Too late to apply? Extra gap year or rush to submit- TMDSAS/AAMC

[Life2dmax]

---

Members do not see this ad.

.

 

[Catalystik]

So for some reasons I won't bother to explain, I haven't submitted my app yet. I'm currently done w/ my PS, filling out TMDSAS, got my rec letters, and sent my transcript to TMDSAS. However, I still havent done secondaries and 2 supplement essays on TMDSAS. Also, haven't worked on AMCAS. My original plan was just to submit TMDSAS for this cycle and see how it goes. However, I'm hesitant since my app isn't very strong and the problems of reapplying. Stats are 508 mcat taken once and 3.6cgpa/3.4sgpa. Good extracurriculars.

Questions are:
1) Would you submit this cycle and give it a shot, or wait till next year. If just this cycle should I just do TMDSAS due to the timing?
2) If I just submit TMDSAS this cycle and don't get in, would I still be a reapplicant next year according to AMCAS?
3) If you suggest applying next cycle, or even if I apply now, what would be the best way to improve my app? I was leanings towards retaking mcat (I am confident that if I retake I can make a 512+) since I taking classes to boost gpa would eat up another gap year, right?

1) I would wait.

Applying to AMCAS, even next year, is likely to be a waste of money, unless you are a "very special snowflake" in some respect. If you were to apply anywhere this year, I'd suggest that AACOMAS schools would be a better choice, as their cycle runs later and their stats expectations are more lenient.

2) No.

3) If balanced, your MCAT isn't bad. I'd put the effort into improving your BCPM GPA.

 

[wysdoc]

So for some reasons I won't bother to explain, I haven't submitted my app yet. I'm currently done w/ my PS, filling out TMDSAS, got my rec letters, and sent my transcript to TMDSAS. However, I still havent done secondaries and 2 supplement essays on TMDSAS. Also, haven't worked on AMCAS. My original plan was just to submit TMDSAS for this cycle and see how it goes. However, I'm hesitant since my app isn't very strong and the problems of reapplying. Stats are 508 mcat taken once and 3.6cgpa/3.4sgpa. Good extracurriculars.

Questions are:
Would you submit this cycle and give it a shot, or wait till next year. If just this cycle should I just do TMDSAS due to the timing?
If I just submit TMDSAS this cycle and don't get in, would I still be a reapplicant next year according to AMCAS?
If you suggest applying next cycle, or even if I apply now, what would be the best way to improve my app? I was leanings towards retaking mcat (I am confident that if I retake I can make a 512+) since I taking classes to boost gpa would eat up another gap year, right?

I understand the idea of "you should never submit until your app is perfect." However, sometimes things just don't turn out perfectly and I'm weighing the cost/benefits since taking another gap year and retaking the MCAT is a pain if I can give this year a shot (I'd be happy going to any Texas MD school).

It sounds as if you have all your letters of recommendations, application materials and other things ready to go. Is there some other reason holding you back from submitting this year to TMDSAS? You don't usually write the secondaries before submitting the primary app. I wouldn't wait past the end of August though

 

[wysdoc]

doesnt TMDSAS have a very early cycle and match though? I am not that familiar with the TMDSAS system or rather the process as it actually plays out in Texas. How early schools review and interview. I do know that, despite what applicants may think, on an applicant to seat basis, Texas for residents is even more competitive (37% matriculated in 2015) than AMCAS is nationwide (41% matriculated in 2015). That includes over half of matriculants having 3.75 or better GPA

https://www.tmdsas.com/Final Statistics Report- EY15-Medical.pdf

Thanks for adding those stats in a chart. I wasn't aware the GPA of matriculants was that high. Texas match day is Feb 1 with students who had any interviews ranking and coming out of the match with one spot. Not everyone gets a match offer so the wheeling and dealing carries on from there until June 1.

 

[Life2dmax]

It sounds as if you have all your letters of recommendations, application materials and other things ready to go. Is there some other reason holding you back from submitting this year to TMDSAS? You don't usually write the secondaries before submitting the primary app. I wouldn't wait past the end of August though

Mostly just the fact that its late and I've heard that reapplying is more difficult because you're competing with your last application as well

 

[Commer_Knocker]

I would need to see your stats, ECs. If you are very competitive and don't mind going to a lower tier school you could've exceeded under normal conditions, then go for it.

Otherwise, wait it out. It is borderline late in the cycle now. Being a reapplicant can and often does hurt you.

I know it might suck waiting a year, but life goes on.