Second-timers

[anxiousone]

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Hi friends,

I thought I would start a thread for applicants who are reapplying to medical schools this year after being rejected in the last cycle. That way we can provide a little support and info on what we're doing differently this year. So here goes:

Started off with--
1. Top 20 school
2. Crummy GPA, 3.3
3. MCAT--31 (10-V, 10-P, 11-B)
4. M.S. Biostatistics, GPA 3.7

What am I doing different this season?
1. Applying early: I sent in my primary in November last year!
2. Stem Cell Research--Should have a couple of 1st author papers by November.

I really love medicine and if I get rejected again, I'm going in for a third try!

 

[swan02]

Ok,

Started off with:

3.6 gpa, 3.4 science, Molecular Biology Major
27 MCAT (10p 9v 8b)
Applied end of 2nd year
research experience
good volunteer work/health exposure


What is different:

3.4 gpa, 3.3 science :'(
more college experience
either:
August MCAT (apply after getting the score)
or
post-bacc program, Applied Physiology at Finch - (only apply to Finch Med Schl)

 

[Chronotropic]

Cool

Started off with
3.5 GPA 3.2 BCPM Bio major
27 MCAT 10V 9PS 8 BS
applied late last year
volunteer experience

This time around
3.45 GPA 3.15 BCPM
Aug MCAT (been scoring in the double digits so far 😀)
Research work in endocrine disruptors
Lab TA
Tutor for disadvantaged children
Possibly more volunteer work at a clinic
New LORs and PS
Graduate bio classes

 

[anxiousone]

It seems that both of you will only be able to apply after taking the August MCAT. If I had to do it over again, I would have gotten a Master's degree in a hardcore science and applied early. I think a postbacc program is a terrific plan. But I would seriously advise against waiting for the MCAT and applying late. Then again, I haven't been admitted yet, so what do I know?

 

[jhawkins]

Don't lose hope! Things can come together for those with drive and persistence! I applied 3 times, but this time I had acceptances by December!

2nd time:

3.6 gpa
29 MCAT
decent health care experience (CNA, phlebotomist)
applied late-ish (August primary, Nov. secondaries)

3rd time:

3.6 gpa
34 MCAT (retook in August 2002 while applying)
great health care experience (worked in the O.R. at major transplant hospital)
one more letter of rec, this time from a non-science prof
applied early, was on the ball with secondaries


Also, all you reappliers, I think that a little perserverence goes a long way in the eyes of adcom's. It shows maturity, commitment to medicine, and an ability to make things happen!

 

[Nefertari]

Hey guys,

We should definitely chat throughout the year. Glad to have your company for the 2nd ride! Right now, I'm getting ready to dive back in & revamp my essays before resubmitting, so I don't have a lot of SDN time. I'll try to check in later.

1) Just wondering if maybe some of you who have done post-bacc & grad classes could clarify which GPA is usually considered by adcoms for classes besides BCPM--from the amcas, do they use the CUG for "All Others" (AO) or the "Total" (which is actually weighted avg of BCPM & AO)?

2) When people mention cumulative/overall GPA, are they referring to the "Total" GPA?

Being a non-trad, I've got all kinds of #'s w/in a wide range for all those categories. In picking schools compatible w/ my interests & #'s, I'm trying to figure out which GPA would be most accurate to use for comparison. Thanks!

 

[EvoDevo]

Hi Guys:

I'm with Nefertari on this. My grade history is all over the place, so if anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them.

I'm re-applying this year as well. I applied only to my state schools last year plus one out of state and got two interviews and one waitlist. So close! So I'm casting the net wider this year.

It's nice to know that there are folks out there in similar situations! 🙂