Second time applying with 0 II- How to best improve app?

[rosesarered]

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Hey all,

Currently in the midst of my second time applying to med schools and things are not looking good. 5 rejections (including from my state school), 1 hold. Silence from the remaining 10 (both MD and DO)

The last time I applied to medical school, I had one interview by this time (albeit at a DO school, but still). I know there is still time and I may receive an interview invite in the next few months, but I'm not confident about it. I've sent updates to all the schools that accept them (including a blurb about what I love about their schools).

QUESTION: how do you all think I should best improve my app-
1. Retake the MCAT and focus on both clinical and non-clinical volunteer activities for the next two years (if I have to reapply again I don't want to do it next cycle)
2. Work on an MPH (which I'm very interested in) and focus on both clinical and non-clinical volunteer activities
3. Both

Genetics Major, graduated early
Non-science minor
Total GPA: 3.60
1st MCAT 2014: high 20's
2nd MCAT 2016: lower 500's

Research:

• 2 pubs
• 3 years of genetics lab research

Shadowing:

• Tons and tons

Employment/other ECs:

• Currently work full time in healthcare IT
• Teaching @ religious school
• Tutoring
• Summer camp counselor
• Hospital internship
• Leadership position in Undergrad student org
• Various administrative assistant positions in clinics/academic research facilities (all throughout college)

Volunteering:

• Various hospital volunteering positions (~180 hours)
• Free clinic volunteering

I really appreciate any responses! Thanks all

 

[Faha]

Where is your state of residence? Where did you apply to for MD and DO schools? You should have no difficulty receiving multiple DO interviews with your stats if you applied to appropriate schools.

 

[rosesarered]

Where is your state of residence? Where did you apply to for MD and DO schools? You should have no difficulty receiving multiple DO interviews with your stats if you applied to appropriate schools.

I live in Wisconsin. I applied to the following schools:

1. University of New England COM (applied in late october)
2. Tuoro CA (applied in late october)
3. Tufts
4. New York Medical College- reject
5. Medical College of Wisconsin
6. Midwestern - Chicago- reject
7. Rush Medical College- Immediate family alumni connections
8. Thomas Jefferson
9. Loyola University- immediate family alumni connections
10. Albany Medical College
11. University of Arizona (Tucson)- reject
12. University of Wisconsin- reject
13. Rocky Vista University- reject
14. George Washington University-reject
15. Boston University-reject
16. Wake Forest School of Medicine- reject

I understand in retrospect I was throwing away my $ on those low yield schools, but it is truly all about location. My boyfriend and I will move wherever I get in, but we want to keep all of our options open (he wants to go back to school for engineering too). I want to stay close to family, too (midwest, upper east coast and arizona primarily).

 

[Faha]

If you are not accepted this cycle then apply broadly to at least 15 DO schools and you should receive several interviews. Apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July. If you decide to try MD schools also add schools such as:
Oakland Beaumont
Western Michigan
Quinnipiac
Creighton
Drexel
Temple
any new private MD schools that open for 2018 (Roseman, Seton Hall, etc.)
The GPA-MCAT grid shows that you have a ~40% chance for a MD acceptance with your stats. Even if you increase your MCAT to 510 that would only increase your chances to ~60%.

 

[Goro]

You've already taken the MCAT twice with little improvement, and in fact, you went down in the all important Bio component. This implies knowledge decay or inadequate prep. Therefore, I can't recommend a retake. Take Faha's advice and apply widely to DO programs.

An MPH will not make you a more competitive candidate, due to the lack of rigor of these programs.

Hey all,

Currently in the midst of my second time applying to med schools and things are not looking good. 5 rejections (including from my state school), 1 hold. Silence from the remaining 10 (both MD and DO)

The last time I applied to medical school, I had one interview by this time (albeit at a DO school, but still). I know there is still time and I may receive an interview invite in the next few months, but I'm not confident about it. I've sent updates to all the schools that accept them (including a blurb about what I love about their schools).

QUESTION: how do you all think I should best improve my app-
1. Retake the MCAT and focus on both clinical and non-clinical volunteer activities for the next two years (if I have to reapply again I don't want to do it next cycle)
2. Work on an MPH (which I'm very interested in) and focus on both clinical and non-clinical volunteer activities
3. Both

Genetics Major, graduated in 3.5 years in top 20% of class.
Jewish Studies Minor
Total GPA: 3.60
Science GPA: 3.61
1st MCAT 2014: 27 (8 PS/ 9 VR/ 10 BS)
2nd MCAT 2016: 505 (126 CP/125 CARS/125 BB/129 PSB)

 

[lostintranslation]

When did you submit your primary? I'm in a similar situation as you and can definitely empathize. Hang in there!

