Reapplying next year. Need a critique.

[typoncho]

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If anyone is willing to mentor me, it would be greatly appreciated.

Retaking MCAT in January:
-Last time I took it after reviewing for a month and taking two practice tests. I received the 26 (8,8,10) that I deserved.
-Have been studying for the January MCAT since September while taking 20 hrs of upper levels this semester. I am now treating the MCAT as an investment, and bought all the available AAMC practice material, All EK 1001, and 101, and same review material. I am going to attack this test until I own it.

My stats:
sGPA: 3.78, cGPA: 3.88

ECs:
-Marine infantry veteran (4 years)
-Eagle scout
-Paramedic (NOT to be confused with EMT-B)
Worked as a security specialist/medic for diplomatic security (Dept. of State) in Baghdad for a year
Worked as a Paramedic for an ambulance company for another 7 months before starting school
-Shadowing (10 hours general surgeon)
-Working on gaining more shadowing
-Also working on getting research this next year

Notes:
-Friends (doctors) told me that my volunteering/service was taken care of by being a veteran. In light of that, I decided to focus solely on my grades during my rapid undergrad (I will finish in about 2.5 years in June). Is that generally true? I know I was paid (poorly) in the Marines, but my intent was truly altruistic and service oriented.
-Those same friends also told me to not worry so much about any clinical volunteering either due to my work as a paramedic (and given training time in the ER with doctors in order to become a paramedic.

So I guess my questions are:
-Should i diversify my shadowing more? And how much more shadowing should I have?
-Should I go ahead and try to find more volunteering? I will have limited time, as I am an expecting father in february, and taking full course load next semester. I need to maximize my time. If I am prioritizing, which looks better? (volunteering VS. research VS. shadowing)
-Any other glaring problems aside from my abysmal MCAT (Which, again, I will be OWNING in january).
-Can anyone please read my PS from last cycle. I thought it was really good, and wonder about changing it.

 

[Cawolf]

I am not a mentor, but I am curious about how broadly or where you applied?

 

[Louis C.K.]

The biggest thing I see is your lack of shadowing diversity and lowish MCAT (for MD at least). I think being a paramedic gives you excellent exposure to the medical field, although additional hospital/clinic volunteering will only help you. Your GPA is fine, and I think finishing an undergraduate in 2.5 years is highly impressive. Also, I think your military experience is very admirable, because it takes a lot of character, dedication, and courage for such an undertaking, not to mention it is very service-oriented (huge component of being a doctor). Research is important for schools with a research focus, but I know plenty of people who have had success with little to no research when applying to schools that were more service/outreach-oriented. I think if you can get some other shadowing experiences (especially a primary care physican and some specialties other than general surgery), then you will have firsthand understanding on what different types of doctors actually do on a day-to-day basis (vs. what nurses, paramedics, PAs, NPs, etc. do) and how each specialty complements one another in an integrative fashion. Do well on the MCAT (32+ -> easier said than done, I know), and I believe you will be a very attractive applicant. In addition to bulking up your application with ECs and stats, another critical component is the general application process. Be sure to get the MSAR and applying strategically. This is just as important as the years of work it takes to be qualified for medical school. Apply to schools where your numbers are close to the averages (maybe with a few reaches), and make sure your interview skills are excellent. The interview is incredibly important in determining admission decisions, and, like everything else, is just as important as solid stats, ECS, writing skills, communication ability, etc. This is just my two cents. Above all, you have to want it with everything you have, and be willing to do whatever you can to gain that shiny acceptance 🙂

 

[typoncho]

I am not a mentor, but I am curious about how broadly or where you applied?

I am a TX resident, so I applied to all TX medical schools. Also, veterans in TX receive the Hazelwood Act after their GI bill which basically pays for their graduate/medical education. My affinity for TX med schools is enough to keep my from applying anywhere else.

 

[typoncho]

The biggest thing I see is your lack of shadowing diversity and lowish MCAT (for MD at least). I think being a paramedic gives you excellent exposure to the medical field, although additional hospital/clinic volunteering will only help you. Your GPA is fine, and I think finishing an undergraduate in 2.5 years is highly impressive. Also, I think your military experience is very admirable, because it takes a lot of character, dedication, and courage for such an undertaking, not to mention it is very service-oriented (huge component of being a doctor). Research is important for schools with a research focus, but I know plenty of people who have had success with little to no research when applying to schools that were more service/outreach-oriented. I think if you can get some other shadowing experiences (especially a primary care physican and some specialties other than general surgery), then you will have firsthand understanding on what different types of doctors actually do on a day-to-day basis (vs. what nurses, paramedics, PAs, NPs, etc. do) and how each specialty complements one another in an integrative fashion. Do well on the MCAT (32+ -> easier said than done, I know), and I believe you will be a very attractive applicant. In addition to bulking up your application with ECs and stats, another critical component is the general application process. Be sure to get the MSAR and applying strategically. This is just as important as the years of work it takes to be qualified for medical school. Apply to schools where your numbers are close to the averages (maybe with a few reaches), and make sure your interview skills are excellent. The interview is incredibly important in determining admission decisions, and, like everything else, is just as important as solid stats, ECS, writing skills, communication ability, etc. This is just my two cents. Above all, you have to want it with everything you have, and be willing to do whatever you can to gain that shiny acceptance 🙂

Thanks a lot. I think that shadowing experience and my MCAT are both my weakest points. And I had no idea last year how important applying early was. My TMDSAS was complete around June 29, and Secondaries were in a few weeks later. Not awfully late, but any little thing helps.

