Should I do a Masters in my gap year / WAMC / advice please

[t0bes]

Ok so - I am a reapplicant this June with 521 / 38 MCAT and 3.52 cGPA. I have been working as a research assistant in a psychiatry lab since september. By application time, article will be submitted to a journal. I also presented my research at an undergraduate conference recently. I will have about 150 hours of clinical volunteering at a hospital and 40 hours clinical volunteering at a psychiatric hospital by the time I apply. psychiatry and mental health are the theme of my application: I am starting a workshop/conference for queer and trans youth, targeting this vulnerable population for early intervention. I have a BA in English and physiology.... what else... I am working on increasing accessibility to abortion for trans people in Quebec by authoring a resource pamphlet with a non-profit similar to Planned Parenthood.

also lots of non-medical paid work experience, 8 hours of shadowing, 40 hours summer research at a hospital in pathology, a 9-day voluntourism trip to Lima, Peru (medical), 40 hours volunteering at YMCA in daycare.

Should I bust my ass to finish a masters of science in psychiatry in my current lab during my gap year? It is certainly possible, but difficult. Advice and WAMC with and without masters degree please. also i have no in-state schools

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[t0bes]

@Goro @gyngyn should I wait until another year to really beef up my ECs and finish a masters? or should i apply in june with the app above?

 

[gyngyn]

A re-applicant with your stats has a bigger challenge than the average re-applicant.
Have you identified and corrected the deficit? Have you identified enough schools where you will be a first time applicant?

 

[t0bes]

A re-applicant with your stats has a bigger challenge than the average re-applicant.
Have you identified and corrected the deficit? Have you identified enough schools where you will be a first time applicant?

@gyngyn I think so. I think my PS is very strong now, whereas it was a major problem last cycle. Also, I have an LOR that essentially raves about me now, whereas they were meh last cycle. I also have an application theme now. But what you wrote makes me nervous. I was under the impression that schools saw re-application as a dedication to medicine, perseverance, etc. Why would it be necessary to apply to schools at which I am a first-time applicant? Can you recommend some schools that would be a good fit for me?

 

[gyngyn]

@gyngyn I think so. I think my PS is very strong now, whereas it was a major problem last cycle. Also, I have an LOR that essentially raves about me now, whereas they were meh last cycle. I also have an application theme now. But what you wrote makes me nervous. I was under the impression that schools saw re-application as a dedication to medicine, perseverance, etc. Why would it be necessary to apply to schools at which I am a first-time applicant? Can you recommend some schools that would be a good fit for me?

The reasons for a failed cycle with high stats are different. Can you figure out what they are?
Are you international?

 

[t0bes]

I feel like it was my PS and my LORs @gyngyn

 

[t0bes]

@gyngyn @Goro Here is my school list, and I've bolded all the ones I'm a reapplicant at. Do you foresee any problems?


Albany
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Boston University
Columbia
Commonwealth
Drexel
Hofstra
Icahn
McGill
NYMC
NYU
Quinnipiac
Rosalind Franklin
Stanford
Stony Brook
SUNY Downstate
Temple
Tufts
U Miami
UCLA
UCSF
UIC
UVM
Weill Cornell

 

[gyngyn]

I feel like it was my PS and my LORs @gyngyn

I have not yet seen a (normal) weak PS or the usual weak LOE's tank an application with stats this good. Did you get interviews?

 

[t0bes]

@gyngyn No

 

[t0bes]

@gyngyn oh I don't have any in-state schools! i'm not international because I am a US citizen, but I am a resident of Canada. I am OOS everywhere

 

[gyngyn]

@gyngyn No

Ok. Then you are right, it may have been a really bad PS or a bad LOE.
You still need a new list because any normal school is going to wonder why you weren't accepted and look at the previous application.

 

[t0bes]

@gyngyn can i have suggestions for more schools that would be a good fit?

 

[GrapesofRath]

OP you posted a similar thread in Dec with relevant info
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...-complete-all-places-early-september.1172843/

Here were the main problems
1) No state schools
2) ECs that really werent doing you any favors at all and dont make your app stand out. You basically have the bare minimum of important things like clinical experience, service etc. Bare minimum in multiple categories all adds up.
3) Written parts of the app could definitely have been an issue.
4) A list full of schools that arent particularly high yield. Either too top heavy or low yield lower tier and/or OOS public schools arent going to be high yield for someone with a 3.5/38.

