Re-applicant for 2011-2012 cycle

[jkm07]

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First timer here to the board. I applied MD two years ago, but I didn't get in, so I've been spending the time since then to improve the app.

Numbers:
sGPA: 3.51
cGPA: 3.55
MCAT: 32

My biggest concern here is the downward GPA trend (primarily sGPA)
sGPA by year: 3.78 -> 3.62 -> 3.31 -> 3.38
cGPA by year: 3.68 -> 3.66 -> 3.34 -> 3.50

I'm currently taking a couple of post-bacc classes. Studying for the A's, of course. This would bring up the sGPA to 3.54 and cGPA to 3.57. I realize that downward trends aren't pleasing, but am I worrying a little too much? I'm not sure how bad is bad.

One other thing about grades: my post-bacc transcript will have final grades ready by the latter part of June. If I expedite the transcript to AMCAS, the verification time at this stage could be anywhere from 2-4 weeks. On the other hand, if I submit AMCAS early June without the post-bacc grades, I won't have the increased GPA. What are your suggestions as to what I should do?

ECs:
- Shadowing and non-clinical volunteering (I'll have about 50 hours each when I apply)
- 4 years hospital volunteering
- Tutoring/TA for a summer
- 3 years of clinical exp through sports medicine/athletic training
- Currently doing bench research full-time and some clinical research on the side (definitely will not have a publication by application time, but I am working on my own project, so we'll see what happens)

How am I looking for this coming cycle? I will also apply DO to maximize my chances. I'm a CA resident if that helps (Actually it doesn't...). I'm willing to go anywhere in the US for school.

Thanks a lot and I really appreciate all your help!

 

[silas2642]

Do you have any idea of why you didn't get in the first cycle? To me, you look pretty decent on paper... did you apply late, apply to only top-tier schools, was your personal statement weak, do you suspect there were any lukewarm letters of recommendation, did you have enough clinical experience at the time, etc. It would also be helpful to know if you received any invitations to interview; if you interviewed at a significant number of schools and were rejected or wait listed, then that indicates that you need to work on your interviewing skills.

For now my only advice would be pretty general, as I don't really know the specifics: Apply very, very early. As you know, most schools have rolling admissions so you could have cured cancer and not be accepted because interview slots have been filled. You're also going to want solid letters. A letter of recommendation from a physician that states, "this person will be an asset to the profession because of x, y, and z..." cannot be underestimated.

Write a good personal statement and make sure that you get someone who knows how to write to proof-read it for you. Do mock interviews and practice. Interviewing is an art, and you need to figure out how to get the admissions committee to see why they should accept you rather than the next guy based on a 20 minute encounter.

Finally, apply very broadly and save your money because this is going to cost you. However, I think you already know this. Make sure you hit all the tiers-- apply to some reaches because you never know, hit the mid-tiers and lower tiers hard.

 

[jkm07]

Thanks for the feedback!

When I first applied, I didn't have the shadowing, research or community service. This was brought up in my three interviews. I also applied mid-August and wasn't complete at most schools until mid-September. LORs were decent, and I'm definitely going to add my PI's LOR to the mix.

I will definitely be applying earlier than mid-August. I'm aiming for a late-June submission and hopefully I can be verified by mid July. I could definitely polish my interviewing skills. Thanks again!