reapplying for third time

[hfp16]

---

Members don't see this ad.

any help would be so much appreciated!

MCAT- took 3 times- 24 (2013), 23 (2014), 505 ( June 2015)
science gpa-3.79
overall gpa- 3.84

- did research in undergrad ~100 hours- nothing published though
~200 hours of volunteer work
~200 shadowing hours
- work as medical assistant at an urgent care since september 2015
- work as admin assistant at an ambulatory surgery center also since sept 2015 (owner of urgent care is also admin director at the ASC)
- getting a letter from my PI who was also a professor, another professor, one of the top hand surgeons in the state who is on the medical board at the surgery center, another physician who I have known for years, and a NP from the Urgent Care.

applying to LSU-NOLA, LSU-Shreveport, and Tulane this time. Only applied to LSU-NO last time which I know was not the smartest idea.

Met with dean of admissions at LSU-NO last June before I had taken the new mcat and gained clinical experience. He said to raise my MCAT score, which I did but I understand it isn't a great score. He also said I needed clinical experience which I now have TONS of.

Not sure what else I can improve on but I would greatly appreciate ANY advice.

 

[cabinbuilder]

You need to apply to 20+ schools, applying to only 3 schools is counter productive.
You need to apply DO.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Your highest score puts you around what's in line with what LSU will want. The problem is your two previous attempts. Your overall MCAT average comes out ot around a 25 which is scraping at LSU's 10th percentile.

You're really lucky you live in such a good state. 4th lowest MCAT average amongst MD matriculants at 29.0 in Louisiana. 90% of Louisiana residents who get into an MD school matriculate in state and you arent amongst the 10% who would be strong enough to leave. I dont really see that much point in applying OOS here. It's just going to be hard with this MCAT history and meh ECs to generate much traction at schools that can only II 5-10% of apps: if you get into an MD school it's coming in state. You do have a shot at your state schools it's just hard to say how much.

What this comes down to is how Shrevenport and New Orleans evaluate the series of MCAT scores and 3rd time applicants. You cant really predict this regardless of what lip service they say about "we'll use the highest score mostly" or "we consider reapplicants who have made improvements very viable candidates" etc.

I will say the lack of significant ECs outside of hte clinical experience youve picked up the past 8 months or so isnt helping either. No significant service commitment. Just nothing that sticks out. With this MCAT history and being a 3rd time app even in Louisiana you need other things to really carry you. The GPA helps a good bit. The ECs and the rest of your app? Not so much.

And yes you really do need to apply to DO schools. Pick at least a dozen and give them a go. You should be fine if you apply to enough of those.

 

[hfp16]

Thank you for responding to my comment @GrapesofRath.

For my ECs, I tutor high school and undergraduate students in maths/sciences. I was apart of two mentoring programs at LSU, one for incoming freshman and one for high school kids. I field marshal at soccer tournaments. I've also volunteered at women's shelters, repaired elementary schools, and was a camp counselor for 2-4 year olds. I've also played soccer my entire life. Was captain of my high school and club team and continued to play intramurals in undergrad.

what would be considered an EC that stands out?

 

[williameb23]

You have a lot of strengths in your app: GPA, clinical and nonclinical volunteering, LOR, shadowing. Research isn't what's holding you back, but 100 hours likely wasn't meaningful research. I suggest finding some ongoing studies and trying to get your name on an abstract/poster. Remove all doubt in your application so that the only thing you have to explain is the MCAT.

The multiple MCATs will hurt you. ADCOMs will see that it took you 3 times to get to the 68th percentile (average for matriculants to MD is closer to 85). Your score will put you in contention for the state schools, but Tulane will be a reach.

Being a reapplicant will hurt you. You need to apply very broadly, and I strongly consider adding DO.

I took the MCAT multiple times and was a 3-year applicant that got some acceptances this cycle - PM me if you want more details!