Should I Reapply for 2007 or do a PostBac?

[frootloop]

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Hi everybody,

This is my first post on SDN, I've been a silent reader for a while! I need advice...I'm wondering what to do from here.... I applied to 18 MD programs for 2006 and have only received one interview (Jan. 20, University of Florida) which led to the dreaded post-interview hold that can lead to a potential wait-list or rejection in April. My app. looks something like this:

3.4 GPA (3.2 BCPM) c/o 2004
37N MCAT (Aug. 2004)
ECs- work-study research, accomplishments in the arts, college dance company, sorority, literacy tutoring
Since graduation- clinical research administrative assistant in genetics, hospital volunteering

Assuming I do not get accepted anywhere, I'm looking for advice on what to do... The glaring flaw in my app. is my GPA, but enrolling in a postbac/ SMP would mean I'd have to put off applying in the next cycle and apply for 2008...but by then my MCAT would be too old for most schools! What would you do if you were me?? Any constructive advice is welcome!!!!!

Thanks

 

[frootloop]

Hi everybody,

This is my first post on SDN, I've been a silent reader for a while! I need advice...I'm wondering what to do from here.... I applied to 18 MD programs for 2006 and have only received one interview (Jan. 20, University of Florida) which led to the dreaded post-interview hold that can lead to a potential wait-list or rejection in April. My app. looks something like this:

3.4 GPA (3.2 BCPM) c/o 2004
37N MCAT (Aug. 2004)
ECs- work-study research, accomplishments in the arts, college dance company, sorority, literacy tutoring
Since graduation- clinical research administrative assistant in genetics, hospital volunteering

Assuming I do not get accepted anywhere, I'm looking for advice on what to do... The glaring flaw in my app. is my GPA, but enrolling in a postbac/ SMP would mean I'd have to put off applying in the next cycle and apply for 2008...but by then my MCAT would be too old for most schools! What would you do if you were me?? Any constructive advice is welcome!!!!!

Thanks

One last note.... apps. complete late November.

 

[jebus]

Assuming I do not get accepted anywhere, I'm looking for advice on what to do... The glaring flaw in my app. is my GPA, but enrolling in a postbac/ SMP would mean I'd have to put off applying in the next cycle and apply for 2008...but by then my MCAT would be too old for most schools! What would you do if you were me?? Any constructive advice is welcome!!!!!

Thanks

You are the female version of me. I've got a 3.3 BCPM, 36, and I was complete in November. I've got no bites on my lure and just to confuse my analogies (and I don't really like fishing) I'm looking to reboot my application stuff and try again. My scores are from 2005 so I've got the luxury of a 2 year program but....
The good news is you can both apply for 2007 and do a post-bac. There are 1 year SMPs such as the one at Georgetown. You would apply to those programs now through june. (The application is pretty simple for there, too. You just print out your AMCAS application and send it and your letters of rec along with the application fee. Want more info: here you go.) You would need to begin your application to medical school in June. (I'm sure you've learned your lesson about applying early; I know I have.) I would normally write a lot more but I'm in a bit of a pinch here with regards to time.
I hope UF works out for you and all this worrying is for naught.

 

[frootloop]

You are the female version of me. I've got a 3.3 BCPM, 36, and I was complete in November. I've got no bites on my lure and just to confuse my analogies (and I don't really like fishing) I'm looking to reboot my application stuff and try again. My scores are from 2005 so I've got the luxury of a 2 year program but....
The good news is you can both apply for 2007 and do a post-bac. There are 1 year SMPs such as the one at Georgetown. You would apply to those programs now through june. (The application is pretty simple for there, too. You just print out your AMCAS application and send it and your letters of rec along with the application fee. Want more info: here you go.) You would need to begin your application to medical school in June. (I'm sure you've learned your lesson about applying early; I know I have.) I would normally write a lot more but I'm in a bit of a pinch here with regards to time.
I hope UF works out for you and all this worrying is for naught.

Hello there, twin! (only on this website could we call ourselves kin based only on a few numbers and scores.....do you have red hair too? If so, we're talking...)