 

[rosesarered]

If you are not accepted this cycle then apply broadly to at least 15 DO schools and you should receive several interviews. Apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July. If you decide to try MD schools also add schools such as:
Oakland Beaumont
Western Michigan
Quinnipiac
Creighton
Drexel
Temple
any new private MD schools that open for 2018 (Roseman, Seton Hall, etc.)
The GPA-MCAT grid shows that you have a ~40% chance for a MD acceptance with your stats. Even if you increase your MCAT to 510 that would only increase your chances to ~60%.

I'm definitely open to adding more schools, but I think reapplying in June might be too soon. I'm planning on leaving my healthcare IT job in Februrary, after which I plan to volunteer more and assistant teach a genetics course at a local community college. I might also take a (very) part time job as a scribe. So perhaps that's enough?

You've already taken the MCAT twice with little improvement, and in fact, you went down in the all important Bio component. This implies knowledge decay or inadequate prep. Therefore, I can't recommend a retake. Take Faha's advice and apply widely to DO programs.

An MPH will not make you a more competitive candidate, due to the lack of rigor of these programs.

Really? Hmm. I read that long Does a Masters Really Help thread on this reapplicant's page and it looks like it got a lot of favorable responses. I also understand my scores aren't the best. The first time I took it I was taking a big course load and didn't prioritize effectively. The second time, I really buckled down and dedicated a lot of time while working full time and traveling cross country for work, but didn't perform much better. If I studied without those distractions, I feel I might do much better. Not that I want to, but still.

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely consider this.

 

[rosesarered]

When did you submit your primary? I'm in a similar situation as you and can definitely empathize. Hang in there!

Submitted 6/29
You too!

 

[Goro]

SMP, not an MPH. Go look up the difference

Really? Hmm. I read that long Does a Masters Really Help thread on this reapplicant's page and it looks like it got a lot of favorable responses. I also understand my scores aren't the best. The first time I took it I was taking a big course load and didn't prioritize effectively. The second time, I really buckled down and dedicated a lot of time while working full time and traveling cross country for work, but didn't perform much better. If I studied without those distractions, I feel I might do much better. Not that I want to, but still.

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely consider this.

 

[rosesarered]

SMP, not an MPH. Go look up the difference

There were comments about MPH in addition to the SMP. I do understand the difference. I'm going to continue doing some research personally, but it's nice to have this perspective.

 

[Goro]

SMP's are auditions for med school. MPH's are not. The former are more high risk, high reward. the latter at the minimum, can give you a backup career if Medicine is not for you.

There were comments about MPH in addition to the SMP. I do understand the difference. I'm going to continue doing some research personally, but it's nice to have this perspective.

 

[mangomaniac]

Go for the MCAT. 3.61 sGPA doesn't need to be boosted with a master's or more classes.

 

[rosesarered]

OK I've decided to register for the MCAT again in April. I think I'll still apply to the programs (it's free to do so since I applied to their corresponding medical schools) to give myself the option. But spending the next few months focused on volunteering, shadowing (DO, mostly) and studying my life away.

I'd rather not wait another few years before starting medical school- I feel ready.

 

[lostintranslation]

OK I've decided to register for the MCAT again in April. I think I'll still apply to the programs (it's free to do so since I applied to their corresponding medical schools) to give myself the option. But spending the next few months focused on volunteering, shadowing (DO, mostly) and studying my life away.

I'd rather not wait another few years before starting medical school- I feel ready.

Good luck, rosesarered!!!!! Have you checked out the MCAT subreddit? It was super helpful when I was studying for the MCAT. Anyway, wishing you all the best. 🙂 It sounds like you have exceptional experiences and that the only missing piece is the MCAT. You got this.

P.S.
I love genetics too 🙂

 

[GypsyHummus]

Podiatry?

Im surprised u got no love with those stats.

 

[rosesarered]

+ 3 more rejections since starting this. Considering this second cycle a failure. This process has drained me both emotionally and financially.

 

[femmegoblue]

You barely applied to any DO schools, 1 that is regionally specific and the other three with the highest MCAT admitted student stats. I personally wouldn't bother retaking the MCAT, apply day one to AACOMAS to 15 schools like Faha mentioned and you will be in great shape without an MCAT retake. Just do the DO shadowing and get the almighty LOR.

