Really Need Some Advice

[FutureMDGirl]

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So here is my situation🙁. I have a pretty low MCAT score and a 3.2 BCMP and 3.5 Overall GPA. I applied fairly late in the game, so I didn't apply to many schools (my advisor said if I applied to a lot I would be waisting money). I was happy went I got interviews to over half of the schools I applied to. The other schools I haven't heard anything from. So I guess a lot of it is my fault. I'm not sure what to do at this point.

1) I am going to retake the MCAT in July. Hopefully 4 months of studying will be enough. I would retake it later, but I'm worried that if I take it too late, schools won't look at my application even if I submit AMCAS as early as possible. I want everything to be EARLY this time around. Is it better to study longer and take it later, or take it earlier?

2) Should I retake some of the classes I did poorly in during the summer at my state school? I don't think my GPA is that bad, I went a fairly competitive school, but if necessary I will retake classes. One of the classes I did bad in was Physics, but I don't want to retake that again. If I take another higher level biology class will it help my GPA?

3) What should I do with my year off. I know everyone says getting a job in research, but how do people find them. I applied to several research jobs last year and got nothing.

Another advice would be great..thanks.

 

[RxnMan]

So here is my situation🙁. I have a pretty low MCAT score and a 3.2 BCMP and 3.5 Overall GPA. I applied fairly late in the game, so I didn't apply to many schools (my advisor said if I applied to a lot I would be waisting money). I was happy went I got interviews to over half of the schools I applied to. The other schools I haven't heard anything from. So I guess a lot of it is my fault. I'm not sure what to do at this point...

First, calm down. Second, congratulate yourself. I never had an interview percentage like your's, so good job.

...1) I am going to retake the MCAT in July. Hopefully 4 months of studying will be enough. I would retake it later, but I'm worried that if I take it too late, schools won't look at my application even if I submit AMCAS as early as possible. I want everything to be EARLY this time around. Is it better to study longer and take it later, or take it earlier?...

You've got some good thoughts here. Applying early is good. I also agree with doing the MCAT so that it gets on the next app. I think your timeline is pretty good. If you take the exam by July, then you can focus on getting apps out early, and by the time secondaries come back, your score should be back as well.

...2) Should I retake some of the classes I did poorly in during the summer at my state school? I don't think my GPA is that bad, I went a fairly competitive school, but if necessary I will retake classes. One of the classes I did bad in was Physics, but I don't want to retake that again. If I take another higher level biology class will it help my GPA?...

Assuming you're talking about a MCAT far less than the average matriculant (~24 country), you need to focus on that. Your GPA won't get you huge points, but it won't sink you by any means. The MCAT is the easiest thing to bring up and focusing on it is the best use of your time.

...3) What should I do with my year off. I know everyone says getting a job in research, but how do people find them. I applied to several research jobs last year and got nothing.

Another advice would be great..thanks.

Whatever you choose to do, focus on the MCAT. If you are re-doing the application process, with the idea of your score being your one hurdle to admission, then you need to focus on it exclusively. Maybe that means a job slinging coffee for 40 hrs a week, but the rest of your time needs to be on MCAT prep. Some research jobs are flexible, so they might let you have a reduced or flexible schedule when it gets closer to test time.

 

[Blade28]

OP: what was your MCAT score?

 

[desi1983]

BCMP 3.3
total 3.33
Mcat 31

I have applied to about 10 schools but havent heard back from them. Should I wait and if dont get in, reappy ( working as a Research Assistant, so hopefully that will help with the next admission cycle) or apply to caribbean schools.

Thankx

 

[gman33]

don't hijack this thread. you just opened another thread with the same question.

 

[FutureMDGirl]

Let's just say it's below the average student matriculant. Sorry I'm too embarrassed to post it.