Anyways, based on your wealth of knowledge regarding Georgetown's SMP I'm assuming you plan on attending next year. Do you think it's truly necessary, or that early apps + wisdom of hindsight + some more clinical experience could = far better luck next time? I'm really hoping to avoid the whole postbac thing if possible... it seems to me that in that gray area between a 3.2 and a 3.5 gpa its value is questionable, esp. since it won't factor into your BCPM. A few people have told me unequivocally that I should NOT worry about the gpa thing and just apply to a lot of schools. A postbac is an insanely huge investment of time and money and doesn't really diversify an app. much, whereas a job/ real world experience/ more shadowing certainly does, and at a much lower price...

That being said, I am going to consider it, and thanks for the advice... I had no idea any 1-year SMPs existed. As for you, I would say that your stats are good enough for an acceptance and you shouldn't give up on its possibility, however remote at this point! Have you considered sending out any letters of interest, updates, or more rec letters? A show of interest at this point could get your application some extra attention and bump you up in the interview qeue. If my one interview day taught me anything, it's that interest counts for more than you might think. It's definitely hard to muster at this point in this miserable, discouraging, ego-crushing process, but it can make a difference.

Good luck to you!

 

[jebus]

do you have red hair too? If so, we're talking...

Anyways, based on your wealth of knowledge regarding Georgetown's SMP I'm assuming you plan on attending next year. Do you think it's truly necessary, or that early apps + wisdom of hindsight + some more clinical experience could = far better luck next time? I'm really hoping to avoid the whole postbac thing if possible... it seems to me that in that gray area between a 3.2 and a 3.5 gpa its value is questionable, esp. since it won't factor into your BCPM. A few people have told me unequivocally that I should NOT worry about the gpa thing and just apply to a lot of schools. A postbac is an insanely huge investment of time and money and doesn't really diversify an app. much, whereas a job/ real world experience/ more shadowing certainly does, and at a much lower price...

That being said, I am going to consider it, and thanks for the advice... I had no idea any 1-year SMPs existed. As for you, I would say that your stats are good enough for an acceptance and you shouldn't give up on its possibility, however remote at this point! A show of interest at this point could get your application some extra attention and bump you up in the interview queue.
Good luck to you!

I've dyed my hair red in the past, but it's not naturally red. It's black - and increasingly gray. We're not twins at all. I guess we both spoke too soon. Sigh...
I'm actually not that interested in GT's SMP. I'm just trying to look comprehensively at the options available. My scores are valid for 2 more years and I plan to spend 2 years really improving my application. I'll apply to GT but I've got my eyes fixed squarely on other programs (Boston U, Mt. Sinai; Penn has a post-bac program that looks attractive). I'm sure I look really creepy while staring like that so I'm going to stop.
Your GPA is tricky. It's especially tricky because your MCAT score is so good (way to go). My first inclination is no, you shouldn't need an SMP. I agree that clinical ECs would help you more than an SMP. You've got like 5 or 6 months to substantively address that deficiency before you re-submit the AMCAS app (and I realize you've done the smart thing by getting a job in which you'll do that). In that vein, can you email/call deans of admissions at the schools that have already rejected you (I'm sure that, like me, you're still waiting to hear anything from the overwhelming majority of schools at which your application is still outstanding) and see what they say. They might not say anything yet, but the horse's mouth is the best place for information (I think it's all the hay and those mighty teeth that render it so valuable). They haven't told me anything but I've only been rejected from 2 schools so far. I'm waiting for a number of schools - a large number, at that. If possible, you could enroll in an upper-level undergraduate science course or two while you work and do volunteering stuff. That will invariably improve your BCPM GPA while simultaneously addressing the clinical deficiencies. It would also enable you to send in updates during the next admissions cycle and tell them how much you've improved your app and about your academic success and accomplishments.
Anyway, thanks for your kind words. I've been emailing and calling admissions offices asking about my application ("It's in review", "You've been put on hold until February"; "Sir, please do not contact us and ask about your status! We will tell you if there is anything you need to know!" The last one was Temple. Um, anyway....) and I'll probably continue to do so but I've switched gears and I'm working to improve my app. To that end, I'm pretty much positive I'll be at some masters program next year. C'est la vie.
So... good luck, if you've got more questions ask them. I hope other people will respond to you, too - I'm happy to answer but other input and viewpoints are always welcome.
Keep us (me, probably) updated on your success. (It'll give me hope for my own success.)