+ 3 more rejections since starting this. Considering this second cycle a failure. This process has drained me both emotionally and financially.

 

[gamieg]

You barely applied to any DO schools, 1 that is regionally specific and the other three with the highest MCAT admitted student stats. I personally wouldn't bother retaking the MCAT, apply day one to AACOMAS to 15 schools like Faha mentioned and you will be in great shape without an MCAT retake. Just do the DO shadowing and get the almighty LOR.

^I agree with this.

your biggest concerns seem to be applying late and your overly-hopeful school list. there are many more realistic options with your stats for the areas you specified. the midwest, arizona, and northeast yield a lot of schools. I'm also confused why you applied to Touro-CA considering.. if you're fine with going the osteopathic route, I really wouldn't spend time, money, and energy retaking the MCAT. adding to your extracurriculars and clinical experiences would be more worthwhile.

just off the top of my head, your stats would give you a good shot at:
ATSU-SOMA
KCU-COM
UNECOM
all of which fall into your desired areas.

I'd also really revamp your personal statement and activities list. those really need to be stellar if you want (especially MD) schools to overlook potentially lower stats. or justify interviewing you as opposed to other applicants with more impressive scores.

 

[rosesarered]

^I agree with this.

your biggest concerns seem to be applying late and your overly-hopeful school list. there are many more realistic options with your stats for the areas you specified. the midwest, arizona, and northeast yield a lot of schools. I'm also confused why you applied to Touro-CA considering.. if you're fine with going the osteopathic route, I really wouldn't spend time, money, and energy retaking the MCAT. adding to your extracurriculars and clinical experiences would be more worthwhile.

just off the top of my head, your stats would give you a good shot at:
ATSU-SOMA
KCU-COM
UNECOM
all of which fall into your desired areas.

I'd also really revamp your personal statement and activities list. those really need to be stellar if you want (especially MD) schools to overlook potentially lower stats. or justify interviewing you as opposed to other applicants with more impressive scores.

I didn't really apply that late to most of the schools (save for the two DO schools I added in October). I was complete for all of my other apps by mid August.

My school list was really focused around location considering a few things:
1. Proximity to family
2. Job/education prospects for my partner. He's interested in going back to school for engineering/working and we both want to make sure we have opportunities for the both of us. (lots of good engineering jobs in N cal- hence Touro.)

I understand I'm not in a position to be picky about location, especially coming on my 3rd application cycle, but I chose those places for a reason.

To your last point, where do you think my activities need a boost? I'd like to cover all of my bases here and really set myself up for success this last time around.

 

[gamieg]

I didn't really apply that late to most of the schools (save for the two DO schools I added in October). I was complete for all of my other apps by mid August.

My school list was really focused around location considering a few things:
1. Proximity to family
2. Job/education prospects for my partner. He's interested in going back to school for engineering/working and we both want to make sure we have opportunities for the both of us. (lots of good engineering jobs in N cal- hence Touro.)

I understand I'm not in a position to be picky about location, especially coming on my 3rd application cycle, but I chose those places for a reason.

To your last point, where do you think my activities need a boost? I'd like to cover all of my bases here and really set myself up for success this last time around.

I saw you mentioned that you applied in June for your primary (to AMCAS I assume), so why were you not complete until August? also what was your average turnaround time for secondaries? 3-5 days is recommended, and never later than 2 weeks from date of receipt. August isn't technically considered late, but it's not exactly early either. it's when a lot of schools receive their final surge of applications, so one whose stats/story aren't stellar may easily be overlooked. if you end up reapplying, go for first days in both AMCAS and AACOMAS, prewrite those secondaries so your turnaround time is a day or two, and never reuse personal statement/secondary essays.

I understand about considering your partner's options, and it can't be easy considering the best options for two. the truth is medicine can be a selfish field while getting there, and like you said, beggars can rarely be choosers. either way, I'd recommend being honest with yourself about what's more important: your career in medicine or the potential failure in your relationship. you've essentially placed more emphasis on the latter these past application cycles and while there's no shame in that, it really limits your options. I'm not passing judgment in any way -- it's not an easy decision and I gave up a potentially amazing relationship for this field. I know it was worth it for me, but everyone's situation is different.

also, that's not to say you ultimately have to choose between your partner or your career, just that you must be willing to risk that option. then you could apply broadly with the hope that location will work out but with the understanding that it may not. after you get your first acceptance, then you can be picky.

when I mentioned revamp your personal statement and activities list, I meant more of rewriting them and having multiple people review them. a lot of times it's more about how you present your story and the person you show yourself to be through your writing. but now that I'm looking back through your experience, it seems that volunteering is a bit sporadic for you. it's not super killer to your application, but the longevity (or lack thereof) wouldn't help you. a span of 10 hours over 3 months may call into question your commitment to helping those who aren't as fortunate to help themselves.

also how are your letters of recommendation? do you have shadowing letters, from MD or DO physicians? obtaining a DO shadowing letter can only help you for osteopathic schools.