How have you addressed these issues? A reapplicant with bland ECs, somewhat assymetric stats, who couldnt get one II last time faces an uphill battle to some extent. Not having state schools to lean on as a reapp who are most likely to give you consideration doesnt help either. Like gonnif said the biggest mistake made is reapplying too soon and that is something to consider here.

 

[gyngyn]

@gyngyn can i have suggestions for more schools that would be a good fit?

Very good private schools that you haven't applied to yet (Case, NW, USC...).

 

[t0bes]

@GrapesofRath thank you, your post clarifies things. I'm not international though, US citizen.

 

[t0bes]

@GrapesofRath do you agree that reapplying at schools at which I applied last cycle puts me at a disadvantage relative to last cycle at those schools? I thought they would appreciate the perseverance

 

[gyngyn]

@GrapesofRath do you agree that reapplying at schools at which I applied last cycle puts me at a disadvantage relative to last cycle at those schools? I thought they would appreciate the perseverance

Schools that are receptive to your stats are risk averse. Perseverance is common, not special.
Your stats are special.

 

[GrapesofRath]

@GrapesofRath do you agree that reapplying at schools at which I applied last cycle puts me at a disadvantage relative to last cycle at those schools? I thought they would appreciate the perseverance

Is there any chance of you being able to become a resident of any state? You are the type of person who would really benefit from having a state school or two. It doesnt even honestly have to be all that incredibly lucky of a state either.

Your best chance is always a good first app, not a reapp. The potential differences in how a reapp vs a first time app with an MCAT this high could be viewed arent particularly positive.

 

[t0bes]

@GrapesofRath I could move to new york in september but I wouldn't be considered a resident this cycle. also, I applied to a bunch of schools in new york last cycle

 

[t0bes]

@GrapesofRath @gyngyn I was also only complete in september which put me at a disadvantage whereas this cycle i will be applying first day of june

 

[gyngyn]

@GrapesofRath @gyngyn I was also only complete in september which put me at a disadvantage whereas this cycle i will be applying first day of june

If you have accurately identified the reasons for the failed cycle and apply to a sufficient number of new schools it is possible to have a successful cycle. You would be way better off with an IS school, though...

 

[GrapesofRath]

If you have accurately identified the reasons for the failed cycle and apply to a sufficient number of new schools it is possible to have a successful cycle. You would be way better off with an IS school, though...

This is true but the odds of the of the OP striking out again though are very real even with a good list. And if they strike out again theyll be a 3rd time applicant which is a whole new ball game and obstacle to face. The problem is how "good" a list can be for someone in this situation is limited. Even filling up your list with the SLUs, Case, Kecks, Cincinnati's and Rochesters of the world is still not a particularly high yield resort, it's just the best option available.

If this were my decision I think I would probably lean towards sitting this cycle out, enhance the ECs which still seem on the light side, establish residency at NY and reapply. If there is another state OP can be a resident of and wont be a reapplicant at their state schools all the better, but I dont know if the odds of getting accepted next cycle in this case are high enough that Id be willing to risk striking out again and being a 3rd time app.

 

[raiderette]

So where will you be living and working this year? It may be better for you to not be a student and acquire residency. Of course, your list is heavy on competitive East Coast schools.

Sent from my QTAQZ3 using SDN mobile

 

[Goro]

I suggest the following:



Albany
Boston University
Drexel
Hofstra
NYMC
Quinnipiac
Rosalind Franklin
Temple
Tufts
U Miami
UVM
VCU
EVMS
Jefferson
Rush (requires high service hrs)
Loma Linda (but read their list of don'ts)
Wake
U Toledo
Oakland B
Western MI
CUNY Med (if you have a lot of service)
Loyola
SLU
MCW
Hofstra (maybe)
Rochester
Dartmouth
Case
Mayo (maybe)
Creighton
Tulane
Any DO school (Beggars can't be choosy)

 

[t0bes]

@Goro you really think I don't have any chance at Icahn, SUNY Downstate, or Albert Einstein simply because I am a reapplicant? I am so sad lol

 

[Goro]

It's the GPA that concerns me for those schools. For example, at Sinai, Einstein, Pitt, you're below their 10th %ile.

