Reapplicant needs help picking schools

[ThreeTimer]

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Here is my story and my stats:
This will be my third and probably final application to med school. GPA 3.69. I took the MCAT in 2002 and got a 31. I applied to 13 schools very late in the application cycle because I retook the MCAT in August getting a 31 with similar subsections. I received 4 interviews which resulted in 1 rejection and 3 waitlists. I reapplied the following year thinking it was the late application that did me in. Applied to 14 schools and applied in mid July, 2003 because I was still hoping to get off the waitlist. I took some post-bac biology classes. Received 5 interviews= 4 waitlists and 1 rejection. I have taken

Now the good news. Close to 2 years later I am about to apply again after getting more research and clinical experience with an improved MCAT score of 36-11V, 13P, 12B. I am trying to generate a list of schools to apply and just hoping for any input on where to go.

Where does a 36, 3.69GPA place me this time around as a second time reapplicant? Thanks for your help.

 

[ntmed]

A 3.69 GPA and 36 MCAT is very competitive, assuming your science GPA is also 3.6 or better. For what it's worth, you should have gotten accepted with your original 3.69 GPA and 31 MCAT. Your main problem seems to be the timing of your applications.

The application cycle started 16 days ago, so if you are planning to apply, you probably should do so ASAP. Because of the early bottleneck at AMCAS, each day you delay after June 1st can add several additional days to the processing time required.

I would apply to your state school(s) plus several programs that accept out-of-state applicants. I would apply to 24 schools because you are a reapplicant and also because you application will be a bit late. You can include some competitive programs, but I would also include several middle-of-the-road schools as well. You can use MSAR as a guide (http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/msar.htm). Your premed advisor probably has a copy.

 

[ThreeTimer]

I couldn't apply before I got my scores because the system would have assumed that I was finished with my application. Therefore the schools wouldnt have seen my most recent and most important score. Plan was to finalize schools this weekend and submit then.

 

[ntmed]

I understand. Sometimes the timing of things is outside of your control. If forgot to add that http://www.studentdoc.com/medfind.html will identify schools where you are competitive based on MCAT and GPA. Good luck.

 

[cammy1313]

Well, perhaps you have shortcomings in your extracurricular activities? I mean, numbers are the meat of the application but there are certainly other factors that could be causing your application to fall short of an admittance. My numbers are far below yours and I managed to wrangle a few acceptances as a reapplicant. Also, perhaps your selection of schools needs to be refocused? I agree with ntmed in that you should apply to more than 13 schools. At least 20, including your state schools as well as low tier private institutions such as NYMC and Rosalind Franklin. But without knowing more about your application I'm not sure what else to advise.