Reapply vs Postbacc/Special Masters

[pnrxmed]

Hello! I applied this past cycle (2021-2022) and did not get any interviews. I'm a CA applicant who graduated from UC with Psychology BS. I completed majority of my science classes at a local CC while working multiple jobs since I decided to pursue medicine late in my junior year of college.

cGPA 3.44 sGPA 2.62
MCAT score(s) 500 124/124/123/129


I have another MCAT scheduled for later this May, but honestly haven't been studying for it as much as I should be due to work/family.

Extracurriculars:
ED scribe for almost 5 years
~250 hours volunteering health clinics and hospitals
~150 hours volunteering in homeless shelter
~400 hours research
~6 months as a behavioral interventionist

Other ECs:
Worked in various fast food places since 18, often holding shift leader positions. Did martial arts since 7.

I currently have a test scheduled for mid-May, but might reschedule for a later date since I had work conflicts and family problems. Right now, I'm considering pursuing a SMP vs Post-Bacc or just taking time to study for MCAT to apply for next cycle (2023).

Note: I applied to ~14 schools, most of which were DO.

Any advice would be great! Thanks!

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[ujsc]

I would recommend a postbacc and don't take MCAT again until you get through most of that material as your score could be improved by as much as 10 pts.

Never take MCAT when you don't have the time to put properly in it.

 

[chilly_md]

See Goro’s guide to reinvention below:

Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention (updated for 2021)

EDIT: Post in WAMC forum for recommended school lists. This thread isn't for that. So you want to be a doctor, but your GPA is terrible. Is that the end? Rule #1: Take a deep breath, and stop fussing. The sky is not falling. But you are going to need to reinvent yourself. This will take...

forums.studentdoctor.net

I would not think about retaking the MCAT right now. You should take classes at a local university and see how that goes. Your 500 on the MCAT was in large part due to the psych/sociology section as that was your major. A 123 on the biology/biochem section corresponds to around the 30th percentile. You will need to see if you can adjust and do well in science courses.

 

[Faha]

A DIY postbacc at a local college would be fine. You need to take enough undergraduate level science courses in order to increase your sGPA to 3.0. That may take 2 years. Do not retake the MCAT until you have taken all your postbacc courses.

 

[Goro]

Hello! I applied this past cycle (2021-2022) and did not get any interviews. I'm a CA applicant who graduated from UC with Psychology BS. I completed majority of my science classes at a local CC while working multiple jobs since I decided to pursue medicine late in my junior year of college.

cGPA 3.44 sGPA 2.62
MCAT score(s) 500 124/124/123/129


I have another MCAT scheduled for later this May, but honestly haven't been studying for it as much as I should be due to work/family.

Extracurriculars:
ED scribe for almost 5 years
~250 hours volunteering health clinics and hospitals
~150 hours volunteering in homeless shelter
~400 hours research
~6 months as a behavioral interventionist

Other ECs:
Worked in various fast food places since 18, often holding shift leader positions. Did martial arts since 7.

I currently have a test scheduled for mid-May, but might reschedule for a later date since I had work conflicts and family problems. Right now, I'm considering pursuing a SMP vs Post-Bacc or just taking time to study for MCAT to apply for next cycle (2023).

Note: I applied to ~14 schools, most of which were DO.

Any advice would be great! Thanks!

Your sGPA is lethal for every med school in this country.

Read my post on reinvention for premeds.