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Hi All, after receiving several PMs, I wanted to create a thread with my general experience with the application process, some advise and my thoughts on various other matters related to medical school. I applied to a few MD schools and several DO schools with a sub-30 MCAT (relatively late by sdn standards). I took the September 6 MCAT in the year I applied, though I submitted my AMCAS and AACOMAS blind (ie. without knowing my MCAT). Also, I moved to NY a year before the application cycle because, ideally, I wanted to attend a SUNY school (gf is a third year surgery resident here). End result was 2 MD interviews and 8 DO interviews. I also knew going in this would be the one and ONLY cycle I would apply to medical school for.
1) I do recommend applying early for MD schools, but the whole need to submit on Day 1 that the application opens is completely overblown here on sdn. Really, if you get it in somewhere within the first month, you should be fine. I applied to very few MD schools and secured interviews being complete in October. I don't recommend this, but try and submit by the end of June if you can. If you think you'll do significantly better on the MCAT in June vs. rushing and scoring poorly in April, then definitely take your time with it. That said, if you can take the MCAT early and have a great score and submit in the first week, do it. (AGAIN THIS IS FOR MD SCHOOLS).
2) If you are applying to both MD and DO schools, I'd recommend submitting your AACOMAS and secondaries later in the cycle... Sep/Oct. This is because once you interview at a DO school you have somewhere between two and four weeks to put down a fairly large (and often non-refundable) deposit. I don't know how DO schools get away with this, but it's not uncommon to have to put down a $1000+ to save a seat. I was lucky in that my top two DO schools interviewed me in the same week (but, that was luck and not planned). While you can save a bit of money by applying to schools together upfront, it can cost you a lot at the end (get into your safety and then get into a better school and you've lost your deposit). Also, if you have a 3.4+ and 26+, I'd recommend no more than 10 DO schools and probably closer to 5-7 (I applied to too many and in retrospect would have cut VCOM, Campbell, Alabama off my list).
3) If you have a dream school, APPLY TO IT. Sure, you may not get into Harvard, NYU or whatever school you are dreaming about. But, if there is one school you dream about, submit the application. Worst, you're about out about $100. I regret not applying to one school in particular. Also, this process is unpredictable. I was offered an interview at a top tier MD school and rejected outright from LECOM (yes, you read that correctly. You just never know what in your application is going to resonate with whom). That said, be realistic. With a sub-30, don't make Harvard, Stanford and Hopkins that only places you apply. Hell, even with a 45, it's a no-no.
4) For your state schools, have strong ties to the state. I moved to New York a year before application cycle. All the secondaries asked my ties to this state. Other than a new state resident and a gf in the state, my ties aren't strong. I can only guess this is why I was not offered one interviews from the four SUNY schools that I applied to, while others that were born and brought up in NY got interviews with my exact stats.
5) Should you consider a post-bac program at XX medical school that offers an interview and/or acceptance with such and such stats? My answer is always the same and no one listens because their mind is usually made up. In almost all cases, no. While many see this as a back door, here is the issue I take with it. You are spending a year of tuition, where you have to be better than the average medical student, to even be considered for a seat at the table (and normally your past performance is not indicative of you being able to outshine your peers). Normally, you're better off improving your MCAT/GPA informally than a do or die program. The ONLY exception is someone who has so many credits that it's impossible to change the grade. If you have a high MCAT and very strong recent performance in classes, then a program like this may be for you (granted, I'm still not the biggest fan).
6) Interviews: MMIs can and should be prepared for. I got into every school that used a traditional interview and was rejected from every school that used MMIs. I recommend finding prompts and having your friends walk you through a few. I'm definitely on the shy/quiet end in-person and talking for seven minutes (on rather mundane topics) was rather difficult. Obviously, traditional interviews need prep as well. And, be sure your clothes are ironed and personal grooming is done (it's rather surprising what I saw on the interview trail). But, most importantly, have fun. The interviews are a blast and I made a couple of friends along the way, which has been great.
7) Struggling is normal. I struggled with the MCAT, struggled to keep my GPA high in a post-bac while working, struggled to maintain my relationship and the struggles are going to continue. I'm going to struggle every day to make sure I learn everything to give my future patients the best care possible. Nothing about this process has been or is going to be easy. If you are the type to give up in the face of adversity, I recommend walking away now. That said, if you're up for it, the process can be fun and I wish you the best of luck.