 

[rosesarered]

I saw you mentioned that you applied in June for your primary (to AMCAS I assume), so why were you not complete until August? also what was your average turnaround time for secondaries? 3-5 days is recommended, and never later than 2 weeks from date of receipt. August isn't technically considered late, but it's not exactly early either. it's when a lot of schools receive their final surge of applications, so one whose stats/story aren't stellar may easily be overlooked. if you end up reapplying, go for first days in both AMCAS and AACOMAS, prewrite those secondaries so your turnaround time is a day or two, and never reuse personal statement/secondary essays.

I understand about considering your partner's options, and it can't be easy considering the best options for two. the truth is medicine can be a selfish field while getting there, and like you said, beggars can rarely be choosers. either way, I'd recommend being honest with yourself about what's more important: your career in medicine or the potential failure in your relationship. you've essentially placed more emphasis on the latter these past application cycles and while there's no shame in that, it really limits your options. I'm not passing judgment in any way -- it's not an easy decision and I gave up a potentially amazing relationship for this field. I know it was worth it for me, but everyone's situation is different.

also, that's not to say you ultimately have to choose between your partner or your career, just that you must be willing to risk that option. then you could apply broadly with the hope that location will work out but with the understanding that it may not. after you get your first acceptance, then you can be picky.

when I mentioned revamp your personal statement and activities list, I meant more of rewriting them and having multiple people review them. a lot of times it's more about how you present your story and the person you show yourself to be through your writing. but now that I'm looking back through your experience, it seems that volunteering is a bit sporadic for you. it's not super killer to your application, but the longevity (or lack thereof) wouldn't help you. a span of 10 hours over 3 months may call into question your commitment to helping those who aren't as fortunate to help themselves.

also how are your letters of recommendation? do you have shadowing letters, from MD or DO physicians? obtaining a DO shadowing letter can only help you for osteopathic schools.

I really don't think that's the right way to look at this. Yes, medicine is a demanding field. I understand this. Though I am not currently a medical student, I have shadowed extensively and have done my research to understand what kinds of sacrifices one is likely to have to make when pursuing this career. Plus, my father is a physician who was going through residency during my formative years. So I get it.
I am both committed to my relationship and to my future career as a physician. I don't think those two are (or should be) mutually exclusive.

It will be much harder to do, but we are both committed to this. I spoke with an adviser from my state medical school today and reviewed my application. Biggest areas for improvement are MCAT (no surprise there) and continuing to contribute to the community post-grad. My IT job is extremely demanding ~60 hour weeks w/ bi- sometimes tri- monthly cross country travel. It's inhibiting me from placing my time and effort where it should be- preparing myself for medical school. I'll be sacrificing a nice salary, but if this is what I really want, this is what I need to do.

That being said, I will also continue to shadow more DOs (I have about 15 hours of shadowing DOs, and did not have a DO letter. This is a big red flag on my DO apps and I recognize this).

I'm just not sure if I should try to reapply right away in June or pursue the MPH or do something else for a couple years and reapply for 2018-2019

 

[femmegoblue]

I really don't think that's the right way to look at this. Yes, medicine is a demanding field. I understand this. Though I am not currently a medical student, I have shadowed extensively and have done my research to understand what kinds of sacrifices one is likely to have to make when pursuing this career. Plus, my father is a physician who was going through residency during my formative years. So I get it.
I am both committed to my relationship and to my future career as a physician. I don't think those two are (or should be) mutually exclusive.

It will be much harder to do, but we are both committed to this. I spoke with an adviser from my state medical school today and reviewed my application. Biggest areas for improvement are MCAT (no surprise there) and continuing to contribute to the community post-grad. My IT job is extremely demanding ~60 hour weeks w/ bi- sometimes tri- monthly cross country travel. It's inhibiting me from placing my time and effort where it should be- preparing myself for medical school. I'll be sacrificing a nice salary, but if this is what I really want, this is what I need to do.

