reapplicant- suggestions

[bubbles17]

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I applied for Fall 2009 and got 2 interviews- GW and Buffalo, waitlisted at both- and didn't get a spot in the end

im going to reapply next cycle (2011) and was wondering what I should do.

My stats:
3.3 science gpa
3.48 overall
MCAT: 29 (7/2008); 27(5/2008); 22(5/2007)

I have lots of clinical experience, research (both clinical and basic science)- 1 publication, 5 abstracts (3 when i applied), good letters of recommendations. currently working at a ophthalmologist office.,

So- i don't think i should take the mcat again since i have already taken it 3 times. looks bad to take it 4 times?

and for gpa- im going to take some classes this fall semester and try to get into an MPH program for spring semester. its too late for an post-bac/masters now.

any suggestions?

 

[ugob1985]

Ur stats shouldn't be too much of a problem. Take the MCAT again adn really shoot for 30..taking it 4 times is a lot but FORTUNATELY...if u apply 2011, they won't see your 2007 score anymore.

Can u give me a little more detail? How many schools did u apply to? When did you submit your primary or secondaries...timing is extremely crucial.

Good luck and you're almost there! 🙂

I applied for Fall 2009 and got 2 interviews- GW and Buffalo, waitlisted at both- and didn't get a spot in the end

im going to reapply next cycle (2011) and was wondering what I should do.

My stats:
3.3 science gpa
3.48 overall
MCAT: 29 (7/2008); 27(5/2008); 22(5/2007)

I have lots of clinical experience, research (both clinical and basic science)- 1 publication, 5 abstracts (3 when i applied), good letters of recommendations. currently working at a ophthalmologist office.,

So- i don't think i should take the mcat again since i have already taken it 3 times. looks bad to take it 4 times?

and for gpa- im going to take some classes this fall semester and try to get into an MPH program for spring semester. its too late for an post-bac/masters now.

any suggestions?

 

[gman33]

Your stats are below average in all areas. They are not terrible, but it's not good to be below average in everything.

Don't do an MPH; as this will do next to nothing to improve your application. I'd probably recommend an SMP.
If you don't want to do that, I'd apply to DO schools if you are interested.

Your app is just not that competitive for MD schools.
Not that you can't get in, but it would take some luck.
You didn't get in last time and it seems like you haven't done anything significant to improve your app.

 

[PinkIvy08]

If you got interviews and were waitlisted, you're not too bad off. Q: What have you done to bump up your application from last cycle? I did a 1-yr post-bacc. It was expensive, so I don't really recommend it...I'd say, do an informal one on your own. Take classes locally (for cheap). I mean, if money is no option, then do an SMP, but I really don't think it's necessary.

I agree with Ugob - timing is very important. We need a bit much detail

 

[bubbles17]

for this past application
-i submitted my application at the end of july since i took my mcat during the middle of july. so i was verified towards the middle of august. finished my primaries by october.
- i applied to 25 schools
-i am a california resident

since i submitted my last application-

-i have published 2 abstracts and presented them at the national meetings (which i had sent as update letters to the schools this past application cycle)- and in the process of writing these into articles.
-organized a community service event about AED and sudden cardiac death

-worked full time at an ophthalmology clinic as a technician


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plans for the additional time i have off-
*i am taking some upper division science classes at uc berkeley extension this fall while also working full-time
*applying for mph program for spring admission


SMP - to late to get into one now, and if i did do it, i would need to take 3 years off- instead of 2- which i rather not.

regrading MCAT- after 3 years its no longer on AMCAS?

thanks for your help you guys!! =)

 

[ugob1985]

I would say 2 yrs is sufficient...but really work on the MCAT and more clinical exposure since u got plenty of research!

Like everyone said ur almost there and I'm sure u'll do great the next time...truthfully!

Best wishes!

for this past application
-i submitted my application at the end of july since i took my mcat during the middle of july. so i was verified towards the middle of august. finished my primaries by october.
- i applied to 25 schools
-i am a california resident

since i submitted my last application-

-i have published 2 abstracts and presented them at the national meetings (which i had sent as update letters to the schools this past application cycle)- and in the process of writing these into articles.
-organized a community service event about AED and sudden cardiac death

-worked full time at an ophthalmology clinic as a technician


---
plans for the additional time i have off-
*i am taking some upper division science classes at uc berkeley extension this fall while also working full-time
*applying for mph program for spring admission


SMP - to late to get into one now, and if i did do it, i would need to take 3 years off- instead of 2- which i rather not.

regrading MCAT- after 3 years its no longer on AMCAS?

thanks for your help you guys!! =)

 

[silas2642]

I applied for Fall 2009 and got 2 interviews- GW and Buffalo, waitlisted at both- and didn't get a spot in the end

im going to reapply next cycle (2011) and was wondering what I should do.

My stats:
3.3 science gpa
3.48 overall
MCAT: 29 (7/2008); 27(5/2008); 22(5/2007)

I have lots of clinical experience, research (both clinical and basic science)- 1 publication, 5 abstracts (3 when i applied), good letters of recommendations. currently working at a ophthalmologist office.,

So- i don't think i should take the mcat again since i have already taken it 3 times. looks bad to take it 4 times?

and for gpa- im going to take some classes this fall semester and try to get into an MPH program for spring semester. its too late for an post-bac/masters now.

any suggestions?

Well, you don't look horrible, but you don't look great either. My suggestion to you would be to apply very, very early (like right now if you haven't already submitted amcas) and turn over those secondaries as fast as humanly possible. You also need to apply very broadly and be realistic about your chances-- Harvard is probably out.

If you really want to get in this cycle, I would also suggest applying to DO schools-- they'll probably snatch you up in a heartbeat.

 

[Food]

I don't think you should have to retake the MCAT. You already took it 3 times, and improved substantially each time. You have shown them that you did your best to reach your potential and that you reached it around 29 - that's not terrible. The fact that you were dedicated enough to try and improve is pretty admirable. With that said, your low GPA is a huge problem. I know this because I'm applying with a similar GPA and my MCAT's not even enough to "make up" for it.

I think you will have to do an academic program - masters or SMP, anything. In your case, with low GPA and MCAT you really have no other choice. Plus the fact that you're applying NEXT year really gives you about 2 years worth of time to plan something like this. That's your best bet, honestly.

There's just about nothing else left for you to try. Unless you really think you can do better on the MCAT, but I think you've done all that you can.

 

[Food]

Regarding SMP or an official post-bac - I know they are expensive and it is a little late to apply to one. BUT you can do what the others said and take some post-bac classes locally.

The fact that you got 2 interviews is really good though - I only got 1 with my app last year. Also, your 2008 MCAT should be good for the 2011 cycle.