What are my chances? Not your regular applicant.

[Swagz]

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Hey. So my MCAT score and it is a 30P with the breakdown as PS:10 VR:10 BS:10, and I have a cGPA of 3.54 with a sGPA of 3.48.
My GPA get a little boosted if I wait till August apply, because I'm gonna be taking some classes over the summer.
My special situation is that after my sophomore year I took 3 semesters off for personal reasons. I was a victim of a serious crime and realized life is too short, so I took a break from the rat race.
However, this is my first semester back but I am on track to finish my bachelor's by May 2012. Would Med schools care that I took a few semesters off?
I've been volunteering at the local hospital since last May, and started shadowing a pediatrician since this January.
That's all for my ECs since I'm a political science major, however I do have an internship with one of the city departments next fall.
Also I'm from Texas, and I want to stay in Texas for med school.Thanks!

Edit- Forgot to say that the GPA is from before I took a break. This semester though I'm on track to pull a 4.0. So it should get a boost.

 

[aSagacious]

Well, I'm not sure what to tell you with regards to your time off. Were you being productive at all during that time or simply taking a break from school and work? I know for sure that it won't help your cause, but I don't think it will be a huge point of concern for the AdCom as long as you are able to justify it in your application.

As far as your numbers go, I'm not optimistic that you'll hear good news this application cycle. Your GPA and ECs are well below the national average, while your MCAT is slightly below the average. I would consider taking one more year to help your GPA and ECs before applying (I think your MCAT is fine as is).

 

[Swagz]

I wasn't just taking the time off and doing nothing all day. I was devoting time to hobbies, learning other stuff besides school related subjects, and helping out with the family business. I continued to volunteer at this time, because I truly enjoyed being in the hospital doing what I did.
How much more do you think I need for ECs? I don't know how much time I'll have with the internship next semester (It substitutes for a senior research project class). Also I'll also be helping my parents out at work.
GPA wise would the bump I get from my 4.0 this semester and summer classes
help bring me into the national average? If so I'm willing to delay the the application till early August or late July. I think the deadline for some early decision at some schools is 8/20/11.
I understand that MD schools would be a gamble, but what about a DO school?
Thanks again!

 

[aSagacious]

I wasn't just taking the time off and doing nothing all day. I was devoting time to hobbies, learning other stuff besides school related subjects, and helping out with the family business. I continued to volunteer at this time, because I truly enjoyed being in the hospital doing what I did.

Fair enough, just be sure to explain this in your application.

How much more do you think I need for ECs? I don't know how much time I'll have with the internship next semester (It substitutes for a senior research project class). Also I'll also be helping my parents out at work.

As far as pure clinical experience goes, the average applicant has about 150 hours over 1.5 years, with 50 hours of shadowing across 2-3 specialties (one of which being general practice). It would help to add some research (even if only for a semester or two), as well as non-medical volunteering.

GPA wise would the bump I get from my 4.0 this semester and summer classes help bring me into the national average? If so I'm willing to delay the the application till early August or late July. I think the deadline for some early decision at some schools is 8/20/11.

The worst thing you could do is apply late within a given cycle. Either apply in June and send your summer grades as an update, or wait another year for a couple more semesters' grades. The national average for matriculants is 3.67 cGPA, 3.61 sGPA, and 31.1 MCAT. One or two classes over the summer will only effect your GPA negligibly.

I understand that MD schools would be a gamble, but what about a DO school?

I would say that you'd have a fair shot at an MD school if you waited a year, and would be a safe bet for a DO school this year. I'll leave the choice to you.

 

[Swagz]

Alright thanks for your input. Now to decide if having a MD over a DO next to my name is worth adding a year to the grind.
As far as research goes I don't think my school allows for non science majors to sign up for science based research.
Again, I appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

 

[ridethecliche]

I just wanted to point out that this 'grind' that you're so intent on ending is going to be extended by atleast 6 years when you start med school.

So don't get sick of it yet

 

[Catalystik]

Numbers-wise, I think you'd have a decent shot at TCOM. I don't think that taking time off from school will hurt you, but not having a sustained recent pattern of excellent grades might, considering you want to apply with only one semester and one summer of good grades after surviving a major stress. Further, your clinical experience might be looked on as being briefer than average. Your shadowing could be broader and embrace another specialty or two. You don't mention nonmedical community service, teaching, or leadership, all of which add to the strength of an application.

I won't discourage you from applying this coming season, but I (and probably you) can see that another year of improving your GPA and ECs would likely result in way more Texas schools giving you serious consideration. If you do proceed, continue to improve all these aspects of your application for the sake of update letters and interview conversations, and also just in case reapplication is necessary.