- Joined
- Sep 26, 2018
- Messages
- 56
- Reaction score
- 137
Hey everyone! I applied for the 2018-2019 cycle, but I am currently on 5 waitlists, had 2 post-II rejections, and I am no longer waiting for additional decisions. I need to decide whether to apply back-to-back or skip a cycle. I understand that 5 waitlists means I have a good chance at acceptance, but I cannot count on that. I need to figure out whether to start updating my LORs and PS or not.
Stats/Residency:
I have a 3.65 sGPA and a 3.7 cumulative (LM 66).
MCAT 507 - CP 124 / CARS 128 / BB 127 / PS 128
I am Washington state resident. ORM. Going on my second gap year.
My school list:
Rejected Pre II
Case Western/Cleveland Clinic program - applied because I have professional connections here. Probably won't apply again.
George Washington
Virginia Tech
Standford - Do not intend on applying again
UCLA - Do not intend on applying again
Pre II Holds:
NYMC
California University of Science & Med
Rejected Post II (although not immediate rejections):
Arizona Tucson
UWSOM - Seattle
Waitlisted:
USF SELECT Program
Larner UVM
Albany
Drexel
WSU ESFCOM
Extracurriculars:
70 hours continuous volunteering at nursing unit focused on catering to patients *this had not started when I submitted my app, I simply mentioned my goal to start. I plan to continue volunteering here.
2.5 years+ of paid and unpaid research lab work in two different labs. Currently employed as a research technician at a prestigious hospital doing translational research. I have this job next cycle if I want it. Several poster presentations at international conferences, one publication, and actively working towards more publications and presentations.
8 hours helping a local church feed the homeless, just started this opportunity and it will be ongoing.
8 hours helping a not-for-profit donate medical supplies as humanitarian aid. Again, new gig, but will be continuing for the foreseeable future.
Awarded 10+ scholarships/awards related to my research and academic achievement.
100 hours of clinical shadowing. Ranges from community clinic based family practitioners to pediatric dermatologists at private institutions.
50 hours participating in activities with my pre-med society.
400 hours spanning over several years volunteering at an animal shelter.
1000+ hours horseback riding.
4000 hours non-clinic paid employment (retail/fast food).
Personal Statement:
This has been edited by several medical students, doctors, and non-medical professionals. Based off of my 7 II, I do not think this is my issue.
Activities that I plan to add to my app:
1. Volunteering to tutor adults studying for the GRE. Orientation is in May.
2. Poster presentations at 2 prestigious conferences and 1 local event.
What I plan to add to my PS:
How applying as a reapplicant has afforded me the opportunity to more deeply pursue local volunteer opportunities and my research interests. I have gotten to connect with my local community extensively over the past few months and have a greater appreciation for the diversity it contains.
I also want to highlight how reapplying has increased my determination to attend medical school and ultimately work in a field dedicated to educating and serving others.
Other changes:
I am signed up to receive post-II feedback from a couple schools in May.
Currently taking a physics II course (last pre-req needed), on track to get a good GPA.
I plan to add a few DO schools to my above application list and the following MD schools:
Virginia Commonwealth
Tulane
*I completed a primary for both of these this cycle but no secondary. Am I considered a reapplicant at these schools, and will reapplying in this situation negatively impact me?
If I should retake the MCAT, I am inclined to move back to WA and dedicate myself to this like it is a full-time job. I would take a gap in application cycles. Afterwards I would look for local volunteer opportunities and perhaps another research job. I also have a strong desire to go to UW, and I feel that moving back to WA will get the school to view me more favorably.
Alternatively, I could focus on my established volunteer opportunities where I'm currently at and I would want to reapply immediately. I have a guaranteed job here with a super supportive team. But, this is not the best environment for me to study for a retake. I feel like the MCAT is the main thing holding me back and I do not have enough new activities for an immediate reapp.
Thank you all who take the time to review my situation! Much appreciated!!!
Stats/Residency:
I have a 3.65 sGPA and a 3.7 cumulative (LM 66).
MCAT 507 - CP 124 / CARS 128 / BB 127 / PS 128
I am Washington state resident. ORM. Going on my second gap year.
My school list:
Rejected Pre II
Case Western/Cleveland Clinic program - applied because I have professional connections here. Probably won't apply again.
George Washington
Virginia Tech
Standford - Do not intend on applying again
UCLA - Do not intend on applying again
Pre II Holds:
NYMC
California University of Science & Med
Rejected Post II (although not immediate rejections):
Arizona Tucson
UWSOM - Seattle
Waitlisted:
USF SELECT Program
Larner UVM
Albany
Drexel
WSU ESFCOM
Extracurriculars:
70 hours continuous volunteering at nursing unit focused on catering to patients *this had not started when I submitted my app, I simply mentioned my goal to start. I plan to continue volunteering here.
2.5 years+ of paid and unpaid research lab work in two different labs. Currently employed as a research technician at a prestigious hospital doing translational research. I have this job next cycle if I want it. Several poster presentations at international conferences, one publication, and actively working towards more publications and presentations.
8 hours helping a local church feed the homeless, just started this opportunity and it will be ongoing.
8 hours helping a not-for-profit donate medical supplies as humanitarian aid. Again, new gig, but will be continuing for the foreseeable future.
Awarded 10+ scholarships/awards related to my research and academic achievement.
100 hours of clinical shadowing. Ranges from community clinic based family practitioners to pediatric dermatologists at private institutions.
50 hours participating in activities with my pre-med society.
400 hours spanning over several years volunteering at an animal shelter.
1000+ hours horseback riding.
4000 hours non-clinic paid employment (retail/fast food).
Personal Statement:
This has been edited by several medical students, doctors, and non-medical professionals. Based off of my 7 II, I do not think this is my issue.
Activities that I plan to add to my app:
1. Volunteering to tutor adults studying for the GRE. Orientation is in May.
2. Poster presentations at 2 prestigious conferences and 1 local event.
What I plan to add to my PS:
How applying as a reapplicant has afforded me the opportunity to more deeply pursue local volunteer opportunities and my research interests. I have gotten to connect with my local community extensively over the past few months and have a greater appreciation for the diversity it contains.
I also want to highlight how reapplying has increased my determination to attend medical school and ultimately work in a field dedicated to educating and serving others.
Other changes:
I am signed up to receive post-II feedback from a couple schools in May.
Currently taking a physics II course (last pre-req needed), on track to get a good GPA.
I plan to add a few DO schools to my above application list and the following MD schools:
Virginia Commonwealth
Tulane
*I completed a primary for both of these this cycle but no secondary. Am I considered a reapplicant at these schools, and will reapplying in this situation negatively impact me?
If I should retake the MCAT, I am inclined to move back to WA and dedicate myself to this like it is a full-time job. I would take a gap in application cycles. Afterwards I would look for local volunteer opportunities and perhaps another research job. I also have a strong desire to go to UW, and I feel that moving back to WA will get the school to view me more favorably.
Alternatively, I could focus on my established volunteer opportunities where I'm currently at and I would want to reapply immediately. I have a guaranteed job here with a super supportive team. But, this is not the best environment for me to study for a retake. I feel like the MCAT is the main thing holding me back and I do not have enough new activities for an immediate reapp.
Thank you all who take the time to review my situation! Much appreciated!!!
