Still waiting for decision/waiting to reapply/go to a SMP?? HELP!!!

[chicago991]

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Hi everyone,

I submitted this thread over at Pre-Allo, but I think it would be better suited here.

I am at a crossroads in my life right now and really need some help from the SDN community.

I've had to deal with some family issues and was not on the top of things with my 2007 AMCAS application. I submitted primaries to 13 different schools back in August. I submitted secondaries to two schools (Loyola and UIC). Of those two schools, only UIC got my LOR before the deadline date. My application was complete at UIC (I sent the secondary application ON the deadline date). Nonetheless, I got an interview invite on 4/27 and am still waiting for a decision. The dean said I should hear back by the end of May. I would LOVE to go to UIC, but I need to have a plan B.

Here are the options I've considered in case I don't get into UIC.

1. I was accepted to Georgetown's SMP this fall and would go there as I reapply for the '08 cycle.

2. I am currently getting my EMT-B license and would volunteer/work for a year as I reapply for the '08 cycle.

Here are my stats:

Graduated from Northwestern '06 with BA in Biology.
2005 August MCAT : 10V, 11P, 11B = 32P
BCPM: 3.63
Overall: 3.69
Volunteered in community clinics throughout college, other moderate volunteer experiences. Nothing crazy, and not much research experience except for working in a lab one summer.

Two questions:

1. There is a downward trend in my GPA (because of family issues I've had to deal with throughout my college life). I've never gotten any C's or anything below that. But I was initially getting straight A's, and later had less time to study and those A's eroded to B's. Friends have told me because of my downward trend in GPA, I should go to Georgetown SMP to strengthen my application. Others have said that it is a lot to spend, and my GPA, despite the downward trend, should allow me to get into med school. Those friends advise me to volunteer/work as an EMT for the year to add to my life experiences. Which route makes sense?

2. I've already sent in all my transcripts, filled out AMCAS, and have LORs ready for the '08 cycle. I am just waiting to press submit on or about June 5th. I am very happy with the personal statement I wrote in my '07 AMCAS. I feel it accurately captured why I wanted to be a physician. Do I have to rewrite it for the '08 AMCAS? I was only complete at UIC and the other 13 schools I applied to didn't get secondaries or LORs. Would those 13 schools look at it negatively that I didn't change my personal statement? Or would they not even care since my application wasn't complete?

Thank you, everyone, for reading this. Let me know what you think!

 

[RollWave11]

Oh! A fellow 06 Bio Northwestern grad! Woo!

I would say that an SMP would be unnecessary in your case. I would try and find a really outstanding EC that will make you stand out.

I went to an SMP over the last year bc I left NU with a 3.1 GPA and a 32 MCAT. Did an SMP at Tulane and ended up getting in there so I'm staying. I'd only SMP if you needed the GPA boost but you definitely dont need it. Even if you 4.0 your SMP it wont significantly change anything.

If you like your PS then leave it. I dont believe it will hurt your app. I've read that they arent supposed to look at back years PS if you've applied multiple times but I'm not sure. I wrote a different one on my second application cycle.

Good luck!

Go Wildcats,
Raj

 

[DrMidlife]

I agree - 3.6 is plenty, and an SMP would be a waste of money. Hit submit and be aggressive with your secondaries this time.

I think you've psyched yourself out. You didn't get accepted (yet?) this year because you only pursued 2 schools, at the end of the schedule. Those aren't good application odds even for people with 3.9's.

You got some B's, during your upper div science years, at a reputable school, during a family crisis? And you think this is a problem why? You have a 3.6. You're above the bar. Stop worrying. Go be an EMT.

Best of luck to you.

 

[mommy2three]

ditto to the two above....i think your main problem is the lateness of your secondaries this cycle.
when asked in an interview you could certainly explain the downward trend, and you can even put a few sentences about it in your ps.
i think take the year and get your emt-b get some good work experience under your belt and get your aps in early this year.
good luck 🙂