 

[Gastrapathy]

Is your degree from a real university?

 

[typoncho]

Is your degree from a real university?

Hard Knocks U lost its accreditation with a subsequent decline of parts of American society, but now I'm presently at a University in North TX.

 

[Gastrapathy]

That didn't help. Your MCAT is marginal and your undergrad institution may be suspect (particularly if large numbers of credits were obtained via correspondence while AD).

Kill the MCAT and you'll probably get in somewhere. Apply broadly this time too. Good luck devil dog.

 

[typoncho]

I misunderstood. I received a few credits from online school while I was with DOS (12 credits). All others are from my present university. Thanks for your help.

 

[pink/\floyd]

Your ECs look great! I think you are going about it the right way.
-Increase shadowing hours
-Get your MCAT to a 30+
-Add new LORs
-Apply early and pre-write secondaries.
-Rewrite AMCAS/Essay
GL! I am sure you will get in!

 

[Doug Underhill]

Let's be straightforward- the thing you need is a better MCAT score. 26 is kind of low for DO these days, let alone MD. Your GPA is better than average, but that 26 indicates that you'll have trouble with USMLE Step 1 unless you can show that it wasn't representative of your true ability.

 

[typoncho]

Thanks everybody. Anybody willing to read my personal statement by chance?

 

[Louis C.K.]

Thanks everybody. Anybody willing to read my personal statement by chance?

Feel free to PM it to me. I applied through AMCAS (I have no experience with the TX application process), but just send along the prompt with it.

 

[ridethecliche]

I think you should shadow. Having a lot of service etc is good, as is being a paramedic, but I think that having more shadowing will help you articulate why it is that you want to be a physician.

Any interested in the uniformed service school?

 

[typoncho]

Louis C.K., For some reason I can't message you on here.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

I think volunteering and getting shadowing hours will only help. What do your LORs look like? Do you have letters from the physicians you shadowed?
I am not positive that military service excludes you from needing any volunteer work. I would think it would appear more like a job, less like volunteering. Working with underserved populations is always a big bonus, but getting paid to do it doesn't always come across the same way...
Also, I'm not sure why you made a point of saying that you're a medic not an EMT-B... I've never met a person who thinks an EMT and a medic are the same... at least not any medical professionals.

Another potential thought is to make sure people also read your secondaries... it's helpful to make sure those are as well written as your PS

 

[typoncho]

I think volunteering and getting shadowing hours will only help. What do your LORs look like? Do you have letters from the physicians you shadowed?
I am not positive that military service excludes you from needing any volunteer work. I would think it would appear more like a job, less like volunteering. Working with underserved populations is always a big bonus, but getting paid to do it doesn't always come across the same way...
Also, I'm not sure why you made a point of saying that you're a medic not an EMT-B... I've never met a person who thinks an EMT and a medic are the same... at least not any medical professionals.

Another potential thought is to make sure people also read your secondaries... it's helpful to make sure those are as well written as your PS

I agree. Military service could be seen in either light, but I should err on the side of caution and get more hours. My LORs: One from a supervisor. I was his medic on his security detail in Bdad for a year, and who put me in charge of his emergency recovery vehicle. I had a really good working relationship with him, and he wrote me a good LOR. I felt that would be a good LOR because I felt the need to capitalize on my nontraditional status. My other LOR was with a general surgeon that I shadowed. He wrote me a solid LOR as well. As for the EMT/medic explanation in my original post, most people that I meet didn't know that there was a difference. Thanks for your help.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

Any LORs from professors?!

 

[road2md]

If anyone is willing to mentor me, it would be greatly appreciated.

Retaking MCAT in January:
-Last time I took it after reviewing for a month and taking two practice tests. I received the 26 (8,8,10) that I deserved.
-Have been studying for the January MCAT since September while taking 20 hrs of upper levels this semester. I am now treating the MCAT as an investment, and bought all the available AAMC practice material, All EK 1001, and 101, and same review material. I am going to attack this test until I own it.

My stats:
sGPA: 3.78, cGPA: 3.88

ECs:
-Marine infantry veteran (4 years)
-Eagle scout
-Paramedic (NOT to be confused with EMT-B)
Worked as a security specialist/medic for diplomatic security (Dept. of State) in Baghdad for a year
Worked as a Paramedic for an ambulance company for another 7 months before starting school
-Shadowing (10 hours general surgeon)
-Working on gaining more shadowing
-Also working on getting research this next year

Notes:
-Friends (doctors) told me that my volunteering/service was taken care of by being a veteran. In light of that, I decided to focus solely on my grades during my rapid undergrad (I will finish in about 2.5 years in June). Is that generally true? I know I was paid (poorly) in the Marines, but my intent was truly altruistic and service oriented.
-Those same friends also told me to not worry so much about any clinical volunteering either due to my work as a paramedic (and given training time in the ER with doctors in order to become a paramedic.