That being said, I will also continue to shadow more DOs (I have about 15 hours of shadowing DOs, and did not have a DO letter. This is a big red flag on my DO apps and I recognize this).

I'm just not sure if I should try to reapply right away in June or pursue the MPH or do something else for a couple years and reapply for 2018-2019

An MPH will will do absolutely nothing to bolster your app.

 

[gamieg]

I really don't think that's the right way to look at this. Yes, medicine is a demanding field. I understand this. Though I am not currently a medical student, I have shadowed extensively and have done my research to understand what kinds of sacrifices one is likely to have to make when pursuing this career. Plus, my father is a physician who was going through residency during my formative years. So I get it.
I am both committed to my relationship and to my future career as a physician. I don't think those two are (or should be) mutually exclusive.

It will be much harder to do, but we are both committed to this. I spoke with an adviser from my state medical school today and reviewed my application. Biggest areas for improvement are MCAT (no surprise there) and continuing to contribute to the community post-grad. My IT job is extremely demanding ~60 hour weeks w/ bi- sometimes tri- monthly cross country travel. It's inhibiting me from placing my time and effort where it should be- preparing myself for medical school. I'll be sacrificing a nice salary, but if this is what I really want, this is what I need to do.

That being said, I will also continue to shadow more DOs (I have about 15 hours of shadowing DOs, and did not have a DO letter. This is a big red flag on my DO apps and I recognize this).

I'm just not sure if I should try to reapply right away in June or pursue the MPH or do something else for a couple years and reapply for 2018-2019

.. if you reread what I wrote, I'm saying what you are: that they don't necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. I just mean it's a risk not only because of location, but lifestyle and commitment and the fact that it's a two-way decision on your partner's end as well.

is your state school an MD? if so, bolstering your MCAT would help, but retaking always runs the risk of doing worse, which would be really detrimental. a lot of osteopathic schools accept MD physician letters now, but securing a DO one can only help you. if you're okay with going DO and feel that you can obtain a DO letter + participate in at least one meaningful community service experience before May, I'd apply the upcoming cycle. if you want to retake your MCAT, volunteer, and shadow, 4-5 months may not be enough. an MPH probably won't do much, whether that's making your application stand out or bolstering your grades. plus I really can't stress this enough: rewrite your personal statement and make it stand out. I'm a premed advisor and I can't count the number of students I've seen who've been accepted by putting in a large amount of effort into really polishing how they write, not just what they write.

best of luck.

 

[rosesarered]

.. if you reread what I wrote, I'm saying what you are: that they don't necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. I just mean it's a risk not only because of location, but lifestyle and commitment and the fact that it's a two-way decision on your partner's end as well.

is your state school an MD? if so, bolstering your MCAT would help, but retaking always runs the risk of doing worse, which would be really detrimental. a lot of osteopathic schools accept MD physician letters now, but securing a DO one can only help you. if you're okay with going DO and feel that you can obtain a DO letter + participate in at least one meaningful community service experience before May, I'd apply the upcoming cycle. if you want to retake your MCAT, volunteer, and shadow, 4-5 months may not be enough. an MPH probably won't do much, whether that's making your application stand out or bolstering your grades. plus I really can't stress this enough: rewrite your personal statement and make it stand out. I'm a premed advisor and I can't count the number of students I've who've been accepted by putting in a large amount of effort into really polishing how they write, not just what they write.

best of luck.

Yes, it is MD. I need this last time to truly be the last time. I have a lot of thinking to do in terms of my next steps. There are a lot of options, which is nice, yet daunting. My head is spinning-- I just need to make a plan and do it.

I plan to rewrite everything (again). I revamped my personal statement completely this time and received a lot of good feedback on it, so kind of a shame that I'll have to scrap it. But I understand the need.

Thanks so much for your advice.

 

[y123]

Your list is too top heavy for your stats.
Add more DO schools and remove the reach schools

 

[hunterg5]

Where did you do your undergrad at?

 

[rosesarered]

Where did you do your undergrad at?

UW

 

[806317]

Hopefully this helps...

My app. is almost identical to yours - WI resident, same exact MCAT score, slightly higher cGPA, and slightly lower sGPA. This is currently my second cycle, and last year I applied late June. Like, this is almost eerie reading your credentials. This year I applied similarly to your list above, and was recently accepted at my top choice school.

