MCAT score! That should get you some serious looks at your app. Your GPA looks good also. You got "giving back to the community" and research checked off also. You have 4 months to get in 50-100 of shadowing, and maybe some more clinical exposure. Besides that if you apply very early, I see you having a very very successful cycle. In terms balancing your schedule, I would say weekends would be a good time to volunteer in an ER. If you wanna shadow in the evenings during the week, look for surgeons. Many major surgeries happen at night that you can observe, that is if surgery interests you.

Thanks so much for the advice! Would you suggest volunteering in an ER over other departments? I've volunteered in geriatric psych and OB/GYN, which were interesting but not that intensive...

 

[goodguygreg]

Already a reapplicant this year... Not feeling any love... What else can I improve for my third cycle?

Jeez man, I can't really see any obvious red flags, at least to the best of my knowledge. Non clinical volunteering was lacking from previous cycles, but you seem to have that taken care of. Is there a large discrepancy between your MCAT and GPA? Did you submit late? If not then I think what could be happening to you is that you and your app are coming off as "cookie cutter". This next cycle, I would focus on writing a very powerfully unique and engaging PS that sets up a chillaxbro theme that you can weave in with your secondary essays. Make adcoms be like, damn I really wanna meet this guy and ask him more about bla bla bla..

 

[ForumUserX]

I see your point. I wish I could call and get a straight answer on what I need to improve on. None of the schools have rejected me yet, they have either wait listed or differed decision. You think if I call them they will still be willing to look over my file and give me feedback? Or will they tell me to wait till a final decision is made?

The ones that have already made a final decision will probably give you feedback although some places want you to wait until May or June once the admission cycles closes. But it can't hurt to give them a call either way. Good luck!

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Hey all, I'm intending to reapply this summer (2014-2015 cycle) and would really appreciate some advice on how to approach the reapplication process.

I applied for MD programs for the 2012-2013 cycle with a 3.82sGPA, 3.90cGPA, and 29S MCAT; I was waitlisted at Penn State and rejected everywhere else I applied (some 18 schools) without an interview. At the time I had about 100 hours of hospital volunteering and 5 pitiful hours of shadowing, as well as about a year of basic science research. I did apply late - my AMCAS was verified sometime in August 2012 and I finished my secondaries that September.

As for the changes since then, I graduated in May 2013 magna cum laude from my college and am currently serving with AmeriCorps for about 55 hours/week. I finished up another year of research and got my name on a publication, and I finished 150 hours of hospital volunteering before starting AmeriCorps. I also retook the MCAT in Aug 2013 and scored a 39, and I shadowed two other primary care physicians for 45 hours.

I thought that the 10-point jump on the MCAT would be sufficient in terms of getting me a few more interviews this time around; however, I spoke to a current med student and he told me that what I really need to do is to beef up the clinical research (I have none) and shadowing experience. It's been about 8 months since I've done anything healthcare-related and I'm afraid this will look bad, like I'm not invested in the medical field or something. However, with my full-time AmeriCorps position, I find it hard to squeeze in time for additional shadowing and volunteering and research. I also might take an additional course as a post-grad, since I didn't take biochem in college and four or five of the med schools I'm interested in applying to are requiring biochem for 2014-2015... For those of you who are postbac or working full-time, how do you manage to fit it all into your schedule? The whole thought of trying to fit everything in is stressing me out

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Your friend is crazy. There is no preference for basic over clinical research. Your only problem last cycle was the MCAT.

 

[T3ckFr3s]

Looking into some DIY post-bacc options, here's hoping.