tough advice/smp question for friend.. please help

[AbujaMan]

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I have a friend who is in his second time reapplying and only got one interview (waitlist). His stats are 33/3.7. He first applied two years ago with slightly lower mcat and gpa (i think 30 and 3.5). Now he doesnt know what to do. Since the first app, he boosted his numbers and added some solid ec's. I have no clue why he had such bad luck this reapp. my only guess is that med schools didnt take him sincerely for whatever reason. his ec's are overall very strong(lots of research, leadership and clinical exposure).

He really wants to go to med school more than anything. Right now hes accepted to the georgetown smp and a 1yr masters at columbia. Hes not sure what to do since he doesnt really have the right profile for an smp (strong gpa).

I suggested to go for the georgetown smp which stresses how much he wants to be a doc, and this time, apply to as many schools possible (DO too) and hope for the best.

any ideas?

thanks

 

[drizzt3117]

SMP is a ridiculously bad decision in this case. Your friend should address the weaknesses in his applications. Numbers are not one of these weaknesses. He/she should reapply early and broadly and likely will get in.

I have a friend who is in his second time reapplying and only got one interview (waitlist). His stats are 33/3.7. He first applied two years ago with slightly lower mcat and gpa (i think 30 and 3.5). Now he doesnt know what to do. Since the first app, he boosted his numbers and added some solid ec's. I have no clue why he had such bad luck this reapp. my only guess is that med schools didnt take him sincerely for whatever reason. his ec's are overall very strong(lots of research, leadership and clinical exposure).

He really wants to go to med school more than anything. Right now hes accepted to the georgetown smp and a 1yr masters at columbia. Hes not sure what to do since he doesnt really have the right profile for an smp (strong gpa).

I suggested to go for the georgetown smp which stresses how much he wants to be a doc, and this time, apply to as many schools possible (DO too) and hope for the best.

any ideas?

thanks

 

[AbujaMan]

i agree with you but he has to do something while he applies?

 

[ChairmanMao]

I have a friend who is in his second time reapplying and only got one interview (waitlist). His stats are 33/3.7. He first applied two years ago with slightly lower mcat and gpa (i think 30 and 3.5). Now he doesnt know what to do. Since the first app, he boosted his numbers and added some solid ec's. I have no clue why he had such bad luck this reapp. my only guess is that med schools didnt take him sincerely for whatever reason. his ec's are overall very strong(lots of research, leadership and clinical exposure).

He really wants to go to med school more than anything. Right now hes accepted to the georgetown smp and a 1yr masters at columbia. Hes not sure what to do since he doesnt really have the right profile for an smp (strong gpa).

I suggested to go for the georgetown smp which stresses how much he wants to be a doc, and this time, apply to as many schools possible (DO too) and hope for the best.

any ideas?

thanks

Just out of curiosity. How many schools did he apply to and how are his recommendations, essays, interview skills? When you get past the numbers, I think that we have to focus on the "soft" aspects of his applications that might be bringing down his application and when I think of soft aspect, I think of things like letters of recommendations, essays, etc.

Also, when did he apply and how many schools did he apply to? What state is he from? These are all questions that may affect his chances of success at these programs.

 

[TexasPhysician]

There are plenty of jobs he/she could do in the meantime. Apply at the CDC, Blue Cross, etc. for jobs. ISL hires pre-meds - can get free medical mission trips. Could do research at a big name university.

There are literally thousands of opportunities out there if you look.