Reapplicant Advice

[Northeastern87]

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Hello everyone,

I am a reapplicant as I applied last year and did not even get an interview. I scored 27Q 10V 9P 8B on my first MCAT 5/09 (while I had mono) and somehow did worse on another one in the same summer while healthy (25O 9V 8P 8B. 8/31...big mistake).

I retook the MCAT this summer and improved to a 32R 9V 12P 11B. I feel as though my MCAT scores were the most glaring reason that I did not get an interview but was wondering about other ways to boost my application.

My personal statement was reviewed by many people and I am currently revamping it to include a paragraph describing what I will do during my gap year.

My undergrad gpa was
-Cumulative: 3.72
-Science: 3.85

One thing I am wondering about is how important research is. I have loads of community service and volunteer experiences and worked in a rehab hospital for six months last year. Yet I have no research experience and reading the MSAR it seems like most admitted applicants do. Should I wait another year and try to get some research experience? I am currently applying to research jobs in the Boston area, where I am from.

Any other ways to improve? Suggestions welcome and thank you in advance.

 

[chibrown01]

The thing about research is that u shouldn't do it if you are not interested. Find other ways to make yourself shine. If u do research just to get an acceptance, then chances are you will be asked about it during an interview and it may be obvious that you were not interested.

I didn't have research my 1st cycle. This summer I did research with my favorite teacher. And it turns out that I really like it (field plant stuff not test tube stuff).
Maybe you should get with ur local university and get with a teacher and see you like it, or get the research job to get money. Who knows, u just may like it.

 

[dragonfly99]

I think your plan is OK. I agree the low MCAT probably got you screened out at some places last year.