Reapplicant: cGPA 3.50, sGPA 3.36, 511 MCAT

[enchilada12]

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Hello SDN! 1st time poster, long time reader..

I am preparing to reapply to MD and DO programs, wondering what I should do differently/suggestions for schools.

cGPA: 3.50
sGPA: 3.36
*Decided to pursue premed between sophomore and junior year..GPA after that was huge upward trend 3.88, 4.00, 3.94, 3.90 last 4 semesters)
MCAT: 511 (127, 128, 127, 129)
Paid Clinical: 4000+ paid clinical hours (lead ophthalmic tech)
Shadowing: 150 hours (primary care>internal medicine>general surgery>radiology>ophthalmology)
Non-clinical volunteering: ~300 hours
Research: 600+ hours (honors thesis, was in lab for 1.5 years, no primary pubs)
Hobbies: running marathons, competitive violinist
Other: worked 20 hour/week in analytical chemistry lab throughout college
I am ORM but grew up in a rural community (>900 people).

School List from last cycle:
University of Colorado (State of Residence)
University of Utah
University of Arizona-Tucson
University of Vermont
NYMC
Tulane
Temple
Thomas Jefferson
Drexel
Penn St
*I know it wasn't wise to apply to so many public schools and only apply to 10 programs.

I received secondaries from all programs and was complete by labor day. I received 2 II and 2 waitlists, both which I have not heard from. I know I had strong LORs (2 MD, 2 PhD..part of committee letter). I am wondering what I should do differently next cycle. Other than not applying broadly enough/not enough schools, what am I lacking..are my interview skills the issue? Should I apply to post-bacc (graduated May 2016 and have been working in clinic since)?

I appreciate any feedback!

 

[Faha]

Where is your state of residence? Where were your interviews and waitlists ?

 

[enchilada12]

Where is your state of residence? Where were your interviews and waitlists ?

Colorado

II: Colorado (waitlisted mid-tier) and NYMC

 

[Faha]

I suggest applying more broadly next time and not include state public schools where you are not a resident.
Consider all these schools:
Colorado
Quinnipiac
New York Medical College
Albany
Seton Hall
Penn State
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
George Washington
Georgetown
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
NOVA MD
Oakland Beaumont
Western Michigan
Medical College Wisconsin
Rosalind Franklin
Loyola
St. Louis
Creighton
California University (new school)
Kaiser (when it opens)
Also apply to at least 6 DO schools

 

[enchilada12]

I suggest applying more broadly next time and not include state public schools where you are not a resident.
Consider all these schools:
Colorado
Quinnipiac
New York Medical College
Albany
Seton Hall
Penn State
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
George Washington
Georgetown
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
NOVA MD
Oakland Beaumont
Western Michigan
Medical College Wisconsin
Rosalind Franklin
Loyola
St. Louis
Creighton
California University (new school)
Kaiser (when it opens)
Also apply to at least 6 DO schools

Thank you for the school suggestions! Is it your opinion that a post-bacc program would not be beneficial?

 

[Faha]

A post bacc would be helpful to raise your GPA in the coming year. You would need to apply a year from now after the post bacc so those grades are available for your application.

 

[enchilada12]

@Goro @Catalystik @gonnif

Any insight as to what I need to improve on my application?

I'm questioning if I should reapply this cycle or wait. Since last cycle I was promoted at my job, did more shadowing, and got more volunteer hours. But I don't know if this is substantial enough. I'm starting to think my GPA is a big part of what is holding me back. I'm applying to SMP programs (thank you @Faha), but am worried I waited too long to have a good shot.

I appreciate any feedback!

 

[Goro]

Fine for any DO school. Start list with ICU.

Rewrite all essays.

 

[enchilada12]

Fine for any DO school. Start list with ICU.

Rewrite all essays.

What is ICU?

So as long as my PS and secondaries are different I should reapply and not take a cycle to strengthen my application? I haven't been able to get feedback on what my shortcomings were because both of the schools where I interviewed I was placed on the waitlist.