Waitlisted, Reapplying, Evaluate possible choices!

[fumeighan]

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Hey guys!

I'm in the typical waitlisted at multiple schools, preparing for the worst, reapplying situation. I need some advice on what I should do in the gap year.

Background:
-3.43 cgpa/sgpa, 35mcat, typical EC's, ORM, 26 years old worked for couple years.
-I was complete mid-August last cycle, but stupidly, didn't complete all my secondaries till September, so I was only complete in Sept/Oct.
-Applied to 30+ schools, 4 interviews, 4 waitlists. 3 interviews were in February.

Now, I want to reapply this coming week 6/4, and will get on secondaries in immediately. My application has slightly improved: continued job, more shadowing, more volunteering, another LOR.

My question is, what to do in gap year? I'm no longer working as of a month ago.
My choices:
1. A one year grad program in something medical related that I'm interested in: like global medicine...etc. I already got in to a couple.
2. A more "hardcore" masters, like some SMP. Not sure if I need this.
3. Try to find a medically related job or volunteer abroad for a long time.

What do you guys I think? Any advice appreciated.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Hey guys!

I'm in the typical waitlisted at multiple schools, preparing for the worst, reapplying situation. I need some advice on what I should do in the gap year.

Background:
-3.43 cgpa/sgpa, 35mcat, typical EC's, ORM, 26 years old worked for couple years.
-I was complete mid-August last cycle, but stupidly, didn't complete all my secondaries till September, so I was only complete in Sept/Oct.
-Applied to 30+ schools, 4 interviews, 4 waitlists. 3 interviews were in February.

Now, I want to reapply this coming week 6/4, and will get on secondaries in immediately. My application has slightly improved: continued job, more shadowing, more volunteering, another LOR.

My question is, what to do in gap year? I'm no longer working as of a month ago.
My choices:
1. A one year grad program in something medical related that I'm interested in: like global medicine...etc. I already got in to a couple.
2. A more "hardcore" masters, like some SMP. Not sure if I need this.
3. Try to find a medically related job or volunteer abroad for a long time.

What do you guys I think? Any advice appreciated.

Work like a maniac and bank as much money as possible so you don't have to take out unnecessary loans. I would not study anything. You will get burnt out. Apply the first day.

 

[bollywoodlover]

I think medically related job. In my opinion it was my favorite activity and it really kept me motivated and from getting bored or too down on myself for having to take time off from school.

You might want to take a few more upper level science classes at your local university to boost your GPA. It might help you out if you get that GPA to at least a 3.5. I don't think a masters is the way to redeem yourself. They are risky and cost a lot. Plus your GPA isn't irreparable. Just do a postbac.

 

[SilverCat]

Option 1- regular master's- Unless you're dead set on learning more about public health or whatnot, I would avoid this. It's expensive and it won't really help you. It's more of a time- killer than anything else

Option 2- SMP- Your GPA is on the low side, and SMPs are designed to correct this,but if you're applying this cycle, it won't really have as much an impact. You would need to wait one year before applying to take advantage of the GPA boost of an SMP.

Option 3- job- I would choose this if I were you. It would help with the cost of applying, and you might be able to save a little money for med school itself. I agree with CabinBuilder, a medically- related job would be an awesome experience, and it would give you something to talk about during interviews.

 

[DrHoffy]

You have many options...but first for the places that wait listed u...ask them what can make you a more competitive candidate. Then see if what you are doing will help you.

Second, see if you can find out where you are on the wait list. What you will find is a trickle down effect. As people who have multiple acceptances are forced to to pick one, it opens up spots, the other people get pulled off the list and leave their spot. I know of a few people who were literally been called the day of or the first week of classes and asked if they wanted to come! So if you are close to the start of school and are high up on the list let the adcom know that you can move and be ready if a spot opens up.

Third...if you can come to the oldpremeds.org conference in Washington dc....tons of info, schools, smps and others willing to help you over the weekend. 6-5 through the 9th.

Good luck! And don't give up!
Marcia

 

[Goro]

Suggest as follows:

1. Try to find a medically related job or volunteer abroad for a long time.
Working allows you to save some $. Always a good thing. Volunteering seems very altruistic, and might be useful someday in unexpected ways.

Your academic bona fides are well established. You don't need this.

1. A one year grad program in something medical related that I'm interested in: like global medicine...etc. I already got in to a couple.


You don't unless your interview skills are so bad that you'll never get an acceptance. Highly unlikely. Only do this is Medicine is not an option and you need the degree as a gateway into another career.


2. A more "hardcore" masters, like some SMP. Not sure if I need this.