So I guess my questions are:
-Should i diversify my shadowing more? And how much more shadowing should I have?
-Should I go ahead and try to find more volunteering? I will have limited time, as I am an expecting father in february, and taking full course load next semester. I need to maximize my time. If I am prioritizing, which looks better? (volunteering VS. research VS. shadowing)
-Any other glaring problems aside from my abysmal MCAT (Which, again, I will be OWNING in january).
-Can anyone please read my PS from last cycle. I thought it was really good, and wonder about changing it.

First of all, congrats on the baby. Really happy for you! Second, thank you for serving our country.

It looks like several great comments have already been made, so I will just emphasize a few key points and add some more.
- Clinical experience: many applicants these days have 100+ hours of shadowing experience. Regardless, I do think that it would be helpful to diversify your clinical experience.
- Research: not necessary to get in (several of my classmates at UCSF had 0 research), but it might be a smart use of your time. Why? Having publications will help you get into a better medical school AND residency programs later. All of these other things you do may help you get into medical school but your ECs (with the exception of your time as a Marine and research) more or less "reset" themselves. An entire essay can be written about finding the right lab and mentor, but it's very important to find one where you can get a fantastic LOR (not "good" LOR; good LOR just don't cut it anymore these days). Publishing is icing on the cake.
- MCAT MCAT MCAT. Essentially, none of the above points even matter if you don't raise your MCAT score significantly. Also, I would not take the MCAT until you feel that you absolutely sure you cannot possibly do anymore to prepare and that you have completely maxed out your potential. That means not being able to find another practice test you haven't done before, etc.. I would also make sure you are consistently scoring in the range you desire. If not, seek personalized help.

My ultimate advice to you is to hold off or minimize time spent on gaining clinical experience right now and devote your time to crushing the MCAT. Once you have a good score, you can then spend more time improving the rest of your application (like working on PS, preparing for interviews) and you will KNOW that this precious time you invest (time you will otherwise spend with your family) will not go to waste.

 

[typoncho]

No :/ I had really good rapport with my O-chem prof. And also from my Biochem prof. I am also working on getting research with my Biochem prof, so that will grow into a good working relationship from which I should be able to get a good LOR. I chose my old supervisor over an academic LOR to set myself further apart as a non-trad. Do you think I should replace my supervisor's LOR with my Biochem prof's LOR next year?

 

[typoncho]

First of all, congrats on the baby. Really happy for you! Second, thank you for serving our country.

It looks like several great comments have already been made, so I will just emphasize a few key points and add some more.
- Clinical experience: many applicants these days have 100+ hours of shadowing experience. Regardless, I do think that it would be helpful to diversify your clinical experience.
- Research: not necessary to get in (several of my classmates at UCSF had 0 research), but it might be a smart use of your time. Why? Having publications will help you get into a better medical school AND residency programs later. All of these other things you do may help you get into medical school but your ECs (with the exception of your time as a Marine and research) more or less "reset" themselves. An entire essay can be written about finding the right lab and mentor, but it's very important to find one where you can get a fantastic LOR (not "good" LOR; good LOR just don't cut it anymore these days). Publishing is icing on the cake.
- MCAT MCAT MCAT. Essentially, none of the above points even matter if you don't raise your MCAT score significantly. Also, I would not take the MCAT until you feel that you absolutely sure you cannot possibly do anymore to prepare and that you have completely maxed out your potential. That means not being able to find another practice test you haven't done before, etc.. I would also make sure you are consistently scoring in the range you desire. If not, seek personalized help.

My ultimate advice to you is to hold off or minimize time spent on gaining clinical experience right now and devote your time to crushing the MCAT. Once you have a good score, you can then spend more time improving the rest of your application (like working on PS, preparing for interviews) and you will KNOW that this precious time you invest (time you will otherwise spend with your family) will not go to waste.

Thanks for your advice! I've been studying for the MCAT since Sept. and I have redefined my approach. I have made literally hundreds of flash cards for each subject and have been taking full verbal tests multiple times a week. Also, last time i only took ONE AAMC practice test last time. I bought all of them + all other AAMC material. If I'm not consistently scoring +32 on the practices (which I am starting directly after finals and through the holidays), then I will reschedule. I think going over the flash cards every night after taking FL and reviewing FL is going to help tremendously.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

I'm going to say yes, probably you should use a professor instead of a boss. Bosses can talk about work ethic etcetera, but profs can talk about your ability to study & intelligence. Not sure if others have other thoughts on that...

 

[VictorAlpha]

I think you should do like all the things you asked about. Keep volunteering, keep shadowing, own that test this time. Make sure and go through all the practice problems and go through each one you got wrong, write out why exactly you got it wrong. You have some amazing experience behind you so it doesn't seem like an "if" for you; quite honestly as long as you stay focused and keep working, I don't see how you won't get in (unless something huge you haven't disclosed here).
I used to read statements for people but i am super busy now. I'll get back to that later. Best of Luck!