 

[madonna]

Hi everybody,

This is my first post on SDN, I've been a silent reader for a while! I need advice...I'm wondering what to do from here.... I applied to 18 MD programs for 2006 and have only received one interview (Jan. 20, University of Florida) which led to the dreaded post-interview hold that can lead to a potential wait-list or rejection in April. My app. looks something like this:

3.4 GPA (3.2 BCPM) c/o 2004
37N MCAT (Aug. 2004)
ECs- work-study research, accomplishments in the arts, college dance company, sorority, literacy tutoring
Since graduation- clinical research administrative assistant in genetics, hospital volunteering

Assuming I do not get accepted anywhere, I'm looking for advice on what to do... The glaring flaw in my app. is my GPA, but enrolling in a postbac/ SMP would mean I'd have to put off applying in the next cycle and apply for 2008...but by then my MCAT would be too old for most schools! What would you do if you were me?? Any constructive advice is welcome!!!!!

Thanks

hey,
i think you should def reapplyfor 07, EARLY. and please dont let that mcat expire. as DU said call and find out why you were rejected so you can target your efforts on specific areas. think about your PS, your LORs.
why waste $50K if with early application you can gain acceptance. and you never know you might still get in.
i too applied late- october and my stats/EC are not spectacular. i am spending this year beefing up my ECs and planning to find out from schools that rejected me how to make my application stronger.

 

[frootloop]

hey,
i think you should def reapplyfor 07, EARLY. and please dont let that mcat expire. as DU said call and find out why you were rejected so you can target your efforts on specific areas. think about your PS, your LORs.
why waste $50K if with early application you can gain acceptance. and you never know you might still get in.
i too applied late- october and my stats/EC are not spectacular. i am spending this year beefing up my ECs and planning to find out from schools that rejected me how to make my application stronger.

Thanks for the advice... Incidentally, I got another interview yesterday!
I agree, though...I think my first move is going to be setting up some shadowing...and come May I will definitely be rewriting my PS. Five-six months is a good chunk of time to improve an application.

 

[JMC2010]

Partner I reapplied with a 3.66 gpa and a 30 on the mcat and got in this year. I applied to a lot more reasonable schools for my stats and changed my PS slightly. And applied EARLY. I think that's what hurt you this year. Keep the faith. And don't worry, a year off can be awesome. I don't think your stats justify spending the money on a post bac.

 

[JakeHarley]

If I was in that situation, I would certainly reapply...the following are things I would do:

1) Get some great EC's starting ASAP.
2) Submit every application as soon as possible
3) Apply to DO schools
4) Add some less competetive MD programs to the list

Your numbers are pretty good, I think what's missing is some more quality EC's. You might consider looking for a more leadership-oriented volunteer gig. Another thing you could do is find a shadowing opportunity. That can be difficult to do unless you know someone already. What worked for me was to call up my state Osteopathic Medical Association and ask for contact info for physicians who had expressed interest in having pre-meds shadow in their practice. That resulted in a great situation for me...>6 months of shadowing 1 day every two weeks. Not only was that significant exposure to clinical practice, but I got a great letter of recommendation out of it from someone who had actually gotten to know me.

Shadowing a DO is great for a couple of reasons:

1) They seem to be more receptive to it
2) If you decide to apply DO, many programs will want a letter of rec from a DO.
3) Having a physician LOR looks good at many MD programs too.

Good luck with your upcoming interview!!!

Jake

EDIT: Really would like to stress getting new and better EC's as soon as possible. Realistically, you only have 4-6 months to get some quality experiences before you have to submit your next (early) application 🙂

 

[prayerfulMD_MPH2009]

By the time your application was completed some medical schools already had accepted up to about 1/3 of their classes and sent invitations to a lot of people. You got in line and every year the # applications grow as the # of spots stay the same. Unless you want to be in a top 10 medschool, I believe that your stats definitely merit acceptance.

Applying early can make a huge difference. Also, if you don't want to have to retake the MCAT (why should you, since your score is excellent), reapplying in 07 would make sure that these scores do not expire.

Good luck either way

if you are concerned about the GPA you can still take classes between now and medschool but I would definitely reapply right away.

