Thinking whether I should apply to medical schools next upcoming cycle

[rd48]

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Hello everyone! I’m an international premed student. Non-traditional and currently taking post bacc classes part-time while working full-time at a health center as an analyst. I completed my bachelor’s in computer engineering from outside the United States with a 4.0 GPA but completed my master’s from a T10 university here in the States in Health Science Informatics with a 3.8 GPA. I’m planning to apply to medical schools in June 2022. Also planning to take the MCAT in May 2022 and hopefully I can score 510+.

My questions are as follows. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

1. As far as the Prereqs go, I would have completed general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology by the time I apply in June 2022. However, physics, psych, and sociology will take another semester or two to complete but I should be able to complete them before matriculation. Would this negativity affect my application?
2. I will have around 120 hours of clinical volunteering experience by the time I apply. I have to work full time in a field related to my master’s to maintain my visa status and hence it’s been hard getting more clinical experience especially due to covid. I know 120 hours is pretty average or even low for some schools. Would it be okay If I apply this upcoming cycle?

 

[Morningnight]

As far as the Prereqs go, I would have completed general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology by the time I apply in June 2022. However, physics, psych, and sociology will take another semester or two to complete but I should be able to complete them before matriculation. Would this negativity affect my application?

Hello friend, I believe you will be fine. I was accepted to multiple schools this cycle where I had missing prereqs. All they are asking me to do is to finish those prereqs by June/July of my matriculating year (which would be 2023 for you). Just make sure that you have a plan for taking physics, psych, and soci!

 

[chilly_md]

Is the health center job clinically related? Are you interacting with patients? If so, then it is fine that you only have 120 clinical volunteering hours.

 

[candbgirl]

Do you have any shadowing? How about nonclinical volunteering focusing on the unserved/underserved in your community? Your clinical hours are low for applicants. Depending on your answers to my first two questions you might want to consider delaying applying for another cycle. You really only want to apply one time with the best possible application. And in reality, international applicants , need to present a great application. You aren’t there yet. So take your time and do it right. Good luck.

 

[deleted1129181]

It all depends on your MCAT score. Everyone has a 3.8+ GPA. Your EC’s are average. I think it’s too early to tell. International students have it harder. You should definitely give DO a shot.

Keep in mind that a hasty application in your case is risky. Not only will it be harder with a 2nd cycle because schools will scrutinize you more, but the effort you put into applying the upcoming cycle may potentially be better spent improving your application for the 2023-2024 cycle.

 

[LindaAccepted]

Hello everyone! I’m an international premed student. Non-traditional and currently taking post bacc classes part-time while working full-time at a health center as an analyst. I completed my bachelor’s in computer engineering from outside the United States with a 4.0 GPA but completed my master’s from a T10 university here in the States in Health Science Informatics with a 3.8 GPA. I’m planning to apply to medical schools in June 2022. Also planning to take the MCAT in May 2022 and hopefully I can score 510+.

My questions are as follows. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

1. As far as the Prereqs go, I would have completed general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology by the time I apply in June 2022. However, physics, psych, and sociology will take another semester or two to complete but I should be able to complete them before matriculation. Would this negativity affect my application?
2. I will have around 120 hours of clinical volunteering experience by the time I apply. I have to work full time in a field related to my master’s to maintain my visa status and hence it’s been hard getting more clinical experience especially due to covid. I know 120 hours is pretty average or even low for some schools. Would it be okay If I apply this upcoming cycle?

I'd recommend you finish the classes and increase your clinical exposure, if your current job does not have you interacting with patients. Have you done any shadowing? Have you volunteered for under-served populations? If you have not, then I really think your chances of acceptance will be higher in a year than in this upcoming cycle.