I'm currently applying to MD programs. I've had a few interviews, but no acceptances yet. I know there is a chance I may have to reapply next year and I'm wondering which parts of my application to focus on strengthening.
I know that the two biggest things I should focus on is an MCAT retake and applying earlier. I got a 30 on my MCAT (9 PS, 10 V, 11 BS). I'm signed up for another Kaplan MCAT review course (it's a free repeat of the one I took before my last test date) and that starts in February. I would retake the MCAT in the end of April.
I don't know what else, if anything, I should do to improve my application. I have a solid GPA (3.88 c, 3.75 sci) and I know that my letters of recommendation were strong.
As far as clinical experience goes, I volunteered 60 hours in a pediatric emergency room and I have worked in an OCD Clinic for the past year and a half. I have a decent amount of patient exposure in that job, screening patients for OCD, tourette syndrome and schizophrenia, administering cognitive tests and clinical ratings scales to patients with OCD and Depression, and recruiting/scheduling/consenting patients for several studies. I don't know if I should be trying to get additional clinical experience. It seems like everyone does a lot of shadowing and I don't have that particular kind of experience.
One area that I think I could probably improve in is non-clinical volunteering. I'm starting to look for opportunities in my community.
I'm not sure what else I should consider. I spent alot of time on my personal statement and worked it over with several different people but may also submit it to someone on SDN. Do people typically write a completely new PS if they reapply or tweak what they had?
Thanks for any advice.
I know that the two biggest things I should focus on is an MCAT retake and applying earlier. I got a 30 on my MCAT (9 PS, 10 V, 11 BS). I'm signed up for another Kaplan MCAT review course (it's a free repeat of the one I took before my last test date) and that starts in February. I would retake the MCAT in the end of April.
I don't know what else, if anything, I should do to improve my application. I have a solid GPA (3.88 c, 3.75 sci) and I know that my letters of recommendation were strong.
As far as clinical experience goes, I volunteered 60 hours in a pediatric emergency room and I have worked in an OCD Clinic for the past year and a half. I have a decent amount of patient exposure in that job, screening patients for OCD, tourette syndrome and schizophrenia, administering cognitive tests and clinical ratings scales to patients with OCD and Depression, and recruiting/scheduling/consenting patients for several studies. I don't know if I should be trying to get additional clinical experience. It seems like everyone does a lot of shadowing and I don't have that particular kind of experience.
One area that I think I could probably improve in is non-clinical volunteering. I'm starting to look for opportunities in my community.
I'm not sure what else I should consider. I spent alot of time on my personal statement and worked it over with several different people but may also submit it to someone on SDN. Do people typically write a completely new PS if they reapply or tweak what they had?
Thanks for any advice.
