WAMC - Multiple MCAT Taker, Low Stats/ Good ECs, Non-Trad URM

[astjaedi]

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Hello All, I hope you guys are doing well. As the title says I have low stats, but a lot of great ECs. African-American Male.

I applied this cycle only to two MD schools due to the timing of my application: Howard and Thomas J First (Belmont)

Currently, I have DO secondaries, but I am contemplating not completing them to focus on improving my MCAT for next cycle.

Here are my Stats:
- cGPA: 3.23; sGPA: 3.14; grad GPA: 4.00
- MCAT (4x Taker): 491x3 (2020, 2021, 2023) ; 497 (2024)

- ECs (Bolded my Most meaningful) 14 Total

• Paid Clinical
  • Cancer Research Associate -> 1785 Hrs + 1800 Anticipated
  • Clinical Trial Coordinator -> 1600 Hrs
• Shadowing
  • 120 HRS + 50 Anticipated
• Research (Paid + Un Paid)
  • Study Coordinator 1 -> 1000 Hrs
  • Graduate Research Assistant-> 120 Hrs
    • Publication
• Leadership
  • Created Non-Profit Dance Team -> 1500
  • Other Leadership Hrs -> 2,362 Hrs
• Other ECs Noted
  • Monthly Volunteer with Free Clinic in Undergrad (right before COVID) 35 Hrs
  • Student Internship in Undergrad where we worked to provide higher education opportunities to underrepresented high school students in the local city 600 HRS

WAMC in general?

I understand this cycle might be done, but in general what are some things I can work on to improve my app for an MD A? Or would you say I'm more likely a DO Candidate based on my application?

Thank you, and I appreciate all your feedback.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Have you networked with the SNMA or any mentoring organizations focused on supporting Black male physicians?

 

[candbgirl]

How many hours are included in the “grad GPA 4.0”?
Stop shadowing as long as you have some hours with a Primary Care Doc.
Do you have any nonclinical volunteering?
Be aware, some schools average multiple MCAT scores.
Your MCAT scores are low for DO and certainly for MD.

What do you counselors have to say about your application?

 

[Faha]

I suggest adding Meharry, Morehouse and Charles Drew to your MD application today. Other than the HBCU MD schools, your chances for MD are very low with your GPA and MCAT scores (491 3 times and 497) and many schools will average scores. You could receive interviews at some DO schools and there is no reason not to complete your secondaries for DO schools. Include these DO schools:
PCOM (all schools)
OCOM
BCOM (both schools)
ACOM
WCU-COM
LMU-DCOM (all schools)
LECOM (all schools)
BUCOM
DUQCOM
MU-COM
ACOM
NYIT-AR
UIWSOM
KHSC-COM
Noorda-COM
Touro-Montana
WVSOM
UP-KYCOM
Many of these schools have MCAT medians in the 498 to 502 range so you could receive interviews.

 

[astjaedi]

How many hours are included in the “grad GPA 4.0”?
Stop shadowing as long as you have some hours with a Primary Care Doc.
Do you have any nonclinical volunteering?
Be aware, some schools average multiple MCAT scores.
Your MCAT scores are low for DO and certainly for MD.

What do you counselors have to say about your application?

SMP hours = 30 over 3 semesters, 1 year
I have around 400 hrs of non-clinical volunteering included in my application.

I did not know schools average MCAT scores. Which gives me a reason to keep studying for a last attempt.

I don't have any counselors that I can reach out to. Wish I could get some more advice but at this point here I am.

 

[astjaedi]

I suggest adding Meharry, Morehouse and Charles Drew to your MD application today. Other than the HBCU MD schools, your chances for MD are very low with your GPA and MCAT scores (491 3 times and 497) and many schools will average scores. You could receive interviews at some DO schools and there is no reason not to complete your secondaries for DO schools. Include these DO schools:
PCOM (all schools)
OCOM
BCOM (both schools)
ACOM
WCU-COM
LMU-DCOM (all schools)
LECOM (all schools)
BUCOM
DUQCOM
MU-COM
ACOM
NYIT-AR
UIWSOM
KHSC-COM
Noorda-COM
Touro-Montana
WVSOM
UP-KYCOM
Many of these schools have MCAT medians in the 498 to 502 range so you could receive interviews.

Thank you for the advice, I will do so!

 

[astjaedi]

Have you networked with the SNMA or any mentoring organizations focused on supporting Black male physicians?

I have had some interactions, but I haven't had a direct mentor review my app or anything of that matter.

 

[astjaedi]

Thank you for the advice, I will do so!

I suggest adding Meharry, Morehouse and Charles Drew to your MD application today. Other than the HBCU MD schools, your chances for MD are very low with your GPA and MCAT scores (491 3 times and 497) and many schools will average scores. You could receive interviews at some DO schools and there is no reason not to complete your secondaries for DO schools. Include these DO schools:
PCOM (all schools)
OCOM
BCOM (both schools)
ACOM
WCU-COM
LMU-DCOM (all schools)
LECOM (all schools)
BUCOM
DUQCOM
MU-COM
ACOM
NYIT-AR
UIWSOM
KHSC-COM
Noorda-COM
Touro-Montana
WVSOM
UP-KYCOM
Many of these schools have MCAT medians in the 498 to 502 range so you could receive interviews.

Thank you!

At this point with my app, do you believe a 5th MCAT would help my chances in general? Especially, if I score above 510? Currently studying for this.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Thank you!

At this point with my app, do you believe a 5th MCAT would help my chances in general? Especially, if I score above 510? Currently studying for this.

Are you eligible for FAP? I wouldn't dissuade you, and a few SNMA members have talked about taking the MCAT 5x or more before getting in (not that it's preferred). But I would add the schools suggested above and also make a play for DO. No one wants to reapply.

 

[astjaedi]

Are you eligible for FAP? I wouldn't dissuade you, and a few SNMA members have talked about taking the MCAT 5x or more before getting in (not that it's preferred). But I would add the schools suggested above and also make a play for DO. No one wants to reapply.

Thank you for the advice really it means a lot. I am not eligible for FAP, unfortunately, but I will add the schools above and make a play for DO. Before continuing on with the MCAT, I'll focus on the secondaries I have left and the ones I will receive. Thank you once more.

 

[Faha]

Thank you!

At this point with my app, do you believe a 5th MCAT would help my chances in general? Especially, if I score above 510? Currently studying for this.

You already have 4 MCAT scores below 500. It is unlikely that you will obtain a 510+ score on a retake. Concentrate on an acceptance this cycle and you should receive DO interviews if you apply broadly to many schools.

 

[astjaedi]

Thank you for providing me with the direction!

 

[jvquarterback]

Also add Meharry (Dec 15), Charles drew (Nov 25), and Morehouse(Jan 3) this cycle as their deadlines haven’t passed. You have a decent shot. Right on the cusp of what they’ll accept for MCAT score.

If you don’t get in this year a 50x would be worth getting to gain admission to any of those schools.

Definitely call the admissions offices and tell them your situation. Ask to talk to some students in snma who were in your situation.