 

[dom1n1c]

Don't give up.Do what you have to do!
Do as much volunteer work as possible.
Don't lose yourself int the process.

Here is a something!

The Creighton University School of Medicine Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program is now accepting applications for the 2006-2007 academic year.

Our 2006-2007 Post-baccalaureate Program does include a program fee which will be determined after February 15, 2006.

Successful completion of this program carries a guarantee of medical school admission with a $10,000 annual scholarship to Creighton University School of Medicine.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in more details concerning the application to the program and a time line for the 2006 entering class, please log on to our website http://medicine.creighton.edu. If you follow the link to Admissions, you will find further links to the Postbaccalaureate Program application blanks and its requirements.

Our program, over the past 30 years, has been successful in preparing students for entrance into the health professions. Many of these alumni are recognized as excellent physicians who excel in their specialties.

Time is of the essence; our deadline is February 24, 2006.

Please call us at (402) 280-3925 should you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Henry C. Nipper, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for Admissions
Associate Professor, Pathology

 

[BubbleHead]

You need to FIND OUT FROM A PROGRAM WHERE YOUR WEAKNESS IS...

IT ain't your scores, don't do any more classes. You need to contact all the people who wrote you letters of recommendation and find out from them if any of them sold you out. I have read letter from pre-med advisors that stated, "I would not go to this person if they were a doctor". And that applicant had a 36, masters, publications, etc...

Ask people specifically, "Were you able to write me a positive (or strongly positive) letter. Ask them where they think you could improve your application. If they waffle, then don't use them again.

You have a hole in your boat and it isn't your scores. Find the leak and be aggressive when you do it.

Reapply and send them far and wide. I'm talking 30+ school, from top schools, to second tier, to state schools.

Those scores alone should get you interviews, you have a huge black mark on your record and you need to know what it is, or you'll never address it and no one will take you.

 

[Orth2006]

You need to FIND OUT FROM A PROGRAM WHERE YOUR WEAKNESS IS...

IT ain't your scores, don't do any more classes. You need to contact all the people who wrote you letters of recommendation and find out from them if any of them sold you out. I have read letter from pre-med advisors that stated, "I would not go to this person if they were a doctor". And that applicant had a 36, masters, publications, etc...

Ask people specifically, "Were you able to write me a positive (or strongly positive) letter. Ask them where they think you could improve your application. If they waffle, then don't use them again.

You have a hole in your boat and it isn't your scores. Find the leak and be aggressive when you do it.

Reapply and send them far and wide. I'm talking 30+ school, from top schools, to second tier, to state schools.

Those scores alone should get you interviews, you have a huge black mark on your record and you need to know what it is, or you'll never address it and no one will take you.

To the OP: I think this poster is right. Your scores are good and the problem may not lie in your GPA.

Perhaps you need a stronger Personal Statement and Better LORs. I don't think it would hurt to call schools that rejected you and find out what was wrong with your application. Then finally apply to every school in the land called USA.

Cheers and good luck to you - Don't give up

 

[frootloop]

I will definitely be contacting my letter-writers if I don't gain any acceptances, however I don't think they would be the problem... I chose them carefully and said to all of them that if they didn't think they could write me a strong letter, they were free to refuse me. You'd have to want to screw someone pretty badly to write a negative letter under these circumstances...

One of my mistakes during this cycle, IMO, was writing my PS about pathology... I was a research assistant in infectious disease pathology and worked with some MDs, one of whom wrote me a strong letter of recommendation. This was a great experience and I felt compelled to write about it in my essay. However, I reading back on it after a few months, I can see how it doesn't scream "INTERVIEW ME" seeing as the medical profession is currently looking to fill a void in primary care.

One of the main ways in which I plan on changing my application should I have to apply again is to pick a story from one of my recent volunteering experiences and completely rewrite my PS. Hopefully this will help....(btw, I definitely plan on going into patient care... the pathology thing was more of an "angle", at the time it seemed like the best thing to write about) What do you guys think?

I'd like to thank everyone for their valuable input! Definitely debunking the myth of super-competitive premeds!

 

[BubbleHead]

I will definitely be contacting my letter-writers if I don't gain any acceptances, however I don't think they would be the problem... I chose them carefully and said to all of them that if they didn't think they could write me a strong letter, they were free to refuse me. You'd have to want to screw someone pretty badly to write a negative letter under these circumstances...

