Reapply or wait a year?

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Septimusseverus

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Hi, I'm a senior and just finished a bruising application cycle; one MD interview and no acceptances. I'm thinking of reapplying for MD, but I don't know if I should do the 2013-2014 application or 2014-2015. My GPA is a 3.2 (regular and sci) but I've shown a consistent upward grade trend since beginning of junior year. MCAT is a 30T.

I really need advice on what to do, please. I don't know what I'll do in the coming year or two years; maybe find a research job, maybe take a few more classes. This cycle, I made a few key mistakes (didn't have a non-science faculty recommendation, submitted primary in mid-August, etc). I also have a few things I've done over the years that I'll be able to show schools to demonstrate I've grown a lot since last summer. But I don't know if I should be cautious and wait a full year to even apply again.

New things that weren't on last year's application:

-I'll actually apply in June instead of mid-August
- Physiology research scholarship at my university, several thousand dollars and fairly competitive
- Upward grade trend (even though my overall GPA is still about 3.2). I've also taken more difficult bio classes and even a few intro medical school classes
- More and better letters of recommendation (I have both sci and non-sci now, as well as employers and the doctor I shadowed)
- political summer 2013 fellowship in New York, very well-known and hard to get into
- more volunteering experience and in different departments (most notably the hospice where I've gotten to personally interact with dying patients, which really helped me see things from a different perspective)

So what do you think? Should I apply this June or next June?
 
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I was in nearly the same situation as you a year ago with VERY similar stats. I decided to dedicate the two months post-graduation to studying and retaking the MCAT. I banked on doing very well since I'd be submitting secondaries pretty late for my low GPA. First cycle I received no interviews, and obviously no acceptances. Second cycle with new MCAT I received four interviews and two acceptances to MD programs. With that GPA you're best bet is definitely scoring a >33. I'm glad I didn't listen to the advisors/friends that said my only option would be a hefty $$ SMP. Good luck with your decision.
 
A 3.2 might make it impossible depending on where you're from and what your background is, regardless of how early and broadly you apply. If you have a lenient state school and/or are applying as a URM you might be able to get in with that GPA. If not, you should probably consider post-bacc work to increase your GPA.
 
What ECs do you have?
Pretty Average EC's. I had pretty steep upward trend in that I got mostly A's in all my upper level chem, biochem, and biology courses...this despite a handful of C's fresh and soph year in GUR's that killed me. My greatest strength was definitely that I'm a strong interviewer, but if your upward trend is significant enough and you improve your MCAT you should be kosher. Just live and breathe MCAT practice exams.

EDIT: OH and non-URM if you're wondering...
 
Pretty Average EC's. I had pretty steep upward trend in that I got mostly A's in all my upper level chem, biochem, and biology courses...this despite a handful of C's fresh and soph year in GUR's that killed me. My greatest strength was definitely that I'm a strong interviewer, but if your upward trend is significant enough and you improve your MCAT you should be kosher. Just live and breathe MCAT practice exams.

EDIT: OH and non-URM if you're wondering...

Oh, sorry, I wasn't clear; I was asking the OP about his/her ECs.

Congrats on your two acceptances though!
 
Oh, sorry, I wasn't clear; I was asking the OP about his/her ECs.

Congrats on your two acceptances though!


Totally knew that I just honestly like touting my "pretty average EC's" 😉 haha Thanks.
 
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