WAMC - Should I apply this cycle or take a gap year?

[Nolifer26]

Hey everyone, I just got my MCAT score back, and I was thinking of applying for the upcoming cycle. I am currently a junior and would like to stay around the East Coast if possible. I am open to taking a gap year if it would significantly help my application. Please let me know your thoughts and input on whether or not I should potentially take a gap year and retake the MCAT!

1) cGPA: 3.98, sGPA: 4.00

2) MCAT: 513 (126/127/132/128)

3) State of residence: New Jersey

4) Ethnicity and/or race: Asian (ORM)

5) Undergraduate Institution or Category: Rutgers University

6) Clinical Experience (current hours):

• ED Scribe (650 hours)
• Hospital volunteer with elderly patients (550 hours)
• Volunteer for free health screenings (3 hours)

7) Research experience and productivity:

• About 1000 hours, likely won't be able to get a publication. I plan to complete my senior honors thesis in the lab.

8) Shadowing experience and specialties represented:

• Around 70 hours across hematology/oncology, OB/GYN, emergency medicine, and general surgery

9) Nonclinical Volunteer

• 160 hours as an online tutor for low-income high school students

10) Other extracurricular activities

• Nothing much

11) Relevant honors/awards and other info

• Phi Beta Kappa, some minor scholarships
• FAP recipient

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[ophthoaspirant]

I wouldn’t retake the MCAT unless you are confident of getting 520+. Taking a gap year to beef up other aspects of your application is a good idea.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Take a gap year to address your lack of service orientation activities. You need in-person activities like food distribution, shelter volunteer, job/tax preparation, legal support, transportation services, or housing rehabilitation. Online tutoring will not help you stand out and does not show your ability to work with those with social needs. You must have 150 hours when you submit your application to avoid getting screened out at most schools.