Should I reapply?

[Mochigirl]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey guys,

While I'm waiting to hear back from UC Davis medical school about whether I'll get off the waitlist, I'm seriously contemplating about reapplying this June. However, I'm hoping if I can get some input if it's a good idea or not. My stats are GPA: 3.88, MCAT: 29R. I have had close to 4 years of academic research experience, of which 2 are from working on an independent research project during my undergrad and 2 years as lab tech and manager. Apart from that I've had nearly 3 years of hospital volunteering experience in various departments and some at free-clinics. The downside is that I have to wait until late fall before I can submit my manuscript for my undergraduate research work. On top of that, my current lab won't be publishing until July-August. Thus, I don't have a publication yet.

I think my main issue from last cycle was applying late. I submitted my primary at the end of August, verified in mid-September and completed my secondaries until December. In the meantime, I've started a new volunteer position at a free clinic to study trends of cardiovascular disease in our female patient population. Additionally, I'm planning to submit the abstract of my research paper to a large conference in July, with my professor who will present my work.

Apart from that, my other weakness is my MCAT score. Unfortunately, I do not feel adequately prepared to retake the MCAT in May/June and do better.

So I'm trying to decide if I'll have a better chance applying early (June) this year. And that my low MCAT score is forgivable given my other achievements from undergrad and research experiences. Should I try to reapply or wait another year to retake my MCAT? If I do reapply this year, what else can I do to improve my application? I've heard that rewriting your personal statement and getting updated letters helps as well.

 

[Goro]

Frankly, it's foolish to place all your hopes on a single bump from wait list. So, suggest going through the cycle again, apply early, and aim for private, not public school which are more lenient on MCATs below 30, like, say, NYMC and Rosy Franklin. The UC system is pretty competitive, so UCD may be your best shot there, or try UCI and UCR if you can, as my colleague gygyn points out, a commitment to rural/underserved medicine and/or their particular missions.

TUCOM-CA and Western would take you in a heartbeat, if you're set on staying in CA.

I don't think re-taking the MCAT is worth it, given your excellent numbers otherwise. So, aim low-mid tier and you should be OK.


So I'm trying to decide if I'll have a better chance applying early (June) this year. And that my low MCAT score is forgivable given my other achievements from undergrad and research experiences. Should I try to reapply or wait another year to retake my MCAT? If I do reapply this year, what else can I do to improve my application? I've heard that rewriting your personal statement and getting updated letters helps as well.[/QUOTE]

 

[gyngyn]

Where did you apply and where did you get interviews?

You can certainly become a physician with your current numbers. An early, well-honed application to at least a dozen schools where you have a good chance at an interview should do the trick.

In CA, as a re-applicant, you realistically have UCR or Loma Linda if you're good with their missions (as previously noted!) or Touro and Western.

Hopefully you will have luck with the waitlist at Davis.