One of my mistakes during this cycle, IMO, was writing my PS about pathology... I was a research assistant in infectious disease pathology and worked with some MDs, one of whom wrote me a strong letter of recommendation. This was a great experience and I felt compelled to write about it in my essay. However, I reading back on it after a few months, I can see how it doesn't scream "INTERVIEW ME" seeing as the medical profession is currently looking to fill a void in primary care.

One of the main ways in which I plan on changing my application should I have to apply again is to pick a story from one of my recent volunteering experiences and completely rewrite my PS. Hopefully this will help....(btw, I definitely plan on going into patient care... the pathology thing was more of an "angle", at the time it seemed like the best thing to write about) What do you guys think?

I'd like to thank everyone for their valuable input! Definitely debunking the myth of super-competitive premeds!

Your PS must address this.

Interview Me Because:

I love people
I love helping people
Helping people is why I get up in the morning and it motivates most decisions in my life

Without these three notions expressed in some fashion during an interview with me, I cannot in good faith recommend to the AD-COM that they strongly consider any applicant.

Additionally:

I will benefit my class in these ways, x..., y..., z...
My strengths that others can learn from are...
I've made differences in meaningful ways in the success of groups I've been involved with... (How have you helped someone on your team succeed?)

Remember this little gem:

You do not need to convince anyone why they should accept you as a medical student. The question is not why do you think we should let you in our med school. MOST APPLICANTS ARE QUALIFIED, OR OVER QUALIFIED TO PASS MEDICAL SCHOOL.

Tell me why I should agree that you, over the other 100 applicants who want your seat, deserve a shot at practicing medicine and helping people everyday for the rest of your life. If you can't convince me that your heart and soul are in it to make a difference in the lives of everyone you treat, then I'll find someone who is fully committed to helping people.

 

[jebus]

Bubblehead, are you a student interviewer?
Anyway, even though you directed this advice to the OP I'm going to use it (my numbers are pretty similar, as you can see from my earlier posts). My personal statement definitely did not address those points at all. I'm also still going to pursue an SMP (well, everyone does things differently, and I can't imagine an SMP would hurt me).
Thanks!

 

[BubbleHead]

Bubblehead, are you a student interviewer?
Anyway, even though you directed this advice to the OP I'm going to use it (my numbers are pretty similar, as you can see from my earlier posts). My personal statement definitely did not address those points at all. I'm also still going to pursue an SMP (well, everyone does things differently, and I can't imagine an SMP would hurt me).
Thanks!

At many schools the students interview, write reports to ad/coms, and even sit on the voting body that decides who is accepted (with an equal vote).

 

[frootloop]

OP here-

jebus, you requested that i keep you updated, so here's an inspirational story!

went on my 2nd interview two weeks ago....loved the school, loved my interviewers, came home to another interview at RFU/CMS on March 2.... GOT AN ACCEPTANCE from my 2nd interview 5 days later!!!!

The interviews and acceptances are still going out, people!!! don't lose hope!!! send updates!!!

 

[jebus]

WAY TO GO! You won't have to worry about post-bacs or anything like that. Congrats!

So, who's the lucky school?

Seriously, this gives me so much hope for my success (least of all because our stats are so similar) and I hope it gives others hope for their own success. I've got an interview next week so wish me luck! (pretty please?)

 

[frootloop]

WAY TO GO! You won't have to worry about post-bacs or anything like that. Congrats!

So, who's the lucky school?

Seriously, this gives me so much hope for my success (least of all because our stats are so similar) and I hope it gives others hope for their own success. I've got an interview next week so wish me luck! (pretty please?)

Florida State!!

AND BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!!!!!

 

[ambientbaby]

For anyone that is reapplying, apply to Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. They tend to look past GPA and appreciate very well rounded applicants. They accept below average applicants and in two years put out above average board scores. I applied there a few years ago.

Check into it as long as you don't mind a little snow...

 

[UMP]

MSU will overlook your scores but they really have to believe you that you want to be a PCP that will work in Michigan... good luck trying to convince them of that if you are not from the mitten state. For some reason they do like CA applicants though, but other than that it's all in-state