State schools favor the home team, so you have to be > avg for them.

MSAR Online is your friend.

 

[t0bes]

This is true but the odds of the of the OP striking out again though are very real even with a good list. And if they strike out again theyll be a 3rd time applicant which is a whole new ball game and obstacle to face. The problem is how "good" a list can be for someone in this situation is limited. Even filling up your list with the SLUs, Case, Kecks, Cincinnati's and Rochesters of the world is still not a particularly high yield resort, it's just the best option available.

If this were my decision I think I would probably lean towards sitting this cycle out, enhance the ECs which still seem on the light side, establish residency at NY and reapply. If there is another state OP can be a resident of(it doesnt even have to be anything amazing NJ could work for this) and wont be a reapplicant at their state schools all the better, but I dont know if the odds of getting accepted next cycle in this case are high enough that Id be willing to risk striking out again and being a 3rd time app.

how bad is it to be a third-time reapplicant with my stats

 

[t0bes]

@GrapesofRath I am risk averse and your post really hits home. you are seriously making me consider sitting this app out. but at the same time I feel that i have strengthened my application significantly. also, i have a state school in canada... though they care a lot about gpa

 

[t0bes]

@Goro @GrapesofRath @gonnif I'm leaning toward applying this June because I truly feel that I identified my weaknesses and have improved on them. Do you have any advice for how I can enhance my odds for admission to make them favourable? How can further improve My ECS in the next two months to a significant degree?

 

[t0bes]

Also should I mention on my PS that I am a reapplication at the risk of causing schools I have not applied to before stigmatizing me

 

[t0bes]

Also... Sorry for the barrage of messages.. Can someone give me several good DO schools that would be a solid backup

 

[gyngyn]

Also should I mention on my PS that I am a reapplication at the risk of causing schools I have not applied to before stigmatizing me

No. Tell them only if they specifically ask (some do).

 

[Goro]

Apply when you have the best possible app, even if it means skipping an app cycle.

@Goro @GrapesofRath @gonnif I'm leaning toward applying this June because I truly feel that I identified my weaknesses and have improved on them. Do you have any advice for how I can enhance my odds for admission to make them favourable? How can further improve My ECS in the next two months to a significant degree?

 

[qkrwndo]

Ok so - I am a reapplicant this June with 521 / 38 MCAT and 3.52 cGPA. I have been working as a research assistant in a psychiatry lab since september. By application time, article will be submitted to a journal. I also presented my research at an undergraduate conference recently. I will have about 150 hours of clinical volunteering at a hospital and 40 hours clinical volunteering at a psychiatric hospital by the time I apply. psychiatry and mental health are the theme of my application: I am starting a workshop/conference for queer and trans youth, targeting this vulnerable population for early intervention. I have a BA in English and physiology.... what else... I am working on increasing accessibility to abortion for trans people in Quebec by authoring a resource pamphlet with a non-profit similar to Planned Parenthood.

also lots of non-medical paid work experience, 8 hours of shadowing, 40 hours summer research at a hospital in pathology, a 9-day voluntourism trip to Lima, Peru (medical), 40 hours volunteering at YMCA in daycare.

Should I bust my ass to finish a masters of science in psychiatry in my current lab during my gap year? It is certainly possible, but difficult. Advice and WAMC with and without masters degree please. also i have no in-state schools

You have 8 hours of shadowing. School can see that as inadequate perception into what real life medicine looks like on an everyday basis. If you don't know what you're going to be doing day to day, you can't possibly determine if you'll like it or not.

