Reapplication Help/Feedback

[CreepyOwlThing]

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I'm almost certain that my reapplication was unsuccessful this year and I'm uncertain where I need to improve on. I previously applied in the 2023-24 cycle (no IIs) and am currently finishing up my master's degree.

CA Resident, only MD schools both cycles

MCAT & GPA:
cGPA: 3.62, sGPA: 3.55
MCAT: 508(2022)-> 510(2023)-> 521(2024)

Clinical:
320 hours as a volunteer nursing assistant at the VA (MME)

Research:
970 hours at a cell signaling biochem lab (MME), no publications or posters.

Volunteer:
~80 hours building clothing and hygiene kits at a homeless shelter

Shadowing:
~100 hours shadowing a gastroenterologist (in high school)
~15 hours shadowing a family medicine doctor at a homeless shelter

Teaching:
180 hours as an undergrad TA for two introductory bio courses (MME)

Leadership:
550 hours as a Treasurer for a non-med club
325 hours as an officer for another non-med club

My first cycle was far too top heavy and my applications and secondaries were rushed. I thought the additional hours and improved MCAT score might make a difference, but I'm not sure what to do.

 

[Faha]

Which schools did you apply to? Any interviews?

 

[CreepyOwlThing]

I applied to Albany, Albert Einstein, CUSM, Case, Cleveland Clinic, Rosalind Franklin, Drexel, Quinnipiac, George Washington, Hackensack, UNLV, Temple, NYMC, NYU-LI, Penn State, Vermont, SUNY Downstate, Arizona-Tucson, Arizona-Phoenix, UCI, UCSD, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Pitt, VCU, VTC, Wake, Wayne, Western Michigan and Wright State this cycle.

I got a pre-II hold from UCSD, Tucson, and George Washington, Rs from Case, Cleveland Clinic, and VCU (Forgot to check the required volunteer hours), and nothing from the rest.

 

[Faha]

Some schools screen at 150 hours of non clinical volunteering so accumulate another 100+ hours at the homeless shelter in case you reapply.
You could still receive interviews this cycle as the interview season extends until March.

 

[CreepyOwlThing]

Some schools screen at 150 hours of non clinical volunteering so accumulate another 100+ hours at the homeless shelter in case you reapply.
You could still receive interviews this cycle as the interview season extends until March.

Would that be the only thing I need to focus on should I also broaden my school list or try to publish my research?

 

[Faha]

Would that be the only thing I need to focus on should I also broaden my school list or try to publish my research?

Your low non clinical hours are your only weakness. Apply more broadly and I can suggest schools if you are not accepted by May 2026.