To Gap Year or Not To Gap Year?

[Bc0621]

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As the time of the next application cycle approaches I'm trying to decide whether or not to reapply this year. I applied last cycle and received 2 II with one waitlist and one rejection. This May 2017 i graduated and i am working on finishing a new PS. These are my stats:

Numbers: 3.69 cGPA, 3.6 sGPA( upward trend) + 515 MCAT
Clinical Volunteering: ~400 hours
Non-clinical volunteering: ~100 hours
Research: One summer of clinical research (250 hours) Poster+Abstract
Shadowing: 200 hours
Leadership: 1 leadership position

I applied to all of my state schools (OH) and a decent number of other schools that were in my gpa and mcat range, used MSAR. Honestly still don't know why i didn't get more II's. I recently spoke with admissions at OSU and they said my essays were good and that i should try to improve my research and non-clinical volunteering hours if i was going to do a gap year. My question is, 1. should i do a gap year or reapply this cycle and maybe add schools i hadn't applied to before? 2. If I'm doing a gap year what's some advice people have for finding research opportunities for a recent grad with very little research experience and none at a university lab?

 

[P0ke]

As the time of the next application cycle approaches I'm trying to decide whether or not to reapply this year. I applied last cycle and received 2 II with one waitlist and one rejection. This May 2017 i graduated and i am working on finishing a new PS. These are my stats:

Numbers: 3.69 cGPA, 3.6 sGPA( upward trend) + 515 MCAT
Clinical Volunteering: ~400 hours
Non-clinical volunteering: ~100 hours
Research: One summer of clinical research (250 hours) Poster+Abstract
Shadowing: 200 hours
Leadership: 1 leadership position

I applied to all of my state schools (OH) and a decent number of other schools that were in my gpa and mcat range, used MSAR. Honestly still don't know why i didn't get more II's. I recently spoke with admissions at OSU and they said my essays were good and that i should try to improve my research and non-clinical volunteering hours if i was going to do a gap year. My question is, 1. should i do a gap year or reapply this cycle and maybe add schools i hadn't applied to before? 2. If I'm doing a gap year what's some advice people have for finding research opportunities for a recent grad with very little research experience and none at a university lab?

I'm surprised you didn't get more II's with your stats. Did you apply late? Too few schools? The average applicant applies to 16 schools. Your GPA is okay and your MCAT is great. I'd be applying every year to get the most mileage out of that MCAT, last year might have just been a fluke. Keep volunteering, and do research if it interests you.

 

[Bc0621]

I'm surprised you didn't get more II's with your stats. Did you apply late? Too few schools? The average applicant applies to 16 schools. Your GPA is okay and your MCAT is great. I'd be applying every year to get the most mileage out of that MCAT, last year might have just been a fluke. Keep volunteering, and do research if it interests you.

I submitted my application in the first week and received most of my secondaries in mid-July and submitted them within 1-2 weeks. I applied to 24 schools.

 

[P0ke]

I submitted my application in the first week and received most of my secondaries in mid-July and submitted them within 1-2 weeks. I applied to 24 schools.

You applied to all instates and many OOS private schools? Was your list too top heavy?

Edit: Just saw that you did. I guess just do what they recommend.

 

[jm192]

don't do it

 

[Bc0621]

You applied to all instates and many OOS private schools? Was your list too top heavy?

Edit: Just saw that you did. I guess just do what they recommend.

Yeah i think i had a pretty good list of schools that i made with my premed advisor. Didn't even touch a top 20.

 

[Bc0621]

don't do it

Don't do what?

 

[Bc0621]

Any other ideas?

 

[Dagrimsta1]

Just apply to smart school where you have a chance to get in. (GO SEE MSAR)