ReApp Strategy Advice

[Chodan]

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Here's what I applied with this last cycle and received zero love:

Age: 31
MCAT: 30Q (11VR, 10PS, 9BS)
GPA: 3.3
BCPM: 3.47 (My undergrad GPA was 3.01, I've been around a 3.9 since returning to school for my prereqs, if that counts for anything.)

ECs:
A few months of research, no pub.
A few hours of volunteering; honestly I cut it because it was distracting me from my classes and family and I felt I wasn't getting any significant experience from it.

Applied to about 15 schools, but very, very late: end of October. Secondaries complete in November.

I'm pretty sure my timing sunk me. I naively tried to cram everything into this cycle for my family's sake (wife is supporting me while we pursue this).

I don't plan to retake the MCAT because I don't think I really have the time to study to make a big improvement. I have to get back to work to get some scratch flowing, or I would consider it. I have started shadowing a neurosurgeon and a neurologist, alternating weekly between the two. The surgeon is going to see about getting me into the OR, which would be awesome, obviously.

So, my biggest question is: Will adding ~150 hours of shadowing and applying early early early this time around be enough for me? I will apply more broadly, but my family situation is going to keep me in the Southeast and I'm not keen on applying somewhere that I know we won't go.

 

[nontrdgsbuiucmd]

yes on the timing -- I was denied interviews at several schools this cycle where I'd spoken with the director admissions and confirmed (after fixing several things) that I'd be a strong candidate -- after submitting secondaries around mid-September! Would suggest much earlier next year.

yes on volunteering -- 150 hrs should do the trick, having limited or no volunteer hrs is a big red flag.

Shadowing is good, some schools look at shadowing differently from clinical volunteer work; some schools also count clinical vs. non-clinical volunteer work differently if you really want to shine - may want to look into all of those categories.

MCAT looks OK, only concern would be an "ok" mcat + well-below-avg GPA may mean trouble. Sounds like no way to bump up that GPA much? It's been done -- I recall a 3.1 poster who went to Toledo a year or two back, bumping it up by taking a few more science classs (advanced ones preferably) would be suggested.

Others may disagree, but in my opinion 15 schools for next year's cycle should be fine, provided you research them carefully and apply primarily to schools where you've got a great shot at admittance. I applied to many fewer schools than that this year as a reapplicant and it worked out.

 

[dragonfly99]

Two things I am most worried about:
1) lack of clinical volunteer experience, and limited overall hours contact with docs (shadowing counts a little, but they will still expect volunteer hours). I felt the same way as you say you did when I volunteered (i.e. that I was learning nothing and they wouldn't allow me to do anything). However, hospitals are so over-regulated, they can't let you do anything really, but you've got to show that you are interested and that you have some clue about what goes on in a hospital. Also, it shows that you are willing to do things on a volunteer/unpaid basis.
2) the lower GPA, in combination with an average MCAT.

I'm also worried that you are geographically limited. However, if you live in Georgia or Florida or Louisiana (which have multiple med schools) would think that you have a shot, if you get some more clinical hours and apply much earlier this year.

You definitely applied too late last year and I think had virtually no chance of getting in applying that late. The "deadline" is not really the deadline...it's rolling admissions and pretty much people who apply that late don't get in. It's not like applying to colleges/undergrad where as long as you don't miss the deadline you still have a great shot at getting in.

If you don't have time to study, I agree with not retaking the MCAT. The problem with your score in your situation is you have a lower GPA plus low/medium MCAT. It doesn't mean you won't get in, but it just makes it harder. If you can't get in next year with your stats, you'll have to do some hard thinking about what you are willing to give up vs. not (i.e. willing to retake the MCAT again, and/or do extra classes or a special master's degree, etc. to raise the GPA).

I think you should apply to every single med school you'd consider going to, including all the schools in your state of residence.