Submit app before or after getting MCAT score?

[rose1101]

I took the MCAT on May 10th and get my score on June 10th. This is my second application cycle, my previous score was a 508 (125/125/126/132). I felt more confident about this test, and my full-length practice average was around a 515. I also posted on here last cycle, and got the advice to work on my non-clinical volunteer hours which is why I started my literacy volunteering.

For this cycle, I’m considering two options: applying broadly with an expanded school list or applying early decision to NJMS. I reached out to the NJMS dean, who advised that I should have provided more detail about my academic performance and MCAT score in my secondary application. He also said that a stronger MCAT score would be necessary to be a competitive applicant and told me to follow up once I receive my new score.

All other aspects of my application are complete, and I’m currently finalizing my personal statement and Work & Activities section. Would waiting until mid-June to submit put me at a disadvantage for either the early decision or regular decision timeline? Should I just apply RD to a throwaway school at first and then add more schools after getting my score? Thanks!

Stats:

1. cGPA: 3.59 sGPA: 3.50
2. MCAT: 508 (125/125/126/132)- retook, will get score back June 10th
3. NJ resident
4. Asian
5. Public Uni
6. Clinical experience:
   1. 500 volunteer (EMT)
   2. 200 paid (medical scribe)
7. Research:
   1. neuroscience research in med school connected to my uni: 1000 hours, no pubs
   2. publication connected to another neuroscience lab: 80 hours
8. Shadowing experience and specialties represented
   1. 15 hrs: neurosurgeon
   2. shadowing through work? rheumatologist
   3. 8 hrs: obgyn
9. Non-clinical volunteering
   1. volunteer chair at my HS: 40 hours
   2. Peer mentor: 35 hours
   3. Literacy volunteer: 50 hours
10. Other extracurricular activities (including athletics, military service, gap year activities, leadership, teaching, etc)
    1. 300 hours as a peer mentor for HS students
    2. Marketing coordinator for club: 220 hours

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[Mr.Smile12]

Previously

MD Thread 'WAMC for the rest of the cycle? 3.59/508'

Dec 9, 2024

Hey, I haven't gotten any IIs yet this cycle and I'm preparing to reapply/retake the MCAT. Is there still hope for me? What else should I focus on improving? Thanks for the advice 🙂

1. cGPA: 3.59 sGPA: 3.50
2. MCAT: 508 (125/125/126/132)
3. NJ resident
4. Asian
5. Public Uni, graduating this December
6. Clinical experience:
   1. 500 volunteer (EMT)
   2. 200 paid (medical scribe)
7. Research:
   1. neuroscience research in med school connected to my uni, 1000 hours, no pubs
   2. publication connected to another neuroscience lab, 80 hours
8. Shadowing experience and specialties...

• rose1101
• Replies: 5
• Forum: What Are My Chances? WAMC Medical

Read

The Time is Right: Prehealth Application Timelines - SDN

The Student Doctor Network provides free tools, resources, and advising services to help students become health professionals.

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Do not apply early decision without discussing with their admissions team. (Okay, you did that, so I'm telling anyone else who reads this.)

We had suggested finding non-clinical volunteering activities that stretched you out of your comfort zone. I'm not sure 50 hours of literacy volunteer will fit the bill compared to food distribution (@GoSpursGo response), shelter volunteer, job/tax preparation, legal support, transportation services, or housing rehabilitation. It's still an academic activity.

We'll see how it goes.

 

[Faha]

Your lack of non clinical volunteering will limit your chances for interviews. You can wait until June 10th before submitting your application. Post your score here when available.