Should I directly reapply or take a gap year?

[Diocletian]

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So I just finished an application cycle to MD schools and no dice. I got one interview but that didn't go anywhere. I'm considering either jumping straight into the 2013-2014 application come June or take a year off and do... something, and apply in 2014-2015 cycle. Advice please?

My GPA is a 3.2 sci/nonsci, but I've shown a major upward trend (3.5+ in hard science classes for the last 2 years). Even if I take a gap year to improve grades, I don't think it'll go up past a 3.3 maybe. My MCAT is a 30T.

During this last academic year, I got a lot of honors that schools didn't get to see because I had already submitted my application: a research scholarship, a healthcare/political fellowship, improved grades, more letters of recommendation, richer volunteering experiences in the hospice, etc.

So that's why I'm thinking maybe I'll have a better shot even if I apply again immediately. But a lot of people apparently take gap years, so is that a wiser idea?

 

[Guero]

The gap years usually consist of master's degree programs and/or working in research rather than attempting to improve undergrad grades. Before I answer, did you send out update letters to your schools to let them know of all these recent improvements in your application? If not, I'd try reapplying while also applying to graduate programs in case you don't get in again. I'd also advise trying to retake the MCAT. While your score is fine, it could help to have a compensatory MCAT (e.g., 34+) to offset your lower GPAs. In the future, always send updates with info that could improve your application.

Also, don't be disheartened at not getting in the first time. Reapplicants and nontrads are becoming the norm. And congrats on the scholarship and overall improvements!

Good luck!

 

[Diocletian]

did you send out update letters to your schools to let them know of all these recent improvements in your application?

Yes, I did but not all of the schools accepted the updates. Out of the ones that did accept updates, I'm sure some didn't get a chance to look at them closely.

 

[LiveLoveLearn]

If it were me, and not knowing more details about your situation, I would take a gap year, get a job in the medical field scribing or something of that nature, rake in some more volunteer hours and retake the MCAT. Other details, such as when you applied, how broadly, what your clinical/volunteering experiences are now could make a difference, though.

 

[Guero]

Yes, I did but not all of the schools accepted the updates. Out of the ones that did accept updates, I'm sure some didn't get a chance to look at them closely.

I'd definitely take the gap year, then, echoing LiveLoveLearn's advice above. Good luck!