WAMC: Tricky situation with multiple MCATS/lower ugrad gpa

[stickysitch08]

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I was wondering if anyone might have advice for me. My MCAT history has been a disaster. I took it 3 times starting with a (Jan 2013) 28, then a recent (Nov 2014) 29, and now a very recent drop to a 25 (Jan 2015). I took it the third time since my AAMC averages were always 31 and the range was 29-36 so I can't explain the 25 but unfortunately it is my most-recent exam score. I applied to med school this cycle with the 28 MCAT, but my undergrad gpa (from engineering school) is very low--2.65 cumulative and 2.98 science. My grad gpa is a 3.8 (in physiology-2 years of tough sciences). My questions are (1) Should I bother with a 4th MCAT given that it will be the new MCAT? Will that look any differently if I can pull it together since I'm graduating grad school in May? (2) Should I just reapply straight to DO schools this next cycle? (3) Should I wait, add more clinical work (which I'm weak on), retake the MCAT, and apply maybe next year? (I'd also squeeze in more ungrad courses to boost the gpa if I wait until next year so I can meet the 3.00 cut-off that some schools have for secondaries).

I have 2 years of research from a top hospital under my belt and by June I'll have 2 first-author publications from it. I also have 2 years of engineering work experience, but I have only ~40 hours of shadowing (2012-2014) and some hospital volunteering (100 hours back in 2010-11) and hospice volunteering (~40 hours in 2011-12) which is getting old now.

Any guidance is much appreciated! I am from Michigan so I have a lot of state schools that I called and have said they look at my highest MCAT and my grad GPA, but I know this is not the best situation. I'm trying to do the best I can in terms of my next steps, so any constructive feedback is welcome and appreciated and thank you all in advance!

EDIT: I did forget to mention that I am FINALLY getting treated for my depression/GAD this past month so actually, the 25 last month was during an excruciating bout of depression topped with anxiety. A fourth attempt would mean that being under a much better state of mind as I am finally receiving adequate mental health care to come back to baseline.

 

[Stlblues17]

(1) do NOT take the MCAT again, you've peaked a fourth isn't worth the risk of another lower score. Make sure to ask each school if the take most recent, highest, avg MCAT.

(2) Apply DO, MAYBE your state MD (concentrate on DO)

(3) yes you need to have some current healthcare experience, PATIENT CONTACT HEAVY preferably. I work in an ER and we get other premeds who 'volunteer', ADCOMs know they are stocking/passing out blankets and not doing any real patient care, make it count!

Also shadow a DO, and get a DO LOR

@Goro can give you more information about academics (GPA etc/ UG vs Post bacc)

Continue to get help for your depression/GAD, you can do it! Remember you are going to have to learn to deal with your issues so that they don't get in the way of patient care when your a doctor. I myself have struggled at times, take care of it.

I wish you luck, Apply EARLY/BROADLY.

 

[IslandStyle808]

I suggest you take another year for multiple reasons

1) You need that GPA to be above a 3.00. Make sure you aim as high as you can, don't settle for a 3.00 (meaning cumulative GPA).
2) That recent MCAT will destroy your interview chances with schools that look at the most recent MCAT. You need to retake and get it back to that high 20's range (even if you have peaked). A 25 MCAT will get you interviews somewhere, but combined with a < 3.3 GPA, it will tank your ability to get interviews at certain schools.
3) Clinical experience will help your app, especially on the DO side. Try to get some.

 

[Goro]

OP has PM'd me and I've have advised.