See you on the other side!
Disclaimer: Everything above is MY experience and MY opinions. It may or may not be indicative of yours. Each individual is truly unique. Feel free to ask questions about anything above in this thread. Be sure to tag me as I'll likely respond faster.
1) I do recommend applying early for MD schools, but the whole need to submit on Day 1 that the application opens is completely overblown here on sdn. Really, if you get it in somewhere within the first month, you should be fine. I applied to very few MD schools and secured interviews being complete in October. I don't recommend this, but try and submit by the end of June if you can. If you think you'll do significantly better on the MCAT in June vs. rushing and scoring poorly in April, then definitely take your time with it. That said, if you can take the MCAT early and have a great score and submit in the first week, do it. (AGAIN THIS IS FOR MD SCHOOLS).
2) If you are applying to both MD and DO schools, I'd recommend submitting your AACOMAS and secondaries later in the cycle... Sep/Oct. This is because once you interview at a DO school you have somewhere between two and four weeks to put down a fairly large (and often non-refundable) deposit. I don't know how DO schools get away with this, but it's not uncommon to have to put down a $1000+ to save a seat. I was lucky in that my top two DO schools interviewed me in the same week (but, that was luck and not planned). While you can save a bit of money by applying to schools together upfront, it can cost you a lot at the end (get into your safety and then get into a better school and you've lost your deposit). Also, if you have a 3.4+ and 26+, I'd recommend no more than 10 DO schools and probably closer to 5-7 (I applied to too many and in retrospect would have cut VCOM, Campbell, Alabama off my list).
3) If you have a dream school, APPLY TO IT. Sure, you may not get into Harvard, NYU or whatever school you are dreaming about. But, if there is one school you dream about, submit the application. Worst, you're about out about $100. I regret not applying to one school in particular. Also, this process is unpredictable. I was offered an interview at a top tier MD school and rejected outright from LECOM (yes, you read that correctly. You just never know what in your application is going to resonate with whom). That said, be realistic. With a sub-30, don't make Harvard, Stanford and Hopkins that only places you apply. Hell, even with a 45, it's a no-no.
4) For your state schools, have strong ties to the state. I moved to New York a year before application cycle. All the secondaries asked my ties to this state. Other than a new state resident and a gf in the state, my ties aren't strong. I can only guess this is why I was not offered one interviews from the four SUNY schools that I applied to, while others that were born and brought up in NY got interviews with my exact stats.
5) Should you consider a post-bac program at XX medical school that offers an interview and/or acceptance with such and such stats? My answer is always the same and no one listens because their mind is usually made up. In almost all cases, no. While many see this as a back door, here is the issue I take with it. You are spending a year of tuition, where you have to be better than the average medical student, to even be considered for a seat at the table (and normally your past performance is not indicative of you being able to outshine your peers). Normally, you're better off improving your MCAT/GPA informally than a do or die program. The ONLY exception is someone who has so many credits that it's impossible to change the grade. If you have a high MCAT and very strong recent performance in classes, then a program like this may be for you (granted, I'm still not the biggest fan).
6) Interviews: MMIs can and should be prepared for. I got into every school that used a traditional interview and was rejected from every school that used MMIs. I recommend finding prompts and having your friends walk you through a few. I'm definitely on the shy/quiet end in-person and talking for seven minutes (on rather mundane topics) was rather difficult. Obviously, traditional interviews need prep as well. And, be sure your clothes are ironed and personal grooming is done (it's rather surprising what I saw on the interview trail). But, most importantly, have fun. The interviews are a blast and I made a couple of friends along the way, which has been great.
7) Struggling is normal. I struggled with the MCAT, struggled to keep my GPA high in a post-bac while working, struggled to maintain my relationship and the struggles are going to continue. I'm going to struggle every day to make sure I learn everything to give my future patients the best care possible. Nothing about this process has been or is going to be easy. If you are the type to give up in the face of adversity, I recommend walking away now. That said, if you're up for it, the process can be fun and I wish you the best of luck.
See you on the other side!
Disclaimer: Everything above is MY experience and MY opinions. It may or may not be indicative of yours. Each individual is truly unique. Feel free to ask questions about anything above in this thread. Be sure to tag me as I'll likely respond faster.
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