My MCAT score remains the same from last year, and my GPA improved a bit after my senior year, but not by much. Essentially the difference which I believe made a significant impact on my app. was when I applied, and how I'm spending my gap year. I added a few new LORs, but talk is cheap, and schools would rather see something from you yourself. My advice? If you still volunteer someplace that's meaningful to you, continue doing so. Look for ways to improve within that program, ask for new opportunities, that sort of thing, and mention it. IMO an MPH or SMP won't help, and an MCAT retake won't be viewed fondly - unless of course you score 515+. Your stats are (almost) borderline, so you need to take drastic steps elsewhere to stand out. Scribing is an excellent option; the medical exposure, professional insight, and connections you might gain can only help.

Other ideas that worked for me (as far as I know) included polishing my PS and EC list a month in advance, applying to DOs as another option, and submitting the primary within the first few days. When you get secondaries, spend time researching the schools' mission and keep that in mind when writing responses, but be smart about it, and get them back promptly and without insoncistencies/errors. And if you get an interview, practice for it like it's the only one you're ever going to get, no matter how little time you have to prepare.

There are obvious ways to ensure you're not easily overlooked (applying broadly and early), but the rest is up to you. Ask yourself how much you want to practice medicine, spend the off year profitably (start looking into jobs/volunteerism, or whatever you feel is important to you now), and remain positive. This current cycle is still far from over!

Best of luck, and Go Pack.

 

[rosesarered]

Hopefully this helps...

My app. is almost identical to yours - WI resident, same exact MCAT score, slightly higher cGPA, and slightly lower sGPA. This is currently my second cycle, and last year I applied late June. Like, this is almost eerie reading your credentials. This year I applied similarly to your list above, and was recently accepted at my top choice school.

My MCAT score remains the same from last year, and my GPA improved a bit after my senior year, but not by much. Essentially the difference which I believe made a significant impact on my app. was when I applied, and how I'm spending my gap year. I added a few new LORs, but talk is cheap, and schools would rather see something from you yourself. My advice? If you still volunteer someplace that's meaningful to you, continue doing so. Look for ways to improve within that program, ask for new opportunities, that sort of thing, and mention it. IMO an MPH or SMP won't help, and an MCAT retake won't be viewed fondly - unless of course you score 515+. Your stats are (almost) borderline, so you need to take drastic steps elsewhere to stand out. Scribing is an excellent option; the medical exposure, professional insight, and connections you might gain can only help.

Other ideas that worked for me (as far as I know) included polishing my PS and EC list a month in advance, applying to DOs as another option, and submitting the primary within the first few days. When you get secondaries, spend time researching the schools' mission and keep that in mind when writing responses, but be smart about it, and get them back promptly and without insoncistencies/errors. And if you get an interview, practice for it like it's the only one you're ever going to get, no matter how little time you have to prepare.

There are obvious ways to ensure you're not easily overlooked (applying broadly and early), but the rest is up to you. Ask yourself how much you want to practice medicine, spend the off year profitably (start looking into jobs/volunteerism, or whatever you feel is important to you now), and remain positive. This current cycle is still far from over!

Best of luck, and Go Pack.

Thanks for your reply. This is encouraging. I'm not sure I want to put the time/effort to study for the MCAT again.

I'm still planning on leaving my current job in February-ish (While it is good experience, it leaves little time for much else), but then trying to figure out what comes next. If i could get some valuable shadowing (DO) + more volunteering + scribe job (for the next 1 year), would it be worth it to apply ASAP in June or take another year?

 

[806317]

I would take another year. Then, your application rides on two years of experiences (including the projected year when applying next June), as opposed to just one. You might see if there's a hospital or group that employs scribes where DOs practice, which is an easy way to kill two birds and get an LOR. And certainly continue volunteering. But, ultimately it's up to you, and whether another year older and wiser is worth being one year further away from med school. I think it is though, a new two-year experience might completely revamp your PS, will add diversity to a 3rd app., show willingness to pursue medicine, add a new LOR, etc. There are re-applicants (myself) with very similar stats that have done it, and while this past year didn't exactly leave me "time for much else", it got me in.

 

[rosesarered]

Hi guys-
wanted to provide a brief update. I received an interview invite today from Touro in CA! So excited I cried. Will focus on killing it!

 

[rosesarered]

Hi guys-
wanted to provide a brief update. I received an interview invite today from Touro in CA! So excited I cried. Will focus on killing it!

One more--- MCW!!

Miracles do happen