Reapplicant suggestions

[icevermin]

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Hello, I am looking at reapplying to medical school. This cycle, I know my faults: I didn't apply broadly enough and I applied late (primary in August). My stats are

cGPA 3.67, sGPA 3.51, MCAT 29S (retake, got 29Q the first time). I'm looking at retaking the MCAT. This year off, I worked at a hospital for 8 months. I just lost my job though (contract ended). Any tips and suggestions as to what I can to do bolster myself (aside from the MCAT.. I want to avoid that exam..)

 

[bollywoodlover]

What's your state of residency? How competitive where the schools did you apply to? Did you apply MD/DO or both? If I were in your situation I'd probably apply with the 29. I had a 27 and got a few MD invites and a DO invite to TCOM. If you have good MD and DO state school options, those should be your best shot. I just applied to all my state schools, but I live in Texas. If you live somewhere where state schools probably aren't an option for you or a slim chance like in California, I'd apply to 15-20 MD programs (low mid tier) and then 5-8 well established DO programs. I think you have a shot at both and could land an MD acceptance at a lower tier school if the rest of your application is strong. I think you have a solid shot at a DO acceptance and would be surprised if you don't get a several DO interviews and a couple acceptances.

 

[icevermin]

I live in the state of NJ. I was rejected from both state schools and only received one II from an OOS school that subsequently waitlisted me. I applied even later to DO and am anticipating rejections, although I really want to go DO now...

 

[RegisBioMedMS]

Applying to 25 schools is kind of a lot... I think you would be better off doing your homework and choosing 15ish where you are a very good match (don't worry so much about DO or MD, just choose where you think your stats and you will fit in). Otherwise you won't produce high enough quality secondary applications and you won't get them all in on time.

If you don't have any DO specific clinical shadowing or experience, make sure you get some. There are many schools where a 29 is competitive with your GPA range, but you need to make your essays and experiences listing very compelling. If you really want to avoid the MCAT, fine, but then you need to spend that time instead on your essays and experience.