 

[aftomdhopeful]

Maybe I am just confused, but one of your major ECs sticks out to me and raises a lot of questions. Increasing abortion access for transgender people? I am no expert on trans issues, so if I am wrong, I look forward to the opportunity to learn more. Rape and violence, in addition to often being low income and homeless, are clearly huge issues for the transgender community, but I am curious about conception being a result of that. Since many transgender men are on testosterone, it would be much harder if not impossible for them to conceive, and obviously transgender women can't get pregnant. How did you address and explain this in your activity section? If I was on an admissions committee, I think I would be very unclear on what you actually did and whether this is even an issue that needed to be addressed.

 

[t0bes]

@Goro @gonnif @gyngyn Thank you very much for all the advice. I've decided to increase my clinical volunteering at the psychiatric hospital to 102 hours by the time i apply in june and also gain at least 40 hours of shadowing by the time i apply. I think that with that increased clinical exposure, my odds of an acceptance will be significantly increased.

@aftomdhopeful Adcoms have never read about the abortion project, as it is new. I will be sure to be clear about it. the issue is that spaces in which abortions are provided as well as information about abortions are extremely woman-centric. testosterone is also not a particularly effective method of contraception for trans women with intact ovaries and uterus, especially early on during transition. young trans people also do not often benefit from appropriate and targeted sexual education. here is an example scenario from our resource pamphlet for healthcare providers to better illustrate the obstacles:

Scenario: Kit is fifteen and came out as trans three years ago. His periods stopped weeks ago, but he thought nothing of it. He didn’ t realize he was pregnant until a few days ago, when he fainted at school and was taken to the hospital. In the emergency room, he found out that he was 22 weeks pregnant. The nurse was shocked, and said as much.“Did you notice that your periods were gone? Do your partners always wear condoms? You are, after all, still a girl even if you dress like a boy. Being pregnant illustrates that. Only women get pregnant.” Kit needs an abortion but doesn’ t know how to access one. He didn’ t feel like he could ask the nurse. When he got home, his searched online and found nothing. It seems he will need to travel out of province because he’ s so far along.

Obstacle: Kit is like other trans youth, and is uneducated on his own reproductive capacities. He sees his lack of period as a good thing –he’ s a boy, and doesn’ t want a period. He feels judged by the nurse for not recognizing he was pregnant and his gender identity is dismissed. The nurse’ s perception of pregnancy and abortion is that these are experiences unique to women, as opposed to recognizing that these are experiences of female-assigned people and Kit can identify as male, a boy, and be pregnant. Kit is left feeling like going through with the pregnancy is his only option, and that it’ s his fault – if he was a girl, he would have known.

Recommendations:·Trans youth are frequently at a disadvantage when it comes to sexual and reproductive health. Primary care providers can educate their trans clients about their reproductive capacities and sexual health. Campaigns could be developed that reflect the experiences of trans youth. If Kit had received trans-specific sexual and reproductive education, he could have prevented his pregnancy, or been aware of his pregnancy earlier, and been able to make an informed decision about what to do.Health professionals working in abortion clinics and elsewhere need to recognize the diversity of trans experiences, and that pregnancy (abortion, lactation, menstruation, semen production, menopause, etc) are not unique to cisgender men and women. Trans people can be pregnant, breastfeed, produce sperm, menstruate and the like, without this experience undermining their gender identity. On the other hand, some trans people may feel discomfort because these experiences are so commonly understood as cisgender, and should be counselled against any shame or blame.

 

[aftomdhopeful]

@Goro @gonnif @gyngyn Thank you very much for all the advice. I've decided to increase my clinical volunteering at the psychiatric hospital to 102 hours by the time i apply in june and also gain at least 40 hours of shadowing by the time i apply. I think that with that increased clinical exposure, my odds of an acceptance will be significantly increased.

@aftomdhopeful Adcoms have never read about the abortion project, as it is new. I will be sure to be clear about it. the issue is that spaces in which abortions are provided as well as information about abortions are extremely woman-centric. testosterone is also not a particularly effective method of contraception for trans women with intact ovaries and uterus, especially early on during transition. young trans people also do not often benefit from appropriate and targeted sexual education. here is an example scenario from our resource pamphlet for healthcare providers to better illustrate the obstacles:

Thanks for enlightening me! This is a very interesting topic. The first paragraph has some really good information identifying the problem, so I imagine you can find a way to explain it even in the limited space you have.